Off the Cuff

KAAAAA-BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!

2012-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

Things are never boring at our house! In preparing dinner one night this past week, I was interrupted by a LOUD BOOM!
Just knowing this involved one of the boys, I went looking. The eldest was on the computer looking as surprised as I was over the sound.
"Did you hear that?" he asked.
I nodded. Next question was, "Where is your brother?"
Said youngest was bumbling his way down the stairs.
"All I did was flush the toilet, I swear!"
Now that they were safe and alive, I just knew that meant the gas water heater had exploded. Since there was no water gushing down the stairs, and the toilet was intact, I headed to the garage.
Opening the door, we looked to the immediate left and were glad to see that the water heater was still intact! Pushing the button for the garage door to slowly crank open, we discovered the sound had garnered the attention of our neighbors. The neighbor across the street at his mailbox, looking toward our house. When we locked eyes, he walked toward us as did a worker next door installing our other neighbors wood floors. We all discussed the big boom and what it could have been.
My youngest was the first to find the answer. On the floor next to my car was the carcass of an old basketball split in half!
This explains why it was so loud. The garage has great acoustics!
Between laughing about said explosion and the mystery being solved we all went our separate ways.

Adventure at the Nashville Flea Market - part 2

2012-01-31T05:18:00.000-08:00

This blog is going to spotlight two vendors that captured my attention. Yes, several did with their quirky yet diverse offerings. Cory told me on several instances that I was terribly slow and we would never make it through if I spoke with each vendor. I enjoyed meeting several vendors and listening to their story, or at least a story on a particular item.

The first one is laughable, while the second, if you have time, I truly hope you visit their website.

FOR colorful fun : Look! There were many animals, but the donkey made me laugh. His head jiggled in the wind too~!

I SO want a grill like this gun one! Awesome!
Both grills were so creative I had to photograph!

There are some folks who challenge the status quo..and I love it when they share that talent publicly!

The next vendors name is Cordie. She is a precious Christian lady (former Army wife) who takes recycled tents and refurbishes them into other useful products for us to use today, and yet carry a bit of history with us.

She and her husband of many years, have served our country proudly, and now continue that legacy by honoring those who serve and have served. With their earnings they send stockings full of goodies to soldiers currently serving over seas at Christmas time. They also have a Chapel tab on their website where folks add their service family members to a ever growing prayer list. Each of these soldiers is prayed for daily, and part of their blessing is hearing back from the families of these soldiers, as to how prayers for their safety have been answered.

These aprons are neat! Sweetie may end up with one of
these!

The purses/backpacks/totes are pretty neat also, all made personally for you. Whichever branch of the military you are from, they are well represented!

These are made from the tags off of parachutes.

The website is:

www. americanpasttents.com

(931) 505-3277

Adventure at the Nashville Flea Market

2012-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Ever since the boys could understand what I was saying to them, I've taken them on a day of "adventure".
Sometimes that was a local park, or the beach, others it was to be doing something different, creative: like painting, or building something, or perhaps a science experience. Hence, adventure is something they love to do.

With them getting older, the adventures have gotten bigger, and/or more detailed. One adventure had us walking over 5 miles in a day! We were all tired, but enjoyed exploring nature that day out at Rotary Park.

We tracked animal tracks, and came home with a bag of fossils, and some great memories. Yet another had us on an all day long train ride up into the mountains of Colorado, that was amazing!
This weekend, since Sweetie was flying with his dad, the boys and I took a friend up on their suggestion to spend a day in Nashville at the flea market. We figured it would just take a couple of hours and then we would be outta there! Ha!
Many of the vendors were thrilled when we asked questions. We learned all sorts of stuff about old bicycles, record players, and the folks that used them.

There was a sweet older gentleman that showed the boys how to play a game of marbles..(a lost game it seems)! He also talked about the types of marbles and how that used to be the game everyone wanted to play at recess, and how if you had your own marbles to bring to play with you were considered a "rich" kid. With kind eyes and deep wrinkles etched into his face from years of smiling he told tales of losing marbles and the best games; the ones where he won some marbles to bring home!

This set of desks came out of an old schoolhouse that was being torn down in rural Pennsylvania. They have been sanded down and re-stained for sale today. He said these were early 1930-1940's and we could tell because there were no inkwells in the desk top.
These old lamps used to light the way for a family that lived in Boston years ago. Apparently they haven't been lit in years. However, they were so pretty and since I stayed and chatted awhile, the woman allowed me to photograph them.

The old wheelchair is early 1940's. The vendor with this jewel for sale said this was her grandmother's wheelchair and back in the day it cost $20! Her grandmother rode around in this in a Georgia rest home. Apparently her grandmother was so talented, she learned to maneuver this chair around the grounds, even for a game of croquet! She told me that a wheelchair like this one was used in the movie The Notebook. I will have to watch that movie again to find out.

This beauty of an old cash register is a true prize. The
gentleman selling it wanted $1,500.00. Since Sweetie and I have been keeping out eyes peeled for such a gem, we have also done our homework. We know that these old National Cash registers pricing is based on condition and most of all the pattern. This one is called 'chicken scratch' or so I'm told. I haven't had time to look this up.
They had it locked up, but once I started asking questions that showed I had a sincere interest the price dropped and they showed me how it worked! Oh the drawer below the marble is pristine! I can only imagine the stories it could tell. There is a crack in the marble, mostly due to being in non-climate controlled environment. The marble top is so that the proprietor could tap the coin on it. Depending on the sound the coin made tapping on the marble determined whether or not it was fake currency.
By the time I left this vendor, I had them talked down to $500. One day if I have the money and a place to put this pretty piece of history, I will buy one!

These lanterns were a little over $50 a piece so I left them to sit there for other folks to admire! Isn't the glass pretty?

A little over 4 hours later, we emerged; tired, but excited over things we discovered and learned while we were there. We even brought home a few treasures! Since the flea market is only once a month, we are already making plans to go back.

Girls Night Out

2012-01-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

After spending the greater part of Saturday shopping in the Franklin's antique district, and in and out of area Re-Stores, we decided to finish out the evening with a dinner to remember.
Carrabba's was my surprise to Best Bud. She had never been. In case you have not either, I will let ya in on this treasure of a restaurant. If you are on a diet or watching your calories, you can still eat here, just limit your portions, and well, don't eat for the rest of the day!

The back story here is that Sweetie and I went to Carrabba's for an anniversary dinner last year. Our anniversary happened to land on prom night. Oh man! We didn't have as long of a wait, and enjoyed ourselves so much so, we take great delight in bringing other folks with us to experience the environment and enjoy the food as well.
Okay, Best Bud. She was tired, a little more than I, as she was just back from a road trip of her own - so she had no idea what I was up too. SMIRK! See, Best Bud most of the time manages to pull off surprises for me, this time I got her! Yay!

First off, as long as you are not a big party you have a chance of lucking out and getting to sit where you can watch the meals prepared. There is a side where you can watch them make pizza's and place them in and out of a big brick oven.On the other side, you get to watch them with the different pasta dishes. Generally there are a couple of the cooks on the other side of the counter that will show you the various dishes as they are being prepared, this makes for great entertainment. On this occasion, Best Bud was treated to quite the show. Spaghetti was being flipped as other various pastas were being drained and placed on dishes with colorful sauces with a meat specialty tucked to the side.
The managers have been a blessing to us each time I have been to the restaurant. Each time, we have been spoken too, and shown other items on the menu, as well as treated to some real conversation. It's nice to really be taken care of at a restaurant.

Kudos to Carrabba's in GreenHills!

Moss,Rocks,Glass - Creative Juices

2012-01-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

Terrariums, I had seen them before, and admired them - but never thought I could put one together. This weekend- well, I put together 3 of them.
Best Bud and I have been checking out the various creations of others on Pintrest for awhile now. So, since we had creative hang out time today, we stomped through the woods around her home. We searched out different types of moss and carefully pulled off sheets of it to bring back for our pre-bought apothecary style jars. We found lichens on some sticks, various bark, and rocks we could use.

Once they were all laid out, we got busy...

First snow of the year!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

What does the word snow do to you? Does it bring up fond memories of playing in it? Or does it bring up stress as you worry about slippery streets, accidents, and broken bones? Or as a child, do you hope for a day or two out of school/work?
I love the snow. The white clean and peaceful beauty of the snow crunching underfoot as you walk through it, or the chill you feel as you lay down in it and make snow angels. I still enjoy watching the individual flakes fall! It's like being inside a snow globe! Do you take the time to look at a few of the flakes like we did as children? They are beautiful - another reminder that everything is purposeful, and designed for you to enjoy.
Ever heard of singing in the rain? How about dancing in the snow? Each season brings its own beauty and sense of change, each a gift given during its own time of the year. Try to take time this year to appreciate the beauty around you. Each day is a gift - unwrap it!

First post of the Year

2012-01-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

'First' is a key word used more at this time of year, and particularly this month more than any other.... or so I've been told.

Goals are set and dreams are planted during this time of year. What do you have planned, or hope to cut out of your life this year?

Sweetie and I decided to make monthly goals this year. Time will tell at the end of the month. Since it is now the 12th it's almost at the half way point! Is this a time of joy for you, or do you realize some of those goals are just as far behind as they were on the 31st of December?

Best wishes in the new year! I hope it is a terrific one for you!

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

What a year! This year has been a doozy of a year for our family. How was your year? As we look back and reflect on the days gone by, we have many events which brought change to our family.
Sweetie and I went on our first international mission trip (leading the team!) together in January. March brought us back to Costa Rica together as a family! This trip was challenging and a big growth spurt for all of us! Sweetie's back finally gave way, and the challenges ahead of all of us as we climbed over mountains of pain meds, USE OF A CANE, physical therapy, and chiropractor visits, and stomped through the valleys of the side effects of pain meds, surgery, bills, and paperwork. It is a HUGE blessing to shout for all to hear, "God brought us through!" Sweetie is all healed up, and back to playing basketball with the boys!
May and June were spent between home and Michigan as we helped Grandpa get back with the family and closed out his life in Michigan. Lots of road miles logged this year! Oh! In amongst all this, I managed a few days out of town with Best Bud! The end of May I managed to pick 8 gallons of strawberries (on my own) and with some help, get several jars of jelly put up. And..let's see...my sister moved back from Navajo land in June to round out the month! July had the family up to our armpits in corn! We blanched over 300 ears of corn in one weekend! We won the "Gluttons for punishment" award this year!
With the boys starting high school, and middle school, all the changes and adjustments that brings, has stretched us all! The boys have learned to balance extra curricular activities, classes from one end of the school to the other, and keep grades in check. This fall brought all sorts of band activities, concerts, cookouts, fruit sales, soccer games, and two tired parents. We even managed to fit in a project of restoring an old family glider swing!
On several occasions we tagged each other as we were all heading separate directions! This year we have definitely learned how to manage our time better, and to appreciate a scheduled time out for the family!
Somewhere in all this our ever growing teen boys have decided to put us on what we lovingly refer too as the "teenage diet plan". WE buy the food...they eat it! I have gone to the pantry, fridge, and freezer to get something to cook, only to find an empty package, or hear so and so ate it two days ago. So we are losing weight and don't really mean to! Ha!
Somehow we both managed to switch jobs, me leaving behind dress clothes for scrubs and Sweetie leaving scrubs to embracing suits, and business casual! This massive frenzy had us so busy we had the holidays sneak up on us this year! I missed Black Friday, Cyber Monday and we even got spotted out shopping on the day before Christmas Eve! Where did the time go?
Glory to God! We have more blessings than worries! How about you? As we start a new year, we have set new goals for us as individuals and as a family. What goals have you set?

Christmas Band Concerts

2011-12-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Brian on the right with the black jacket

Both in the same night! Go figure! In our world that is just how things manage to happen! We have come to expect a certain amount of go- go- go in our lives!
The middle school band put there performance on first and as the first time band parents stood around pointing out their little angel, we smiled at their innocence. The honking of horns, tapping of drums, clanging of cymbals, flashing cameras, and video recorders galore came to an end, it was time to race to the high school. Brian played several different percussion instruments and even had a speaking part. We were very proud!

Cory on the keys

At the high school, the event was much more dignified, as nervous teens gathered around the band director. The lights went out, the spotlight appeared and the night of decibel piercing sound began! Sweetie even humored himself and found the 'app' for measuring sound, and took delight in showing us the needle dancing about in the red danger zone.
Cory proudly played keys and a whistle of some sort, and did a great job of it. Band has really stretched him this semester and he is better for it. (side note: we got to meet his date to the snowball's parents on this evening - much to he and his girlfriends chagrin)

Brian ready for the concert

All joking aside, it was a delightful evening.

Snowball 2011

2011-12-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Well...we are now moving into another category of parenting. The dating category.
Seriously, I should have known.... I mean the first day I took Cory to preschool a cute little girl with blonde pigtails came running up to him and planted a big kiss right on his lips! I left the room with her holding his hand showing him the toys! Wow!
Several years later, we now watch a handsome, unsure young man nervously asking his dad to help him tie his tie. His once, 'girls are gross' has been exchanged for, 'she's pretty hot!' WHAT??
NOW he cares if he smells good, and does everything match! Hmmmph!
I was holding out for a picture, but Cory has yet to produce one of he and his date. I hope by the time I publish this to have one, if I don't please understand we are dealing with the pendulum swing of teen emotions here, okay?
Seems his girlfriends dad decided to stay and supervise the dance, all night! Ha! As Cory put it, 'he is a tall man who had really big hands.' He went on to tell us that the dad when he met him, told him he had trimmed his nails with his machete before coming to the dance. Ha!
A few nights later we were able to meet the parents of his date and we shared a laugh over the whole experience. We know this is but the beginning of many date stories, and we look forward to exchanging the same looks we remember our parents sharing with one another when we were dating!

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

This year we traveled to the 'boro for Christmas with Grandpa and my aunt and uncle. Then came back and spent time with the family in Woodlawn.
A good time was had by all, as memories of years gone by and new memories were made. This year it was Cory's turn to read the Christmas story to the family before we opened presents. He did a great job! We were so proud of him as he read through the second chapter of Luke.

Gone with the old - in with the new

2011-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Sweetie and I have recently joined the Apple iPhone generation. We have watched as many of our friends and family members have updated their phones over the years..Let me put it this way. I never even updated to a Blackberry. A phone that is just that a phone is fine for me..I don't need internet ect. Or do I?
But when the newest iPhones came out, we were interested.
Polling our friends and checking reviews, we finally took the plunge. Now we have this super amazing phone. This thing has all sorts of things my other phones never had. A person can work from home with one of these things.This updated phone makes sounds and things pop up on it all the time, I can't wait to understand this new language!
The boys laugh, and take great joy in introducing me to this 'creature'. (for those who know me..they know I approach change quite cautiously. Even avoiding it sometimes. Sweetie embraces change and loves to include me in on such changes much to his delight and my chagrin.

So far, my favorite part is SIRI the part of the phone that in one wasy is a personal assistant. I can push a button and speak to her, she will send a text message for me, or put a reminder of a date and time on my calendar for me! It is great! I'm used to doing such tasks for other people all day long, it is a treat for 'her' to do that for me - and anyone else using the phone.
For now.. I'm excited.

Today I met Mayhem

2011-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

Generally, I enjoy the Allstate commercials where the guy who plays Mayhem, creates all sorts of havoc, to which if you are a member of Allstate you are covered, when pick a disaster/accident happens. It's a good reminder that bad stuff just happens and it pays to be prepared, if at all possible!

The car in front of me this afternoon was carrying a Christmas tree on its roof. Problem was, it wasn't tied securely. It weaved back and forth, finally sliding off the back and bouncing into the road. I was lucky enough to be following this car and was able to get stopped so I didn't run off the road, or run over the tree. Pulling over with the distraught car driver, the driver behind me and I helped her carry the tree back to her car, and re-tied it securely this time. (I'm pretty sure with all the knots in the rope she will have to cut it off!)
Anyway, as we were trying to wrap the netting back around it, the part of the tree that was closest to me, popped out and smacked me HARD in the face.
The lady looked at me and and grabbed some paper towels and handed them to me. The guy stopped and asked me if I felt okay and how many fingers was he holding up. I laughed and then felt it, blood running down my face.
I knew my face hurt from the smack, but figured it was just red. The guy got in his car and left, while the lady and I drove back over to the doctor's office where I work. She came in with me as some of my medical friends attended to my face.
Bottom line, I have a scratched eyeball, some scratches and a small cut on my upper cheek, oh and quite the shiner!

Brian's colorful new Hat

2011-11-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

See Brian's new hat? He has been bugging us for one for quite awhile. There are all sorts of hats in various colors and styles that kids are wearing these days. This is the one he picked out this weekend.

These hats can be found all over. This one was bought at a Trading Company outlet store in Cool Springs Galleria, TN. (less than $20) We looked at several thicker hats less colorful at American Eagle. ($35 +)

This hat fits his center of attention personality!

Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day is a special day celebrated by many folks across our nation. However, in our family it has always been special as being a military family goes back generations. I've spent many Veterans days watching the soldiers old and young marching and being honored for their sacrifices. Some of my fondest memories are of placing hundreds of little American flags at gravesites of our veterans. I have grown up listening to stories of battles and friendships forged over the years, and of life and sacrifices lived on various continents. Since I was born on foreign soil myself, I understand the value of being with your family on free soil. America is great because our soldiers and their families have sacrificed greatly. Our freedoms should never be taken for granted.

If you ever get a chance to spend an afternoon or day with a veteran, it will be time well spent. They have lots of insight to share with us. This weekend I was able to chat with a few while waiting to march. One was a veteran from WWII. He was amazing. He has seen a lot and his heart aches watching disrespectful folks these days. Cory and I both got to march in our first Veterans Day parade this year. Cory with the band, carrying the banner, and I alongside the horn section keeping the crowd off the kids, and watching for falling music, and or potholes that they could fall into. There were lots of bands participating and many groups and organizations riding in cars, and floats.

Thank you Veterans and families for your sacrifice. On this day and many others, we honor you!

November view from the front porch

2011-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Crazy! This morning I noticed a brand new bearded iris blooming just to the right of the porch. WOW~! These bloom in March! What a suprise blessing!

The winds have been blowing big time the last couple of days. There aren't many leaves left on the trees. With evenings beginning to cool down to freezing, and the days anywhere from 70 to high 40's..The petunias are still holding on, but starting to look rather tired. They will be retiring to the garage for the winter soon. Hopefully some will survive. Last year the geraniums held on and flourished in the warmth of the spring sun. Maybe this year even more plants will survive!

Sasha vs. Squirrel

2011-11-07T01:30:00.000-08:00

One of Sasha's favorite things to do is protect our home from Squirrels..those annoying rat like creatures. She takes personal offense to them daring to live in the trees in our backyard. The creatures enjoy taunting her - coming just far enough down the tree to stare at her.

SQUIRREL.. quite annoyed with Sasha as she is keeping it at home today instead of scurrying around on the ground storing nuts for the winter season.

Jack o' Lanterns 2011

2011-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

The boys and their pumpkins!

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, after the soccer game, half of the team came over to help Brian celebrate his birthday. Look at the fun balloons I found at Walmart! They glow in the dark! We all had fun with these! The package says they last 15 hours...we will see!

We celebrated with a pinata...and the movie REAL STEEL. This is a great movie. I went into it rather ho-hum, but the effects were good, and the story line was captivating. The group of boys enjoyed themselves and so did we. The night was long, and the energy never ending, but the memories are priceless. The boys singing karaoke was entertaining, and once we all rocked out with Guitar Hero us older folks were ready to call it a morning. The kids stayed up to play two games of Monopoly, I managed to also..what a nut! The boys were great troopers and all of them came to church this morning and served in the elementary area for all three services.

Sweetie and I delivered some very sleepy and exhausted boys back home to their parents. Once the house was clean..we relaxed a little ourselves!

Dedicated to Coach Diane

2011-10-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

All month the Strikers have shown their support for Coach Diane and all breast cancer survivors by wearing pink, and gathering support. On Oct. 29 the Strikers completed their projects, and while it brought loving and joyful tears to coaches eyes, all the boys and parents/families wore pink in her honor today.

On another note, Brian scored two goals in today's game! Hooray!

Here he is just before the ball went in. I was too busy jumping for joy to capture the exact moment.

Atlanta Super Regional - Bands of America

2011-10-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

The biggest band competition of the year was yesterday in Atlanta, more specifically the Georgia Dome. Cory earned a spot to play there yesterday! This particular competition consists of the best bands in the south/southeast of the United States. For Clarksville High School Wildcat band to be invited was an honor, let alone to be able to play and compete! We were the only band in the northwest area of TN to compete! Cory said it was great to be in such a big place where folks paid to hear the bands play. What a great experience! We are so proud of you!

The Neighbors' View....October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just cannot get over having petunia's still growing and showing off at the end of October...I wonder what November will hold? Hmm. Now the other night we did have a frost, and I brought the petunias in the garage and Sweetie hung them for me, but other than that, that is where they have been.

The big pumpkin? It's a forty pounder..yep! Cory picked that one up at Boyd's farm this year. Brian got the 20ish pounder next to it. I picked up the little ones. I was told the white one was called a LUNA, and are the best kind to use to make pumpkin pie. I don't know if I have the heart to carve it.

The boys have been so busy they haven't had time to pumpkin carve...Guess we will just do that tomorrow, hopefully before it gets dark.

Old Memories- rediscovered!

2011-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

What do the words memories, family, weekend project, and repurposed bring to mind?

I'll tell ya!
For my birthday this year I was blessed with an amazing gift that I would receive several months later, that was covered in over 20 years worth of dirt, dust and who knows what else, and yet it is one of the most precious gifts I've ever been given?

See? This is a double glider swing hand made by Chad's Uncle Hugh back in November of 1981. Uncle Hugh owned a saw mill, as a matter of fact it was in his front yard. He liked to build things, and so that particular year he and his friend, Lowell made several of these for the family.

My memories in regard to this swing start with dating Sweetie. This swing was parked over to the left of the family home. If we could draw back the folds of time, you would see Sweetie and I swinging on it, first on opposite sides, then together on one side. Me urging it along with my short legs, Chad slowing it down with his much longer legs! And then I smile as I see his mom and myself swinging and talking. I didn't know at the time that she was investing in the girl that would eventually become his wife. We had some good talks on that swing, and to me it symbolizes the special relationship we have today. We can still sit and talk about anything, just as we did years ago.

Over the years, his family moved to a different location on the farm and the swing was set aside in one of the barns on the property. I never forgot about that swing...

So, when I was told that was my birthday present - I was touched and thrilled. My father in law lovingly reminded me that "it had been in the barn for years and would need a lot of work." He wasn't joking! It was delivered to us several months later, and we immediatly started talking about restoring it to its original usefulness, (besides, there are girls lined up to date Cory- but that's another story!)

So, this week we started the process. First the power sprayer took off layers of dust and dirt, then the wire brushes peeled of paint layer by layer. Then we taped, then painted it red and black.

And this is the finished product!

Now it is ready for more memories!

Vitamins- Good for us yesterday, bad for us today

2011-10-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Apparently today the news brought yet more tidings, not of great joy, but of doubt, and panic. Go figure.
I try to keep up with the goings on of our world today. However, most of the time the news is full of sadness and woeI can hardly stand to watch much more than the weather segment . I should have watched the news this morning, as apparently I missed that some researchers somewhere have discovered that taking a multivitamin could indeed cause more harm than good. (that vitamins could cause more harm than good)
Since I work in a doctors office we heard about this latest revelation all day long. We received many calls filling up the mailboxes of the doctors and nurses regarding whether or not the vitamins that their doctors told them to take could be dangerous. Oh my!
It amazes me as most of the folks that call are elderly. Have they forgotten how over the years the news tells us that eggs are good for us, to eat more of them in our diets, then a year or two down the road we are told that the previous story was wrong and now we must avoid eggs, or perhaps just eat the yokes, or maybe just eat egg whites? Hang around..it will change.
The answer to the stress of the day? I overheard that no vitamin should be taken in excess, as with any medication or fruit, or vegetable for that matter. Over indulgence in anything is bad for you. Folks need to relax. Talk to your doctor, your primary care physcian. The story didn't take into account the folks that really HAVE to take vitamins, or for how long, or family history of disease for one, and not another, for the folks that are overweight and those that aren't. But what the people heard was no matter what your personal issues are you may die if you continue taking something others have taken their whole lives and been better for it. Who knows what else is being reported that is not the whole truth? I know I have actually wittnessed news, was excited to watch it on TV that night, and wow the story was so loosely based on what actually happened I almost didn't recognize the story. The "what ifs" were the highlight of the story rather than the facts that it just wasn't that bad of a situation. Even the interviews were edited to make the story POP. While the sparkle of a well worded story may catch a few viewers, I would rather invest my time in the truth - even if it isn't attractive, or even what I want to hear.
How about you?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the STRIKERS are showing thier support to their coach, and breast cancer surviovor, Diane. They are showing their support by each player making a donation to the cause and wearing pink wrist bands, shoe laces, and socks for the month of October. We are so proud of them.

The majority of kids on Brian's team have played together for years so they and their parents have become good friends of ours. This team has supported many causes over the years where instead of getting trophies or having a pizza party at end of season, they spend Saturdays or a day during the week collecting food/clothing for the homeless, serving in soup lines, and even doing some free yardwork for folks that cannot get out and do for themselves. Congratulations Strikers! We are so proud of you and the well rounded young men you are!

Brian in goal. Score this week! 5 to 2. We won! yay!

Wave Petunias in September!

2011-09-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Who woulda thought that I would still have wave petunias at this time of year? I bank on this season as being my mum bloom time...but I've got extras blooming this year! The cannas are doing great, the mums are coming along, and those wonderful wave petunias are great! I've been blessed with a good bunch this year as I've never had them last this long into the season! I bought them in KY at the Country Barn. I've always had healthy baskets both that I made and they pre-made.

September 15, 2011

Chocolate Bacon?

2011-09-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so what made me create this intersting combo? Well, apparently chocolate covered bacon is a delicacy? I have looked all over for it, short of ordering online, I decided I would help curb the boys' (and Best Bud's) curiosity. I made some at home.

I melted some milk chocolate in my own homemade double broiler!

I dipped the cooked bacon in the chocolate, then put it in the freezer for a few minutes... Then we all tried a piece.
Cory and Best Bud liked it. Brian was on the fence. Sweetie and I - YUCK!

Grand Champions - CHS Wildcat Band! Congratulations!

2011-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today - the whole day was dedicated to our band member - CORY!

He has put in a 12 hour day, and wow! It paid off!

Today, at Montgomery Central High School, there was a band competiton for area bands. 11 bands participated: West Creek High School, Sycamore High School, Rossview High School, Dickson County High School, Clarksville High School, Kenwood High School, Northeast High School, Reidland High School, Northwest High School, Montgomery Central High School, and Austin Peay State University.

Kenwood band had Edward Scissorhands conducting for them! While Northeast had Elvis!

Congratulations CHS Wildcat Band for willing the GRAND CHAMPION Trophy, and 1st place in Band Large Class, Percussion Large Class, Color Guard, Best in Class, Overall Field Commander, and Overall Guard!

Embarrassment is a powerful motivator.

2011-09-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Teenager and responsibility. Responsibility is moved up a notch when a teen moves from middle school to highschool. (whether they like it or not) Cory learned such a lesson this morning.
Picture it:
6:30 a.m. I ask the boys to make sure they have everything this morning.
Get a yes out of both of 'em.
6:45 a.m. Time to be at the bus stop. 5 minutes to bus arrival. I ask Brian if he has his lunch and all homework...I get a yes. Cory - I ask if he has all his band stuff (tonight is the first game of the year) I get an annoyed eye roll and a yes.
7:49 a.m. Text message comes in from Cory, "Mom - will you bring me my band shirt? I left it on the bed, bring to band room. We have a pep rally this morning. I need it in ten minutes."
7: 55 a.m. I pull into the parking lot, and sprint toward the band room. (just knowing a little face will be watching for me.) Hallway full of kids, no Cory. Stick nose in band room -no Cory. Look down hallway - still no Cory. I spot the band director and attempt to hand her the shirt. She looks at me, looks at the shirt, and blows a whistle around her neck.
The kids that weren't already in the band room (to include Cory) come piling into the room from everywhere like cockroaches. I try to slide the shirt to Cory - no can do. The group is now in a 10 nice orderly lines, evently spaced. Everything is quiet.
The director introduces me to the group. "Everyone- we have a guest today. This is Mrs. Hunley. Cory's mom. What do we say to Mrs. Hunley?"
At this point, the group is now staring at me, and all together they say, "GOOD MORNING MRS. HUNLEY!"
I smile and repeat the greeting. Then the director asks me what do I have in my hands? I answer that it is Cory's band shirt.
She then calls Cory to the front of the room. Cory comes to the front where he is asked, in front of everyone, who's responsibility it is to bring their band shirt to band. Cory answers that it was his. She then looks at the band and asks them. They also answer that it is their responsibility.
Cory now has said shirt in his hand and he has this flush to his face. I'm sure mine matches, but I know his is worse, 'cause I get to leave and he has to stay. Thinking this is over, I take a step to the side. Cory thought the same thing, cause he was already four or five steps back into the security of the group, when that director brought him back to the front with a, "CORY! WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOUR MOTHER?".
The room is quiet, Cory is back looking at me like he would rather take a thousand beatings than be where he is right now. I get a mumbled "thank you" and he turns again. Did the Director let that go? No!
"Cory! What else do you say?" He turns once more and looks at me. "THANK YOU!" he says very loudly.
Much to Cory's dismay his director is shaking her head and waiting for Cory to say something. Poor Cory is at a loss. (I must admit, I too was wondering what else he needed to say). She then calls for Cory's band partner to come to the front.
The group parts, so another embarrassed teen can come to the front. The director looks at him and at Cory and asks him to enlighten Cory. The friend looks at Cory and loudly whispers, "tell her you love her!"
The color leaves Cory's face as soon as it came. Oh, the torture. He turns, "Love ya."
Not good enough for the director. "Cory- tell your mother you love her and MEAN it."
I have to admid, I was feeling for him at this moment, cause as a teen you don't wanna blurt that out.
His friend then punches Cory's arm and says, "go hug your mother."
Cory hugs me and loudly announces that he loves me to the whole group. The band director then tells Cory to come prepared to class, and for the group to help him remember.
OH boy! I'm thinking he will.....

2011-08-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here there are Bible stories in Mosaic.

This angel is gorgeous!

Lots of work, the colors, sizes and shapes, its just beautiful everywhere you look!

Look at the stunning red mosaic tiles in this corridor!

Stunning!

I think I may have to print some of the pictures, they would make a beautiful display!

Mosaics - wow! The Cathedral in St. Louis is full of them. Thousands of millions of pieces each placed by hand into the walls, ceilings, and floors. I truly could spend a whole day there. The peace of the building and grounds isis a treasure beyond the beauty of the structure inside and out.

Stained Glass Windows in the Basilicia

2011-08-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Stained glass windows are admired by many; as well as myself. So, when we visited the Basilicia I had to try to capture as much of the stained glass as my camera would allow. The colors are just beautiful.

The Cathedral Basilica of St.Louis

2011-08-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I had a three day excursion to St. Louis, with best girlfriend to her old stompin' grounds. St. Louis is a beautiful city, and I look forward to going back. There were many things we didn't get to go see and "do" due to the heat. Ick! It was 101 the first day and the heat index was 109- 111 per the local news. We found things to do that involved airconditioning. The first place she took me was to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis .

After finding a nice shady spot to park next to the Basilica we were ready to explore! Since it was still just after 8am. the morning shadows kept us cool as we walked around the outside and admired the architecture of bygone days. The limestone (which I later found out was brought in from Italy) was standing firm, and the detail was impressive considering the time in which it was cut and molded into the beautiful building we can enjoy today. At the top we could see the large green tile dome of the cathedral.
Tours are free, and at designated times of the day. Since we were too early for a tour, we wandered around and marveled at the massive mosaics on the ceilings and walls. We were told that there are over 41,500,000 pieces in more than 8,000 shades of color. The information man at the front told us that on May 1, 1907 the Archbishop Glennon broke ground for the great cathedral.
The quiet atmosphere and peace that envelopes a person walking around this big beautiful testament to the life of Jesus and the Catholic faith is well worth taking time out of your schedule when touring St. Louis. It was nice and comfortable, and history just leaped out at us through the pictures. There are public bathrooms there and a great museum downstairs that tells the history. The gift shop is full of treasures from artists around the world. They welcome photography - just mind the folks that are there worshipping. There were a few there to pray down front when we first got there, but before I made it through the first right corner of the building, they were leaving. This gave us more places to photograph. Most of the time you don't need a flash, but I did use it on occasion. I took many pictures, but will include a few below for you to give you an idea.

And the fingers flew!

2011-08-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last week we got to go watch Cory play the keyboard with the CHS band. As his fingers flew across the keyboard the cosmic sounds of 'Firefly' echo'd across the stadium. In front of him, his fellow pit crew -some with double mallots in each hand banged out beautiful melodic chimes on the xylophones. Behind him girls with purple banners twisted and twirled through the air, the horns, trumpets, flutes, and clarinets gleemed and moved to and fro as they boomed out their own metallic blast. The quick rat-a- tat of the snares, and the deep 'BOOM BOOM' of the big drums brings back our own high school memories. The students marched and stepped in and out from around each other with military precision. They were great!

Back to School

2011-08-20T01:02:00.000-07:00

Listening to IPOD and texting...while shopping for shoes! Total teenage package!

6th grade here he comes!

Freshman year!

Cory's new shoes

For the first day of middle school, our 6th grader was jazzed, excited and could hardly sleep the evening before. He was up at the bus stop 20 minutes before the bus was to be there (just in case!). Our incoming highschool Freshman sauntered out of bed with enough time to get cleaned up just enough, throw on something that never made it to the drawer or closet, but was clean, grab a snack and head out. His biggest worry is girls. (Shhhhh!) He has been at school most of the summer already as he tried out for, and successfully made band. Marching and jazz. In marching band he plays xylaphone, and jazz he plays the keyboard. Being involved in band, he has been all over the school, and has made friends with several upper classmen so he is not worried at all. However, for his first day, he has to be at school extra early (6:30 am) to prepare to play for the student welcome party in the gym.

It's that time of year again! Back to School. While other parents were running around buying notebook paper and that special 3 ring binder, I was out looking for new tennis shoes for our boys. Now that they are young men..they don't wear kids shoes anymore. This means mens sizes - and prices.

I'm sure I've mentioned before, how different the boys are in everything. Shopping is no different. Cory is capable of in and out shopping, if his size is there. (he is very laid back and most of the time doesn't really care about what he wears) Brian on the other hand, is a shopper. He likes to look "GOOD". Fashion is very important and his wardrobe is planned - daily.

Brian's Puma's

Thankfully, I had done some research and based on selection and price we were able to narrow our shopping down to just two stores. Cory found some Reebok high tops, and Brian found some orange Puma's.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These!

2011-08-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

As time flies by faster every year, I wanted to take a moment and go back in time. The blanket in the picture below was originally made by me for Cory. (Cory was not a blankie kid -but Brian was!) So, the well loved and worn blanket below (complete with holes) and his beloved black bear, Gilbert are/were Brian's most precious things. He couldn't sleep without either one of these as a little baby. There is no telling how many trips across town we made if he left it there! Somehow sweet dreams are made of these:

This precious stuffed dog is lovingly named, "Puppy". This little dog was carried everywhere by sweet Cory. YES- I'm letting the internet world know that Cory does have a soft spot for this sweet dog. We ended up buying a second one of these dogs as a standby so if one was left behind, we had a back up!

Sigh! I feel better. I do miss those days....

Another 20 years ago milestone celebrated....

2011-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

On August 8, 2011 Sweetie suprised me with these flowers and a loving note thanking me for being his girlfriend for 20 years! I, likewise remembered the day, and prepared a special dinner for the family, but forgot it had been 20 years! Oh my! :) Yes, we shared it with the boys. It's important to do that.

Here is why I feel that way: 1. So many of their friends parents' marriages are being attacked ending in misplaced trust affairs, seperation, and divorce.

2. They need to know that Sweetie and I promised to never use that word (divorce)- EVER. We promised each other in front of God, family, and friends for better and worse. That means we both promise to work hard to keep our marriage strong.

3. Structure for the boys. This way they know things may not always be perfect, but tomorrow is another day, and with God at the center, we can survive- and succeed!

4. Most of all - we hope to model a good family structure. Hopefully, prayerfully this will help them as they grow and make choices, to not make hasty, rash decisions. To work hard, (it takes two) on relationships with each other, friends, and family, and one day their spouse.

The Blue Owl Restaurant, Kimmswick MO

2011-08-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday I got to have a special lunch with Best Bud, her mom, and her sister. We went to a restaurant called The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, MO. Kimmswick is a little town that has all sorts of artists that sell crafts out of their homes right in the downtown area. This gem of a restaurant is right in the middle of all the action!

This comfortable restaurant offers amazing customer service, and everyone greets you with a smile. The food is fabulous! I ordered a small strawberry salad with Romaine and Iceburg lettuce, Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, fresh strawberries, and candied almonds! The poppy seed dressing was to die for! It was so great! Come to find out they are famous for it! I know why! It is delicious!

For dessert, I ordered the peach pie! Yummy! Oh! I love peaches, and since I hadn't eaten any this season, I couldn't help myself!

Look at the height on this Caramel Apple pie and the Levee High Apple pie! I've never seen so many apples in one pie before! Awesome!

St. Charles Missouri

2011-08-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I got to visit a beautiful city along the Missouri river, one that is proud and ready to tell their visitors all about the interesting history of the pioneer city. This city is called St. Charles. (Best Bud and I were there to dabble in the views and shopping) It was the first capital of Missouri.
The roads along the historic district are brick, in various sizes, so your tires will let you know when you are in the heart of it all. Off to the left you can see the Missouri river, and on the right you see streets filled with dated majestic and humble homes. Inside of these various old business buildings and homes, you will find many of the areas treasures made by local artists, antiques for learning about, and several you have the option to purchase.

We parked next to the old mill, where a once working water wheel still sets against the left outside wall. The morning shadows slowly back away to revel a small dining area nestled in a grove of gnarled trees. If you get a chance to shop in this wonderful area of town, keep in mind that most of the shops don't open til 10, or 10:30 am.
The first shop we popped in (they opened early!) was The Flower Petaler.
Oh this is a wonderful shop. On the windows walking up to the door were some beautiful wreaths. Thinking this was just a flower shop, I figured I would be in and out quickly. BOY, was I wrong! First off, there were several rooms and two upstairs! The first room was full of fall arrangements. These looked real! Wow. There were lots of pumpkins, gourds, little squirrels, acorns, and bronze, orange, and deep yellow leaves scattered amongst various arrangements. Not really needing anything for fall, I moved on into the other room, oh! This one was full of very rich colors, deep reds, and such. The next room was full of greens, so many shades and styles, I really spent some time looking around. My best girlfriend found an arrangement she wanted in this room. Hooray!
Wandering around we discovered there was also jewelry, scarves, and some antiques purchased from local estate sales. Yeah now I'm jazzed. Snooping around, with help of a great sales lady, I found all sorts of neat items I was interested in. There was even a Christmas room, with all sorts of trees decorated up and any ornament imaginable available. The nativity scenes, and ornaments, and the nutcrackers were beautiful and affordable. Upstairs, I managed to find the sale area, (go figure huh?).
Leaving the store, my friend and I both found an arrangement we couldn't leave without and a few other little items too! Score!
For lunch, we decided to try Lewis and Clark Restaurant (http://www.lewisandclarkrestaurant.com/). We had great service, and the food was great! I got a grilled feta chicken and side order of alfredo. Delish!
So, if you are ever in the St. Louis area and want a great historic shopping/dining experience, please consider stopping by St. Charles. The people are friendly, the food is great, and eye candy is just everywhere!

Look at the towns first church/school house! The wood is laid vertical instead of the typical horizontal...hmmm. Very interesting!

Happy 14th Birthday Cory!

2011-08-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Cory! We love you!
Sleeping in, hanging out with friends and family, his cake,& presents - all in all was a great birthday day!

Jawbreakers from Candy Kitchen

2011-08-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

"AWESOME!" is what both boys said when I showed them the homemade jawbreakers that I brought back for them from the Candy Kitchen. While both were excited over them, they tried all sorts of ways to get these things in their mouths! Hello....jawbreakers...

Sometimes just the pictures alone - say more than I ever could write!

Crown Candy Kitchen

2011-08-02T02:52:00.000-07:00

The Crown Candy Kitchen was one of the stops Best Bud said I would enjoy. WOW! She nailed it. That was the best chocolate malt I ever had.
If I ever get to bring Sweetie and the boys, two can share a malt or shake and have plenty!

The Crown Candy Kitchen was opened in 1913 and is still run by the same family today! Walking into the amazing on the corner, candy store, its like you stepped back in time.
The wooden whitewashed booths, and the Coca Cola collectibles and little jukeboxes on the tables, whisper of days gone by. There is a huge candy counter where they display all sorts of chocolates that are still made right there!
As I perused the selection, I knew to try to hold onto chocolate for the next couple of days without it melting would be quite the ordeal so I settled on bringing back to huge jawbreakers for the boys to enjoy. (Now that I'm home I checked out their website..We can't order chocolate until September due to the heat!)
If you would like to look them up check Crown Candy Kitchen out at: http://www.crowncandykitchen.net/

Tools for Imagination Then & Now - Lego's and Lincoln Logs!

2011-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do ya have any of these laying around your home? We do! Ever since we bought the first Lego set for the boys years ago, we all play around with them.

See? Over time, we have a couple of baskets like this that move around our home. It is full of flat pieces for fortresses, or stations, or planes, automobiles, you name it. We even have some Transformer type stuff too. Its fun to sit around with a few of these pieces and create whatever comes to mind. As the boys get older we don't quite get the time to fiddle with this like we used to.

Here is what Brian and I put together a couple of nights ago. Lately, its been sporty stuff, but not to long ago it was a star wars fighter plane, and a Lego race car too. We vary!

See? A little soccer stadium.

Remember these? Yes, I still have mine. GO ahead, laugh. I loved Lincoln Logs! I keep these around for "old school" times as the boys like to put it! The box is long gone, but the imagination isn't!

Wrought Iron Mirror Re-purposed into a Memo board!

2011-07-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, Best Bud and I went to a city wide yard sale in Kentucky. The townspeople lined the streets selling all sorts of things from socks, to Tupperware, to old and non-used items. It was HOT. We utlilized the shade trees and stayed as hydrated as we could so we could visit as many yards as possible. We didn't pick up much this year, as quite honestly, there wasn't much there we wanted or needed. However, we did come away with a few things. One thing I came home with was this wrought iron frame. According to the owner it had once held a mirror, but once that broke, she decided she was finished with it. When I saw it, I thought 'project!'. I've seen all sorts of things done with old frames, so I figured an old mirror would work too, right? One of the neat projects I had seen was to string wire from side to side and use it as a memo board.

I bought some wire and some cute little, and colorful clothes pins at Hobby Lobby, enlisted some help from Sweetie, and voila! I now have a really unique memo board that can hold all sorts of things from pictures, and tickets, to a recipe, ect.

Here is the finished project. Pretty neat, huh? I love it when I can get a project started and finished fairly close together! Now, to just get it hung so I can use it!

American Pickers

2011-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

American Pickers is a show that comes on the History Channel. Sweetie, the boys, and I watch it weekly. If you haven't watched it before, its about two guys named Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz who's base of operations is in Iowa. The show follows them as they scour the country's junkyards, basements and barns for hidden gems. Basically, bringing little bits of history, out for us all to enjoy. They have all sorts of tips and recommendations for the beginner picker. They will buy a rusty, broken down bicycle for $40.00, fix it up (although sometimes its better left alone), and re-sell it for $300!
A part of American Pickers has come to Nashville, TN. Mike Wolfe just opened a second store here! It's called Antique Archaeology. 1300 Clinton St., Suite 130(Marathon Village),Nashville, TN 37203. There are all sorts of things in there from the shows, although the folks working in there told me that they had lots more, just Nashville keeps buying everything they bring in!

Email: nashville@antiquearchaeology.com

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am – 6pm

Sun. 12pm – 5pm

Mike is coming back to restock the store in the next two weeks, so be watching! I know I am! We plan on going back as I would love to see more things. Sweetie suprised me with this trip! Next time I plan on bringing Best bud too!

Bad Day at the Burger Joint

2011-07-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

"Service with a Smile!" A bygone saying as well as an action also, it seems. Now before I get on my soap box here, I understand that there are still a few places that give us genuine customer service from the moment we arrive at their establishment. Thank God for them. Frequent them, and compliment your courteous public servants. I can also hear excuses. Well, it was busy. Yes, it was. Perfect opportunity to shine! Why is it we excuse bad behavior? Oh, she must be having a bad day. Okay, what about me the paying customer, who that if I don't come in, you will really have a bad day 'cause you won't have a job! What happened to treat others as you want to be treated?

I've worked several places where they wanted their people all smiling, looking customers in the eye, helping those customers get what they wanted, and not settling until the customer left satisfied. We were instructed to smile even if we had lost our puppy before coming into work. Personal issues were to be left in the parking lot, not to be addressed with our co-workers, much less the customers!
We visited a store where the associate was so busy telling her co-workers about her creep of a boyfriend that she missed two sales I knew of, one that patiently waited awhile, gave up and left, and myself who wasn't willing to waste my time. Finding no one else to help, we left.
Today, I encountered some unhappy people. A local burger joint, during lunch rush. This poor girl and her crew must have struggled to come in today. Little did I realize that amusement was just minutes away as I stood in the snake shaped corral en route to the register. The first gal, well she was upset because her register was running out of tape. Another was stressing vocally because one of her little worker bees forgot a customers order.
Poor starving man - just standing there watching everyone else trickle by him with their food, glancing at his watch. He only gets an hour people - and that includes drive time from and back to the work site. He's gonna choke on those nuggets you just handed him. Wait - you forgot his sauce. Oh he is irritated. Giving up he will just eat dry, dry nuggets. Maybe there is some excess grease in there he can wash it down with. Silver lining (sorta) - the man got his money back. Not an apology, not a I'm sorry smile, just "I'm not the one who took your order, but I'll give ya your money back." SIGH.
Oh! They are opening another register. JOY! Uh- no. This one must have a rash for how many times he tried to inconspicuously scratch. Eww. I feel like I'm in Vegas at those little roulette tables praying my number lands on something other than him having to touch my food.
BAM! Prayer answered, the girl with register tape issues, that yells at the preparers in the back is the one that we get the pleasure of interacting with. I smile..sometimes that's contagious, nope not working. We place our order, (BTW Sweetie isn't smiling either) and a few minutes later our food is plopped down on a tray on the counter. It looks like our order. Could it be?
No one is addressing us. Well, I only get an hour also and the majority has been used up wondering what the regional manager would think. We took the food and, yes it was ours. It was fine - we got what we expected (the bar was low), but it will be awhile before we venture inside, or visit that drive through for that matter.
What is so hard about cracking a smile? There is some little saying about how it takes less muscles to smile than to frown, so it's not like someone can claim laziness here. A smile is universal. Generally, it is welcoming. Sometimes, depending on the person, it can make ya wonder what mischief they are planning. Don't you agree that your experience is better when folks at least act like they care?
Don't get me started on folks that cannot count change back. Watch a cashier sometime that you give change too, after he/she has in put a certain amount into the register. If they lock up, and give ya the deer in headlights look, prepare for instruction in the basic math principle of subtraction. If they don't have that digital number handed to them, there is a melt down getting ready to happen. The paperwork required, the amount of management staff that has to re-configure the machine, and the basic math called subtraction which is apparently out of reach for some of our youth today, when the amount input into the computer isn't what the customer deserved back? Oh Where, oh where has customer service gone?

Broken and Beautiful

2011-07-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=piWcIRtsnhU

Stained Glass Windows by Daniel Doss band is one of my favorite songs since Daniel first shared it with our congregation a year or so ago. It talks about how with each of life's blows we shatter, and how God picks us up and makes stained glass windows out of our lives, more beautiful than they were before.
When one hurts and is experiencing the pain of being shattered, it is hard to see the good in it. God moves, and He fixes everything.

Sushi class @ Salud Cooking School in Whole Foods

2011-07-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Sushi. In the last 3 to 5 years I have developed a fondness for this food type. Just hearing the word years ago brought raw meat and visions of worm infested stomachs. I know, dramatic. I've seen the TV specials, on the dangers of eating raw sushi. (In this class I learned that in the states our sushi has to be frozen deep freeze style in order to kill off any of the bacteria.)
Now I know that there are many vegetable varieties as well as cooked food variations of sushi. Yummy!
When best bud and I got there, I was anxious. I'm not much of a seafood person, and I wasn't sure just how much of this raw stuff I would have to handle. (Poor Sweetie, who is way less tolerant of fish than I would have just politely excused himself)
The teacher was friendly and chatted with our class of 10. We learned how to cook our rice, what type of rice to use, how to make it sticky enough to adhere to our seaweed wraps. We made vegetable rolls and yep - raw seafood rolls. (and one with cooked crab).
We learned how to assemble and then finally roll them. That was really great to learn. Best bud was kind enough to keep the rolls that I made with the raw stuff in them. We made so much there were to-go boxes for everyone there.
Oh, we even made a roll called inside-out California roll. That was one where we had the rice on the outside of the roll instead of inside! It was fun to see it completed.

The teacher asked me at the end of the course if I liked it, ('cause she learned that I don't like the raw part) and I told her it was great! I like to learn how to make things new - even if no one in my home will eat it with me.

Red, White, & Blue

2011-07-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year that the firework stands open up across the city, state, and our country. A couple weeks ahead of the big Fourth of July festivities allowing folks time to get their own "sky show" planned out. Folks gather for picnics, and family gatherings. A fireworks show is so symbolic. I hope that each American this year takes pause to thank God for our country.
Living history as most of us remember September 11, 2001 I will never forget the feeling of horror, sadness, and loss as I watched along with everyone else the tragedies of that day. Our flag still flew! That feeling still comes back to me each time I see our flag waving in the breeze. Such a symbol of strength, resolve, and honor. I also recall in the weeks/months following a renewed determination by all Americans to stand by our flag, our country, our beliefs. There were millions of flags sold during that time. So many that factories couldn't produce them fast enough.
Since that time, many more lives have been lost, and honoring our soldiers and their families have become all the more precious to us.
The family and I watched a special on the history channel this weekend on Francis Scott Key, the author of our country's National Anthem. I took mental and physical notes so I could share this with you because nothing disappoints me as much as watching Americans on television asked about our country's history and they don't know, understand, or remember facts. Listening to the laugh track that accompanies such a segment I am even more disappointed. I am sketchy on some things too, so I try to refresh my memory from time to time.
Francis Scott Key: I remembered studying him in school, but had forgotten that at the time he was watching the battle from behind the British ships that were firing upon his beloved city and home; Baltimore, Maryland.
The back story here is that Francis Scott Key had been asked to negotiate the return of a local doctor and friend, Dr. William Beanes who was being held captive on the British flagship the Tonnant.

Flying a flag indicating truce, he boarded the Tonnant to speak with Gen Ross about releasing Dr. Beanes. The British agreed to let him go when finding out their comrades that had been captured were being treated well by the Americans. However, due to the battle going on they were guarded and ordered to wait until the battle was over behind the British fleet. Can you imagine, poor Mr. Key having to sit out there helpless in the water, and watch his city being bombarded by cannonballs? After 25 hours of listening to gun fire and cannonballs imploding, suddenly there was silence.
It was still dark, but daylight was coming. Mr. Key and his friends watched and listened with great anticipation. Still nothing. However, when "dawns early light" first started peeking through the clouds, they could see the huge American Flag flying in all its glory over Ft. McHenry. What a sight to behold! Doing some research I found out that the flag was indeed huge measuring 30 by 42 feet. The British had retreated, and the battle was won.
This moved Mr. Key so much that he took a letter out of his pocket and started writing down the various sights, sounds, and experiences that had and were occuring in these moments. It is told that he finished his poem once he was on land again. Aren't you glad he did?
Since I can remember I have jotted down experiences as they happened to me and my family; little notes all over the place, on whatever I can find to write upon. So, I totally understand Mr. Key.
History books tell us that copies of the poem were distrubed and the popularity of it swelled. It was adopted as our national anthem on March 3, 1931. This part I had forgotten also as I can't believe how long it took for that to happen! Mr. Key never dreamed that in the 21st century we would still be reading/singing those words that have come to symbolically mean so much to so many. (The Star Spangled Banner)
Happy 4th of July everyone! Best wishes for another safe and happy year, and a heartfelt thank you to all the soldiers who bravely defend our freedoms!

(thank you Google for helping me in my search of how big the flag was that flew over Ft. McHenry,
and www.answers.com/topic/francis-scott-key)

Summertime Fun

2011-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

During the summertime the boys actually have time to play video games. Now that the Redbox is renting games, we are able to try a few out to see if they would really like them before purchasing. Since most of the games the kids want are in the $50 range we are thrilled that we can rent some games now for $2.00 a night.

Last night after finishing up yardwork we picked up and put the game Michael Jacksen The Experience. Basically there are several hit songs off of his various albums that you can learn the dance moves to. It can host up to four players. (If Sweeties back wasn't so pitiful, you can guarantee he would be involved in this!)

There are instruction videos, and then you are ready to begin. Now, you can be Michael Jacksen, or one of his back up dancers. Following the moves of the character you pick can be challenging, and fun!

At the end of the song you get rated, star power as to how well you did. Cory got 4 stars and Brian got 3. Me? You know I tried it. Okay, so I never said I had my groove on! I got one star. I am proud of that star!

Maybe this will help us with our flash mob status. I need more practice. It gives the boys a good laugh, and me some more exercise. So far my favorite is Thriller! The boys like Bad, and Beat It. Time will tell, there are more songs than time we had last night!

Rocket Ship for Sasha

2011-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Brian got creative a couple of days ago and took a cardboard box and created a rocket ship bed for Sasha.

She even has different colored control buttons at the front! She was very polite and spent some time in there, but when it came time for a real nap, she settled into her good ole reliable bed.

Happy birthday Grandpa!

2011-06-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my dear Grandpa today! He is 83 years young!

Full Bloom in June!

2011-06-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful thing watching the boys each with a lawnmower, mowing our yard together. We finally got some rain over the weekend, and after ignoring the lawn last week, we attacked it with a vengence today.
Pulling weeds, doing some edging, little weedeating and some trimming, things are looking great! The day lilies are in bloom with pretty little pops of color scattered throughout the yard, and the petunias in baskets on the porch are showing off! I even have a mum that is blooming over by the mailbox! Happy June!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. Dad's are so important in a family. The leader of the family. Growing up, my memories of my father are fuzzy at best. There are more things I remember that I would rather forget. However, over the years, I'm working on improving my relationship with him.
Sweetie's dad? He and I have had a great relationship over the years. He has been there for a friendly word of advice, a great bear hug, and loves completely. With a wink of his eye he puts you instantly at ease. He tells ya like it is, and serves his church and community humbly.

To my Sweetie! You rock as a Dad! You have and are making a difference in the life of our boys daily. An active Dad is a treasure. The boys love that you coach soccer games, that you lead us in church activities, and help us maintain a safe, healthy, and happy family.
We love you!

CYCOCycle

2011-06-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is the new CycoCycle. It looks like a tricycle without handlebars. The boys love it. Well, Brian a little bit more. Cory seems to think that its too much like a tricycle. Yesterday just for fun when we were out on errands we stopped in Toys R Us to check it out.

Without handles it requires balance that's for sure. I was told you could hold onto the seat as a type of handle. Apparently there are many ways to ride this thing.

I looked up the website on the new toy, and apparently there is no "born on/created date". There is a story about a child at an orphanange that got one of these a broken tricycle and he used it as it was. Maybe someone used that to re-create the tricycle. What do you think? Oh, and this is bigger than a normal tricycle. Lots bigger for bigger kids! LOL.

Vintage Clean Up Job

2011-06-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of years with the job market being as such, I've had to be creative in order to help Sweetie get bills paid.
One of my favorite jobs was cleaning up and cleaning out an old home after its owner died. The owner had a daughter and she wasn't interested in anything the house held. NOTHING! Can you imagine? She didn't even want to come down (she lives out of state) to go through the house first. She wanted to hire someone to go through and the house room by room and document what was in each room. She then wanted the rooms cleaned. (here is where I was hired). Me and another lady showed up and cleaned for almost 5 days straight. This was a five bedroom, three bath home. Once all this was completed, we were to then go and make a list of what was there. We did. We faxed the list and waited 24 hours. She called back and asked us to get things ready for the auction folks, and the rest was to go to Goodwill.
While this was a daunting task, apparently it was too much for the lady that started with me, so I got to go it alone. Each room was full of suprises. Antique quilts, racks for them to be displayed, old hankerchiefs, toys, telephones, buttons, shoes, everything. It was just crazy. I loved it! The old photo's called to me, but since I didn't want to spend days and wasn't paid too, I moved on and just stuck all that stuff in a box.
There was also a full shed, full of tools, canning jars, ect. That was the most challenging for me, because it was hot and spiders were everywhere.. I ran out several times just knowing something was crawling on me...ick!
It didn't take me long to document everything. Next was to walk through with the auction folks and let it be. Then the women who hired me sent a check and all was well in my world.

The boys were involved with a Saturday game and full afternoon so I missed the auction, I wonder what went and what didn't.

Summertime = Camp Memories

2011-06-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cory and his ninja buddies at camp in Land between the Lakes last week!

The boys had a week of Bible study, games, swimming, and cicada lullabys.

Lots of memories made!

Game Night

2011-06-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last night we hosted game night in our home. However, we only ended up playing a game that we all got hooked on in Costa Rica. Phase 10. After working hard in construction on the Abraham Project in Costa Rica, in the evenings after we had dinner and devotion time, we would break out various games to play together. This was a game we kept coming back to. I've been told its like Rummy. Ive never played Rummy so I don't know. Basically, each player's goal is to complete and lay down the current phase, and then rid their hand of remaining cards by discarding them on laid-down Phases, called "hitting". The player who does this first wins the hand and scores no penalty; all other players earn penalty points according to the value of cards remaining in their hand. This can go on for hours as folks try to keep their scores low and complete their phases. We played until almost 11pm last night. We invited over all the folks that were part of our late night group in Costa Rica. We laughed, teased, and updated each other on our lives since the trip. The winner most of the time while we were in Costa Rica, was not able to be with us last night as we attempted to pick up where we left off. We missed you Nikkita!

So now we have a new winner and she can hold that title til we meet again! Yay for Yolanda! (funny thing was she had dubbed Brian her little good luck gnome and had him sit with her for several hands until she got the hang of it.) Throughout the evening if he walked off she started losing, it was funny. Near the end of the game, we all took turns rubbing "the little gnome" for good luck!

For Nikki : the gameisms last night were:

the BOB tattoo (explanation later)

and

"I'm collecting 12's"

"pass the Twizzlers"

and also

"these twizzlers aren't sour"

"can we use 2 skip cards as a set?"

and lets not forget

"Strategically speaking..I have to skip you"

Strawberry Jam 2011 STYLE!

2011-05-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

Aren't the strawberries pretty? A couple Saturdays ago I went to my favorite local strawberry patch and had a great time! I so love inhaling the fresh strawberry scent at the strawberry patch. For the first time in 5-6 years, the patch was not muddy! Hooray! I went in my trusty boots anyway!

I picked all 8 gallons in one row!

This is one of my favorite activities all year. I usually get the pleasure of picking with friends and my sweet boys. This time however, they were all busy, but this was the day I set aside, so I enjoyed alone. As the morning went on more and more people came out to the patch to pick. ME? I like to get out there as early as I can! To watch the morning "wake up" the countryside is a beauty to behold. (I guess I'm a country girl at heart)

It was fun chatting with different people. (one recognized me!) We discussed recipies and how long each of us had been coming to the patch. This particular patch I've been coming to for 6 seasons!

Once the berries are picked and washed, we move onto the stem removal. From there it is time to cut up the berries. The boys favorite part is the smashing of berries. (its an opportunity to get messy and productive at the same time!) Even the mess that I clean up is worth it! The whole house smells of summer - this is one of my first signals that a new season is soon upon us. Next step is the canning part. We have to cook the berries and work in some Sure-Jell and add some sugar!

Cory was suprised to learn that we had 67 jars that needed lids and rings! (can you believe it caught that look?)

This takes up the majority of my day when I commit to Strawberry jam, but its okay, I love it, as it reminds me of time spent with my Grandma years ago making it for the family. Today that is my job, and I take it seriously.

The Final Countdown of Elementary School Days

2011-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sigh. The last two weeks of school are bittersweet.

While we are so proud of our boys, it is kinda sad to say goodbye to familiar things and move into the next chapter of our lives. We are now parents of a middleschooler and a highschooler. WOW! Where has the time gone? All the 5th graders at Sango Elementary had their big promotion day Friday. There were videos of the kids saying what they wanted to be when they grow up. (yes, Brian still talks about being a dentist)

They showed pictures all the way through the years. Ah, the memories. Today, I will pull into car circle for the last time. This time has passed so quickly. I managed to catch Brian's baby picture on the big screens before he went up to get his certificate.

Here we are right after the ceremony. While the kids had to dress up, Brian made it a point to look as "GQ" as possible. He picked everything out. He is growing up so fast.

The Go-Kart is Running!

2011-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! This weekend the final touches to get the gokart back on the road were completed! Uncle Glen came up for Mother's Day weekend and helped get the engine working again. Sweetie got two new tubes put into two tires. We got those back from Rural King yesterday!

Strikers Spring 2011

2011-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Our little man's first soccer picture!

Awww.. he's growing up!

Saturday, the Strikers had their final game of the Spring season. They ended their season with 7 wins and 2 loses. The least aggressive player succeeded in scoring his first goal in the last 4 years, and the crowd went wild. This sweet, meek little boy turned into quite the aggressive player and finished the season out with 4 more assists on goal!

Our favorite soccer player scored 4 goals this season and assisted on 7.

This season was a tough one, but the boys growth and character shown through. They encountered dishonest refs, teams that cursed, and talked trash on the field. We are so proud of their stellar behavior, and upstanding behavior in the face of adversity.

Many of these pre-teens have grown up together and it has truly been fun watching them work their way through from age 4/5 to current 11/12. Next season they will play on yet a bigger field and be stretched some more!

Spring Arts and Craft show at Centennial Park

2011-05-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

TACA (Tennessee Association of Craft Artists) hosted their 40th craft fair this weekend! For the last three years, a precious friend and I have made the short trip together down to Centennial Park. They charge no admission, and the parking is free. However, my friend and I donate every year! We look forward to this annual event with much anticipation.
For anyone who loves having all their senses stimulated.. this is the place for you! (Fall fair is September 23, 23, 24, and 25). Saturday it was raining some, but we weren't gonna let some steady sprinkles keep us away!

The first thing that we enjoyed were some baby geese with their mom walking along the stream. They were so cute! Centennial park is beautiful from the wildlife and the amazing parthenon, a big locomotive, and several walking/running trails. Eye popping color was everywhere, it was so pretty! Next thing I noticed was the wonderful smell of kettle corn. There were all sorts of vendors selling food, the tempting smells called to us through the who event.
Eye candy galore was everywhere you could see. The brightly colored booths offering all sorts of goodies lovingly made beckoned us for a closer look. I have a few favorites I enjoy visiting with each year. One of the artists weaves her own (very soft) wool hats and scarves. She has her loom on site and often you can "catch" a demonstration. She showed me a new technique she learned, and it was fun to be recognized by her.
Another friend of mine from highschool has a booth where she shows off the beautiful beads and jewelry she creates in her workshop in Cumberland City. Pottery, wood crafts, photography, stained glass, paintings, and creative metal yard art made out of all sorts of parts!
Below is a picture of a small piece of yard art I bought this year. (massive amounts of eye rolling by Sweetie)
I love it!

I was told this turtle is a birdfeeder. I love the fork feet and spoon head/tail! This creative artist also had a huge praying mantis that doubled as a hose reel! (If I could have photographed it I would). This gentleman is so talented. I wish I could share a website, but he isn't online yet!
We spent a few moments chatting about "being gone" when your creative juices are flowing. I understand. It is neat to share creative vibes with another artist. I so enjoy writing, and am exploring other outlets as well.
What do you like to create?

Nashville Predators Round 2 of the Playoffs!

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

This blog is a little overdue! Easter Sunday our family got to be a wittness to NHL history! We were so excited! The boys and Sweetie got their faces painted, we all waved our rally towels and cheered our Nashville Predators to victory and into the history books as they played their way into Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!

Rinne - our goalie he was rockin' every puck that came his way! YES, (see photo below) the yellow horn thing from the Olympics? Yep there were two of 'em tooting their way through all night long.

See, everyone was standing up and screaming for the last 8-10 minutes of the game waving their rally towels! LETS GO PREDS!

Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators!

Spring means Nests!

2011-05-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

This year we have a momma bird that has taken it upon herself to build her nest in a very interesting place. This one is in the boy's clubhouse in between the legs of their telescope!

See?

This dainty little nest is in one of my petunia baskets on the front porch.

This robin and her mate take turns sitting on the eggs in her nest, perched also on the front porch, but atop the corner cabinet.

Field Trip to the Adventure Science Center

2011-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

As the last days of elementary school come to a close for our family, I'm cherishing every moment. The class parties, special lunch dates in the cafeteria, field day, science fairs, PTA meetings, class plays, field trips. Over the years for both boys, I've spent as much time as possible being involved in thier schools.
This fall our oldest will embark upon his highschool career; while our baby will move onto middle school. This is a different era, one of independence. This is bittersweet for me.
When this last field trip of the year came up, I was thrilled that Brian wanted me to chaperone. (I realize that time is closing fast, as Cory informed me if I helped with his end of year dance at middle school he would just die.)
We boarded buses and left for downtown Nashville. I was blessed and got to de-board the bus due to overcrowding. (yes, I said blessed! The fumes and the noise level that pummels you from all sides as the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round - I volunteered to drive myself!) What about sitting with my elementary student? Nah, he was hangin' with his buddies, I was to sit up front with the lunches. No thanks. I wasn't missing any bonding. I thoroughly enjoyed the peace en route to said destination. (and appreciated it even more once we were leaving!)
Once inside, we chaperones were given huge stickers to wear on our shirts to identify us to the children. Let me paint the picture for you. We had a little over 70 students! I had 7 very energetic 5th grade boys. We had a set amount of time to complete each section of the center. We also had a workbook that we had to fill in our experiences and answer some questions relating to the topic. (I enjoyed this as much as the boys did, it took away from us having fun!). We got most of the blanks filled in, and yes, I helped them with their answers so we could go play a laser game where we fought germs to keep a body healthy. We were the only group that got to do this, and were quite the envy of some other groups. We learned about our weight on earth versus our weight on various planets, how to check our blood pressure, and what foods to eat, and how metabolism works. The boys really enjoyed learning how to shoot off a rocket, they each got a chance to do that, and weightlessness. All in all it was a wonderful experience, and my son and I had a great time together.

This is only six of the boys, the seventh one was visiting the bathroom. I couldn't take as many photos as I wanted cause they moved so fast, and we had those workbooks to complete!

This is in the planet room where we all took turns seeing the differences between our weight here on earth versus other planets!

Google sponsors a booth that was a hit with all the kids! The kids could run their hands across this sphere and they could zoom in or out all over the earth!

Spring 2011 Recital

2011-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today was Cory's piano recital. Six years of playing piano paid off today. It was so beautiful. Yes, as a parent no matter what noise your child makes is beautiful because you are proud. Today was different, this was his last one. He has been working on his music for almost a year. He even played another song selection for the fall recital so that he could have more time to practice for this one.
This morning, he showed us what he can do! He played The Entertainer by S. Joplin, and then he treated us all to a musical treat. He played The Wild Horseman by Schumann, arranged by Hunley. Yes, there it was in black and white on the program (arranged by HUNLEY!). He has been working on adding his own touches to the music for a while now. Yes, today I burst with pride watching him tickling those ivorys! The children all played well, and it was such a treat to the ears!

Cory and his piano teacher, Mrs. Magnuson

Cory with a proud Grandma and Grandpa Hunley

You go Cory! We are so proud of you!

Happy 17th Anniversary!

2011-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

On April 30, 1994 at 2 in the afternoon Chad and I exchanged vows in front of friends and family. We were so excited! We had no idea what our futures held, we just knew we wanted to spend it together. Seventeen years later - here we are living our future! Two different yet complimentary personalities trying to figure it out to the best of our ability. This picture is one we took in a photo booth after his graduation from basic.

Baskin Robbins 31 Cents Scoop Night

2011-04-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well, the annual .31cent scoop night has come and gone once again. Each year on the last Wednesday of the month of April from 5pm -10pm you can get a scoop of icecream for 31 cents! Due to weather around here; our small group cancelled, so we were free to partake this year! (Next year, I need to remind the group!) When special friends called us to come to dinner, well - we suggested where to go for dessert! We spent a whole $2 and some change for all four of us to get a couple scoops of icecream! (although, I think the guys got three scoops!) BTW, three scoops is the limit one can get for 31 cents each. This is a great promotional event to add to your calendar! Usually on this evening they raise funds for a charity. I wasn't able to pick up any information from our local Baskin Robbins as to what we were supporting this year (everyone was so busy!). They did hand out coupons for Mother's Day icecream cakes though!

A Lifetime of Memories

2011-04-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

My Grandparents were married over half a century. They traveled, had children; and excelled in their careers. (Grandpa retired at Kellogg’s, Grandma- she was a secretary for the local school system). Grandma died in 2006 of a stroke, Grandpa having recently been diagnosed with dementia has been moved into an assisted living establishment. His days are now more scheduled, and he has the help he needs as he moves through this stage of life.

For the past few days, I’ve been helping my Aunt and Uncle clean out my grandparent’s home. Over 60 years of memories have been dusted off, wiped down, washed, and even pitched in some instances. Room by room, we have gone through boxes, drawers, under beds, a shed/workshop, garage, and through closets. Once a room was emptied of its contents, it was cleaned.

My Uncle spent today working on starting/maintaining all the machines. There were a couple of tractors, a riding lawn mower, a couple push mowers, a truck, 2 cars, a motor home, and some trailers that needed some maintenance. Tires had to be aired up, trailers pulled out of the mud, new batteries installed, oil & transmission/fluid changes all around.

I was in the house with my Aunt cleaning up and mostly cleaning out. With much laughter, tears, and sharing of “remember when’s, or “did you ever meet so and so?” echoed off the now empty walls. We sorted their lives into three categories: Trash, Keep, and Give Away.

Tonight, my body physically aches from the demands I have forced on it these last few days. My heart is full - I have unearthed lots of family history, and the emotional drain leaves me sleeping well at night.

Amongst the board games I played with for as long as I can remember, is now one of the most treasured things of all to me: My Great Grandmother’s Bible. If I walked away from this experience with nothing else, I would be totally satisfied. The notes inside are insightful. She loved the Lord, and has written out several of her favorite verses, and sermon notes in the margins. I look forward to gingerly spending time reading both the verses she found comforting/convicting, and gaining her insight as I get this small glimpse into her relationship with the same Lord that I love.

As I reflect over this time, my conscience is pricked. What will my children find, going through my things one day that will mean the most to them? What "thing" will show that I cared about it most?

A Teenage "Joke" costs more than you think...

2011-04-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

When your child hurts, you hurt. Our 13 yr. old recieved a text from a "friend" saying that he was being released from the hospital. Cory asked why/what? The other kid said that he and two other of their friends were involved in a hit and run by a drunk driver. With tears running down his face, our oldest looked at us and told us the details as the texts came in. We all stopped what we were doing and prayed for everyone involved. Details came in by the sentence, two of the three boys were in ICU at Gateway, hit and run, drunk driver, one of the boy's mom's was driving she was hurt also, but released. One of the boys wasn't wearing a seatbelt and went through the windshield. Horrible, vivid details. Our child was emotionally hurting, we hurt together. These boys are at our home, and Cory is at theirs our lives intertwined. How quickly things can change.
Brian had a soccer game this morning and so we headed out and planned to go straight to the hospital after the game. Poor Cory couldn't look at anyone and kept his hat pulled down so no one would see the tears.
The game couldn't be over fast enough.
Imagining the worst, we stepped through the doors to the hospital. The information folks couldn't tell us if anyone was there by either name. I thought maybe since they were under age I couldn't find out, so I desperately started searching my phone for other parents numbers. The ones I got in touch with hadn't heard about the accident, but wanted to know how they could help.
The boy that was texting Cory, Cory had his mothers number so he called her asking her what room the boys were in . She said it wasn't a good time and she didn't know where her son was to call back later. I thought maybe she was overwhelmed with her child being hurt, so I asked another nurse if she could check the ICU list. She did and didn't find either boys name on it. She was real sweet and called out to Ft. Campbell hospital and a couple hospitals in Nashville, coming up empty each time.
Poor Cory, he just sat in the floor of the hospital with his head in his hands. He wasn't understanding why he couldn't find his friends. Helping him up, and walking him towards the car I assured him we would catch a break somehow, someway.
We did, several minutes later when Cory got a text saying: "It was a joke, we are sorry we never thought you would take us so seriously."
WHAT? Stunned silence got us home. Cory texted back to his friends that his mom didn't think that was funny. (your dang skippy I didn't!)
After speaking to Sweetie about the whole thing, and the rest of the parents on alert to bring food, pray, ect. We talked about how to best handle this whole horrible experience.
Just as we had made our minds up, my phone rang and it was the boys mom that Cory called earlier. She was calling to apologise for her son's behavior. Apparently he had let another boy type those messages out to Cory. He was very sorry for his part in it, and was sorry he had disappointed me.
I didn't say much to the young man, just that I needed to speak with his mother again. She and I discussed the situation, and she was sorry that her son had disrupted our day and hurt Cory so terribly. She just couldn't imagine how he could be involved in a prank like this.
This mom and I will go together here in the next couple of hours to the parents of the child that was texting the lies and let them in on the "joke" of the day.
I share this not only because it affected me and my family, but because of the ripples of hurt and concern it caused for others. This has given Sweetie and I the opportunity to remind the boys that anything that goes out of their phone is their responsibility, don't loan your phone out.
I know that kids will pull stuff that makes parents shake their heads in exasperation, but I believe with all these new electronic toys, internet ect that our children have at their disposal, puts them in a whole other realm of danger from our childhood. These electronics come with responsibility, and I'm glad to see at least one other parent that is willing to make their child accept theirs.

Dunbar Cave State Park

2011-04-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sasha loves it when you ask her if she wants to go for a "ride!".

Sasha "talking" to the ducks.

Turtles!

This morning Sasha and I took a short drive over to Dunbar Cave park. We walked the Recovery trail and the short loop. It was a great outing for both of us. We saw lots of birds, a chipmunk, and yes - she chased any squirrel she could see. We both took a long drink of water when we were finished. It was a great morning!

Sasha is Three!

2011-04-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

On the day my friends and I picked up Sasha to bring her home, we found out she had been born the first week of April. She was the smallest puppy in the litter. However, her personality and determination were bigger than the rest of the pack. She was also the only puppy without a tail; although the little bump thats left wiggles big time, along with the rest of her.
This little 6 pound rat terrier, full of personality, has wiggled her way into all our hearts. As anyone who ownes a pet knows, the daily unconditional love they provide us is priceless. Little miss Sasha keeps us all laughing too! Silly little dog.
Today she enjoyed half a vanilla cupcake, a chicken jerky treat and many naps in the sunshine on the back porch!

Happy birthday Sasha!

Taking the good with the bad..

2011-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

As life moves on we all go through a series of changes. We recently had to bring a family member down from another state to live here so that we can care for them.
Responsibilities that I honestly never thought about. When a family member starts the process of dementia, and experiences the struggles with altzimers, it affects everyone.
Going through finances and organizing accounts, all the while helping someone that used to help you is quite humbling. This person is still respected by you, but due to the aging process is not in control of themselves as they used to be. Now you are the one making decisions, and its hard. Its really hard when they experience moments of clarity, think they can take care of themselves, resist you, then a few minutes later forget the conversation/actions ever happened to begin with.
I got the privalege of caregiver this past week, and while my heart aches, I am so glad that now he is close enough (distance wise) for me to help him. Scheduling and watching the therapist come in and run him through a series of exercises snapped me back to watching another family member doing the same thing. The pain from that is still fresh in my mind.
So far, he still calls me by name, although I know it won't be much longer and this too will be taken from him.
I treasure the times of clarity, and conversation. Time is draining out of the perpetual hourglass faster these days it seems. I wish I could plug it, keep my family close to me; to somehow cheat age and have things go back to "normal".
"You have to take the good with the bad", that is what I heard the whole time I grew up. As I get older, I understand a deeper meaning of that. Somehow I know this is true, as these things are all beyond my control, but I don't have to like it!

Travelocity Gnome goes to Costa Rica

2011-03-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our Travelocity Gnome goes with us all over the place! This time he took pictures with Jason & Kerby our missionaries, with David , next to a coconut, on the beach, with Van, hanging out with the guy driving the cattamaran boat, and sitting with the pineapples.

Sky Lanterns

2011-03-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

I started this blog back in January, and for some reason never attached the pictures, so we get to look at this in March.
We first discovered these Sky Lanterns back last July when we went to my Aunt and Uncles for July 4th. We let one go then, and it was so much fun.
We couldn't find any more after the 4th, so we made it a point to go looking for some when New Year came around. We bought 8 of them, in different colors! I know.. but we really think these are neat.
In many Asian cultures it is considered good luck to release a sky lantern, and many believe they are symbolic of problems and worries floating away.

While we all made a new year wish, we don't put any stock that this lantern will grant it. However, as a family activity its fun. The fuel cell inside burns out and the thin rice paper dis-senegrates into the thin air, a a small piece of paper if that falls to the earth.
Yes, there are several of these that are not safe, they have been known to start fires, eeks! Since Sweetie is a former firefighter, he made sure that we were far away from everything, that there was not a big breeze and that no fire touched the ground or anything else for that matter.
Happy New Year!

Here Sweetie and the boys are ready to release the sky lantern. We only let one go this time. It was pretty cold and wandering around in the dark wasn't as much fun as one would think. So it looks like we will have more for fourth of July!

Costa Rican Coffee

2011-03-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

When we toured Phase II of the Abraham Project in Costa Rica, we found some workers picking coffee beans. He agreed to a picture and humbly showed us what he had picked so far that morning. We found out that the workers only make around $1.25 per basket of coffee beans. Each time we have gone to Costa Rica we have had requests to bring back some of the coffee. Since we aren't drinkers ourselves, we don't appreciate the taste of a strong cup of 'joe'. Everyone seems to enjoy the coffee, and we don't mind bringing back something special to our supporters.

Since the coffee beans in Costa Rica are grown in the volcantic soil. The chemistry in this produces remarkable tasting vegetables, fruit, and coffee.

Our missionary friends told us that if we take one of the red coffee beans and squeeze it slightly between our tongue and roof of our mouths a small amount of sweet will come out in our mouths. It took me a few times as I had to resist the urge to chew them. Ha!
What I tasted was a stretch in sweet, but I can see how that perception was formed.

300 Calorie Meals - Pork, Onion and Pepper Fajitas

2011-03-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

In Sweetie and I's effort to drop some excess weight we have taken on a Biggest Loser Challenge set up by Sweetie's workplace. One of the tools they gave us is a Betty Crocker cookbook called: the 300 calorie cook book. We are taking the challenge seriously. I must say that I am truly loving cooking these yummy meals full of flavor and staying within the calorie count we are allowed each day.
The pictures I uploaded was from Pork, Onion and Pepper Fajitas.
1/2 pork tenderloin
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
5 medium bell peppers (any color thinly sliced)
4 fat free flour tortillas (6-8 inch)
Trim fat from pork, but into 2 1/2 inch strips. Mix pork, lime juice, cumin, salt and galic in heavy duty resealable food storage plastic bag. Seal bag and refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24.
Remove pork from marinade; reserve marinade. Spray 10 inch skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add pork; cook 3 minutes, stirring once. Stir in onion, bell peppers and marinade. Cook 5 to 8 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until onion and perppers are crisp tender.
Place 1/4 of pork mixture in center of each tortilla. Fold one end of tortilla up about 1 inch over mixture, fold right and left sides over folded end, overlapping. Fold remaining end down.
You can serve it with chopped tomato sprinkled with fresh cilantro, salso, and fat free sour cream. It is so yummy! This meal is only 250 calories!

Soccer Season is Here!

2011-03-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day! The temps flirted with 80 degrees, the sun was shining and there were thin wispy clouds scattered across a baby blue sky. 14 boys ages 11 & 12 are stretching before going on a mile warm up run. Its the first day of the spring soccer season.
For an hour and a half the boys scrimmage and run drills while all the parents catch up on the latest amongst ourselves. It is something to see how these boys have grown over the past 4 years. Several of them have played together longer than that. We have watched them mature physically, as well as in their position on the team.
There are several new kids, as well as parents. It was really fun to watch as the new kids interacted with the boys that already knew each other. Even more amusing were the adults with the newcomers. To see who chose to break the barrier, to discover who belonged to whom and who didn't.
Yes, this afternoon was wonderful. The boys had a good practice, and will suffer through another one tomorrow, as they prepare for the first game this Saturday.

Friday is FUN Day!

2011-03-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

WOW. Fun day was Friday. We got up early, and were on the bus by 5 a.m. We drove for about 2 hours, stopped for breakfast on the way. It was a Costa Rician buffet, with your rice, beans, fruit, and piece of bread. Neat thing was the area around the restaurant. While everyone else scoped out more souveniers, I went outside and explored with my camera. I found some beautiful flowers, and landscaping as you can see from the pictures. Behind the restaurant, one could go hang out with a toucan, and step into a green room with a butterfly. Being a butterfly enthusiast, I was excited but disappointed as it was small and we only found one butterfly, but did find several cocoons.
The roads to Tortuga Island were curvy and wound down the mountain - not for the faint of stomach. We were rewarded with some beautiful views, and the excitement grew as we saw water. The sailboats, and fishing boats were everywhere. We parked the bus and took a beautiful hour and 20 minute ride in a party boat out to the island. On the boat, we were treated to all the fruit juice, water, and soda we could drink. The staff also walked around the boat with platters full of pineapple, papya, and watermelon. It was wonderful! The water had various shades of blue depending where you looked. The landscape was dotted with little islands, each with a personality of its own.

Soon we could see brown beaches, tall palm trees, hammocks, and little boats on the island. YAY! Let the fun begin! We were then escorted off the boat and ushered over to some shade covered tables to get the schedule. For the wonderful price of FREE: we could ride the bananna boat, and snorkel! We also had the option to ride horses for $10 each. Wonderful!

We signed up to do all of the above. While waiting in the 90 + weather, our captain informed us of a sizeable earthquake in Japan and a Sunami warning for our area. We were all amazed as we hadn't seen TV, or heard the news all week. Saying a prayer, we each scouted off to do our thing! The boys and I headed for the water, while Sweetie checked out the island.

Our first activity was the bananna boat. With Jason & Chad in front of and behind me strattling this yellow rubber boat, I was confident! The boat pulling us started off, and wow did we bounce on the waves! It was like riding horseback in the surf! As we bounced across the waters, we slowed down only to go faster, which is when Jason informed me this was where we would go fast then jerked over to the side! I laughed, but it was too late! Into the water we went. We eventually climbed back on and bounced back across the water to the beach. I was thrilled, another activity I wanted to do off my bucket list.

Are you ready for this? The captain blew a conch shell to get us to come to dinner. It was neat! Our appetizer was chopped tilapia cooked in lime juices, with some red peppers and onions. It was wonderful. Sweetie and the boys passed it up, can you imagine? Salad was served next with some cooked noodles, and carrots, and some cucumbers with some sort of sauce on it. It was good. Again, the boys and Sweetie ignored the food. The main meal was rice, (go figure) with grilled chicken coated in coconut. This they ate. I did get another treat though.. I got to drink out of a coconut! I was disappointed, I thought the milk would be thicker. Oh well, another thing to check off my list! We had an amazing day..

Playing Soccer with Diego and his Family

2011-03-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday was our last work day, and while we were sad it was over, we sure are excited about our fun day!
Today when we left the worksite, we left the ground level around the playground, we had sanded and painted several posts for the fence to go around the playground. It was hard to say goodbye to the orphans today. There were many who grew quite attached to their favorites!

Tonight we have been invited to go to play soccer with Diego, our bus driver and friend, along with his family! We are all excited, and ready to play!

Sharing the Christ with Costa Rica

2011-03-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today was my favorite day by far. To immerse myself into the culture like we did today was the heartbeat of my life. I was in my sweet spot. We made sack lunches last night at Jason & Kerby's that included: 1 black bean and butter sandwich, a granola bar, a bottle of water, and a Spanish/English tract that explained the plan of salvation.
Diego, our wonderful bus driver, dropped us off several blocks from the market and we spent the better part of two hours passing out lunches, and sharing Christ with the folks while they ate. There were many that grabbed their bags eagerly and ran off like a starved puppy, while others just quietly told us thank you. The few we got to "chat" with were such a blessing to us.
Before going today, I prayed several times to God to please show us who to give the bags to, to put the people in front of us. One in particular was a shoe shiner. This little bent old man works hard all day for pennies on the dollar, is looked upon as dirt, and often dismissed in society. He was wearing a tattered white button down shirt and some dirty brown pants, and white tennis shoes, the wrinkles on his face were deep, but his eyes still had a sparkle to them. He was so thankful, he grabbed our hands and just kept saying "thank you, an answer from God." That was so cool! I wondered had he prayed for someone to come to him today? And if he did, was that our purpose? Oh my!
My hurt bursts for these people. I have been around many nationalities, and yet the Costa Rican people just touch my heart. I find myself in tears often as I feel their burden. The streets were busy today with people all around. Each with their own purpose and goals for their lives. I wish I could come back to Costa Rica and work downtown the whole time. Just walking the streets and sharing Jesus. Oh my heart is heavy.
Due to our safety we were not allowed to bring our cellphones or cameras. I wish I had my camera several times, not to take photos of the poor, but to capture the heart of the city, the architecture, the beautiful flowers being sold super cheap, and the masses of people.
To all that read this blog that partnered with our family to serve on this trip, I humbly and gratefully tell you, "Thank you!"
On a lighter note, I also wish I could have captured the boys feeding and chasing the pigeons in the center of town square, the whole team enjoyed watching the carefree, joy of two boys just enjoying the day.

Day 4 - Painting with the Orphans

2011-03-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

This morning I shoveled dirt into a wheelbarrow and transported it to the playground. I made about 3 trips, and was told I had another job to do. It was the best job EVER! I got to help the orphans paint their hands and feet for pictures for supporters of the project. Cory has made friends with Isaac shown in his picture and Mainor (not pictured) he is getting a painting done with Isaacs and Mainors hands on it with his.
Brian and Roberto are buddies so they made a painting together also.
I just love watching these kids play together. What a wonderful mission journey.

Monday in Costa Rica

2011-03-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

Today we went to the Project and toured the grounds. So much had changed since early January, when we were last here. The ditches that were dug, and the septic tank areas were all leveled off; the soccer stadium walls are higher now, and there is more of a circular shape to the outside of it. The wood shed area where we all pulled nails is now covered by a metal roof. A team that came in last week built the children a beautiful playground. We are so excited.

Part of the team worked in the daycare area until lunch time, and the rest cleaned and painted metal poles for a new fence that will run behind the playground area as there is a steep drop off now, and just a small wooden picket type fence.

This morning was my time to work in the daycare, and it was so much fun. Today’s story was about Jonah and the big fish. We taught children age 4 up to 14 today. They had a coloring page of a fish and got to decorate them with stickers too. The children were all precious, and so much fun to be around. That time went by so fast!

When we were finished working it was time to go to Hiper Moss which is Costa Rica equivalent to Walmart. Here is where we picked up coffee for several people at a fair price.

Tonight, Jason & Kerby are coming to have dinner with us at Franco’s and then hanging out for devotions.

My heart sang praises today as I watched our boys working. Cory dug holes and picked up scrap lumber, and he cleaned fence post. Brian worked with wheelbarrow toting dirt from one place to another, then spent some time swinging a pickaxe to break up the dirt; he also cleaned and painted fence posts.

I look at their tired dirty faces, and am just so thankful to all that partnered with our family to help us go back to Costa Rica. They contribute so much and are hard workers. Many of the college students complimented the boys today.

Costa Rica Day 1 & 2

2011-03-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Around 2 am this morning our family roused ourselves and drove to Nashville to board a plane bound for Costa Rica. Yes, this is the second time in 49 days. Why? Because it was GOD’s will. I really can’t explain it any other way. We prayed for financial help, and man, when ya ask God for a blessing.. HE Pours out to Overflowing! Meaning the boys debt was paid for and I mean to the penny! The boys are with us! We are so jazzed! We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this week!

We have the privilege of leading a team of college students this time. It is the beginning of spring break for them this weekend and these young people have many choices as to where they spend it. This group, they are passionate about sharing Jesus’ love to the Costa Rican people.

Our flights were great and once again we found ourselves hugging Jason & Kerby (our missionaries)! Arriving at Franco’s, we were embraced tightly by our new friend. He really enjoyed meeting the boys.

We brought down some special gifts for Franco, and boy was he excited! He was given a Hard Rock Café shirt from Nashville, (he collects them) and a beautiful chef’s knife. Franco was speechless for awhile, turning the knife over in his hands, feeling the weight and smiling over the shiny blade. Kisses and hugs were exchanged, what a precious time.

Then our group loaded the bus and headed to the Abraham Project for services with the youth. We sang songs in Spanish and in English. (Our part was more Karaoke than in tune, but God understood our worship!) The next part was a huge treat! It is called a marionette. Basically a play without words about how a person gets lost in sin and as they allow more sin into their lives, the more they are chained up, and burdened. They showed this person getting into drugs, smoking, pornography, and alcohol. Then they showed Jesus coming into this person’s life and changing it, releasing them from the chains of depression, possible suicide, and dependence on drugs and alcohol. It was beautiful. One of our team members got it on video, I hope he posts it soon, if he does, I will put a link up so you can see it too.

We ended our evening with devotions and prayer. Once we were unpacked.. it is update time then precious sleep! The temps are okay tonight, there is a breeze coming through the window…and if you know me at all, yes! I brought a fan!

Day #2. Church this morning was great! I just love worshiping God with other people groups. Love for the Lord shone on every face. Brandon expressed his message well, and translation was smooth. It was a full house. It was really amazing how much has changed at the Project. There is a new playground that was built just last week, and where we dug trenches that is all filled in and finished.. just beautiful.
This afternoon Sweetie and I were able to watch our boys interact with the orphans. It was a beautiful thing. Language differences were not a problem. They played soccer, played guitar, blew bubbles, showed them how to play with a yo yo. Precious moments today.
This evening we went over to the mall and got to experience Costa Rica icecream. I had pineapple. YUMMY! It had small pieces in it. The coconut was good also. Sweetie and the boys played it "safe" with chocolate.
We are now back at Franco's and just finished up devotions tonight. What an amazing group of young people. WOW this next generation has it down! We are humbled, and honored to be working side by side with these amazing young adults.
Please pray for us this week. That sun is HOT. God is so good. Time will fly by. God has chosen each of us for this trip, there is a purpose for each of us. We are so excited to discover what God has in store for us!

Barf Happens!

2011-02-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

So here we are 2011, it's that time of year! What time is it? MERGE! Relevant Student Ministries of Grace Community Church, and ONECHURCH 6th grade through 12th get together every Wed. night at St. Bethlehem Christian Church and worship God. It is an amazing thing to watch the next generation, taking their relationship with Christ to a new level! Anyway, one of the activities they participate in every spring is called. MERGE. Each grade level is divided into boys and girls and each group stays in a different home, has Bible studies, gets together to worship, eat, ect.
We have been a host home for three years now. This year we are host to 8 sixth grade boys. Sixth graders are an amazing group of kids, they are still fresh from elementary and are just beginning to develop into teenagers.
So tonight at 830 we start praising God through song, then listen to Michael Bayne share scripture, then sing some more. What a treat! To watch, listen, and participate with teens that love the LORD, is just well AWESOME!
Once bags are in the trunk its time for transport to the host homes! yay! Heading down the road we chat with them about the sermon, the music, who's their favorite group, ect..and one of them, the one behind me starts coughing. I ask if all is well, "yes!" Okay..it wasn't.
Let me just share something with you. The sound of someone getting ready to launch their supper is universal. There is no mistaking that sound. That sound DEMANDS immediate attention. When you hear that sound, adrenaline kicks in, and you just jet. Not when you are in a car you don't. "Bbbbbaaaaaaaaaappp!" Warmth runs down the back of my neck, and my left arm, and the smell.
I'm driving so if I abandon the car, its not a good thing. Sweetie is in the passenger seat and whips around to see who is now laughing and feeling much better. I don't have to turn around. I know who it was. OH YEAH! I pulled over. Every second that passes the juices are sinking ever further into my seats, floorboards and my clothing. The boy? He is fine. He is cracking up. Sweetie is telling all the kids to get out, and for me to go on ahead. We aren't but just a few houses from ours, so I hurry home with the windows down, to see what I can get out of the car. Before I can pull away, I hear, "I only get sick when Im up past my bedtime." I laughed, yes I did..Oh MY; it is only the first night! Ya know, it can only get better from here, right?

"On the Old Side of Young"

2011-02-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Yes. I don't know about you, but when I was a child, I remember spending a lot of time thinking and dreaming about how things would be better once I was older. Ya know, dress like I want, cut my hair or not, stay out late, watch whatever I want.
Typically, I discovered that with age comes more responsibility, not so much freedom. At twenty one I was in school and kicking around marrying Sweetie, so that flew by. By twenty five I was married and expecting our first child, living in a seperate state from any family. Life just kinda kept moving at a steady pace and surged forward with a new energy necessary once our second son arrived. Thirty just happened, somewhere between potty training and kindergarten. Thirty five was just a couple, okay three years ago. Now with an 11yr old, and 13 year old, Sweetie and I find ourselves sitting in Clarksville High School's cafeteria getting information for our upcoming freshman! WHAT? In a few weeks, we get to sit through orientation for middle school with the little one. Time moves fast.
Sunday, while involved in informing others about the Abraham Project in Costa Rica, several of the college kids, (born the year we graduated highschool) asked how old I was. Without pause, I get the response, "You're not to bad for an old person!"
Me? Old? What? I laughed in a vain attempt to cover. "I'm not old!" The response was even more amusing.
"Well, you are right, you are just on the old side of young." Smirking, I asked for the definition. I was then told I had "about maybe 7 or 8 more years before it was official."
Now I'm truly laughing. Ah, well. It's actually okay. While I enjoyed my 20's, I remember the frustration, that in between age where you are grown up, but not really. You may be old enough to drink, but on the other hand you can now also go to grown up jail! Folks don't take you seriously, and you have no job experience except for little stuff. You finish up school and now with a piece of paper, they expect you to "go it on your own". Hmm. Getting married, children, job...then life starts and doesn't quit moving. Suddenly you are in your thirties and you have some experience, you actually don't mind someone calling you, "Mr. or Mrs so and so." You are responsible for bills and these little people that call you Mom and Dad rule. You enjoy watching their sports, and suddenly you start to understand a whole lot more about loving someone more than yourself.
I've been told by some precious friends of mine, that 40 is amazing and has even more things to enjoy! It will definately be a different phase, and I can either dread it, or embrace it. So I will do the latter. Besides, most days I really don't mind being, "on the old side of young"! And I figure 7 or 8 years from now, I will feel like I do today, and that is the definition of old changes the older we get!

Mercy Ministries, Grace Gala 2011

2011-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Sweetie and I went to the third Grace Gala Saturday evening. We were so excited about this over a month ago, we signed up to host a table! The centerpieces were put together by a friend of ours, Cathy Boles. She used ostrich plumes and a rotating light to create a beautiful touch to each table!

It was a joint effort to raise money for Mercy Ministries. Here is a link to the website if you are interested in being a part of this important ministry. http://www.mercyministries.ca/
We got all dressed up and went out to the Country Club, had a nice dinner, and listened to different speakers share about the ministry. We were saddened to hear the statistics on how many girls are abused and used for sex trafficking here in the States. We rejoiced with one lady who is a recipient of Mercy Ministries, as she shared with us her life story and how she accepted Christ, and with the help of MM transformed her life.
There were door prizes given away throughout the evening and several gift baskets and donated items in a silent auction that folks could bid on. Sweetie and I won a stay in an Executive Suite at the Riverview Inn downtown!
Along with Mercy Ministries, we got to listen to one of our dearest and best friends, Daniel Doss sing! He shared a few of his songs with us, including my favorite, "Stained Glass Windows". If you get a chance, look it up on iTunes. Its thought provoking!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day 2011! What will you do today? Since our family is saving up for our March Mission Journey to Costa Rica we are conserving our monies this year. Our family plans on having a dinner of porkchops, greenbeans, mashed potato's and rolls here at home. Nice and quiet.
Today Brian has a Valentines party with his class. I'm a little sad to say that over the weekend, I bought my last box of Valentines. (for awhile at least). He groaned over having to write names on the cards last night. 5th graders are too big for Valentines day, he let us all know in no uncertain terms. He did celebrate that this year, unlike other years, he doesn't have to make a Valentine box to put all his loot in. He and Cory discussed all sorts of better ways to spend their day than all goopy over a girl.
This is the way it is on this Valentines day 2011, mark it down, because it won't be long and the boys will have their own Valentine plans, so I need to appreciate having all my Valentines under one roof!

Dinner Around the World

2011-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight we attended a function put on by a local charity group called Mission Clarksville. We were invited to Dinner Around the World.
As we stood outside the dining hall, we made conversation with several new people tonight, also invited to said dinner. Before we could go in, Michael and Regina Hampton (founders) gave us all a small card with a number on it. As they called the numbers, we were allowed to go in. Myself and another lady were given the number 1. We eagerly stood together and walked into the room. (leaving Sweetie in the hallway rather perplexed). Closing the door behind us, she escorted us to a lovely table with a white tablecloth, candles, fine china, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and wine glasses. The air was filled with wonderful smells coming from the kitchen area.Taking a seat, we could hear the door behind us opening and group 2 coming in. Not having seen another table, I looked around to see Sweetie coming in with three other men, they were lead to a small table, not decorated, no chairs, with only a bowl of beans, and a glass of water on it. While group #3 is coming in, our waiter is offering us the choice of vegetable or beef lasagna and a salad. We placed our order, and glanced over to see what was happening. Group 3 was told to "go over there". There was a place set up on the floor with a small, short table, and trash on the ground. The group sat on the floor and watched with group #2 as Stacey and I were served yummy lasagna, a basket full of garlic bread, and a huge salad. We didn't know what to do. It was awkward to say the least. Someone from group #3 said they had a cup of dirty water with a bug in it, and a little bit of rice with grass in it. All sorts of things were flying through the minds of us all in attendance. I smiled at Stacey, as I was becoming aware of what was going on. She, however has never been out of the country or exposed to eating conditions in other parts of the world, so she didn't understand why this was the situation tonight. We both were urged by our waiter who went overboard in helping us, to eat because he was ready to bring out dessert! How badly I wanted him to hush. We could feel all eyes on us and it got worse as several from the different groups came up and looked at our table and our plates. Words of ignorance of the meaning of this event were spoken to us/and about us. I took a few very guilty bites, and swallowed quickly. (all the while thinking that I would have to take poor Sweetie through drive through immediately following this event).
After several grueling minutes passed the Hamptons told groups 2 and 3 to get in line and come be served through the kitchen. Both groups got in line and got their food, we were all told we could talk to one another, but not discuss what happened earlier. Dinner was now easier to finish. During discussion time we talked about the differences and then the statistics of how many in our city, state, nation, and world regularly go without food in their stomachs. We also read the 3 or 4 lines written on the back of the cards we got earlier. Each card had someone in another countries story. Their stories of stuggle, survival,and lack of food/healthcare. Then some kids that work with Mission Clarksville out in the fields to prepare them, plant them, and share the food with local charities and ultimately serve the homeless and hungry; shared their story. It was touching.
Personally, I was amazed at how many of the folks in attendance didn't know that this was a problem not just in other countries-but locally. I can only hope that more people are exposed to an event like this, or open their eyes to the reality around them. While it may be hard to talk about, and uncomfortable to see, it is in our best interest to care for those in our communities that need help.

86 Years Young

2011-01-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were able to celebrate a special birthday. Mr. N. turned 87 on Thursday. What does an 86 year old want to do for his birthday? Go eat at Cracker Barrel! Well, you got it Mr. N!
Mr. & Mrs. N are our neighbors and we try real hard to treat them special all year long, but on birthdays, he is king for the day and she is queen. (although to ask them, she is queen all the time)
These two pick on one another and share a certain respect for each other that has kept them happily married for 60 + years! They never had children, so we, and a couple other neighbors help take care of them.
So, on a snowy, slick evening we headed out. Mr. N enjoys an out to eat experience, because he has cooked for her for years! She is content to keep it that way too!
Happy birthday Mr. N! We love you~!

Mrs. N. a.k.a. The Queen

Picture Favorites from Costa Rica

2011-01-21T10:29:00.001-08:00

Volcano day

2011-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Up at the volcano it was so rainy! But the whole way up it was sunny!

Up at the top part of the volcano.

Look at what we saw on the way up! This was so beautiful.

Chad and I standing next to some of the big leaves on the way up to the volcano Paos. It was raining hard that day, so we donned poncho's and headed up.. unfortunately we didnt see anything but the clouds. I still took a picture of the sign with info about the volcano so I could look it up once we got home.

Kerby told us that Jurassic Park was filmed in Costa Rica! I believe it!

Jason & Kerby's home

2011-01-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

Our team had the privalege of being able to visit Jason & Kerby's home. I could ramble, but I will let the pictures explain!

Abraham Project - Fencing

2011-01-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Jay Adington, Ron, Chad, Scottie, and David all worked on repairing the wooden fence around the small play area by the children's homes. Then they started repairing/replacing the warped fence boards that surround the project.

Abraham Project - Phase 2

2011-01-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Phase 2 was my dedicated project all week. Sure, I helped with nails, I smeared spackle, and painted, but I also was blessed to be part of a clean up project in Phase 2. Aldolpho who is the guard for the Abraham Project, his home is at the beginning of Phase 2. His yard was a wreck with years of trash, wood, and weeds. Day one I was given a machete! Oh my are those things sharp! This is the tool they use to cut their grass and weeds, and as I found out later on in the week, to cut down trees!

First, our team dug out all the trash and put it in wheelbarrows and toted it to another dump site. Then we attacked the weeds and the nasty wood pile. Once the lot was cleared, we raked it and prepared it for the new fence. We dug holes 60 centimeters deep and 9 feet apart. Then we brought up 18 -150 pound concrete posts. We were able to place 5 of these posts this week! Girl power!

Coffee!

2011-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

The bananna trees are everywhere, fresh mangos at our disposal, and coffee bushes are plentiful! Pastor Ron actually was caught hugging one! Kerby told us that if we picked a red bean off the vine, and squeeze it slightly, there would be a little bit of sweet juice we could taste. It was true.

This is actually the walk way on Phase 2 of the Abraham project where they plan to build a new bridge across a stream and two or three more children's homes, and a place for incoming mission teams to stay.

Abraham Project - Septic tank

2011-01-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

Abraham Project - Pulling Nails

2011-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the woodshed with the finished wood that teams before us have finished pulling nails/staples out.

Kerby is showing the team the wood that needs to be worked on.

Dr. Boles, Cathy, Betsy, and Julie prepare a bedframe for repair.

We all pulled many nails and staples out of wood planks this week. This is a photo of one nail that the head broke off and I had to go chase it and dig it out of the wood! I was so proud I photographed this little booger!

The Community

2011-01-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken as we drove through the community. The poverty, the trash, the noise, are hard to portray through pictures. There are bars on all the windows, in the hills homes are stacked on top of each other (much like Brazil). In town, there are bars and gates that enclose homes with constantine wire some with electricity running through to keep out intruders.

Abraham Project - Soccer Area

2011-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

This area of ampitheather seating and dirt soccer floor at the base, is going to be indoor one day. This is behind the community/medical building. On the bottom floor of the building are showers and toilet areas for future athletes to utilize when coming to play games.

What an amazing contribution to this little community! The vision of these people to reach folks in their community for the Lord, is just amazing!