25 years ago...

Today, I was reminded it was 25 years ago today, as we drove by the cemetery on the way to IHOP for breakfast. We were in Houston.

My mom had been hospitalized for about a month. She went into the hospital the day after I graduated from high school. When my mom was a kid she had rheumatic fever. It had damaged her heart.

Back in January of '83, my mom had gone to the dentist to have some dental work done. I'm not sure if she didn't tell the dentist she had heart problems or not. My mom got the flu soon after that and never got better. Her fingernails started getting really thick and curling over. (the doctor called it clubbing) She went to the doctor around April. I was with her, I had an ear infection. When the doctor examined my mom I could see something was wrong, from the doctor's face. He gave my mom medicine. It just got worse. The doctor admitted her into the hospital. They treated her for a month. She came home on the 29th of June. My sister had gone to get her. I was at work. My dad didn't even know my mom had been released. After my sister got home she went to work.

My brother #1 made my mom a grilled cheese sandwich with sliced pickles. Around 4 o'clock my brother #2 called me into my mom's room, telling me there's something wrong with mom. I went in. My mom was mumbling something about needing to go to the bathroom. I went over to help her. My dad is entering the house around this time. I tell my mom I'm there to help her get up. She then was saying, no, no...At the time I didn't know what was going on...my mom started going into convulsions. I heard my dad and told him something's wrong with mom...he's confused, not knowing my mom had been released from the hospital. Someone went and got the neighbor. The ambulance was on it's way. I went to go get my sister from work. We were to meet my dad at the house and then go to the hospital.

We all get to the hospital. We ask how my mom was doing. They reassured us she was fine. We wait. We wait some more. A doctor calls us to an office. He introduces himself shakes my dad's hand and says, "I'm sorry, but your wife is dead" SHOCK, DISBELIEF...what happened? why? CONFUSION...

Later we found out that my mom had gotten an infection from the dental work. This caused pericarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart). My mom died because she was weak and had aspirated (choked internally)

We also found out that the ambulance that was carrying my mom to the hospital broke down and they had to wait for another one to arrive.

Would all that make any difference? I have no idea.

I miss my mom...I miss her. I think I miss her more and more every year. It seems to get more difficult instead of easier.

I wonder things like would she like the choices I made in my life. Would she like my husband? Would she enjoy being a grandmother? What kind of relationship would we have? would we be more like mother/daughter or friends? What would we spend our time together doing?

Did my mom know the LORD? I really don't know. I don't know if I'll see her again someday and that really hurts. Maybe that's why it gets tougher and tougher each year.

I miss you and love you, Mom.

Sunday Sing Along

Sorry to be posting this so late, we were out of town...
In honor of my friend, Jennifer, I picked this song today...she reminded me of it the other day when I was in the midst of cleaning my room. With all the things I tackled and yet to tackle...this is quite appropriate, the part about GOD can move a mountain. :)

Going on 3 hours of sleep...

Dh made it in safely at 4:00am this morning. He was suppose to arrive last night around 10 pm. Weather delays...We finally got to bed around 6 and now up at 9...lots to do! Would appreciate prayers today...vary, vary, vary ti-erd...(like Elmer Fudd or my youngest dd would) say it

On a positive note...I got my room all cleaned! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey I finally realized who Obama's running mate should be...OJ Simpson!!!! ROFLOL!!!
(okay, a little punchy-lack of sleep!)

Yay-yay-yay!!!!

My sweetie is flying home today!!! Please keep him in your prayers for safe travels. We are all very anxious to see him-especially Bella! She is totally a daddy's girl!

Tomorrow dh has to attach a hitch to my van, clean out off the small trailer, get the tags for the small trailer and then we drive to Houston to see Doodles beloved Astros play the Red Sox! We will spend the night, pick up dh's boat engine on the small trailer, come home (and then get started on the list below)

In other news...
I've been working on getting the house ready to sell. So far I have (with the help of my friend, Marian) the garage cleaned, the shed clean, my closet clean, and my yard mowed, trimmed, etc.
I also cleaned and cleared the dining room and Joe Bug's room. Today, I will work on cleaning and clearing my room.

I still have to clear out the kitchen cabinents, the hall closet, and help the girls with their rooms.

Dh has to paint our room and bathroom, Joe Bug's room, the laundry room, and the dining room, along with the outside of the house.

We then need to clean the carpet and replace light bulbs etc.

It will be a busy week! Please pray we not only get it all done, but we get it done quickly and especially with a good attitude towards each other and about the work!

I saw a great quote by Erma Bombeck that a friend had on her lounge page today...
'When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything You gave me.''

Blessings until next time!

Oh Please!!!!

Give me a break! (and this guy a kick in the head)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2008-06-23-naked-cowboy-lawsuit_N.htm#close-share-help

Is this a good or bad thing???

89 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Something fun for today...I got this from my friend C's blog . No wonder my family is always comparing me to my grandma...LOL...okay, not really, but this does prove that I'm Wonder Woman, ummm I mean Wacky Woman!

One of the very best laughs ever!

So if you read my post on Sunday Sing-Along this week, you'll see that I thanked my friend, Marian, for one of the best laughs ever. She and I have been friends for about 16 years. We do everything together when we are together. Her family and my family are family! The other day, she had me laughing until I cried for at least 15 minutes...those are one of the best things in life! Something you definitely need to do once in awhile. So what was so funny? Mind you, you really needed to see it in person, but here goes...maybe it will at least bring a smile to your face.

Saturday, we are outside cleaning up the patio area. There's a cover for propane bottles like this:
by the house and one of those Rubbermaid storage box closet things.

She asked me if we were going to keep it. I said no...then I said, "Ewww, look it's all cracked and it has a wasp nest in it." Apparently she did NOT hear me. A few minutes later she grabs that cover and says something like, "There's a wasp over here." Then as she's pulling the cover away she says, "Oh no! It's after me!" She's dragging the cover with her right hand and running around frantically yelling and waving her left arm in the air, "It's after me! It's after me!" and I'm trying to tell her, "Yes, because the nest is in the cover you're dragging around!!!" She finally hears me, drops the cover and we both start laughing hysterically. Then I'm trying to repeat the story, but I'm laughing SO hard that all I can get out is jibberish...this goes on and on for about 15 minutes...we were laughing so hard we were crying and our sides were hurting.

Nothing to add

Sunday Sing-Along

In honor or my friend, Marian, who has blessed me beyond comprehension, one of her favorite songs(even though when we ride in the car and sing it, you look at me and say, "What are they singing in this part?") Thanks for all your help this week. You are a TRUE friend and I love you and all of your wackiness! Thank you for everything...for helping me with my yard, and helping me clean my shed, garage, closet, etc., etc...

Oh and thanks for one of the best laughs in my whole entire life yesterday...that was so funny!!! Laughing until you cry...one of the best things in life!!!

Maybe I'm missing something here...

• Aren't the Democrats the majority in the house and senate, currently?
• And, aren't they the ones that keep griping about us being at war and how we need to get out now?
• If that's the case...how come they just passed a bill for $165 BILLION more on war funding??? Am I missing something here???? (I realize it has to pass the senate)

And NO, I'm not joking or being sarcastic...I'm really trying to understand if I'm missing something...so could someone please explain this to me???

Will someone PLEASE hand me a barf bag???

Why I need a barf bag...HERE

As if a Garbage Bowl wasn't funny enough...

Several years ago when dh and I got Directv, one of the shows we would ofter watch was Rachel Ray (btw, now I can't stand her, but that's another post). Dh would always find it funny that she had a bowl for garbage...well if that wasn't funny enough...now Rachel Ray has a garbage bowl for sale! Yes, today while shopping I saw the authentic Rachel Ray Garbage Bowl for $14.99! You can too have this ugly orange bowl:



I just had to call dh and tell him about it...I said that is one of the stupidest things I've ever seen. In which he replied, "No, what's stupider is the folks that are willing to pay that much!"

Here's my tip...stick your garbage can near your counter and while your cutting etc your veggies, you can actually throw it in there!!! And if you're still compelled to spend $14.99 on the stupid bowl...how about handing it to me instead or just throwing it in the garbage can???

Real Entertainment...I crack myself up!

So, instead of doing something really productive (like get my house packed and organized to sell) I'm here to entertain all of you!

One of my friends over at the lounge left me this comment, after I told her what I've got accomplished...

At 8:11am on June 17th, 2008, P* said…

Mornin' Wonder Woman,;)

You're moving like lightening over there, huh? I'm happy to hear you're getting so much done.:o)

Have a great day!

So I thought it would be fun if we all have a Sing-Along...because life is just so darn entertaining!!!

War: It's not for nothin....

My dad's wife (I hate to refer her to my step mom...she's so wonderful and that word always has such a negative connotation to me) has a son serving in the US Air Force over in Afghanistan right now...he sent her this email and she passed it on to me. (I asked if it was okay to post it here on my blog, I did delete names for privacy)


She wrote:

If or when your grandchildren ever feel bored or sad because there

is something in our vast collection of "stuff" in this country that

they want and don't have, you can tell them how these children in

Afghanistan spend their days.

M wrote: "The kids around the base no kidding have nothing. They sit out in the fields and watch their cows/sheep to ensure the animals don't wander into the adjacent mine fields(no kidding). If a few stray away, the kids have to go get them even if they are in the minefields - unbelievable. Anyway, if you send something made of light wool/cloth, it will get filthy in a week. If you send something too nice, the family will take it away and attempt to sell it. There are 3 little girls(about 5-7) who work the fields across from my office. So, durable and cheap is the name of the game. Same goes for the soccer balls - too nice and the elders will take it away. I was going to buy one here in the BX but it's leather and they'd kill the kid for it. Another field adjacent to the field with the 3 girls is one boy who's about 9-10. He sits out there ALL DAY by himself watching these friggin' goats. Ages are tough to gage here as the kids are often malnourished and small for their age."

Sunday Sing-Along

In honor of Father's Day...Happy Father's Day to my HEAVENLY DADDY, my earthly Dad and to my dh! Love you all!

No surprise...I've been waiting...

Ron Paul finally dropped out of the presidential race. That's not a big surprise to me...I didn't expect him to last, and to be honest I was actually hoping he would drop out sooner. There were some gals on a Christian board ,I use to post on frequently, that were big on Ron Paul...I didn't understand their logic or reasoning...but then again I'm sure they feel the same about me. :P I think Ron Paul is a little goofy...yeah, like I have room to talk. :P (one could say even a quack-roflol)

I'm not happy with the choices of candidates, but at this point if I vote, I will NOT be voting for Obama...does that give you a hint who I probably be voting for? (and it WILL BE to try to KEEP OBAMA OUT!!!)

Kate and I have something in common!

Yes, I've actually found someone that has a same pet peeve as me... Kate Gosselin from TLC's Jon and Kate plus 8
thinks it's gross to walk on a hotel floor without shoes on...oh I can so relate...my kids think I'm nuts...but it really grosses me out.

We just recently started watching this show. The other day, while watching, the Gosselin's went to Disney World. On the way they stopped at a hotel and she wouldn't let the kids get off the bed without shoes! YEA, Kate!!!

My kids were laughing hysterically and looked at me and said, Oh my gosh, Mom, she's like you!!!"

A house divided will not stand...

hmmm, that sounds familiar...Maybe because it's in the Bible, Mark 3:25...
I just read an article where the Iranian leader is calling President Bush a wicked man...sad, because many Americans believe it too. Here we have countries that are causing division in our country, knowing what they are doing, and yet the people here in the good ole US don't even see it!

love the sinner, hate the sin...

I was over at some gal's blog the other day...my first visit there. She had a post of protesting McDonald's because they support homosexuals and will no longer go there.

Which got me thinking do we stop supporting businesses because they support a gay agenda? I don't think so...

Maybe at one time earlier in my Christian walk I would have, but now I won't. I will not support business or at least try not support business that treat me crumby like Walmart or Directv, but the more I think about not supporting a business because they support a gay agenda, the more I reminded of the WORD.

Jesus ate with sinners.

Are we saying we are supporting the gay agenda by purchasing items from their establishments? I don't think so.

I think instead it is an opportunity for us as 'Christians' to say we love you, we hate your sin.

I think instead of us not shopping there, we should pray.

Pray that a door will open for us as Christians to minister to them.
Pray that Christians will see it's an opportunity to witness and show the world we don't think we are "better than them".

Pray that the lost and dying will see the truth, and turn away from their sin.

I don't think this is any different from protesting abortion clinics...I hate when I see "Christians" outside, near an abortion clinic carrying signs around!!!

How are we loving them? All we are doing is pointing out their sin! They know it's wrong. They don't need our help in pointing it out to them.

As I'm typing this post I realize some people might say, well if that's the case, why don't you send your kids to public school?

Okay, well when I think about it, I think a couple things...

First of all they aren't public schools they are Government schools.

Second and most importantly, the WORD says we are to instruct our children. Third, I think this is an individual's choice.

Fourth, I think it is important to teach at home, so that we can show our children how to love the sinner and hate the sin.

I know not everyone is going to agree with me, I'm just sharing what I think the LORD has shown me over the past 16-17 years as I've grown as a Christian.

Sunday Sing-Along

The past week has been really windy, not to mention the fact that a gal that I know had an interesting blog post called Winds of Change. In lieu of that, I decided to use this as my Sunday Sing-Along...because no matter what happens in the upcoming election, etc...I chose to put my trust in the Prince of Peace!

ah-hem....gas prices and inflation...

Everyone keeps griping/whining about gas prices...
So let's talk about gas prices...Yes, gas prices are high...and yes, now they have finally peaked higher than in the late '70's early '80's, but inflation is still lower than it was back then! Double click charts to make them appear large (charts from http://inflationdata.com/inflation/default.asp ) The bottom graph doesn't go back as far as necessary...please use the following links:
Current inflation
Inflation from 1973-1984 (especially look at 1980 when Carter was still in office)
Inflation from 1985-1996

Look what I just bought...

I bought it online. It was such a good sale I couldn't pass it up...made dh real happy-NOT! He's not mad, just wondered why I wanted to buy it...

What to blog about...hmmm

I have no clue what to blog about today. Last night I stayed up to the wee hours though I planned on going to bed at 11pm...I had shut my computer off, crawled into bed, and then thought to myself that I needed to check online to see when my Target bill is due, since all my bills are being forwarded to SC...so I get back online and check the Target bill and then I thought I would go over to YouTube and look for a song Steven Curtis Chapman sang on his Great Adventure CD years ago-"Who's going to love Maria?". I've been singing it since the day I heard of the tragic accident that ended his youngest daughter's life, Maria, here on earth as we know it. Instead, I ended up finding Steven Curtis Chapman's video blog-which I found hysterical and down to earth. From there I ended up going over to Shaohannah's Hope which the Chapman's started some years ago. I ended up reading how Steven met Maria. Here's an exert from Shaohannah's Hope:

"As Steven Curtis Chapman's heart for China grew more and more through his family's two adoptions of Shaohannah and Stevey Joy, he continued to visit China to minister there through music. After leading worship at Beijing International Christian Fellowship on Easter Sunday in April of 2004, he left through the back door and ran into some missionaries who let him hold one of their Chinese babies. When Steven asked if she was theirs, they said no, but they were trying to find a home for her. He asked, "What is her name?" They said, "Maria". Immediately, a song Steven wrote years ago, called, "Who's Gonna Love Maria," started playing in his head. Steven couldn't believe the coincidence of her name, and was shaken to the core. When thinking about this, he broke down crying and called his wife, explaining the strong connection he made with this little girl named Maria. When Steven posed the thought to Mary Beth that they were to adopt her, she jokingly responded by saying, “Well, she better play an instrument because she is then going on the road with you."

I have no clue where to go from here...I'm lost for direction on how to finish this post...I stayed up last night and read about Maria's home going. I especially liked this beautiful story, Emily-Steven's oldest dd shared...which I found over at Jim Houser's blog (part of some of the many people involved in the Chapman's daily life)...

Emily telling the story of how when she told Maria that Tanner had asked her to marry him that Maria asked her "whacha say?" and Emily went on to challenge us with the picture God gives of how the groom Jesus has asked his bride, us, to marry Him with a relationship through the cross, "whacha say?"

I, then recalled reading at a Homeschool board that I use to visit frequently, someone posted...

Ok, it used to make me tear up, but now in light of the passing of Steven Curtis Chapmans daughter I just about could not hold myself together when it just played on the radio. It was striking to hear the words and think of Jesus, her prince coming for her....which we know is not what he had in mind when he wrote the song, but seems to fit regardless.....whew!

I guess I really did have something to blog about...I just don't know how to put this all together the way I want right now...so for now I'm leaving it the way it is, except please keep the Chapman Family in your prayers for the coming weeks and months ahead.

Blessings until next time!

The day the music died...

Well in this case, Meme II died. Yep, that's right...Meme II has gone of to GPS heaven...dh is taking her back today. Must be a batch of bad ones. I guess we'll try a different brand.

In other news...

• We made it to the mall yesterday, so Doodles has her birthday Bath and Body stuff.
  
• I made it to Curves for a second day.
• I never did pack up the dining room or contact my friend about painting yesterday...maybe today, along with some errands and paying some bills.
• If you think about it...will you pray the the grass seed that I've planted will grow. I think this is the third time I've put some down...this is getting frustrating...at least this time I tried to follow the directions properly :P

Blessing until next time!

Webkinz World and other stuff...

Last night I took the kids to a Round Rock Express game. They were giving away free Webkinz to the first 1000 kids, 12 and under. We were the first ones there. The gates opened at 5:30 and we got there at 5 pm. Both of my kids had a specific Webkinz they wanted, but knew to be happy with what they received no matter what. We just said a little prayer, believing that if we ask we shall receive what we ask for according to GOD's WORD. My Belle wanted a lab dog and my Joe Bug wanted a turtle. The Webkinz were in a huge plastic trash can. Both of the Webkinz my kids wanted were right at the top. When we went through the gates guess what each one was handed??? Belle got her lab dog and Joe Bug got his turtle! GOD is so good! He cares even about the small things. Thank YOU, GOD!!! Thank YOU for caring about the small things and being faithful in all things.

I know my kids would have been happy no matter what Webkinz they got, but it's such a blessing when they get the specific one they wanted! GOD is a specific GOD and HE wants us to pray specifically (just look in the Old Testament). Many times, we as Christians don't receive what we want because we don't pray specifically. I encourage you all to pray specifically and then come by and give a great praise report!

In other news...
Doodlebugs and I, finally, after 3 years, rejoined Curves yesterday! Yea!!! Hopefully by the end of summer I will have lost some weight and be in better shape than I am now. I already have done my first workout this morning!!! I'm so excited to be back!!!

My plans for today are to pack up the dining room and contact a friend about painting.
I might go out to Bath and Body Works today. They are having a fabulous sale that ends today...so if I plan on getting Doodlebugs her annual Bath and Body birthday gift...now would be a good time. ;)

Blessings until next time!

Meme

We got dh a GPS system for his birthday. It was on back order. It finally arrived the day after I got home. Dh called and said he picked it up. He was hesitant on having one...he really wanted to use the money for a depth finder for the boat. I convinced him he needed one...after all the cities we've lived in, it's hard to remember where you're at sometimes...and frankly I get tired of driving in circles after a while. So dh tries the system out and calls me to tell me how much he loves it. I was so glad! I asked him if he was going to name it Lola like in the movie "RV" or "Hank-Hank instead of Tom-Tom??? "No, because it's mine so I named it Meme like mine! mine!"


Dh had to work Saturday am. I called him and asked, "When you got in your truck did you say, Hi Meme. My wife's not here like in the movie RV?" "No, you have to program it in and I'm mad at Meme." "Oh why's that?" "Because she wouldn't find me a Duncan Donut this morning"
Of course by this time I'm laughing and I say, I like Meme! She knows you don't need donuts!"

Later that day, I get a call from dh..."Meme died."
" WHAT???? Oh NO, what happened?" (I'm thinking dh is talking about his great aunt for some reason...)
"She won't take a charge" That's when it dawned on me it was the GPS system-duh! "Maybe it's because she knows you're mad at her because of the donuts" LOL

He returned Meme and got another one...for some reason the first one was malfunctioning.

Sunday Sing-Along

Long before I ever heard Darlene Zschech's version of "Shout to the Lord", I had heard this version by Don Moen. (even though Darlene wrote the song) This is still my favorite version of the song...probably because it was the first I ever heard. I used to play the CD that it was on over and over while driving in my old van. (and this goes along with Stacey's theme of Don Moen :P)