Monday, June 28, 2010

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters
Linking up with Carissa to share some miscellany.

1) POD 2 is packed. Everything didn't fit. U-Haul trailer will arrive tomorrow. Grrr.

2) My body is so sore and tired! Hopefully sleep will come easily. Lots more to pack up and clean up tomorrow.

3) When moving, always get 4x the amount of paper you think you will need.

4) Loved the questions for God that everyone posted on my blog yesterday!

5) This will be my last post on a somewhat regular basis for a bit. At least I think. I don't know what kind of service we will have at the in-laws (out in the boonies). Might be surprised. Hopefully!

Love getting your comments and I will do my best to keep up with everyone in the "interim". 

Bless you all and thank you for your prayers!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Questions for God

This topic has been on my mind for the last couple of days. I have come across things that make me wonder. Serious questions. Not serious topics. 

Such as these:
  1) Why on earth did You create mosquitos?

  2) And brown recluse spiders?

  3) Why am I so dad-gum stubborn?

  4) Why does so much hair grow in men's ears as they get older?

  5) Why don't they trim it?

  6) Why do paper cuts have to hurt so bad?

OK, here's just a small sampling of my questions I want to ask God when He calls me home. What are some of yours? No serious topics allowed! 
We have plenty of seriousness going on around us right now. So, this is meant to "lighten us up". If only for a few moments... 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Press On

I had promised to share about the Father's Day gifts that Hubby received. Since we are going through such a transition right now, gifts are small but ever so thoughtful. Our girls have that awesome ability of making a thoughtful gift.

Youngest wanted to use the verses that we are claiming for our family right now. Hubby loves for them to be "in front" of us and so this is what she created for him. Now we can all see it as we face the challenging days ahead. She also made bookmarks for each of us.



Oldest wanted to do something that went along with the U2 book she gave her dad. The 2 of them went to their concert last year in OKC. Something they will never forget, I'm sure. Her creativity came in a card, of sorts, using song titles from U2. I stacked them together so you could see what they looked like.


These were the last 2 pages that I wanted to share so that you would get the gist of it. 


Aren't they creative?! I am so proud of them for accepting this challenging time that we are going through and handling it so well. We are blessed by these 2 beauties!


Since the POD arrived on Monday, we have been packing our little hearts out. Today will be our toughest day yet since the pros will be here tomorrow to pack her up. She will be leaving on Friday and her sis (POD 2) will arrive in her place. 

If you have ever moved, you know that as boxes get packed, it seems like little things seem to just appear. Out of the blue. Where does it all come from? What box should it go in? There is definitely one thing that I have learned. Clutter multiplies. Like rabbits. Grrr.

Off we go... to Press On!

(I have received my first blog award! I will hopefully be able to share about it later this week. Thank you, Judy!)


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tips Tuesday

My tips for today are going to be for the dog lovers out there. I have always known that chocolate is bad/poisonous for dogs, but never really knew why. I also thought that was about the only thing. Well, apparently not. Here's an updated list of harmful foods for you to learn about.

1) Garlic and onions: damages their red blood cells which causes anemia.

2) Macadamia nuts: causes muscle and nervous system problems.

3) Avocados: cause damage to the heart muscle.

4) Grapes and raisins: damages their kidneys.

5) Bread dough: forms gas in their digestive tract and the fermenting yeast can cause alcohol poisoning.

6) Xylitol (in sugarless gum): lowers blood sugar levels because it increases insulin secretion.

7) Chocolate: stimulates the nervous system and heart.

All of these things typically cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. However, some of the more scary symptoms can be tremors, seizures and even comas. The reactions vary from item to item and dog to dog. Best advice... Keep out of the reach of dogs!



Monday, June 21, 2010

My Miscellany Monday

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters
Linking up with Carissa again this Monday :-)

1) Forgot to take pictures on Father's Day. Hate it when that happens! So, here's my answer:

This is 
the man,


who sat in
  this chair,


and opened
  these gifts.
(more on these another day)


But the favorite one
 might have been
 this...



2) Sheee's heeerrreee...




3) Disappointed again in Design Star this week. Nobody is standing out just yet. We are having a hard time finding someone to cheer for. Tera was a Southern gal but she's history. Now who will it be? Hmmm.


4) Having to pack away some of my faves...

my Kingsbury library


Check out Carissa's blog and some more miscellany from her friends!


Sunday, June 20, 2010

What is a Dad?


A dad is a person who's loving and kind,
And often he knows what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens, suggests and defends...
A dad can be one of your very best friends.
He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient, helpful and strong.
In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him deep in your heart.
And each year that passes, you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud to call him your dad!
                                                                                                                           ~author unknown

Flashback photos of the men in my life that I am very thankful for.

 Me at 4 with my dad and brothers.

My first Christmas with my brothers.
(I was a surprise... can you tell?)

Our oldest at 4 yrs. with her Daddy in '98.

Our youngest in '98 holding on to her Daddy .

My father-in-law with his "tuckered out" grandgirls in '99.

Happy Father's Day
to the men in my life!


Dad Life

I'll be back later to share about my dad, but just had to share this video from church this a.m. Too Funny!



Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.





Friday, June 18, 2010

5 Friday Finds

I am going to attempt to link up with Traci  today and share some of my recent finds. For Some reason, I still can't use her button for 5 Friday Finds. Sorry Traci! I think it has something to do with my Mac.

1) My family has always loved sports. College football would probably rank #1, but my new like for this summer has been World Cup Soccer. My oldest is a HUGE fan of any team sport where different countries come together and compete. Olympics? Puh-leeze. My gal goes NUTS for the Olympics. Her world stops and she wholeheartedly jumps into the Olympic world with both feet.

2) My new hero is this man. Overcoming Tourette's syndrome and not afraid to tell the world about his belief in God is such an inspiration. 


I have been in Pier 1 a couple of times in the last 2 months and each time I added to my "want" list. Not need, of course. We need a house first. But even then, they probably wouldn't make it onto the "need" list.
Back to the task at hand... 

3) This bronze glass platter caught my eye and I would love to see it find a home in my possession.

4) For some reason, this rug speaks to me. Don't know yet if it would go with our decor. Maybe we should update a little.

5) Lastly from Pier 1, I would like to find myself lounging on my patio in this Papasan, but with a bright cover.

*This is an edited post. For some reason, since I use a Mac, some of my codes are transferring when I copy and paste links. Don't know why and don't have time to figure it out! Forgive me....







Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tips Tuesday

Today will be quick but I just had to do some tips today since I have missed the last 2 weeks!


1) Need a cold pack? Freeze one part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water in a freezer bag. The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid and it stays moldable. Really works well!


2) If you have any artificial flowers that need dusting, place them down in bag, pour in some salt, and shake vigorously. The salt will knock off the dust better than just trying to dust them with a feather duster.


3) To remove permanent marker from wood floors or solid counter tops, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. 


That's all for now. Gotta get back to packing! 
Have a great day~

Monday, June 14, 2010

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

I am linking up with Carissa because... well... she is one of my BBF's (best blog friend).

1) The moving boxes are late. Actually, Hubby and I had a little miscommunication. They are due to arrive today. Good thing. The clutter is bringing me down.

2) We've been hearing our neighbors on each side enjoy their pools. At what point does it become pool envy?

3) Watched the premier of "Design Star" last night with the whole family. Pretty disappointed in the white box challenge. However, this room was our favorite this season:
Photo_Video_95152430417980241737064_medium.jpg
Tera Hampton's room


Past favorites:


hstar403_white-room-dan_s4x3_al.jpg
Dan Vickery's box from Season 4
(our all-time fave) 


dindt203-blue-room_lg.jpg
Todd Davis' box from Season 2
(our most creative vote)


4) We are needing to make a list of our creature comforts that we want to make sure and not pack in the POD. Excluding the obvious such as your bible and toiletries, what would be your Top 5?















Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Just A Bit of Random

Well, another Tuesday has gone by without any tips. My apologies to my few readers who actually look forward to it. The days are all running together right now and I truly forget what day it actually is sometimes. So, in Elmer Fudd fashion, I will dub this "Wandom Wednesday".

Our boxes are due to arrive on Friday. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to it. Having crisp new boxes that need to be pried apart and put together gives me warm fuzzies. It will be kind of like getting new school supplies for me. I'm sure the excitement will last about as long as it takes to pack one box. For those of you thinking we could save money by getting used boxes... there are critters that travel in those used boxes. When you are packing up all of your belongings indefinitely, you don't want critters growing in them. I speak from experience. And yes, I know they can be in new boxes too, but the likelihood of it happening is more rare. Me and my big mouth... satan, you may not grab ahold of that!

The rain is trickling out of the drainpipes this morning as I write and it makes me sleepy. My beauties are sleeping through it and so are the fur babies at my feet. This is peace.

I received my Creating Keepsakes magazine yesterday and it had the cutest new line of products on the back. So, so cute. Makes me smile. Well, I guess there aren't many scrapbooking products that don't. I look forward to the day when I can put all else aside and scrap until my heart's content.

World Cup Soccer seems to be on the minds of hubby and my oldest. It begins this week so I know that as I pack, the sounds of soccer will be in the background. Instead of my preferred choice of football. Well, that's actually everyone's preferred choice in this family. Wrong time of year.

I want to close by linking to over to this post where Ginger at dwelling in the house has a giveaway going on. She also shares pics of her beautiful hydrangeas. Oh, how I wish we had some!

Enjoy your day, my friends! God's blessings on you today!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sorting and Packing

Today is the day we begin sorting through our stuff. Our things. Our belongings. A daunting task that I can't say I am actually looking forward to. Normally I like to "go through" things. I suppose this time it is different because of the impending move and uncertainty.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.  ~1 Peter 5:6-10


So this is where God led me this morning. Hmmm. Certainly seems appropriate, don't you think? These are not new verses to me. However, I decided to read further into the footnotes where I found this:

God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time he will lift you up.

On the previous page, I had written these words from a sermon somewhere in my past:

When humbled:
   1) Accept responsibility.
   2) Submit to the promises of God - claim the scriptures.
   3) Rest in the knowledge that God's timing is always right.

These are the verses and words I will be dwelling on today~

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sunny Saturday

The sun was shining brightly this morning... at 6:30 a.m.! I know that it is summertime and the days are getting longer, but I didn't realize that Mr. Sun arose so early. I was obviously oblivious :-) during those last days of school when we stumbled to our feet at 5:00 a.m.

My struggle this morning was focusing on God. This is what my brain was like during my prayer time:

"Good Morning, God. Thank you so much for the beautiful sun this morning. (Thoughts that interrupted prayer... Boy, I wish it wasn't going to get so hot today, though. I am going to be sweating-something-fierce going through and getting rid of stuff before our move. Oh poo. I have to clean up and go to the library today. When would be the best time for that?)
Forgive me, God, for being so distracted. I do want to ask for your forgiveness of my sins. (Let's see... did I overeat yesterday? Oh yeah. I had too many cookies.)  Forgive me for allowing fear, anxiety, and worry overcome me. I know that You are here for me and that You will take care of me and my family. (Now which verses was I going to remember for today? I wish that dog would quit scratching. I sure am sleepy.)"

And so it went. Until I woke up enough to realize that I was WAY TOO distracted and needed a "do-over".  Please, somebody tell me that you have done the same thing!

Anyway, after a bit more focus and quiet time, I made my way upstairs to catch up on a few blogs before the crew woke up. First, I checked in on Amber at Stolen Moments to see what she had been creating lately. Guess what? I am mentioned on her Friday post. Actually, she was giving examples of her blog designs. Still... too fun! (Thanks again, Amber!)

Jumping around to look for inspiration, I stopped by to visit at All Thingz Related. Bridgette and Rebekah always have fun ideas to share and get me excited about creating something. They just did their 9th Anything Related post this past Tuesday and there are over 90 ideas that people sent in just this week alone. Ladies, this will get your creative juices flowing! You must go by and check them out and hop around from there. Let me know if you find something or a new blog you love.
Let the creativity begin!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Working on it... 5 Friday Finds

I promised to post pics of our weekend in Dallas but for some reason, I cannot upload from my phone. Says the files are unreadable. Grrrr. That's never happened before. Guess I will be spending some time troubleshooting. Ugh. That has to be one of my pet peeves. Troubleshooting. It's more like... waste. of. time. So I obviously can't promise that I will have pics soon, but I will try. They are such fun pics. 

I have discovered some fun new blogs in the past few days. So, I thought I would link up with one of them and tell you about the rest. However, for some reason I can't get her button for her 5 Friday Finds to work. (All of these techie problems... must be my Mac!) Anyway...

1) Traci is a young mom of 2 from NY that has lots of fun things to share, but it was this post that hooked me for sure.

2) I discovered Elizabeth at Just Following Jesus after blog hopping over from Traci's. She was so sweet to stop by and leave a comment on my blog and now I am a regular follower of hers as well.

3)Then I received a sweet comment from Ginger over at dwelling in the house. As soon as I started reading her blog, I just couldn't stop. She had just the right words that I needed to read with her Resting Place post. 

4) Barbie is the author over at my freshly brewed life and though I haven't gotten a chance to delve into her writing yet, I can already tell that she is going to be an encouraging lover of Jesus.

5) Lastly, I just have to reconnect you with Carissa over at lowercase letters. She's not new to me by any means but I just had to talk about her today. Why, you might ask? Because today, she had her Sweet Sage. Congrats Carissa!

Hope you will stop by and visit these blogs and maybe stay for a while. 
Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Woe's and Armor

It's been almost a week since I stared at this screen waiting for just the right words to come. I try not to read back over any old posts, but at the end of last week, I was looking for something in particular. That is when it hit me. It seems like all I have posted other than tips are "woe is me" words. Yikes! Apologies to the masses. Well, all 16 of you. :-)

Indulge me for a moment if you will. If you are a regular reader, you know that my family is going through a season of change. Better yet... a season of uncertainty. Today marks the 4 week countdown to having to be out of our home. Hubby's job and the closing on the sale of our home are 4 weeks from tomorrow. We DO NOT believe in coincidences and know that it has all been orchestrated by God. We know without a doubt what a HUGE blessing it is to be able to sell a home right now. And, to close on the last day of a job? NO COINCIDENCE.

So, where do we go from here? That is something that God has not yet revealed. We would appreciate your prayers as we begin to pack up our belongings. Prayers that we will never waiver in our faith that God will provide. Prayers that we as a family will allow His peace and comfort to be felt at every turn. And that His plan will be revealed very soon. Thank you so much to those of you who will join us in these prayers!!!!

Before closing, I decided that I would share with you the ways that satan has been on the attack. We were making a quick trip to Dallas to celebrate a niece that graduated from high school the night before. Only one hour away from our destination, our truck broke down on the interstate. Not a comfy place to be when the Texas temps are soaring for this time of year. Fortunately there were huge shade trees across the feeder road where we waited for almost an hour to be towed.

We piled into the rescue truck with the lovely scent of old dirty sweat (of one) and newly acquired sweat of four. Not pleasant to say the least. After about a 15 minute ride, we rounded the corner to feast our eyes on something out of "Deliverance". No, I am not kidding one iota. It was a sea of broken down vehicles. The "shop" as you might call it, had employees crawling out of the woodwork like cockroaches looking for food. The food they spied were my 2 beautiful teens. It was CREEPY AND DISTURBING. If I were a betting woman, I would almost bet there were more teeth in my 2 girls' mouthes than in the sum of all of theirs.

The good news was that hubby's truck could easily be fixed and that it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half. "Bubba" had to go get a burger first. Seriously. So, the girls and I looked for shade to stand under and to get out of the line of sight. The only shade to be found (other than under the trees with the 5 "Deliverance" dogs in a pen) was across the street. We retreated to the shade and soon realized it was like being on stage. The girls were easily ogled from there and even began to get honks and waves from passersby. If it wasn't so comical, I would have been vomiting. VIOLENTLY.

Fortunately, Hubby had called the father-in-law and he had driven the hour to retrieve us. We left with him in the comfort of the air-conditioned car in search of food. Upon returning, Hubby's truck was fixed and we were on the road to civilization. And none too soon.

The night went well and we enjoyed celebrating the niece's accomplishment and being with extended family. The next day, we experienced downtown Dallas through the eyes of our girls. Hubby and I used to work there but many things have changed. I will post on our findings and pics tomorrow. We had a good time.

The next attack came upon returning home. My debit card was denied when I went to pick up our beloved fur babies. After being embarrassed and VERY UNHAPPY at the vet, Hubby found out that someone had stolen my card # and put almost $700 dollars on it! In Virginia at Waly world. They didn't just use my #, they actually made a fake card that was able to be swiped. GRRRRR. Hubby is at the bank this a.m. getting it taken care of. At least the company was suspicious and deactivated the card so that these hoodlums (I am restraining myself...) couldn't do any more damage to us.

Needless to say, satan sees that we are vulnerable right now and is doing his best to break us. But he is mistaken. We are strapping on the armor of God and WILL NOT let him win!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.   ~Ephesians 6:10-11