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thoughts

It has been since the 6th of November since I posted here and that was to do a journal with others on a group. I have since left that group and asked if I could still get the journal topics each day receiving no answer nor the topics.

I don't do tutorials or blog hop events and half the time don't even post so why keep the blog? It is fun to show off my gsons and my kids but visits to my blog are rare. Let's face it ..I'm not entertaining. I'm not creative, I don't have much time except to work and take care of home so scrapbooking is falling away as fast as friends are.

I guess I am my own worse enemy. I try to treat others well, put them first, help them out..but apparently I am falling short. I've made my share of mistakes, never claimed to be perfect. But you just can't make someone care..And I wouldn't want it that way.

Sometimes I wish that I believed in reincarnation because then I could at least have hope that the next life would be better or maybe the next time around it wouldn't matter so much.

No more first moves for me..If someone finds me valuable enough they will make the first move..I'm really tired of being friends on everyone else's timetable and conditions.

Esther's Journal Jar Day 6

What do you think brings good or bad luck?

I don't believe in luck.. Enough said.

Esther's Journal Jar Day 5

List one thing you'd like to accomplish in 2011, and then list 10 things you will need to do to accomplish it ( think small; make a phone call, look up a phone number or web site, anything like these to accomplish it, etc)

I would like to get my home in order and be able to enjoy it for a change. Thirty three years..it's time for a change.

1. Paint the family room, kitchen and laundry room..All one area.

2. Replace carpet in all rooms. Can't do that until I cave and have my dog put down due to her leaking..Right now I just use comforters and wash them regularly. It is to hard to think about. She is 16 but not in pain and still enjoys life. I have done that twice in the 40 years we have been married and it is so painful for me,but the day is coming I know.

3. Clean and organize the garages. Yes there are two of them!

4. Switch the bedrooms out to accommodate adult foster care

5. Clean and redecorate my screened in patio

6. Get my flower beds tilled up and planted

7. Finish painting the trim in my bedroom so it will be finished.

8. Get chain link fence installed to replace worn out fence.

9. Replace soffitt, trim and door on the detached garage.

10. Sit back and enjoy the outcome!!

Esther's Journal Jar Day 4

Topic:

Do you do anything to help the needy? and if so, explain some things you do

I not only help the "needy" but I help anyone I can who has a "need". I believe that I was put here to serve others and I spend much of my time doing that. One service I provide is to the people who stand with signs asking for money or those who appear to be homeless. God and I have an understanding that at any time someone approaches me or if I am on a ramp at a red light just off the highway and someone has a sign, that I will give them $5. It is not much but it could buy them a meal or put gas in their car. I get chastised for doing it because most people think the person will run to the nearest place to buy alcohol..(like every homeless person is a drunk!) Well God and I talked about that and it was determined that if they did they were the ones who would be held accountable for that, not me. I would have done my part and God would bless my giving..Somewhere down the line when I am in need He will put someone in my path to help me.

We have one gentleman in town who has been homeless for many years. Some say it is his choice and maybe it is but I have been known to head to Wendy's on the cold snowy days and get him a hot bowl of chili, sandwich, fries and a coffee and coke..I always ask him if he would like to have it and if he minds that I did it because I don't want to step on his pride.

I am known for finding items that people need like sofas, beds, desks, dishes, you name it..Robert and I have volunteered to work at the local Free Store and we get items to help others in bad weather or for the holidays.

Probably the biggest thing I have done is brought Julie into our home after she and her mom ran out of money. She has a sister who lives in Florida but if Julie would have moved there she would have lost so many benefits here. Julie has Downs Syndrome and is 50 years old and has worked at a place called TAC Industries for 29 years. This has allowed her much socialization, a small paycheck but opened doors to many programs that help with her medical and everyday living expenses. Now in all honesty we do get the Railroad Retirement that comes from her father's account but it all goes into meeting her needs. It takes alot of money to help Developmentally Disabled people. But while with me she has learned how to walk up and down stairs, walk across the grass with out the fear of falling. She now gets her hair combed daily and bathes more than twice a week (the assisted living center said they did not have time to do her hair before she left for work because of all the other residents needing help. Julie dressed herself and went to breakfast on her own with uncombed hair!) She has competed in Special Olympics Bowling, Track and Field and attends dances and movies, gets her nails done each week and various other activities, none of which she did before coming here. I am officially Julie's legal guardian. :)

As I read this it sounds to me like I am tooting my own horn and I am very uncomfortable with that. I do what I do because God expects it but also because I absolutely get more out of it than the people I help..It is such a blessing to see someone who has a need get it fulfilled because I was able to help. You asked for examples and here they are..

Esther's Journal Jar Day 3

What little things have happened to you lately that have really touched you or made a huge difference in your day?

Hmmm..this is a tough one. I spend so much of my time trying to make other people's day special. Now if you asked what have I done to touch someone or make a difference in the THEIR day I could write alot. I focus each day on helping others smile by simply commenting on some one's hair or the lapel pin they have on, or talking to someone about their grand kids and how precious they are. I thoroughly enjoy praising others, giving them a pat on the back, boosting their self-esteem. I think there are far to many negative forces in this world and we should make others feel good about themselves and let them know how valuable they are.

Maybe I am to engrossed in doing what I do to recognize the little things that are blessings to me. Maybe I should slow down and watch for them. Thinking about it now makes me realize that I may be cheating myself out of blessings. Yes, I think I shall have to slow down some.

I have wonderful grandsons but do not get to see two of them but a couple times a month. I do have the Eli-boy here and well he definitely knows how to make me feel special. I went to pick him up from preschool this week and when he looked up and saw me he screamed.."MAWMAW!" I have to confess..THAT really touched me! :)

Esther's Journal Jar day 2

Are you trustworthy? and if so, why do you think you are?

The dictionary defines trustworthy as: adjective- deserving of trust or confidence; dependable; reliable. Let's break this down.. Deserving of trust or confidence; I think I fall into this category quite well. If something is told to me in confidence I want it to stay that way. As for trust, I think I can be trusted on many levels.

It's the dependable and reliable that sometimes gets me into trouble. I have all of the best intentions but I don't think I prioritize properly and I tend to let other issues get in the way of getting the job done. In other words I cave to overload. But having said that , I believe that if someone needs me or needs me to do something in a timely fashion, I, for the most part, can and will come through. In other words, my intentions are good but in all honesty I have been known to drop the ball a couple of times. Even when I do that, in the end , I will come through.

So, trustworthy? Yes I would say that I am trustworthy..

Trick or Treat OU style!

As most know, my Annie Leigh is attending Ohio University, long known for the big Halloween Bash..

The first thing people say when I tell them she is going to OU is how much it is a party school and I shouldn't let her go there.

Here is my reply: Drinking happens on every campus. I have taught her about the dangers of drinking from the easy addiction to the possibility of date rape from having her drink spiked with the drug. Annie knows the history of alcoholism on both sides of her family. She is however basically on her own down there. So I just pray that she will have the strength to not cave in to pier pressure. And mostly I trust her..

But to get back to my purpose for posting this pic other than I think she is so darned cute...The Halloween Bash was this past weekend and this is how she went. He nephew Eli loves Thomas the Train and Annie wears it well, if I do say so myself! As far as I know, OU didn't make much of a headline this year. Didn't get any email from OU explaining any occurrences..The fact of the matter is that when OU came in high in the party schools poll the reporters failed to mention that only 1%-2% of the student body had been polled. Now there is some accuracy for ya!

Some say I am burying my head in the sand but I say, I love my daughter, she has a good head on her shoulders and quite frankly I think Ohio University is a great place to go to school..

Day 1

Esther's journal box... Everything happens for a reason, right?

I have to say NO..While there are many things that happen for a reason by no means does EVERYTHING. When we are born God gives us a free will to do what ever we choose. He does not make us do anything..Because of that many things happen just because someone makes a bad decision. Sadly, often times, many people get hurt through no fault of their own.

Often we set ourselves back, cost ourselves money, lose out just because we didn't think things through..In other words ,everything has a consequence and we need to think what that might be before we make our move or open our mouth.

Others hurt us through THEIR lack of reasoning things out first.

I don't believe it is for a reason that people get raped or beaten or murdered. What I do believe is that it is up to us to CHOOSE to make good out of bad or evil. To learn from it and to help others through it..For ME , that means that I need to keep a close relationship with God because sometimes it just doesn't make sense for a very long time and may not ever make sense this side of Heaven. That is when I will lean on His everlasting arms like He asks me to through the scripture.

This is my calling..

This was written by a lady from Faithblogging but it is exactly why I do the work I do..


Helping Hands! Helping Hearts!
by Betsy Burnett

Scripture encourages us over and over to help out those less fortunate. From helping our poor "neighbor" to be able to stay where he lives. (Leviticus 25:25) to helping the orphans and widows in their distress (James 1: 27.) In fact the verse in James goes one step further and calls is "pure and faultless religion." Jesus also says that when we "see someone hungry, or thirsty and gave them food or drink, or visited the sick or imprisoned we have done done unto Him" (my paraphrase of Matthew 25:31-46)

Since the Lord has blessed us abundantly in all things, it's only natural to want to share those blessings we have been given; be it food, shelter, clothing or even time. It not only shows the world that we are sent by God and but because a Father loves ALL his children, when we have done to the least of these we have done unto Him. Something happens though when we reach out our hands to help someone. It helps our heart as well!

Sharing our resources shows we are "generous" it shows we are grateful for what we have been given. It also works on our hearts to learn not to hold tightly to material things since they are temporary, understanding that our provision comes from God. Sharing our time shows the other person has value to us (and to God.) Sharing our lives, allows others to see exactly what the Lord has done in us and too us and through us! Bringing praise and glory to Him! When we reach out and help one another not only do we bless them, we bless ourselves, and we bless the Lord. How much better can it get?

I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

Charity Select Contest!
By Betsy Burnett

I know that there are many of you out there that pour your hearts, lives and finances into worthy causes though your church and other ministries! How would you like to win some money to help the charity close to your heart?

I have recently started working with an online company called Shop Hop Productions and they are looking for a charity to support for their first ever "Baby Shop Hop." To find this charity they are holding a "Charity Select" contest. If you know of a charity that supports women, children or families you can enter them to be considered! Entry is simple, in 100 words tell us about your charity! Why we should support them etc. You can even link to photos and video for your entry. If you wish you can blog about it and link it to the post comment. (not here... at Baby Shop Hop.)

For more information visitBaby Shop Hop

Everett

I got to spend most of the morning and early afternoon with Everett yesterday! He is such a treat..I got out the walker that we had here for his brother Nolan and cousin Eli. He loved it!..It is shaped like a car and it doesn't tip like the newer walkers do. Anyway, he smiled and talked to me..it was so much fun.. Luke messaged me today the he has a bottom tooth coming through. Didn't surprise me because he was chomping the entire morning.. Grandkids are wonderful!

I need your honest opinion

I do not take a good picture but I wanted to update my profile. What do you think of this picture? Does it look like a top with lace or does it look like a nightgown? I don't want to appear inappropriate but I kinda like this shot. BE HONEST!!

God is Good!

Wednesday I had a biopsy performed on a lump under my arm and close to my left breast. It had been there for about 6 months and grew rapidly from the size of a pea to the size of a walnut. I never really felt alarmed about it but was certainly concerned. After a diagnostic mammogram and a diagnostic ultra sound there was not much concern on the doctor's part either but I was still sent to a surgeon to have it removed.

Came through the surgery without incident and have been sleeping for hours and hours so as to not think about the possible outcome. I have had people from all over the USA praying for me thanks to Yahoo groups. I finally got the call that all is well..NO EVIDENCE OF CANCER!! It appears to be infection from somewhere in my body that just settled in that lymph node.

Thanks to all who prayed for me.

Easter

Nolan and Aunt Katie were hamming it up sucking lemons at Cracker Barrel.

Who would have thought that I would have shot 106 pictures yesterday. We had our Easter get together yesterday, went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and then to the park so the boys could run and play.

Before Luke and Monica brought the boys up we took Eli to a church that had 25000 eggs spread out all over their grounds. Eli was so excited we could hardly keep him from crossing the yellow tape before they said "GO".

While we were in the parking lot talking about what we were going to do next a man came walking toward us really strange. I looked down and he was shooing a shrew that had come out of the grass.. It ran right toward Katie's foot..lol...then ran past her and he continued to chase it toward the grass away from everyone.. I could only imagine how fast it's little heart was beating...lol

Everett really loved his fuzzy bunny! IT was just the right size for his little hands. It seems impossible that he is 5 months old already! And Nolan will be 4 on the 20th! Where is the time going???

I loved playing with my boys but I really loved sitting back and watching my grown kids (inlaws included) all laughing and joking with each other.. It was a crazy day..wind was ridiculous..not sure why I even curled my hair , it would rain and then the sun would come out and then it would do it all over again, but being with family is such a blessing for me..

One of these days I will remember to post my pics first before I start typing but I think you can figure out what each is about with my post here..

I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

How does it happen?

You have these babies and blink your eyes and they turn 18 and become adults!

I was shocked when at age 39 I found out I was pregnant with Annie. You see, three doctors in Cincinnati told me that I would never have children. We moved back to Springfield and the lady we bought the house from had gone to an infertility specialist and referred me to him. He ran some tests and told me that within five months I would be pregnant and sure enough five months later I was pregnant with Luke.

I went back to him and three years later Katie was born. We were moving along for about 7 years and the next thing I know I am 39 and pregnant! Talk about shocked! I mean this happened on it's own.

Even after carrying her for nine months it took me close to a year to remember her exact birthday! LOL and then she was born with brown eyes which is not unusual since her dad has deep brown eyes but my other two have my blue eyes! I tease her about it but I think she thinks it really bothers me..the fact is I love her to death and she is everything they say a change of life baby is...

But I am back to my question..How does it happen..that one minute she is a babe in my arms and the next she is 18, graduating and then heading to college?

Now my nest is going to be empty..How am I going to react to that?

Mamaw's weekend

I got to spend two nights with my boys last weekend while Luke was out of town! He went on a spiritual weekend called an Amaeus walk and Monica had to work on Friday so I went down on Thursday night and then Friday was snowed in there... I'm not complaining tho because I don't get to spend enough time with these guys. I have a great relationship with my DIL so we had a great time watching videos and Survivor. I put my glasses on Everett and of course Nolan had to ham it up for me..lol.. I just thank God daily for these guys and of course for my Eli-boy who is not pictured here.

Everett is 4 months old now. That seems

impossible but it is true and he looks dead on Nolan at that age. I am going to have to find a picture and put them side by side. It is unreal!

Colorbox Fluid Chalk Giveaway

Go check this out and enter to win:

A set of chalks. I love these and use them all the time. I've entered so take a minute and maybe you will be lucky..I hope not because I want them..lol..but if I can't win them then I want it to be someone I know..


http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Colorbox-Fluid-Chalk-Set-Giveaway

Scrap space

This first picture is my computer station and then on to the other part of the corner.

DH built my shelves into the alcove and it has made a world of difference in my organization. There are still a couple of small areas that I need to perfect but for my needs this seems to be working. This is actually my bedroom.

I know to alot of you this does not seem like a lot of paper but it is for me. I get overwhelmed with quantity and it is hard for me to buy more paper until I use alot of what I have. The jars with the blue lids holding my flowers are actually marshmallow creme jars. I make alot of peanut butter fudge! LOL! But they are perfect for my needs. The stacks behind the pumpkin frame are my acrylic stamps.

These drawer stacks cost me $3 each!! I got them at a garage sale and was so excited. I have a separate drawer for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and then a drawer for tags, frames, and then I have so many embellishments that I will never be able to use them all. I wish I were more creative..

INLAWS

When I married my husband I promised myself that I would not have ANY mother-in-law problems..I knew up front that I couldn't compete with her and I didn't want to..
Unfortunately I only had 5 years with her before she passed away but in those 5 years we never had a cross word.
I got tired of listening to all the negative comments that people would share about their in laws and I really didn't want all of that negative energy in my life.
Fast forward about 35 years to 2003 and we are at my daughter's wedding..Now I am asking myself if I can do the same for my Son-in-law. The next year my son married and I asked myself the same about my daughter-in-law.
While on the phone with her the other night I was expressing how much I loved her and Alan(sil) and how blessed I felt because we all get along so great. There is mutual respect and we just flat out get along!
She said to me.."It is funny you should say that because just the other night I was thinking the same thing about you and Jim." There it was! Validation that I was keeping my word and it was working!!
So today I am blessed for sure. I have a great relationship with both Alan and Monica and I am working hard to keep it that way!!

Hives!! What good are they?

For many years now I am blessed with hives in the winter!! I am sure it is stress. My DH is a concrete man and not much pouring during that time. I am not inclined to worry because he does more than enough for both of us!!

I just find it amazing that your body know what to do to get you to slow down...Itching is NOT fun, I don't care what anyone says. The sad part is that the scratching actually feels REALLY good..its the aftermath of the scratching that is awful. It hurts, it stings and the bumps just keep getting bigger and bigger..

I usually can talk myself out of them..take some deep breaths and tell myself to relax and they will usually subside and eventually go away..I learned this technique years ago when after about 4 winter seasons of having my mom take me to the ER where they would inject adrenaline making my body just shake uncontrollably and watching her cry as her daughter's body shook out of control....I decided that I needed to TAKE control and not put her through that again.

This year however..I was in a very high stressed state. I was giving my notice at work and knew they were going to fight me, which they did, but I survived...worrying about not having a big wait between paychecks (we need money to run this place! lol) and my baby girl is graduating and wanting to go 2 1/2 hours away to college and my husband is absolutely having a cow!! And of course I get his wrath because I will not discourage her from going.. I think she should experience life on campus away from us but just not tooo far..Hey..she has worked hard for her grades and GPA and I think she will thrive..

So anyway, I took Benedryl with made me sleepy so the DR recommended Ativan which put me OUT!!! Finally we decided upon Zyrtec because it does not have the sleep ingredients and I finally got through them..I think....

I had these hives for two weeks solid and took the Zyrtec finally for 5 days..but I ran out and there are a couple die-hard snots that want to hang around and try to get me stirred up again! Soooo, I am going to bed! And first thing tomorrow I am heading to the drugstore to get some more Zyrtec!!! LOL!! Maybe my age is making it harder to concentrate!! LOL.

2010..What happened to Y2K????

It really doesn't seem that long ago that everyone was in a tizzy over the Y2K ordeal at the changing of the century and here it is 10 years later!!

2009 was not that bad of a year for us but just not that great of one either. I am going to hang on to the positive tho and just go from there.

Nov 4Th Everett was born to Luke and Monica and he is just the best baby! So content. I think he is going to be the tall one tho because he is long and skinny even tho mom is nursing him. Nolan is going to take after her I think and be not so tall. Daddy is 6' 5" but Mommy is just about 5'6".

I bought his little onsie and it says.."Who needs SANTA when I have Grandma!" We had a great Christmas and now it is on to the new year.

I resolved to not make any resolutions any more because I cannot keep them for some reason. I do have goals tho to be more organized and thoughtful. I really want to try to send cards for Birthdays and Anniversaries as well as just plain Thinking of You cards to brighten someones day unexpectedly.

Wouldn't I love to get my house painted inside and carpets replaced and wallpaper removed??? But that all takes money, so short of winning the lottery I am going to have to pick up more hours or start selling some of the stuff around here I no longer need.

I wish you all a very happy 2010!!! I will be praying that God will be close to my friends, to protect them and bless them.