Life as a Survivor

3-2-1 Cake

2012-01-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Got this as a an email forward and thought I would pass it on. I may be the very last person on earth to hear of this recipe but I plan to give it a try. So - tried and tested by me - here it is as copied from here. Let me know if you try it please!

I made this using a red velvet mix with the angel food mix.

http://www.survivordiane.com/2012/01/3-2-1-cake.html

3, 2, 1 CAKE

These individual little cakes are amazing

and ready to eat in one minute! They are perfect

for whenever you feel like a treat without all the fat

and calories that cake can have. Genius idea!

INGREDIENTS:

1 box Angel Food Cake Mix

1 box Cake Mix - Any Flavor

2 Tbsp Water

Makes 1 serving.

DIRECTIONS:

In a ziploc bag, combine the two cake mixes together

and mix well. For each individual cake serving, take

out 3 Tablespoons of the cake mix combination and mix it with 2 Tablespoons of water in a small microwave-safecontainer. Microwave on high for 1 minute, and you have your own instant individual little cake!

KEEP remaining cake mixture stored in the ziploc bag

and use whenever you feel like a treat! You can top

each cake with a dollop of fat free whipped topping

and/or some fresh fruit.

Helpful Tips:

This recipe is called 3, 2, 1 Cake because all you need

to remember is

"3 tablespoons mix,

2 tablespoons water,

1 minute in the microwave!"

TRY various flavors of cake mix like carrot, red velvet, pineapple,lemon, orange, etc. Just remember that one of the mixes has to be the angel food mix; the other is your choice. The flavor possibilities are endless!

NOTES:

The best thing is, you open both cake mixes into a gallonstorage bag, one that 'zip locks' or 'self-seals', or a container that seals tightly, shake the two cake mixes to blend and then make the recipe. Storage of mix is simple, put it on a shelf. No need to refrigerate, since the mix is dry.

Always remember, that one of the cake mixes MUST be Angel Food. The other can be any flavor.

The Angel Food is the cake mix that has the eggs whitesin it. So, if, anyone is allergic to egg whites, you can NOT serve this recipe.

Since this Works for me Wednesday - think I'll go link up!

http://wearethatfamily.com/

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MyMemories.Com - A review - A Sample and A Giveaway!

2011-10-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Several years ago some friends encouraged me to "scrap". I was in love with the idea but couldn't get in love with the time that it was taking to get started. I made about three pages and sorted lots of pictures. That is as far as it went.

Along came facebook and twitter and blogland. And now, Pinterest. All of these lovelies have given me the desire to take lots of photos and so now all of my photos are suddenly on computer and not being printed. So - scrapbooking is still on the back burner. I've wondered how what on earth I would do with my photos. I still want to have them in hand to be able to show. It' rather inconvenient when visiting family to say "Let's pull out the computer and I can show you my pictures".

Alas, MyMemories has entered the picture and I am free from the anxiety of what to do with my pictures! I CAN scrapbook my pics with my memories suite, but from the comfort of my laptop and there will be no materials to deal with. Holy Cow! This is right up my alley. I can have the awesome layouts digitally and then have them printed in a beautiful little book! How cool is that? A digital scrapbook? I am also blessed to be able to offer this wonderful software to one of you as a sweet prize! I am so very new to this and my work will be so bland compared to what most are already creating - BUT I am looking forward to expanding my abilities with a little practice and with the help of some great tutorial videos offered by Lisa at mymemoriessuite.com. Follow along on facebook and see what others are creating.

This is my very first page. It is a work in progress but we were celebrating a certain birthday for a couple weeks, so I will be adding to it soon. Lots and lots of pics to scrap!

I know this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a great company. I can't wait to share some projects that I have planned for the future. Mod podge and my memories suite sounds like a match made in heaven.

MyMemories Suite software is regularly priced at $39.97 but you have the chance to win it for free. So - how about you stop over at MyMemories.com and tell me what your favorite paper pack is. Leave me a comment letting me which one and that will give you the entry! Easy as that! For extra entries visit their other sites:

They have a wonderful blog over here.

Go and "Like: them on facebook.

And you can follow them on twitter.

Leave me a comment for each thing that you do and I will give you an entry for each one.

And, if you want to go ahead and get busy digitally scrapbooking - here's a special discount code for you to use. My Share the Memories code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) Use the code: STMMMS11896 and you will automatically be given the discount.

So - go ahead and check them out and let me know what you like. I will end the giveaway on Friday night, October 24 at 9:00 and have a random drawing.

Start entering.

Guest Poster - Survivors and Exercise

2011-10-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Trevor Bradshaw has written and article on the importance of exercise - more particularly about making it an integral part of Life as a Survivor. He is my guest today - in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Exercise an Integral Part of Life as a Survivor

This past Monday, I was a little taken aback to see bright pink wristbands and cleats adorning several football players- even with how important National Breast Cancer Month is it’s a bit of shock to see it embraced so thoroughly in such a masculine, physical arena. Except in one aspect it makes complete sense for athletes to embrace the fight for a cure. After all, they may be actively involved in one of the best treatments for cancer there is- exercise.

New reports by the American Council on Exercise show that while breast cancer survivors tend to be more overweight and sedentary than women who never have had cancer, exercise not only plays a crucial role in decreasing breast cancer patients’ chances of recurrence but also is directly associated with a 30 percent decrease in mortality rates. Unfortunately, as any cancer survivor knows well, when you are undergoing treatments like chemo and radiation therapy commonly the last thing you want to do is exercise.

But exercise has many benefits for cancer survivors- it can lower fatigue, lessen nausea, and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, as well as contribute to better fitness and a better body composition. Body composition in particularly is an important factor for breast cancer survivors as obesity is known to increase mortality rates by nearly 30 percent but even cancers from environmental toxins like pericardial mesothelioma and papillary mesothelioma have much higher survival rates when patients have regular exercise.

Of course it can be difficult for patients who have just received chemotherapy to begin exercising again as the treatments often leave patients exhausted. One key recommendation is to begin with very low intensity, moderate workouts, and take advantage of a regular exercise program. A routine similar to the one offered by the American Council on Exercise, which encourages aerobic activities that engage all the major muscle groups at moderate intensity for 150 minutes each week, is an ideal fit for most breast cancer survivors.
As with everything, patients must be careful to follow their doctor’s recommendations about exercise, since severe anemia can delay any strenuous activity and patients undergoing radiation therapy must avoid swimming pools. Ultimately however, the importance of exercise after cancer simply cannot be overstated.

“Trevor Bradshaw is a recent college graduate, an aspiring freelancewriter, and a health nut. After his brother was diagnosed with melanoma while he was in high school, he has been extremely passionate about writing and talking about cancer and health. If you have any questions or would like to work with him feel free to contact him at trevorsendeavors@gmail.com”

Rag Wreath

2011-09-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at these rag wreaths since last fall! It only took me a full year to decide that I really wanted to make one. I had the fabric bought and well....... bought. That was as far as I got. Til now. I decided that I wanted to make one and well I did. About two hours of cutting and tying ribbon onto the wreath and it was finished. Complete! I love the colors and am very pleased with the outcome!.

This is what I started with (actually - it's what my next wreath will start with). Since - well - I didn't take the before or during pics. (as usual). I took before pic of my next wreath!

Scissors, fabric and wire wreath! How simple is that? I saw these wreaths all over blogland and Pinterest. No clue where I saw it first or I would gladly give them credit. I should give all of the credit to Pinterest. It is that awesome (time consuming wildly addicting) website that makes me think I am crafty! It just looks to wonderful and makes you think you can do all things Pinterest! Anyway, it was easy and I think it's cute - so that's what matters most!

I'm linking up this post over at the CSI Project.

and over at Itsablogparty.

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Dining Table makeover

2011-09-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

A certain table and chairs were stored for a couple years without any attention. The purchase of a new home brought about many projects and this table and chairs was one of them.

Naturally I have zero before pictures to share - some work in progress but zero before. I have really good intentions about blogging about make-over projects. As it happens, somewhere down the line I forget to take pictures. I forget either before, after or during! Get the picture? haha

Here are a few in progress pics.

We removed the vaneer top from the table since it had dry rotted and was not usable. Did some serious sanding and then put on stain and poly. That was all for the top.

We merely painted, glazed and distressed the two pedestal's.

We then did the same thing for the chairs. (aside from recovering the seats)

The best part of this project was the cost. I had a gallon of mis-tinted paint on hand. We had the stain from previous projects as well as the poly. The seats were covered with a drop cloth that cost around $10.00. So - the project was a $10.00 project and Ashley adores her new furniture. The picture at the top is the finished project sitting in her dining area. She had a small space so we left out the leaf. This fits perfect with her new home.

This is one of my favorite projects to date. We have actually done several - that I have neglected to post to the blog. Those are forthcoming! They really are :)

Brenden's buddies turn 3

2011-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

This summer we enjoyed celebrating the 3rd birthday of some special friends.

Is this the cutest cake or what?

Alex is wondering if he gets a turn on "his" new tricycle!

What a special day for these two best buddies. Celebrating their birthdays together. Alex has an awesome story. If you want to read more about him - check out his family's blog right here.

Our little guy had the best time playing on the playground. He didn't have much time for socializing or eating.

Couldn't you just eat up that sweet face ??

We sure are crazy for him.

Alas, he scored a turn on the bike. Can you see one in his future? Yes - probably so!

How Fitness Helps Cancer Survivors by David Haas (Guest Post)

2011-09-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

David Haas is a cancer patient advocate who believes in helping people who are going through treatments and in remission. He believes in the subject of fitness because of the extensive research he has seen and the first hand knowledge that fitness and a healthy body can create a better lifestyle. He wrote this article that I am sharing today on the blog. His blog is http://haasblaag.blogspot.com/. Check it out when you can.

How Fitness Helps Cancer Survivors

People diagnosed with cancer often undergo many treatments, but fitness is one treatment often overlooked. Recent studies consistently show that high fitness levels result in a smaller risk of cancer recurring and even a longer survival after being diagnosed.

The problem is most research indicates that people become less active because the diagnosis causes higher levels of stress, depression or fatigue. It is a common belief that the best thing to do after a cancer diagnosis is to relax and get plenty of rest. However, most medical experts warn against this advice. If possible, a person diagnosed should start a moderate fitness program that is best for them and their type of cancer. Fitness has been proven to have significant benefits for cancer survivors, such as improving mood, increasing self-confidence, increasing energy levels, and may increase life expectancy. In addition, it also leads to increased muscle strength and less body mass.

According to WebMD, three types of exercises are specifically recommended for cancer survivors. Flexibility exercises are the first type, and this type of exercise is important because stretching will keep the body moving and mobile. Aerobic exercise is the second type highly recommended for cancer survivors. This involves several activities, such as walking, jogging, etc. Aerobic exercise is beneficial because it results in lots of calories being burned. In addition, it boosts cardiovascular health, which in turn means a lower risk for heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Resistance training, such as lifting weights, is the third type and also is important because it helps build muscle and get rid of fat gained through cancer treatment.

The best types of exercise can vary, depending on the type of cancer a person is diagnosed with. For example, people diagnosed with rare aggressive diseases like mesothelioma that is triggered from asbestos exposure often have trouble breathing, so exercise can become extremely difficult. In spite of this difficulty, medical experts still strongly recommend fitness as a key aspect of mesothelioma treatment because regain energy to fight the negative effects of the medicine associated with treatments and increase appetite. Fitness levels will not only vary from person to person but also varies with what cancer a person has been diagnosed with. Someone who has been diagnosed with skin cancer will definitely be able to perform more normal activities than someone diagnosed with prostate cancer and so on.

Exercise will not cure your cancer, but it can have a very positive effect on your ability to fight the cancer. It must be noted that some people diagnosed with cancer are simply too exhausted for fitness. In this case, medical experts suggest a short period of rest before beginning a gradual, slow return to fitness. Cancer survivors should always consult with a doctor before beginning any fitness program.

By: David Haas

Blogs I love

2011-08-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

I don't get the time to post and write the way I want to. But I do take the time to read some of my favorite blogs.

You will be inspired to the bones if you jump over here and read the LPL blog. Your funny bone may be tickled a time or two as well. Her daughter also has her own blog.

You want to enjoy some great inspiration from a Godly mom who happens to write some pretty awesome books. If so, go on over here and check out Vicki Courtney.

Someone who is such an inspiration at what she is doing for young expecting mothers in Africa can be found over here. She may even give you a bed if you get over there today (8/25/11).

If you want to balance beauty and bedlam? Head over here. Balancing faith, family and frugality is what this blogs all about.

Some local lovelies can be found here and here and here!

If you want to wonder through Pinterest land forever and a day jump over here and check out the master list of these crafty ladies. Link up your boards so that it would be impossible for me to ever stop finding things to look at. Brilliant is the creator of Pinterest. I mean brilliant.

That's enough for today - I'll share some more soon. I do happen to read lots and lots of them!

God's Love Letters to you by Dr. Larry Crabb (a review)

2011-08-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Dr. Larry Crabb is a well known physochologist, seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author, and founder/director of new Way Ministries. This was my first book to read penned by Dr. Crabb. He is certainly a teacher by way of his writing. He doesn't offer fluff with the book God's Love Letters to You. He offers lessons and just enough food to make you hungry for more.

Love Letter's is a 40 day devotional based on 40 books from the Bible. Day Eighteen is written from Habakkuk. The key verse is Habakkuk 2:1 and says "I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected." He states that only those who struggle in confustion and wait in hope will be strengthened to struggle well and to wait with confidence. He encourages us to struggle well when we face struggles and wait in Hope. What a powerful message from one day of this wonderful book of encouragment.

I love the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to dig deeper in scripture. You can't read this book and not need to dig deeper. In my opinion, it is not written for immature Christians. It is written for those who wish to grow and learn.

I was provided a copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my review. My review is my opinion and I was not asked to write a favorable review.

Beth Moore Simulcast- SAVE THE DATE

2011-07-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that Parkway Baptist Church will be hosting the Living Proof Live with Beth Moore Simulcast again this fall.

Ladies, please mark your calendars and plan to attend. This is such a special time of worship led by Travis Cottrell and Bible Study with Beth Moore. You will be blessed beyond measure. It's a great time of fellowship with other ladies and we would love to host you.

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir (A review)

2011-06-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm all about crafting and tinkering with crafty things. I'm not really good at being imaginative and creating from a blank canvas. I really was excited to receive and review the book The Elemental Journal and hope to get some great ideas. I was a little out of my "element" after reading through the book. The author, Tammy Kushnir, is a talented lady and is especially talented at making beautiful things from what we would consider junk. Although there are not many things in the book that I would try to tackle and re-create, it is a motivation to see what can be created from what I have on hand. To seek out some treasures from my stuff!

The book is described on the BookSneeze site as: Create Expressive Books from Salvaged Treasures

Rusty doorknobs, cardboard containers and plastic packaging may seem like trash to some, but through the creative mind, they are transformed into beautiful expressions - equally parts artful book and assemblage. The Elemental Journal will show you how to craft a wide variety of journals to hold your secrets or express your inner thoughts, and discover new ways to use wood, paper, fabric, plastic and metal in your art.

This is an accurate description. I enjoyed looking through the book but can honestly say that is as far as I would have gone if picking it up in a store to purchase. That is not to say that it is a poorly written and illustrated book. By far it is a beautiful book with some great works of art. I purchase these types of books to get ideas and that is not what I get. I get motivation but not ideas.

*Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I received no form of compensation other than the free book. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reading Reading Reading - It's a boy's life!

2011-06-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is super duper short notice - but hey I'm all about flying by the seat of my pants. Today is the deadline to sign up - but hey - maybe someone will benefit from this post just I hope my son will.

We are going to take the challenge to read and chart my son's progress. If anyone knows my man child - you know he LOVES to read. He is all about going to the library. (Daily if possible) So we are going to link up over at Literacy Toolbox and chart his progress. He made the AR 500 point club in two years and is already a member a couple times over in the Million word club.

Here goes.... come join us. Not sure what our goal is - but I'm thinking in June he's already read more than 10 books - so we will keep that in balance by saying 5 so that he can read chapter books and Encyclopedia type books (lots of pictures but lots of good information).

Here's our bookworm "bridging over" from Webelos to Boy Scouts.

And this would be hog heaven for him....

He has his own private library and now his own private Librarian (his sister).

He does love books.

Now - if I can only find the time to enjoy my new Kindle with my many free books loaded to it. Owen loves to read and go to the library so I don't think a Kindle is in his future yet. I loves to watch his progress in reading a very long book by measuring the pages. So - we'll see if I can get back on schedule myself with some good books.

Enjoy - and link up with us.

Broke

2011-06-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing says broke quite like a can of spray paint.

May 21, 2011

2011-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

What will you be doing on May 21st? Me? Cleaning the yard - the house- cooking and playing with the kiddos. It's Saturday and that's what we do. Will tomorrow be any different? No - not at all. This article made me sad when I read it. Houses divided. There are other articles out there and some I wanted to link to but the comment section was so rude and crude I refrained. A very long time ago a Pastor said these words to someone who was arguing Heaven and Hell. He said "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it". I am 100% certain that God is real and that there is a Heaven and Hell. I have never waivered on that thought. I don't always live as though Jesus may be returning in that hour. In fact, I would be very embarrassed at times if He chose to come back at a time when I am not in line with what I believe His Will is.

Jesus said in John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV) and in Revelations 2:25 he said "Only hold on to what you have until I come. (NIV) and further in Revelations 22:7 he says "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.". What about what the Angels said in Acts 1:11? "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

The Bible is clear that He will come again. I'm not a scholar and certainly have NEVER tried to predict when He will return. What I know is that I am saved by His grace and am promised eternal life with Him. He reigns and He lives. If May 21, 2011 happens to be the day He chooses to return then glory to God!

So I pray that you know Him and that you have that security.

Love you guys.

The Mighty Mississippi

2011-05-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

I live near the Mississippi river - but fortunately far enough away to be on the safe side. I have many friends and family members that are not so fortunate. I just popped in and read a great blog post full of pictures to give you an idea of what things are looking like around here.

Go check out Stephanies blog at http://the-echols-every-day.blogspot.com/2011/05/rising-river.html?showComment=1304604925102#c8922753796689039004 and see what a great job she did posting for others to see.

Please pray for the communities that sit and wait to see what the river will do.

UPDATED: Proverbs 31 Mom

2011-05-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

I introduced my mom to my blog last year and hope that you enjoy reading about her again this year. Mother's Day will be a very difficult day for me. I can barely stand to pass by anything labeled Mother's Day. I attempt to tune out all advertisements. I am so proud that she burned the midnight oil praying for her family. I am so blessed to be able to have her example to strive to be like. She loved unconditionally. She was a treasure to me and to many others. Missing her this year.

So proud that my children were able to know and love her.

Praying that you love and cherish your mom this Mother's Day.

Diane

UPDATE:

Mom made her journey home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2010. She was ready to see Jesus. Praise God for a godly mother. I love her dearly and she will be missed. Praise God for her reunion with my dad. I am blessed to be her daughter.

ORIGINAL POST:

Mother's Day is fast approaching and I don't want the week to pass without honoring my mom. My Proverbs 31 Mom. Growing up I thought she was shy and quiet to a fault. I wanted her to be vocal and bold. I wanted her to be different. What I didn't know (because of my lack of spiritual maturity) was that she was exactly what God wanted her to to be. And that she possessed the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman. It was much later in life (you know when you have your own children) that I realized that my mom was a great example and one that I should strive to be like. Not one that I should have spent time trying to Not be like.

She was the wife of noble character. 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. My dad spoke highly of her and had full confidence in her. He adored her. He was proud to be her husband. He cared for her until his death. He made certain that she would be cared for when he was gone from this earth. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life. My mom worked hard her entire life. She was able to be a stay at home mom her entire life. But that most certainly did not mean she didn't work. She sewed clothes for us. She prepared three meals a day. She kept our home clean (even our bedrooms). We never had to wonder if dinner would be ready at 5. We never went to the cupboard and found it bare. She made enough food to share with others. She was up long before our family was each morning. My dad never woke to a morning that coffee was not prepared. She didn't HAVE to do that. She WANTED to do that. She took pride in caring for her husband and family. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. My dad would plant a garden and she was the one that would get out with the hoe and take care of the weeds. She loved to cut the grass. My dad worked long days, but my mom worked equally as hard. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. There was a song that I thought must have been written for her. "Midnight Oil". It is about mom's who burn the midnight oil down on their knees in prayer. My mom never rests without praying for her children and the needs of others. She has prayed me through some tough times. I never have to wonder if my mom is praying for me or my children. I KNOW she does. She faithfully prays for my siblings and their families. She is a prayer warrior. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

My mom has strength that is unmatched. She is suffering from many life threatening illnesses. Most people suffer from one disease. She suffers from multiple diseases. She has been sent home to "live out her days" time and time again. Yet - God has a plan for her. He sustains her time and time again. Recently her blood pressure was so low at her doctor's appointment that two nurses took it to be sure - then the Doctor walked in to take it. He asked if she was really alive. She politely said "Yes - The Lord keeps me going for some reason". And He does. Medically she should have gone home to be with Jesus a very long time ago. I am thankful for the time that He has given me with her. Her days are difficult - filled with pain and suffering, yet she continues to get up each day and worship Jesus for each day. She knows where her strength comes from. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: My mom has no degree. She has no awards here on earth. But she is faithful and she loves The Lord. She is not vain. Her true beauty lies in her heart. She has a heart for Jesus. She may not be able to get out and serve others physically but she serves through prayer. She does not sit idle. She studies scripture. She prays and she worships as she is able. She could have given up years ago and she has plenty of reasons to say I am not able, but she does not. She is still faithful to attend church. She will be praised at the City Gate. She is worthy to be praised. 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I pray that this Mother's Day you are blessed with a mother here on earth and I pray that she is a Proverbs 31 woman. If your mom has gone on to be with Jesus - I pray that you have the fondest memories of her. More importantly, I also pray that you and I strive to be more like a Proverbs 31 woman. It took me many years to understand that I was the one that needed to change and not my mom. How do we stack up to Proverbs 31?

Please share your mom stories with me. Introduce others to your Proverbs 31 mom. I hope you have a blessed Mother's Day this weekend and that you are a blessing to others.

Love you all,

Diane

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

What an awesome Easter weekend! I hope you celebrated the Resurrection with family and loved ones like I did. I loved reading all of the inspirational tweets on Friday and then again on Sunday. It really kept my mind focused on what the weekend was all about. I learned on Sunday that I am not too old to learn a few things teaching 6th graders in Sunday School. The scavenger hunt for the lesson proved to be a fun and educational experience. You had to find the questions in the room and then find the answers in your Bible. They were not simply included in the lesson overview. We had to get into God's Word to find the answers. Being a little arrogant - I assumed that I would instantly know all of the answers. Hmmm that was not the case. There is so much to learn in God's Word and so often I fail to look for the hidden treasures that lie in His Word. I was reminded how important it is to read God's Word for a fresh lesson. We also made Resurrection rolls with the class. That is a great way to show a visual story of the death, burial and Resurrection. Great kids - great class.

Our church service started out with a father baptizing his daughter. What a beautiful picture on Easter Sunday. We also experienced the Lord's Supper and some awesome worship music led by some beautiful voices praising God. It is fantastic to belong to a church body that loves Jesus and serves Him faithfully.

On the home front, it was a weekend full of family and fun. Way too much eating, but boy was it ever good. Spenser cooked some awesome Ziti for us on Saturday night and Mike cooked up some finger licking good baby back ribs on Sunday. We could have fed an army with the spread but alas it was only us and that was ok. We enjoyed every minute of the day to the fullest. We enjoyed our first homemade ice cream of the year and some strawberry refrigerator cake to make certain we were completely stuffed!

We had a couple of "firsts" as well. Our little guy got his first haircut on Friday.

He was not really impressed - but he made it and his little wings are now gone and he has a precious little boy hair cut. Growing up too fast.

He also hunted for a few eggs so that he could enjoy the treasures within. He does love M&M's.

He hunted like a champ.

The bigger kids enjoyed dying the eggs. Always a favorite of mine. My mom would always dye eggs even if she was alone and had no one to help out. I foresee that in my future. I love watching and dying.

We had some super cute veggie tales egg wrappers. I was quite surprised with my nieces asked "what are those". Ok Sheena - you must expand the kids horizons! Love the egg wrappers too.

I love Easter!

Love you guys,
Diane

Swinging - Sweet Summertime (Review)

2011-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

The weather, as unpredictable as it is, has warmed up and it's time to hit the yard for some great outdoor activities. One of the favorites for me and most everyone I know is swinging. Whether on a front porch swing or underneath a great shade tree, it's a great past time. When I was growing up it was swinging on a great big tire swing hanging from an old oak tree. If the truth be told it was not really THAT big - but to a little girl it was huge. The fact that the tire held water after a rain or turned our legs black didn't matter a bit - we just went on about our business of swinging. Swinging holds some great and not so great memories for me.

One swinging adventure landed me in the emergency room for some stitches along the back of my head. As fun as swinging high was, it was not wise to swing high in a stationary swing. That baby would turned over with me in it. Hard lesson learned :)

Our children have the great pleasure to hit the yard and swing from nice wooden swing sets. Unlike the swing sets of old - these things have play houses and great big slides and all sorts of fun things built right on them. What a step up from the tire :)

If you are in the market for a new wooden swing set or trampoline or even a play tent then you need to head on over to CSN stores and see the great selection they have to offer. They have many different stores and thousands of things that ship free. I truly enjoyed my shopping experience with them during Christmas and know you will to.

So - let's get outside and enjoy the weather before it gets too hot.

What are some fun things you are up to?

Diane

Eat Your Peas Daughter by Cheryl and mom Karpen (A Review)

2011-03-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

What a treasure filled little book. The heading says a 3-minute forever book. Place no emphasis on the 3 minute part. There were certainly sentiments in this book that are forever sentiments. The book is a book of promises from a mom to her daughter. I thought that I would pass this book on to one of my daughters after I read it. That was the point in choosing this particular book. After I read through the book - I longed for my own mom. I mean ached for her. My mom lived out these very words "If you ever need someone to talk to (really talk to), someone who will listen (really listen) to your worries, your joys, and your dreams...I promise to stop what I'm doing, give you my undivided attention, open my heart and listen." It game me reason to ponder - to really think about how often I have NOT lived out that sentiment. What a treasure this little book is.

The scripture reference of Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward form him" was so fitting for this book. It is certainly more than a 3 minute read. It is a forever lesson in the love of daughters by their moms. I am so glad my mom loved me this way.

I think this book will make an awesome gift on very special occasions.

I certainly recommend you check it out if you want to encourage your daughter or give her a special gift.

BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary book in exchange for my honest review. Any review is my own opinion whether good or bad.

Disney 2011

2011-03-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

His Dream makes lots of dreams come true!

We made the long 14 hour drive to Disney last week and this is the face that tells it all..

He was truly in "Mickey" Heaven all week long. I never dreamed that a toddler could love Disney World as much as he did.

The big kids loved Mickey and Minnie also - but not nearly as much as they loved doing things such as this....

That thing was as wicked as it looked! Believe me - I know (twice).

We all got into the Mickey mode at one point or another...

It was a magical week and one that we are sure not to forget. And yes - Memories were certainly made there for this family.

A special time with some special people :)

SAVE THE DATE

2011-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ok ladies - This is an event you don't want to miss. Priscilla Shirer is doing her first ever Simulcast. I am fortunate to be a part of a Host church so I know that I will be there. There are sites all across this country and you need to look one up and get registered. We are fortunate enough to offer ours at no cost because of a generous soul that donated the cost of the entire event as well as the Living Proof in September.

So - mark your calendars and Save The Date.

A long rough road lies ahead

2011-01-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

Some days the road seems long and rough.....

and the task at hand impossible......

But one thing is certain. The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NLT)

...and in the end

It's all worth it.

Mercy House Benefit Day

2011-01-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

We are That family is having a benefit day today for Mercy House. Thirty great items up for bidding.

Can you stop by and bid on some great things? It is a great cause and I know you will be blessed.

So head on over to here and get busy bidding.

Love you guys,
Diane

Rambling

2011-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Wow - it's been a long time since I blogged. I've missed my blog and missed reading blogs. We are in a new stage of adjustment at my house and all of my energy has been focused there.   More on that in a minute.

Christmas was great. I never once got stressed about shopping. This year I made my decisions and stuck with them. We spent lots of time together as a family and enjoyed a simpler less stressful time. On Christmas Eve we read "The Kings Christmas List" by Eldon Johnson. Loved the book. Great message. My brother cooked Christmas lunch - that was a first for me. Hope that is a new tradition!

I've wanted to  blog about bad drivers many times over the past few weeks. I mean seriously - I witnessed three different people within two days just flat out run red lights. Not - stretching a yellow into red - flat out RAN a red light. I had to stop for one so that they would not hit me in the process. I had more than one occasion that people wanted to share my driving lane - hmmm thanks but I don't need to see you that up close and personal while driving - I can handle my lane - and you bad driver should handle yours! Thanks.

New Years Eve - in bed and fast asleep at about 9:30.  I am the party animal. Actually - I was asleep courtesy of NyQuil. Just today I decided that enough was enough with the croupy cough and went to the Doctor.   Two shots and four prescriptions later, I hope to be on the mend soon. Bronchitis and sinus infection. Yes indeed that has been a real treat (seriously heavy sarcasm here).

Things I never dreamed I would be doing at 46 years old are how my 2010 ended and 2011 began. I've spent the last week searching, seeking and interviewing day care centers. I've heard the word "Full" more times than I can count and gasped at the fees way too many times. Do you guys know how much day care is these days? Seriously? God opened the door for one today and I have only to sign our little guy up. It hurts my heart to think about dropping him off each day - just not what I want to do. He's done so well adjusting to living in our home full time these past three weeks and I would love nothing more than to be here with him keeping his routine in his home - but that is not to be. After all - we are still raising a 10 year old and a few young adults. He brings such joy to our home and I pray that God's Will alone be done with regards to his future. If you are reading this and want to add him to your prayer list it would be much appreciated. We want the best for him and God's Will in our lives. It will be a journey that has unhappy ending all over it for some involved. But he is a baby and he needs a voice for him. Thanks for loving on him with prayer.

I've been a reader over at Living Proof for several years and wanted to join in on the scripture memory team but allowed fear of failure to control that. BUT not this year - I logged in and signed up. I am in and I want so much to succeed with memorizing my 24 verses this year. That should be an easy task - but being committed to seeing it through may not be easy. I'm going to do my very best to succeed - it is only gain - I have absolutely nothing to lose - I need to spend lots more time learning scripture. Check it out right here and get on board with us. Then I'll see you in Houston next year :) My dear friend Martha is my inspiration and my accountability partner in this - but we can always fit you in. hint hint to some of my friends!!
My first verse to commit to memory is II Timothy 1:7 But God does not give us a spirit fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Seemed fitting to one who fears failure.... So - cheer me on if you like and join me if you will.

Love you all - Happy New Year - May you be blessed abundantly in 2011.

Diane

Christmas is in the air and on the table!

2010-12-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

I have managed (with the help of my daughter) to get a few things decorated for Christmas. I love my Christmas china.

And plenty of room for lots of family to gather around and enjoy some Christmas goodies.

What will you enjoy at your table this Christmas? I would love to hear about your great recipes.

Merry Christmas!

He wears many hats!

2010-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

The boy loves to wear a hat. Do we have a cowboy in the future?

Or maybe the next LSU football star? (Hey it can happen)

Beware if you leave one laying around.

Even if you don't think it's a hat!

Such a happy little man.

Stories of Christmas' Past

2010-12-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

I've been known to be fanatical about how things go at Christmas. Yes I get completely caught up in the gift giving part of Christmas. I love to pick out all of the presents and I love to use themes. No clue where that started but it did and I do it most often without even realizing that I've done so. I also have traditions that seem to be expected! Last year I made the grave mistake of thinking that everyone had plenty of pj's and didn't need a new pair. Well - it appears that we had been opening them on Christmas Eve and wearing them Christmas morning. How did I miss that?? The scene last year was an ugly one when it was discovered that there would be Zero new jammies. Bet that one never gets overlooked again.

We should have taken a cue from our not quite 2 year old on her second Christmas. She hated Santa and we had to avoid all things Santa. I had a really cute stuffed Santa sitting in a rocking chair and she insisted we "put back". So back to the closet he went. Everyone kept telling her that Santa was coming on Christmas Eve and guess who stayed awake ALL night long for fear of that man coming to her house! Yep - all night. Santa has caused us many sleepless Christmas Eve nights. That same child only hated Santa that one year. The next year she was awake and ready to check for his arrival around 1 a.m. And so the tradition began of waking long before morning. When she became a tween we set limits on the time. (we actually threatened to put pad locks on her door and lock her in) We decided that 6:30ish was plenty early to get up. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it!

I was so fanatical about the gifts that I would boobie trap them to see if they had been bothered! Yes - Seriously. If one was moved I would know it because I would have a string of lights laying over a particular one and if any gift was disturbed it would disturb the light. Yes indeed - you would not outsmart me and peek in those gifts. There is a reason for such behavior. When I was a teen-ager - I thought it would be really fun to sneak my gifts from under the tree -slice open the tape and re-tape them after I had peeked inside. Christmas morning was miserable. Totally no fun. I simply wanted to spare my children of such an unhappy Christmas morning. I'm just that kind of nice mom to want to spare her children such sadness!

Gift wrapping became another challenge. The girls would beg and worry me about their packages that it became my newest challenge to give them more adventure! I would wrap their presents in their own special paper and not put names on them. So they spent the time trying to figure out which gifts were theirs! I changed it up to different bows one year and numbers and just about anything to keep them guessing. Can you tell I love a challenge?

The year 2001 proved to be a very difficult Christmas. My dad died on December 14 and the terminal diagnosis of my mother-in-law came the very same weekend. I had been my dad's caretaker and he had been very ill for the entire year. I was in no mood to shop and certainly did not have time to spend wrapping. I was not the best person to spend that Christmas with but we kept it together and survived. I was extremely sad that I had no fun wrapping and to top it off I had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It was as sad and pitiful as a tree could be. We were renovating our new "old" house and living in a temporary home full of boxes. All of the gifts were stashed at my mom's and I pulled one more trick out of the hat. Just a few days before Christmas I brought home two large boxes (and I don't mean coat boxes) two rolls of wrapping paper and I made a plan. I took all of the gifts for our girls and placed them in the two large boxes. I wrapped them in the two different papers and set them beside our poor little tree. I apologized to my girls through tears and told them it was the best I could do. They tore into those boxes on Christmas morning and thought it was the best idea ever. They only had to open one box and pull everything out. In the end it turned out to be quite fun.

This year will be another "different" year but it will be filled with lots of family time and through all of the chaos it will be special in it's own way. It has already proved to be way out of my comfort zone as far as Christmas goes. The girls joined me for shopping on Black Friday and picked out most of their own gifts. That is another first for me. It spoils all surprise factors and that is going to stretch me beyond my bounds of control. And I mean really stretch. I keep thinking they will be so sad because they already know what everything is. But I am reminded that they are grown and that is really hard to believe. We have young Owen and he will be surprised but as far as the girls go - they will get to open and enjoy their things but not be surprised.

But if I stop to remember that Christmas is about the real gift of Jesus and that His promises are new every day, I won't have any reason to be sad or let down. The most important gift that I can give is to teach them about Jesus not Santa. To remind them that there will never be a more important gift than the one that was given so freely. The gift that will last them an eternity. The only gift that can truly satisfy us and meet our needs. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He was and is our gift. Freely given and He hold everything on His shoulders. He is a Mighty God and worthy to be praised.

So Merry Christmas! Make some great Christmas memories but enjoy the true gift. It's a free unconditional gift. Maybe Santa does need to be "put back" in our closet. His bills can get rather scary after all!

Diane

Works For Me Wednesday

2010-12-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

Kristen is the host of Works For Me Wednesday and she hosts a weekly blog carnival. You can visit it here. This week's theme is Holiday Gift Tip. She is also having a wonderful giveaway if you link up.   She has some great ideas about shopping this holiday season that you should really check out.

Through the years some of the tips that have helped me or that work for my family are:

Wrapping paper - My kids were fanatics about trying to guess their packages. So - I took a tip from a friend and wrap each childs gifts in their own distinct paper. The kicker is that I don't tell them which packages are theirs. Their guessing is all about which paper is theirs. Makes things a fun for me since I am the only one who knows which paper belongs to which kiddo! It certainly works for me.

This year in the spirit of giving more and spending less it has been decided among dear friends that we will give each other the gift of time. Rather than exchanging gifts we will take the time to spend an evening together and enjoying our families. The last few years have been spent trying to find a simple hour to exchange gifts. This year we will set aside an evening and catch up. I am so looking forward to cooking some goodies and enjoying that evening.

Lists - lists always work for me. I listen to what the kids are asking for and then determine what fits in my spending budget. That's the list I try to stick with and seek out those bargain prices.  Another way I work those bargains is to buy something during the Christmas sales and set aside for birthdays. Those things start in January at my house.

If you need ideas for shopping this season - http://www.etsy.com/shop/wearethatfamily. And if you want to make a contribution then go here. You can't go wrong.

Last tip - don't like to shop? I have a friend that wants to shop for you. Seriously. Any locals that want someone to shop for you.  Give her a list and she'll take care of it. Groceries and all. Want your stuff wrapped? She'll take care of that as well.  I'll gladly hook you up if you want to give her a try.

Merry Christmas - happy wrapping!

Return to Reality

2010-12-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

I stepped away from reality for a little while. I started the month of November out with an enthusiam for giving. I wanted to make the month about doing for others and stepping away from self. I managed to gain so much more than I was giving. The gains were certainly not monetary but gains all the same. When I signed on to the 30 days of giving challenge I wanted to make certain that it was not a financial hardship. While working on ideas to give without cost I began de-cluttering. I was overwhelmed by clutter at my house along with the task of going through the personal things of two other households. There didn't seem to be enough hours in the day to clean and de-clutter so I simply fretted about it all. Delivering clothes to a local shop that supports a woman's shelter was one of my choices in giving. An overflowing closet can now be used again. Although there is still so much to de-clutter - it's a beginning.

Another area that is cluttered is my life in general. We, as a family, live life on the go. I was tired and the anxiety of the holiday was taking over. I had things I wanted to do yet I seemed to be pulled in different directions so I did what normal people do. I bailed! I accepted an invitation to spend the holiday with an Aunt and I took it. Although DH could not join us - the kids and I loaded up and left town for a few days. I had 5 full days of family. We ate and shopped. Took in some Christmas lights in Ft. Worth and oohed over Cowboy Stadium where our beloved Saints just played (and won). We watched TV together and we did things that we should do much more often like laughing and being lazy. Our tree is up and decorated and most of the shopping is complete.

I wanted to be disappointed in the fact that I didn't get to all of the things on "my" list of giving opportunities. I leaned toward the feeling of failure - but the reality is that giving does not have to go outside the doors of my home. My family needed the down time and they needed me to slow down and enjoy the blessings that were right in front of me. Saying no to some meant saying yes to my family. Setting some boundaries with my time was the best gift I could offer my husband and children. It was a blessing to participate in 30 days of giving and to open my eyes to what is important. The good thing is that there are many days to come in which I can pull out my list and do some things that I choose to do.

It has been refreshing to seek out ways to give and to pay better attention to the needs of others. Even if that need is to simply notice that they are having a bad day and need someone to simply care. I took those opportunities as divine appointments from God - He placed those types of situations before me and it was my place to follow through with showing His love to others - to complete strangers.

What a blessing these ladies are to host such an event. Each one was an inspiration as are their blogs each day.

So - here's to many more days of giving. Here's to returning to reality as a rested and relaxed member of society.

Love you guys,
Diane

Grits Casserole - It's what's for dinner!

2010-11-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

A new staple dish around our house is Grit's Casserole. Before you grit haters say yuck - you need to try it. I served it at a brunch several months ago and many were pleasantly pleased that they liked it. It's easy and we call it dinner a couple times a month.

Ingredients:

2 cups cheese (I like sharp cheddar)
1 lb. ground sausage (my preference is the fresh store ground sausage but not always available)
6 eggs (beaten)
Grits - Cook according to directions a serving for 6
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. ground dry mustard

Cook grits according to directions (be sure to add salt while cooking) and set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.

Brown your sausage and drain excess fat. Stir the eggs into the cooked grits along with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and also black pepper, cayenne pepper and ground dry mustard.

Pour into a greased (sprayed) 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with remaining cup of shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes or until the middle is set and the cheese is beginning to brown slightly.

If you are blogging - now is the time to grab your camera and be prepared to take a picture or else you get to take a picture like this:

Yep - family will dig in immediately!

This is also a great recipe to prepare the night before and bake in the am as in Thanksgiving and Christmas morning.

Hope you enjoy!
Diane

Linking up:

http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-thanksgiving-and-recipe-round.html

Pray like Epaphras - 30 days of Giving Week 2 Recap

2010-11-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

There appears to be a pattern so far with my giving challenge. God is doing a work in me. I have submitted to The Will of God in my giving this past week and He has placed people and requests in my path. Unlike week 1 - I had no set goal for the week. I decided to "wing it" with God. He is faithful and He gave me many opportunities to be used by Him for His Kingdom. The scripture that best describes the week is Colossians 4:12 (NKJ Version) 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete[fully assured] in all the will of God.

I am absolutely Not comparing myself to Epaphras. It is Epaphras that I long to be like. I desire to labor fervently in prayer for you. All of you. Those of you that read and those that don't. Prayer Warrior is a legacy that my mom left and one that I truly desire to carry on. Several days this past week I was called upon to pray for specific people or circumstances. Monday found me sitting at the hospital all day with my husband. He battled a kidney stone for 10 days. My job Monday was to be with him and help to meet his needs. But more importantly it was to pray. God was faithful and gave him healing. Before a procedure was required the stone moved and he was able to go home from the hospital. God gets all the glory for that situation. It appeared that after 9 days it would not move on its own and it didn't. I believe that God moved that stone. Earlier that day I stopped (for the second time) to purchase breakfast for my office. Once again I was told that the item I was wanting was out. Seriously? Two weeks - two attempts and still no mini blueberry biscuits. I was able to purchase something and prior to leaving to take my husband to the hospital I left breakfast for my boss. Tuesday and Wednesday were dedicated to praying with and for a dear family member. Satan has spent much time creating stress in her life recently. She is a threat to him because she was preparing for a mission trip. The legal woes were difficult to deal with prior to such a trip but God gave her the strength to endure and she was able to leave on her trip to minister to and bless others. We will continue to pray without ceasing that God will soften the heart of a Judge and she will not be forced to suffer financially due to the selfishness of others.

Other things that were part of my week of giving included leaving drinks for the Sanitation workers and sending treats home with my 2 year old class members. Two days I felt pretty defeated because I had not been given the opportunity to do anything tangible and then a box appears. My local grocery story has a large box in the front to give to local organizations through 4-H. These items are used for group homes for battered women and homeless children. It was an honor to be able to donate.

Saturday and Sunday were extremely difficult days emotionally. I want to gift others with my moms clothes and shoes. She had quite the collection and some very very nice things. She loved clothes, shoes and jewelry and since she didn't get out very much - she shopped through catalogs. Some ladies expressed an interest in receiving some of her things and so that is what transpired during those two days. It was a task that drained me emotionally. I miss my mom like crazy and could envision her in each of the outfits I pulled out. While sorting things I came across a small bag that had some boxes in it. They were some of my dad's medals. A Medal of Honor and a Bronze Star Medal along with his pin that had been on his uniform. The other item was his wallet. Completely undisturbed from the last time he carried it. What a blessing it was to come across those things and to be able to weap over the loss but celebrate the reunion they are enjoying.

My goal was to give and my gifts have been so many. God is showing me that He blesses every act of giving not those of the highest monetery value. My struggles with the desire to give more and becoming so clear. He simply wants me to give freely and obediently. I see things now that I was missing. I look for opportunities to give - and I don't mean financially. I have been given many opportunities to pray for others and to lend a shoulder or to just listen to someone. I have a long way to go but am so thankful that we can look back in scripture and see those like Epaphras that had such a desire to pray that he labored - and labored fervently. Not for himself - but for others.

Let us desire to have a heart to pray like Epaphrus.

Love you all,
Diane

Super Easy Pumpkin muffins

2010-11-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

One recent Saturday morning my daughter and I awakened to the desire for pumpkin bread and quickly. She referred to a handy dandy Iphone app that lead to a recipe for muffins that looked perfect. Turns out it was perfect! A few tweeks here and there and we were enjoying some divine pumpkin muffins at very little effort.

Ingredients:

That's it! 15 oz. can Pumpkin and Spice Cake Mix
Unless - you tweek like me. I added pecans and sugar crystals to the tops.

Directions:

That's it above. Stir the pumpkin into the dry cake mix.

Scoop into muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 - 25 minutes.

I topped mine with chopped pecans and sugar sprinkles.
Enjoy them all to yourself or do what I did and deliver them to your church office as part of my 30 days of giving.

Linking up to some great blogs.

Works For Me Wednesday

Week2 and Week 1 Recap - 30 days of Giving

2010-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Not really sure where to begin regarding week 1 of my 30 days of giving. I had plans and I wrote them down. I bought my groceries with plans on cooking. I had packages ready and I had plans to sew. Let's count now how many times I used the word I in those two sentences. Too many is the right answer. The question should be how was God glorified in my first week of giving. My plan was to be flexible and let God lead me during this month of giving. But - I was playing the hokey pokey all the while. Give Him control take it back - Give Him control - take it back. I was so busy trying to make a difference that I failed to realize what God wanted me to do and see it through. I wanted glamour and He wanted submission. He wanted servanthood. Pure and Simple

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone;I will make him a helper suitable for him." ” Genesis 2:18 My biggest role of this past week was to be a helper to my husband. We've been married for 27 years. He is not a demanding husband. He has taken care of me more times than I can count through the years. Last week my husband needed me. He was stricken with kidney stones and as I write this he is on Day 9. One ER visit - one hospital stay and one doctor visit later we still wait for the grand exit of kidney stone 1. They will let kidney stone 2 stay put in the kidney with the hope it will never choose to move. It has been hard to watch him suffer the way he has and not be able to make it better. I have refilled many glasses of drink - lemon aid, water, green tea and juice. He's tried everything that has been suggested. I've cooked very little since he was sick due to the extreme pain. But - I've been there and joyfully tried to make his ordeal as bearable as possible. I've prayed and asked others to pray. It has been strange to have the tables turned but it has been a privilege to serve and know that I am still needed after all these years.

Another way that I tried to limit God this past week was to plan to give or do one thing per day. I prayed for God to give me opportunities yet I questioned Him when there would be more than one in a day. Thinking rather that I needed to keep things spread out so that I didn't miss a day. I am thankful to serve a God of second chances and that He will continue to lay opportunities before me.

My giving opportunities were as follows:
Monday - Cleaned out some things and took baby clothes/blankets to a friend.
Tuesday - Bought and delivered breakfast for a business associate.
Wednesday - Left Power Aid out for my sanitation workers. Delivered muffins to my church staff. Bought treats for my two year old class.
Thursday - Gifted a friend with some perfume (many bottles) that we were not going to use at my house.
Friday - Pumpkin rolls for my husbands office.
Saturday - Breakfast Casserole to my brother and his wife.
Sunday - Visited my Aunt in a Nursing Home.

That's my week. I look forward to reading many other blogs about some of the great ways they gave last week and plans for this week.

Diane

Pumpkin Roll

2010-11-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

As part of my 30 days of Giving - I wanted to do some baking and taking. I usually do this at Christmas - so this is nice to be baking and not rushed. Pumpkin roll is now in the fridge and will be divine by tomorrow.

Many years ago a dear friend introduced me to Pumpkin Roll. It was during my "I don't eat pumpkin" days. See - I never liked pumpkin pie. Tried it - didn't like it. So - I assumed that I didn't like all things pumpkin. Wow was I wrong. I tried that pumpkin roll and was hooked. Then I assumed it was too difficult to make. Wrong again! But people do fear the pumpkin roll. I am going to show you just how easy and delicious it is.

Gather your ingredients:
4 eggs
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 cup bisquick
1 cup pumpkin
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
chopped pecans (optional)
powdered sugar
clean dish towel
wax paper
(Filling ingredients below)

Grease (spray) a cookie sheet and line with wax paper. Spray the wax paper as well.

Cream together the eggs and sugar.

Add in pumpkin and spices and mix well.

Add in bisquick and stir.

Pour pumpkin mixture onto the wax paper. Sprinkle with pecans.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Place clean dish towel on the counter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Flip the cake onto the dish rag and remove the wax paper.

Roll the cake into the dish rag on the long side. Set aside to cool for about 1 hour.

FILLING
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
6 Tbsp. Butter (softened)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar

Cream together the cream cheese and butter. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar and mix well.

Once the cake is cooled - unroll and spread the filling all over the cake.

Re-roll and refrigerate overnight. Slice and serve.

I cut immediately into smaller portions and wrap for gift giving.

**Tip - Because the pumpkin comes in a 15 ounce can - I make two at a time. Hate to waste a half can of pumpkin.

Enjoy!

30 Day Giving Challenge

2010-10-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday! And I have been reminded over and over how blessed I am. I am blessed to be a wife and mom. I am blessed to have many many friends that I cherish. Most importantly is that I am blessed to have been introduced to my Savior by someone special many years ago. The relationship I have with Jesus is the most important relationship I have. He loves me more than anyone has or ever will. I am blessed and I am loved well.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I would sign up and commit to a challenge during the month of November. This is usually the time of year that I get in panic mode. I LOVE to give gifts at Christmas. I LOVE to make certain that everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Because I LOVE to give those gifts I get rather stressed out for more than one reason. First - the funding of every one's desires. It gets costly to try to make certain everyone has a very nice Christmas. I always start out with a set budget and soon that is blown and I get defeated and then spend away. Second - picking out and finding everything that everyone wants. I put a lot of thought into the gifts that I give. I really want them to be special and give with a purpose.

This year I want to do things a little different. I want to have a very frugal Christmas. I want to bless everyone with gifts yet I want to do it with minimal cost. So rather than stressing right now I am at peace. I am not rushed to plan my list. I am praying and pondering what I will spend and what I will give. I want to honor God with my giving this year.

All of that to bring you to the place I am today. Awaiting November. The challenge that signed up for can be found here. I want to spend all of November giving. I have many things listed that I plan to do but none set in stone. I want to be able to follow God's lead in giving. You can go to the 30 Days of Giving Community by going here or clicking on the Blogfrog Community in my left bar. The host and creator of this wonderful idea blogs at http://kingdomfirstmom.com/. Her desire is to honor God with her finances and help others along the way. She is an inspiration and does her job well.

Recently I wrote this post about how to study scripture and God spoke this verse to me: I John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him? We have lots and lots of brothers and sisters in need. The needs are all very different. I believe that we can make a difference when we step up to the plate and do our part. Our church once had a pledge drive for our building fund and it was entitled "Equal Sacrifice - Not Equal Gifts". That is so fitting in all of our giving efforts whether it is about money or time. So often, we assume that giving must be financial when in fact to some giving financially is far from a sacrifice. For me - giving of more time is going to be a huge sacrifice. I don't have free time often. Quite the opposite. My house is cluttered and dusty. My car is dirty and cluttered. My healthy meal planning is a zero. We, as a family, are pretty stretched out. One thing I know is that if we trust God to make a way - then He will make a way. He is in the small stuff and He IS the big stuff. He will provide financially what is needed to complete this challenge and He will open the doors to find the time that is needed.

I pray today that some of my friends will take this challenge with me. Make giving a priority this November. After all - we spend lots of time being thankful during the Thanksgiving season - why not spend lots of time giving. It's a two part word. Let's do both. When we give - we will make many people thankful and that will bless our hearts more than anything. We already have so much to be thankful for - lets share the blessings with others.

I have a few things that are near and dear to me right now and I would love to offer them to you for consideration. You may feel led to help them out also or you may know of someone else that would feel passionate about giving to these worthy causes. I am listing them in No order. Only in order of what is easiest for me to link to and write about. I thank you in advance for praying for all of them and for considering what you can do.

To my local friends and family and to those that just feel led; our church has a debt retirement (better known as need to pay off the building) that needs funds. We need to get passionate about paying off that. We enjoy it and serve along side one another in it - let's remember to be thankful for it this month. Honor your friends or our staff with a gift to the building fund.

Grace Bible Church in Virginia Beach, Va has this posted on their website:  "Live for something bigger than yourself. Find life in giving yours away. Serve the world." Wow! What if we all had that attitude?      They are going on mission trip to Nicaragua in November and could use some help with funding some of the missionaries they are taking. My sweet cousin is one of those missionaries and I would be honored if you helped out in some way (large or small). She loves the Lord and is getting out of her comfort zone by going on this trip. Whether or not you can give financially - Please Please pray for her and their team. Give some extra prayers to them during this trip. If you feel led to give their address is: 2961 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Andrea Lambie- Nicaragua mission.

A local couple are raising funds for their adoption of a little girl from Peru. She blogs about that journey here. God is blessing them with their efforts but they have a long way to go financially. They know that God will meet their needs. I know lots of you guys have a heart for orphans and could help meet their needs. Please visit her blog and if you need some Christmas presents - she has an Etsy shop that is up to help fund their adoption. You can check it out right here.   They will truly be blessed and grateful for your support.

If you want to have your soul truly stirred then go over and read about The Mercy House.  Kristen from here and her husband felt the call from God to open a Maternity Home in Kenya. I can't do it justice in writing about it but she does and you need to head on over to her website and get familiar with The Mercy House. There are many opportunities to be involved from donating to or buying from their Etsy shop to giving $3 on the 3rd of each month to being a monthly supporter of $25.00.

I know that I could write a list for days about needs that need to be met. But I will stop for now. Please join me in committing to give this November. Follow along with the other ladies as they share what God is leading them to give. Let's have equal sacrifice and see what God does with our efforts. I love and appreciate you guys.
Diane

What can cancer really do?

2010-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

The following poem was given to me when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I see it posted in lots of places such as hospitals and Physician offices.

What Cancer Cannot Do

Author: Unknown

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love.

It cannot shatter hope.

It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot eat away peace.

It cannot destroy confidence.

It cannot kill friendship.

It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot silence courage.

It cannot reduce eternal life.

It cannot quench the Spirit.

I read the poem and really had no thoughts on it at the time. I was not convinced that it was completely accurate but didn't dwell on it. I assumed it was my lack of faith that caused me to question the poem. The emotional roller coaster of having cancer is a rough one. Some days you go on with life and don't give it a thought. Other days - not so good. I, for one, believe that having cancer can certainly rob you of many of the things listed above. And I absolutely believe that when approaching a cancer diagnoses relying on one's own strength then it is certainly possible to have your faith shattered. It can certainly shatter your hope and corrode your faith. Your confidence is definitely shaken when you have no hair and people stare at you. I've witnessed first hand how it can rock a relationship when a couple had a weak marriage. It made my marriage stronger because of the way my husband reacted. Others are not that fortunate. A woman living without her breasts can be a very difficult battle. Some days you just don't have the courage to go on. These are the things that can also make you stronger when you are diagnosed. Fear can be crippling. It is a choice to fight through these feelings and to rely fully on God and His strength. 2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

God is the reason we are able to endure and to not stop. There are so many unknowns when diagnosed but there is one constant. God. He is constant. He cradles you in His arms and carries you through. When you are in the midst of the fire (cancer diagnosis and treatments) you often don't know how you managed to get through another day. When you look back on things and reflect you know exactly how you got through. It was God carrying you. The poem about footsteps is far better suited for a journey through cancer because God most certainly carries you through those dark days.

During treatments and more so after treatments stop - there are lots of what it's. Lots of fear of the unknown. Often times we worry about what may or may not happen. I've seen the grave more times than I can count. I've walked in the Oncologists office with highest of expectations to be shot down with lab work concern. Other times I've gone in with no expectations and leave with the best possible report. It is a constant battle - a struggle of the mind. I sometimes think that God is sitting on His throne smiling at me - saying "I told you I would handle this!" and me thinking "yes God I know - but I just thought I would help you along." As usual I get reminded that He does not need my help and that if I will allow Him the battle He will fight it for me.

My point in this post is to remind you that those going through the cancer battle have many emotional swings. Some days are good ones and some just simply are not. When someone faces this diagnosis be considerate of them when offering unsolicited words of wisdom. Offer to be a shoulder to cry on and ears to hear if they need it. Offer scripture to encourage. Wrap them in your arms and love them up! So many did this for me and I am forever grateful. They loved me no matter what my mood was and they understood the emotional and physical battle. I was so very blessed. Cancer can give you many blessings if you look for them. I was blessed beyond measure by my family, friends and church. I was given a much stronger faith in God by having cancer. It challenged my control and made me realize who was in charge and who was the Great Physician. The last two lines are perfect truths - Cancer cannot reduce eternal life. It cannot quench the Spirit. God cannot be quenched. We may walk away from Him - but He is Sovereign and He reigns. He is the great I Am.

It's not hard to find someone touched by breast cancer or another kind - so be a blessing to them. Encourage them. Share the love of Jesus with them.

Love you all,
Diane

Prayer

2010-10-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

This week has been full of prayer requests. I wrote down requests this week at our ladies monthly meeting and it took more than an hour. Some heavy hearts that are burdened for the lost, the sick, the troubled and the weak. I am reminded that in our weakness God's power is made perfect.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (New International Version)

7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I think we can all recognize a "thorn in our flesh". I believe that the thorn is often a stronghold that we refuse to let go of - so God leaves it until we are ready to relinquish full control. If only we would let go and allow God to be made perfect in our time of weakness. To rest - to just let him love on us and deliver us from these strongholds. We are reminded of a great truth in Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

God's grace is such a precious gift. Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

What an awesome thought - receive mercy and find grace. Thank you Jesus for such a blessing.

Today I pray for an abundance of mercy and that you find grace. An old hymn written by Julia Johnston has the best lyrics for such a time as this:

Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin! Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see his face, will you this moment his grace receive?

Would love to pray for you today.

Love you all,
Diane

Table make-over

2010-10-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Found this little table at a garage sale recently. Nothing fancy but in perfect shape. I've been wanting to paint some things off-white and this was the perfect thing to start on.

I simply sanded a little and went to town with my handy dandy spray paint. It's the perfect way for a lazy person to paint.

I think it turned out quite nice. It makes the perfect little end table. It seems bright white in this picture but it is actually an off white. I happen to have another one identical to this and will be painting away soon. Not sure where they will wind up but they turned out cute!

More off-white to come - stay tuned!

Linking up to some cool parties - check them out in the left bar.

Need a cute fix?

2010-10-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

He's been watching football with his Uncle Mike since he was old enough to stay awake. He is one cute little Saints fan!

We think he's just so darn stinkin cute!

What a fabulous job Jami did with his pictures. She put these on facebook for a preview so I borrowed them to show off her work and his cuteness. If you have facebook - check her out. She can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/jami-ainsworth-portraits/174202932011. Also she blogs at http://www.japimages.blogspot.com/.

Remembering Chemo and Chemo Care Packages

2010-10-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Reminiscing chemo is not one of my favorite things to do. Quite frankly the thought makes me ill. I firmly believe that God used chemo to boldly let me know who was and is in control. My biggest fear starting chemo was the hair loss. I did not want to lose my hair but knew it would happen. I did not fear being sick. I believed that the medications that were prescribed would take care of any neausea and I would breeze through like others I had talked to. WRONG!

My family joined me for my first chemo. We went in with positive attitudes even though we were extremely nervous. Chemo was just a pit stop of our day. My husband and daughter had a softball game the night of my first chemo. I sucked it up and got that treatment behind me and headed straight to her game. Within two hours something was terribly wrong. I was SICK. I mean really really sick. Crazy me - I remembered them telling me the third day was usually when you felt bad. HA - I was thinking that I would die on day 3 because hour 3 was nearly unbearable. Things did not improve. Spent the night very ill - went to the ER for a shot. Shot didn't work either. First thing the next moring I was back at my Doctor's office getting IV fluids and meds. It was a very bad experience and my world was suddenly shattered. Did I mention that I HATE HATE HATE to throw up? I did and still do. I'll take pain any day just not vomit.

Thus began my journey with chemo. I left the Doctor that day with an arcenal of anti-nausea meds. I was taking something every two hours. I had a little black book (planner) at the time and began keeping up with everything. What to take when and what worked and what didn't. Had reactions to some of the drugs and some just didn't work. As with any chemo patient, there are lots of appointments and things to keep up with. My little black book became my constant companion. I wrote down everything. I wrote down my labwork numbers and kept them charted. I couldn't seem to function without it. I also kept a journal. Writing things down seemed to help me cope with all that was happening.

During this time, some things became staples for me. Things such as lemon drops, hand sanitizer, lotion, water water and more water and kleenex for the tears. I also received a cookbook entitled "Eating Well through Cancer" by Holly Clegg. It gave suggestions on what to eat during certain times and basic healthy eating principles. It was a great tool and an awesome gift from a dear friend and fellow survivor.

My extreme illness was and is not the norm for patients going through treatments. Many locals taking the same treatments do perfectly fine. I was jealous and almost mad about it. I was young and healthy and couldn't understand. Nothing we tried helped. Treatment 5 of 6 proved different. My mom was critically ill and I was avoiding my treatment for fear of the sickness. When it was inevitable - I went in and had my treatment, but not before I sat in the parking lot of the Doctor office and cried out to God - not silently - I cried out that my mom needed me and I needed the treatment and I begged God for mercy. It was the one and only treatment that I had ZERO sickness. Seriously ZERO. God knew my heart and knew I needed to be with my mom and He calmed the sea. I still believe that He needed me to be weak in order for Him to be glorified and that is what happened. I am hard headed and stubborn and like to be in control, but proved to me that I can be removed from my high horse of authority. He was in control and still is. He is in control and does NOT need my help.

All of that story to bring you here. A year after my chemo, my dear friend Connie started hers. I filled a bag with goodies and took them to her first chemo. She was so appreciative and wanted to do the same for others. We started a support group at our church and collected things to provide chemo care packages for others starting chemo.

We included things like a journal, calendar, hand sanitizer and other things. I prepared a bag to take and give to someone and you can see what all I included.

The lemon drops are to help with the taste buds. Chemo often leaves you with either no taste buds or a medicine taste. The disposable toothbrushes can do the same thing.

Patients need to drink lots and lots of water during treatment. It is important to flush those drugs through your system.

As with all chemo patients, immune systems are weak and you need to always keep your hands clean. Lotion helps if they get dry - and who doesn't like a little lotion to paper yourself?

The journal helps to keep up with your feelings and prayers and the calendar helps get you where you need to be. And a pink pin is a must for a breast cancer patient or survivor!

The snickers - well that's just a special treat.

So - if you want to do something special for someone beginning treatments - fix 'em up with a chemo care package and include a nice card letting them know you are praying for them. They will appreciate you for it. And if you can - prepare several and drop them off at a local Oncology office and let them give them out. Some patients may not have the awesome support of family and friends that I did.

If you know of someone that needs this package that I have prepared - please send me a note and I'll gladly get it to them.

Love you guys.

Diane

Scripture study made easy (or Not)

2010-10-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Recently I was blessed to join some ladies at a conference to hear Priscilla Shirer. She is an awesome speaker and teacher. She put things on my level of learning. She writes some awesome material that is worth a read. She referenced some things from her book Can We Talk at the conference and offered a way to put scripture into terms that we can use in our daily lives. I have been amazed at how reading a scripture can be transformed into a much more personal level by using this method.

I hope you learn as much as I did.

Position yourself to hear from God. I need peace and quiet to study. I have a hard time trying to study when things are going on around me. I am not a morning person though - so I have to take time during lunch or late at night to find the peaceful time I need.
Pore over the passage and paraphrase the major points. This is when you take the scripture and see what it means to you. How do you really read it? God may speak to each of us in a much different way when we read a particular scripture. I think that we respond by what's going on in our lives and that if we allow God the freedom to speak - we will hear what He wants us to hear from the scripture. But don't merely read it - write it down. Put pen to paper and see what God is saying in the scripture.
Pull out the spiritual principles. This is the personal part that can break down the barriers. We can see what God inspired to write and where it applies to our lives today. What lesson is He teaching through a particular scripture?
Pose the questions. What lesson does He want me to get from that scripture? Write down the questions and see where God is leading you.
Plan obedience and Pin down the date. Often times God shows us areas that He wants us to change or to react. This is where we can be obedient to His teaching.

My example goes as follows:

I John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him?

Do I truly love God if I have enough to meet the needs of my family and see a "brother" in need and close my heart to him?

God commands us to love one another just as Christ loves us - so how do I show His love? Am I willing to share what God has given me? Do I not have more than enough? Am I a good steward of His money?

What is God wanting me to do? Is there something or someone particular He is speaking to me about? I don't know yet. I know that He is wanting me to give more. I know that He wants me let go of financial strongholds.

I need to seek out what His plans are and make plans to be ready to do what He calls me to do. I need to make plans to be prepared to be obedient.

I need to be honest right here - that is not the verse I wanted to use. I had several verses in mind that I wanted to use for an example and was "poring" through I John and this one jumped off the page at me and really the only part that I wanted to use was about showing others the Love of God through our actions. That is not what God spoke to me when reading through it. I read it with a different perspective once I put it down on paper. He loves to stretch and mold when I least expect it.

I hope you get the chance to study some of the writings of Priscilla but more importantly I pray that you get to study more of God's Word and that you listen to what He has to say.

Diane

Sweet talented blogger and a Breast Cancer Survivors giveaway

2010-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

I love to blog hop. More particularly I love oohing and aahing over the talents of the women that write the blogs I read. I have learned much in the short time I've been blogging. Recently one of the bloggers wrote a post about giving away something to Breast Cancer Survivors. I was reluctant at first to respond because I'm weird like that. But I did and am glad that I did. Jan over here wants to bless those that are Survivors. She sent me a very sweet note after I responded and it really made my day. You never know when your kind words are needed by someone.

She gave me permission to let my readers know about the giveaway so that she could gift them also. You can go over to her blog here and see her lovely handiwork (in the right column) and then send her an email so that she can bless you with a pin.

Thanks Jan for being a blessing to others. I love looking at your handiwork on your blog and am honored to have you as a follower.

Don't let all of the pink in the month of October be in vain. Get those mammies grammied!

Love you all,
Diane

Breast Cancer Study and lab work that never will be.

2010-10-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer I wanted answers. I wanted the why? Why did I get breast cancer? What did I do that could have caused it or what could I have done differently? These questions are meant physically what did I do or not do? Whatever I could find out would help with peace of mind where my daughters were concerned. I wanted to know if there was something they could do differently. I went through genetic testing. I tested negative. That was a huge relief in that my daughters were not pre-disposed to a gene. I wanted to join a study. I wanted to do my part to help others. I want to be a part of the cure.

Several months ago a study that I was suited for came through on Army of Women. I was finally going to be a part of a study. I filled out all of my paper work and sent it in. A large package came in the mail for me to use in having my blood drawn and returned to the study group. They provide everything you could possibly need. You simply take it with you when you have labwork and ask them to draw the extra viles. They don't have to use any of their supplies. They simply stick in the extra three viles and hand them back to you. The viles were then replaced in the tube they provide and put in the federal express envelope and returned the same day. Easy peasie! I did my part and returned the package.

I later received a phone call asking if my sister and mother would participate. I asked and they agreed. Fast forward to the week of July 30. On July 28 my mom had an appointment with her Renal specialist. It was a three month routine where they draw blood two hours prior to her visit with the doctor. Seemed the perfect time to have her study labs drawn. She wanted to participate as much as I did. She was a very very hard "stick" has the techs often called her. On this particular July day a new lab technician was there. He was unfamiliar to me and to my mom. I pulled out the package and asked him to draw the additional viles to send in for the study. He looked extremely puzzled by the request. I attempted to show him the letter and the lab request. He walked to the reception desk asked a question and came back to say he was not allowed to do it. Yep - I was extremely frustrated but didn't want to upset my mom and simply put it all away. He made his multiple attempts to draw her blood until he finally got a vain. It was always torture for her. I always held my breath until they got a vain.

Being the loud mouth that I am, I was glad to tell her Doctor that the new lab guy was not cooperative and explained. Dr. H was always a "hoot" - his response was "you should have yelled for me - oh man I can't believe he didn't draw the blood." Hmmm yep - I couldn't believe it either. He said that if we wanted he would have them come draw it but I would not hear of it. Mom despised having her blood drawn. She was willing to go through that painful process again but I didn't want her to do that. We left, albeit frustrated, with plans to get it drawn at a later date. Sadly, next time won't come. Two days later mom went home to Jesus. There was no indication on Wednesday that Friday would be her appointed time to leave this earth. The opportunity to have her blood included in this study was brushed off by someone who didn't have an interest in a breast cancer study. He was new and inexperienced. It may seem trivial but to someone who longs for a cure and has lived it - it was not trivial. There are no "do-overs". Moral - once again - is to push. Don't accept answers that you know are not right. I should have insisted he call the doctor and get the permission. I learned recently that "nice" is not necessarily the right response. Kind is the better response. I should have kindly but firmly insisted. I'm sad that the lab work will never be.

Breast cancer affects everyone in your life. Though I was, at the time of my diagnosis, her caregiver, she found strength that no doctor could believe in order to be there for me. She told me once that no mom should have to watch their child go through cancer. She hated what the treatments did to me physically. She hurt for me. She walked the journey with me until her final day. She wanted to be a part of the study - just as I did and do.

I would love for this October to the be month that a cure is found. Maybe you fit the requirements for a study. Log onto armyofwomen.org and see if you qualify. It may be you who holds an answer.

If, nothing else, get your mammies grammied this month. Don't put it off.

Love you guys,

Diane

Out Live Your Life

2010-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

Out Live Your Life

Max Lucado

Max Lucado does not disappoint when he writes a book. He is the real deal and gives you reason to look at your life and how you live it. The title alone to this book makes you stop and think. He doesn’t just give you advice – he backs it up with the scripture and gives you examples of how those early followers of Christ did it. When we ponder the thought – those early followers’ lives continue to be lived out in our lives. Often we strive to serve others as Paul did. His life lives on.

The book encourages us to embrace that giving/serving spirit. What will I be remembered for when I am gone? Will I outlive my life? Will others want to carry on things that I started? A quote worth re-quoting: “None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus.”

This is a great book for gift-giving. If a book impacts your life it should be shared. This is a book worth sharing.

Diane

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

IT'S OCTOBER

2010-10-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

October rolls around each year and ordinary people put out fall stuff and think about pumpkins and Halloween. Me - I think PINK! Yes people say that the pink ribbon floods the market - well guess what? October awareness and that pink ribbon are a big part of why I was diagnosed. That constant in my face awareness made me think about the mammogram that I needed. It reminded me constantly that I was needing to see the Doctor. So, I am going to make an attempt to put up some good information this month as well as some personal experiences.

The very first organization that I turned to was The Young Survival Coalition. I was 37 years old and trying to figure out all of the facts and statistics. I didn't do this immediately. God carried me through several months before I was ready to be educated. I didn't only want to treat the now I wanted to take care of those future cells that would dare invade my body. I wanted to live and live free of cancer. I kept replaying in my mind that the first Doctor that I pointed out my lump to brushed me off and told me I was young and it was probably an enlarged duct gland. Well HELLO - you won't catch me falling for something like that again in this lifetime. I cringe like mad when I hear someone say their doctor is going to "watch" something. Oh - my word - my word - my word - for crying out loud what do you have to lose to cut it out. Watch it grow in a JAR if you want to watch it grow. I want to be educated - I want to know when to push and when to accept the answer as it is given. We know that mistakes are made - we make them as do Doctors and other professionals. The best way I know how to handle things is Education - Education - Education.

So - get out your pink - wear that ribbon proudly. Get your mammies grammied ladies. (and remember men do get breast cancer) October is a wonderful time of the year to get a mammogram - lots and lots of places offer reduced prices during this month. It is a WIN WIN.

Today's Spotlight:

Young Women and Breast Cancer

Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of this disease is widespread: There are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under1, and approximately 10,000 young women will be diagnosed in the next year2. But, despite the fact that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 543:

◦Many young women and their doctors are unaware that they are at risk for breast cancer.

◦There is no effective breast cancer screening tool for women 40 and under.

◦Young women are often diagnosed at a later stage than their older counterparts.

◦There is very little research focused on issues unique to this younger population, such as fertility, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, the impact of hormonal status on the effectiveness of treatment, psycho-social and long-term survivorship issues and higher mortality rates for young women, particularly for African-Americans and Latinas.

◦Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often feel isolated and have little contact with peers who can relate to what they are experiencing.

◦As the incidence of young women with breast cancer is much lower than in older women, young women are underrepresented in many research studies.

For all these reasons YSC encourages young women to become advocates for their own health and become educated about breast cancer.

On the pages of this website, you will find information and resources for and about young women affected by breast cancer. Click on the navigation bar on the left to:
◦Access the bulletin boards and chat rooms to join a community of other young women living with the disease.
◦Learn about breast cancer in young women and find informational and support resources, local, national and international, for these women and their families.
◦Gain insight into the lives of young women living with the disease through our survivor stories.
◦See our real-time profile of young women who register on the site highlighting the demographic and disease characteristics of our survivor constituency.

These pages bring to you a community of young women affected by breast cancer. We hope you will return time and time again for more information, to ask more questions and to find the peer support for which you have been looking.
1 Figure based on the 2000 U.S. Census data.
2 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2008.
3 National Cancer Institute 2005 Fact Book.

All of this information and much much more can be found here at the Young Survivor Coalition.

Most recently I joined the Army of Women. I want to be included in any research that my help find a cure for the beast. I would love to know "why" and be able to keep other women and men from being affected by this disease.
Today is Blog for Your Breasts Day. I took the pledge on armyofwomen.org. Go check it out and and join millions of women joining together for a cure. Get involved. Your involvement may save lives in the future.

What is the Army of Women?

The Love/Avon Army of Women (AOW) is a unique program of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit breast cancer research organization. The program is funded through a grant from the Avon Foundation for Women. The AOW provides an opportunity for men and women to take part in breast cancer research studies aimed at determining the causes of breast cancer – and how to prevent it. The AOW is a groundbreaking initiative that connects breast cancer researchers via the internet with women who are willing to participate in a wide variety of research studies. The goal of the Army of Women is to recruit ONE MILLION MEN AND WOMEN of all ages and ethnicities, including breast cancer survivors and those who have never had breast cancer.

I love you guys and want you to be aware! Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. Get involved! Join me in my army!

Diane

Look Who Turned 1

2010-09-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

The pictures tell the story - so it's a Wordless Wednesday!

New adventures with old stuff

2010-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new adventure with some sweet friends and I am naturally obsessed and want to spend all of my time playing. I've always loved to pretend to be "crafty". Once upon a time I loved to cross stitch. Then I turned to appliques and sewing. I gave scrapbooking a try for about two mintues. I decided that I would put together Senior year scrapbooks for the girls and well - they decided they wanted to - so I just made the purchases and they scrapped! My friend, Deborah, brought her sewing machine to my house one saturday and we began making purses. As is usually the case, I got bored with that also.

Recently four of us rented a booth in a downtown market. We have all of these ideas racing through our heads and are gathering stuff like crazy to be creative. Hmmmmmm - it takes lots of time for this little venture and we have full time jobs. So our great plans and ideas are very slowly coming to life. Hopefully, we will get things rolling and have a booth full of wonderful crafy finds that will be of interest to others.

Naturally there is a however, or some sort of but! I have made some things that I like and want to keep. And then Ashley likes other stuff and wants it and then there are the things I am making for Spenser. You get the picture. Not sure how I will ever make and sell anything!

I've managed to get one thing painted and taken to our little booth. This was my first attempt at lamp shade covering. The key for me is to make something that won't go with any of my decor! I'm sure I can find a place for this little lamp - but for now - it's in the booth!

Thanks to my husband for helping me get my shade patterns cut out. Some days my little mind is all blank!

Our booth is looking up - the pictures below are from our work day -adding a little fresh paint to the walls and shelves. New life to an old room.

Look it this little helper.

So far - it's been fun and keeps my mind busy. It's been a great diversion to the hand that life dealt us recently. So - if you are downtown Natchez, stop by and look around. There are some super creative chicks renting spaces and some others with some great bargains from their treasures.

What have you been up to lately? New adventures with old stuff - the theme for my life right now. Still not sure what adventure God is planning - but He's preparing all the same.

Love you guys,
Diane

While you are here - go take a look at what these talented ladies are up to.

Cake Mix Cookies

2010-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

The blogging world is negating the need for cook books. You can hop around blog land and find some of the best cooks around and they are kind enough to share their recipes. I think I live in the dark ages. I use the same cookbook that has no cover and food splatters all over it. It's trusty and I wouldn't part with it for anything. BUT - (isn't there always a but?) the wide world of internet has certainly enriched my life with recipes. (and my waist with pounds).

The recipe for these little beauties came from here at Cooks.com. I had to go and look up the recipe since I had read it while blog hopping and naturally could not remember where I found it. But here is what they look like in my kitchen on my pan.

It is just as easy as the recipe says: 1 box cake mix, 1 egg, 1 8 oz. carton cool whip and some powdered sugar. That's it! How easy is that?

I love my new recipe find. You don't like lemon? No problem - change the cake mix to strawberry or chocolate or yellow - add some flavoring such as rum or almond. The sky is the limit with these little guys.

Enjoy - and if you make some - come back and share your results with me - especially if you try a new flavor.

Love you guys.

Diane

Headed over to link to some parties - since I'm such a party animal! Yes indeed - I sure am.

Happy Birthday Brenden

2010-09-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

One year ago today - this little miracle came into our lives! We are better for it and love him to pieces!

Happy Happy Birthday Charles Brenden Sebille.

P.S. Our little man will be featured on the ParentLife Blog this Friday. My sweet friend Vanessa tood the picture on baby dedication day. So be sure to check it out Friday.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/parentlife/

Wake UP - Look UP

2010-09-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

I've pondered all week about how I wanted to share with you what I learned (what God said to me) at the Going Beyond conference last weekend with Priscilla Shirer. First thing is that she is a fantastic speaker and anointed. I seriously mean that God speaks through her. She is the real deal. I love to learn from Beth Moore and I love to worship with lots of women. I am one blessed woman to be able to hear both of these women in a 7 day span of time.

God has been obvious about working in my life lately. I am clear on what He is telling me but not clear on how things will unfold. I am approaching the unknown and it scares me yet it thrills me all at once. He's not written on walls but I am getting the point. I've been led to blog about it recently and didn't realize that He would continue to add fuel to that fire. He is clear that He intends for me and my family to live less and give more. I often get tired and wonder what more God wants me to give time-wise. Well - I'm thinking time is not the issue here. We often feel that we sacrifice financially - but now I am clear that what we do is most certainly NOT sacrifice. We have given up some things in order to raise more children. We have not afforded ourselves some luxuries that would be so nice in order to help raise other children. We laugh out loud over the raising of more kids. If you remember or care to read about it here, I have already covered that subject. Recently I blogged about financial stuff here. And most recently I blogged about the conference right here.

God laid a song on my heart and then a verse. I was searching scripture for the right verse that fit my moment and He led me to Zephaniah 3:17. I don't often hear Zephaniah quoted and really liked the verse. Decided that I should memorize it (not quite there yet) and recall it often. Do you believe in co-incidence? Me either? While I was being broken down to a puddle on the floor at the conference Priscilla quoted that same scripture. Hmmm hello! Really? I thought - who quotes that? She spoke to me in ways that I was having a hard time grasping. She talked about sleep walking through entire periods of our lives. Wishing away days, months, years of our lives because we want something more or different. We complain about cranky babies, finances, singleness, pain, illness and countless other areas of our lives that God is at work. We want Him to rush through something that He is refining. Oh my - when are we happy? Are we only happy when things are going as WE choose to orchestrate them? Oh how guilty I was. I was hurting because the pain of losing my mom was so fresh. I was not sure I could handle the emotional strain. I was right - I didn't handle it well - but I survived it and I am so thankful I did.

I learned ways to study scripture that had never been revealed to me. (maybe I'll give you a peak at that later) I just felt like God spoke LOUDLY to me to WAKE UP. I asked and prayed for Him to fill my cup - fill me up and make me whole. Boy did I NOT like His answer. He gently reminded me that I needed to empty out the junk so there would be room for Him. I stated the afternoon I left for the Conference that she would be talking directly to me and boy was I right. It was clear why I was there and what God wanted me to hear. I am nervous of what God's plan is but I pray that I will be ready to listen and follow Him. I am having a little deja view of when my father and mother-in-law died - I stated that whatever God had in store - it was big. We are here again - losing both parents within 16 days and feeling the pull that God has something big planned. I did a big no-no because of it already, but timing was really poor. Two weeks after my father-in-law passed away and one month from my moms was my Oncology check up. Reminiscing that two weeks after my mother-in-law passed away I was diagnosed with breast cancer - I was a no-show for that appointment. Just couldn't do it. I don't feel at all that I have any issues regarding my breast cancer - but I just was not ready or willing to visit that part of my life. Don't worry - I will re-schedule - just not that soon. If that is where God leads then that's where I'll go again - but just not that soon Again!

So - now to this weekend. The topic is "Look Up - giving the results to God!" How fitting is that? One week He tells me to Wake up and the next to Look Up. Oh how I look forward to what God has to say to me again this weekend and see His plans unfold in the life of my family. I just can't hardly stand it. Satan has spent a lot of time working on me through these past six weeks but my God can handle him. I know that the tweet that was just delivered to me phone "be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might" was for a purpose and it was by no means a co-incidence.

Don't know where this road is heading - but I'm in it for the long haul. These pictures show some of the strongest Godliest women I know. They are special and I am thankful to be a part of their lives.

Lunch after the Conference

Cheryl Givens with Priscilla

Donna Dixon with Anthony Evans

Me and Donna with Anthony

Me with Anthony

I love you guys and look forward to seeing lots and lots of you Saturday - let's give those results to God. I feel sure the message will reach beyond me.

Refreshed Furniture and a grown up girl!

2010-09-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our little girl (sweet barney loving thing) wanted some new big girl stuff - so we turned her boring white wicker into some bright fun things. She has put away all things "princess" (or most) and has become a young woman. Seriously - she was just turning one and her daddy making her learn to walk. We went to sleep and she was in College. It's like a soap opera - fast forward aging. Anyway - this post is about her furniture - so I'll get back to the power of spray paint!

She had lots and lots of pink and white! So - change it is - No pink and No white. I am all about easy - so here are some poor quality images of her transformation to Young woman through spray painted furniture.

Those are the just started and during pics of the project. Then we moved her into her new grown-up apartment and I forgot to take my camera to get pics - but the trusty old IPhone works just fine in a pinch.

And here are her items placed in their new home with their new color. Sorry the quality is bad!

Where oh where does the time go? My baby girl is all grown up and that is a reality. Not just grown up furniture but a beautiful young woman inside and out with some refreshed furniture.

Love all my babies and I love you guys too!

Diane

I'm going to head over and link up to some fun parties. Come check them out.

http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2010/09/furniture-fix-up-creative-chick-parade.html

http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/09/wfmw-linky/

Going Beyond

2010-09-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm heading out shortly for a girls get-a-way. Not just fun but refreshing renewal kinda fun. I have gone through the past few weeks on auto-pilot. but that pilot has not been Jesus. It has been me trying to fly my own plane and that's not working. I can just picture how this is working though. I'm an airplane sitting on the shoulders of a very big God and He is simply looking at me shaking his head - thinking "I wonder if she thinks she's going anywhere?" Really - He's not allowing me to crash - He's just watching me make a really bad effort to fly this plane alone. I just know He has a sense of humor. He must have one to be my father.

Satan has waged his war for the past few weeks and now its time to shut him up and out. For two wonderful weekends I get to hear the most annointed speakers I know. They speak to women and they know women. They will be ministering to me alone. They won't even realize other women are listening (at least that's usually how I feel when they are speaking). God uses them to talk to me - He uses the worship music to break me down and be ready for the word He has in store for me. I am ready - I am ready to have my cup filled up - I'm lifing it up - Come and cleanse this thirsting of my soul - bread of heaven feed me til I want no more - fill my cup - fill it up and make me whole. I've not heard that song in a long time but God put it on my heart yesterday and I just keep singing it.

Zephania 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." He has sung over me - He wants to fill my cup.

I love you guys and pray that you have an awesome weekend. I know that I will.

Filling my cup with His Word,

Diane

Brenden's a busy boy

2010-09-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Brenden has had a busy summer. He's finally mobile and that is fun yet keeps us on our toes. Took his first three steps at my house on Aug. 28. We acted as if it were Christmas morning when he made those little tiny steps. What else has he done - you asked?

He stayed "cool"

He ate some birthday cake.

He chilled!

Took his first horse ride.

Had his first ride through the car wash - and maybe his last!

He mastered his sippy cup!

He's just grown cuter by the days - we blinked and he was 11 months old. How does that happen?

Angel song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman

2010-09-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Angel Song was inspiring from the moment I began reading. I’m not certain I can do the book justice with my review. The story of Anne Fletcher, an upcoming designer living her dream in New York City, God sends both people and angels into her life in order to reveal himself to her. Anne returns to Charleston to see her younger sister, Sarah, receive her master’s degree, but finds herself riding in the back of an ambulance, watching helplessly as Sarah fights for life. She is then thrown into the lives of those that love Sarah. She is forced to face her past and see what her future holds.

This book had more than one message we could all take to heart. Loving and accepting others and evaluating what God intends for our lives. The lesson of accepting loss and His Will for our lives was perfect timing for me. Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman have a winner with this book. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Book Sneeze or providing me a complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not compensated for this review and was asked for an unbiased review. .

Supersized Rainbow cake for Owen's Birthday

2010-09-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

July was a celebration of our guy's 10th birthday. We celebrated twice this year since I've been a really really bad mommy and missed birthday parties for the previous two years. We did an end of school year party with all of his classmates then we did a very large cake for his Vacation Bible School group since that fell on his actual birthday. I have been in love with rainbow cakes floating around the blog world. So Ashley and I set out to create our own version. I wasn't exactly certain how I would pull off a cake for 100 children but we did it. Grant it there were no leftovers but in my book that's a good thing. We are terrible about leftovers. (most of the time)

Here you have our creation and how we pulled it off.

That was four cakes if you were wondering and counting. We used the Wilton super sized sheet cake pans. It was lots of fun to make and super easy. We started out with the buttercream icing - but that didn't go very far so we used it between the layers because we had already made it. Then we used the Wilton Whipped icing and I am sold - it costs a little more - but it was delicious and super easy to spread. Ashley loves to put the sprinkles on cakes - she basically threw them at the cake! It was a huge mess - but she likes to use them so it was a good decorative touch. Those bottles of sprinkles are $1.00 at your local Dollar Tree. We used two bottles.

Hope you enjoy.

Diane

Linking up over here and here. Need some good tips on back to school? You'll find them today.

I am so not worthy to be among such great abilities - but it's fun to link up and look at all those talented ladies out there. So - go over and check them out. You will instantly believe you can sew or bake - or craft!

It's all about me

2010-08-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Pondering 1 John 2:15-17

In verse 15 We are told not to love the world or the things in the world. Verse 16 clears that up even further. for all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. Finally verse 17 - the world is passing away.

I feel clearly that God is strongly dealing with me in the area of lusts of the world. I would love to say that I have no real "lusts" but that would be a complete lie. Most of us have heard that you can look in your checkbook register and see where your priorities lie. Hmm yes - gas, groceries, electricity, education and so forth. Yes it takes lots of gas to drive from our house to work each day - but we make zero effort to car pool. We don't have the same work schedule - but I'm sure we could work something out IF we wanted to. Groceries - that one is a killer. We must be one of the most wasteful families I know when it comes to food. We rarely eat left overs. We often eat out. The pantry stays full and the freezers (plural) are full and yet I seem to need to go the grocery store once or twice a week. I remember the days when I made a menu and shopped for those specific foods.   Coincidentally, we were all much smaller in those days. Those were the same days that exercise was free. (aside from the pair of tennis shoes) We didn't need a Gym membership or a living room full of exercise equipment. We knew how to "beat the pavement". There are so many areas of our lives that we could simplify and cut out waste.

Other lusts are for my home. I love my house. It is more house than we physically need. It needs some modifications but some of the things I want are simply because of coveting what others have. No one in particular - but each time I see something that I like better than mine - I think that I may need to change things in my house. Needs or wants? How often do I ask myself that? NEVER That's the answer. Then I find myself worrying - literally - about how I'm going to get those changes. Changes that I don't need - but I want. Where is the eternal significance in wanting to update my house? Updates such as new insulated windows are far overdue. They would have paid for themselves many times over since moving into this drafty old house. Some things are just good common sense.

I guess the loss of our last two parents has me really evaluating my life. This life is passing away. When I'm gone - what will be my legacy? Worldly? Materialistic? My mom once said that she hoped when she died that people would be able to say nice things about her at her funeral. She must have thought about that a lot in life because there were nice things said. Her legacy is that of a prayer warrior. She burned the midnight oil down on her knees in prayer (actually sitting in her glider rocker). Or early morning's sitting at her dining room table - Bible open and praying.  She loved to give - she gave to her church, her family, and countless veteran organizations that sent her some labels. And pretty much any other organization that sent her some labels or a t-shirt or even a flag, oh yes tote bags, cards - yep you name it and she gave. She felt guilty having more than enough and someone else not having enough.   What is enough for me and my family? It's something we need to decide. What more can we give?

God's Word says "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27 NIV   His word is clear that we should not worry about what we are going to eat - He will provide. This is where faith has to be an action word. If we give more than then won't God provide for our needs? He tells us that He will so if we are not obedient to His call then we are not showing faith.

God has a promise for our doubts and fears when He asks us to step out on faith "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 New American Standard Bible I am a worrier (is that a word?) by nature. I always considered it just a control freak. But part of needing to be in control comes from worrying about taking care of things. And these things more often that not are things that God is trying to take care of but I get in the way.

So - it is all about me - it's about me getting in God's way. It's about me putting my focus on things that have no eternal significance.   It's about me - it's about time that I let go and let God. It's time to put faith into action. Heck I even worry about what blessings I've missed out on that I know I got in the way of - for crying out loud - when will I learn?????????

But I sure do love you guys!

Diane

Wish it was "not me"

2010-08-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have some things I want to blog about because it is therapeutic and it helps me to put things in perspective if I write about it. Yesterday's sermon has me really thinking and needing to search scripture so hopefully tonight will offer some time for that. So in the mean time look what I wish I was not having to do.

My mom loved LOVED did I say loved jewelry. So the sorting begins. Thanks to Ashley for laying it out for me.

So I wish it was "not me" having to go through my moms jewelry. I truly do.

Earthquake Cake

2010-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I've been all these years to miss out on Earthquake Cake! But let me tell you that I won't miss out anymore. Some sweet friends baked lots of goodies to share with my family and friends during my mom's services. There are always silver linings and we just have to look for them. This cake is a silver lining - or a fat lining to my waistline. Well now that I've said that I feel rather guilty loving this cake so much. But oh well - I LOVE IT! This cake takes all the things I love and squishes it all up together. Very professional description right?

For as long as I can remember my mom made a German Chocolate cake for my birthday. Several years ago I discovered how much I love and love to bake with cream cheese! I just migrate to those recipes. I should stop right now and spare anyone reading this the calories. But - I'm not. Misery loves company. Though the only misery involved here is the additional inch on your waste line. Your taste buds will appreciate me. UNLESS you are my husband and daughter. They don't like coconut. Wow - I hate that for them.

Without further rambling - the recipe.

1 box German Chocolate cake mix
1 cup coconut (or more)
1 cup pecans - chopped or whole (or more)

Filling:
1 stick butter - softened
1 block cream cheese - softened
1 box powdered sugar

Prepare your cake mix according to the box recipe. Set aside. Spray a 9x13 pan with your favorite spray. Cover the bottom with pecans. Sprinkle coconut over the pecans. Do not stir or mix. Pour the cake mix over the nuts and coconut. DO NOT STIR. Blend together the filling. Pour the filling over the cake mix without stirring. I had to basically drop spoon fulls because it was thick.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes. Watch the corners because your center will be soft due to the filling. Testing won't work for this cake.

Enjoy - and sorry for the added inches!

These pics are in reverse order - and yes I forgot to take a pic of the finished baked yummy product.

Love you guys.
Diane

Linking to Works for Me Wednesday here.

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Awareness

2010-08-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

I did some blog hopping last week and came across some great blog parties and found some new friends. Welcome to you guys and I look forward to some new friendships. I am amazed at the people that I've already met blogging and on facebook that I don't know outside of the social media world. Holly over at http://www.diamondpotential.com gave me an Awareness Promoting Award this week and I couldn't be more proud.I would post the button but something is not working properly. *sigh* You can check out her site and see the button! Being diagnosed at an early age with breast cancer gave me a voice to use and I want to be sure that I do my part for education. Dr. R told me once that the knowledge could be an asset if I used it correctly. He stated that everyone did not want to research and learn but he knew it was important to me, but to be sure that it did not defeat me.

So...... remember ladies that you can get a baseline mammo at age 35 and an annual mammo at age 40. That hog wash that was presented to the nation last year in the form of a "STUDY" telling us not to have a mammo until age 50 was full of bull. That study seems to have disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Just so you know - I hunted those people down like a vulture hunts its prey. I sent each and every one of them my opinion. Had I followed their professional opinion regarding mammo and self breast exams I would not be here typing this note. Suggesting that self breast exams don't serve a purpose and that a woman does not need a mammo until age 50 is absurd. It disregards years and years of research and efforts to get young women educated that "young women can and do get breast cancer". Why on earth would we need the "Young Survival Coalition" if breast cancer targets the over 50 crowd? That group of survivors will tell you quickly how they feel about early detection, mammography and breast self exams (at an early age).

We all have an area of awareness that we are passionate about. Share it with me - link it to Holly's page. Get your message out. What a great opportunity we have to learn from one another. This is not a new process. We are able to "sharpen" each other. We each have areas of expertise even if we don't have a platform we are passionate about. Let's just be passionate about serving and sharpening one another. Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Love you guys.

All boy

2010-08-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were surrounded by all girls for 17 years. We had girl dogs, cats etc. We just didn't make boys and we didn't get boy animals. I didn't have boy experience. Our little guy broke me in gently. UNTIL recently. Man oh man he is turning into the whole "snakes and snails and puppy dog tails." And I don't even know what that really means but I'm going to tell you how I interpret it.

I think boys sliver on the ground like a snake and get filthy dirty. I think they pick up snakes, worms and/or any other creature crawling on the ground and think it's cool.

I think boys are built to operate at a snails pace when the need to speed is in order. They just creep along like a little snail while you are anxiously awaiting. I think they often live under a rock (or hard cover). Life is going on around them while they are way out there in outerspace. Hello! Anyone in there? Didn't think so.

Alas - puppy dog tails. I think boys smell like a wet puppy dog tail very often. I think you often wonder where on earth that tail has been oooorrrr maybe you just really don't want to know (yep that better sums it up).

But......(isn't there always a but?) Are they not the cutest little slow slimey stinky tails ever?

This weeks adventures have included but not limited to:

Rolling full body in the moist dirt at a playground. Head to toe - no joke - no exaggeration. (there are witnesses but no pictures)

Rolling on the porch with the dogs while dressed and ready for school. Yes in deed that made for a pleasant start of the school/work day.

Wrapping fruit-by-the-foot around his thumb like a cast - and then eating it!! Yum Yum

He asked me to take this picture of him being a "taco".

He's the one on the left that looks like a hot dog rather than a taco but it's cute either way.

And then there's the night he wanted to dress like a cowboy for VBS closing night. Yes - I see a cowboy in this pic.

WHAT? You see no cowboy? Erkle comes to mind right?

Here he just wanted to show off his mad puzzle skills.

Awesome I know!

And in case you don't follow me on facebook - here are a couple quotes worth re-quoting!

While recently shopping for a shirt (for myself) he wanted to know what size to pick out for me. I stated, "well - I have to look at it to know that" but he persisted and looked over the tags and proclaimed "it could be a large or medium or extra large - but we darn sure know it's not a small". aaaahhhhh the cold hard honesty of a son is like no other!

While having dinner one evening one of our daughters asked her sister to hand her a biscuit please. Owen promptly jumps up and grabs one and hands it to her. As he walks away he states "well - my hands may stink since I had them on my feet and they stink!!" Sweet - bet you all want a biscuit served up by Owen now!

And on a serious note - I asked him about his teachers. Oh I have Miss Guida and it's Miss Guida not misquito. Oh ok glad you clarified that for me. And then he went on to say that his heart beat races when he goes to her class because he LOVES it!

So thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to discover snakes and snails and puppy dog tails. Such an adventure it is.

Love you guys,

Diane

HOT

2010-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hats off to any of you that work outside. Actually hats off to any of you that can even GO outside these days. Can we say HOT?? I am way way way over this kind of heat. I pick up Owen from school every day.

This is how it felt:

Yep - it felt everybit 111 degrees inside my car at 3:33.

Fall oh Fall where art thou?????

Works for me Wednesday Tip

2010-08-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

RIT Dye worked for me this school year.

I was fortunate to be gifted with 8 (yes 8) pair of slightly used navy blue uniform pants after Christmas last year. My sweet friends son outgrew them and she gifted them to my son. They were a little large but hey - that belt worked just fine and he motored along swimmingly for the remainder of the year. Fast forward to the new year. I was dreading having to purchase all new pants when the ones he had still fit but were somewhat faded and didn't look new. Who wants to send their son off to school in "not new" pants the first week of school? Well - maybe you can do it - but I can't. So I purchased a couple pair and thought I would purchase a few more throughout the summer. Still frustrated about all of those nice Gap and Old Navy pants not being used.

Sooooo I purchased two boxes of Navy blue RIT dye and put all of those suckers right into my washing machine. And lo and behold those pants look good as new!!! Yippee - I did not need to purchase school pants this year. I was out $6.00 and had 8 new pair of pants.

Off - to scope out my closet and see what needs refreshed. I'm sure there are some black pants that need to look new again.

What's working for you this school year? Hop on over to http://wearethatfamily.com/ and see what works for others. There are some really brilliant people out there!

Love you guys,

Diane

Challenge - 30 days and more

2010-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well - we are two weeks into the 30 day challenge. I entered the challenge thinking that I would focus on exercise and making better food choices. I wanted to do things differently. I am educated on weight loss and exercise. I have preached to others that there are 168 hours in a week and surely you can set aside at least 2 of those for exercise. That's not asking much right?? Well - in two weeks I put in a whopping 30 minutes. Albeit I did some sweating and activity that should count as exercise (climbing steps if you were wondering). That is not sufficent. I weighed at the doctor's office on day 2 and have not stepped foot on the scales since then. Although, dear hubby has managed to lose six pounds that I am very proud of him for.

A dear friend spoke to a group of women recently and gave some encouraging scripture. Maybe you could use some encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I love that we can do that - encourage and lift up each other. My friends are such an encouragement to me. I have been loved on this past week and I am thankful to call you friends. In Deuteronomy 3: 28a God gave Moses instructions: 28'(A)But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, Moses was not going to enter into the promised land but Joshua was. How often do we become jealous or full of envy when someone else succeeds and we do not. Many times I have been full of envy when someone else succeeds with weight loss. I envy those that love to exercise and do it faithfully. But I can turn that into a challenge. They should inspire me. I am the only thing between me and success. Even though life gets in the way - it is my choice to be swallowed up or to get busy and take care of my body. (not even the exterior part - but those vital organs). Being jealous is part of the problem and is not the solution.

I desire to be healthy. Those long steep flights of steps this past weekend were killers on this out of shape woman. I was hurting by the last few and that is NOT acceptable.

So - please leave me some messages about how you fit exercise into your schedules. We can help and encourage each other with tips to make it more doable. Remember 168 hours - 4 days of 30 minutes is merely 2 of those hours. It's a start.

The other part of my challenge was to spend more time with my Heavenly Father through His Word. Well - careful what you ask for. And always - always be prepared for Satan to attack when you strive to make Christ first and foremost. Satan just loves a challenge and he despises that we desire to have a close relationship with Christ. I noticed that Amber over at http://www.strivingfor31.com was sick last week. That's a sure way to interfere with diet and exercise. The challenge was pretty much the last thing on my mind when my mom went home to be with Jesus on July 30. But I know that just as God allowed Satan to attack Job He can and will allow us to be attacked. But what an awesome thought that God knows that we (you and me) can handle the attack. He looks down on us and says - they won't falter. Losing my mom is a very difficult thing right now (more so today for some reason) but I know that she is rejoicing at the throne. She is in no pain. She is no longer longing to be reunited with my dad. I just know he escourted her through those pearly gates. I can rejoice in many things and not allow Satan the glory of beating me down. Phillipians 4:13 is often quoted and very well known but IT applys. I CAN do everything through Him who GIVES me strength. All the strength that I need comes from Him. He gives me enough.

I can't succeed on my strength, but I can succeed on HIS strength.

I love you guys - keep on keeping on and tell me how it's going.

Diane

Rambling and Ranting and Not Me!

2010-08-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Jennifer over at www.mycharmingkids.net has her "Not Me Monday" up today. Two weeks ago I had some stuff I felt that I needed to expose. Alas, two weeks later I am clueless as to what it was that I wanted to write. Obviously I need to make better notes. Because you see I did make a couple notes - and now I can't decipher them. WHO would do such a thing? Not Me's on the loose obviously.

I've needed some venting for a couple weeks now and one of the reasons I need to vent is because I simply have not had the time to get anything accomplished. All well laid plans can be altered at a moments notice. I did discover that life will go on without you and it will go on if you miss a hard deadline. But who thinks that life would stop without them anyway - who's that vain? Not me!

Who would embarrass their family in such a way they contemplate leaving the restaurant or simply not sitting with you? At minimum they refuse to look your way. Who you ask? Not me! But - who allows their soccer team to sit inside a very crowded restaurant and chit chat at lots of large tables while customers were standing around not ordering due to no place to sit for lunch? Move-in weekend in a college town is not a time to be rude by sitting around the restaraunt no longer eating while others want to eat. Don't know the man's name but he knew we needed a place to sit after I coaxed my friend into asking him if they were ready to leave!! And when one lonely child continued to sit at this table that would seat all ten of us - I simply felt the need to keep her company so the other masses of customers would not get that idea first! She did move eventually - and I did get the Manager to clean "our" table while I was turning away other customers to what appeared to be an empty table for the getting.

Since I'm on a roll............I would fire masses of people that don't want their job and don't appreciate their customers. Unemployment would be on the serious high side if I were given charge of pink slips. I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat now wanting to hear more rants, rambles and Not Me!

Apartment Manager - first to be axed. No notice that our move in time will be hindered by the fact that the apartment is not cleaned, carpets not cleaned and appliances not working or not in the right space. Her excuse is that the crew of painters did not speak English and they didn't get finished by Tuesday as planned. HELLO - YOU DIDN'T DISCOVER THAT UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT???????????? Get off rump; check on painters - find someone who is bilungual (for crying out loud you live in a college town - someone took Spanish)and get them on schedule. You have a file of who is moving in and when.

Carpet cleaner second to go - GET OFF PHONE - CLEAN CARPET.

Maintenance Man - third to go - "fridge repaired" (after hubby dear had already checked it out and had it going) His version of repair was to turn off icemaker. Yes we did wait twenty four hours to see if it would make ice. Hubby dear discovered repair man unhooked ice maker - once again hooked it back up.

My appearance at her desk to "get things going" did win a discounted rate for the first month.

State Trooper - He actually would be my first to axe. Everyone won't agree with me - but people hear me out. We are traveling in my minivan with flashers trying to follow the ambulance which carries my mom who is not breathing. We do not know if we have a last opportunity to be with her or not. State trooper does u-turn to stop us and we are frantically pointing at ambulance. HE DOES NOT CARE - HE IS WITHIN A MILLIMETER OF OUR BUMPER. No kidding. We thought he was going to crash us to get us to stop. I am calling 911 to tell them to ask him to back off. Hubby eventually stops and he proceeds to yell at him chewing him out and tells us that we are NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE FAST EVEN IF WE ARE FOLLOWING AN AMBULANCE. Well my friends - "chuckie" appeared in the form of a redheaded mad woman. Between the yelling at the 911 dispatcher and the trooper - I may have really lost all sanity at that moment. Poor hubby was fishing for drivers license between me and Trooper. Trooper gave up and walked away - with a simple - be careful - did a uturn and went the other direction.

Hubby was not weaving in and out of traffic - driving fast but safe. Not even tailgating the ambulance - the situation was bad - but the trooper made it worse - he put us in much more danger that we or anyone else was in. His comment was that you can't drive over the speed limit. My dander is up again just thinking about it.

So moral to that story is you CANNOT drive over the speed limit for ANY reason - the flashers are only for parking on side of road waiting for help. There are no exceptions. Who wrote that rule?? NOT ME - AND SERIOUSLY NOT ME. I'm still mad (not angry - mad)

So - if you are still reading and want to read some good funny entertaining "not me" stories - go on over to her site and enjoy!

Love you all,
Diane

A tip and a Why? on Works for me Wednesday

2010-08-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Before I started blogging I read lots of blogs and got lots of tips from these blogs. I loved (and still do) love the WFMW blog party because there are some super tips from some super bloggers! I love Kristen's blog. She loves The Lord and glorifies Him through her blog. She is real and I enjoy reading "real" blogs. So stop over at her blog at http://wearethatfamily.com and get some awesome tips for what works for others. You will be blessed if you read through her blog.

What I need today is a tip on "why"? Why do my cotton shirts (nice colorful comfy summer t-shirts) always come out of the laundry with a spot on them. It looks like a grease spot. But, alas, I do not usually drop food on my shirts! I don't fry anything to get a spot and I have not recollection of getting a spot. ALWAYS, if I buy and brown shirt (and I do every summer since the previous one has a spot) it gets a spot immediately. I buy inexpensive ones fortunately, but I would still love for them to last more than one summer.

Any thoughts? Please share!

My "Works for me Wednesday" tip: Not original from me but not sure where I learned it!

Family clean up day. I make a list on Friday night of what will need to be done on our big cleaning day. This list is made available on Friday night so that they can plan accordingly. Usually it is large enough that each person will get 2 chores from the list. The rule is that the first person up on Saturday gets to choose the first chore and so on down the line. Get up early get the easiest two chores because you will finish the first chore and be back at the list before everyone else!

Works for Me!!

Love you guys.

Diane

Boobs......Why remove?

2010-07-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

In March, 2002 my diagnosis with breast cancer came at a time that I was unprepared to give it much thought. I was tired from the previous year and the few months prior to my diagnosis were devastating to our family. Any decisions that were made were made based on few facts and no real thoughts.

I was given the option of having a lumpectomy with radiation as well as chemo or a mastectomy with chemo. I was advised that there were really no differences in the percentages of outcome. I gave it no thought whatsoever. I pointed to the lumpectomy on his piece of paper and gave it no further thought at the time. Some of my friends were wondering why on earth I would not have my breast removed. I simply didn't see the need. I had enough on my plate at the time and that seemed like an unnecessary surgery. At that time - it was the right choice for me. I don't regret or second guess that decision.

Two years after my radiation I could feel some hard tissue in my breast area. I pointed the area out to my surgeon at my checkup and he could also feel the area. Went for a mammogram and ultrasound and there it was - an abnormal spot. AGAIN. Scheduled a biopsy and it was benign. It was necrosis. Tissue that had hardened due to radiation.

Another year passes by and there is yet another spot showing up on the mammogram and ultrasound. This time I decide against another biopsy. I felt it was the same exact thing and we would look at it again in a few months. What cancer survivor waits and watches a lump?????????????? That would be me! There really was never a change so I just didn't bother worrying about it. I was, after all, taking Tamoxifen and getting boob exams every three months.

During this same time period my dear friends breast cancer returned and her battle for life began. I prayed with and for her and watched her fight the battle to the very end. She never wanted to give up. That proved to be a very difficult thing to swallow. I was seeing more and more women having a recurrence. These same women were diagnosed at the same time or around the time I was diagnosed.

I did lots and lots of research through the years after my initial diagnosis and just felt that I had more options. I thought that at my five year mark things would be different. I thought all of my concerns would be laid to rest. That was not the case. I just had the nagging feeling that I could still do more.

I started researching and reading and connecting with women that had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. I made up my mind and knew what I wanted to do. My breast cancer was highly positive for estrogen and progesterone. I had taken shots for 5 years to keep my ovaries shut down but low and behold those suckers were resilient. They were still putting off hormones. So, they were expendable as well. I had no need for ovaries or boobs. My mind was made up.

I went in for my quarterly check up and told my Oncologist that it was time to go drastic. I wanted a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction and bilateral oopherectomy at the same time. He never blinked an eye - simply said "I agree". It was decided and I was ready.

I made a phone call and was put in good hands with a group in Atlanta. My first consult in Mississippi left me rather frustrated. No groups in my area or proximity would even consider doing the entire surgery. So - I hauled off to Atlanta and they fully understood. They told me to pick the day and go for it. It was almost too easy.

I planned the procedure around my work and family as I had done every other procedure or chemo. I was blessed to have an awesome friend to live there and agree to take me in as her patient for a week. (I sure do love that lady). So in early June, 2008 I had the whole thing. One surgeon removed both breasts. (simple mastectomy) Another surgeon began removing stomach tissue to create my new boobies! He also removed abdominal muscle to place in my breasts in order to have blood flow. After he removed the muscle another surgeon stepped in and removed my ovaries and tubes. The plastic surgeon then completed the remainder of the procedure. I left the hospital three days later with six or eight drains (I can't remember now) and a new set of boobs.

This was not an easy procedure to bounce back from. Six weeks was needed to feel good again. But I would do that all over again tomorrow to have the peace of mind that I have. It is a good feeling to realize that you don't have to feel around on those boobs and wonder when the beast will return.

There is nothing that gives a 100% guarantee. But there were options and I took advantage of them. The choice I made gave me freedom from fear. I know that it can still return. I know that I can have another kind of cancer. I also know that I can have a heart attack or a stroke or a car wreck. I can lay my head on my pillow at night and know that I did everything that I could to prevent it. The rest is in God's hands. He is my strength and my comfort. In Him is my trust. He gave me a peace about the procedure. I didn't feel it was a lack of faith in Him. I just felt that I needed to let go of the breast cancer and that was how I did it.

I posted earlier this year that my cancerversary passed and I didn't realize it. That is a good feeling. I no longer hate my boobs. I love them - scars and all! Heck I have scars everywhere these days - but they tell a story. They are part of who I am. I am a survivor.

I love you guys.
Diane

Perfect Parenting? No Way

2010-07-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Far from perfect parenting.

At our less than perfect home – the parents have been known to blow their cool when pressed over and over again;

and known to forget that school dismisses at 1:00 and get the message at 2:30 that my child is still hanging out in the school office;

and known to completely forget about a school program that I had all intentions of enjoying;

and known to get my dander up pretty high when I find that a bed has been used for an all purpose clean sweep. Pulling the same bed into the hallway so as to expose the clutter speaks volumes to two young girls when they come in from school;

I am the kind of mom known to march across the street to a neighbor who mistreated my child (adult neighbor).

I am one of those bad mothers that allows her child to eat pop tarts for breakfast or any other item located in the snack basket. I’m sure there are some of the food pyramid foods in them. (surely)

I am that mom who forgets her camera at very important events;

and that mean mom who requires her male child to take a bath each night and brush his teeth. (and girls too - they are just old enough to know better)

I am that mom who allows her children to study on their own. A less than perfect grade is awesome if I don’t have to study all night. This mom does NOT like homework.

So glad we are not called to be perfect parents! So glad mine were not perfect.

30 Day Challenge - Week 1

2010-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today began my 30 day challenge. Didn't manage to get everything planned but I knew how I would go about it so I have begun. I went shopping on Sunday to get all of my better food choices. We will be eating lots of fresh vegetables and very little take-out. I won't be learning any new tricks to eating or doing any quick fix diets. I have known for many many years how to eat. I do really well at that as long as we are in a season of stability. Our lives take on so many twists and turns that we get stuck in the rut of eating take out and never being home. We are of the sandwich generation and life is not usually about us. We know that this is where God wants us to be so we are not complaining. But - and this is a big But - we often (actually always) forget that we need to take care of our physical and spiritual well being in order to properly take care of others.

Last year I succeeded in conquering my addiction to Coke. (Coca cola classic with about two cups of sugar per can) I woke every morning craving an ice cold coke. I went to bed wanting one. So after many years of battling that addiction I finally made the swap to Diet drinks. Eighteen months later and that is one area I have not fallen off the wagon to.

My dear friend and I joined Weight Watchers last year and were keeping each other on track until summer hit. Our busy lives took us in different directions and Weight Watchers was not one of those directions. I managed to keep the weight down until late last year when we became part time parents to an infant. At 45 years old we just simply do what we can to get by on food. Exercise became a thing of the past and sleep was not to be had. We do not regret our roles in his life, but we have neglected ourselves in the process.

So - it's time to dust off the treadmill, grease the stepper and change the batteries in the Wii Fit board. Sad thing is that we have lots of fun as a family on that darn Wii board. A routine is needed and this next thirty days is going to be the time to start anew. Who knows - maybe one day I can take Owen shopping with me and he will ask if I need that small rather than "we know darn well you don't need a small!" Gotta love that honesty of a child.

So - now my plan is to eat properly as in lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and lower fat foods; drink water water water; exercise five days per week and get into God's Word daily. I have fallen behind in every area that is vital to my physical, spiritual and emotional well being and my body is telling me loudly.

I covet your prayers and encouragement through this next thirty days. Join me and let me know how you are doing. I would love to pray for you as well. I am much more motivated when held accountable.

Love you all,

Diane

Reunion and a New Beginning

2010-07-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

There's a class reunion this weekend. It includes my class and many others. I've seen some write about losing weight. Some are planning "to be carried away". Some may or may not be there. There are those that are super excited to see everyone and those that simply don't care and won't show up. Many have previous plans and won't be able to attend and then there are those that are no longer with us. Lots of things have happened during those 28 years. We've lost classmates. I've witnessed hurting and pain that some have suffered. Some have watched one another's children grow up. Lots of variables surrounding the event. I personally am on the fence. Where does one fit into your graduating class after 28 years? Most relationships are lost. Few things remain as they were 28 years ago. We've all changed in some way or another. I've witnessed first hand on facebook how some have changed. I'm in awe of the talents of some of our classmates. We have musicians, artists, medical professionals, photographers, teachers, accountants, stay at home moms (I most certainly do recognize that as a career), and many I'm not even certain what they do. But we all grew up. We all made choices.

I'm reminded that God did not create each of us the same. He created each and every one of us in His image, but not identical. He did not gift each of us with the same talents and spiritual gifts. We are different yet He loves us the same. He has painted a beautiful picture that we are all a part of. We will greet one another and brag about our children (yes mine are the most beautiful and special one's created!)maybe about our cars (proud to be a minivan mom) or our jobs. We will all be in different aspects of life. Some are riding motorcyles, some are raising babies, some will be working more than one job while others are already retired. One thing is for certain there is a time for everthing. Ecc. 3:1

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.

Another promise is that God knew the plans and continues to the know the plans He has for us. Jer. 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So I will go to the reunion. I will see faces I won't be able to put names with. I'll remember names and think "no way" not them. I'll remember some days I would rather forget and days that I'm still thankful for. I'll just be me.

Leaving the reunion and heading on to a new adventure. We have a prospective Pastor coming this weekend. He has heard the call from God and our committee believes he is the man that God has prepared us for. What an exciting time in our church. We have been without a Senior Pastor for close to three years. Our church has been pruned, but we have most certainly persevered. God has seen us through this time and we look forward to serving beside Jeff and Dawn.

This weekend takes me back 28 years and forward to an undetermined time. Praising God for all things under heaven.

Love you all,

Diane

30 Day Challenge

2010-07-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Love a good challenge? I do - not that I'm really excited about it - but I really WANT to be so - I'm in.

Amber at Strivingfor31.com has issued a 30 day challenge to put our physical well being a priority. When I started blogging it was partially in hopes that I would put myself out there to be accountable for healthier living. Well - now is the time. So - starting Monday I'll be putting my best foot forward (and lots more feet while pounding the pavement) to eat better and get some exercise in. Timing is great since our church now has a small gym for us to go and workout. I've contemplated as to what time will be best for me - so now is the time to figure it out and get busy.

No excuses. Anyone care to join me? You don't have to have a blog but if you do and want to link up to Amber's site then jump right over there and do so. Let's do this thing together shall we?

Love you all,
Diane

Entertaining Baby

2010-07-19T09:40:00.001-07:00

Our little guy is not so little and not so easy to hold these days. He is also not mobile YET. I know that he will be soon enough so I do not wish to rush things. He can navigate a small area enough to sweep the floor with his belly and put bits and pieces of dirt, trash and/or other things only a baby can find on your floor. So - it is a challenge to get things done when we are alone. He does not like for me to leave the room EVER. He will play fine as long as I'm sitting nearby. The head banging to the floor begins as soon as he realizes he's been left behind. I often set him in his bed or the play yard but I hate for him to think of those as punishments since they are for sleeping. So - I have had to come up with creative ways to get things done. And I mean the smallest of things. For now he thinks it's a pretty fun game. We'll see how long it lasts. And I do realize that this is certainly not new for most of you moms.

He loves loves loves to take a bath - so this will not always work since he was super happy thinking he was about to take a bath....

But I sure do think he's the cutest thing in the world sitting in baskets and tubs and it sure works for me! At least for now.

Salsa Time

2010-07-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Three years ago we decided to try our hand at homemade salsa. We had an abundance of fresh tomatoes and jalapenos and wanted to make certain they did not go to waste.

Yum Yum was the result. My dear friend Stacy has her own Cookbook and had a recipe entitled "Rod's Hot Sauce." As always, I see a recipe and do some personal tweeking. The problem with my tweeking is that I usually NEVER write down the changes. This makes for a difficult time when it is time to try the recipe for the second time. This particular recipe has been tweeked three different summers and twice each summer. It seems that each and every batch we make comes out different in some way or another. This year was no exception to that fact. I am already planning to make more salsa this year and tweek this years version.

Different taste buds abound in our home. The one thing we all agree on is that none of us like bell pepper in our salsa. We like to stick with the onion and jalapeno peppers. And as is always the case I don't measure. But since my dear friend has a cook book and I know that I left out bell peppers - then I will give you the recipe as it is written. Now my son will not appreciate this post. He believes that our recipe should be a family secret. But I love it and want to share it with you!

Fresh Salsa a/k/a a version of Rod's Hot Sauce

1 gallon of fresh homegrown tomatoes
1 1/4 T garlic powder
3 cans tomato paste
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 large onions
10 large jalapeno peppers
3/4 cup vinegar
2 1/2 T cilantro
6 t. salt
7 quart canning jars

Tomatoes need to be peeled. Just in case you don't know how to do this the easiest way - I'll tell you. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Put tomatoes into the boiling water for a minute or two until you see the skin peeling and cracking. Remove and set aside to cool. Once you have done this with all of the tomatoes and you have scalded your hands trying to get them peeled immediately (as we do) then put them in your food processor to chop finely. UNLESS you like chunky salsa. Then simply put them in to a large stockpot and chop and mash them with a potato masher. I also chop the onions and jalapenos in the food processor in order to have "no chunk salsa". BUT once again if you like chunks then simply chop both finely as you can without a processor and add to the stockpot of tomatoes. Add in all other ingredients (and don't forget the salt as I did in the last batch) and bring to a boil stirring often for 15 minutes.

Pour salsa into jars and seal. Put the jars in a water bath and boil for 30-35 minutes in order to seal the jars. Remove and let cool. Makes 7 quarts.

Stock the pantry and enjoy all year long!

SAVE THE DATE!

2010-07-16T13:47:00.001-07:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

I LOVE BOOKS!

2010-07-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

I love books. I love love love reading Christian fiction. I love authors like Karen Kingsbury and Beverly Lewis. I also love reading anything Beth Moore writes. This whole thing makes my mom laugh. During my school years she read lots and lots of books. Mostly books that I was supposed to be reading. Yep - I rarely read those books that I had to write a report on. I could get away with that as long as she could tell me all about it and I could write something relevant. There was only one teacher that called my bluff on that little method of laziness. Mr. Hathaway. Senior English or English IV whichever way you choose to refer to our last year of English in High School. That man loved books. I am relatively positive he read every book ever written. He was an awesome teacher and I loved him dearly. I even loved the fact that he required that I read a few books that year. I didn't like poor grades so I did what was required and I read my books. I would then stand before his desk and answer one or two relevant questions about the book - just enough to satisfy him that the book had actually been read by me! Voila - 100 was the grade. He did what other teachers never tried - he made certain that the student actually read the book. For you see - he only allowed us to read a book that he had already read and as I stated before, I'm not sure there was a book he had not read.

So - thank you Mr. Hathaway for requiring that I actually read. Although he is no longer with us in body - he is with us in spirit. The love of reading lives on in many lives that he touched.

My mom also gets a big thank you for introducing me to Christian Fiction. I have learned so much through those stories born from Godly women and men.

Recently blog hopping I saw a button like the one below.

I was curious so I hopped right on over to their site and filled out an application. My first book is already on its way. I am so very excited to participate in book reviewing on my blog. It's a win win all the way around. Free books to read and material for the blog. I won't always read fiction - I will read other things. There were some great books ready for reviews but I decided to start out with something I thought I could relate to easiest. Or better yet - I'll be perfectly honest - I read some of the titles and thought - "Oh my - deep stuff! Not sure I can handle that right now." Yep - I chickened out on the hard stuff and took the easy road for now.

Here's what I'll be reading.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Stay tuned..........

Not Me Monday

2010-07-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

I did not start blogging a few months ago in order to be able to post on "Not Me Monday" and then Not do it for months! Who would do that anyway? Not me!

There is not a person named "not me" at my house that my husband and I constantly discuss and want to meet badly. Because "not me" is constantly getting into and doing things that would get them in trouble. Who would look at their children and say "I guess Not Me left the bread open." or Let's assume Not Me ate all of the star crunch bars." We would never be such smartee pants!

And it was most certainly not me that went to the local discount store pharmacy to pick up prescriptions and spend $50 and leave without getting the prescriptions. Nope - I would never do that!

Just like I would never drive through a fast food restaurant pay for my food and drive away without it. I certainly hope I would never do something like that. And certainly not in the same week that I did not forget my prescriptions.

But my name is not NOT ME!

Hats off to Survivors (or hats on or wig off)

2010-07-08T13:23:00.001-07:00

Shortly after my diagnosis with Breast Cancer some dear friends hosted a "Hat party" in my honor. It was a beautiful way to show me support and ready me for the dreaded hair loss. The hair loss was the biggest concern I had. I was convinced that being bald would be the one thing that told people I had cancer. I felt that people would stare and that I would be very uncomfortable. I was the recipient of hats of every style, shape and size. Bright hats, simple hats, caps, fancy hats - you name it and I got it. I actually loved trying them on - I had always loved hats. Ironic that something that I always loved was now something that I dreaded. I was not embracing the thought of wearing a hat.

I also had a wig. If I must say so myself - I had a good wig. It fooled many people. Or at least everyone seemed to be fooled! Who knows people also told me I had good color and I know that was not true! Anyway - back to the hats and wig. My sweet friend Traci helped me pick out the perfect wig. For you see I have red hair and it is not a typical red from a bottle color. It is my unique color that is all natural God given red. So I had to settle for a color that was not mine. Although it was different I actually liked the color and was pretty pleased. The problem with the wig - ITCHY! Wigs itch and they shift and they don't look really good when wet!

The first time my husband admitted that people stared at me was on a trip to Ft. Worth, Texas. We were having breakfast early one morning in the hotel lobby (the continental type) and I was only wearing my bandanna. The bandanna was my go-to head covering at home. My husband admitted later that people definitely stared at me. Yep - I knew it.

On to my funny wig story - While in Ft. Worth we took in a baseball game. Took some cousins with us and sat out in the left field lower seats. Good seats - good company - but not under cover. At some point into the game the weather appeared to going south fast. Big rain drops started and I knew that the wig was going to be a wet mess in a big hurry. So I did what I had to do. I pulled my bandanna out of my backpack and pulled the wig off and stuffed it down into the backpack. I then put the bandanna on my head and sat right through the slight rain. I really really think you could have heard a pin drop in the stands around us at that point. People were pretty much dumb founded at some crazy lady pulling off a wig in broad daylight! My kids tried to hide their embarrassment - but I seriously had no choice. I was not going to sit with a wet wig - no sirree - not acceptable.

So - hats off to all the survivors who are confident enough to go bald or with just a hat or scarf or with a wig. Next time I'll tell you what you CAN'T do with a wig on!

Love you guys.

Diane

FEASTING FAST AND FRUGAL

2010-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am testing my skills (or lack of them) on linking up to a blog carnival. So - please judge me accordingly - I am a rookie at this. :)

We ate TONS over the weekend. But we didn't cook TONS. The stores had huges sales on meat so it was a good time to stock up.

A large package of pork chops in the crock pot on Friday left us with LEFTOVERS! The remaining pork was put in a container for another meal.

Saturday was chicken and dumplins for my daughter! But cooking lots of chicken provided a large bowl of chicken salad for sandwiches.

Sunday was grill time. We grilled deer sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken. Yes - all at one time. Choose which you want to eat and remember that this will also be your next meal and probably the next! So - don't eat one of each. So you've cooked once Sunday and eaten twice.

Monday - guess what's for lunch? You got it - LEFTOVERS! By now you have eaten some of each item and not really burned out on it all just yet.

Tuesday night is wrap it up and finish it a little differently. A $1.99 package Cajun Spice Jambalaya mix calls for one pound of meat. Good news is that your meat is already cooked so this meal is quick cheap and easy. We chopped the pork, sausage and chicken into bite size pieces and put it into the pot of jambalaya and voila - DINNER was served. Leftover package rolls were cut open, buttered and toasted. We have fresh tomatoes so a vegetable is at hand.

Too bad it's Wednesday - wonder what's for dinner??

JULY 4TH WEEKEND

2010-07-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

What a busy busy busy week. I have been a mover and a shaker. Ha ha - Not really shakin since that would not be a pleasant site these days and maybe because I may break something! Anyway - moving on. We somewhat recovered from the wedding weekend and moved right into the Holiday weekend of the 4th of July.

Last week brought a sick baby which meant a trip to the Doctor for him. Poor little guy. Look and see this pitiful little face. :(

He had "hand, foot, mouth." No clue what the heck that stuff really is other than he wouldn't eat and was running fever. He would although play with his cup of puffs. That made him happy while waiting on the Doctor.

We then visited the phone store to make some downsizing and upgrades. Everyone came out a winner (almost everyone - sorry Mike!) and saved some money in the process. That's always fun.

Brenden thought it was fun and he was cool!

Then we topped it off by celebrating a birthday with our special friend Kaden.

Brenden was not very interested in the celebration since it was not all about him - but he played with Spenser and Owen ate some cake.

It was a great weekend filled with lots of activities with family and friends. I love it when all of my kids are under the same room. We love spending time with Brenden and he loves................

Himself

He really enjoyed giving himself kisses in the mirror. No vanity in his blood!

Love you guys and hope you all had a great weekend as well. Would love to hear about it!

Diane

My favorite celebration of Freedom song

2010-07-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Statue of Liberty

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

Words & Music by Neil Enloe

What will you be singing this weekend?

Love you all and hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Diane

LET'S GO M.A.D.

2010-07-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Driving to work today I was listening to KLove. They were talking about "getting mad". MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Simple gestures can make a big impact on someone's life. You never know what their day is like and that a small act of kindness may be what they need.

These are some of my thoughts.

*Slow down and allow a car to move into your lane.

*Offer to help someone put their groceries in their car trunk.

*Hold the door for someone. Allow them to go through first.

*Ask someone how their day is - not simply "how are you?" You may get the opportunity to be a witness.

*Send out a text message to all of your friends telling them how much you love and appreciate them.

*Write a thank you note to someone who has been there for you in the past.

*Pump someone's gas.

*Stop by a Nursing Home and just visit for a few minutes.

*Prepare some extra food at dinner and take a plate to someone that may need a good meal or just a night off from cooking.

*Take someone's children to the park - give a mom a break.

Ok - those are some of the things I want to try. How about it? Do I have any takers? Leave me your suggestions.

Let's get MAD together.

Love you all,

Diane

The Prodigal?

2010-06-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Luke 15:11-14 11. Then He said: A certain man had two sons. 12. And the younger of them said to his father, "Father give me the portion of goods that falls to me. So he divided to them his livelihood. 13. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together journeyed to a far country and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.

I’ve blogged about our foster parenting and ultimate adoption of two children. Our two children were officially adopted in June, 2009. They had been with us three years so adoption was the natural thing to do. We had lived through some tough times getting adjusted to one another. Children that are taken from their parents obviously have emotional issues. Low self esteem is usually a given and our kids were no different. We dealt with some unfamiliar territory. We are not gifted with being “mercy givers”. We hold our children to pretty high standards and require them to follow rules. A child that has not had a full time parent for most of their life does not really like authority. We were told that it takes three times as long to change habits and thoughts as it does to create them. So…..fifteen years of a particular lifestyle may take 45 years to change. Hmmmm – yep thinkin it’s not going to happen unless the person chooses to make the change. We knew that God was in control and that we would stay the course. We had no desire to separate the children so we were willing to give it our best shot. We had some serious growing pains learning to live with one another, but nothing we didn’t feel we could overcome. After all, the children had to learn to live in our home just as we had to learn to live with them. We are far from perfect parents. Ashley and Spenser could certainly attest to that. But we love our children and do our very best to provide for them. We go the distance to protect them and defend them against the world. As I stated earlier, we do expect a lot of our children. We want them to be independent, successful and first and foremost spiritually solid. We have cried with our children over their short comings, their hurts, their sorrows. When a child of mine hurts, the pain I suffer is some of the worst kind.

We had our concerns about adopting a teen ager and a young child. We had countless conversations about looking for biological parents when the time was appropriate. We knew from experience that it would disrupt Owen’s life to deal with them. He had adjusted well and did not handle the past very well. He needs time to accept life as it has been dealt him prior to dealing with the biological mother. R agreed with us over and over that she would never do that to him so we trusted her. We trusted that she would not attempt to contact them. She was allowed to use the internet, to be a normal teen age girl. At one point they found her and she immediately told us. We knew then we could trust her. She was doing everything to make us believe that she was here for life. That she was adopting us has her family just as we were adopting her. Often we felt that we were paying the price for their parents crimes. But we pressed on.

Once a boyfriend entered the picture, our world turned inside out. We gave him the benefit of the doubt. We supported them until we felt that it went against everything we believed. We prayed for a clear answer and knew what it was. We still tried to allow it even though we were completely frustrated. This was however a deal breaker. Apparently there would be no compromise by either side on this situation. I will lay my life down for my children but I will never lay down my principal values. I will never go against my Heavenly Father for them. He is my Creator. He is their Creator. He made them and loaned them to me. I must honor Him in raising my children. I’ve often wondered how a parent can say that their children won’t do something they want them to do. My thoughts have always been “who’s the parent, who’s the child?” I have allowed things I was not comfortable with and lived to regret it. God lets me know quickly when my decision is not in line with His Will. No one ever said parenting would be a piece of cake. No one ever said the discipline in any form would be easy. Tough love is just that - tough. Raising children is tough. Raising teenagers is tougher.

In December, 2009, our daughter R packed a bag and had her boyfriend pick her up and move her out. This decision was told to me over the telephone, not in person. I immediately said that we won’t have a revolving door, and that she was going to cause hurt to her brother – she promptly told me she knew what she was doing and if it was a mistake she would live with it. She was willing to hurt him and us in order to have her happiness. She honestly felt this was the only possible solution. This was a very bitter pill to swallow. We tried to get there in time to stop them. We had family get there first and try to talk to them, but her mind was made up. Her boyfriend stated that no one could live under our rules. She left that day and has not returned. Once again, we were in unchartered territory.

Shortly after this event a guest speaker was at our church and spoke on the Prodigal Son. He gave me insight that I needed. I needed clarity from God’s word and it was given that Sunday morning. He pointed out that this story included such things as the Request, the Response, the Return and the Reception. He discussed the one's that stood by and were spectators. What I learned from scripture was that (Luke 15) the father did not go after the son. He allowed him to make his decisions and to lay in the bed he made. Even when that bed was a pig stye. The father allowed his son to use his free will just as God allows us to use our free will. The son’s decisions were based on greed. Our child left our home stating that she wanted nothing of value. But what was of value to her was her freedom. Freedom to make her own decisions and not live under authority. We (our family) did not approve of her decision. I personally asked her to wait and allow me to help her do this without destroying relationships. She was angry with me and ready to leave. We know God created her just as He created us. He loves her more than we could ever love her. We’ve asked others to pray for her since we may not pray for what’s best for all. We simply lay her at the cross and know that God is in control. We rest in His promises. We know that joy and resentment cannot co-exist. We have had very little contact and that contact is only via text messaging and not pleasantries.

I received a text message after that sermon asking me if the prodigal could come home. The message was to check my heart not a literal question of her wanting to return. “Can the prodigal come home?” The prodigal son did return home. He returned home in an attitude of humility. He was more than willing to return home and work as a servant. He came home with a much different attitude than he left with. The father was waiting for that return. He loved both of his sons equally and he loved them unconditionally. He loved the prodigal son even though he brought shame and humiliation to him. The other son could not understand his father’s attitude because he knew the hurt and humiliation. Just as we protect our children –they also protect us. They feel our pain and suffering. We are not at a "return" point. We don't see that in the forseable future.

I can’t answer the question yet. I’m not sure our child will return home. I can’t say there will be a reception. I don’t have answers. I have Jesus. I have a family to take care of. I have a young impressionable son who is angry and hurt. He is confused as to why his sister would leave him just as his mother left him. He understands and has dealt more than most people ever will. He believes her actions are all about her. What I do know is that God’s grace is greater than our circumstances. His grace is sufficient. I don't have regrets. I know that we fostered and adopted according to God's call. I know that all of our lives are better for having done that. We pray only success for her and her future.

Love you all.
Diane

Rambles

2010-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a weekend. I stole away Friday morning for a much needed pedicure. I don't get one very often - but I needed some pampering. I got my haircut and a pedicure all in the same day. I felt rather special and was looking forward to a lazy weekend at home. HALT! - My cell phone rang while in the chair and it was my mom. That is always an alert since she usually only calls when there is an emergency. It was urgent - but not an emergency. My brother decided Thursday night that he wanted to get married Sunday afternoon. HELLO - It's Friday morning. Hmmm what is life without a challenge? So - phone calls were made - plans put into place and a wedding was had. Not nearly that easy - but it did happen. But not before Saturday morning brought panic. Mom could not get out of bed. BP was too low and she was dehydrated again. She thought she was gone. We put our knowledge from previous experiences to use and got her juiced up with some fluids - held the lasix and other heart meds and was able to get her out of bed on Sunday morning. In the mean time Spenser journeyed home to help clean and care for the little guy who arrived (a day early) on Wednesday night. Food was bought and prepared and a lunch was held after the wedding. It was small and private and super sweet. We were even serenaded by the bride's father and sister. They are full of talent and we truly enjoyed it.

(Mr. & Mrs. Malcom Bunch)

(Malcom, Linda & mom)

(good food)

Brenden enjoyed a new gadget. The mesh paci filled with watermelon was a favorite for him. He was a sloppy, sticky mess and pleased as punch with his watermelon. Good investment.

Spenser brought home her dog to gift to her dad. He is super talented (the dog). She apparently taught him to text. As you can see - he is quite good with the cell phone.

Time for bed and a long nights rest. Those have been few this past week, but with mom feeling better and Brenden back to his mom - I expect to get a much needed slumber tonight.

Love to all.

Diane

First born Son

2010-06-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

We recently participated in a feature article for our local newspaper. May was Foster Care month. We were asked why we became Foster/Adoptive parents. The answer was an easy answer for us. We became Foster parents because God called us to. We were not sitting at home discussing that we were getting ever so close to an empty nest and needed to fill it up. Quite the opposite was on our minds. We were counting down the days until one certain someone graduated High School. Suddenly our world was rocked by a young boy living in a group home and in need of a sponsor. He didn’t have anyone that spent one on one time with him or took him places as special treats. He was well cared for, fed, clothed and educated. He had his very own room and lots of special people to care for him. What he didn’t have was a forever family. The courts were deciding if his mom would be able to return to his life. The odds were not in her favor. She was not able to do what was asked of her and it appeared she would be losing her parental rights. We entered the relationship with lots of uncertainty. God did not ask us to take the easy road. He asked us to step up to the plate and give this child some love and attention. Spending time with him began as going to the group home and playing video games with him. That meant we sat in a room and held a control while he played. More specifically, he played Mario Cart and drove the car backwards. I honestly believe that he went backwards so that the game would never end.

Our first outing with him was to the Mall to do some shopping and eat dinner. He gave us all a good chuckle when he promptly got up from the table and said he was going back for seconds. Hmmmm – that’s not exactly how it works little guy – so our first lesson on eating out was that you have to get in line and pay for more food. It’s not always a buffet. He also knew how to shop. He only wanted the shirt that had a toy attached. Each time we visited with him he would ask how soon before he could spend the night in our home. Soon after, he was spending weekends with us. We cleaned out our office and turned the room into a bedroom. We purchased him a bed and began filling the room with some guy things. We were parents of teen-age daughters. We were most certainly rookies when it came to boys. And he gave us some true challenges. The first thing he told me he wanted for his birthday was a “transformer”. I was clueless as to what that might be. I knew barbies and baby dolls. I’m pretty sure he didn’t get one on his first birthday with us. I, was afterall, doing the shopping and I had zero experience with what a 6 year old boy might like.

Soon came the decision to become Foster Parents and not just sponsor him. We knew that becoming Foster Parents to him meant that we would be fostering two children. He had a sister that was ten years older and living in the same group home. Once again, we felt this was God’s plan and that we would embrace the opportunity. This was not without concern – lest I lead you astray. We fretted about how on earth we would pay for two in college and two in private school. Holy Cow – we fretted. We knew we had to step out on faith and allow God to provide for our needs. We asked our girls to sacrifice some things at home for these two children. They would be required to share a room and help out with driving. They would be sharing their personal things and likely receiving less. They were on board and accepted this call just as we did.

On December 24 of that same year, we opened our home and our hearts to two foster children. When leaving the home our son told us he was sad. He wanted us to follow him to his home with his mother and all live together. He was told that his mom would no longer be able to see him. This was a very difficult thing for a six year old to digest. He wanted what we had to offer him, yet he wanted his mother. He wanted the lady that left him in a shelter. He wanted the lady that could not stay clean, or keep a job, or provide for him. She was, after all, his mommy. That’s what he knew. Yet he understood that she was not well. He knew that she had issues with drugs and because of that she was not able to return to him. He cried that day, but not for reasons one would think. He cried for her because he knew he would never be able to tell her about Jesus. Yes – he wanted to tell her about Jesus and that drugs were bad. His heart was not broken for himself. His heart was broken for the lady who was letting him down. I thought my heart would explode. I was so very proud of his desire to share Jesus. He got it – at six years old he really got it.

Fast forward through the next few years to adoption time. Parental rights were terminated and he and his sister were able to be adopted. We didn’t have to consider whether or not we would adopt, we knew it was God’s plan. We had accepted God’s plan and would follow His lead. During one of his many visits at the group home he noticed that his bedroom was turned into an office. This hurt his feelings. He told me that he had a hard time with seeing his room gone. I didn’t really understand and asked him if he wanted to sleep there. He quickly said no but he didn’t like it to be changed. It was his room and he felt that he lost something that day. He later told a story of how his bed was taken from him while he lived in a shelter. It was told to us that his bed was taken because he slept with his mom and didn’t use it. What he knew was that his bed was taken away. When the social worker came to our home to interview him and his sister about being adopted he made me chuckle with what he loved about our home. He loved his bed. At first, my feelings were slightly hurt. A bed – the boy liked a bed the best. But after some thought – it occurred to me that his bed was his security. It was HIS. He had a bedroom and he had his very own bed. Wow! How often do we appreciate having a bed? How often do we mourn for someone’s soul? More particularly, how often do we even care about the soul of someone who has hurt us? He has a very forgiving spirit. He loves without boundaries.

(this picture says - WHY? Why are taking a picture of me taking out your mail?)

I am so proud to be his mom. He is my first born son. I pray that he always has the desire to want his biological mom to know Jesus. I pray that one day she does get well and comes to know Jesus. I am so glad she gave birth to him. I am so thankful that we didn’t avoid the call that God placed on our lives.

Love you all.
Diane

AND ANOTHER UPDATE - Only in Rural America!

2010-06-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

If you are keeping up - this is the 3rd post about my bridge and the signs.

DON'T YOU DARE SCROLL DOWN AND PEEP!

Driving home today I had to take yet another picture of the sign at my bridge. It gets better and better and even better. Are you ready??????????

1st update

I returned home one evening last week to this site:

This is the first sight of asphalt I've seen in years - really like 20 or more. No kidding - really. This happens to be in the area of road that will be closed when my bridge is officially closed. I am obviously baffled that they would choose this time to dump something other than gravel in my potholes. The paper says my bridge is being closed - so I wonder what purpose this serves????

Monday morning I get the call that the barracades are going up before and after the bridge. It is officially being closed. My question: "Are they concrete?" My daughter says "No - the man is at least 80 that is setting them up." Ok - I'm thinking I can slide that sucker right on over and drive around it - UNLESS they are really going to work on my bridge in which case I'll gladly take the enless detour to my home.

Tuesday morning - barracades gone - No trucks signs removed and the weight limit sign is taken down and replaced with the below picture. Don't scroll yet. Apparently they had the wrong bridge!!!!!!!!!!! There is an old culvert at the other end of my road that needs repair. Ahem Yes - WRONG BRIDGE! Barracades are now well beyond my house and I am able to come and go freely without breaking any laws regarding barracades. Good news is that I can't and don't think or else I would not be able to travel my road. NOW SCROLL DOWN!

Yes - that sign says "No thought traffic". Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh gotta love my rural life!

ORIGINAL POST:

I live in rural America. A place where you can walk outside in your night clothes and not fear being seen. We choose to live here and we love our neck of the woods. Living here comes at a high cost. Any modern convenience offered in town costs double to get out in our area. Higher phone bills, Internet service, TV, water, and last but not least Property Taxes. My property taxes are paid annually and without fail. But - they are not paid without grumbling. I recently opened my newspaper to this article.

(Very sorry about the quality - after at least 9,999 attempts to edit this pic - I quit - and I never exaggerate)

So - the bridge leading to my home and the home of a dozen or so others is closed until further notice. SERIOUSLY. You can see with your own eyes. the second line says "no through traffic will be permitted". Curious if someone plans to camp out at our bridge and keep traffic away since it's not ACTUALLY closed. It is ONLY closed to those that don't travel our road daily. The rest of us are allowed to travel to and from our homes on this "closed bridge". What I gather is that my Supervisor (who happens to be mentioned in the ad) has no intentions of repairing our bridge. This is the point that boils my blood. I PAY PROPERTY TAXES PEOPLE! I PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. Want to see my bridge - I thought so!

As you can see - they added a "no trucks" sign to our sign. WOW - I'm certain no through traffic will travel across our bridge now. Each and every day we cross this bridge we complain. The bump is not nearly as small as it appears. And the large sinking hole to the right makes me a little nervous.

Now to the road itself. I live one mile down this road. This is NOT a gravel road. This is supposed to be a paved road. See from pics? This is how my road is repaired. The pot holes get some gravel thrown in them. I'm not a Rocket Scientist but.........I do know that this is not a FIX. It does not repair my pot holes. Thought you may want to see the road also - so I obliged!

In this day of Stimulus Smorgasbord why is there no money to repair my road and bridge? Why do I pay property taxes for road and bridge repair? I took the opportunity to look up the job description of County Supervisors. Apparently I don't know where to look. Neither does my county have a website. But....another county in my fine state did have some information. These are copied from the site of Madison County.

"Many people think that road construction and maintenance are the only things supervisors do. It is a very important job to be responsible for hundreds of miles of local highways and roads. The board can also set traffic regulations for the county roads. But the board must look after many things in addition to roads."

First of all - I don't think that AT ALL.

"The power to tax and the power to appropriate and budget funds are the two most significant powers the board exercises. With these powers, the board decides which part of county government gets the largest slice of the "budget pie."

That deserves a resounding "duh". Since there is no money to repair bridges and roads they most certainly are deciding to spend my slice on something else. No clue what - but certainly NOT my road or bridge.

So - there you have it. If I disappear one day you'll know to look down the creek and see if I've floated away from the bridge collapsing.

Rural America - Gotta love it!

Orange Beach 2010

2010-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oil did not rain on our parade! We drove to the beach.

We watched workers from our balcony.

And from our spot on the sand.

We investigated the oil droplets.

We did not fight for a spot on the beach.

BUT - we did enjoy some things. Good Food - Good fellowship - Good friends

We love our friends.

Even those that don't read well.

And especially those that turn 40!

So - go to the beach. Spend a few dollars and put your feet in the sand. They will appreciate you for it.

Love you all.

Get a grip on my thoughts!

2010-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in need of getting a grip- Literally. Sometime last year I spoke at a Ladies Meeting and today I needed to go back and read my notes and be reminded of Who is in control and that I needed to control my thoughts. I struggle with letting others disappoint me and letting that hurt interfere with my faith. Below are some of my notes and current thoughts:

The apostle Paul is very clear in Ephesians 6 that Christians are in a struggle with spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Many Christians who choose to let God fight the battle rather than get involved. It is clear that they (we) feel ill equipped to deal with such a battle and they are not eager to find out. But all through scripture we are commanded to resist our enemy.

Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Throughout the body of Christ there is a fear of aggressively resisting the enemy who seeks to rob us and hinder us from attaining what God has called us to be. Part of fulfilling the Great Commission is setting the captives free. In order to do that, we must often confront the enemy in the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I don’t like confrontation even when it is obviously necessary. Often times the spiritual enemy is a friend or family member.

Spiritual Warfare is about having a biblical world view which includes the reality of an ongoing battle with the forces of evil for the souls of mankind. To join this battle one must have faith in the sovereign power of our God, assurance of our identity in Christ and faith in the promises of God. God uses the struggle to strengthen His people in their faith and teaches them to not depend on their own strength or understanding. We learn to be led by the Holy Spirit who indwells us.
Passivity affects people mentally, emotionally and their wills.

Mentally, we need to challenge the thoughts that come to us that are inconsistent to the Word of God. Many of our thoughts have their source in the enemy. We are told to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5

Emotionally, we tend to let our feelings have undue influence in our lives, even at times having more weight than the Word of God. The enemy is very effective in stirring up our emotions with his intimidating suggestions. The will is powerless to take any action or stand firm against what is being experienced. The enemy likes to suggest the hopelessness of our situation and that God will not be there when we need Him. As a result, we get into a fatalistic acceptance of the inevitable. These are some of the dangerous outcomes when passivity is allowed to become a way of life for the Christian. God has called each of His children to an active relationship with Himself and with others. The enemy wants to isolate us into passivity, but we must resist this. Our faith is about an intimate relationship with our Savior and a daily resisting of the temptations of the world and our enemy.

Passivity can provide an opportunity for the enemy. First, we are living in disobedience and lacking in faith. Second, we are not prepared to stand against temptations and persevere during trials. We are not trusting in the omnipotent power of God to enable us and to protect us. We have allowed the enemy to become as big as God in our lives by blaming everything that happens in our lives on demonic activity. That is exactly what Satan wants you to believe. We allow ourselves to become easy prey to fear and stop trusting in the promises of God, the victorious finished work of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross and His triumphant victory over the enemy through the resurrection.

"Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you - unless, indeed, you fail the test!" 2 Corinthians 13:5

I hope none of you have been trying to live your lives on the basis of an emotional religious experience you once had, but have never really experienced the fruits of inner transformation by the Spirit of God in your lives. Head knowledge of religious truth is never an adequate substitute for heart knowledge that brings about inner joy and faith in God despite the circumstances you experience. Such an experience brings freedom from fear and the desire to glorify God through your lives.
God knows my heart and my hurt. Praying that I will allow Him total control.

Love you guys.
Diane

I am a Ramblin woman

2010-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Not going to rant today. Mostly not going to rant because I have a really good rant post in the works. Just going to ramble a little bit.

I simply love facebook. I have connected with friends that I would never have gotten to without that avenue. I love my friends as if we never lost contact. The true beauty of real friendships is that you don't always have to be in touch to know you are loved and to know you love them. I love that I can read about their lives and see pictures of their families. Who knew?

I have some friends that need some prayers this week that can use some extra warriors if you can just join with us. God knows who they are and what their needs are. One deals with salvation of some friends - let's get these girls covered and let the Holy Spirit work.

Had my first fresh tomato today. OH MAN!!! It was fantastic! Hmm Hmmm Sorry if you haven't had one. I absolutely love summer time and fresh fruits and vegetables. And I had my first watermelon Sunday. Oh how I love watermelon also - as a matter of fact - think I'll go get me some.

Bad mommy of the year award today - made my son late for Bible School today because I was reading blogs. :(

I am really loving the blogs that are about money saving tips and craft blogs and cooking blogs and mommy blogs and faith based blogs and hmmm did I leave any out - oh yes - GIVEAWAY blogs. Woo hoo - Father's Day Bash is in full swing. I'll be an entering fool! Who knows maybe I'll actually win something.

Off to get me some watermelon! Love you guys.
Diane

Monkey Bread anyone?

2010-06-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school I loved to make Monkey Bread. It was "my thing" to cook. You certainly don't need lots of cooking abilities to make it so I'm not boasting. I tell you this in order to set up my Money Bread story. I married very young and my cooking ability was limited. We did not go hungry by any means but our variety was rather limited. And throw in the Pizza Hut at least once a week and any other various restaurants and I didn't really need to cook that often anyway. Fast forward about seven years. I was in my humble kitchen pulling out all of the ingredients to make Monkey Bread. It had been on my mind and I decided to treat my girls to my famous treat. While cutting my canned biscuits in quarters my phone rang. It was my sister. She was calling to ask if I remembered that cake I used to make when in High School. You know - that pull apart cake. Ahhh, Monkey Bread. Why yes I most certainly do remember. She wanted the recipe. She also wanted to make a Monkey Bread. That very same day I was making one she was thinking about it and wanted to make one.

So - just in case you are curious - here is my famous Monkey Bread. I'm certain I did not create this recipe - but I did tweek it. I always tweek recipes. I usually tweek because I don't like all the ingredients. Rest assured I like ALL of the ingredients in this simply delicious recipe.

4 cans (cheap) biscuits - Quartered
Cinnamon sugar - enough to roll each biscuit in
1 to 1 1/2 sticks butter (I use the real stuff) Melted
Pecans (if you like them) about two hands full

Spray a bundt pan. Sprinkle some pecans in the bottom of the pan. Roll each of the biscuits in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place in the bottom of the bundt pan . Pour a little butter over the layer and continue with this process until you have used all of the biscuits. Pour any remaining butter over the biscuits. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes (no real clue on the time!) Turn onto plate and dig in - don't cut - just pull apart and enjoy the hot buttery treat!

Cinnamon Sugar - Cost is crazy when you buy it already mixed. I keep an old spice jar labeled Cinnamon Sugar. When I make the Monkey Bread I mix some cinnamon and sugar together - what's left I simply pour into my spice jar and use for cinnamon toast at a later date!

Enjoy!

Love you guys.
Diane

Free to be Me!

2010-06-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

My daughter at a very young age strolled through a friends house in her undies. Her dad and I cringed and asked her to find her shorts. She strolled away saying "Free to be me"! Although she put her shorts on (I think). We still laugh about "free to be me". But what does it really mean to be free to be me?

It is often said that we shouldn't worry about what others think about us. I disagree with that statement whole heartily. I have been a bad mommy when I dictate to my children what they are and are not allowed to wear. The horror of that is unspeakable. I have reminded our children more often than not that what they wear in public represents our entire family, our church family and most importantly it represents our Heavenly Father. I firmly believe that what others should see is Jesus. Do we really think that when we have cleavage far and wide showing that someone looks at us and says "oh what a Godly person she is"? I hardly think so. If we are wearing skulls and vulgar language on our clothes do you really think that someone may get saved? Matthew chapter 18 addresses those who cause ourselves or others to stumble. 6 "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

This is also where we (meaning born again Christians) get called hypocrites. Because I believe that we can cause others to stumble and because I believe that I should do my best to live according to God's Will and because I take a stand against things, I will certainly be called a hypocrite when caught in a sin. But big BUT here - I will NEVER say that I don't and won't sin. I am a SINNER saved by grace. I will continue to sin. I will stumble daily and I will repent and I will get back up and try again. I will continue to strive to live according to His Word. Yes, I will most assuredly fail. I will cause others to stumble and I will make bad decisions. Romans 3:23 tells us that For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But His word also tells us that we can have renewal by His word. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect. He knows we are going to stumble but He also gives us the ability to discern right from wrong.

So - Yes I worry about what others think. I can also rejoice if they think I am crazy for my belief. That's OK by me. I can agree to disagree. But I can set my standards and stick to them until God tells me otherwise. And I can have my feelings hurt both when I disappoint you and you dislike me. I'm wired that way - It's who I am. But I don't apologize for that. I am after all free to be me and you are free to be you!

I love you guys!
Diane