Let's Be CRYSTAL Clear

"It's About Time" Blog is done!

2010-06-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is just coming up and it's wet out, but I'm thanking God for the rain. My veggies and flowers love it :-)

I am thinking: It's been forever since I've blogged. There's just so much more to do in the spring and summer, inside and outside, and there's no time to lolligag, lol!! Is that what this blog is.....lolligaging???? Oh well.

I am thankful for: Sarah healing so nicely, and being able to go back to work! That we FINALLY got to go to the river this weekend. I needed a vacation!!!!!!!! That my hubby went thrifting, yardsaling and shopping with me Friday and Saturday instead of working on the camper. And that we got to go to our River Church Sunday! Hey Enon.....here's who you'll see this Sunday: Paul Hollifield, REI Ministries. He has an awesome ministry!!

We stopped at Bethpage to visit our friend Mike and see his new RV
Yep, it was HUGE and GORGEOUS!!!

The Campground Yard Sale

Mom and Rob selling their wares. Ok, selling my wares!

My bluejean booty from the weekend!

From the Kitchen: not gonna cook today, taking the day off cause it's my birthday. Sub Sammy's maybe.....we'll see.

I am hoping: to get some jeans listed today and catch up on laundry!!

I am reading: 2 more eBay books, trying to find the best record keeping system. Online devotions, The Bible for Dummies.....yes, there is such a book and yes I need it!!!

I am creating: Finally, after over a year of trying to mix the two, I have created an email address just for eBay. Trying to work and play on Facebook just isn't working out for me. I spend too much time in other peoples biness, lol!!! If I were my boss, I'd fire my butt. Oh wait...I am my boss. Consider this a warning Crystal!! YIKES! (She sounds mean!) I have concentrate on work during work hours. Listen to me, I sound so professional, like I have a job or something. Pfft.....

I am praying: For direction for a certain something God knows all about. Wish I could just pick up the phone and talk to Him and hear exactly what He wants me to hear. Wouldn't that be so much easier????

I am hearing: Bobby's fan and my new clock in the living room...it ticks VERY loud. Oh, and birds singing outside. That's the best!

One of my favorite things: Well, the sweetheart roses my sweetheart brought me last night of course!

Around the house: I need to weed, they are taking over my flower bed and garden. All this rain has been good for them too, grrrr!! I'm happy to have more new windows in, only a few more to go and they'll all be done, yay!!! I'm dreaming of my new furniture and floors.......one day :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Gotta work on getting the cards ready for the 8 young men and women that are graduating this year! Wow, haven't had that many in a long time!!!!! Other than that, I hope it's going to be an easy week!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Look who we found at the campground!!
Stacey and Bryleigh Davis!!!

Found this awesome Snoopy at a yard sale for one buck!!!

Just in case you've missed the hundred other pics of the camper ;-)

A new picture mode on my new camera!!

Yes, I stole this picture right off Amanda's Facebook page!
Congratulations to Amanda and Stephen Pursley!
Little Sarah Eden was born yesterday weighing in at a whopping 8 lbs, 10 oz!!
She's PRECIOUS, and of course she has the best name EVER!!!!

"I knew you before I formed you
in your mother's womb.
Before you were born
I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5a (NLT)

Onions Up My Nose!

2010-05-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: What a Beautiful Day! I should be at the river or working outside, not cooped up in my sickbed :-(

I am thinking: I have so much to do! Pictures, Cleaning, Mulching, Fertilizing, Laundry. When mamma ain't well, things pile up....now don't they Sugar???

I am thankful for: Sarah slept through the night, I think. She didn't wake me up anyway, and she's still sleeping!

From the Kitchen: Not much since it's just us girls today. Probably grilled chicken salad for dinner with frozen chicken. How easy is that????

I am hoping: That Sarah has a better day today. That Bobby and Slibs have fun at the race. That I feel like taking the 100+ pictures that need taken for eBay (I do feel a little better this morning, thank you Lord)!! That Rob gets to come home tonight. That's the plan, unless he runs into more problems with the camper.

I am reading: Still doing online devotions, reading a book by somebody (okay...maybe I'm not feeling my best yet....I don't have the energy to get up and get the name of it, lol)

Oh yea, and I just got a new diet book in the mail. The diet Rob and I started last week, where you are supposed to lose up to 16 pounds (LOL) the first week....we both lost 3 pounds, then gained 3 pounds, for a grand total of 0 lost for the week. How sweet. Anyhoo, I had already bid on the book on eBay, and guess what? I won the stinkin thing, after we gave up on the impossible. But I laid in bed last night and read almost the whole book, and saw where we went wrong (the magazine didn't give you ALL the "rules"!!!). Gonna try it again starting today. So if I'm a little cranky on Facebook, you'll know why!!!!!!

I am creating: NOTHING!!!!! I need a break!

I am praying: That the upcoming surgery takes care of Sarahs headaches! I hate it when my head hurts. I can't even begin to imagine how bad she feels. But I do know how bad she wants them to STOP!!!!!

Just so ya know, I won't be blogging during this next surgery like I did last time. First of all, she's only supposed to be in a day or two. And second, it's at VCU. I'm no too hip on taking my laptop up there, too many crazy people around. Not judgin, just sayin.!.!.! I will update Facebook via my phone so everybody knows what's going on.

I am hearing: Well, I was going to say Bobby's fan is all I hear, but as soon as I started typing, he turned it off. So.....now I hear him moving around, getting up. And Rebs banging his tail against the floor cause he's excited that his Bobby is awake!!!

One of my favorite things: Uhhh. Yea. Not feeling this question today. SKIP

Around the house: 5 buckets of jeans in the living room waiting for their picture to be taken. I smell dinner from last night and it STINKS. Bobby brought us Burger King at 10:00 last night. We got out of bed to eat and then went right back to bed. Well I did anyway, Sarah never moved, ate right in the bed! So now it smells like onions in here, bleck!!! Gotta go clean that up!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sarah has pre-op testing and has to see her Primary Care doc for an H & P, so we'll be on the road a few days, then surgery Friday. I really hate that her doctors are so far away but...they are close to some Goodwill stores. Gotta look at the bright side of everything, right???

Mini Devotion: Get Excited!!!! As a Christian, we have so many blessings! God is so good to us. We get excited about so many things. I think about all the people that will be in the stands at the race today. They'll be so excited, cheering on their drivers. Talking nonstop about how great racing is! Do we have that same enthusiasm when we talk about God? What God has done for us is sooo much more exciting than a race could ever be. Yes boys, I know that's hard to believe, but it really is!! We who believe in God are full of hope, joy and peace! Now that's something to be excited about!!!!!

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Rob's Aunt Joan and Uncle Tommy working the Shrimp Feast!

Shrimp Dinner was Delicious!!

I have tonsils in my Spine???

2010-04-19T03:05:00.000-07:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is just starting to come up. The birds are singing. Another wonderful day to come!!

I am thinking: So much to do. Shipping, Listing, Gardening, Cleaning. Yea, I think I'll leave that last one to Mom today. I started doing laundry at 5:00 this morning, but decided that I'd leave that for her and do what I NEED to do.....listing to eBay!

I am thankful for: The VERY little time we had at the river yesterday. Even Bobby, Slibs and Rebel came down. Rebs didn't get to go at all last year. He sure did enjoy himself!!!!

From the Kitchen: Something low carb. Yesterday was a high carb day.....those days are awesome!!! Today....not so much!! Boiled eggs and bacon for breakfast. Probably Grilled Chicken and Broccoli and Cheese for dinner. Maybe Salad?????

I am hoping: To get all my daylillies divided and replanted today. I'm hoping Mom divides hers tomorrow so I can finish planting the ones she's going to give me Wednesday and be done with it!!

I am reading: Online scriptures and devotions! Not much else. Working on that......

I am creating: Purtyful flowerbeds!

I am praying: For strength to make it through this day. The longer I'm up, the more I'm realizing that I'm really sick this morning. Not just allergies like I thought. Feeling feverish and have cold symptoms, bleck!!!!!!

I'm still praying for Sarah. This new medicine hasn't helped the headaches. She does NOT want to go through this surgery. As long as she can stand the headaches, she probably won't have it. If she starts having trouble swallowing, that's when we won't have a choice anymore :-(

We're still confused about the cause of the compression. I've always heard it was the brain stem that is being pulled into the spine that causes the problem. The doctor is talking about her tonsils being pulled into the spine. Weird......I guess that would explain the eventual problem with swallowing that occurs, but still.....WEIRD!!!!

I am hearing: The cat taking a bath right beside me. Gross.

One of my favorite things: My new Jean Warehouse of course!! AND my new Fanpage for my eBay store!! If you haven't already......look it up and join.......CJ's Family Store on Facebook!!!!

Around the house: Everybody (except Rob of course) is still sleeping, even Rebs.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Gardening today. Free eBay consultation for my "business" tomorrow, woohoo!! May have to go to the river Thursday through Sunday to work on the leaky roof.....

Mini Devotion: Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

The way you speak to yourself is as important as the way you speak to others! It's too easy to fall into the trap of negative talk....about our problems, our struggles, our disappointments, etc.

Life is not always easy. Boy, don't we all know that! God has filled us with His spirit to be able to handle the difficult times a little easier. If you're going through a hard time, think on all the blessings you have instead of the troubles. Don't forget that God has blessed us with our health, our families, our homes, our Church friends who lift us up in prayer, and all the other little things that we take for granted every day!

Choose to think on these things, and ask God for help with the rest. Choose your words wisely today.....words to yourself and to others. They have the power of life or death.

Here is the picture I am sharing:

It was so cold at the river that the kiddos slept with their heads under the covers all night. No matter how cold it is though, Bobby has to have a fan. So....with the fan and the fact that we didn't realize the ceiling vent was OPEN, it was freezing in there when they woke up!!

This "blob" is Slibs, sleeping on the pull out couch!!

I took a pic of Bobby sleeping on the kitchen floor, but it it didn't turn out!
(Yes, I said Kitchen floor! Poor fella, lol!!!)

This is where we had dinner. Had to take this picture for Sophie!
They said their Sophie is actually the owners 2 year old daughter. How sweet!!

Bye for now! Have a blessed day, and be a blessing to somebody this week. It's the little things that mean the most!!

Pray for our Children!

2010-04-08T02:17:00.000-07:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: The wind is blowing and it's sooo nice out at 5:00 this morning!!! I'm not going to complain about the coming drop in temps. I've been ready for spring.....not summer!!!!!

I am thinking: I have sooo much to do, but want to start this day with Praise to my Lord and Savior with my blog! The rest will work it's way out through the day.....don't stress :-)

I am thankful for: The fact that my kids seem to be able to know and do what is right MOST of the time. We know several families struggling with the bad choices their young adult children have made. Thank God that even though Bobby isn't in Church right now (but he will be, I have faith!!), he has learned the lessons his dad has tried to teach him about right and wrong, and tries really hard to do the right things. I'm so thankful he doesn't have to struggle with the addictions that seem sooo normal for kids these days.

The 7 sales I had on eBay yesterday. And the 2 sales already this morning! God has really blessed us! I just knew these changes were going to be so bad, but they've actually been sooo good! I don't know about profits, I guess I'll see when my next invoice comes due, how much the increase is affecting me! I really needed a jump in sales just to cover the $43.00 a month increase in fees! Selling an extra 4-5 pairs of jeans a month would cover it, and so far it's working, yay!!!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, not sure. I'll have to rummage through the freezer and see what's calling my name. Maybe the Mexican Chicken Enchilada Dinner I bought the other day. Looked good to us, but we've never tried it before. I doubt I'll have time for a cooking marathon, so frozen will have to do.

I am hoping: To start a new ministry with Rob at Church. We've been asked to work with Angel Food Ministries to provide affordable discounted food to our community and Church Family. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this ministry, and can't wait to start!

I am reading: Still reading scripture and devotions online, and trying to keep up with our nightly couples devotions, but it's sooo hard lately.

I am creating: Space for the 71 pairs of jeans I bought yesterday! 71 pairs for $200.00. THAT was awesome!!!

I am praying: For several families. My cousin Jack's daughter Kim and her husband Clayton lost her twin babies Easter Sunday. I can't imagine the pain and heartbreak. God gained two beautiful little angels, and they'll watch over you until you meet them in heaven. What do you say at a time like this? There's nothing to take the pain away. Kim has always loved kids so much, and I know more than anything she longs to be a mommy. God will honor that wish Kim. We don't know or understand His plans, but we know they are perfect, and so is His timing. God will bless you with more children, and you will be a GREAT mom! Of that, I have no doubt!!!

Also, three families are having issues with their young adult sons. They've made choices that have lead to addictions, legal troubles, and unbelivable pain and hardship for their families. God can turn these situations around, and I pray He will. It makes me so sad to think about how the devil is out to devour our children. If ever they needed prayer, they need it today. Don't forget to lift your kids up in prayer EVERY day! Satan is just waiting to snatch them up and if we're not praying for them, who will?????

I'm also praying for my hubby. His load is never lifted. He has sooo much to do inside and outside of the house, and so little time. Every time he gets one thing done, two things fall apart. He needs a husband, lol!! A FREE handyman househusband!! That would be so cool. Thank you baby for working so hard, with no time just to enjoy yourself. Your sacrifices are noticed and appreciated more than you could know!!!!!

I am hearing: Rebs is laying in the hallway dreamimg, and making little doggie squeeky noises while "running" in place. Too cute!!!! And the birds are singing their hearts out this morning. It sounds so "Springy"!!!

One of my favorite things: Ya'll.....did you know there is a Thrift Store Paradise out there??? On Midlothian Turnpike (Richmond exit), there are 3....yes 3....thrift stores within a minute of each other. And another not far away! Oh my goodness......I was in heaven! Well, until that man came in dressed in his best hooker outfit. Even women hoochies don't dress THAT bad, but that's a story for another day. Anyway, I found the Goodwill outlet!!! Why hasn't anybody told me about this place before??????? I knew it existed, but I didn't know where. They had huge bins full of clothes, and you paid for them by the pound. It was awesome! I got two GINORMOUS bags full of jeans for $40.00! I should have taken a picture for the blog but dude......I was preoccupied!!!!!!!

Around the house: Jeans.....lots of jeans.

A few plans for the rest of the week: No doctors appointments this week!!! Joyyyyyyy :-)
Today I have to plant a couple of veggies in pots, I have lots more, but Rob has to dig up my garden plot this weekend. We were planning on going to the river, then we decided not to, then we weren't sure. I think it still stands at "not sure"! There's so much to do around the house. But.......

Devotional: Worship God from a heart of gratitude for who He is, and let Him speak to you today. True worship creates an atmosphere where He CAN speak to us, and He wants our expressions of praise and love for Him to be as natural and spontaneous as breathing.

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker (in reverent praise and supplication). Psalm 95:6

Here is the picture I am sharing:

We thought for a second about going for the Gangsta...oops, I mean dignified look for Easter:

Sooo cute!

My man makes a mean ice cream and strawberry dessert! It was yummy!!

I know ya'll are just DYING to see my new warehouse/office makeover, lol!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Can you tell a difference? Yes you can!!!! Well....I can!!!!

This is all Rob has left of HIS shed,
Have a blessed day everyone,
and BE a blessing to somebody somewhere along the way!!

And Then She Cracked!

2010-04-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, today is Thankful Thursday. I didn't want to do the usual "fill in the blank" For Today blog that I've been using. Since it's almost Easter, and I've been thinking about how much I have to be thankful for, I thought I'd do a real blog for a change!

I don't know about you, but for me, Easter represents a time of renewal. All that's dreary becomes fresh and alive again. It's Spring...time for the flowers to bloom, time for the weather to change, time for more sun and less darkness. Time (almost) to plant our veggies and watch the glorious fruits of our labor ripen to perfection!!!! I LOVE this time of year.

Best of all, it's time to remember that special day that Jesus rose again......a day that changed our future forever, Praise His Name!! I'm so glad Jesus loved us enough to die for our sins and give us the promise of everlasting life with God in heaven. That is the hope we have.....the promise we live for.....the reason we serve Him....He is (or should be) our everything!!!

Today I am soo thankful for MEDICINES!!!! Sarah has gotten some relief from her headaches with a new med. It's still not a cure all, last night she was in a lot of pain again, but it does help. She just can't seem to catch a break lately. But she is one tough girl, and keeps plugging on....

I keep thinking about what happened in our marriage class Sunday. Catherine was teaching, and she was talking about how hard it was when Mark broke his wrist, and the hospital stay, and trying to take care of everything and being so incredibly tired all the time. And through her tears as she talked about it, she said she thought about me, and how I go through that all the time. Then Donna started talking about how nobody knows what it's really like until you've been there, taking care of a handicapped child. Well.......so of course I cracked like a raw egg, crying a river, grateful that somebody does understand how hard it can be!

But as hard as it can be on me, that's nothing compared to what Sarah goes through. I just want to take all the pain away, I want to give her my legs so she can run around and do normal things with her friends like shop and go out to eat. All the things we take for granted. I know how hard those things are for her to deal with. Yet, she doesn't complain (much). She's such an inspiration to me!!

I don't know why I went there. I just needed to say it I guess. But as hard as we have it sometimes, thank God this year has been the exception. Things aren't usually this bad, and there have been plenty of years without hospital stays and surgeries and complications. We're all looking forward to getting back to that place!

I'm so thankful for my Bobby too. My short little man is such an awesome son!! He pretty much has taken over the yard work from his daddy already (without asking, woo hoo!), and provides me with comic relief, although his humor is quite dry. He just cracks me up!! I'm so thankful he got his old job back. God has been good to him!!

And then there's my hubby. What an awesome man God has blessed me with! I'm forever thankful that God put us together! Who knew all those years ago that just one street over lived the man of my dreams? Pretty incredible I would say!!

Beautiful Flowers from Rob this week!

I'm thankful that the eBay changes haven't affected me in the negative way I thought it might. I was afraid nobody would find my stuff once the changes came. But....with 6 sales yesterday.....that didn't seem to happen. I'm sooo tired of eBay though. I want time to work in my flower beds, deep clean my house, cook like I want to, work on projects that get pushed to the side, etc. There's just not enough time in the day.

Hopefully the Drs. appointments will die down now and I can spend more time at home. Except Bobby has me running to the Auto Parts store today. I guess it will always be something, lol!!

My cat should be thankful I can't reach her right this minute. She's sitting on the dining room table like it's her throne or something. If I was closer........grrrr! She found a stack of newspapers. I don't know why she likes them, anything small and stacked.....she claims it as her own!

I'm thankful for the visit with my brother and his family. I LOVE them, and don't get to see them enough! Everybody is growing up wayyy too fast! And Rob is going to be 40 this month. 40-40-40-40-40-40!!!!!! OMG, he is sooo old. He's always been my little brother. Now he's my OLD little brother. How does this happen??????

By the way, these are the reasons I can't find a new Easter Outfit. Not gonna buy one in an expanded size, lol!!!!

I'm thinkin it was soooooo worth it!

I guess I'll go for now. I have a list a mile long of stuff that needs to be done today. If I can stay off of Facebook and get a tiny portion of them done, I'll be happy!!

I wish everyone a very Happy Easter! Enjoy time with your family, and don't forget to thank God for the priceless gift he gave us in His Son, Jesus Christ!!

He is not here, for He has risen......Matthew 28:6

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

(Pretend there's a picture here, I couldn't get it to load, lol)

For Today:

Outside My Window: It is dark and WARM. Yay, that's right......it's finally warm in the morning. Praise God in Heaven, spring is coming!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking: I'm so happy and blessed! Yea, I have problems....we all have problems....but I know the problem solver, and He knows me by name!!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for: The successful yard sale this weekend! That we sold every single one of the BIG things we had, and I didn't have to lug them back into the house or to the dump. But....even after lots of people filled a bag for $1.00 (most filled 3-4 bags!) I still had a van FULL of stuff to take to Goodwill! Here's a tip, when you take stuff to Goodwill, don't tell them you have a van full of JUNK for them, they don't like that word, lol!!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, I'm not sure yet. Something homemade because we've lived off take-out this weekend! And speaking of kitchens, we had 3 coffee makers for sale at the yard sale and what happens Saturday morning? My beloved Cuisinart Coffee Maker gave up the ghost!

Sooooo, I had to steal a Coffee Pot from outside! I don't know why Mom was selling it, but it's great. The only problem is mine was sooo quiet, and this one sounds like a freight train, and only makes 10 cups instead of 12.

Well, that will help me cut down on the coffee, because once I fill Rob and Bob's travel mugs in the morning, there's only 2 (big, ha!) cups left!!!

I am hoping: To find a new clock and mirror for my living room soon. I miss them both so much already! At least my Aunt Georgia got the clock, so it's still in the family! It was beautiful, but I'm tired of Cherry!

And I always checked my hair in the mirror before I left the house, and now I keep looking into a blank wall out of habit!

I'm doing away with the cherry (except the big pieces for now) and Gold, and going for Black/Brown and Modern! I'm sick of froo froo, lol!!!!!

Yep, froo froo flowers are history :-(

Also hoping to sell the last of the stuff I have left on Craigslist and eBay. That's only some Rose teapots and cups, Bobby's Titans Bedspread, and some decorative Civil War knives I forgot to put out. Once that's gone, I'll be DONE!

I am reading: Confession: we haven't had time this week to read devotionals together except for one day, so I can't wait to get back to that! The only reading I got done was my online devotionals this week :-(

I am creating: Order and SPACE in my living room! Bobby came home last night and said "Mom, I'm so proud of you, I can see the floor again. Let's not do that anymore"! I agree Bobby, that yard sale just about pushed me over the edge to insanity!!!!!!!

I am praying: For God to meet the needs of some very special people. He's able, and He will!!!!

I am hearing: Bobby's fan running in his room. I CANNOT believe that as I'm typing this very part, the bomb went off at the Nursing Home again! I haven't heard that in a while......I just can't for the life of me figure out what it is!

One of my favorite things: Well, I sold everything in this house just about, so I would have to say my favorite thing right now are about the only knick knacks I didn't get rid of: my Cardew teapots! Even though they have Roses on them, I can't part with them! Bear with me, I don't have pictures of my teapots on my blog yet, so here they all are (just in case something should ever happen, I'll at least have my pictures!!)

Ok, so the turquoise teapot doesn't match the others, but it was my Mom's Moms,
so it has special meaning to me!!!

Around the house: I have a few things to put up in the attic, and I have to finish cleaning my bedroom, then the house will be back in order. Wow, it's been a long time since I've been able to say that!!!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Woohoo, Sarah is well again and only has ONE Drs. appointment this week! The rest of the week I'll be playing catch up on eBay! When I was cleaning out the attic for the yard sale, I found a bucket of new summer clothes and bathing suits I've been looking everywhere for. So, I've got to get them listed!

Mini Devotional: Reach out to somebody in need today. The healing power of touch is amazing! If your spouse if having a bad day, offer a back rub! If your kids are fussy or sad, offer a lap and kiss! If you meet somebody new, offer a handshake! If you've been cross with a family member or friend, offer a hug!

The sympathetic touch and empathetic heart mirror the heart of Jesus, who always had time to give to those in need!

When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Matthew 14:35-36 NKJV

You may not be able to cure blindness or leprosy, but your touch still heals!
(From the book: Checklist for Life for Women)

Here is the picture I am sharing:

NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!

God is Good!!!!

2010-03-01T03:43:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is coming up, and it fits my "sunny" disposition this morning!!!

I am thinking: About the wonderful service we had at Church yesterday. The presence of the Lord was so great, and everything that was sung, preached, and acted out touched me in a special way!! I knew God was preparing me for something, and already He has helped me to reach out and serve others in a way I didn't think I was capable of. It just proves to me that we can do ANYTHING through Christ who strengthens us. I cannot do it on my own!!!!

I am thankful for: Bobby being out of the living room!!! His room isn't finished yet. In fact, only half of his floor is down, but we moved his bed back to the finished part. Sarah can roll through the living room again!! Now, we're getting ready for a HUGE yard sale this month, so it's about to get piled back up with stuff from Mom's house that I have to price. My yard sale stuff is already piled around the Fireplace, yikes!!! There's ALWAYS some junk pile around here!!!!!!

From the Kitchen: Brunswick Stew from the Hopewell Optimist Club, yummy!!!! And cornbread (grilled cheese for the kiddos!)

I am hoping: To be a blessing to someone as God shows me how he wants me to serve others. This causes me to step WAY out of my comfort zone, but I'm realizing that the more I serve others, the more He uses me, and I want sooo bad to be a giver in God's eyes and not just a taker!!!!!

I am reading: A book on Fasting by Elmer Towns, Love is a Decision with my hubby, The Bible and a few devotionals.

I am creating: A new plan for eating and exercising. Instead of Weight Watchers, I'm counting calories this time. So far so good. It seems easier, and once I reach my limit for the day, I'm done. That part is not fun, cause I COULD reach my limit by noon on most days, but I'm learning to pace myself and stop eating when I'm stressed or upset or happy or bored or confused or thirsty or have to use the bathroom or sleepy or .......you get the picture!!!!!!!!

I am praying: For God's direction as we fast this month to draw closer to Him as individuals and as a Church body. In addition to fasting meals on certain days, I've decided to fast the things I love most for a week at a time. This week I'm fasting Diet Pepsi, and ohhhhhh how it's going to kill me (dying to self, lol), but I can do this for God. Next week I'll fast Coffee, and the following week I'll fast Facebook. I haven't decided what the fourth week will be yet, as those are the 3 things I've felt I just can't live without!! I really don't think I'll fast Goodwill since I did that for 3 weeks already, but who knows what God has in store!!!

I am hearing: The dryer running, getting the wrinkles out of Bobby's jacket that's been balled up all weekend, and now he needs it for work. Thank God for water spritzer bottles and dryers to the rescue!!!!

One of my favorite things: My new bedroom! Below I'll show you pictures of before and after. Wow, what a difference! It's so light and pretty in there now. Not dark and gloomy, lol!

Around the house: If you ignore it, will it go away? Way too much to do, and not enough time. At least the Optimist Club cooked most of my dinner today so I don't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I canceled Sarah's Doppler test for this morning. I didn't realize when I made it that we had Dentist appointments this afternoon, and I was afraid we wouldn't make it back in time. Now I have to reschedule that for another day this week. Joy joy joy, I just love appointments.......NOT. I don't think they're ever gonna end!!!! I still have yet to make my Drs. and hair appointments.

Marriage Enrichment: "A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth."

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Here is the picture I am sharing:

My old bedspread, and I do mean old!!!!!

My beautiful new bedspread!!

New Picture and accessories.
The only thing missing is a new colored necklace for Manny, the
mannequin that wears my Mothers Wedding Dress!!!

Had to keep our baby pictures!!

Rob has a REAL quilt now, now a cheap fall-apart imposter, lol!!!

Love these, even if they are purple. Oops, didn't notice THAT at the store, lol!!

Another great find from Tuesday Morning!!

Have a great week everybody!
Do something nice for someone this week.
Be a blessing and you will be blessed!!!

Thankful Thursday.....I mean Tuesday!!

2010-02-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's dark at 5:45 in the morning! The beginning of another wonderful day, no matter what the weather or circumstances, because God has blessed me and I will honor Him and give Him praise!!!!

I am thinking: I have another busy busy day ahead. Being taxi for Sarah Boo, Post Office, Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Rearranging........the list goes on! I'm also thinking about the wonderful time we had at the river Sunday. We spent most of the time in the truck riding around, but we did check out our camper (which has sprung another leak, ugh!!), walked around the campground, and rode to Gloucester to shop a little. Can't wait till April. This year will be like last since we're still working on the house, we won't get to go as much, but any little time away is great!!!

I am thankful for: My family. Our health. We've had more than our share of medical problems this year, but I look around and see people suffering everywhere. Our problems were so small compared to some. God spared us heartache, but others have to face that and it tears me up. I'm so thankful that our problems have resolved, and pray for those facing the unthinkable. We may not know why the ones we love have to suffer, but God has a plan.....and even if it's not our plan....it is a perfect plan.

I'm also thankful for my husband. I know I say it all the time, but do you really know how special it is to be in (almost) perfect harmony with your spouse?????? I say almost because nobody is perfect except God!!! It's amazing how God can create something so wonderful when you ask Him to be Lord over your marriage, family, home, and life....and then really LET HIM BE! It's awesome to have as much fun with your spouse after 29 years as you did when you first met!!!!!

From the Kitchen: Something quick cause we have to eat and run. Sorry honey, but I'm thinkin Spam (lite of course), Green Beans, Mac & Cheese!!!!

I am hoping: To get my hair done soon. It's hideous! I haven't been to see Lorie in over 6 months. One day I'll get there....I hope.

I am reading: Same book with hubby, Love is a Decision. Devotions on line. Bible.

I am creating: Finally something fun!!!! I went yesterday and bought a whole new bedroom set. Mine is about 10-15 years old and I still love it, I'm just ready for a change. I haven't shopped as much as I did yesterday in years! I left at 10:00 yesterday morning and got home at 9:00 last night, except for a pit stop between 4:30-6:00 to fix BLT's and pick up hubby!! Well, I figured I might as well do it up right, so I got the comforter set, 2 sets of sheets, 2 new blankets, a new quilt, a curtain, a picture, Candle sconces, and new matching trinkets to set around! It was sooooo fun.

Rob's taking me to Tuesday Morning after work because I saw another picture in the window that would match perfectly I think, but I got there too late and they were closed. I figure I better get everything I want all at once, cause I might have this one 15 years too!!!! I really don't like change, can you tell???? (But this was so fun I just might have to rethink that, lol!!!)

I am praying: For a special request. Won't you help me pray too? Bobby's former girlfriend Slibs (Sylvia King) needs our prayers for her and her dad. He was just diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his liver. Slibs will graduate this year, and it breaks my heart that she has to go through something so horrible when it should be a very happy time for her. Please pray for her dad, his name is Tony. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!

I am hearing: The heat pump outside my bedroom window. I'm on the laptop this morning because Bobby's asleep in the living room.

One of my favorite things: My new bedroom of course, it's beauteeeeeful!! And also the wooden tea holder I got from Starbucks last night for 90% off. I'm not a big tea drinker and it was filled with different tea bags, but I can't wait to empty it out and use the wooden holder with 3 little compartments for something, it's just too cute!!! And because I had a Starbucks coupon, my $20 wooden box was only $1.53!!!! Now that's a deal I can live with :-D

Around the house: Oh what a mess. Yesterday I wanted to clean. It wasn't my intention to shop all day because I had actually bought another bedspread when we went to the river Sunday, and I was only going out looking for a curtain to match it. But thanks to Jaclyn Smith and K-Mart, I found this gorgeous set that I loved! Soooooo, I didn't get any cleaning done. Mom usually does some laundry for me on Mondays, but the first load went off balance and she couldn't fix it, so that didn't get done. Today I need to get all that done plus work on eBay. I need my Superwoman costume today!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow Sarah has a Drs. Appointment at Stony Point.

Here is the picture I am sharing: My scripture of the day!

Sometimes we have to wait under a cloud of trial, but wait faithfully! That cloud will eventually break in showers of blessing!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!

For Today

2010-02-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's cooold and snowy. I need to go to the shed to get some items to ship, but I don't want to freeze!

I am thinking: My hubby made me sooo happy this morning. When I woke up and went into the kitchen, I found this by the coffee pot:

Two valentine coffee mugs, an "I Love You" chocolate chip cookie, and a picture he had made of us "back in the day". He is the most awesome loving man in the world, and I'm soooo glad he's MINE!!!!!! Supposedly there's more to come.....oh la la!!!

I am thankful for: My sweet hubby, and my wonderful kids! All the blessings in my little world, and a God who loves me so much He cares for my every need!!!!

From the Kitchen: Ah, the kitchen.....such a happy place this morning. Not much going on in there now though, gonna eat some high fiber cereal and start this diet thing one more time, but we're having tacos for dinner, eek!!!!

I am hoping: I can actually stick to this diet and exercise thing now. I'm too miserable NOT to. And the River calls in 2 months, yay!!!!!

I am reading: The Bible, Devotionals, and "Love is a Decision" with my hubby.

I am creating: Ads for Craigslist to sell off some of my decorative things around the house. I'm ready to say "out with the old, in with the new", and since I have to do it a little at a time, I'll start by selling what I have to buy what I want, lol!!!!

I am praying: That I can stay away from Goodwill for another week. Hey, I did good last week. Yea, it was because it snowed and I couldn't get out. No, it wasn't really but it did help. I could have made it over there, hubby even offered to take me if I REALLY wanted to go, but I was a good girl!! He did take me to Peebles though to buy their jeans on 5.99 clearance, but that doesn't count, you have to get those when they have the big sale, whenever that may be!!!!!!!

I am hearing: Rebels snoring.

One of my favorite things: My new Valentine's coffee mugs of course. Rob and I are always looking for great mugs when we go out, even at yard sales, and he found the perfect ones for us!!!!!!

Around the house: Mitzi is being very vocal about something, which is unusual. Rebs is sleeping beside me on Bobby's bed. Sarah is sleeping, I think. The boys are gone to work. It's very very quiet!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Errands today, and have somebody coming by to pick up some jeans they bought. Sarah has an appointment on Thursday but it's not by a Goodwill Store that I know of, so not too excited about that!!

Marriage Enrichment idea: Okay, this isn't an idea, but a great devotional that was on the CBN website this morning called Perfect Love! Check it out!!! My favorite part: Happily ever after doesn’t always come with ball gowns and white horses. Most of the time, it comes with sweat pants and minivans . . . but that’s ok, because if it comes from God, it’s perfect and nothing less. Amen!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Hubby working hard on Bobby's floor!

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-04T04:48:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! God is sooo good, and I'm feeling extra blessed this morning! A little unsettled in my spirit, but I'll get to that in a minute. I just want to thank God for all He has blessed me with, all He has provided, all He has done in my life. I'm just a happy girl, and it's because of God's love for me and His blessings!!!! Oh yea, and a husband who is the bomb and makes me feel special even on my worst days helps a bit too :-D

Now, on to that "unsettled" thing. I'm not sure what it is, and you've probably been there too. I think God is preparing me for "something", I just don't know what. It always seems to happen that way. I feel a tug at my heart, a need to pray extra hard, and then WHAM, something comes up that says "this is what I've been preparing you for"!!

There have been a couple of things I've been asking God to show me lately. The first is to show me what I need to sacrifice. Have you ever felt like God is telling you to sacrifice something so He can show you His power and love? I've been feeling that lately and am praying for God's direction. Actually, I'm praying that He would hit me over the head with it, cause I'm afraid I won't hear what He's telling me otherwise!

Secondly, I've been feeling that God is wanting me to be more hospitable. I just finished reading a book that I thought was made just for me: A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others. What a great book. It gave me some awesome examples of ways to show God's love to others. Little things mean a lot to people who are hurting or need a helping hand. And you can be hospitable without having people into your home, which is good, since nobody really wants to come over and sit on Bobby's bed in the living room anyway, lol!!!!! But eventually we'll get our house back in order, and we WILL have people over.

If nothing else, God is telling me to pray more, and getting my attention by putting this feeling inside me. Not a feeling of dread, but a feeling of anticipation, looking for something great to happen, and EXPECTING a blessing or miracle or whatever He is choosing to do in us or through us next. Ain't God good????

Okay, let's move on. The not so good feeling I've had lately is that of expansion. I feel like the air bags on the sides of my hips have been deployed and that is just NOT GOOD!!!! Too much junk food while being cooped up inside, and no exercise. That was one of my resolutions, more exercise, and you people have NOT held me accountable!!!! Yea, that's it, blame it on somebody else. I feel better now, lol!!!! TODAY, I will exercise and eat right, and try to remove these air bags from around my caboose!!!! I started my day off good, with a nice bowl of HAIRY oatmeal!! Yep, it was real good until I pulled that long nasty hair out of it. It was mine, but it still made me want to hurl. Made me want to throw it away and reach for the brownies instead, but I didn't!!! I forced it down, gagging most of the time. Score one point for me, yay!!!!!

I've been a little worried about this whole eBay thing too. BUT, I will reserve my judgement (somewhat) until the end of April, when I see just how all the changes will affect my business. I do know that for a lot of people, the changes are bad. Because of WHAT I sell, I don't think they'll be as bad for me, we shall see. People will always want to buy jeans at a discount, but a lot of people who sell little trinkets and non-neccesary items will be closing up shop from what I can tell. I just thank God that he led me in this direction in the beginning, because I had no intentions of selling jeans when I first started!!

Haha!!!

Now, on to last nights dinner. I told those of you on Facebook about the wonderful bread I made last night. I can't believe how easy it was, and how yummy!!!! Here's the recipe. Mine didn't quite look like that, but it was lalicious!!

I didn't have buttermilk, so I used 1 cup milk and 1 Tablespoon white vinegar. Let it sit 5 minutes before using.

Here's what it looks like when you first put it in the pan. I used a cast iron skillet.

When it was done. Mine wasn't as high as theirs, but still yummy!!

One of our family favorites: Goulash!!

What's wrong with this picture? First of all, no green except for the peppers in the goulash. Second, I didn't think this through very well in the planning stages. The corn casserole is made with cornbread mix, and then there is the biscuit bread. A carb lovers dream meal!!!!!

Ok, so here's a few tips if you do try this bread. First, it says to cook it on medium, which is #4 on my stove. It actually started to get too done on the bottom, so I took it off the heat and let it sit a minute, then flipped it over like it said, and cooked it on and off the heat the rest of the time. I'd sit it on the burner for a minute, then take it off. it cooked up perfectly that way. Next time I might try cooking it on an even lower temp.

Also, I used a well seasoned skillet, and coated the inside with plenty of oil. I was afraid it would stick, but it didn't stick at all thanks to the generous oiling!!

Next time I'll use buttermilk, but it was great without it.

This tasted like the fluffiest homemade biscuits ever (I've NEVER made any this good!) without all the work!! Awesome! I found this recipe recently in one of those papers that come with the Newspaper. Relish or Parade or something?????

Well, that's all for now. Got to go list some jeans, make a post office run, clean and do laundry, and hmmm, something else I'm sure I'm forgetting.......oh yea, EXERCISE!!!!

Have a great day everybody! Remember that happiness is a choice, so choose to smile and be happy today. It's contagious ya know!!!!

"The Lord your God...will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3:17

P.S. The purple words are brought to you today by Crystal's Happy Place, where purple rules!!!!!

Thankful Saturday in the Snow!!!

2010-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: Well......you know! Snow, Snow Snow!!! I'm sitting at the computer and from here I can look to the left and see out the front picture window. Look to the right and see out the den window to the back yard. It's soooo pretty!! Rethinking that picnic outside today though, it's wayyy too cold!

I am thinking: about all the plans I have for today. Finishing this blog, cooking, cleaning. Would love to have a day of lounging around on the sofa in my pj's, but I just can't make myself do it. Only when I'm sick, and then it kills me not to work (especially on eBay!!!!)

I am thankful for: The beautiful snow and the fact that I DON'T have to go out in it!! My wonderful hubby, who ran around with me all day yesterday. We needed a day together to just do "whatever", and it was great!!! All the sales I've had recently on eBay. God still provides!! My hubby is doing the laundry while I'm blogging, and he cleaned the bathroom this week!!!! He is sooo awesome! I'm thankful he sees when I'm overwhelmed, and helps out without being asked!

From the Kitchen: Well, just finished French toast and sausage. Gonna make Egg Salad and Tuna Salad later. Then steak and baked potatoes for dinner, Sarah's request. Maybe homemade bread, and either Brownies or Williamsburg bread!!

I am hoping: things are not as bleak with eBay as I've been seeing lately. For those of you who didn't see on Facebook, eBay has "decreased" their fees (that's how they sold it to us anyway), which is gonna cost me an extra $42 dollars a month, unless my listings get more exposure and therefore more sales come April. We'll see, I'll give it a month or two before I really start complaining!! Robert Lee is jumping ship though, moving on to another selling site. Can't wait to see how he does so I can possibly move some of my inventory over too!!

I am reading: Love is a Decision (awesome!!), A Home that says Welcome, online devotionals, The Bible.

I am creating: I'm TRYING to create an orderly home with help from the FLYLADY, but so far, I only read the e-mails and think I'll get to it later. It's kinda hard to do when you have inventory AND your son's bedroom in the living room. But, things are coming along. We picked up Bobby's floor yesterday, and the sheet rock primer. Can't wait to get that room put back together and get my living room back!!!! Also creating another ebay strategy of course. Selling off everything that is not jeans or new bathing suits. Gotta get the inventory under control so I can put the jeans outside and get ready to remodel my living room (ok, might be a year away, but a girls gotta dream!!)!!!

I am praying: to keep my sanity in the chaos!

I am hearing: Bobby just came home, boy his truck looks pretty in the snow, lol!!! All the animals are soooo happy to see him!!

One of my favorite things: SNOW!!!! Today anyway. When I'm ready to go somewhere and can't, it won't be so great anymore!!! Also, the new friends I've found and that have found me on Facebook that have SB or kids with SB. I've gotten lots of great info and even found some going through the same thing Sarah just went through. It's awesome to connect with people who understand and have advice to give!!

Around the house: Sarah's still snug as a bug in her bed, Bobby's home and in the shower, Rob's doing laundry, I'm blogging, and Reb's and Mitzi are being extremely lazy as usual! Other than that, not a whole lot!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sarah has a Drs. appt in Richmond on Tuesday, maybe!!! Depends on how the roads look. Otherwise, just the same old same old (which is GOOD!!).

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Candy Love Note from my hubby last year!!!!
He's so romantical!!

The boys asleep in THEIR bed, lol!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Gaskins

Congrats you guys, the wedding was beautiful!!

That's all for now folks! Remember: Your words are a window to your heart, so speak words of kindness today and share the love of Jesus!!

...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew. 12:34b

Thankful Thursday!

2010-01-21T04:41:00.000-08:00

What a week! I don't usually say this, but I'm glad it is almost over. I have so much to be thankful for, but this week I've let the little things really get me down, and I'm ready for a change of attitude and scenery. Looking foward to my cousin's daughter's wedding on Saturday. That will get us out of town and away from the chaos of this crazy house for a while!

They have given me a job to do at this wedding. Serve Punch. Jack says that because of my ability to serve some pretty crappy dinners, he would keep me away from the food, but he thinks he can trust me with punch. Oh boy, just wait till you see how I can screw up a bowl of punch, lol!!!! Don't say I didn't warn ya.....Just kidding Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm honored to help and can't wait to see these two love birds tie the knot!!!!!! Will you be posting a Facebook status update from the alter? Just wondering, lol!!

I don't like to complain, especially because my hubby is working sooo hard to get this house finished, but I'm really feeling overwhelmed by all the EXTRA clutter and mess right now. Bobby's bedroom is in the living room along with all of the eBay stuff, and Sarah's doing good to be able to squeeze through a tiny path to make her way to the kitchen!! I know that this too shall pass, and I keep trying to remind myself of that. All I know is I NEVER want to undergo another BIG project in this house as long as I live. New paint and furniture will do me just fine from here on out, lol!!!! Ok, enough about that, I don't want to get all blahhh again, let's move on!!

Since the last time I blogged:

Bobby got his job back at Great Dane!!!! Yay, another glorious miracle from our Lord and Saviour! One whole year we prayed about that job, fussed about that job, and almost gave up on that job but God is faithful!!!!!! He got his insurance reinstated right away, and he's back with his bestest friend!!! Now if Brandon would just stop trying to convince Bobby to move in with him, we'd be all set!!!!! Doesn't that boy know just how close Bobby is to FINALLY having a GREAT big bedroom?????? I don't think he's going anywhere for a while, lol!!!!!!

Sarah got final clearance from her last doctor, the plastic surgeon. He said NO MORE SURGERY! Thank you thank you thank you Lord!!!! He also said we should go to him for pressure sores and not mess around with PCP's who have no idea how to treat them in most cases. Thank you Lord again. That was what we were talking about on the way to her appointment. Wondering who we were supposed to go to now, not wanting to go to the PCP, and never even thinking it would be him!!!!!

Rob and I have starting attending the Lifetime Covenant Marriage classes at Church. They are AWESOME!!! Mark and Catherine do a great job! So far we've played with Playdough, watched Barney and Andy Griffith, and wrote our mates a love letter!!!! Oh what fun!! Here's a plug: If you want a FUN and life changing experience with your mate, head on over to the Enon Church of God on Sundays at 5:00. It's open to anyone, and it's very casual, laid back, fun and informative!!!!

Jeez Rebel, I coulda went all day without smelling that!!!! You made me lose my train of thought............anyhoo

Bobby's room is looking amazing, and I'm so thankful that Rob has been able to take lots of time off this week to work on it! The drywall is up, the old carpet is up, new doors are in, now we just have to pick out his wood floor, which we haven't been able to agree on yet!! We also don't agree on room color. I want taupe cause I think it would look awesome with all his camo bedding, but he wants white, and alas it is HIS room Crystal, so put your big girl panties on and deal with it!!!!!

As far as my resolutions go, oh don't even go there!!!! Stress eating has been my friend this week. Yes, I know exercise is a great stress reliever, but trying to find my gazelle in all the clutter is even more stressful, so..........I really need to work on getting the clutter out. The bad thing is Mom and I are cleaning out and storing things up for a yard sale in the spring. That means more clutter until the sale, grrrrrr!!!!!!! It never seems to end. Why do I keep going back to this? I guess this is my ugly cross to bear this week!!!!

Let me make a conscious effort to think about what I'm thankful for this week:

My family, who puts up with me through the mood swings.

My wonderful hubby who holds me at night until he's sure I'm okay, cause he says he can't sleep until I am. I love you baby!!!

My mother, who makes life easier by going above and beyond what she's paid to do at my house!! Where would I be without you?????

My Church family, just being in God's house lifts me up! I have a wonderful Church and thank God for the way He's moving among His people!!

My eBay job, even though stressful the last couple of weeks, sales have been steady and great!

That everybody is back to work which gives me some alone time during the day. I sure did miss that, and it's nice to have it back, even if I'm still just working while they're gone!!!

That Bobby came back to Church Sunday!!! For the longest time there was not much there for kids his age, but that's starting to change, and I'm thankful he honored God for answering his prayer about the job by coming back!!!

Oh my, look at the time! Gotta run take Sarah to work now. I have sooo much more to be thankful for, but I'll stop for now!

Take time today to count your blessings! It really does help to bring you out of the blues when you think about all you have been blessed with instead of what you don't have for a change! And don't forget to pray for the people of Haiti, and help out if you can! God called us to service for others ya know :-)

Love and Joy to you!!!!!!

Crystal :-)

New Year, New Resolutions!!!!!

2010-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started blogging! Well, almost. That first blog took me 2 weeks to finish, so next week it will be a whole year!

So much has happened in that year, and if it’s not in the blog, it’s splattered across Facebook! For somebody who doesn’t like to talk (really, I’m not kidding!), I never thought I could ever say so much! That first blog talked about my New Years Resolutions, so I want to go back and revisit all those great intentions I had and see how well I did. Pfft, okay, see how miserably I failed is more like it!!

The BIG THREE resolutions were weight loss of course, get better at eBay, and improve my prayer life/Bible study habits. Last January, I complained about gaining all but 7 pounds of the 30 pounds I had lost in 2005. Well…….now I’ve gained all but 5 pounds back. On the bright side, I only gained 2 pounds this year!!! Honestly, I gained more, lost more, and evened out at gaining 2 pounds for the year. Last year I wanted to lose 20 pounds by the time our Campground opened so I wouldn’t be miserable in my tight clothes. Okay, I’m keeping this resolution for this year, and I already know that I will make it this time! How’s that for determination?????? I’ll also add that I want to start exercising regularly again this year. Last year I only did it sporadically.

Ok, enough about weight. The next resolution was about eBay. I did pretty good with this one. I managed to finally figure out a strategy that works for me, and business has been excellent lately, but on the down side…..my house still looks like a warehouse, and Bobby says I CANNOT use his new big room for storage! How rude……. :-D

The last resolution was to improve my prayer life and Bible study. This is the one I am most thankful for and proud of. I was able to do this, thanks in part to reading the Bible every day on the computer. Rob and I also started doing nightly devotions together and praying together before he leaves for work in the morning. All these things have brought us closer together and closer to the Lord this year. Which is good, because this has been one of the toughest years we’ve had in a long time. I can’t imagine how stressful it would have been if we hadn’t been united by prayer and God’s promises to see us through!

Here is my list of Resolutions for this year, and it‘s a LONG one. I’ve posted them, so now all of you will help to keep me accountable, right??? RIGHT??????

Health:

To cut WAYYY down on sugar and carbs and save them for special occasions, like going out to eat.

To only drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning, and replace the rest with hot green tea.

To eat LOTS more veggies and fruits, cause if I had my way, the only veggie I would get would be in ketchup!!!

To eat one pro-biotic yogurt a day, cause Dr. Oz told me to!

To eat more low fat protein.

To exercise at least ½ hour 5 days a week.

Well, so far so good. I’ve managed to lose 2-½ pounds and exercise twice this week.

Home:

To reduce the clutter in this house!!!!!!

To use up the groceries I have before I have to throw them away. Hoping to get much better at this cause it makes me sick to throw away good money I coulda used for a new outfit, lol!!!!!!

To only buy the best of the best of jeans and list them on eBay. That will help me to not spend as much time working, but still make a good profit!!

To work on getting my living room back in order, and get eBay out of here. My goal is to have new furniture and maybe (?) new flooring by next Christmas, if my furniture will hold out that long. I’m serious, it’s REALLY REALLY bad!!!

Ummm, well…….right now Bobby’s bed is in the living room and it’s so cluttered with his stuff and eBay that I can’t find a thing, but Rob’s working hard as he can on getting Bobs room done in between working 10 hour days. It’ll get there, I have faith!!!!!!!!!!!!

Personal:

I plan to spend more time on taking care of me, and I started by finally removing the toenail polish I’ve had on since Summer. Hey, that’s a great start, dontcha think!!!

Spiritual:

To spend more time reading God’s word and actually studying what I read. I bought a great book to help me with that, it’s called “The Bible for Dummies”. STOP LAUGHING, THAT’S NOT NICE!!!!! GO TO YOUR NAUGHTY CORNER!!! Even that book makes me feel like a Dummy, but at least I WANT to learn, that’s gotta count for something!!!

To continue doing nightly devotionals and reading great relationship building books with my sweetie. That time together is precious, and it we need it to help us recharge after some grueling days.

To put into action some plans Rob and I have talked about concerning ministry to others.

Well…..geez, once again, there’s a slight problem. I’ve misplaced my Dummy book, the last time I saw it was when Sarah was in the hospital. I hope I didn’t leave it there. But I plan to get right on that as soon as it shows up! In the meantime, I’ve subscribed to four daily devotionals online, so I’ll keep up with that for now.

I guess that’s all for now. I know it’s Thankful Thursday and this wasn’t really a “Thankful” blog, but in a roundabout way it is. I’m thankful for the blessings God poured on us this past year, and I’m thankful for all we will accomplish this coming year with His help! I'm thankful that I was able to keep some of my new years resolutions, and I'm thankful God has given me the desire to keep even more this year!!!!!!!!

My prayer is that everyone reading this will have a much better year in 2010. Of all the posts I read on Facebook, soooo many people had a tough 2009 for one reason or another. I pray that God will bless you and prosper you spiritually, financially, and healthfully (is that a word?).

Below is the reason for much of our prayers:

Bobby keeps us on our toes and on our knees, lol!!!!
I'm a little jealous though, looks like it was GREAT FUN!!!!

A Blessed Christmas!!

2009-12-28T02:51:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's right before 6 am. Dark and frosty, and all seems right with the world.

I am thinking: I am so blessed. Even though this Christmas was different in almost every way, it was a WONDERFUL Christmas! I got to spend time with my family that I don't normally get to because I'm spread so thin trying to get everything done. Rob was wonderful, even on Christmas morning when I cooked breakfast for my parents and us, he came right in and did the dishes as I cooked to help me out. He kept the laundry going too till the dryer pooped out Christmas night. I LOVE that man, have I told you that before?

I am thankful for: The way things worked out this year. I was so afraid that we would be lost without all the parties we usually host, that we would be sitting around bored to death, but that didn't happen! Christmas Eve we had plenty of time to spend with my parents and brother and his family. Usually we have to hurry to work that part of our Christmas in in between other things. It was so nice just to relax and spend time with them. After we left there, we drove around looking at all the Christmas lights. The neatest thing we saw was thousands of real luminaries through the whole Conjurer's Neck sub-division. It was absolutely beautiful. Every single house except one was lit up. I've never seen anything like it before (in person)!!

I'm also so very thankful that Sarah's wound has almost completely closed. The wound is so tiny you can't even see an opening, but it still has a tiny bit of drainage, so it's not closed 100%, but it will be by the end of this week. PRAISE GOD!!! It's been about 8 months since we started fighting this battle, and we are soooo thankful that it is almost over!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, I don't know yet. Something to eat I'm sure, lol!!!

I am hoping: To finish working on cleaning the house after I run some errands today. I got all of the Christmas boxes, wrap and gift bags, that sort of thing, put away already. I've already started weeding out junk and filling up bags for a spring yard sale. The first of the year always makes me want to clean out and start fresh, and I'm just getting a little head start this week!

I am reading: I'm sooo excited. Just a few more days and I will have read through the whole Bible in one year. I'm so proud of myself for finally following through after years of starting and never finishing!!! We also finished Night Line Devotionals for Couples. Now we are reading Love is a Decision, an older book by Gary Smalley. So far the first chapter was awesome, so I can't wait to finish this one as well.

I am creating: A plan for the New Year! I don't know about you, but the new year always brings excitement as I reflect over the past and determine what needs to be done the coming year. I did a blog at the beginning of the year stating the goals I wanted to accomplish, and I will soon do one to see how that all worked out, lol!!!

I am praying: For God's direction for our lives the coming New Year. That we put God first in every decision and area of our lives, because He is our counselor, our saviour, our confidant, our healer, our everything, and He deserves our total commitment, worship and praise!!!!

I am hearing: Just the dog. He's giving us a fit with his allergies and the constant licking of his paws is causing us to go maddddddd!!!! Ugh, now the cat has joined in and it's really gross in here!!!!

One of my favorite things: My new silver diamond heart necklace, a gift from hubby!! I have a thing for hearts, ever since he gave me my first sweetheart ring (that I still wear!!) 32 years ago!!!!

Around the house: Yesterday I worked on Sarah's room most of the day. Katybug got a new bedroom set for Christmas, so she gave Bobby her old dresser. Bobby gave Sarah his two small dressers, and I rearranged her room. Together we went through almost every nook and cranny in her room and cleaned, tossed, moved and basically totally redid her "space"! She loves all the new counter space she has now, and she was able to move some of the stuff in her drawers that would fall out when you opened them cause they were so crammed into new spacious drawers! Thanks Katybug and Bobby :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Since none of our Christmas was normal this year, why should our New Years be normal? We've always had the big New Years Party with our parents, my sister in law and brothers in law, and Sarah's friend Shana. This year, since Johnny isn't able to be here, we've decided to skip the party. Since Bobby is off, we are going out to eat as a family and just spend time together. It sounds great to me, as we hardly ever can get the 4 of us together at once anymore!!

Devotional: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race." Philippians 3:13-14

Coming up on the New Year, many of us will make resolutions for the umpteenth time, only to forget about them a couple of weeks later. Then we'll beat ourselves up about not being able to stick to them.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect, and we shouldn't either. Everybody fails at one time or another. The secret is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, ask forgiveness, and forgive YOURSELF!!

When we mess up, God wants us to confess our sin, accept His forgiveness, then MOVE ON! Don't wallow in the past, determine to press on and try again with His help!!!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Christmas Eve Dinner in our jammies!
Bobby couldn't go because he had to work. I made it almost to Mom and Dad's before breaking down and crying cause my little boy wasn't with us! I don't like the fact that my kids have to grow up!

There's my wittle boy! He was off Christmas Day, thank God!!!

Thankful for my Mom this Thursday!!!

2009-12-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

Today is Thankful Thursday of course, and I have so much to be thankful for, but most of all I really want to thank my Mom for all the help she has given us over the last few months!!

Sure, she gets paid to work with Sarah. It's her "job". But she has gone sooo far above and beyond what she has been paid to do. She has been there for us no matter what time of day or how long each day we have needed her. She doesn't get paid when Sarah goes into the hospital, but she was there every day as Nanny, not caretaker!!! Just like she has ALWAYS been! In every hospitalization, she is right there to stay with us and keep us company, or to stay with Sarah so I can go home for a few hours.

A lot of times, she is Sarah's voice when things aren't going good. She has NO problem telling nurses and doctors when Sarah is having a problem and she thinks they aren't doing something fast enough!!! When Sarah hurts, she cries right along with her. She has the patience of a saint, because contrary to popular belief, Sarah can have a bit of an attitude (like most girls her age)! Mom tries to take it with a grain of salt most of the time. She keeps her cool when she'd really like to "give it right back to her", lol!!!

This next week is a VERY busy week for everybody, being the week of Christmas. We have TWO days of Drs. appointments in Richmond next week. Mom will have company coming in on Sunday, and yet she is still going to those appointments with us. Honestly, I don't know how she does it all. I wish I had half of her energy. Maybe this is her secret: Power Naps, lol!!!

Sometimes we work her to the point of exhaustion!!!
She's gonna kill me for this one!!!!!!!!!!

Our family NEVER could have gone on this journey without the help of my Mom. Well, I guess we could have, but I can't imagine how hard it would have been. And I can't forget Dad, who brings Mom to the hospital every day, and comes for every surgery even though he doesn't like hospitals.

They are the most amazing parents in the world, and I'm so lucky they are mine!!! Okay, I'm crying now, but it's sooo true!
I love them so much just because of who they are and how awesome they are, but they have just gone above and beyond their duties as parents and grandparents. How blessed we are to have them as our own!!!!!!

I love you Mommy! I thank God for giving me such a wonderful Mom and Friend!! May God bless us with many more years to walk this crazy but awesome life together!!!!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed:
Proverbs 31:28

For Today

2009-12-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: Cold and foggy!! Looks like one of those old mystery movies!!!

I am thinking: Can't believe we missed our Church's Christmas Play. It's the first one we've missed and Rob hasn't been in in years. Seems strange, but Sarah just wasn't up to it. She did make it to her Church Play, but was in a lot of pain by the time she got home, and wasn't ready to go through that again just yet. But next week, we'll get to go to MY Church first, lol!!!

I am thankful for: My hubby! Thanks for helping me with all the laundry yesterday! Sorry I tried to take a spin on the crazy cycle. It just seems like we have a dirty laundry making machine somewhere in this house, and if I could find it, I'd break it!!!!!!!!!

I'm also thankful for all the eBay sales this week, in spite of the fact that I haven't had time to work on it at all. I sold 12 pairs of jeans this weekend. That made up for some of the stuff that went for 99 cents on my auctions last week!!! Thank you Lord for your blessings!!

From the Kitchen: Homemade Chili and Cornbread.

I am hoping: To get my errands done early so I can come home and finish the Christmas wrapping today.

I am reading: Yay, I've made it to Revelations in "Through the Bible in a Year"!! I can't believe I am actually gonna finish this time. It's awesome! We're almost done with Nightline Devotions for couples. Looking forward to starting a new Devotional with Rob, and a more in-depth study of the Bible next year!!!!

I am creating: Ummm, everything and nothing. Just trying to maintain order in this house until Christmas.

I am praying: That Sarah gets a good report at the Plastic Surgeon next week. If he goes by how her wound looks, she won't need another surgery. The wound is almost closed now. I can't believe how fast it has healed. With the infection, it would get a little better than get much worse. Now it is just getting smaller and smaller every day. When she first came home, we had to use a ton of packing in the wound. Now I can barely get any in there. It's awesome!!!

I am hearing: This time it's the cat licking herself. That's all, total silence. How nice!

One of my favorite things: Watching all the Christmas movies on TV with my hubby. We've never had time to do that before. We've missed a lot of our regular activities this Christmas season, but we've made some new awesome memories together that we've never been able to do before. We have enjoyed spending time together just watching those movies (and doing laundry during the commercials, lol)!!!

Around the house: Bobby's alarm is going off now at 6:30. Why in the world? He's off today. Uh oh, he's also sick. Things don't sound so good coming from his room. My poor baby boy....

A few plans for the rest of the week: Just working around the house and running errands. No appointments this week, but we have a crazy week next week. 3 Drs. appointments in Richmond right before Christmas! Gotta get everything done this week!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Sarah, all dressed up and looking beautiful for her trip to Church Saturday night.

Yep, she was a little loopy from the meds. I can see it in her eyes, lol!!

My Christmas Present from Bobby:

In my dreams......maybe he'll at least take me for a ride??

Thankful Thursday

2009-12-10T03:43:00.000-08:00

Thank God it's Thursday! This has been one busy week, but a great week. Because things are so hairy still (my own fault, I'll explain later), I've decided to combine my two blogs again this week. Maybe things will calm down in January? One can dream.....

For Today:

Outside My Window: I'm waiting for the sun to come up. I have tons of stuff to bring in from the shed to ship this morning and I don't want to slip down the ramp and break another ankle or step in doggy doo, so I have to wait till sunrise!!

I am thinking: Once again, I'm thinking: What was I thinking? I put a ton of items on auction at one time, and 52 of them sold. So now I have 52 items to ship out at one time. Am I crazy? Yep, but I just wanted to get this stuff out of here!

I am thankful for: so much!! The fact that they changed Sarah's meds to just one IV twice a day! Hallelujah!! Last night I went to bed around 9:30 and slept all night. Praise God!!! I don't have to wake her up at 6:00 in the morning anymore. The only problem with it right now is that the new med makes her nauseous. If it continues, they will give her something for it tomorrow. They took her off of the other meds just in time. They were causing her white blood count to drop. The doctor said those meds were not her friend anymore!!! I'm thankful that she is going to try to make it to her church and mine this week! It's still takes a lot of time to get her ready, so this will be a challenge, but one we are sooooo ready for!!! I'm thankful I was able to do everything for Sarah's little family party last night, even though I felt like my Dinners: crappy, lol!!! By the end of the night, whatever I had passed, and it all worked out. God is sooo good!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, lets see: we have mexican leftovers from dinner last night. Pizza leftovers from lunch yesterday. Hardee's Chicken and french fries & onion rings leftover from the party last night (Grandmother brought them at Sarah's request!!) Two kinds of cake leftover cause Sarah gets her favorite for her birthday which is chocolate, but everybody else likes the white cake, so she's the only one who always gets two cakes every year!!!!! leftover chips and 2 kinds of dip which I forgot to even set out last night since there was so much food. So........I think that pretty much takes care of lunch and dinner today. I won't be cooking till I can get all that mess out of my fridge!!!!

I am hoping: That Bobby gets Johnny's truck inspected and running soon. I forgot I have international items to ship out today, and Bobby has to have my van to be at work at 10. The post office doesn't open till 10, so I'm out of luck. I could take him to work, but nah, I'm not THAT desperate, lol!!!!! Oh yea, by the way, Bobby's newest buy is his uncle Johnny's truck. Johnny is not able to drive anymore due to his MS, and Bobby needed a vehicle fast until he can find what he really wants (the F-150 hasn't worked out yet cause the seller didn't have the title!!), so they helped each other out. The only problem is Bobby is a wheeler dealer, and nobody wants to see him sell Johnny's truck, even though it will have to happen eventually. There are too many memories and emotions tied up in that truck, and it's soo sad that Johnny has to give it up.

I am reading: Well, in all honesty, I've only been able to read Through the Bible in a Year and a few online devotions lately. Just been too busy to keep up with even our couples devotions. Since Rob and I are on such different schedules, it's hard to sit down together the last couple of weeks. We've just fallen in the bed exhausted at the end of the day. BUT.....we've already said we will be able to get back to them tonight now that I don't have to stay up late anymore. Yippeeeee!!!!!!

I am creating: Nothing. Please. I don't want to have to think or create anything today. Thank you very much. LOL

I am praying: That we'll get a good report from the Plastic Surgeon next week. That Sarah's nausea will go away. That we'll be able to attend some Church activities without too much problem. That Sarah forgives me for buying her an Argyle sweater for her birthday! (Had to be there!!! I LOVE Argyle, but apparently I'm the only one in the family that does, lol).

I am hearing: Absolutely nothing. Isn't that nice?

One of my favorite things: Sleep, just being honest.

Around the house: I have lots to do, so I gotta get busy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Post Office tomorrow, maybe a little shopping, Church this weekend.

Devotional: December is all about gifts. Nothing but gifts....Gifts tied with heartstrings. Gifts that surprise and delight. Gifts that transform the mundane into the miraculous. Gifts that nurture the souls of both the giver and given. Perfect gifts. God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with. Open your arms wide to receive God's perfect gifts of salvation, forgiveness, faith, trust, comfort, peace, compassion, and courage. Then share your gifts with others. This is what Christmas is all about. God gave us the perfect gift of His Son. Share that gift with others this Christmas. Watch...and see what happens.
Here is the picture I am sharing: I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Sarah last night, but I wasn't feeling good and we were so busy watching my brotherand his family watching Sarah on webcam and I just forgot.

2009-11-30T03:25:00.001-08:00

For Today:

Outside My Window: Christmas Lights are on!!! How holidayee!!!! Rob just walked out and the bells on the front door started playing Christmas carols. I love it!!!!!

I am thinking: That I really shouldn't be shocked about anything Bobby drags home anymore, but last night round about midnight, here comes a scooter. A SCOOTER........what in heaven's name is that boy gonna do with a scooter? He can't wait to show it to his grandmother, she always told him when he was little that he would get a scooter as his first car, lol!!! First he bought a 4-wheeler. Then he bought another 4-wheeler he liked better, so he gave the first one to a friend who was supposed to make $100 a week payments till he paid it off. Then some kind of crazy story about the friend needing the money to buy his girlfriend a Christmas present. Now, this morning, Rob tells me that the friend traded the 4-wheeler for the scooter and something else before he ever paid Bobby off. Then he gave Bobby the scooter as payment in full for the 4-wheeler. Need I tell you that Bobby's friends are just as CRAZY as him, lol!!!!

That's okay, I tell him to get it out of his system before he gets married, cause all that wheeler dealer stuff will stop when he has REAL bills to pay!!!!!!

I am thankful for: the fact that Sarah's fevers have finally stopped. The unique way we have figured out to be able to change her bandages with just one person. It's not pretty, but hey....whatever works!!!!

From the Kitchen: Pork Chops of some sort, and maybe another dessert (close your eyes Rob, you didn't see this!!) He's trying not to gain his weight back but I keep baking goodies, lol!!!

I am hoping: To get to Wal-Mart before the rain starts. Don't know when that is supposed to be, but I'm trying to get out of here by 7:30.

I am reading: A Life that says Welcome, Through the Bible in a year, NightLine Devotions for couples.

I am creating: A new "Normal" for Christmas this year. Since we won't be having our 2 parties on Christmas Eve, I have to come up with something else to fill the time. It'll probably be baking goodies, which I never have time to do right before Christmas.

I am praying: that Sarah continues to heal. That she won't have to have the second surgery. I'm amazed at how fast the wound is closing, and I'm hoping the Plastic Surgeon will hold off and see if it closes completely. I'm praying for several family members and friends who are having family difficulties. I can't imagine being at odds with my family, and I know it must be sooo hard. I just pray that everyone can put their hurt and anger behind them and move on. One day it may be too late.....

I am hearing: The Clock ring out 6 times, and a car going down the street. Otherwise, silence, yay!!!!

One of my favorite things: All of my Snowman decorations. I almost got rid of the dining room stuff, but Rob talked me out of it. I'm so glad he did!! I did pare down the other decorations, there's just no sense in having 30 Christmas storage buckets!!!!

Around the house: Still have to put the Snowman Shower curtain up before Sarah has to take a shower today, and still have presents to wrap. But right now, everybody is sound asleep, even Rebels, so it's just me and the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It's sooo pitiful.......

A few plans for the rest of the week: Wal-Mart this morning. Maybe the mall. Gotta shop while my Mom is here to be with the girl. I need to address Christmas cards, finish wrapping presents, and put away the empty Christmas buckets. Other than that, who knows. A date with my hubby would be nice......

A Cup of Encouragement: There is so much beauty and wonder in the world around us. Sometimes we get so busy we don't take the time to notice. When your life is stressful and your problems seem overwhelming, remember that pleasure lies in your heart. Your attitude affects your perception! Take time to reflect on the small blessings in your life. That bag of groceries, an encouraging phone call, a special friend, the love of your spouse. It's all the small blessings that add up to an abundant life full of grace and mercy, and reflective of God's love for us.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8

Here is the picture I am sharing: I had LOTS of pics to post, but it won't let me for some reason. I guess I'll post them to Facebook :-(

Sarah Beth Update!!!!

2009-11-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yay, we are finally back from the Doctors visits and things went very well.

The first visit was the infectious disease Dr. He's been having the nurse check her blood twice a week, and everything is looking good. Small improvements, which is what he expects. It will take time to get back to normal. He said she may get her Picc line out for a Christmas present, but don't hold him to it. If she does, it will be RIGHT before Christmas. She's still a little anemic, which he expected also, she just has to keep taking a vitamin with iron for a while. Her kidney function was good, Praise God!!!

Overall, news from the Ortho surgeon was good. He took the stitches out. Said things were coming along nicely. Wound looked good. Still doesn't want to use a wound vac, which would be soooo much easier.

Also, the nurse said we should be packing the wound 3 times a day instead of once. She said she told the home nurse, but it's the first we've heard of it. That's the biggest problem right now. One person cannot do it, and now we have to have help 3 times a day, OH NO!!!! We're busy enough as it is! But, you do what you gotta do.

We go back to see him in 3 weeks, and also see the Plastic Surgeon the same day, in the same building, Thank you Lord for small favors!!!!! He said they may or may not have to do the "flap" surgery, he may just want to watch it since it's healing so well. That's our prayer!!!

I just talked to hubby and we have a special prayer request. The terrible wreck down the street from us was Rob's friend's daughter. She has a broken back. Please pray for healing. Her name is Tina. She has a little baby to take care of. Pray for the other lady also, she's in much worse shape.

I think that's all for now. Gonna finish dinner and chill out till the next meds are due. Shopping (very little) and eating doughnuts wore us all out, lol!!!

Sarah is dressed and eating!! YAY!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

2009-11-19T03:34:00.000-08:00

Well, Well, Well, look what today is!!! I'm sooo Thankful it's Thursday. One week till Thanksgiving! One week till I see my Baby Alex (and the rest of the family of course!!). I can't believe she's gonna be a year old next week. Time flies when your little brother keeps having babies, lol!!!!! I'm thinking maybe one more, just to even out the number?!?!?!?!?!? How about it Bridget?

Anyhoo, I'm thankful that Sarah is starting to feel a little better. Her worst complaint now is all the sweating she does whenever she sleeps. No matter what time of day, if she falls asleep, she's gonna wake up drenched. That's something new for her, and she hates it. You know, girls don't even like to "glisten", much less sweat like a linebacker!!

But I have to say, she has the cleanest bedclothes in town! Pillows and all are getting washed a couple of times every day. Sure am thankful I got that nice BIG washing machine! I told her it would save some time if we could just put a kiddie pool on her bed and lay her in water to keep the sweat down. Hey, bath, bed and fun all at the same time, who wouldn't go for it?? Sarah, that's who!!!!!!

I'm thankful that I was finally able to find a new Internal Med Dr. for Sarah. She's all the way up at St. Mary's, but it will be worth it. She already has several patients that she works together with Sarah's Ortho Surgeon on, so they are familiar with her. Now to find time to go see her.....

I'm thankful that I was able to schedule both of Sarah's hospital follow-up appts. on the same day next Tuesday at St. Mary's. Since it's so close to Thanksgiving, I only wanted to drive up there once. Thank you Lord for working that out!!!!

I'm thankful Bobby hasn't caused me to lose my mind yet, lol!!! He brought another hunk of junk (4 wheeler this time) home the other night. Guess where it's sitting? Ok, not in my driveway, but in the back yard where I see it (along with his huge tires and boat) when I look out the kitchen window, grhhhh!!!!!!! Ok, Rob has junk out there too, but at least his is being productive. One day that siding will be on the house instead of in the yard!!!!

I'm thankful I finally got some work done on eBay. I listed a bunch of women's dress winter clothes yesterday that I got at a yard sale for $1.00 each. A lot of them still had the tags on, so if I sell just one, I've already recouped my investment. That makes me VERY thankful!!!!

I say this all the time, but I have to say it again. I'm soooo thankful that I am able to stay home and work on eBay, and not worry about having a job. I would have been so stressed and worried about that while Sarah was in the hospital. Mostly because I've always worked in small Drs. offices, and if someone is out, there's nobody to fill in for you, and it throws everybody off and makes them work harder and longer. I know lots of people have to face that every day, but I'm so thankful that I don't right now!!!!

I'm thankful that God has blessed Sarah with so many great friends from her Church. I don't know what she would have done without all of them. They have called, visited, kept her spirits up with encouraging words and cards. They are just amazing!!! Especially her Facebook buddies! What a blessing Facebook has been to us through all this. All you people know how to lift people up, make us laugh, and help us forget about all the medical stuff for a while!!!!!

I'm really not so thankful for all the sugar that's been in this house this week. Just when I tell the world I'm starting a diet, here comes Tirimisu (my fault), Key Lime Pie (Bobby's fault), those huge fund-raiser Cinnamon Buns and Carrot Cakes (Rob's fault)!!!! But I am thankful that I've been able to contol my consumption of said sins pretty well. Sharing half a slice of Tirimisu with my Mommy works out pretty well. And eating a 1/4 of the carrot cake then leaving the rest for Rob, that's okay. Still get the taste without the bloat. Okay, that's just TMI I think. Let's move on.....

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, have I said that before? Just so you know, he's the most thoughtful, considerate man on the planet!!!!! And sexy too. Okay, I'll shut up. Let's not get out of hand this morning Crystal :-D But I do love me some Rob Jeffreys!!

Well, I wrote a lot more here, but somehow when I went to publish the blog, it disappeared, so I guess it wasn't meant to be. Maybe that was God's way of telling me to "zip it" and get to work!!!!!

Here's a corny Thankgiving joke for you:

"I was going to serve sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, but I sat on them."

"Now what are you going to serve?"

"Squash".

Baahhaaahhhhaaaa!!! Whatever......

Don't forget to be Thankful this week!!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

For Today

2009-11-16T02:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a little sad today. Rob and Bobby went to close up the camper yesterday and bring everything home for winter. I didn't get to go. If I had, I would have NEVER let them throw all the refrigerator and freezer food away. HOW COULD THEY, lol!!! Cooler or not, I'da brought that stuff home and used it somehow!!!! Rob sent pictures of my porch covered in leaves and the beautiful sunset from the trash dumpsters (honestly!!) from his phone, but I miss my place soooo bad. I'm sad that's it's over for now, but relieved that we finally got it done. Can't wait till Spring.....

For Today:

Outside My Window: My hubby just walked out to go to work. This weekend was toooooo short!!!

I am thinking: It's so good to be up at 5:15 again. I've missed our morning talks and prayer time before Rob leaves for work, but I've just been too tired to get up that early since Sarah got home.

I am thankful for: The nap I got yesterday. It was so nice not to fall into bed exhausted last night, lol!!!

From the Kitchen: Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts that I've been trying to cook since Saturday! Baby White Corn, Spinach Salad and Crescent Rolls.

I am hoping: That Sarah's temp will stay down. That her drainage will continue to decrease like yesterday, hardly any. That I can finish cleaning out the clutter around my fireplace so I can get my Christmas Tree up soon. Uuhhh, let me explain....I usually put my tree up in front of the living room window, but since we are remodeling, and that area still needs work (not to mention that all my eBay buckets are there for now!), I'm borrowing my Mommy's skinny Christmas tree this year and putting it on the fireplace mantel. Lots of things are different this year. We'll see how it turns out. Smaller Christmas tree, not having the 2 parties I always have on Christmas Eve because of our circumstances, not doing all the cooking I usually do (I'll try not anyway!) This is going to be a unique Christmas, but I hope it's only for this year, and things will be back to normal next year!! In the meantime, I hope I will enjoy not being so stressed out for a change!

I am reading: Not much of anything recently, but can't wait to start devotions back with Rob! And catch up on my Through the Bible in a year. I've come too far to get behind now, I can see the end in sight.......

I am creating: A high protein diet for Sarah, and a low fat diet for me. This should be interesting.....

I am praying: For healing for my baby girl of course! For me to be able to get everything done that needs to be done without burning out. For the same thing for Rob. For Bobby to find a job with insurance still!!!!!!!!

I am hearing: The traffic from I-95. Usually I don't notice it, but it's pretty loud this morning. As I typed this, the bomb went off at the Nursing Home!!!!!!!

One of my favorite things: Well, it certainly wouldn't be the PIG mug I have to drink my coffee out of this morning. All of my coffee cups are in the dishwasher, so I had to use the only other mug in the cabinet, Sarah's Pig Cup! I told Rob last night that I was starting my diet (again) today because I'm so miserable, but I'm not off to a great start when even the coffee cups remind me of how I feel, lol!!!!!!!!

Around the house: Oops, just noticed it's 6 am. Gotta hook Sarah up to her drug fix. Be right back....Man, I just don't understand why she is sweating so much. Is it the fevers breaking, is it the IV's? We have to change her pillows, blankets and clothes 2-3 times a day. I just went in and she felt like she'd just got out of a swimming pool with her clothes on!! She hates it :-( Usually she wants to sleep, but she can't wait for Nanny to get here this morning and help with her bath!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: More Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving Food Shopping, House cleaning, Changing out the summer clothes for winter ones, Digging through Christmas decorations.....the list goes on and on!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Haven't taken any lately, so I'll share some of my favorite fall pics!

What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deut. 10:12

It's all about my favorite Daughter!!

2009-11-11T21:44:00.001-08:00

Going Crazy!!!

Cute Flowers from Crystal & David

Today is Thankful Thursday!! I'm writing this at 12:45 in the morning, because we are up putting this antibiotic in for the last time till morning. I'm VERY thankful that this schedule will change tomorrow. It was supposed to change today, but the second port in Sarah's Picc line has clotted, and we still have to do the meds one at a time until they unclot it tomorrow.

I'm so thankful that we serve a God who knows our every fear, and hears our every cry, and never leaves us comfortless when we need Him most!! Oh how He's been there for us these last few months! This has been one tough trial, but we know that with God and our great family and friends who have prayed and sought God on Sarah's behalf, we have seen miracles happen!!

Sarah has struggled with a lack of mobility and therefore independence all her life, and to be told that those limitations might increase was just devastating. I couldn't imagine her being dealt such a horrific blow after all she's already been through. God saw our pain and answered those prayers in a way only He could. He is our great physician and healer, praise His holy name!!!

I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband who worked 12 hours a day, then spent every night at the hospital. Even when I tried to get him to stay home and rest, he couldn't stay away from us. He's been my rock as usual, letting me cry on his shoulder, listening to me complain, and giving me encouragement when things got too overwhelming.

I'm also thankful that Bobby was old enough to be able to care for himself right now. He's been so good about doing what needs to be done, helping me move Sarah's (tons of) stuff from one hospital to another, feeding himself without complaining even though he is sick of fast food!!

I'm thankful for my Mom and Dad! Dad brought Mom to the hospital almost every day, and Mom stayed several times so I could go home for a little break. I'm also thankful for my Robin & David who brought Rob's Mom up almost every day. What would I do without my two Moms?????????

I'm thankful Sarah has started eating like a pig!! I had forgotten what it was like for her to actually eat something, much less finish it. The infection and the antibiotics she was on constantly took her appetite away, and it's been a long time since she felt like eating more than a bite or two at a time. Now she's wanting to eat in the middle of the night even. It's GREAT!!

It's now 1:35 a.m. and the antibiotics are done, yay!! I'll finish this after some sleep, nighty night ;-)

My Portrait of Sarah Beth in her hospital room

It's now 10:00 on Thursday morning. The six o'clock IV went fairly well until I fell asleep and put us and hour and a half behind. This is gonna take some getting used to. I set my alarm, but in my sleepy stupor, I guess I did something wrong.

I'm thankful for the 11 packages I had to ship out today. God is blessing us even in our sleep! That's what we were talking about yesterday. While I napped last night, I sold three things. How awesome is that!!

Well, I better go for now. It's time for Mom and I to work on Sarah's wound care. Thank God for Momma!! More updates later. In the meantime, enjoy the rain....or not, lol!!!

We had beautiful sunsets out of Sarah's hospital window
Bobby standing under plastic working on his truck in the rain!!!
Nice Wheels Man!!!

And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Exodus 33:12

God is Great!!!!!

2009-11-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jimmy from Georgia

Vicki and Pastor Collier

This man has been a great source of comfort & strength for Sarah!!

Awesome card from Naomi in California!!

Sarah's favorite Food Service worker at St. Francis. He sang to her every time he brought her tray in, and came by just to say goodbye before she left! He was AWESOME!!!

It's 9:00 Thursday night, first night after surgery. I've decided to blog a little at a time. Partly to keep everybody informed, and partly just to help me remember what all of these Doctors say.

So, what I write up here could change by the time you get to the bottom of the blog!! That seems to be the way things have been going. One tells you one thing and another tells you something totally different.

The bad news today was that they had to take the whole top of the hip out, but the good news is that she can still sit up, maybe with some adaptive equipment. They will get her up tomorrow see how that works out.

I have to say that I have never been as freaked out by any of her surgeries as I have this one. This makes number 18, and I've gotten pretty used
to seeing all sorts of things, but I just couldn't bear to look at this one. When I first went in to her room, I thought I was gonna to pass out, I was so nervous. When we couldn't cath her and had to call special nurses in, I had to sit down while they worked on her. The one nurse was leaning all over her and putting her weight on that hip, and it just made me sick, even though I knew Sarah couldn't feel it. That's the blessing in all of this, she has no feeling from the waist down, so she is not in any pain, except for the extra IV line they put in her shoulder and a bad headache.

I finally did look at the surgical site, and it's not as bad as I had envisioned. The hip incision has about 12 stitches, and they had to make the actual pressure sore a little bigger, but it was small on the outside to start with, so it's not that bad. That didn't worry me as much as the fact that her leg was laying in a position it had never been able to lay in before. That was VERY freaky!

I still have a little problem with the leg. I'm just not used to it being so loose and moving in odd ways. But we both were really worried that there was going to be some type of disfiguring "hole" where her hip was, and that's not the case. To look at her, it looks the same as usual. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Today is Saturday, 2 days after surgery. My what a change in our outlook!! God has moved mountains and performed miracles (again), and we are soooo thankful!!!!!!!!!! Sarah can sit up, she can move around in the bed by herself, she even transferred off the bed with a little assistance (that's normal for right after surgery). Even though things were so touch and go for a while, it's actually been one of the easier surgeries for her because it was below her line of feeling, so she's had no pain associated with the surgery.

There have been so many questions and uncertainties, but the major ones have proven to be no contest for God. The last test will be sitting in the wheelchair. Hopefully she won't need any adaptive devices, but if she does, we can deal with it now, knowing that that's the worst of her problems!! We had asked that nobody visit until we had more answers and were more comfortable with dealing with the outcome of the surgery, and I think that time has come. Sarah was talking everybody's ears off tonight, and texting all of her Facebook buddies. She says she's ready for company!!

She's doing well enough that she let me come home today to wash clothes, ship out eBay stuff, and post this blog. Even though my store was on "Vacation", I've still sold a ton of stuff. The only difference was that they got a notice that I wouldn't be able to ship out right away. Thank God I had that option!!

My precious little boy sold the only reliable vehicle he had while we were here, then sold "ragabomb", the junker Rob aptly named that was trashing up my driveway, lol!! Yesterday he bought a new Junker, but this one is a little better than the last few. It's a 4runner, not an embarrassment Rob says, I don't have to worry about it parked in front of the house. That's the good thing I guess :-) I've lost count now, but I think he's had about 278 vehicles in his 3 short years of driving!!!!!!!!!!!
(I only exaggerate a TINY bit)

As I type this I am itching to go Christmas shopping. I've read magazines and seen commercials and everybody is talking Christmas, but I haven't bought the first gift yet. We've already decided that both holidays will be very simple this year. There's no time or energy for the "all out" decorating and cooking, and we will be so busy this next month with Drs. appointments and nursing care leading up to the next surgery, so the simpler the better in this house.....thank goodness my kids are old enough to pick out their own stuff, and usually do, so that's all I'm concerned about right now, taking care of them!!! But I still want to SHOP!!!!!!!!!

I guess I better go for now, I don't think there will be any changes in Sarah's routine today since it's Sunday, but we should find out a little more about when she can come home and what type of care she needs once she gets here tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on Facebook, as usual!!!

The hotel St. Mary's

P.S. One more little surprise for Sarah when she reads this blog: Bobby just got back from Best Buy with your Brand New Laptop!!!! Now......can we have ours back????????? Love ya girlie!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Update

2009-11-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, since the surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow, I was able to come home one more time to ship out sales. I'm finally going to put my store on "vacation" because it's just too much right now.

Things have changed yet again. The only sure thing is that nobody knows exactly what's going to happen until they get in and look at the hip.

Tomorrow the surgeon will go in and clean out the bone and joint. Now they are saying they may have to remove most of the hip. That will be the worst case scenario, as she will have learn to sit up all over again, and there will have to be some adaptations to her wheelchair.

The Plastic Surgeon came in and talked with us, but he won't even touch her until all of the infection is out and the tissue has started to heal. Once that happens, she'll be admitted for another huge surgery where he will do a "flap", taking the skin off her leg and using it to close the fill in the sore and close it. She'll be in the hospital at least a week at that time. I still don't know how long she'll be in here this time.

After tomorrows surgery they will have to leave the wound open. She'll have to have frequent visits to the Infectious Disease and Wound Care Specialists for months and months, plus more involved Home Nurse Care.

Sarah's trying not to think about it too much. She just wants to get this first part over with so we know what we're dealing with. I second that!!

She had lots of visitors today, so that kept her mind occupied most of the day. Of course Mom and Dad, Sandy and Robin were here because we thought she was having surgery. Then Pastor Collier and Bro. Dale came to visit. Then Amanda Pursley. Then Ruby and Donnie. Then Georgia and Don. Now Dreama, Ashley and Sophie are staying with her while I get my work done at home. She's been VERY happy today!!!!!! Thanks everybody :-)

I've started this blog at her bedside, and right now she is napping. She finally got her hair washed. It hadn't been washed since Friday, and it was stuck to her head. NOT PRETTY, lol!! It took four of us but hey, whatever it takes to get the job done. It was more like a spa visit than a bedside hairwashing!!!!! Oh to have that kind of pampering, lol!!!!

I don't know what she's dreaming about, but she has a smile on her face! Must be somebody good!!!!!! I'll give you one guess, you South Hopewell people. I think he's called your shephard, lol!!!! (Oh, I'm so gonna get it now!!!!!) But most of you know how Sarah is about "Her Men", hahaha!!!

Well, gotta run. I won't be able to do anymore blogs for a while, because I have to post them at home, but I'll keep you updated on Facebook. Unless I can email the blog to Bobby at home and have him post it. That might happen!!

P.S. Naomi Bussinger: Sarah got your card and she LOVED it. I meant to take a picture so I could post it on here tonight. That was sooo cool how you put her picture on it, and everybody talked about how pretty it was. Ya did good girlie!!!

Until tomorrow......

Update on Sarah

2009-11-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

Today's blog is just a quick update about Sarah and the awesome way God has put people in our path during this hospital stay. Sarah has had the most incredible night nurse! Her name is Elizabeth Gee (shortened version of a loooong last name!!) She happened to hear my cell phone ringing (it plays Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin) and said she's been wanting that song, then told us what her phone plays (can't remember, but it was a gospel song).

That first night she talked to Sarah for sooo long, and reassured her. They talked about their faith in God and lot's of different things. She is the sweetest!!

The second night, we started talking again, and found out that she was raised pentecostal (not sure if she is from India, but she is of a similar nationality), and now attends West End Assembly of God, the same church that Sarah's friend Doug goes to. It's such a small world. We have had the best time with her. She is a GREAT nurse. Another great nurse was Ivone, her day nurse. She was soooo great to Sarah, sitting and talking with her forever, and promising she would be there when they put her Picc line in. I've never seen such caring nurses, and I've seen plenty!!

Monday we got some news that we weren't expecting, and was a little hard to take. Not only is the infection in the bone, but it has spread to the hip joint. The doctors at St. Francis don't know what to do for her, so she's being transferred to St. Mary's where the Spina Bifida Ortho Drs. will do major surgery to clean all of the infection out and maybe fuse the joint. It's a very complicated surgery, and they just can't handle it here. We really hate to leave, we're so spoiled now, but we have to go where she can get the care she needs.

We also found out that she is losing protein through her urine or kidneys (?), so she is malnourished. After all of this infection is taken care of, she will have to have tests for kidney disease.

As I write this, Sarah has calmed down, after a second visit from her wonderful Pastor Collier, and has decided that she's well enough to kick me out of the room, so I'm sitting in the lobby typing this blog until she calls and tells me I can come back. Can you believe that? It's 10:00 at night, and she wants some "alone" time!!!! I think it's great! She also kicked us out at dinnertime. When she told Rob "I love you, Goodbye, Get Out!", he said it was sooo good to hear cause he knew she was feeling better, lol!!!!

Hopefully she will be transferred tomorrow, but it could be Wednesday. Then we have to wait for another consult, and schedule the surgery, so we are in for a long ride this time. Nobody can even begin to tell me how long she'll be in after surgery, and I'm tired of playing the guessing game, so I'm just preparing for the worst and anything else will be A BLESSING!!!!!

Sarah got to talk to her Facebook buddy, Donnie Cox, tonight and he and Ruby prayed with us over the phone. It meant sooo much to her!! Donnie sent her the cutest email that looked like a Facebook status update because he knew she was having Facebook withdrawals!!! She loved it!!

She also got to talk to her CRAZY cousin Jack! That made her night! He knows just how to crack her up and he was telling her what a wonderful mother she had! Hahaha, Jack, if you don't get Facebook soon, I'm gonna keep putting words in your mouth! You keep telling me you're not old, but only old people aren't on Facebook!!!!!! No wait, even THEY are on here, you have no excuse man :-D

Thanks to everybody who has called, visited, sent cards, prayed, etc. It means the world to Sarah and keeps her spirits up. She had to call the school today to let them know she would be out indifinately and that was sad for her. She waited so long to start this new job, and she's hardly got to be there at all. So all the encouraging words keeps her going!!!

I will keep everybody posted. I try to post updates to Facebook by using my phone, but I never know if the text actually makes it through, sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. I will try to keep up with the blogs. I don't know if St. Mary's has internet access, but we'll find out soon!!

It's now Tuesday morning, and I'm home for a few hours to ship out sales and pack some more clothes. During the night we found out that her Picc line is not working properly, and they can't draw blood. Not sure what they will do about that, she may have to have a new one put in. I've got to hurry and get back to the hospital in case they move her, so I'll keep in touch and let everybody know what's going on as best I can.

Sarah with her new "Room Decorations"!!

This is her "I'm going crazy, get me out of here" look!!

Thanks again for your prayers, and keep them coming.....

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.....Psalm 45:1-2

P.S. Just got a text from my mom saying the Picc line has been fixed. Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!