If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Welcome to the last Hodgepodge of 2014.  Click the button above, if you'd like to join in.  It really is a lot of fun!


1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.
Spending time with our family at the in-law's.  So much fun.




2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?
As far as news coverage goes, I'd say 9-11 is one of the biggest news events.  As for news events in my life, it would be my marriage and the adoption of our girls.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?
I do like that color (although I've never heard it called that before).  I do have some of it in my wardrobe and Lord willing we're buying some new furniture for our livingroom this year and it's possible that color could be involved.

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.
I'd like to meet my ancestors because I'd like to see where we came from and how we got to where we are.  But that being said, I'd like to meet my great grandchildren because I'd like to see where they're going and how they got there.

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?
Remove my expectations off of others.  No one should have to live up to my expectations except me.  I'm learning to let others be themselves, not what I want them to be.  Notice I say learning.  I've not gotten there all the way yet, but I am remembering quicker and letting go easier.

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?
Our van and my new iPad and iPhone.

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?
Better health in my family, my daughter's wedding, and a trip to Gatlinburg in February for our 26th wedding anniversary.  I know you said one, Joyce, but I can't just pick one.  Sorry.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Happy New Year to everyone of you!!!!!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Today's Fun - My Thoughts on the Movie Added

Kelli and I are at the theater early this morning. 


We are here to see "Into the Woods."  


Hope it will be good!  Let you know later. 

Have a great day everyone. 

I thought the movie was pretty good although it's a little darker than I really prefer. Overall I'd give it a B. I thought Meryl Streep was awesome as usual. And the music was good. That being said I would have preferred a different ending. I don't want to say how I wish it would have ended differently because I don't wish to ruin it for anyone else. 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Puppies. And Presents And Frozen, Oh My!

Carolyn and Carina came to visit last night. I haven't seen them since October. I can't believe how much Carina has grown up since then. She is talking so much more. She is 2 and 1/2 and is so adorable!  She totally loves our puppy and they play and play. Lucy was so worn out when she left, she didn't hardly move a muscle all night. I dare say Carina was probably the same.  lol

Lucy warn out in bed.

Carina is all about Minnie Mouse this year.  So of course nana and poppy had to feed that love. I mean who do you think got her her very first Minnie Mouse. We have successful trained another Disney lover!  We got her Minnie Mouse PJ's and Minnie Mouse panties (she's starting to potty train some). She also got little Minnie Mouse earrings and a Minnie Mouse doll that talks and she can change her clothes. I think that was the big success! She was having so much fun playing with her. 

Carina is very good at opening presents!


Still working at it.

Mommy putting her new earrings in.  Pizza all over her face.

Minnie Mouse

I think she loves her new Minnie Mouse

Later we decided to watch Frozen and Carina was completely enthralled, especially during the music parts. Actually, I'm not sure who liked it most. Kelli and Carolyn (both age 23) sang every word to every song. It was hysterical!  At one point Carolyn and Carina were dancing and spinning all around. As I said, I'm not sure who loved it best. All I can say is hubby and I were given a great show!

Watching Frozen

She'd get up and play, but when the music was on, she couldn't take her eyes off the screen.

See what I mean!

I think she was one happy little girl last night and I know this was one happy nana!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's been a good weekend. First of all Kelli got in on Wednesday and it's fun having her home. For some reason this year, I've been enjoying taking pictures of random Christmas trees. Here's the one from the airport when we picked up Kelli.


Friday night she and I went to the little theater in our town and saw Mockingjay Part 1. And can I just say, it was awesome!  I think I might have liked it even better than the other two. Now I can't wait to see the final one.

Friday during the day hubby and I went out to lunch (I took the day off work.) and we went to Krogers twice. We were buying food for 18 Christmas baskets. It was just too much for two of us to do in one trip. But it was fun. You should see the looks you get when walking through the store with 18 gallons of milk or 18 hams in your shopping cart. It is so funny. 

On Saturday hubby and I went out again and did a little shopping and grocery shopping for us and then came home. That night we watched Holiday Inn and White Christmas with Kelli. We kept the tradition going another year. 

Sunday was church and then out to lunch with Tracy's family. Every time Kelli comes home we meet his family at Cassanos so Kelli can have her favorite pizza. Kelli wanted a picture of the three of us after church in front of the tree. So here's another tree picture. 


Later we went to my brother's house to celebrate his mother-in-law's birthday. That was a lot of fun and it was good seeing everyone. Plus it's just fun to go to my brother's house because they always have it fixed up so cool. They are very into antiques and primitives and really know how to put them all together. Her's a picture of their tree. 


Isn't it gorgeous!

Sunday night, Tracy,Kelli and I did a movie marathon of the Santa Clause movies. Another tradition we were able to keep. I just wish Kerri could have been there. 



So you see it has been a fun and somewhat relaxing weekend. So how was your weekend?

Thursday, December 18, 2014

iPad vs Laptop for Blog Posting?

Which do you use for blog posting...a laptop or iPad?  I tried posting the Hodgepodge yesterday on my new iPad.  I finally got it posted, but it wasn't easy and I never could figure out how to link it to Joyce's page.  I finally did that this morning on the computer. 

I was really hoping I could use the iPad and maybe get rid of my laptop.  But unless someone can help me out with the linking issue, I guess I'll have to keep the laptop.  Sorry Kelli, I know you'd like to have it.

For just a regular post, I think the iPad would be fine and I could really get to like it.  I guess I need to just play with it some more.  Maybe I'll get it figured out.  Anyway, I really do like my iPad and am enjoying not having to get the laptop out so much.

So, which do you use?  And do you have any hints for me on the iPad?

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wednesday Hodgepodge


1. Time magazine has selected The Ebola Fighters as their person of the year for 2014. Do you agree, and if so who would you say is a close second? If you disagree with their choice, who do you think should have been chosen? 

I really have no clue. 

2. This question comes to you courtesy of Susan who blogs over at Stew Mama Says. She knows we have a wedding happening any minute now, and she asks, 'What's your favorite-something old? something new? something borrowed? something blue in your home?  Be sure you hop over and say hi to Susan today! 
Old - the rocking chair that used to sit in my grandma's sewing room.  Everyone that visited with her sat in that chair (if someone else wasn't in it) as she was sewing.  Love that somehow I ended up with it.  It still has the leather pillow that she made for the seat.  So comfy.

New - our new mattress.

Borrowed - can't think of anything right now.

Blue - My sapphire ring that my parents gave me many years ago. 

3. Fudge-yay or nay? Your favorite flavor? Do you make it yourself? With nuts or without?  
Yay!  My dad's peanut butter fudge!  The best in the world. He's been making it ever since I can remember. Unfortunately, with his dementia he can no longer remember the recipe. However, my sister knows how to make it. But it's just not quite the same as having your dad make it. Sorry Sis. 

4. December 17th is Wright Brothers Day, commemorating the first successful flights made by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  How old were you when you made your first flight? Do you like to fly? Have you ever been to Kitty Hawk or other parts of the North Carolina Outer Banks? 
I first flew in my early twenties. We flew to Miami to take a week long cruise to the Virgin Islands. No I've not been to Kitty Hawk. However I have been to the Wright Patterson Air  Force Museum in Dayton where they lived and seen one of their planes. And have also seen a recreation of their bicycle shop in Dayton. 

5. Do the people in your family tend to follow a particular career path, and if so what's the path?
Nope. We all go our own way. lol

6. What is one thing you absolutely, positively must accomplish today?
Picking up Kelli from the airport!!!!!

7. This Christmas I hope___________________________________.
My mom will be home and well. She went back into hospital Sunday with congestive heart failure. Doing much better and may come home today. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Even with all the hard things this year, I still know and believe that God is good and He loves me very much. 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Hi Everyone:

Time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Why don't you click the button on the left and join in with us.

1. What is one new holiday tradition you'd like to establish, or one you've established recently, say in the last year or two?
I can't think of anything I'd like to change.  As long as my girls come for Christmas, I'm good with the way things are.

2. It's the second week of December. Have you sipped a cup of eggnog yet this month? Wrapped a gift? Opened a gift? Kissed someone under the mistletoe? Lit a candle? Eaten a Christmas cookie? Seen Santa in person? Watched a Christmas movie or special? Read scripture relating to the birth of Jesus?
No eggnog.  Haven't wrapped a gift.  Haven't opened a gift.  Haven't kissed under the mistletoe.  Yes, I have lit several candles.  Yes, I've eaten a Christmas cookie (maybe several)  No, I haven't seen Santa.  Yes, I've watched a bunch of Hallmark Christmas movies and we watched Elf the other night with Kerri and Charlie.  Yes, I've either read or heard scripture about His birth this season.

3. Do you think it's better to be an adult or a child at Christmastime? Explain.
I think a child feels the magic more and that's awesome.  But as an adult I think I feel the spirit more.

4. It's often said, 'Good things come to those who wait'...agree or disagree? Why?
I agree.  After all God is always telling us to wait.  
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the lord. 
Psalm 62:1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 
Psalm 62:5  Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 
I figure if God tells us to wait then it must be for a good reason.  That being said, that does not mean I like to wait.  

5. What's the last sweet thing you baked? Did you keep it, take it to a party/event, or give it away?
Cookies for Thanksgiving

6. This question comes to us courtesy of Jhona who blogs over at The Red House at the End of the Lane. Everyone hop over and say hi to Jhona this week! Here is her question... "I heard an actor talk about how he makes a conscious choice to talk to people in elevators. He chooses to connect, make eye contact, and converse. Do you talk to people/strangers when you're in an elevator or any other place where you might have to wait together? Why or why not?"
Yes, sometimes I do.  It depends where we are and how receptive they are.  

7. Are you on the naughty or nice list this year? What put you there?
Depends on which day of the week it is.  haha  Sometimes I'm nice and sometimes not so much.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
It's fun to be back to the Hodgepodge this week.  Thanks Joyce for keeping this going.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

My Brother



My oldest brother passed away a week ago Sunday.  He battled cancer for over a year, but in the end cancer won.  But you know, it really didn't.  The Lord was with him through all the struggles and then he took him home.  And home is where Larry wanted to be, if he couldn't be healthy and do the things he loved. 

I always knew Larry was an extremely intelligent person and he and I always got along very well.  I don't really remember ever being angry with him.  Although, I'm sure when we were kids we had our tiffs.  I respected and trusted him.  Before I got married, we had taken several trips together to Florida and we used to go to the movies together a lot.  For a lot of years, we both worked 2nd shift, so we'd meet for lunch quite often.  I'm so glad for that time together. 

I learned a lot from Larry too.  He taught me to play chess (and I never did win a game with him).  He took me on my first and only motorcycle ride.  He would also tease me and give me hard time if I refused to try something new.  He could always talk me into it because I never wanted him to think I was chicken.  haha  Because of him I now like alligator tail, calamari and I'm sure many other things.  He also introduced me to my first James Bond movie.  Good thing too, because James Bond movies are a favorite of my husband. So you see big brother taught little sister a lot.

Larry traveled all over the world and had many friends.  I never really knew how many until he became sick and they started showing up to help or just spend time with him.  Larry's memorial service was on Saturday and I can't believe how many people came and they had a time of open mic when people had the chance to tell something about Larry.  There were probably 15-20 people who spoke and almost everyone of them had something to say about how Larry had helped them in some way.  Maybe by laying a floor for them or giving them something he'd heard they needed or even helping them build a home by a lake in Tennessee. It amazed me and makes me want to be more like him.

So Larry, you taught me a lot in this life and I'm going to miss you.  But I know I'll see you again in time and you can teach me about heaven then.  I love you brother.



Monday, November 24, 2014

Thanks List

I was reading a devotion today from Proverbs 31 Ministries which was asking if the "if the daily grind has made you blind."  It also said, "Sometimes naming a gift helps us to see it more clearly. Maybe that's why God urges us to remember our blessings: "O my soul ... don't forget a single blessing!" (Psalm 103:2, MSG)"

So as a reminder to myself I'm writing this list of things I am thankful for. They are in no particular order except just what comes to mind. In fact, yesterday, hubby's sermon was on being a grumbler and I know I can fall into that very easily. So today I choose to be thankful.

- My husband who stands beside me in the good and bad times. 
- My parents who have loved me since the day I was born.

My parents from a few years ago with Kerri

- My girls whom I have loved since I first met them.

This is the first time they visited in our home
- My God and Savior
- My job-even though I often want to retire, I'm thankful for my job and all it has provided for our family. 
- My brothers and sisters whom without them it would be so much harder to walk this road we are on right now.
 
- Lucy brings me endless laughter and joy.

We used this picture for our Christmas card this year.
- My church family is always there in the good and bad times. 
- My in-laws who raised such a wonderful man and then gave him to me.

These are my husband's parents with Kerri from a few years ago.

- Our home and our vehicles - they all provide what we need and even more.
- Our precious little honorary granddaughter, Carina.  Nana and Poppy love you!


 - Our many trips to Disney World with the girls through the years.  So many wonderful memories and I'm proud to say they love Disney as much as their Daddy and I do.  lol

 

I'm going to close this  for now, but I'm sure I'll be adding more as the day and even week goes on. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Click the button to the left to play along.

1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?
My family.  I have a tendency to take for granted my hubby (See yesterdays tribute to my husband) and also my brothers and sisters.  I truly appreciate each one of them and all they have done and are doing to take care of our parents.  I'm so thankful to have each of them.

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?
I like brown, although I really don't have very much brown in my house or closet.  My favorite shade is chocolate.  Maybe it's not the color I like but the taste.  lol  

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?
Kelli coming home for Christmas and getting to have Christmas with both our girls.

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?
I would not describe myself as a feminist.  See, I really don't think I want to be treated as an equal.  I like having someone open the door for me and treat me with an extra respect, just because I'm a woman.  Probably not a popular answer, but it's the way I feel.

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?
Spaghetti, I always manage to get a spot of sauce on my top.

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?
My minds a blank right now.  I think it may be time for me to give someone a surprise gift.  I'll have to think on this.

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.
I googled for an answer for this and found the below quote and really like it.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
I do not like this cold!  lol

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

My Man

The greatest gift God ever gave us was His Son, Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for His Son and all He's meant in my life.  But you know what?  He gave me another wonderful gift.  And that is my man, my hubby, my husband, my life-partner, whatever you want to call him.

He is so good to me.  Even when I'm crabby, he's still patient, kind and loving.  He has totally outdone himself in these past months.  With my family having serious illnesses, he has walked each step of the way with me.  Countless trips to doctor's offices, hospitals, etc.  I couldn't do this without him.


Here's just a little example of what I'm talking about.  He got up on this cold morning (when he's working at home and doesn't need to be out at all) and drove me to work and then went and got me a hot chocolate from Starbucks and brought it back to me at work.  I'm telling you, you can't get much better than that.


I don't mean to say he is perfect, but he is perfect for me.  Thank you honey for all you do each and every day to make our life wonderful.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Weekend Wrap-Up

This has been a nice weekend. Friday night Kerri and Charlie came over. Tracy made chili for supper and we put up the Christmas tree. I know, I know, it's pretty early for a tree, but Kerri wanted some ornaments for her and Charlie's tree. I knew we had a bunch we no longer use, but I didn't know which they were going to be until we finished decorating. We had bunches left over. So it was a win-win situation. Kerri go a lot of ornaments and we got help with the tree. I'm really loving it!

Since we were supposed to still be in Myrtle Beach, Tracy had someone filling in at the church for him already. So we played hooky and spent most of the weekend at home. We've watched about a zillion Hallmark Christmas movies and enjoyed the tree and cinnamon candles burning. He did take me to Cracker Barrel for lunch on Saturday and I've been to see mom both days. She is now in a Transitional Care Unit and is doing some better. Thank you for all the prayers.

Here's a picture of our tree.  Still gotta hid the extension cord.  lol
How was your weekend?

Friday, November 14, 2014

Friday Fragments

Half-Past Kissin' Time

I can't believe it's been over 4 weeks since I've posted anything.  I'm not sure I've ever gone that long since starting this blogging thing.  Life has been a little tough lately and I'm afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better.  However, I know God is here and involved in it all and I know He has a plan and my job is to trust Him.  So that is where I am.  Trusting. But also, in the midst of the hard things, there are good things too. 

*Mom had open heart surgery in August and was just really recovering from that when we found out she had colon cancer.  So last month she had surgery to remove the tumor.  All went well with the surgery, but she is having a hard time recovering.  In fact, she just left the hospital after over 3 weeks in there.  She is now in a Transitional Care Unit, until she can get back her strength.

*My brother has stopped his chemo as it's not working.  So things are not the greatest there.  Unless God chooses to intervene, there's not a lot of hope.  But I know he has a relationship with Jesus and is ready should God choose to take him home.

*Hubby and I decided to go ahead and go on our vacation as we thought things were fairly stable.  However, we were only gone 6-7 days when we found out things were getting worse, so we came home.  We really hated to leave his parents in Myrtle Beach, but they were very gracious and understood.  So, while we didn't get our full 3 weeks, we did get a few days on the beach and I'm grateful for the time we did have.  Here are a few pictures.


I love when God paints with pink

Sunset - I saw some of the most beautiful pink skies

Panoramic Photo from our Balcony


Sunrise (I saw these almost every morning)

Little Bird Visitors on our balcony


*We have a new Grandkitty.  Kelli has always wanted a cat, but we have always had a dog.  So now that she is out on her own, she got one.  Her name is Esmerelda and Kelli calls her Ezzie.  Isn't that just the cutest name.


*And there's nothing quite like Christmas lists with pictures.  lol

Kerri wants this coat for Christmas!
*One last picture.  Seldom can I get hubby to let me take a picture of him.  But here is a selfie of us on the Riverwalk in Conway, SC


Have a great weekend everyone!!!