Tuesday's Top Ten

Trying to lose weight and have the munchies is no fun right now! I was thinking of my favorite treats as a kid and thought I would share. Let's remember together, shall we?


Oh, how I miss these candy bars! Cadbury sells something similar, but it's not as long as the original! They seemed like they were a foot long! Were they?

I could chew on this for hours! I love licorice! Luckily the still sell this gum and I will buy it when I see it.

My daddy always bought me candy sticks and I would suck them until they had a sharp point! Bubble gum was my favorite! When we eat at Cracker Barrell my kids get to pick them out now. It's tradition to always have one no matter how old they get!

Man, these are awesome! Especially the giant cherry ones! I got choked alot on these, but it was worth it!

Who doesn't love oatmeal creme pies? Shame on you if you don't!

This was my absolute favorite cereal as a kid and mine love it too!

These were sooo much fun to play with as a kid! Then when they got nasty I would chew on the wax....that sounds gross now!

I think these are the sticks, but I liked the cigarette bubble gum. When you puffed on it little "smoke" appeared!

I know it loses it's flavor fast, but this was the best gum when you were about 6 or 7 years old.

Awww, who can forget candy necklaces?! You wear it around your neck and every once in awhile you pull the elastic string up to your mouth and take a candy~then you let it SNAP back into place leaving a little sticky mark on your neck! Yeah, that was the best!

I have surprised myself with how little chocolate there was on this list! This has actually helped cure my muchies!

Have a "sweet" day everyone!

This Made Me Smile!

Just look at that face! I saw this at thedailykitten.com Puuuurrrrrrrr!

Creeky Bones

Whew! Baby it is cold outside today and my bones ~ they are a creekin'! I'm hoping this won't be a rough winter for me. I will just take it one day at a time and if that seems to hard to do then I will take it moment by moment!

This week is so full already. I am working all day today (except for this short break). Tomorrow I need to work at the shop until 6 pm and then go birthday shopping for my son and also visit my folks for about an hour. Wednesday is Awana at church. It is Career Night so we get to dress up! I haven't decided between a drummer for a christian rock band or a giraffe keeper (go figure!). Thursday is working again plus my son's birthday celebration that night! I think I will devote my TT to him that day. Sometime before that I have to make him his favorite cake~Six Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake! Man is it yummers deluxe!! Friday brings work and then that night I have a cookout with my girls from Awana. Saturday we have a gran prix car workshop at our church for the kids. I have no idea how many will show up or how long this will take! Hopefully just a few hours! I also need to go see my daddy again! Saturday night I need to start packing for our trip next week. We leave for Las Vegas on Monday. We are going out to the SEMA convention. It has to do with the automotive industry, but this is where I bring home tons and tons of freebies!! Since I am not a gambler, this is where I get my thrills ;o) Then on Sunday we have church in the morning, a customer coming in the afternoon, and then evening service at church. After church there is a going away for our youth pastor :o( We are going to miss him badly. Then I will probably stop by my parent's house again to say goodbye.

Anywho, that's what my week looks like and now that I have written it out I am frightened! I hope I can get everything accomplished with time to rest in between!

I hope everyone else will have an awesome week full of good things and maybe a few suprises!

Jesus Loves The Little Children

My heart is so heavy today for Canon's family. I still think of Susan Godfrey and the loss of her little boy last month too. Our world goes on and I would imagine that for these families life seems to stop for awhile.

My eyes well up with tears picturing these two precious babies being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven! One can only imagine what Heaven is like, but Canon Norman and Gabriel Godfrey know right now as I type this! I know the parents and loved ones will be holding on to this knowledge. As hard as this is I know that God is good and will provide strength and comfort to these families. The Godfrey's have an amazing testimony. I am just in awe of this woman.

The pictures of these two boys are forever etched in my memory. Because I have asked Jesus to be my Saviour I know that when I die I will go to Heaven and I will meet Canon and Gabriel.

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red, brown, yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

Canon Andrew Norman

I just read that Canon Norman passed away today. I've been reading and praying for this family about a week now and reading that tonight....well, I know you are all feeling the same way right now. If you don't know the story please visit www.prayforcanon.blogspot.com His family needs every prayer right now. His mom, Carla is so strong and my heart aches for her. Please visit this site and let her know you are praying for them. Thank you.

Nine Layer MeMe

LAYER ONE:
Name: Amy Diane
Birthdate: August 7, 1964
Birthplace: Beech Grove, Indiana
Location: Indiana
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown with grey highlights ;o)
Height: 5' 3"
Righty or Lefty: Righty, but I can write left handed pretty well!

LAYER TWO:
Your heritage: Heinz 57 ~ just a little bit of everything
The shoes you wore today: I wear tennis shoes everyday unless I am barefoot.
Your weakness: Ethel M chocolates and kettle corn!
Your fears: Falling and breaking a hip!
Your perfect pizza: Since I am watching calories I will say a veggie pizza on a whole wheat crust with minimal cheese....if I wasn't watching calories then I would say a chicken club pizza from Pizza Hut...Yummers!
Goal you would like to achieve: To lose about 50 pounds. I am in the process of losing weight so I can have hip surgery. Pray for me!

LAYER THREE:
Your most overused phrase: Oh yeah, well I've had my bones cut off!
Your first waking thoughts: Gotta go potty!
Your best physical feature: My friends and family always say how pretty my eyes are so...
Your most missed memory: Huh? Don't understand the question.

LAYER FOUR:
Pepsi or Coke: Neither, Diet Mt. Dew!
McDonald's or Burger King: If I have to choose I guess I would say McDonald's.
Single or group dates: Any time I can have alone with my hubby is a good thing so Single.
Adidas or Nike: I'm not into brand names so it doesn't matter to me.
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Nestea...and I am drinking some right now with a splash of lemon!
Chocolate or vanilla: OOoooohhhh, chocolate baby!
Cappuccino or coffee: Yucky, me no like either :o(

LAYER FIVE:
Smoke: I always thought it looked cool as a child to smoke so when I was about eight I asked my aunt if I could give it a try and she let me....I choked and coughed and turned green! That was the last time I smoked!
Cuss: Try not to, but I have in the past said things I shouldn't.
Sing: You betcha! I'm horrible, but I still do it :O
Take a shower everyday: Definitely!
Do you think you have been in love: I have been for the last 24 years!
Want to go to college: I never wanted to. I wanted to be a wife and mom all my life.
Liked high school: High school was hard because I was on crutches all four years of it, but I had wonderful friends that helped make it easier!
Want to get married: Duh, already am!
Believe in yourself: Only when I know I am doing what God asks of me.
Get motion sickness: No!
Odd: Most definitely and proud of it!
Think you are attractive: My hubby thinks I am and that's all that matters to me!
Think you are a health freak: No, but I am trying to eat very healthy and I do feel better when I do.
Get along with your parent(s): I adore my parents!!!! They ROCK big time! Always there for me and very supportive.
Like thunderstorms: As long as hubby is home so I can snuggle with him, otherwise they kinda scare me.
Play an instrument: Does the nose flute count? Anybody can play it! If I could play something I would be a drummer!!!!!

LAYER SIX:
In the past month have you:
Drank alcohol: nope
Smoked: nope
Done a drug: only my perscribed ones
Made Out: hehe...yes, with my hubby!
Gone on a date: Yes, again with my hubby...we try to have dates every Friday!
Gone to the mall?: Haven't felt like it in quite awhile.
Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: No, never have, but I do enjoy them.
Eaten sushi: I tried it about a year ago and I can't stand the stuff...icky!
Been on stage: No thanks, I don't want to draw too much attention to myself!
Been dumped: Nope, but I loved going to the dump with my dad when I was little!
Gone skating: I wish I could, but no .
Made homemade cookies: Yes, with my oldest daughter. We made brownies with mint icing and chocolate chip cookies for Awana!
Gone skinny dipping: That would be a scary sight to behold!
Dyed your hair: Does highlights count, then yes.
Stolen Anything: I took some pens from the shop, but since we own the shop I don't suppose that counts.

LAYER SEVEN:
Have you ever:
Played a game that required removal of clothing: I'm blushing right now....
Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: Nope and never will
Been caught doing something: Depends on if you mean good or bad!
Been called a tease: No, but you are one scrumptious dish sweet cheeks!
Gotten beaten up: No thank goodness!
Shoplifted: When I was four I took a package of Juicy Fruit gum. I showed my mom as soon as we were outside and she marchedme right back in to the store manager and I had to tell him what I did and apologize! That was scary!!
Changed who you were to fit in: No, I think that's dumb.

LAYER EIGHT:
Age you hope to be married: I was married when I just turned 20~boy were we young!
Numbers and Names of Children: K~almost 20, K~18 and J~will be 16 next week.
Describe your Dream Wedding: I loved mine! I had the perfect dress, my colors were blue and white, and I was marrying my best friend! I couldn't ask for a better day.
What do you want to be when you grow up: I would love to work at Binder Park Zoo with the giraffes!
What country would you most like to visit: I would love to go to Krueger National Park in South Africa.

LAYER NINE:
Number of drugs taken illegally: none
Number of people I could trust with my life: God is in control of mine!
Number of CDs that I own: several hundred and they are all alphabetized...sad, huh?
Number of piercings: 2~my ears
Number of tattoos: none, but if I did have one it would be a giraffe!
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: I've actually been in at least 3 dozen times because of honor roll, 4H, church stuff, etc.
Number of scars on my body: Whew, alot! I just counted 18. One day my daughter and I maeasured all of them and they added up to 5' 4"!
Number of things in my past that I regret: I'm sure there are things I would want to do over, but you can't dwell on them. If you've done wrong you need to ask forgiveness and then forget about it!

Five Ingredient Friday

This was always a favorite at halloween. I know most people don't give out homemade treats anymore, but if you have a party or just something to do with your kids for fun!


POPCORN BALLS

1 PKG. LARGE MARSHMALLOWS
1/2 CUP (1 STICK) BUTTER
5 QUARTS POPPED CORN
DROP OF VANILLA
FOOD COLORING (YOUR CHOICE)

MELT MARSHMALLOWS AND BUTTER IN MICROWAVE. ADD VANILLA AND FOOD COLORING. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND LET STAND FOR 5 MINUTES. POUR OVER POOPED CORN AND STIR. BUTTER HANDS AND FORM INTO BALLS!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Names We Call Our Baby!

1. Wensleydale~she is an english bulldog and my husband loves cheese and Wensleydale is a type of english cheese...sooo...

2. The Woo~it started out as Wensley the Pooh and then Wensley the Woo and then just The Woo!

3. The Most Precious! And you have to say it in a really high voice! She loves this name!

4. Woona Poona Tuna~my hubby calls her this and he is just weird ;o)

5. Her registered name is David's Not Even Wensleydale~if you have ever seen Wallace & Grommet there is a line when Wallace fins out that the lady he likes doesn't like cheese and he says, "Not even Wensleydale?"

6. Woobie~who knows?

7. Most Favorite Child~our kids don't seem to like this one for some reason!

8. Ugliness Be~you gotta admit that bulldogs aren't the most attractive dog~it's kinda like a face only a mother could love!

9. Sidewinder~she cannot run straight...she always has to be looking back and making sure you are following her!
10. Most Talented Dog in America~one day when I had nothing to do I started listing all the tricks and phrases she knows and the list was well over 100 things!

11. Most Spoiled Rotten Queen~she loves to be with us at ALL times (during dinner, road trips, even when we go potty) and we abide by her wishes.

12. Cuddle Puss~she loves my husband more than food and insists on cuddling with him every night. She absolutely adores him and he adores her!

13. Sweet Pea~she knows how much we love her and she loves us that much more! I wish you all could meet her...even if you don't like dogs I imagine she might be able to win you over!

Could This Day Get Any Crazier?

This has got to be one of the craziest days I have ever had!

The alarm did not go off this morning at 6:00 am. I have two kids that need to get up and shower, dress, eat and be out the door by 7:15 am. I awake to my daughter yelling, "Oh no!" My hubby jumps out of bed and realizes what is going on with her and sits on my side of the bed. He jumps up and shouts, "Eeewww, it's all wet!" I sit up and stretch real big realizing I just had the best nights sleep I've had in years! Then it hits me.....I'm the one that's all wet....YUCK! What happened? Surely, I didn't sleep so soundly that I wet the bed, did I? I hobble to the toilet to check my stint that the doc put in after Friday's surgery....it had somehow come out a little bit and that resulted in dribble...dribble...and I'm not talking basketball! I start apologizing to my husband and telling him how well I slept and I had no idea how I could sleep through such an ordeal. He laughed and said, "If you really slept that well I'll let you wet the bed every night!" Thank goodness for his sense of humor because, of course, I am embarrassed and feeling horrible that I have ruined the mattress.

Okay, so the two kids got dressed (without a shower) packed a lunch and left right away. They were late of course, but what do you do? My oldest daughter had a dental appointment this morning too, but made it there just in the knick of time! Okay, enough about them for now!

My hubby is stripping the bed, putting OxiClean on the mattress and scrubbing away. I'm sitting on the toilet (still leaking) wondering what do I do. It is too early to call the doctor and I am barely moving enough to stand in the shower for the time being. I get out a wash cloth and the hand soap and go to town cleaning up enough until I am able to stand long enough for a decent shower! Hubby gets me some clean clothes and helps me get dressed. He's so patient! He brings me a wooden chair with a big absorbent blue (at least it was a pretty color!) towel on it and tells me too stay! He's off for his shower~lucky boy. I listen to him singing in the shower and making up songs about me springing a leak! It was actually quite funny and I'm glad he could laugh about it too!

Okay, so let's see, where were we? He goes to work and I give the doctor a call and of course I have to leave a message. I was supposed to leave the stint in for at least a week and it has only been like 3 1/2 days. I can't go on with this permanent leak~I have somewhat of a life I have to lead. People are relying on me to have lunch with them and they need me at work! I wait patiently for the doctor and then decide~What the heck? I have to pull this thing out! I go over to the toilet and start pulling on the string. Ouch...okay, it's not too bad, just a little uncomfortable....pulling....pulling....pulling....how long is this thing?! Finally, the end! That baby was over twelve inches long! Okay, okay too much information!

Normally, I don't take a shower unless someone is home because I tend to slip on the tile, but I couldn't stand the smell of me a minute longer so I laid out a bunch of towels on the ground and proceeded to take a nice hot, hot shower. I scrubbed everything twice! I know if you do it well enough the first time you shouldn't have to do it twice, but did I mention how smelly I was! Shooweee (don't know how to spell that, but you get the picture!)

Oldest daughter comes home as I am getting out of the shower and asks what's going on. Being the sweetheart that she is she takes all the bedding downstairs to the washer! While she is doing that my dog, who is in heat right now, jumps up on the mattress....here we go again! Where's the OxiClean? That is some good stuff, I do recommend it! She gets all the blood stains out and we get the dog out of the room. She helps me get dressed and into the van so we can meet hubby and the guys (our employees, but we think of them as sons) for lunch. Luckily, lunch went off without a hitch! I though the day would go smooth from then on BUT NOOOO!!

While hubby ran an errand, me and the guys went back to the shop. We get back and they run in quickly. My crutches had been put in the way back of the van and I literally cannot take a step without them. I am hoping one of the boys realize I am not coming in and sure enough one comes back to save the day! He gets my crutches and makes sure I get in! Just as soon as I sit in my chair I realize I have got to go potty and one of the guys just went in! Bummer! I am doing the whole shaking your leg thing, trying not to think about it! I'm starting to feel a little sweaty~please, oh please hurry up in there! Yay! He's out and in I go! As I am closing the door the business phone starts ringing, but I just had to let it go~leave a message, I shout!

I get back to my desk ready to start work and my cell phone and the business phone rings at exactly the same time. My cell phone has one of those annoying rings, but it's my mom and I hate to not answer, but on the other phone could be a potential customer with tons of money just waiting to spend it on getting his/her Mustang restored. Sorry mom but I gotta refuse your call for just a moment! Actually, a customer did call and place a small order :o) As soon as I'm off with that I call her back and find out that their bath lady is in jail! Not sure what she did, but that means my son and I will need to go over and help give my daddy a bath. Okay, we can do that~make mental note: Don't forget Dad's bath! I know what it's like to stink!

The phone just rings non-stop all afternoon while I am trying to catch up on the month's work that I have missed~People! I have invoices I need to get out~please call back tomorrow! UPS and FedEx come~there is a problem with one of our orders~another phone call to make~Yay! My bil, who lives in Illinois, stops by with a car problem so one of the boys stops to help him work on his van. My mom calls back twice during the afternoon to see how I am doing~CRAZY! I tell her! But that's okay....although I am really missing my chance to read my blogs....sigh!

Well, it's about 3 pm and the kids call and ask if I want them to stop by the shop. I am thinking~NO, I have no time to visit, but my heart says~YES! Come and tell me about your day! So they arrive about 3:20 and my daughter lets me know that her car is not running right. The other guy goes out to check on her car and comes back to say that she has blown a head gasket! Man, we have no money right now....seriously....okay Lord, what are you trying to teach me today? Just as soon as we are told that the guy helping my bil gets a piece of metal shaving in his eye (yes, he was wearing safety glasses)! I have a daughter that's crying about her car, I have a friend asking me to help him with his eye and then the feeling comes over me again that I have to go potty! Please, please let me be able to hold it so I can console my daughter and find the metal shaving in his eye! With every attempt we could not get the metal shaving out so by this time it is 5 pm. I call the eye doctor and he says to come right then and he will take care of it! We get down there and realize that his insurance expired on October 2nd! I want to cry! So this cost me $87.20 of which I do not have, but I guess his eye is worth it so I will find the money somewhere! Just not sure where....kids, pull the couch covers, check in all the old winter coat pockets, check the dryer, grab your piggy banks....

Back to my daughter....she has to be at work at 6 so my bil offers to take her home to get her work clothes. Unfortunately she doesn't have time to take a shower, but she doesn't look or smell bad so it will have to wait until tonight. Anywho, they get all the way home and realize she forgot her house keys...all the doors and windows are locked! She is still upset over her car so this makes her more upset and when she cries her nose turns bright red! She calls and asks what to do and I tell her the only thing to do is come back to the office and get her keys! So they boogie back to the shop and grab the keys and get back home...poor little thing is hungry too, but doesn't have enough time to grab anything for supper. She makes it to work with 2 minutes to spare! Hopefully, she can buy something on her break. Whew...rough day!

My hubby comes back with our wounded boy (I'll call him Patch)! Patch goes back to fixing my bil's van. My bil is a minister and Patch has been compelled this week to give his testimony at church, but he's been a little anxious about it. My brother in law takes the time to work with him on how and what to say when giving his testimony....so this was a good thing!! Patch told me later he was so happy that bil stopped by today because now he knows exactly what to say! Cool beans!

The boys finally leave around 7 pm. Patch says he is okay! I sit here with a pile of receipts and invoices to go through feeling the urge to go potty again! My daugter is at work~probably with a bright red nose and a growling tummy. My oldest daughter is at class tonight. My son is sitting in front of me talking non-stop about his day and telling me how hungry he is and asking when I might be done...blah, blah, blah!!!

The day is almost over and I have survived the madness once again. What will tomorrow bring I wonder? I don't know the furture, but at least I can look back on today and know that God was there beside us! I know we will manage to get my daughter's car fixed. I know my hubby loves me enough to let me wet the bed ;o) I know that OxiClean can get out anything! I know that I have tomorrow to work on the invoices and get them mailed out. I know that my kidneys are working well! I know Wensley will be sleeping on the floor tonight on a towel! I know that when I go home tonight I will have nice clean sheets and a nice clean quilt to sleep under! I know that Patch will have peace when he gives his testimony at Bible study! I know that unless God comes back tonight, He will be there for us again tomorrow!

Here's hoping for a calmer tomorrow!!

A Meme of Three

I stole this from Pamela at Just The Two Of Us because I have fun doing these and I am working on a blog entry that is taking a little time to write so I thought I would take a break from it for a moment!

1.Things that scare me:
Clowns ~ you have to admit they are kinda creepy!
Pillsbury biscuits in a can (they always pop on me when I pick them up!) Don't laugh at me!
Icy pavement (I can't afford to fall and break a hip right now...maybe later)

2. People who make me laugh:
My hubby most definitely~he's the funniest person I know~great at impressions!
My bulldog, Wensleydale~what a personality she has~I wish y'all could know her!
Ellen Degeneres~very naturally funny on her show and it's clean comedy too!

3. Things I hate the most:
Cottage Cheese~just the thought of it makes me want to hurl.
Having checks left in my checkbook~but no money in the account!
I don't hate it, but I do miss not being able to run anymore...that was one of my favorite things to do as a kid!

4. Things I don't understand:
How to do some of the fancy stuff on my blog. Thanks again Goofy Girl for designing my site!
People that are so caught up in themselves that don't reach out to help others. Someday they may be in a situation and need help~who will they ask?
Why I have to have such nasty veins~I get blood tests once a month and last time it took seven sticks to get blood.....I know, it could be much worse....but I still don't understand why I have nasty veins!

5. Things I'm doing right now:
This meme of course!
Listening to one of our employees talk to his realtor~sounds like he got a house!
My husband talking on the phone with one of our customers~sounds like he is happy about what we are doing to his Mustang!

6. Things I want to do before I die:
Drive on the Autobahn~my husband got to and now it's my turn...I feel the need for speed!
See my children marry good christian spouses and live happily ever after!
See a cure for Parkinson's Disease!!!!!

7. Things I can do:
Sing (albeit not well) every word to every song by 4Him!
Play Tetris better than anybody I know....don't mean to brag, but I am quite good!
Be an awesome best friend! I'll be there for you no matter what!

8. Ways to describe my personality:
Bubbly~I love to laugh a lot and make others laugh as well.
Encouraging~I've been told I listen very well and give good advice.
Quick witted~my father-in-law was so proud of me because he was never able to get the best of me without me having a quick good comeback!

9. Things I can't do:
Be cruel to animals or children or really even people for that matter!
Walk without my crutches...but someday I will again!
Get rid of my favorite purses~just ain't gonna happen!

10. Things I think you should listen to:
When God answers your prayers~even if you don't like His answer do as He says.
Your parents~no matter what age you are they ALWAYS have something to share whether it is advice or stories from the past (those are the best!)
Praise songs and hymns any chance you get~they keep me uplifted all day long!

11. Things you should never listen to:
People that want to gossip or criticize~don't tolerate it!
People that tell you you can't or shouldn't without backing it up with a good reason.
Anybody scratching their fingernails on a chalkboard...just got a chill typing those words!

12. Things I'd like to learn:
The cure for Parksinson's
How to make really good homemade noodles!
How to master web designs and such so I could help others out just like me!

13. Favorite foods:
Penne Rustica from Romano's Macaroni Grill
Tortilla soup made by my very own hubby~best stuff I have ever tasted...honest!
Brownie Batter Blizzard from Dairy Queen~smooth and DELICIOUS :o)

14. Beverages I drink regularly:
Water~lots and lots of it
Crystal Light~pink lemonade
Diet Mountain Dew

15. Shows I watched as a kid:
Little House on the Prairie ~ I loved the books as well!
Donny & Marie Osmond variety show ~ my dvd is coming in November!
The Facts of Life ~ I always loved Lisa Whelchel the best! How cool to find out she was a christian!

16. Person’s I'm tagging to do this meme: Not too many people read my blog because I haven't told a single person I am doing it...sooo...if you do stop by and you haven't done this one already then please do it and let me know and I'll check it out! Thanks!

Finish this sentence, please....

1. My home...has huge rooms with plenty of closet space!
2. I am listening to...my dog pass gas....she is in heat and not feeling the best today.
3. Maybe I should...send her to another room! She's kinda stinky.
4. I love it when...I hear babies belly laugh!
5. My best friend... is my husband of 22 years!
6. I don't understand...how to do fancy stuff on my blog.
7. I lost...a check for $25 recently. I am still looking for it!
8. People say...my laugh is contagious. I think it is annoying!
9. The meaning of my blog name is...simply that I can laugh even if I am crying because of pain.
10. Love is... God sending His Son to die for me.
11. Right now, somewhere, someone is... blogging!
12. I will always... be there if you need to talk.
13. Once upon a time, I... dreamed of marrying Donny Osmond ;o)
14. Now, I... realize I have to wait for us both to get a divorce, then we can get married!
15. I never want to... have another kidney stone!
16. My personal motto is... No matter how bad the situation seems~God is in control.
17. When I wake up in the morning... I have to move two cats off of me and a dog!
18. I get annoyed when...I am unable to do things for myself. I'm stubborn.
19. People always... encourage me and tell me they pray for me!
20. I sing...in the car and think I am awesome! Reality~I suck big time!
21. Hugs are the best when... When aren't they the best? I love hugs from anyone, anytime!
22. Today I... went to church and was blessed by our missionary speaker from Nepal.
23. Tomorrow I will... try to go to work and hopefully get caught up!
24. I really want... my dad to be healed from his disease.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! Back to reality tomorrow folks! Hugs to all!

I Gave Birth Yesterday To Septuplets!

Let me explain....the doc crushed my stone into a lot of pieces. So I am saying that I gave birth to septuplets because I like the number seven!

The names for the chosen 7 are as follows:
1. POINTdexter
2. Peebles (I have to go to the bathroom a lot now!)
3. Smoothie~Not!
4. Seth Michael ~ Sorry, I just like the name!
5. Jagged Edge (I thing this one will be a rock star~hehe!)
6. Ouchness (and he was the smallest)
7. Mister Bean because he makes me laugh!

In all seriousness, thank you for your thoughts and prayers! It was a rough day and night but I am so thankful to be home. I am praising God big time because the doc called me this morning and said that the stone was so lodged that my right kidney was no longer functioning and if I waited another month or so I would have lost my kidney completely! God is so good to me and I thank Him for answered prayers!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Friday's Feast on a Saturday!

Appetizer

Approximately how many hours per week do you spend reading other blogs?

I spend a couple of hours a day reading my blogs so that adds up to at least 14 hours a week!

Soup

Your community wants everyone to give one thing to put into a time capsule. What item would you choose to include?

Good question! I would probably donate my Works For Me Wednesday binder! Just way too many awesome ideas not to be sharing with everyone!

Salad

What is the most interesting tourist attraction you've ever visited?

My husband and I have been blessed with travel! One of the most breath taking places I have ever been is staying at a lovely bed and breakfast in Switzerland. Our room over looked the Alps and we had the most amazing hot chocolate while wrapped up in our down comforters sitting on the patio. We could see for miles and miles and there was snow on top of the mountains. It was such a romantic place and I will never forget it. I would love to go there for our 25th anniversary!

Main Course

If you could give an award to anyone for anything, who would it be and what would the award be titled?

My mother definitely gets my vote for "Hardest Working". Along with the award she would receive a big fat check to buy books (she is an avid reader) and a day of pampering at a spa! As some of you know my dad has Parkinson's and is quite ill. She nurses him 24/7/365 without complaint. She, herself, is diabetic, arthritic and has scoliosis. She is a prayer warrior and very thoughtful to send cards and write letters of encouragement to other ailing folks. She makes cakes and sweet breads or meals for shut ins. Yes, I vote for Mom!

Dessert

What do you think your favorite color reveals about your personality?

I always say that blue makes me happy! Why do people always associate blue with sadness? Seriously, think about all the beautiful things that are blue....the sky, eyes, comfy jeans, disposable plastic cups ;o) I don't really know what it reveals about my personality, but I do know that BLUE keeps a goofy smile on my face!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Potential Names For My Kidney Stone!

1. Rocky

2. Sharon Stone

3. Fred Flintstone

4. Mr. Bean

5. Stone Phillips

6. Blarney Stone (but I won't kiss it!)

7. Pebbles

8. Mick Jagged from The Rolling Stones...hehe!

9. Gibraltar

10. Pet Rock (maybe I'll get rich)

11. Hope (I hope it's not as big as the diamond!)

12. Seth Michael ~ what? I like the name!

13. Cold Stone Creamery - sorry, I'm getting hungry!

Help me decide what to name it. Vote for your favorite!

Friday the 13th

Well, I did it! I braved a phone call and called the doc's office today. I will be giving birth this Friday the 13th to my Little Kid Rock (get it?)! I have a couple of prayer requests please. First, please pray that they can find a good vein. Last time I was in the hospital in June they had to put in a central line and that wasn't pleasant. I know, I know. I shouldn't be so selfish with my blood! Secondly, because of my nasty hips (both big and arthritic!) I am unable to spread my legs very far apart. I will be put under, but I know once I am awake the pain will be more severe than it is now. I guess that should do it! I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!

I also want to say that I know how blessed I am and this kind of thing is nothing compared to what people deal with every. single. day. I am truly thankful that I am still able to leave my house and see God's beautiful world. I am thrilled that I can still speak and be heard. I am blessed with the ability to eat and drink. I am capable of going to the bathroom when needed. I praise God that my range of motion may not be the best, but I am able to have surgery that will help me continue to do the things I love.

I know how blessed I am because these are the things my precious daddy is no longer able to do. But you know what?! He will be the first one to say that he is truly blessed because he has a window he can look out and see God's beautiful world! He is thrilled that he can still listen when we sit around and talk about the good times we've had! He still lets mom know when he is hungry so she can feed him through his feeding tube! Dad is thankful for his catheter since he is no longer able to walk! And dad loves it when we come over and move him so he is more comfortable or we sit and lightly scratch or tickle his legs and arms! You see....when we are faced with a situation we can always find someone else in a worse predicament than ourselves.

God is good and it's times like these that draw us nearer to Him.

I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

Quick Update!

I went to the urologist and had my CT scan this afternoon. My "little" stone is stuck and it looks like I am facing surgery to have it removed :o( Sadness! I'll call tomorrow to set up surgery...it will probably be in about a week or so. Praise the Lord though that as of right now I am not in any pain!

I did have a nice suprise a few moments ago though! One of my friends from England popped his head into our shop and said 'ello! I had no idea he was coming so we are getting ready to go out and have dinner at a really yummy Mexican restaurant! Can't wait to play catch up and see how everyone is!

Also, Pamela at Just The Two Of Us has a sweet post today about her first born child and I want to tell my story of my kids because I think it's pretty cool. I will try to do that as soon as I can! I love to have any chance to talk about my precious kids!

Have a great evening everybody!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Name a song you know by heart.

I know alot of songs by heart so I guess I will name one of my favorites....I love it when we sing "This World Is Not My Home" at church. It just reminds me that I get to have a new body in Heaven and will be rid of this painful one!

Soup

What will you absolutely not do in front of another person?

This is a hard question! Thinking...thinking.... because I have three kids and been married forever and all the surgeries I've been through, not much phases me. I don't mean to embarrass anybody, but the only thing I can think of is I wouldn't have sex in front of anyone else...that is between me and my husband.

Salad

How often do you use mouthwash and what kind do you like?

I usually use it twice a day and I like good old Listerine. I don't like the taste, but I feel my breath is freshest when I use it.

Main Course

Finish this sentence: I am embarrassed when...

Again, a tough one. I suppose if I have something in my teeth or my nose and nobody decides to tell me about it! I always tell someone politely if I see something because it happens to everybody and it really isn't a big deal.

Dessert

What was the last food you craved?

Being on a pretty strict diet I have been craving a lot of different foods lately, but what sounds really good right now is a big juicy apple from the orchard my aunt works at! Yummers!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Keep Me Happy

1. Getting free samples in the mail! I've been getting a ton and it is so much fun. My son said I acted like it was Christmas around the house with all the stuff I was getting! My favorite so far is a Gillette Fusion razor~very nice!

2. Wensleydale, my bulldog! She is so devoted to my husband and I and never leaves our side, seriously! I still need to post about her one day for all you animal lovers out there. She is extremely smart and I can't wait to tell you what all she knows!

3. Awana! I missed last week because of my stone, but I felt well enough to tackle it last night. One of our favorite things we do each Wednesday night is have question of the day. It is usually a simple question like~What is your favorite food your mom makes? This is one way we work on our listening skills and another way to get to know each other better! It's fun too!

4. Getting to see my precious daddy! I was able to go over there last night and visit for a good long while. I like to tell him stories and make him laugh! The bedsore on his ankle is improving and that makes me really happy!

5. Catching up on all the blogs I read! I missed my daily reads when I felt so bad and I have been playing catch up. I am close to being done and have missed you all so much I am happy to see you again each day!

6. Just knowing that next week I will have my kidney stone out one way or another! I go Monday for a CT scan and if it's gone~Hallelujah~if it's still there then they will go up and get it!

7. The most gorgemous weather we are having right now definitely brings smiles to my face! I cannot tell you how perfect it is outside right now. Just beautiful!

8. I ordered my Donny & Marie Osmond dvd..hehe...I know how sad it seems, but that show was on during one of the most painful times in my life and it helped me get through the week! I can't wait to relive each corny moment with my family. Actually, one of my best friends is excited and will watch it with me instead!

9. My taste buds are back to normal and that makes me happy. While I was sick nothing ever tasted right or good and I could never get my drinks cold enough to satisfy me. This drove my family crazy because I kept taking ALL the ice everyday. They forgave me though and helped me through without complaining which is an extra reason why I am happy!

10. We sold our van and was able to get a shop truck and our daughters each have a car now. I think we are good to go for awhile until my son starts driving....whew!

11. This sounds really mean, but I haven't been able to get my older daughter to stop eating so much candy and drinking so many sugared drinks. She is almost twenty and knows best! Anyway, she went to the dentist yesterday and has her first two cavities! Now, I am not happy because she has cavities, but maybe, just maybe she will realize that mom does know a thing or two! I can always hope anyway!

12. I taped the world's ugliest dog championship on Animal Planet the other day and it is soooo funny! I laughed until I just about wet my pants. People always think my bulldog is ugly, but they haven't seen some of the dogs on this show. Actually, several of the ugly dogs have been rescued from horrible circumstances and they are very sweet....still ugly though. Kinda like a face only a mother could love, ya know?

13. These are silly, but they bring such joy to my life....big puffy clouds, giraffes and anything blue. I can't help but be happy when I see these three things. Seems kind of silly I know, but I'm easy to please!

Happy TT Everybody!

Definition Word MeMe

Barb @ A Chelsea Morning is tagging anyone who wants to do this meme and since my brain is fried I am going to do it cause meme's are FUN!

HAPPY~My hubby always says that one of the things he loves about me the most is it doesn't take much to make me happy. When I see the color blue, no matter what it is, I smile. If I get a free sample in the mail I am happy! I love free stuff :o) I am, for the most part, a very genuinely happy person because who wants to sit around and mope when there are so many good things goin' on?

ANIMAL~Well, if you read my blog at all you'll know that my very favorite animal is a giraffe. I keep trying to download a video of me feeding the giraffes for the first time at Binder Park Zoo in Michigan, but I can't get it to work. I think giraffes are one of God's neatest creations! What was He thinking when he created them?

CEREMONY~Because we just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary I watched the video of me walking down the aisle to my man! My hubby always laughs because I could barely walk because my knees were so bad from the arthritis, but on the video tape I am flying down the aisle. I am dragging my dad along with me because I couldn't wait to be married!

ETERNAL~I will admit that I am looking forward to the day when I go to heaven and I will live forever without any pain and restrictions! I like to tease my kids and say that I will be doing cartwheels and handstands in heaven, but I am sure I will be on my knees praising and worshipping God for all eternity!

If anyone actually looks at this site please join me and do this meme and let me know! Your words are: Talent, Cherish, Wish and Free.

Have a great day everybody!

I Am Still Here!

Just a quick note to say I am still here! I went to the urologist today and my kidney stone is making it's way down! He's gonna give me one more week to try and pass this baby and if I can't he will do surgery next week :o( I'm pushing hard :o)

I have so much to catch up on. It's unbelievable how far behind I am now. I really want to start by reading all the blogs I missed, but common sense tells me I'd better pay the bills first so I will have electricity to read all about my new friends ;o)

Please keep me in your thoughts!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

What is your favorite herb or spice?

Because I am trying to eat a salt free diet I am enjoying pepper much more than I ever thought I would.

Soup

Name a song you like but haven't heard in a long time.

Donny Osmond's Sunshine Lady~how sad am I?

Salad

If you were to take just one minute to write down as many things as you can think of that you need (not want) to do, approximately how many things would there be?

Because I've been laid up with my stone I have a week's worth of stuff to catch up on. I started thinking about it and I got up to over 40 things and I stopped. It was too depressing. It's not hurting as bad today so maybe I can knock a few things off my list!

Main Course

Tell something interesting about one of your family members (nothing scandalous, please, just something unique).

My husband, who truly is a genius, has a patent for a universal tranmission crossmember. It's some kind of car thingy that we sell alot of! He has also been on the cover of Mustang Monthly and Mustangs & Fords. I am very proud of him, can you tell?

Dessert

What's the latest you've ever stayed awake?

I've been to so many sleepovers where you never actually go to bed! But if I had to choose a time I can remember crawling into bed around 6 am to catch a nap for a couple of hours and then get up and go to work. Rough!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Prayer Requests

1. My dad has Parkinson's and is bedridden. One of his bed sores on his ankles is now down to the bone. It is not infected yet, but this is not good. He is a kind and gentle man and never complains about anything. He means the world to me and it is hard to watch him suffer.

2. The lady that does my hair is also my friend and she had had a bad eye infection which led to some further testing. She was just diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. She has been through so much. She lost her 14 year old son in a car accident a few years ago. She needs strength to get through this.

3. We are going through all the college applications, etc. and trying to decide what school would be best for our daughter. The one that stands out right now is thirteen hours away :o(

4. Praise and prayer. Our church has voted in a new pastor and he will be coming in November! It will be a year without a pastor and we are looking forward to starting a new ministry with him.

5. We need help at our shop! It's a good problem to have, but we need to find some more qualified guys that can do bodywork on these show cars. It's hard to find people willing to actually work!

6. Please keep praying for Susan Godfrey and her husband who lost their precious baby boy a couple of weeks ago.

7. A friend of mine, Sharon, has MS. She is the strongest lady I know! She can no longer eat or drink and has to have a special device that holds her head up now. She always sends cards to let me know she is praying for me! They always make me cry and and make merealize how blessed I am.

8. Which brings me to me...I do have another kidney stone and it is 9mm. The doc isn't sure if I will be able to pass this one. My last one was 8mm. I'll let you know what he says.

9. My mother takes care of my dad 24/7/365 without so much as a break. I know God is getting her through all this. Lately, they have had to start making funeral arrangements. Yes, we know it needs to be done, but it is very hard to do it.

10. Our Awana program. It's is going great and we have so many new kids coming this year! Please pray that we will teach them God's Word effectively.

11. My oldest daughter is having to make tough life changing decisions as far as career, school and boys. I'm glad I am not that age anymore!

12. My husband. He has so much on his shoulders right now with me out of the office and so many other things. He's tough though!

13. You! I know there must be something in your life right now that could use prayer. You might be struggling with finances, school, relationships, illness and so on. We all have needs and I hope you know that I will pray for you too!

Saturday Photo Hunt: Eyes

I know this is several days late but that's because I am battling another kidney stone! Sadness! This is what I looked like in June when I had a stone. Believe it or not, I feel worse than I look! Scary, huh?

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Measured in minutes or hours, how much exercise have you had in the last week?

Because I am in severe pain with my hips right now the only excercise I get is being able to walk to and from a room. But I am eating very healthy~does that count for anything? And I am using alot of muscles to smile as much as I can ;o)

Soup

If you had to change your blog title to something else, what would it be?

Oh Yeah, Well I've Had My Bones Cut Off----explaination: My kids have a tendency to compain about every little thing that goes wrong with them and my outlook has always been~I may hurt, but there are always so many people worse off than me. One day I had enough of my daughter compaining about how her finger popped in the middle of the night so I turned to her and said~Oh yeah, well I've had my bones cut off! She looked surprised and my husband laughed. So now anytime they compain about something trivial someone will say~Oh yeah, well mom has had her bones cut off! Even my friends have asked if they can use that line too!

The phrase is just a way to remind all of us, again, that while we are going through tough times we are not alone and if we think about it we will realize that our situation isn't as bad as we make it seem sometimes.

Salad

Name one television show you watched when you were 9-12 years old.

Age 9~The Price is Right
Age 10~Little House on the Prarie (I still watch reruns almost everyday!)
Age 11~ Swiss Family Robinson
Age 12~The Donny & Marie Osmond show (I can't wait for the DVD to be released)

Main Course

If someone gave you $50 to spend with the one condition that it had to be educational, what would you purchase?

I am need of a good "How To" book on blogging! I spend so much time reading everybody's blogs that I haven't taken the time to learn how to really do anything creative!

Dessert

Do you tend to prefer dark colors, neutral shades, or lighter/pastel hues?

Definitely any color blue I love, but I would have to say I stick to pastel colors on a lot of things.

Thursday Photo Challenge: Occupation

My husband and I restore vintage Mustangs!

Thursday Thirteen #6

Banner by Kailani @ The Pink Diary

Thirteen Things I Collect

1. Disney DVD's so when I have grandchildren we can watch all the classics together!

2. Cookbooks~I'm really not much of a cook, but I love flipping through the pages of cookbooks, especially the ones from like church's or the Amish ones. Always good stuff in those!

3. Stuffed giraffes~because they are my favorite animal I tend to get a lot of them as gifts!

4. Dolls~I love Thumbelina dolls from when I was a girl, but I also have some expensive ones like a Jumeau, but to tell you the truth I love my baby dolls the most!

5. Bulldog figurines. If it looks like my precious Woo then I have to have it!

6. Purses! They are a weakness and I change purses like every week. Don't get me wrong I save them all and I never pay over $10 a piece because I am also cheap!

7. Kool Aid points~although I've realized you can't get as much cool stuff as you used to.

8. Lilliput Lane Cottages~I picked one up when I was in England and they are so enchanting I soon got another one. My friend from England started sending them too! I can stand at my display cabinet and look at them for a really long time!

9. Old toys from when I was child like the Merlin handheld game, a Connect Four game, not sure what to call it but it held Beechnut gum and you could buy it for a penny~I guess you would call it a bank! You know~old stuff from way back when.....

10. My husband has been to many, many different countries and he always brings back some amazing things like dolls from Japan, glassware from Holland, chocolates from Switzerland (I ate those!) jewelry from Bahrain (a necklace with my name in Arabic), pretty cool stuff!

11. Disney toys from Happy Meals. The kids bathroom is decorated with the Disney theme and my husband made a shadow box and I filled it with all the Disney Happy Meal toys!

12. Noah's Ark Christmas ornaments! Hallmark comes out with a new one each year and they are sooo cool!

13. Plus Noah's Ark anything. I have Noah's Ark from all over the world. I have some very old children's toys and many different sets like the Precious Moments or the Boyd's Bears, I have some old Little Golden Books with the story of Noah....can ya tell I love Noah's Ark? Did ya notice the banner?

WFMW

I received the following tips from a friend yesterday and thought they were clever enough to share!

Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Flexible Vaccuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge. Add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacumn. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Easy Deviled Eggs

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done, easy clean up.

How Do They Know?

Amy -- [noun]: A person who laughs at anything (even this entry) 'How" will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

I saw this over at Callapidder Days and had to give it a try too! They've got me pegged, how about you?

Five Ingredient Friday

My son made this in 4H two years ago and it is one of the kids' favorites. By the way, my son won a Grand Champion ribbon for it too!

Easy Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Place butter and peanut butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH until butter melts (about 1 1/2 minutes); stir until well blended. Add remaining ingredients; stir until lumps of sugar disappear. Microwave on HIGH until soft but not bubbly (1 to 1 1/2 minutes); stir. Pour into buttered 9-inch square baking pan. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Store in refrigerator.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What was the very last song you listened to?
On the way in to work I listened to 4Him sing The Great Awakening. They are my absolute favorite group of all time! Not a day goes by without me listening to something from them.
Soup
What is one company/store/corporation you would recommend that people stay away from?
I went in to a store called "Spencer's" the other day and was very offended by what they sell. I would call it porn, but hubby said almost, but not quite. And there were little children in there without any supervision!
Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy having your picture made?
If I am by myself I would say a big fat 1, but if my kids are with me I don't care because I cherish those memories even if I look bad in them!
Main Course
Besides a bookmark, what is something you've used to keep your place in a book?
I am bad and usually just fold the edge of a page down as long as it is my book. If it is someone else's I have used receipts.
Dessert
Name a food that you like that most people don't.
I haven't found anybody in a long long time that loves brussel sprouts. What's not to like? They look like little tiny cabbages!

Thursday Thirteen #5

Thirteen People I Need To Say Thanks To This Week

1. Thank you Heather (a.k.a. Goofy Girl) for designing my new website! Didn't she do a nice job? I love it because when I look at it I smile!

2. My Awana leaders for helping last night. We had twenty girls and about fourteen of them are unchurched. Thanks ladies for sitting with the girls and teaching them God's Word!

3. Anybody who prayed for me yesterday. I was hurting so bad in the morning and was afraid I might miss church. Several people prayed for me and by 3:30 in the afternoon I was able to start moving around again! Thank you peeps...your prayers worked!

4. My sweet husband. Last night after church I tried to stand at the stove and cook him supper for a change. I could feel the tears coming and asked if he would help me. He told me to sit down and relax and he made dinner again and it was fabulous! Thank you honey! As soon as my hips are replaced I will be the one back in the kitchen.

5. Thanks kids for cleaning the house while dad and I were gone! What a nice surprise that was!

6. Thank you to The Pastor's Wife for letting us know of good coupons and free samples each week! I love that kinda stuff!

7. This sounds weird, but I would like to give a shout out to Staples! I received some awesome coupons like the one's where if you spend $5 you get $5 off! I was able to get all this for free: a nice sized calculator, a 12 pack of cool sparkly pencils, 1 mini blue sharpie (cute!), and two retractable highlighters!

8. Thank you to Faye for the delicious homemade bread! It was yummy, as always :o)

9. Thank you to Heather at Midlife Moments for starting the new Faith Lifts! You need to check it out at http://www.5minutesformom.com/faithlifts.

10. Thank you to all the bloggers that paid tribute to those that lost their lives on 9/11. I am still reading through them and they are all very inspiring. May we never forget.

11. I am a mighty slow walker right now, but I have met so many kind people that have waited on me just to hold a door open and make sure I got in okay. And the age ranges from a little boy about five years old to an older gentleman that had an amputated leg. Thank you for waiting on me so patiently!

12. Thank you to the ladies that have left comments on some of my posts. They are very encouraging and I will try to be better at leaving comments knowing this! Thank you!

13. This one is hard, but I want to say thank you to Susan Godfrey and her family. I just started reading this http://susangodfrey.blogspot.com on September 11th and this family has shown such strength through their loss. What a testimony they are to God's faithfulness. Please go to their site and please pray for them.

Do Ya See A Pattern Here?

I am indecisive. Always have been, always will be. I don't like to be the one to make a decision when it is something simple like where to eat. I don't care where we go because I am not the picky one. Why does hubby always ask me? It's too much pressure!!

Many years ago on my birthday my husband asked where I wanted to eat dinner. Why did he ask me so late in the day knowing it takes hours for me to decide? I started to panic. I suggested we head to Indianapolis and I would make up my mind going over there.

Oh, the choices in Indy. How can I decide with so many good restaurants to choose from? What am I in the mood for? I kept thinking aloud and I could tell I was already starting to get on his nerves. As we drew closer to our destination he asked for my decision. What? I'm out of time already? By this time he was very frustrated and we got into an arguement over my indecisiveness. It went something like this.....

Me: I don't care where we go. Please just pick a place, okay?
Hubby: It's not my birthday. Now just decide. You like everything.
M: That's just it. Because I do like everything I can't seem to narrow it down. You are the picky one and for my birthday I want you to decide.
H: Where do you want to go?
M: I don't know, where do you want to go?

This ridiculousness went on for several more minutes. I'll spare you the drama!

Hubby: (grouchy) Were going to Cheddar's. I made the decision.
Me: (grouchier) Fine.

We get to Cheddar's and pull in. Hey! Where did the building go? Isn't this where the restaurant is supposed to be? Come to find out Cheddar's had burned down a couple of months back. We looked at each other and just burst out laughing! We couldn't believe that we had argued over something so silly.

Don't go yet....I'm not done...

I can't remember which special occassion but we were back in the same predicament only we weren't fighting! Again, having a hard time deciding where to dine I remembered we had some Montgomery Inn gift certificates! Yay! A decision was made and we were off to Indy again. We both started talking about the delicious, finger licking good food we would consume in just a few short minutes. With mouths watering we pull in to an empty parking lot. You have got to be kidding me! Montgomery Inn was closed--for good! Once again, laughter!

Nope...not done yet....

In November we always go to Columbus for business. The tradition is to eat at LoneStar on the way home. This time we, as a family, decided it was time to break that tradition and try something else for a change. We all agreed on Romano's Macaroni Grill. This is my all time favorite place to eat! We even had to drive out of our way to get to it, but those extra miles would so be worth it! My family was excited! You guessed it....we pull in and Romano's was closed--for good. We could not understand why because it is a fairly new chain and it is sooooo good. While the kids didn't think it was funny, hubby and I had another good laugh!

Please don't go...I promise I am almost done...

This weekend was our 22nd anniversary. Friday night we were famished! Steaks were sounding really good, but which steakhouse should we eat at was the question at hand. I got on the internet and looked them all up. I even printed off menus so once I made a decision I could start in on deciding what to eat. I went back and forth all the way there and I decided (Yes, shocker, I did make a decision!) to try The Colorado Steakhouse. I had never heard of it and the menu looked, well, my mouth was watering again! I found my way there and we drive in, again, to an empty parking lot! They were closed for remodeling! I looked at my husband and smiled and said, "Happy Anniversary! It wouldn't be complete without us closing down a restaurant!" We laughed about it all weekend! I'll know next time to call ahead and make sure the establishment still exists!

I Remember

Karen: Amy? Are you awake enough to talk?
Me: Hi Friend! Did ya think I'd be sleeping in or something?
K: Turn on the television.
M: Why?
K: They say that a plane crashed into one of the towers.
M: On purpose?
K: No, just a freak accident.
M: I don't know anything about flying, but couldn't they avoid hitting such a tall building?
K: I don't know either. Did you turn it on yet?
M: (shocked by what I am watching) Yes.
K: We need to pray for those people that are involved. People have already lost their lives.
M: Karen, this can't be real. I've never seen such a thing. I'm scared.

Karen prayed aloud, but I couldn't take my eyes off the television. We watched together in silence for a long time. Neither one of us believing what was happening. My heart ached for families of the victims. I wondered if they were watching this on t.v.

Later:

Me: Karen! Did you see that? Something happened to the other tower! I think a plane hit it too! This is NO freak accident! What is going on here?
Karen: Oh no!
M: I wish my kids were still home. I wish my husband was here. Karen, I am scared.
K: It will be okay Amy. God knows exactly what is happening and why. We don't understand any of this, but He does. Just hang on with me and we'll keep watching.

We watched the television together and heard of the plane hitting the Pentagon and then watching part of the tower collapse only to see both of them tumble to the ground a little while later. We prayed together. When reality sunk in we cried together. We sobbed. We knew people were trapped. We heard interviews of people saying that they could see men and women jumping to their death. We knew families were frantically trying to reach their loved ones to see if they survived. We knew people were probably saying their goodbyes. We knew families were witnessing the death of their loved ones.

I didn't know anyone personally that died that day. As for me and my family we have not forgotten those that lost their lives. We will never forget.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Name 3 things that you are wearing today.

I am wearing a silver hoop earrings, my favorite perfume~Lou Lou and a soft pink short sleeved sweater.

Soup

Who was the last person you hugged?

I gave my hubby a big hug and smooch and wished him a happy anniversary!

Salad

What do you like to order from your favorite fast food place?

I usually order a small chili, a side salad and a glass of water. Gotta keep the weight coming off!

Main Course

What time of day do you usually feel most energized?

I usually start feeling better towards late afternoon. By this time my medicine has taken effect and I don't hurt quite as bad!

Dessert

Using the letters in your first name, write a sentence. (Example: Sweet unusual spaniels are nice.)

This one is gonna be hard:

Amanda made yams. Oh well, not much to work with!

I'm outta here ladies for a weekend with my wonderful husband! Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Thursday Thirteen #4

I know everyone is doing 13 reasons why they like themselves, but since my 22nd anniversary is tomorrow I want to honor my husband! Thanks for understanding!

Thirteen Reasons Why I Married My Man!

1. He recognized during marriage counseling that he based his salvation on good works and was saved during our first session. This brings happy tears to my eyes everytime I thing about it.

2. When we were dating I was able to see first hand how he treated his mother and sisters~he treats them with royalty to this day. I knew I found the perfect guy!

3. Speaking of family---he has a huge one! The moment I met them I felt at home. They are family and I love my in-laws dearly.

4. He can always bring a smile to my face and make me laugh :o) He doesn't worry about embarrassing himself if it will make me laugh!

5. His creativity! He loves to plan our little get-aways and he always makes them so much fun! One time he created four different trips and I had to choose one envelope (without knowing what was inside). He even made up games for me like a "Brady Bunch" trivia game, Who Wants

To Be A Millionaire, etc. so I could win extra spending money!! I can't wait to see what's in store for this weekend!

6. He loves his kids! He has always wanted to spend as much time as he could with them. Sometimes I wonder who is more of a kid~him or the three actual kids!

7. What a fabulous cook! He is just as creative in the kitchen! It amazes me how we can have practically nothing in the cupboards and he can whip up a gourmet meal. Voila! And it is delicious everytime. Again, he never makes the same thing twice so I have to enjoy it while it's hot!

8. His mind! He is so intelligent and I can be intimidated by it, but I love to see his brain work. He is a problem solver and likes to get the task done. He has done some one of a kind things in our restoration business and has been on the cover of two international magazines! I am very proud of him.

9. He shares the remote~enough said!

10. His voice! He is amazing and he loves to sing to me, especially love songs. He's very romantic that way and I'm sure he will sing to me this weekend. Sigh....

11. When we go shopping together he never complains and is the first one to say, "If you like it, buy it."

12. One time when we were taking a boat cruise around the lake I started feeling sick. I was unable to get on my knees so I could get throw up in the lake~as I got sick he caught it in his hands and threw it overboard so I wouldn't get sick all over my clothes. I know this is gross, but you can't tell me that's not love!

13. He takes tremendous care of me. Living with someone who has a disability is tough no matter who you are. He knew from the moment we met that it might be a rough future for us and he still wanted to marry me! He's been by my side through all the surgeries and does whatever he can to simplify my life. I know he loves me unconditionally.

Happy 22nd Anniversary Honey! I Love You!!!

WFMW

Still being quite the newbie this tip has probably been posted before, but it works for me! I love Wednesdays and can't wait to read all the postings. As soon as I read one that I know or even think I will ever use I print four copies of it. I am am making binders for myself and my three kids. When my children get their own places I will give them a binder of their very own! There are so many ideas worth sharing that I think anybody would appreciate a binder! Thank you ladies for your wonderful ideas and keep up the goof work! I am learning so many new things every Wednesday!

Donny Osmond Fans Unite!

I just received my "personal" letter from Donny Osmond. He couldn't wait to fill me in on the exciting news! The Donny & Marie dvd is finally done and will be released the first part of November!!

I know the show was cheesy, but I loved every minute of it! I cannot wait to introduce my three children to it as well. I know they are on pins and needles just waiting to kill numerous hours with mom while she sits wearing her purple socks and hugging her pillow that just happens to have a Donny Osmond pillow case on it! And then at then end of the dvd we will gather together and sing May tomorrow be a perfect day.......is this stirring up any of those teenage feelings we all had way back when? Sigh!

Suprise~Another Fun MeMe!

I know I am doing another meme, but I saw this one and thought it was fun.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (your first pet and the street that you live on): Angel Meahme
2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mom's side, your favorite candy) Sarah Dove
3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name) Adia
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Giraffe
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Diane Beechgrove
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name) Stramtr
7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Blue Dew
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers) Olmer Ellison~this does sound like a real Nascar name, don't it?
9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Lou Lou Converse
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: ( mother/father's middle name and the next name you hear on the tv/radio/talk) Loraine Cruise

I Could Have Shopped All Night, I Could Have Shopped.....

Oh, how I missed the hunt, the thrill, the feeling of empowerment....you know what I'm talking about....go ahead, admit it, you love clearance too!!!!!

My sweet hubby asked if I wanted to go to Lafayette with him because he was looking for something specific our town doesn't carry. Of course I said YES!! (I secretly thought....YES! I'm sure I can weasle enough and "let" him take me to Meijer..hehe.... )

The moment I wheeled in (I used the scooter) I could smell the newly posted red stickers (I promise, I really did) that were so neatly placed on item after item after item, well, you get the picture. I realized it had just been way too long since I had been out on the town and able to enjoy some just for fun, thrill seeking, bargain finding shopping. I could feel my body temperature rising one degree at a time! As I wheeled away as fast as I could (all 3 mph!) I yelled to hubby, "You'd better grab a cart 'cuz we're going to be here awhile!" I was so proud of him because he obeyed immediately ;o) "Good boy!", I say as I throw him a biscuit.

A pair of pink Converse All Stars quickly catch my eye. Hubby helps me try them on and they fit perfect! I see the price tag of $40. I say, "Never mind!" I'm not paying more than $10 for a pair of tenny bops, I don't care what name is on it! Now this is where hubby earns more treats, maybe even a handfull of them. The next aisle over hubby spies more tennis shoes that look like previous mentioned ones...AND they are on sale for $8.99 a pair AND if you buy another pair they will be half off!! NO WAY!! My blood is boiling by this time. I feel faint and grab tightly on the handles of my trusty scooter telling him to "Hold On!". (Okay, so I talk to the scooter, shoot me). Hubby helps me try on the bright pink ones and I am happy to report that I could not tell the difference between name brand and cheap rip offs! YAY! I was able to get four (4) pair for only $27 instead on one (1) pair for $40!!! Of course I chose one boring white pair, two black cool pair and one pink pair that my Awana girls will think are really hot!

With the rush of the excitement I speed away again and entice hubby with more biscuits! He really is a good boy.

Scooter took me all over the store that night finding bargain after bargain after, well, you get the picture! I found a Disney two piece outfit for only $5 that had adorable Tigger on it, a pair of dress black pants for my daughter for $10 (they had been almost $30), a set of really cool refridgerater magnetic photo frames for $2 for those upcoming school photos and two huge beach towels with their own carrying case with a funky key chain the kids will grab up for only $2 a piece! If I think about it that breaks down to about seventy cents a piece for that bargain!

I could have shopped all night, but it was getting very late and I was afraid I might turn into a pumpkin if I stayed to much longer!

As I was driving home I was thinking about the great deals I got and how I didn't pay full price for anything! Then I started thinking of how Jesus paid the ultimate price. He died for me personally because he loved me that much! I was eight years old when I asked Him to be my Saviour. I didn't have to hunt or go looking for any clearance stickers. And best of all it was FREE! Who doesn't like free?

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salvation is a gift and it lasts forever! All we have to do is believe.

Acts 16:31 ...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In His Love,

Amy

Everyday Thanks!

As I mentioned before, Awana starts at our church on September 6th and I am so excited!

This week I am thankful for the five faithful workers I have working with me this year! I know that they will be faithful and supportive. Each of them are great when it comes to helping the little girls learn their verses and explaining what each of them mean. Let's face it, learning verses, especially to an unchurched child, is like learning a foreign language! Anyway, I am just so pleased to be working along side these ladies and thankful for their commitment to the Awana program!

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Friday 5

What kind of marks (grades) did you get in school?

I missed a lot of school because of my JRA, but I usually managed to make B's.

Do you have any birthmarks?

Yes, I have two little bumps on my right ear. My dad has them too!

What’s the story behind one of your scars?

I've had eight joint replacements, but there's no interesting story behind any of them. As a kid I loved riding my bike and going super fast. I hit a patch of pea gravel and wiped out big time! I took two huge chunks of flesh out of my right knee. Ouch!

What do you usually use to mark your place in a book?

I use a bookmark my daughter made for me when she was in first grade. Awwww!

What famous Mark do you most admire?

Mark Consuelos is easy to admire ;o)

Four For Friday

September 01, 2006


Q1 - Food Eating Contests: Joey Chestnut, the top-ranked U.S. competitive eater, is looking to capture his second straight title this weekend at the Waffle House Waffle-Eating World Championships at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia. (Last year, Chestnut won the title by devouring 18.5 eight-ounce Waffle House waffles in 10 minutes.) If you were to quit your day job and take up competitive eating as a professional gustatory athlete, what food items would you specialize in, or, which food eating contest would you be the hands-down favorite to win the world championship?

I so could win the pineapple eating contest hands down!

Q2 - Laundry: When you do laundry, do you use the recommended amount of detergent or do you pour to your heart's content?

This is my daughter's chore and I am sure she pours to her heart's content!

Q3 - Handwriting: Do you like your signature?

I never sign my name the same way twice~that way nobody can forge it ;o)

Q4 - Today: What are four things you know you will not be doing today?

I will not be eating cottage cheese today or ever.
I won't be running a marathon.
I don't get to see my dad today because I have a sore throat :o(
I probably won't get any work done either because I'm playing on the computer!