Merry December

Can you believe that it is December already?  This year has flown by so far.  I was thinking back on our year, and thought about all the things we have done in the last 12 months.

We have moved. Twice.  The Hubs and I have each quit our jobs and started new ones (mine being a Stay at Home Mom).  We got a pony for the kids' birthdays.  The Boy started 1st grade.  The Little Miss finally caught on to the whole Big Girl Potty deal.  We have had ups.  We have had quite a few downs.  But we have survived.  We will continue to survive. 

I don't have much to say today, so here is our year in pictures:

Yes, The Hubs is molesting the gorilla. I make no excuses for him.

Have a great Thursday!

Ms. L

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No Shortage of Crazy

This year was my very first foray into the world of true Black Friday shopping.  I have gone before, but I was always a straggler.  I wouldn't get to the stores til 8 am- ish and content to hunt through what was left over.  

Well, there were too many deals out there this year to just lay around in bed!  Plus, I had some how convinced my Mamma and my Sister in Law, C, that this was a great idea.  (I still am unsure how I did this, because they too are extremely fond of their beds). 

The three of us started out at 8pm Thursday night and didn't get back to our wonderful beds until 7 am!  Not sure I'll ever be able to convince them that this is a good idea again.....  However, we had such a great time!  We got 90% of the things we were out for, and had a barrel of laughs doing it! 

Here are a few pictures of our crazy adventure.  These also are proof that there is no shortage of crazy in this world.  =)

C and my Mamma waiting in one of the many lines.

Just a few of the other nuts that were out on Black Friday too.

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

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Try It Tuesday - Christmas Tee

Hey Ya'll!  Welcome to Try It Tuesday!  It is officially the Christmas Season!!!

Today we are making a simple but oh-so-cute Christmas Tee-Shirt.  I saw a few of these last year, and kept saying that I was going to make one for the Little Miss, but it never happened.  I recently looked up a picture to get an idea of what I wanted to do, and this is what I came up with.

Walmart had little girl's long sleeved t-shirts on sale on Black Friday, and we snagged a few.  Other than that, we just used a spare button that we had, some Rick-Rack, and some ribbon left over from our many hair bow adventures. 



I used Fabric Glue to attach the ribbon and Rick Rack, but you could stitch them on if you want.  I did sew on the bow and the button by hand. 

I then laid out the design on the shirt like I wanted it to look.  I trimmed and sealed off all the ends of the ribbon and Rick Rack.  (To seal off ribbons that would otherwise fray, hold the item close to a flame.  Not IN the flame, but close to.  Watch it closely so it doesn't catch fire.  You will see the frayed ends melt and seal together.)

Glue each item on and press down.  You will want to make sure your shirt has at least 24 hours to dry.  Once you get everything on, you're done!  Viola!

Hope you have a Terrific Tuesday!

Ms. L

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Packing

I must say I love my family and friends, because if I didn't I'd never travel anywhere!  When I was single it was easy.  Pack for myself and head out the door.  Now, now is a whole different ball game. 

The Hubs and I are what you would call "over packers".  We both take anything we *think* we might need.  Even if the only scenario we could possibly need that item for would be if we were stranded in a snow bank with no cell phone service.... (and keep in mind that our destination would be some where like Hawaii).  We've always been this way, therefore, our trunk has always been pretty full. 

Now, just imagine this mentality and add 2 children who need everything!  Oh my goodness!  It's a good thing only 4 of us needed to go and come back, because the back of our van was completely filled.  No room for one more living soul!

Anywho, we had a great/ hectic time on our vacation. 

Hope you all had awesome Thanksgivings!  And can you believe that Christmas is a mere 26 shopping days away?!  Crazy!

Merry Christmas!

Ms. T


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It's getting close!

The air is getting crisp and the clothes are getting warmer.  A few houses already have their lights up and more will be joining them soon.  Kids are already making and amending their lists.  It's nearly Christmas!!!  Only 27 Days!

This time of year is by far my most favorite time.  The weather is a nice change from the muggy weather that usually surrounds us.  The lights and trees are always beautiful.  We make cookies (my great grandmother's recipe.  Best. Cookies. Ever.), sing carols, watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the animated version for sure, although the Jim Carey version is fun too).  Watch "Elf", shop, wrap presents and read The Night Before Christmas.

Then it's here!  The actual event.  The other things are like the opening acts and then comes the actual day.  The headliner, CHRISTMAS! 

I love it!  I love everything about it.  Reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and then watching with a smile on my face as the kids tear into the brightly colored packages anticipating the perfect toy. 

The whole event brings a smile to my heart.  I love celebrating it.  As I'm typing this my anticipation level is rising just thinking about all the fabulous things that are coming up soon.  And now the song "I'm So Excited, and I Just Can't Hide It" is running through my head.... and I'm assuming it's now running through your head too.  You're welcome!

So I'd just like to say, enjoy your Thanksgiving and then get ready to gear up for the most wonderful time of the year!!

Ms. T
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BLACK FRIDAY!

Today is the long awaited Black Friday.  In our world this is a holiday.  So we are taking the day off to get some AWESOME deals ;).

Have a bargain filled day!

The Girls

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Thanksgiving Musings

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!


Today is an unusual day for me.  It's a great day, because Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year.  However, today is a somewhat sad day as well.  This is only the 2nd time in my entire life that I haven't been with my parents and sisters on Thanksgiving, and the Black Friday activities that follow.


In addition to that, there has been a trial of massive proportions that has been presented to our family this week.  Although I do not understand why we are having to deal with this, I know that we, and our faith, will be stronger in the end.  I also know that this situation did not take our awesome God by surprise. 

So, here is a list of my favorite things that I am thankful for:

1) My ever-faithful God and Saviour.

2) The Hubs - He may be terrible at gift-giving, but he keeps my eyebrows looking nice, rubs my feet on a regular basis, and ends each day running his fingers through my hair.  And he loves me.  Even when I am not very lovable. 

3) My Kids - They make me laugh and cry.  They love to snuggle (or cuggle as Little Miss calls it).  They are generous and compassionate.  They are my life.

4) My Best Friends - I have a few, mainly my sister, and Ms. T.  They know me better than anyone, and know that when I say I am okay, they know when to ask, "Are you sure?"

5) My Health and the health of my family.

6) The promise that God made to provide for our needs, and that He has revealed Himself to us many times.

7) My California King Size Bed.  I need to able to sleep without coming in contact with anyone, and this wonderful lake sized bed is perfect for that.

8) High Thread Count Sheets - These go on previously mentioned lake sized bed.  They are wonderful.  Invest in them now.  They are on sale on Black Friday.  You won't regret it.

9) DVR.  My life changed when we got our first pause live TV button.

10) Spanx.  Trust me, I am thankful, and you are too. For real.

11) Coupons.  I love coupons. 'Nuff said.

12) Books.  I get lost in a story, and even feel sad when I have to say goodbye to the characters.  I know, pitiful.

13) Lasagna. Cause that's what we had for dinner last night, and it was tasty.  Hmm... I think there are left overs. were left overs.

14) Pinterest.  If you don't know what I am talking about, you and I can't be friends.  Sorry.

15) My huband's chocolate chip cookies.  They are the best in the world.  They don't look so great on my thighs, but oh they taste so good.

16) My husband's Frozen Sweet Tea.  It's like my own South Georgia Girl Non-Alcoholic Margarita. 

17)Your mom.  Okay, not really.  Unless I actually know your mom.  And then, of course I am thankful for her.  But if I don't know your mom, then I am not.  Oh wait, if I know you, then I have to be thankful for your mom. Duh.

18) Laughter.  I am so glad that God gave us laughter.  There are days that I don't know what I would do if I couldn't find something to laugh about.  It is such a good medicine to my heart and soul.

19) Not getting my way.  Ok, I know this sounds crazy as a favorite thing, but it's true.  When I look back on my life and think about some things that I wished and prayed for, I am so glad God saw fit not to give them to me.  Even though I didn't understand why I couldn't have what I thought would make me happy, I do now.  Even small things that I wished for as a teenager, if I had been allowed to have my way, my life would be completely different.  In a not so good way. 

20) This Blog.  When Ms. T and I got together and decided to start this, I was scared, nervous, and not so sure it would work.  Today, I am so thankful that I have a place to go where I can voice my thoughts, my feelings, and pretend like I am talking to someone over the age of 7.  So thank you, for reading, because without you, I would be talking to a wall.  And people just think that is crazy. 



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Laundry

For the past two days I have been doing nothing but laundry.  Well, that might be a teeny exaggeration, but it didn't feel like it!  How is it that 2 big people and 2 small people can create so much laundry? 
I'm not sure, but I tell ya we do! 

I am not complaining.  I'm actually thankful for all the laundry.  There are several reasons to be thankful for it all.  What are my reasons?  Well, thanks for asking!  I'll gladly share them with you.

1.  I have people that I love that I'm doing the laundry for.

2.  All those dirty clothes mean that no one in my family had to go naked.

3.  I have a washer and dryer in my house.  Dude, I NEVER want to have to trapse to the laundry mat to get my clothes clean.

Ummm.... As of right now those are my greatful fors when it comes to laundry.  Thanks for letting me share!  ;)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Ms. T



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Try It Tuesday - Glitter Letters

Hey Ya'll!  It's time for Try It Tuesday, Quick Edition.

My house has been crazy busy and slightly dramatic for the last few days, so this was a last minute tutorial.  I know I missed last Tuesday's tutorial because I was at the hospital with my niece, so I wanted to give you something for today.

Today we are making Glitter Letters.  I first saw Glitter Letters on Miss Mustard Seed's website.  They are a quick and easy project to spruce up your home for the holidays. Now, I have to admit that this project was chosen because I happen to have had all the items stashed away in my craft closet.   I have made these banners before for a photographer friend of mine, so the banner we are making today is from what ever letters I have left, which also happens to be the name of a little girl I know.

Here are the things you will need for today:

Glue
Twine
Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Chip Board Letters (available at any craft store)
German Glass Glitter (You could use regular glitter if you wanted.  I use German Glass Glitter, because it is actual slivers of silver glass, so they tarnish nicely and give you an aged look after a while without losing the sparkle. I purchased this off of Ebay for just a couple of dollars.)
Qtips
A couple of bowls

Start by coating the chip board letter with a moderate coat of glue.  Be sure to get the glue all the way to the edges, and you can even put glue on the edges if you want your glitter to extend that far.



Place your glue covered letter glue side up in a bowl.  The reason I glitter into another bowl is for easy clean up, especially since this is little slivers of glass.

Sprinkle glitter over the glue covered letter.  Once the entire letter is covered with glitter, carefully lift it out of the bowl, and let it sit on a flat surface to dry.

Once the letters are dry, you have several different options.  You can attach magnets, and use them as pretty refrigerator magnets.  You could attach ribbon and hang each letter individually.  I am choosing to use some twine. 

Just put a little hotglue on the back of each letter and attach the twine.  

Note:  I know that the Y and the V don't look so great next to each other in this font.  I would recommend that if you have two letters that look odd adjacent to each other, mix up your fonts and use 2 different fonts to break up the lines.  This was the only font I had on hand, so this is what it is.

It's really hard to capture the sparkle and the vintage/aged look these letters have on camera.  Here are a couple of shots that show each aspect individually.

This is without light directly on the letters.

This is the letters with light directly on them.

These look great used on packages instead of tags.  I think my favorite use is as a Christmas tree garland, with "Merry Christmas" or some other cheerful holiday saying on it.  They are also great draped over picture frames or mirrors.

Here's to hoping that you find some inspiration in this super quick and easy craft!

Happy Tuesday!

Ms. L




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Football

The Firecracker has become obsessed with football. It is his game of choice.  He recognizes it instantly on t.v. even if it's just a commercial for a football game. 

The only part I don't actually love is when he decides that he is a football player and so are all the other kids in the nursery, whether or not they have actually chosen this game..... Can you see where this is going?  Zep, (the Firecracker's way of saying "yep".  It's growing on me to be sure.) he's having to sit in time out multiple times, because for some reason those other kids don't like being tackled. 

I mean come on, Firecracker gives them fair warning and everything!  He shouts, "I foofall team!  HUT HUT!" (which is definitely a mystery to the Hubs and I, because to our knowledge he's never heard anyone say "hut hut" during a game?  Where do they learn this stuff?) and then proceeds to run at you and tackle you.  It's cute and even slightly funny, unless he tackles an unsuspecting kid, then it's not funny at all.  It's timeout worthy, just ask the Firecracker.  He'll tell ya.

He's a character.  Everyday is an adventure in my world ;). 

Hope you all have an adventurous day!

Ms. T
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A Revived Pantry

Hey Ya'll!  Ms. L here!  Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday.  This is the start to a super big week, one of my favorite of the year.  My Black Friday Spreadsheet is already typed up, coupons are cut, and the actual plan of action will be assigned on Wednesday night.

However, today I took the chance to replenish the pantry.  My pantry was looking sad, a little on the thin side.  You know for a serious couponer this is a little heartbreaking and a little exciting as well.  I was out of town for most of this week, and all the shopping got put on hold.  So, today I recruited the Hubs, and during nap time, we strategized, coupon style.

This week is a really great week at Publix.  Because of the impending holiday, they have a lot of their pantry staples on B1G1 sale, and there are some really great coupons out there too.  I went shopping with my mom on Thursday while in GA, and then went today with the Hubs, and the kiddos. What was I thinking???  The kids.  Not the Hubs.  He knew this was serious shopping day.  Like a practice run for Friday.

So, I made my lists (3 transactions), and checked them twice (more like a gazillion times).  My coupons were organized in their envelopes, and the children even got the "If you misbehave, I will sell you to an unsuspecting stranger" peptalk.   I was half expecting them to be out of everything that I was wanting to buy, but they weren't.  There were only two items on my lists that they were out of. 

The cashier that we got was misinformed on her coupon policies, and ended up costing me money.  I actually had to combine certain transactions, and go back through the store and get Transaction #3 (which I was going to shop for later), and combine it with Transaction #2 for her to allow my coupons. 

When I got all finished selecting my items, I went and got back in the same line.  I did not want the cashier to think that I was trying to cheat and use someone else.  I was abiding by her rules.  Well, they opened up another line right next to us, and the Manager on Duty asked me to step to that line.  Long story short, they (the new cashier and the Manager) asked why I was coming back again, and I explained that I didn't know they had changed the policy on store coupons.  The manager said, "We didn't."  She then proceeded to tell me that the other cashier had been wrong, and that I was correct. 

So, that was great and all, but it would have saved me an additional $17 dollars if the first cashier had understood the policy correctly.  They also told me that it was clear that I knew the policies and if I ever had anymore problems, have them call a manager and they would fix it. 

So, here is my haul from today:

Total before Sales and Coupons: $222.91
Total after Sales and Coupons: $61.21

That's a Savings of 73%.  (Not my best ever, but my pantry, my budget, and I are happy!)


Have a Happy Sunday!

Ms. L

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5 Question Friday!

Good Morning all!  It's Friday!  I'm excited about this weekend. No reason in particular, I just enjoy spending time with my family uninterrupted by work! =)

Once again a big thanks to Mama M. for letting us link up!  Now, on with the fun!

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

     Not really, although, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” or “Santa Baby”  would probably be the ones I’d choose if I had to pick one.

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?

     Fake all the way, baby!  You have to remember to water real ones so the lights don’t accidentally catch them on fire, and I can’t be trusted to do that.  Plus, real ones make such a mess!  Especially towards the end of the season (or you forget to water them) and then you have to vacuum like every day.  I have enough to do daily, thank you!

     I will say that real ones smell nicer……

3. What are you thankful for?

     Oh my, do we have all day?  No, ok then we’ll stick with the basics- in no particular order.  My salvation through Jesus alone! My God that cares enough to meet my daily needs, and hear and answer my daily prayers, my babies, my Hubs, my family- in laws included =), my house- even though it doesn’t ever seem to stay clean, running water, air conditioning, vehicles we can depend on.  My list could keep going, but for sake of time we’ll stop here.

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

     Ummm…. I’m not really a fashion person past or present.  It takes way too much time and moola and then it just changes again in like a month.  I don’t have that much time or energy or money to keep up with it.  So I’d say,  ummm…. I don’t know.  I can say I’m glad that the whole leg warmers and head bands and well pretty much the whole 80’s look is out =).

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

     Yeppers.  Even better if the Hubs is in the car! =) Just kidding, I do fill it up on my own, but it is a running joke that I run the car til it’s empty and then ask him to drive it somewhere.  Hahaha =)

Hope you all have a splendid weekend!!

Ms. T

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

I am a huge music fan, so there is no ONE song that puts me in a good mood.  Music in general puts me in a good mood.  So I could list probably 100 songs that I like to listen to when grumpy!  The mood depends the genre I turn to, but not the actual song.

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?

Real!!!  It is a tradition that we started when The Boy was about 2 years old.  We go to a Christmas tree farm, let the kids pick the tree (with mom's approval, of course), and then they help Daddy cut it down.  It was something we always did when I was growing up, and I wanted my kids to have the same great memories about Christmas Tree hunting. 

3. What are you thankful for?

I also have a very long list that closely matches Ms. T's.  I will add that I am thankful for my dear, dear friends.  I don't know what I would do without my support group that makes me laugh when I want to cry.  I am also super thankful for answered prayers.  And miracles.  And chocolate.  KitKats.  The End. (Okay, not really, but you don't have time to read all day.)

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

Well, hmmm... I actually wear leg warmers, Ms. T.  Thankyouverymuch. Of course, I wear them tucked inside my boots, so they look more like boot-socks, but they are legwarmers.  If I could wear one past fashion look, it would definitely be 50's inspired.  Like this:

Can't you see me vacuuming in this???

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

Ok, this question is just silly.  Does anyone actually fill up the tank?  And are there actual people that put gas in before the light comes on?  That's just crazy.  Of course I wait until the light is on.  I think it's in the manual that you are supposed to.   I am a rule follower, people.  And I only fill up the tank if I am taking a trip.  Otherwise, it hurts too much to spend that much money at once.

Have a Happy Weekend!

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Christmas Cookie Ice Cream

Ms. L is driving home from her trip to support her niece during her surgery.  So you get the pleasure of hearing from me two days in a row!!  Lucky you!  No snarky comments from the peanut gallery ;).

You may not know this about me, but I am a junk food junkie.  Specifically sweet junk food.  Although I do love me some chips.  Anyway, the other day the Hubs went to the store for something random and came home not only with what he was after, but also with something a little extra... Blue Bell Christmas Cookie ice cream!  Oh My Lanta!  Do you see why I love that man?!  (and just in case you were thinking, "wow that Hubs sure is going to the store a lot", it's the same trip I posted about here.)

This ice cream is fantastic!  It has little chunks of ginger bread in it and sprinkles, and bits of icing.  Oh My Lanta!  I'm telling ya it's fabulouso.  The only problem here is that my waist line doesn't need one more delicious treat to be addicted to.  So Thank you and curse you, Blue Bell....

Ms. T

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Party Rockin' Hospital Style

Hey, Everybody!  It's Ms. L reporting live from the hospital waiting room.  Oh yeah,  you wish you were me!

I am about 10 hours away from home, and sitting on a most uncomfortable couch in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.  It's been a long day.  My super sweet niece (practically like one of my children) Mo, had surgery today.  She handled it like the champ that she is.  Her mom didn't so bad either. 

Other than the surgery, and all the uncomfortable furniture, the last two days have been rather enjoyable.  I have gotten to spend time with 3 people that I like very much. 

My sister, K, one of the funniest, crazy people you will ever meet.  She is one of my best friends in the entire world.  I know that I can tell her anything without her judging me, or thinking that I am certifiably looney.  She makes me laugh.  A Lot.  She rewrites lyrics to almost every song ever recorded, and sings them at the most inappropriate times.  She scares me to death while driving.  She knows me as well as I know myself, if not a little better.  She is definitely Party Rockin'.

Next, is J, a friend of the family.  I have watched her grow up from a cute kid, into a pretty awesome adult!  She is an awesome rapper.  She also scares me while driving.  She can whip her hair back and forth really well.  So well that she almost smacked my dad in the face with it.  She makes me laugh, and when you put her and K together, it's an Insta-Party.

Lastly, is my niece, Mo.  She is, as I said earlier, like my very own child.  I used to talk to her while she was in utero, and she came out knowing my voice and trying to talk back every time she heard me.  I taught her to stick her tongue out on command about 2 weeks old. I can tell you are so proud.  She has grown into a pretty cool chick too.  She is funny, sweet, and I just love her to pieces.  Preferably Reese's. 

So, although the circumstances are not quite what we would like for them to be, I have truly enjoyed this little bit of time that I have been able to have with such awesome people.  I am forever corrupted   inspired by them to find the funny in anything.

May you have a great Tuesday!



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Christmas Shopping

Ok, so I am one of those people that Christmas shops all year long.  Not because I over buy, but because I shop the clearance sections, and the sales and it is easier for the budget when the buying is spread out over 11 months ;).   Well, by the beginning of November I'm usually done with the exception of a few little things for stockings. 

Well, this year I don't know what has happened to me!  I'm not even close to done this year.  EGADS!  I'm feeling the pressure!  I know that this may be foreign to many, because it's much more normal to START shopping about this time of year rather than finishing up. 

Ok, freak out over.  Thanks for being a listening ear.  And everyone will have something under the tree.  No problem, no problem, no problem.  I'll keep repeating that until it's all done =).

Merry Christmas shopping to you all!

Ms. T

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Hotline to God

Hey Ya'll!  I hope today finds you well.

As I write, I realize that my circumstances have changed drastically since Thursday when I wrote A Moment of Silence.  But this requires just a bit of backstory.

Yesterday, Ms. T wrote about her mom, which we lovingly refer to as Gram.  I met Gram just over 10 years ago.  I did not know when I met her what a massive impact that she would have on my life.  I did not know that she would become my confidant, my friend, my second mom, and my prayer warrior.  I was good friends with her son, and through him I met both Mrs. T and The Hubs. 

When The Hubs and I married, in December of 2003, I moved away from everything and everyone I had known, with the exception of Mrs. T's family.  Gram stepped in as a second mother to me.  When I found out that I was pregnant a mere 3 months after The Hubs and I got married, Gram was the one I talked to.  When I was suffering from PPD and didn't know how to survive, Gram was the one that offered her support and love.  She has rocked my babies. She has driven hours to see me when I was in the hospital with pneumonia.  She has dried my tears.  She has made me laugh.  She has even guilted me into doing a few things, even though I always tease that I don't have to listen because she's not my "real" mom.

Gram is a true woman of God.  Now I know that we all have direct access to God, but if you ever need an answer to prayer, Gram is the woman to go to.  We (pretty much anyone that knows her very well) joke that Gram has a direct hotline to God, and that He listens to her. 

There have been nights that I have been absolutely exhausted and desperately needed a good night's sleep.  I have either called Gram, or she has called me, and she told me that she would pray for me.  She would ask what time I would be putting the babies to bed, and she would pray during that time for them to sleep quickly and through the night.  On those nights, I have had the best sleep possible.  There have been times that our family has faced immediate needs, and she has prayed fervently on our behalf to have miracles happen and they have. 

Well, so of course you know what I did on Wednesday when the Cavi died?  I texted Gram.  I would have called, but I was pretty sure that she was in church.  I told her the situation, that the car was completely D-E-A-D.   I told her of several other trials that our little family was facing right now, such as my left ovary had decided to punch me in the face.  Ok, not literally, but I was in severe pain and had no idea why.  With no health insurance, the ER was the last place I was headed to.   Gram messaged that she would start praying, and I knew I could trust her.

Wow, that was a long backstory!  And I even skipped a lot of details! 

So, that brings us up to Thursday.  The Hub's sister let him borrow her truck to go to work, and his dad said he would take another look at the car to see if we could get it running enough to sell it.  Well, he and a mechanic friend looked at it on Wednesday night, only to tell us it was finished.  When The Hubs got over to his parents' house on Thursday, the Cavi was running!!!

The Hubs called me, and said, "Well, there's no point in spending any more money on the Cavi."  To which I replied, "It's dead?"  And he said, "No!  It's running better now than it ever has.  I am sitting in it right now with it running, and can you even hear it?"  I couldn't.  It cost a total of $43, and the time of his generous dad, and it is running like a champ again!

The ovary that was attacking my body for 4 solid days, also just quit hurting. Other trials that we were facing just seemed to resolve themselves.

This is totally God!!!  It really is!  I know it.  But, I also know that it has a lot to do with the prayers of my two sisters, my mom, Mrs. T, and a certain Gram of mine.

Well, I have to get to bed.  The Little Miss and I are getting up before daylight to drive to Georgia for a couple of days.  Prayers would be appreciated from all of you!  Have a Happy Sunday!

Ms. L



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Random

Life can be so random sometimes.  Random is quite fun.  Sometimes random is sweet. You never know just what to expect because it's well, Random =).  Like when you walk onto your porch and you realize, hey, there is a match box car that has been left unattended stuck scaling up the track of the sliding glass door. 

Or when you walk into your son's bedroom and find him sitting on his pillow telling you it's a motorcycle.  Or when you have to discipline a Mickey Mouse sticker, because apparently he spit on your son.  Shame on Mickey.  He really should know better!

Or when your 2 year old brings you the phone and says, "Mom, I call Gram, PLEASE!" (Gram is what he calls my Mamma.)  Or when he comes and kisses your hand, because he thinks you have a boo boo. 

Yes, my friends, random is one of my favorite things.  Here's hoping that life will never settle into "normal", but always stays a bit RANDOM =).

Ms. T


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5 ? Friday!

Happy Veteran's Day to you!  I hope you have a nice long weekend.  I have garage saling to do this weekend =).  Yippee!
Once again thanks to Mama M. for letting us link up to the fabulous 5 question Friday!

Now On with the fun!

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?

    

     This is kinda a cheat, because we haven't actually had to pay for it yet, but within the month we should be =(.  But I'm going with the roof.  Who knew that in order to keep the rain off your head you had to fork over nearly ten grand.  Yes, my friends, you read that right ten grand!  Do you know how many pedicures, or vacations, or trips to the movies that would buy?!  But no, we have to use it to buy peel and stick water barrier, and new shingles, and new flashing (don't ask me what that is, because I don't know, but apparently it's important).  Ugh.  Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do.  I don't want rain dripping on my head.

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?

     Gotta go with Paula Dean.  Oh My Lanta she is awesome.  I don’t think I’d just want her to make the dinner though, I think I’d want to have dinner with her.  She seems like such a friendly, funny person.  I think we could be best friends, especially since I’m an over eater, and she puts a pound of butter into everything she makes. Mmmmmmm……

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

     Depends, if I find out they’re coming and I have like 10 minutes I usually throw things into my bedroom and shut the door, or maybe the laundry room.  If I have no idea they’re coming and they just show up then I just let them see the real deal (which by the way gives me so much anxiety you’ll never know) smile and say, “please remember I have 2 small children, who hate it when anything is put away”.

4. Who is your oldest living family member?

     Ummm….. I guess that would be the Hub’s Uncle M. (he’s a VERY odd fish.  Maybe someday I’ll do an entire post just on him.  Let’s just say you’ll be laughing and sometimes grossed out.).  He’s 77 (I think). 

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)?

     DQ treat would be a blizzard.  I do love the thick blizzards.  Sonic would be the cherry limeade.  YUM and I don’t associate that with being a “dessert” so I can get that anytime of the day and it’s fine.  Oh who am I kidding I would (and have) eat cake for breakfast.  I’m a sugar aholic and I know it.

Ms. T

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?

Hmm... probably a dinner out.  After having been a couponer for quite a while, it really hurts to eat dinner out and see the final bill.  Ouch!

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?

Well, if I wasn't married, I would say Curtis Stone!  Oi, that accent!  But since I am a happily married woman, and since I am native to the hometown of one of the best chefs in the south, I too have to pick Paula Deen.  I have been to her restaurant, The Lady & Sons in Savannah, GA once, and would love to go again!


3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

Well. . . I really hate, hate, hate for people to come unannounced.  This really isn't because I don't like people, I just really don't like people to come over without my house being spotless.  Even my dearest and closest friend can't come over without a warning.  It may not be very hospitable of me, but I really can't deal with it.  It comes from certain events in my childhood, but I have severe anxiety and panic attacks if someone comes by without a notice first.

4. Who is your oldest living family member?

Up until last year, it was my Grandpa, but he passed away at the ripe old age of 94.  Currently, I believe that it is my Aunt B, and she is currently 71, I believe.  She is a spry 71 though, and loves to fish like crazy! 

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)?

Oooh!  I love the Ice Cream Cakes from DQ.  Those little crunchy chocolate things, and the fudgy layer.  Yum!  At Sonic, I love a Diet Strawberry Limeade, but a Orange Cream Slush is also pretty yummy.  However, I haven't been able to drink one of those since I saw how many calories and carbs are in that sneaky joker!

Happy Weekend!

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A Moment of Silence

Three years, two months, and 12 days ago I got a phone call at work that no one wants to receive.  One of my worst fears in life had come true.  I answered the phone only to be told that the Hubs had been in a wreck on the way home from work. 

"Is he okay?"

Yes. Just a minor burn on his wrist, and a very tiny crack in his collarbone.  Whew.  Thank you, Lord for your protection.

"Is my car okay?"

Uh, not so much.  It's totaled.  But, we learned a valuable lesson.  If you hit a pine tree at just the right speed and trajectory, you can snap it off at its base.  Don't think my husband aimed for the tree, someone pulled out in front of him and going off the road was his only option.

Well, we were devastated.  We were confused.  Frightened, even.  We needed that car.  Why would God take it away from us?

Well, although we needed that car, our budget wasn't handling that payment so well.  We had decided that we would not purchase another new car, but choose a used one with a much lower payment.  Problem was, we had no money.

*God enters, stage left.*

We have some very dear friends, family practically.  Actually, it is Ms. T's family.  There was a car in their family that had made its rounds.  I believe each member of the family had used this car for a while, and when God provided another vehicle, they passed it onto another family member.  Well, Ms. T's sister had just bought a new car, and was finished using the Cavi (as it has lovingly been called, it was a Chevy Cavalier).  The next thing we know, we are holding the keys and the title to this blessing from God. 

It came with a warning.  The Cavi had had a long life, and was on its last leg.  The exact words used were, "It may not even last you two weeks, but maybe it will help."

That was 3 years, 2 months and 12 days ago.  That car was such a blessing.  There were days that we didn't know if it would start up, but it always did.  The only thing we ever had to replace on it was a $4 piece of plastic and a few tires.  The 14 days that it was thought it might last, turned into 1,167 days.  Last night, she died.  The Hubs was on the way home from work, and she overheated, so he pulled over.  After a couple of hours sitting in a parking lot, help arrived in the form of his dad, a friend and a trailer. 

She cranked, made that last little walk onto the trailer, and decided that she just couldn't go any further.  I am so thankful for that little Cavi.  She didn't even require to be pushed onto the trailer.  She served the Hubs well.

You know, the Cavi was not a pretty car.  She sounded not so great, and didn't like having to sit in traffic one bit.  She was slightly temperamental, and caused a little frustration every now and then.

But she was 100% blessing.  We knew for our entire time with the Cavi that it was completely God keeping her going.  We knew that He had provided for our need, and kept providing on a daily basis, every time she cranked up.  She was an answer to prayer, that came in a form that we weren't expecting.

Today, I am thankful that God chose to meet that need in an unconventional way.  I am thankful that a dear friend was sensitive to the Lord's bidding.  I am thankful for each and every day that we were reminded that God is in control of everything. 

Today, I am choosing not to stress (ha, not an easy thing for me to do) because I know that God will meet our needs again.  Will He give us another car for free?  Well, He kind of already has, it's just not running at this moment.  I don't know how God will choose to glorify Himself through this trial in our lives, but I know that He will glorify Himself.  I know that He knows exactly how this is going to work out.  I know that He kept that car running until the last seconds, and He will choose where we go from here. 

So, join me today, in a moment of silence.  No, not for the car.  A moment that we can be still and know that whatever the situation we are facing, God is in control and at work in a plan that only He knows. 

Have a happy and car-trouble-free Thursday!

Ms. L


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