2.26.2007
Out Of The Blue
All of the sudden I was in tears. My chest tightened. I was overwhelmed with sorrow. I couldn't stop crying. I was sitting next to my mom and did not want her to see me sobbing. I held it in the best I could. Thankfully she was focused on the sermon. I opened my purse and got out my travel pack of kleenex. I had to use all of them to dry up my tears. So sad. Undescribably sad. Never have I experienced anything like it.
My thoughts were about my dad. From out of the blue it hit me like a ton of bricks. Is this part of the grieving process?
The day my dad died had been a busy one for my mother. She had hundreds of papers to sign and was gone much of the day. He, still being clear minded wanted to know what all was going on. She explained to him that the papers she was signing were insurance papers stating that she had to put up the house for collateral or something like that. I don't understand it completely myself. But he did.
My father worked so hard all of his life. My folks were good stewards. They didn't have a lot, but they managed to stay debt free for most of their lives.
What were my dad's thoughts the day he died? Did he know he was going to die that night? I sat in church crying and wondering if my dad prayed, "Lord, please take me tonight so my wife doesn't have to worry about money or losing our home." Did he want to die alone? Was he in pain when it happened? What exactly took him? Did he just go peacefully in his sleep? Was he scared?
I thought of many more scenarios and realized I could drive myself crazy if I continued. I had to stop. My head hurt. Pounding in fact.
I was happy when the service ended. I was anxious to get home. I think of my dad everyday, but that was rough. I don't know if my heart can take it.
It's been hard to think today and I am still so unbelievably sad. Is this normal? I love my dad and I miss him soooo much.
If you have a verse you could share with me today I would appreciate it.
And just in case you haven't heard these words today~I love you. I think we all need to hear them at least once a day. And I mean it too! I love all the friends I have made in Blogville.
Love, Amy
2.24.2007
How May I Serve You?
How did they know I need a break? Smart ladies!
Here's your chance to get your blog noticed, meet new friends, and win prizes! Yeah, that's right! I said win prizes.
I have met soooo many wonderful friends through blogging. I want you to have the chance to meet all the great ladies I have come to know and love.
Yes, I am willing to share because they all have enough love to go around!
And please let me know if you have any food allergies because I want everyone to be able to join in on the FUN! I do have two cats and a dog, but I will have them in another room so they won't be a bother. Same goes for my three kids unless you all want to meet them! LOL!
I gotta go so I can start cleaning (ugh!) decorating, and planning my menu, and getting my Donny Osmond cd's ready~ahhh, c'mon you're gonna love him! Okay, okay! I'm open to suggestions ;o)
NOTE: Please be in prayer for Janice. She's been having a rough time with her pregnancy. Right now all is well, but she and the baby need our prayers right now! Thanks!
2.23.2007
Friday's Feast
Where on your body do you have a scar, and what caused it?
Oh where to begin? A really awesome bike wreck resulted in scars on my forehead and my left knee. Then I have scars on both shoulders, both elbows, each finger on my right hand, right wrist and both knees because of replacements parts! Hopefully soon I'll be adding some more when I get my hips done. One day when we were bored we got out the measuring tape and all my scars add up to over 5' 3"!
Soup
What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?
It was my husband's birthday. His father had passed away five months earlier. He was missing his dad something terrible. We walked into Wal-mart and there was a man sitting in a wheelchair. When I saw him it took my breath away and I immediately looked at my husband. He had the same reaction. The weird thing is his dad was never in a wheelchair and this man sorta looked like my FIL, but not a spitting image. My husband ran to the bathroom and I said I would keep an eye on this gentlemen. I was watching the man and then he was no longer there and I couldn't find him anywhere! It's not like he disappeared before my eyes. I think maybe he was an angel to give my husband comfort on his special day. And what's weird too is that we told our pastor about it and he had the same think happen to him on his birthday which is the same day as my husbands! Cool, huh?
Salad
Name a television personality who really gets on your nerves.
I used to love Rosie before she came out of the closet. Once she did she turned militant.
Main Course
What was a funny word you said as a child (such as “pasketti” for “spaghetti”)?
I don't know about me, but my daughter used to say "chetchup" for ketchup. I always thought it was cute!
Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have always thought ______ was ______.
I have always thought blue was the prettiest color ever.
I have always thought Donny was going to be my husband!
I have always thought my dad was the most gentle, kindest, sweetest man I'll ever know!
2.22.2007
So Long, Farewell Thursday Thirteen
2.19.2007
A DeeDee MeMe!
Favorite Song From Childhood: Sunshine Lady by Donny Osmond Sigh!
Favorite High School Dance Song: Working for the Weekend by Loverboy
Senior Class Song: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Favorite Rock & Roll Song: Sail Away Sweet Sister by Queen
Favorite Disco Song: C'mon Marianne by uh Donny Osmond...hehe!
And I am the proud owner of The BeeGee's greatest hits such as Staying Alive and Tragedy! I don't care if this one reveals me true freakness cause I love it!
Favorite Country Western Song: Not much of a fan, but I can remember by mom playing The Statler Brothers and I liked Counting Flowers On The Wall.
Favorite Pop Song: N'Sync's Just Got Paid
Another song I like to play loud! My girls don't even miss it when I take this cd from them. They've outgrown Justin, but I never will!
Favorite All Time Love Song: Faithfully by Journey
My hubby is a huge fan and I think he sings better than Steve Perry anyday!
Favorite Break Up Song: Goodbye To You by Scandal
Favorite Make Out Song: Just about anything by Air Supply and the sexiest voice of Barry White....oh yeah!
Song That Always Makes You Cry: I Stand In Awe by Terry Franklin
Song That Reminds You Of Your Husband: I Will Be Here by Stephen Curtis Chapman
Favorite Christmas Songs: Mary, Did You Know by Mark Lowery and Strange Way To Save The World by 4Him
If you know anything about Mark Lowery you have a hard time imagining him writing this powerful song. Many people have sung it, but he does it the best. And 4Him is my most favorite christian group.
Favorite Gospel/Praise Song: I Will Praise You With The Dance by Casting Crowns
2.17.2007
Holy Exam Batman!
On the 17th of every month HolyMama is asking us to do a self breast exam. After we are finished we check in with her and leave a comment or two (since we have a pair...sorry!) and let her know we did it. After participating once you get a really cool button for your sidebar! Check mine out. And after your sixth time you're upgraded to a crown! I already think I am Queen so I can't wait to get mine ;o)
More importantly we are one step closer in taking better care of ourselves. We as wives, moms, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, and friends want to make sure we can do all that we can to be here for each other. My SIL has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and is going through chemo and radiation right now. What little I've seen I pray that I don't have to go through anything like it.
C'mon and join the club. If you won't do it for yourself please do it for your husband, parents, siblings, friends or children. I know they will say Thanks!
I'll leave now so you can have your privacy. And welcome to the club!
2.16.2007
Friday's Feast
What sound, other than the normal ringing, would you like your telephone to make?
A giggling baby~but then I wouldn't want to answer it!
Soup
Describe your usual disposition in meteorological terms (partly cloudy, sunny, stormy, etc.).
Today is going to be beautiful warm, sunny day with a 90% chance of brief rain showers that will last from the time I stand up to move until the time I sit somewhere soft! No need for a raincoat folks, but maybe a tissue or two.
Salad
What specific subject do you feel you know better than any other subjects?
Donny Osmond ;o) (sorry Pamela!)
Main Course
Imagine you were given the ability to remember everything you read for one entire day. Which books/magazines/newspapers would you choose to read?
I know I should probably say the Bible, but I like studying it and learning new things from different passages I have read before. I would say a dictionary because my vocabulary is very limited.
Dessert
If a popular candy maker contacted you to create their next confection, what would it be like and what would you name it?
It would have to melt in your mouth and keep you coming back for more. What sounds delish right now is a dark chocolate bar flavored with strawberries. I would call it Escape because it reminds me of a romantic date when you feed each other chocolate covered strawberries!
2.15.2007
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Ways My Family Helps Me Daily
1. Get the shower ready for me which includes laying down a towel inside so I don't slip and putting all my favorite soaps and shampoos and smelly things in there.
2. While I take a shower someone lays out my clothes on my bed. You wouldn't believe how many steps this saves me.
3. When I am dressed someone helps me put on my socks and shoes, usually my son because one of my daughters is like me and can't stand feet, even when they are clean!
4. I never have to worry about having something to drink nearby. They all know I love it icy cold too!
5. I'm always offered a back rub or a scratch which I willingly take because I enjoy them so much. Plus having three kids I get spoiled alot throughout the day!
6. When I have a really bad day (which lately is more often than not) someone helps me stand up so I can go to the bathroom or wherever I need to go. And they patiently walk behind me to make sure I don't fall.
7. When I go sit at the dinner table someone will take a soft blanket and put on the sit because they know how painful it is to sit on something hard.
8. They all know it drives me insane to have to sit and not be able to do any housework so they offer to "help" me get things done! This means that I get to supervise while they do all the work! They know how happy I am though to see something accomplished even if I didn't get to do it.
9. Food. Hubby cooks dinner in the evening, but throughout the day they all take turns making things for the family. I do get to help out by cutting or stirring, etc. It's a team effort.
10. Thankfully we all love to play games so we entertain ourselves often by playing boardgames or cards. We like to make up crazy rules too! Nothing is ever normal around here.
11. I love it when the girls will play their flute or clarinet for me. And my husband is the best singer ever (seriously!) so he sings to me quite often.
12. Utter silliness! They all know how much I love to laugh and will do anything to accomplish this! My son will tell jokes, my middle daughter loves to sing horribly on purpose and my oldest likes to do a silly dance that I love so much. And hubby can do impersonations, silly dances or silly walks...anything he can possibly think of to make me laugh he will do!
13. Love. Love. Love. I get so many I Love You's, kisses on my forehead and hugs a plenty all day long! It's like Valentine's Day everyday around our home!
Thank you guys for all you do for me everyday. I truly appreciate it. I love you all so very much!
2.13.2007
Recipe For Amy's Happiness
Topped with sleet~make sure it's good and slippery
Add your choice of snow or rain~be creative and do a combo!
Two days of school cancellations
One key to unlock the snack drawer and help yourself to anything (BUT stay away from my kettle corn and Milk Duds if you want me to stay happy!)
Two televisions, one portable dvd player, and plenty of MP3 players to go around~as long as I get the one with you know who singing on it!
One happy husband who doesn't have to work and is taking it easy for a change
One daughter who has lots of library books she's been wanting to read
Another daughter who enjoys The Sound of Music more than anyone I know has the chance to watch it without interruption
Add a son who has been dying for it to snow so he can build a fort
And one happy dog that has five people to spoil her even more than she already is
This recipe is not complete without:
A hug anytime we pass each other
A few games of Canadian Racko
A dozen or more~I Love You's
A house full of laughter and singing~fighting is not an option here!
One long hot shower for each, but must get back in pajamas
I am one happy lady right now!
2.10.2007
I Am
I am daddy's little girl that worked along side him with her own hammer and a box of nails. I am mommy's little shadow that mimicked her every move who baked cakes in her Easy Bake oven.
I am the happy little girl that was never without her baby dolls because she knew she was meant to be called Mommy. My treasures of gumball machine trinkets, Cracker Jack prizes, penny candy and every Peanuts comic book imaginable were kept hidden from my brother.
I am the fearless little girl that climbed on top of houses, jumped out of swings who dreamed of becoming an Olympic gymnast and never thought she would have to forfeit her childhood at the age of ten.
I am the responsible teenager who gave up slumber parties and football games to babysit all the neighborhood children. I am the sensitive teenager that wore her heart out on her sleeve who loved the outcasts in school and who hated clicks.
I am the giggly teenager that knew it was more than Puppy Love she was feeling. I am the screaming teenager that wore purple socks to his concert that almost fainted when he sang Sunshine Lady because she just knew that he was singing it to her!
I am the struggling teenager who stayed on crutches all through high school.
I am the immature teenager that still played with dolls because I knew I was meant to be called Mommy someday.
I am the insecure woman that wondered if any man would marry her because her crippled body may not be able to have children.
I am the praying woman asking God to do His will in my life.
I am the thankful woman seeing prayers answered by meeting Mr. Right.
I am the seeking woman asking God if my dream of motherhood will come true.
I am the believing woman knowing that with God all things are possible.
I am the proud mother who loves God and praises Him for my three beautiful blessings!
I am the listening mother that loves to hear Mommy, but goes crazy by the end of the night because she's heard it one too many times!! I am the happiest Mommy when I hear daily, "I love you Mom!" by my three miracles.
I am the proud, supportive, loving wife of David. I am presidential and make important business decisions daily along side her best friend of twenty two years!
I am the laughing woman who enjoys life to the fullest. I am the appreciative woman who is thrilled with the smallest of gestures. I am the spoiled woman who prefers to try it on her own, but has a family that jumps right in and helps.
I am the tough woman who has had to fight pain daily for thirty two years. I am the sensitive woman who realizes other people face harsher challenges. I am the thankful woman that knows she is blessed beyond measure.
I am the giggly woman who still loves her teenage crush but loves her husband even more!
I am the teachable woman who longs to learn from her daily devotions who seeks Gods wisdom and prays for others.
I am the loved woman who is surrounded by a faithful husband, three courageous children and a mother with a servants heart who has just lost her gentle spirit one month ago.
I am the joyful woman whose dreams became reality fifteen years ago.
I am the anticipating woman who knows she is meant to be called Grandma someday.
But most importantly I am a saved by grace, child of the King.
Please visit Owlhaven for more!
2.09.2007
Friday's Feast
Have you been sick yet this winter? If so, what did you come down with?
Praise the Lord, no I have not and neither has anybody in my family!! But this cold has done a job on my bones this week. I haven't been able to go to the shop one day this week. But I did manage to get to my grandpa's funeral on Tuesday and hopefully I will be able to go to church on Sunday!
Soup
What colors dominate your closet?
Would it shock you if I told you mostly BLUE? I also have lots of shades of pink! My mother used to make me wear pink when I was young and I hated it then, but now I love it!
Salad
How would you describe your personal "comfort zone"?
The older I get the more comfortable I am anywhere. I don't mind being in the backgound and letting someone else be the star. I can get on stage and be the star. I will be the sidekick, if needed. I will take charge or I will follow orders. I will do any of this as long as I have on clothes! Just wanted to make that clear ;o)
Main Course
On which reality show would you really like to be a contestant?
Well, if I went on American Idol Simon would say, "You have got to be the worst singer I've ever heard." To which I would reply, "Oh yeah! Well when I sing praises and hymns God thinks my voice is bee-uuu-tttiiii-ffuuulll!" And he in return would say, "If you can get Him down here and He approves then I'll say yes." Then I would politely say, "Thank you Simon, but Paula and Randy have already said~You're Goin' To Hollywood!" And then I would wake up. Sigh!
Dessert
Which holiday would you consider to be your favorite?
May is Arthritis Awareness Month and I should let you know that March is National Noodle Month! You know I'm all about vermicelli, which means "little worms"! Slurp!! And you thought I was gonna say Christmas or something like that!
2.08.2007
Thursday Thirteen~The Love Edition
Always start your morning right with prayer, a good kiss and an I Love You!
Laughter is vital in a relationship. Spend a little time each day laughing together~not at each other.
Encourage one another often throughout the day. Let your loved one know how much you appreciate the little things they do.
Never say never in your relationship. There will be times we don't get along, but don't ever say something like, "You never listen to me!" Well, you and I both know that's not true and we are saying it out of anger. How about this instead, "Lately, I feel like you haven't been listening to what I am saying. Can we please sit down and talk about what I am feeling?" And then make sure you let them have their turn as well. They may have been thinking the same thing too!
Text them or e-mail them during the day just to say Hi and I'm thinking about you right now.
Invitation....make an invitation and invite them to a private party for two! Give them a sneak peek at what might be on the menu~I'll let you be creative on this one!
Nights can get crazy with running kids here and there or trying to keep up with household chores. Make sure you set aside at least one night each week for date night. You don't always have to go out and spend money, but figure a way that the two of you can spend at least a couple of non interrupted hours together. It will take some work, but will be worth it.
Enjoy each others hobbies. You don't always have to be directly involved, but at least show them some interest. If it is important to them it should be important to us.
Sit together often. Yes, it's fun to look into each others eyes from across the table, but it's much more fun to sit side by side and give their knee a little squeeze ;o)
Desire to know them better. You couldn't possibly know everything there is to know about each other no matter how long you're together! Ask a simple question each day and discover their most intimate thoughts!
Arrange a yearly weekend getaway to talk about your relationship, your goals for the next year and talk about the previous year~maybe there are some changes you need to make. Don't be afraid to learn from past mistakes. And definitely spend some time getting reacquainted!
You should be each others best friend! This one is easy to do if you truly love one another!
2.03.2007
Me & My Shadow
In the fall of 1974 I had a suprise visitor. Boy was he unexpected! He quickly made himself at home. He stayed, like an unwanted visit from a relative. No matter what I did he wouldn't take the hint that he was no longer welcome.
He was my shadow and never left me alone. I was painfully aware of his presence day and night. My nightmares began before I even went to bed. There would be no escape. I was his prisoner~ sentenced to life.
He was a hard worker. His accomplishments became evident in my twisted little fingers and the prominent limp. I no longer looked like a ten year old. I had more in common with my grandma than I did my cousins.
My parents showered me with love. Not a day went by without hugs and kisses from my mom and dad. I knew I was loved.
My parents taught me respect. I found no reason to show respect to him. He was annoying. He demanded my full attention. He was cruel. He didn't deserve respect.
My parents taught me acceptance. Accept the bad with the good. Learn from it. I knew both my parents had cried over my visitor. Why would they want to accept him into our home? I didn't enjoy his company. The harder I tried to ignore the more he showed himself. I wanted to be victorious.
Fine then! I, Amy, welcome you into my home. From this day forward you and I will be friends and no longer enemies. I will call you Arthur. And Arthur, there is one thing you don't know about me yet. My God is bigger than you will ever be!
When you knock me down, He will pick me right back up. When you make me cry, He will reveal to me all my blessings. When you keep me up at night I will use that time to pray for others. When you try to anger me, He will help me laugh! You will never get the best of me because only God deserves my best.
I'm a cute 42 year old. I wear anything that fits whether it matches or not. I still have no fashion sense! I'm a happy kid. Always smiling, always laughing. I love life. I love being me!
2.02.2007
Friday's Feast
What was one of the fashion fads when you were a teenager?
I loved the collarless shirts! I thought they were really cute. And I remember wearing cowl neck shirts with matching vests. I looked like a DORK!
Soup
Name one thing you think people assume about you when they first meet you.
I have heard from several friends that they were afraid I was going to be a complainer when they first learned I have arthritis. They were happy when they realized that I am loud and I like to tease rather than gripe!
Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how hard do you work?
Honestly, I give my all plus a little more to make it to the shop and work. On the days I can't move real well I sit on the edge of the bed and do what I can. So right now I will say a 10, but when I feel real well it goes down to about a 5 because I would so rather be doing other things than working ;o) How's that for honesty?
Main Course
If you were given a free 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl to sell anything you currently own, what would you advertise?
But I LOVE all my treasures...why would I want to sell any of it? I could never get rid of my Donny & Marie porcelain dolls, my size 6 jeans from back in the '80's that I can't even fit one leg through, my Shaun Cassidy albums, or my Tiger Beats! Nope! I see no need to advertise. And if you have any treasures you don't know what to do with I'll give you my address ;o)
Dessert
Fill in the blank: I love to give little gifts when it is unexpected.
CONTEST TIME!!
Hurry! Contest ends soon and you don't want to miss out!
2.01.2007
Letter of the Alphabet Meme!
1. God is definitely #1 on my list! I can't do anything without Him.
2. Giggling babies are the absolute best! There are many videos on YouTube that are worth watching over and over! My favorite one is quadruplets laughing at their daddy.
3. Giraffes~that's kinda obvious I know, but they are amazing animals don't ya think?
4. Grape juice is my absolute fave! I only wish our communion cups were like 12 ounces!!
5. Goofy Girl is Great! She is a very dedicated med student who is extremely creative. She barely even knew me and I asked her to design by blog and she was sweet enough to do it for me. She loves her doggie as much as I do and takes beautiful pictures too!
6. Growling tummies~yes, it's weird, I know! I love the feeling of my tummy growling and I like to laugh at the funny sounding ones too, except when it happens during church!
7. Green Apple is my favorite Jone's soda! It's like drinking a liquid Jolly Rancher.
8. Girls in my Awana group. I teach the eight and nine year old girls on Wednesday nights and they are just so precious to me. Not only are they good listeners and hard workers, but they take good care of me too! They love to help Miss Amy when she doesn't feel well!
9. Games! I love to play board games with the family or on the Game Cube! What a great time to fellowship with friends too!
10. As I was writing my list I knew that I was going to put down my Grandpa Williams as my #10 thing I love that begins with G. Before I finished this my mom called to tell me that he passed away today. He was 102 1/2 years young! He has been blind most of his adult life, but that never stopped him from keeping his garden that was about two acres big! No, I am not kidding! He was a hard worker all his life, he was a sweet, sweet man and a wonderful grandfather. I know that today my father welcomed his dad into the kingdom of Heaven!
If you would like to play along leave me a comment and I'll give you a letter!