YUCK

I am sick. I just feel awful. I am do not have an upset stomach, congestion, rash or anything. I just feel awful. I do not want to do anything but lay around. I am a mom I can't feel this way! There is too much to do to feel this way! I didn't even feel like writing this but I promised you I would share about my Charleston trip and I needed to explain why I haven't. So until I feel like sharing about a wonderful time spent with a very special friend...here...is the link to my pictures. Enjoy!

Did I mention I feel awful!

Menu Plan Monday

The pantry is in desperate need of restocking but I somehow have pulled a menu together. However, the plan could have a few changes during the week!

Monday: Spaghetti and salad

Tuesday: Pork Barbecue, and rice

Wednesday: Barbecue Chicken some kind of vegetables

Thursday: Black Bean soup

Friday: TBA

Check back a little later today for a post on my trip to Charleston! You will be surprised to find out monkeys roam down there!

My "BFF"

Just a little over 10 years ago, I was a SAHM who had an almost two year old little boy and a husband putting in as many hours as possible to provide a future for his new family. We lived around 60 miles away from family. We had visited many churches but never really made a connection with a community of believers. I prayed daily that God would give me just one friend. Just some one that I could talk to and spend time with.

We eventually started visiting a church that we passed every Sunday. After just the first or second visit a lady from that church called an invited me to a play group. I was so excited! I mean there were other SAHM's out there! So I went to the next play group full of people I knew nothing about. Ten years later, the woman that called me that day is the best friend I have ever had. It turns out she was praying for a friend too. God led us straight to each other.

Sometimes people are surprised at what good friends we are, because we are so different in so many ways. This is my reply. When God has a friendship planned He knows what He is doing. A good friendship is like a bank account, you must invest so that it can build interest.

We have been blessed to share pregnancies, birthday parties, recipes, death of a parent, sickness, vacations, and LOTS OF COFFEE!! Now we are preparing for one of the biggest and hardest challenges we have experienced yet...separation. But I don't fear it, we will make it.

This weekend my friend is taking me to Charleston for my birthday! We are so excited to have some time away! I can't wait to share some of our adventure with you.

I have been blessed since that day 10 years ago to have many wonderful friends brought into my life and ladies you all know who you are! I love you all and I wouldn't trade you for chocolate...ok, maybe dark chocolate!

A Give-away!!!

I just know everyone is like me and loves a good contest!! So if you go to this site...you can register for a 100$ giveaway to be used at Vision Forum. They have a lot of wonderful resources so go and check it out!!

What?...ME?

Yes, I am 39 today! And no I am not 39 and holding...at least I hope not! I have learned a lot in the last 39 years and I can't wait to see what I learn in the years to come. So as I end this decade I want to share just a few of the things I have learned. (Disclaimer...if you expect this to be a life changing list, you may be disappointed!)

• Your thirties are pretty cool!
• Gray hair spreads like KudZu
• Having a baby after 30 is tough
• Friends are even more special
• Everyone looks old at you 20th high school reunion
• There are highs and lows at every age
• You can experience enormous grief and still laugh
• Every day is a gift and should not be wasted
• Your children will get as tall as you one day

and finally....

• Your Grandmothers belly obviously started looking that way in her 30's!!

Celebrate Everyday, and recognize the gift it is!!

Thanks Mom...my life has been awesome! You are an amazing mother and I was blessed to have you!

Menu Monday

We have kind of a weird week ahead so the plans are slightly different this week. Sid will be in Nashville Tuesday through Thursday with work. I leave on Friday for a girls weekend in Charleston with my"BFF"!! We will return on Sunday.

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs

Tuesday: TBA...haven't decided this is my birthday!!

Wednesday: Salmon, yellow rice, peas

Thursday: soup and grilled cheese

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: It is up to Sid on this one...I predict PB&J!

Have a great week and for more menu ideas look here !

Voting is like trying to find a caramel in a box of chocolates

Today in SC we had our primaries so I went out to vote. The whole time I was getting ready I kept weighing the candidates over and over in my head. I have read all of the issues and visited all of the web pages, I even sent out the same question to every candidate in both parties to hear their response. I heard back from one.

Then I had the thought that I had not asked God which man/woman(still can't believe I typed that) would He have me vote for. It was just another one of those times I try to do something all on my own.

So often I worry and try to come up with plans of actions instead of trusting in God to provide and care for me. How could I make a decision like this and not seek God on it?

I voted, with clarity and peace.

A Really Good Post

This post by my Wonderingfellow is really awesome I think you should check it out!

Southern Snow 2008

100 Things About Me...

1. I am the oldest of two children

2. I have a brother

3. My first dog was named Pogo

4. My second dog was named Pogo

5. I had a bird named Bud

6. My dad was a preacher

7. I fell skinned my knee and tore my pants on my first day of Kindergarten

8. I never really enjoyed school

9. I have always loved listening to music

10. I have always lived in South Carolina

11. I worked for a short time as an english teacher in South Korea

12. I hate change

13. I had all of my grand-parents until I was 21

14. I convinced my brother to eat cat food when we were little

15. I am married to the man of my dreams

16. I was crazy about him from the first minute I saw him

17. That has never changed

18. I have three beautiful children

19. I home school

20. I became a Christian at age 13

21. I hate conflict

22. I love the color green

23. I love bags

24. I like to cook new recipes

25. I get scared easy

26. I love the ocean

27. I love to fish...at the ocean

28. I have a black cat

29. I have had many cats...Tiger, a Persian, Patches, and Prissy

30. I love to play games

31. I love to work puzzles

32. My dad died...nine years ago

33. My life changed forever that day

34. My family changed forever that day

35. It wasn't for the better

36. I am not a mean person...really :-)

37. I was always told my mouth would get me in trouble

38. It has

39. I love fried chicken

40. I do not like spinach

41. I am a coffee addict

42. I am also a coffee snob

43. I have a friend that is closer than a brother

44. I live in a brick house

45. I love Tyler Perry movies

46. I love to read

47. I don't always make the best decisions

48. I can easily find a reason to goof off

49. I really like dark chocolate

50. I sometimes wish to be British

51. I love musicals

52. I would like to dance with John Travolta

53. I love to travel

54. I am not crazy about heights

55. I would rather camp in 20 degree weather than see a snake

56. I love movies

57. I would rather be cold than hot

58. I love to have my back rubbed

59. I love bubble baths

60. I have always wanted to grow long nails

61. 17 years ago I was in a really bad car accident

62. The man who hit my car died

63. I have never forgotten it

64. I have a piece of my car working its way out of my hand...TODAY

65. I hate trying to keep secrets...so I try to make myself forget

66. I went to my freshman and senior proms

67. I went to three colleges

68. I pledged a sorority

69. I make good biscuits

70. I love my mother

71. I have an aunt that is like a sister

72. I have good in-laws

73. I have really good friends

74. I have natural curly hair

75. I have hated it my whole life

76. My husband makes me feel pretty

78. I am nervous about moving

79. I love to take a nap in the sun

80. I love to have a private space

81. Sometimes that is in my closet with the door shut

82. Sometimes I sit in the closet and call the cat just to drive her crazy

83. I have always dreamed of being a public speaker

84. I love a good clearance sale

85. I can stretch a dollar

86. I am a poor organizer

87. I hate doing laundry

88. I hate laundry done the wrong way

89. I love to laugh

90. I refuse to iron

91. I love to go to junk stores and thrift shops

92. I like to have a schedule

93. I wish it would snow four feet

94. I over pack when I travel

96. I love Target and hate Walmart

97. I hate being lonely

98. I need to lose weight

99. I hate to exercise

100. I love my life...the good and the bad!

My Boys

I love boys! I always have! I knew I would be married one day, I just had too...I love boys! Sure enough I finally found that special one. Then the greatest things began to happen. We got married in a dream wedding, we had a fantasy honeymoon, and we had babies!!! Two of those beautiful babies were BOYS!

Tonight was just wonderful, and I have to share. I needed to run out to the store for some dish detergent(let myself run out). My nine year old quickly jumped up and said "I will go...we will make it a date!". We made our special trip to Walgreens and every time it was time to get in the car or get out he would run to my door and open or close it for me. Then on the way home he said "take the long way home, Mama". My heart just swelled, I am still his girl!

Then to make the night even more amazing, when I got home and was washing dishes, my oldest son came over and started massaging my back. Now you must realize this is my 12 year old that has the personality of Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde most days. He normally looks at me like I am public enemy number one. As I was standing amazed by this show of affection I asked "what did I do to deserve this?". His reply was what really got me. He didn't say because that was a good supper or because I had washed his clothes. He said " I just felt like it".

Wow, what an awesome evening! I am still floating.

It's a Monday but here is my menu anyway!

I am having a Monday all day and it is only 10:30! It just seems some Mondays are stuck in the mud, and this is one!

ANYHOO!!!

Here is the plan...yes there is some repetition but there were some schedule changes and I am rolling over a few things. Last week the Mediterranean Chicken was really good...and our friends the Johnsons love the tomato gravy night!

Monday: Kielbasa , potatoes, and baked beans

Tuesday: Crock pot chicken, peas, and corn

Wednesday: Italian Sausages, garlic cauliflower, green beans

Thursday: Grilled Cheese and soup(since I have to ride to Newberry with my very best friend, who shall remain nameless, but she has blonde hair and drives a black BMW, while she pays a speeding ticket!)

Friday: TBA...Sid and Wes will leave for Avalanche in TN and the rest of us will take it easy!

For more ideas remember to check orgjunkie.com

Still in my heart

I really miss my Dad sometimes. This is one of those times. My Dad was a really neat guy, he was funny, intelligent, loving, moody, tempremental, nostalgic, and bald! He could be my best friend and sometimes he was the perfect nemesis. He could make me feel like the most special girl in the world and sometimes just tick me off! But we were always ok, and the world was ok. I sometimes hold back saying this because I some how feel like it has been my responsibility to guard the hearts of everyone but myself, but I miss him so much.

I would give anything to talk to him. I want to be able to tell him what is going on in mine and Sid's life. I want to hear his wisdom and encouragement, not matter how bad it may hurt him, that going to Texas and following God's leading is the only way, and that God will provide our needs and never dessert us. Don't get me wrong...I know all of those things, because he raised me that way. I just want to hear the sound of his voice saying it.

Sorry if this post seems sad, but the reality of life is sometimes we are. My loving wonderful husband has been helping see that feeling the things I want to push deep down inside my heart is ok. Here is something he wrote once that I did enjoy this morning:

I Like Ministerial Students

I like ministerial students. There is something exciting about students who have grasped great truths for the first time. Their enthusiasm is catching.

Ministerial students know the value of studying church history. They read Augustine, Luther, Calvin and Zwingli. They find inspiration as they meet these great men through their writings.

These students study Baptist history also. They know the importance of our history. Test your skills as you ask them about Keach, Bunyan, Gill, Fuller or Carey.

Ministerial students have the fire of evangelism in them. They know that Jesus Christ is the answer to the world’s problems and they want to let the whole world know. They have not given up on lost souls being saved.

Ministerial students love to preach. They are usually good preachers. They still realize their sermons must be bathed in prayer. They may not be polished speakers, but they can be powerful in their messages.

Ministerial students pray. Their prayers are sincere and fervent. They have not gotten beyond dependence on prayer. They are not so self-assured that they feel they can go it alone.

So study and pray and preach, young man. Don’t be hindered in your conquest for the Lord by us older fellows who have grown cynical and cold from battles fought and lost.

Menu Time!!

I am really enjoying the menu plan! Since I have been planning menus and following them, we have cut about $100.00 off our grocery budget, every two weeks. That is worth taking a few minutes and coming up with a plan! The thing I enjoy the most is looking at other menus on www.orgjunkie.com each week. This has really added a lot of variety to our weekly menu's.

The last week we did have some changes to our menu because our trip out of town ended up being three nights instead of one. So I am rolling over a few meals to this week. I will be out of town two nights this week and my wonderful husband has worked with me to come up with two meals he feels comfortable preparing. He has also enjoyed the meal plans as well! So, here is the plan this week:

Monday: Mediterranean Chicken and peas

Tuesday: Salmon Patties, Tomato gravy and rice, and green beans

Wednesday: Smoked sausage, pan browned potatoes, and baked beans
Thursday: (Sid's night) Breakfast for supper

Friday: (Sid's night) Spaghetti and meatballs
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: Olive Pesto Pasta

If you haven't, go over to orgjunkie and look at some other menus!

Write That Down

Happy New Year!! I really do not like New Year resolutions, because I never keep them!! However, I would like to send out a little encouragement at the beginning of this year.

I love to journal! I have for a very long time. In some of my cleaning out I have come across journals from the past. It has been such a hoot reading my meanderings from the past. I have recorded mission trips, written about wishes of my heart, boys(thank the Lord he had the absolute best for me and just let me write!), letters to my children, and things the Lord was placing in my heart. It is such a wonderful way to travel back down my path and reread my story.

Sometimes we write down things that seem so hard to record, but later lets us see how God has used those times in our lives to get us to where we needed to be.

So...get out those pens and paper, step up to that key board and WRITE THAT DOWN! I promise one day you will be glad, or at least entertained that you did.