Our Christmas Tree 2006

Weigh In

My very first week on Weight Watchers and I lost
2.2 lbs. Hooray for me!

It's really all about ME!

Well its off to work I go today. I have decided to work about 20 hrs a week, since I no longer have the kids on a daily basis. My daughter said I will work until it interfers with my social life. Who knows, maybe she has insight? :)
Well tomoorw is the big day.
Well I hope it not the *BIG* day. I mean I have my first weigh in after my first week at weight watchers
I have been really good this week and haven't fallen back into my old habits. The really good news so far this week has been my blood sugar numbers have been down 2 different days to a really acceptable number. WooHoo!
I'd be lying to say that that is the only reason I want to lose this weight, because it's not. I want to go down atleast one size if not two.
I have been praying that the Lord gives me the wisdom and strength to follow this program, because I know it is a healthy lifestyle.
So, when I check in tomorrow I hope to have really good news.
I think I am learning a valuable lesson in setting short term goals as opposed to being overwhelmed by the big picture. Hey if I only lose 1 (one) lb. a wee in 5 months I have reached my long term goal. Not bad, right? But truthfully, my short term goal is 10 lbs. I will be tickled PINK with that weight loss.
Enough of that stuff.
I hope everyone has a wonderfully, Blessed Day!
Hugs, Sharon
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever

Thanks

Shell, I got the daily blessing from your BLOG! Thanks I just hope mine works. I am still trying to figure how to move it over..
Thanks again

Samantha and Emilie

I feel Challenged

Since Becky requested we post our blog *address* I feel challenged to write something.
Let's see the month of August has flown by. The kids are back in school, up where their Mom lives so I don't have them before and after school BooHoo. I suffered from empty nest once again, this time because the grandchildren aren't with me daily.
Then my Mom came up to visit from Florida. It was so good to see her., but getting her from there to here was a real pain.
As most of my readers know she had the defibralator put in last month, well when you go to the airport and other stuff you can't go through the metal detector. Well they walked her through!!!! ( Haven't quite gotten this straighten out, since on body takes any responsibility) To much to go into detail about, but anyway she ended up in the emergency room in Atlanta, Georgia!! I'm at the airport in Baltimore trying to track her down, after speaking with 2 agents, finally the 3rd one told me she hated to inform me but my Mom was in the hospital!!! In Atlanta, no less.I did track her down in the hospital and spoke with her, we are not sure if what set the defib off, but after what should have been a 2 hour flight and turned into a 9 hour ordeal!!!! my Mom landed safely in Balt. Hip-Hip-Hooray!
Now it is September, I have joined Weight Watchers. I have a really good feeling about this. I started menopause almost two years ago and have put on 18 pounds. I know that may sound like an excuse for gaining weight but it is the truth. I will say when I started gaining the weight, I should have put a stop to it then, but...I didn't. So, I am now taking charge and know that this is a commitment I have to keep.
My blood sugar has been running higher than it should, and my Hc1 ( three month test) has gone up every three months for the past 9 months. When I saw my Mom and and her health problems due to diabetes(type 1) I decided to do something about my weight. Her diabetes is something she had no control over she developed it in her teens, mine is due to gaining weight and I can do something about it. I figured if I do what I can to control the condition of my health and am not negligent, then I may have a good chance of not developing serious stuff as I get older. Enough about me and icky stuff.
We went back to our church for a visit that we started going to 3 years ago. It was really nice to see everyone. They were warm and friendly. It is so hard to decide on a church. I am a people person and want to be involved, JB on the other hand is a people person who doesn't want to be involved. He doesn't like to make any commitment unless he can always give 100%. That is his personality in all areas of his life. I guess I am a little more scattered. That's why we compliment each other. Anyway it so happened my daughter, her soon to be husband and the grands were there it was great! Don't know where this will go so we will see. I know God will put us where he wants us, if we follow his leading.
I will close for now, God Bless You All!
If the picture I loaded show up that is Sami on the left and Emme on the right.

A Day in the Life of Me!

Lets see how today went. Well first of all I bailed out on going to my friends new trailer and camping spot for the day. Hubby and I had been gone all weekend and I knew yesterday morning I was not going on a mini(17 mile) road trip. I basically am a real homebody. I don't particularly like to drive no do I like to be away from my home too much. So, needless to say, I carry this people pleasing attitude around with me most of the day, I might add it wan't just me who was to go it was my daughters and their children my best friend and her two charges, so my feeling yesterday morning was uh-uh no way. So I didn't go.
Well, I talked to my BestFriend for about 1 hour on the phone this morning, which is always great for me, then I started laundry, I called the optical center three times to get it figured out! for my husband who lost his glasses on the roller coaster on Sunday. ( Don't feel too bad, he was going to replace them and use the old ones for a spare.) Then I called the 1 hr. place to see if he could have them done today since they are trifocals.It could be done. VICTORY! YES!!!
Then I had to call the insurance company to see if they would reimburse us, they will, YES!!!
In the meantime I had to look up a number for my daughter, she was at school trying to enroll the girls. Success there.
Oh, yes, I also did 6 loads of laundry, knitted some on Emilies scarf, cooked dinner and it was good a modified *New England Shrimp Boil*.
Now it's off to my other daughters house to see the new kitchen floor her sisters BoyFriend put down. and Walmart.

I'm the Reporter and Editor

WOW

I haven't blogged in forever. So much has gone on I don't know where to start. First of all my surgery came out fine for those of you that don't already know that.
Let's see now I have a stupid inner-ear virus which makes me very dizzy. At least the dizziness is not constant and I will get better.
Next is I haven't scrapped in 3 weeks, geez...Oh well I took a break and now I am knitting. So far I have knitted 2 adult scarves, on for Staci my middle daughter, and one for Sarah my youngest daughter. Not to trail off but my baby will be 26 this Saturday August 12th. Where has time gone.
Back to the scarf thing, I also knitted one for my youngest granddaughter Haley, she is 5...Sidetrack again...She starts Kindergarten in 2 weeks, again where has time gone???
I am teaching my 8 year old to knit. We started yesterday and she really has gotten the hang of it. I think in two weeks she will be able to knit a scarf for someone is she desires to.
Back to the scarf thing! I started one for Emilie today a really nice Orchid color. Emme is 7.
Back to the 8 year old, Samantha. I will start her scarf in a couple of days. So all of the girls will have a scarf for winter, except Heather my oldest daughter. I think I will make one for her even though she is in Florida.
Then I will expand my horizons, I may make a hat or two. I have never done a hat or anything else for that matter as far a knitting goes, but I might try.
I did download a pattern for a baby blanket fro *KNITTY GRITTY* which looks really cool and will challenge me a bit, but I may try it.
I won't have the kids anymore after school starts, kind of empty nest thing, but I will see them every other weekend. I will see Haley and Logan since they live around the corner anytime I want to, so that eases not seeing Sam and Emme. Oh well I have rambled on and on, there is probably much more to say, but I will save that for later.
God Bless You All!
Hugs, Sharon

HECTIC

This has been a really hectic month. My daughter Sarah and her husband came up from Florida and bought a home. It really is nice and it is very close to me. I am happy about that. That was the end of June when they settled.
the the third of July we went to a party and it was fun. JB and I did the cake for Pauls birthday. His birthday falls on the fourth of July, so naturally it was a Flag cake. Boy, JB can really decorate a cake.
This week my Mom was in the hospital having a difibralltor implanted. She is fine so far and this is day 3. My prayer is that she continue to do so.
Today I went to the Drs. With my daughter Staci, she needs to have a thing removed from her leg and something from her back, well I had been meaning to make an appt. With this very Dr. For a couple of little things sort of mole like from my leg and sun damage on my arm. Long story long :) she and I both are having surgery on the 19th of July. She is brave and will be awake with a local anesthetic not me they will put me under and I have four things coming off. Really the sun damage is my most concern.
Sarah has been living with no furniture since she moved up here. Her furniture will be in route as of tomorrow. They are a military family and all the hoopla that needs to be done. So she has stayed here and painted the house and gotten the stuff done such as phone, cable, and all the needs. Plus she has Haley who is 5 and Logan who was two on the 11th.I know she feels a little removed from the house right now without her stuff.
Isn't it interesting how our personal things give us so much comfort?
Hey speaking of the 11th, JB and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. He's a great guy, bought me roses, candy and we went to dinner. We had all you can eat Maryland crabs. Yummy!
Back to JB, I love him so much, he really makes me heart happy. I have known him for 30+ years and I am so glad we had developed this long friendship before we were ever involved.

Guess I will close for the night, I hope all your days are Blessed. And know that
God is a really BIG GOD, and he LOVES each and everyone of us, just the way we are.
Goodnight.

It's been over a month!

Its been over a month since I have blogged. WOW!
In a nutshell June flew by and July is well on its way. My grandchildren were away for two weeks, and during tose two weeks my younges daughter Sarah and her family moved up here. I now have two more grandchildren living in my area. Yippee!! Wish my oldest daughter and her son lived here.
Anyway, we have found the coolest church to attend. I am so excited. JB and I have been looking for about 3 years for a church in our area to call home, and I believe that we have found it. The church is Frederick Christian Fellowship Church, it is an enthusastic, people serving church.
I inquired today about having a small group meeting in our home, so we will see what it entails and go from there.
Green, my favorite color. I am trying to steer away from green since I have so much in my wardrobe and my house, my coworkers think I need green therapy.
Well enough geen talk!
Just had a video call with Samantha and Emilie. technology is so cool!
Gotta go!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED by RITA!

So I've been tagged and here are my answers -- I really had to think on some of these!

Seven things to do before I die:
1. visit important monuments in the United States (ie: Mt. Rushmore, etc)
2. Take a helicopter ride
3. Dance at my grandchildren weddings (they are all very young at present :)
4. Be comfortable in my own skin
5. Contribute(myself) to something in which I can make a difference
6. Run a mini-marathon
7. Take ballroom dancing lessons

Seven things I cannot do:
1. SING
2. Play a musical instrument
3. Hold my feelings in, they show on my face
4. Hold a grudge
5. Swim
6. Ski
7. Give up on a friend

Seven things that attract me to my husband:
1. His smile
2. The twinkle in his eyes
3. His voice
4. He is really funny, I love his humor
5. He is very knowledgeable about a lot of stuff it amazes me when he comes up with little trivia
6. His love for the grandkids
7. He loves Jesus
8) He always thanks me for fixing dinner!!!! I just had to add an eighth one.

Seven things I Say:
1) I love you
2) I'm so glad you're my husband!
3) Geezy, Peasy
4) CRAP
5) What did you do in school today?
6) To other drivers on the rode, bubba, grandpa, greatgrandma move!
7) Thank-You

Seven books that I love:
I am not much of a reader. When I do read I sit and read till the book is done.

Seven movies I've loved:
1. The Big Chill
2. Dance with the White Dog
3. The Notebook
4. All the James Bond Movies
5. Indian Summer
6. Steel Magnolias
7. What Women Want
.

It's About Time

http://www.wjla.com/specialty/games/clock.hrb

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS

To do anything you want, it can be travel, play, anything.
Your day starts at 8 A.M. any day of the week you choose, and ends at 8 A.M. the next morning.
What would you do?

DUH

Well, I finally figured out how to change my font and the color of my font!
Any way, I have been having fun with this blog thing, I enjoy reading everybodys blogs.
I hope everyone is BLESSED beyond measure in their daily lives!

Top 5 must-haves (ever changing of course!)

in my fridge
1. Milk
2. Cheese
3. Filtered Water
4. Chicken Base ( like a solid broth that needs to be refrigerated)
5. Salad-bagged

in my closet
1. JEANS
2. Tee shirts
3. Purses of every size and color This is me too girl!
4. Black Slacks
5. Crop pants

in my purse
1. Wallet
2. Nicotine lozenges I quit smoking for years, I am hooked on these
3. Cell Phone
4. Pens
5. Coupons

in my car
1. Gym bag
2. Blanket, bottled water
3. Sunglasses
4. Cell phone adapter and charger
5. Maps

on my TiVo (I don't have one, but in theory it sounds great!)
1. CSI Original
2. NCIS
3. Crossing Jordan
4. Barefoot Contessa
5. All the craft shows! Carol Duval, Knitty Gritty, etc

TAG YOU ARE IT!!!!

What one thing would you like us to know about you?

This is the challenge! What one thing would you like people to know about you, that makes you who you are?
The one thing I want you to know is, I am frugal and frivolous, I can't pass up a real bargain, I try never to pay full price for anything. I can be frivolous on some things that are unnecessary. I think I am this way because, I grew up in a very, very small coal mining town in West Virginia. We had no indoor plumbing until I was eight years old. We had a coal stove in the living room to heat the house. I went to a four/five room school , never had seen or heard of air conditioning, a beach or a big city. We went to town( about 20 miles away ) to buy groceries, and clothes.
When I was ten we moved to Maryland and lived about 10 miles from Washington D.C.
I think that my parents decision to move was the best thing they ever did for my sister and myself.

GO FIGURE !

I was driving to CURVES today, and on my way I was talking to God about how un disciplined I am at exercise, and this weight thing has gotten me down. Then I was thinking how today I told a neighbor who was laboring over a situation just how BIG GOD really is. I also had told my daughter the same thing on Monday. So, I said well, Sharon if you really believe what you say you need to act on it. So, I said to GOD, Since you are bigger than any minuet thing on this earth, my undisciplined, the other areas of my life, you can have them, and I won't fret about them any more.
Well, I walked into CURVES and the woman behind the desk said " We need people", I'm thinking a contest or something and I ask her what she meant. She said they were hiring and did I still have my application on file, I said I hadn't filled out an application, so she gave me one. I hesitated because I didn't have my glasses with me. (Dang, those 54 year old eyes!) Anyway, I went ahead and filled it out and was into my workout. Half way through the manager/owner *happened* to come in, short story long, she interviewed me and hired me on the spot!
Go Figure!!!!!Most of you know that I was flat-out burnt-out on doing hair. I still wanted a little cash in my pocket but the thought of being a hairstylist one more day was like ewww, ick, and I can't do this any more.
So, point being GOD is BIGGER......... Not only did I get a JOB that is part time ( a little cash) it's at CURVES (where I will feel accountable for my workouts, and my weight loss) Again, Go Figure!

"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee." Psalm 50:15

HE is a BIG GOD

Recipe from Michael Chiarello- Food Channel

I haven't blogged for a bit, so I thought I put a great recipe here for all to try. It is really good!
When I made it I used canned tomatoes with garlic, and basil, make sure you drain them.
I also modified it by cutting the recipe in half, very doable.
We had a great weekend doing NADA. We did go to an art musuem it was small but very nice fine art on display.
God Bless Everyone,
--------------------------------------------------------------

Tuscan Shrimp with White Beans
Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello


Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
User Rating:


3 cups canned Cannelloni white beans
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
16 large shrimp, peeled (tail left on) and deveined
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 small serrano chile, thinly sliced or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 cup peeled, seeded and diced fresh tomato, canned or fresh
1 cup whole basil leaves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Best-quality extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Drain the beans over a bowl and reserve the liquid. Put the white beans in a large skillet with just enough of their liquid to moisten them. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and bring the beans to a low simmer. Keep them warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and cook for about 1 minute, tossing frequently. Remove the shrimp with tongs to a bowl. Add the garlic to the pan and saute until the garlic browns. Add the serrano chile or chili flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato and basil and stir briefly, then add the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, and then stir in the shrimp. Toss well and cook briefly to reheat the shrimp. Remove the shrimp mixture to a plate and sprinkle with parsley.
Spoon the white beans on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle them with the best olive oil you have, and then top with the shrimp. Serve warm.

50 PLUS

PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 PM and ask, " Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac; you probably really are sick.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now may not wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 P.M..
9. You can live without sex longer than without your glasses.
10. You enjoy hearing about other people's operations because you can share yours.
11. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
14. You sing along with elevator music and haven't a clue what is popular music today.
15. Your eyes won't get much worse.
16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
18. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
20. You can't remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience

PRAISE BLOG for Everyone

I know I opened this blog for prayer request, I think it is also important to report the praises we have also. It may be an answer to a prayer, a small or large success in our lives, anything uplifting!
"All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
Matthew 21:22

PRAYER BLOG FOR EVERYONE TO POST

At my favorite web site I noticed how many of us are really in need of prayer, so I felt led to open this up to those of us who would like to post a need for prayer. We can be specific on our needs or non-specific. Feel free to post.
"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." -Psalm 27:14

TAG I'M IT!

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Grocery store Clerk
2. J.C. Penney hair stylist
3. Customer service rep
4. Waitress for 4 Hours ( the longest 4 hrs. of my life! Hated It)

Four movies you would watch over and over: (to hard to pick only 4)
1. The Big Chill
2. The Notebook( a four hankie movie)
3. Dance with the White Dog (Hallmark movie)
4. It's a Wonderful Life

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. NCIS
2. Two and a Half Men
3. Crafters Coast to Coast
4. CSI (original)

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Las Vegas
2. Vermont
3. Snow Shoe, WV
4. St. Augustine, FL

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Cropper's Cottage
2. Various blogs
3. MSN
4. Verizon games)


Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza
2. Ice Cream
3. cheese
4. Did I say Ice Cream????

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Florida with my daughter
2. hanging with friends
3. on vacation anyplace with my husband
4. Art Museum

Four friends who I have tagged that I think will respond:
I am responding to an open tag from Mary Jo so I haven't tagged anyone yet
UPDATE:Four Place I have lived:
1. West Virginia ( until I was ten )
2. Ohio ( a few months as a baby went back to WV )
3. Florida ( from the time I was 30 until I was 48)
4. Maryland ( all the other times not accounted for on the above states )

Top of the Morning to You ( Its really evening)

I thought I'd try my Irish accent on you! I have accomplished very little today, but what I did get done was rewarding. First thing this morning I put the corned beef in the crockpot, later added vegies, the about 2 hrs later the cabbage. So dinner was on it way, and BTW it was delicious.
One thing I appreciate about my husband, is he always thanks me for cooking dinner. It is a sweet thing. I read a story in some magazine, a young woman was telling how when she was growing up and would stay at the particular girls house for a sleep over, that at dinner her friends Dad would always thank his wife for cooking a nice dinner. I wish my husband an I had been together when I had small children so the could have experienced that. My grown children see it as do my grands. I just think its a really nice thing.
I gave my MIL a perm this morning, ran to the dollar store, love that place! I bought Birthday plates for the big day tomorrow, and foam door hanger crafts for Samantha and Emilie. Then I went to AC MOORE and bought some acrylic paint to work on the painting I started, I'll post a picture of the beginnings of the painting.
Other than those few things that was my day. Above all, God is good!
"The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure." - Deuteronomy 28:12

IT IS THURSDAY

CAPTURED THOUGHTS and BIG BLESSINGS
WOW! This week has passed fast, and slow...Hard to believe it is Thursday. I have been bummed for a couple of days so I didn't blog. I am really at peace as I type this. I hope the situation I have been concerned with is resolved. It seems to be and has made me HEART-HAPPY for the people I love so much.
JB bought me a MP3 player which is really cool. It will be even better when I figure the whole thing out.
Today was an ordinary day. We are planning a surprise party for my mother-in-law on Saturday. She will be 84, and I know she will be tickled. Just family but that will be nice. We are having a cookout and I ordered her cake today. We we in Ohio and went over to West Virgina,to the Homer Laughlin factory and bought her a one place setting of Betty Boop dinner set. Its cute, and since her name is Betty...well you understand.
Not much else to talk about. Other than I am glad I looked to God for my source of strength. This can be very hard when your are in the midst of a crisis but I did and I do, and thankfully God is faithful.
I hope all are blessed in the good times and the challenges of life.

Life and Philosophy

Philosophical I'm not, even though the title suggests it. Today is a tough day for me, my heart hurts for someone I love, and I feel vulnerable. For me when I see people I love hurt it makes me feel afraid for them, afraid for me.
In these times no one is exempt from the pain of loss. Loss of a loved one, a job, home, family. I think these things could also happen to me. Not in the selfish way that it takes away from the other person but from the point of view that nobody is exempt. I do take heart in knowing that God says, (to really paraphrase), Where ever are I am there also. In other words, I believe where ever I am,or where ever you are, God is there, he is holding our hand when we are in physical or emotional pain, he is there when we see no hope in our future, he is there in the triumphs of small and big victories. To sum it up HE IS THERE! Since I put my hope in Christ Jesus who strengthens me, then who is against me?
Be Blessed in all of life's Journeys! Even when the travels are in the good, the bad and the ugly.

My Newest Painting

Haley, Sarah w/Baby Logan in tow

Just a cute picture of my daughter, Sarah and Haley. She was pregnant with Logan, and just love the picture. Thought I'd share!

BURNOUT or is this SPRING FEVER?

Boy, do I have BURN-OUT bad. I have done hair long enough to know what burn out feels like and this is it. Atleast I think it is. NO, NO, I know it is. The thought of doing someones hair just, makes me want to run the other way.
I could quit work, if I do there will be some concessions I will have to make concerning finaces. Am I willing to do that. As I sit here typing I am.
On the other hand I was at my neighbors a few minutes ago and she was filling out an application for a job, and it was exciting for me. ( hmmm..because she was applying and not me...pardon the humor). Actually it was exciting, I have known her 36 years, we are related, and I felt freedom and happiness just helping her. Is that a sign?
What I do know is I need some guilt free time off, with no expectations (guilt) from myself. Its not like I make a bundle, shoot, I work so part time I hardly pay for the gas in the car. It's like I feel I need to do my part.
This too shall work out in whatever direction it takes, I will be grateful for all things, including BURNOUT!

RETREAT- Can I be a Dangerous Woman?

What a pleasant sounding word. Retreat, pull back, regroup. I have never been on a retreat. I think this will be fun. This is a retreat with a local church, just the ladies. It should be fun and refreshing. Just to get away from the same ole grind can refresh the spirit, soul and the mind.
I am most looking forward to the companionship of other woman. I am looking forward to sitting by the fireplace and knitting, or scrapbook. I am looking forward to fresh air ( just a metaphor, for getting away from the house).
Then I wonder is anyone going to miss me here, I'll only be gone overnight. Do I make a daily impact, that someone will even notice I'm gone. hmm... I didn't wonder that until I sat down to write. hmmm...
The theme of the retreat is * Dangerous Women* and their impact on the people around them. My prayer is I become a dangerous woman in a positive way, so I can encourage other woman around me.
Be Blessed

CHARACTER BUILDING

You know, I'm a hairdresser, which makes me a people pleaser even on days I don't feel like it.
I hi-lighted a womans hair today, it looked great and she liked it. Problem was from the beginning she would say Ashley did this and Ashley did this, I was OK with that, then she told me what shampoo to us and styling product to use, and how Ashley blew her hair dry a certain way. I explained that I dry the root are first then the ends dry much quicker. Then she got real grouchy and said her hair was going to be greasy because I wasn't using the hair care system the way it was intended (Hey, I'm the HAIRDRESSER!) so, I told her I would find Ashleys hrs. And maybe she could schedule with her the next time. No tension here. Well my blood sugar was dropping big time, and she said one more thing, and I said! I'll get someone else to finish your hair! Called up to my manager and told her to come and take care of this woman, and I broke down in tears!!! Cried like a BABY!
The woman told my manger she didn't know why I was upset she only said she didn't want me to put any more product in her hair..BOLOGNA! I said Barb, I wouldn't cry if someone only said that. This woman had me stressed!
You know working with a bunch of woman ( and men) can be stressful, but, on the other hand its good because they are also you biggest cheerleaders. I knew I was right and they told me so. :) They were on my side.
On the bright side, I am better, and I know that these things we go through only serve to build our character. I have two updos tomorrow and I'm going in Sunday and help with inventory... I shall have great character by Monday!
Be Blessed everyone, and just remember we can be a character or build our character, I'd rather be the better person. Wouldn't you?

The 1st page

I did an ABC book for JB for Christmas and on every page I used the letter of the alphabet to describe mostly his characater and a scripture to reflect it.

Made this for JB for Christmas

Angel Tomato

Someone emailed me this picture thought I'd share with everyone.

Memory of Last Summer

RED TAPE and more RED TAPE

It seems as though when you pay for a service, ie: insurance, hospital bills , no matter there certainly is a lot of bull, or in polite terms, red tape. Yesterday it was the prescription stuff for the hubby and I. Today its the Medicare prescription plan for my MIL. She has been with us for most of last year now the plan we picked for her wants to verify her address. Since she has been in Virginia prior to this bout of illness, that was the address SSA had and medicare. So, I had to change her address with SSA ( that was no hassle at all ) then I had to call the prescription plan ( pain in the butt ) write them a letter from her, and from us. I mean for crying out loud she's 84 this month, why would she mislead anybody as to her address.
Speaking of MIL, I really have one of the nicest best MIL's ever.
Hubby and I are the sandwich generation, we have the grands and the parent(s). My mom was with us last year 3 months. The yr/ before maybe 2 months and his mom is with us atleast 9 months out of the year.
Thank God truly we have the abilities to take care of all of them and meet their needs.
It's not finacial things just due to illnesses and my daughter needing us to keep the girls I am glad we are able.
I wouldn't have it any other way because atleast in our house we know the care all of them get. They are not at the mercy of strangers.
Its scary to have your kids or parents in a situation that can't really be monitored.
Unless I were totally physically unable to care for them, that will never happen.
JB and I are both Blessed beyond measure, I pray that each of your lives are Blessed beyond measure also.

A Day at the Scales and other frustrating things

Captured Thoughts
Here's my day, I had to deal with a changing prescription plan...ARG.... Got that taken care off, and I am grateful we atleast have insurance. So I'm whining not complaining!
Next this is the good news, I went to CURVES and weighed in, I have lost 3.5 lbs. so it's not much but it is a start, ( again whining ) but the biggest news there is I have lost 10 inches..Yeah, ME!!!!!
OK down to business, no really, I need to get ready for work so I can walk out the door at 2:30 ish.
So, everyone BE BLESSED!

TIME FLIES

I can't believe how fast time goes by. Gee it seems like only yesterday I was 20, yep, 20, lying in a hospital bed in PG Hospital, giving birth to my first child. A girl, a beautiful girl. Anyway she has given me great pleasure and joy and I love her. I can't believe she is 34 today. Happy Birthday Heather!

This is really cool. My husband made a bench out of my really *old* twin bed when I was a teen, hence *old*.
He is the true artist in our family, in fact he taught me to paint. Anyway, he painted it and it sits in our backyard, it's our flower *bed*. It fills with sage every summer.

Paintings I have Done

These are three paintings I entered into our local fair. I won Blue ribbons which was cool, I didn't start painting until I was almost 50 yrs. old!
My very first painting I also won a blue ribbon, I sent it to my parents as a Christmas gift. My Dad being who he is, called and said that if I painted that painting, I should put away my hair citting shears, and take up painting. Now thta was a compliment. The really interesting thing is, that since then (4 yrs. ago)
my Mom and Dad and Sister have all taken to painting. All because my husband took the time to teach me. I guess that is a true case of Pay It Forward!
Isn't God good?

BLESSED

We have been Blessed with the opportunity to be grandparents.
I must say of all the things I have ever done, or had, being a *GRANNY* is the absolute best. These children think we are the best thing in their lives. They love us through all our faults, because they don't know we have them.
The best advice I ever got on being a grandparent was, the kids already have parents, they don't need parents so have fun.
I will say I am the the adult in this relationship, meaning JB is just like one of the kids. If they want to play they will ask me if he is allowed to go out and play with them. Its cute to see the mind of a child.
I love my grandchildren with a love that can't be explained, and only when you have grands does this love come to life.
Emilie said to me that she knew why I am her Granny, she said God hand picked her just for me. She has that right, they were all hand picked for me, and I for them.
I pray God guides me through this journey in my life.

LOGAN

Emilie, Samantha and Haley

A day in the park

Zack and Haley

The life of a grandparents is absolutely the best.

JB and Sharon

The Grandparents.

Trying to figure this out

I am having a hard time with this blogging thing, but, as with the computer I will figure this out. It took me yrs. to find my way through the computer, and I still am, so it will be the same with the blog.
Let's see, the kidney stone is gone, so thats a good thing. I have a cosmetics party to go to today.
I am going to scrap a page or two of the grands today, and I have a painting I may start.
The painting will be a new adventure, since I have only worked in oils. I am going to try acrylics and see if I like them.
Thats about it for now.

I am new

This is my first real blog. Blog, what a funny name. Hmmmm.
Well lets see, this has been an exciting day, I have thought I had the bug that has been going around, turns out its a kidney stone. Well such is life. I will deal with this and move on.
A good thing that happened today, is I signed up for my first ever retreat with a local church. Its a womens retreat, I am looking forward to it.
I also am feeling like I need to start painting, it feels good to have a creative thought. I have been knitting and that is fun, but I don't feel as creative as I do when I scrapbook or paint or craft other things.