An Amazing 50 Years!

Mamaw and Papaw...hanging out at the game.

My In-laws will be married for FIFTY YEARS this Saturday, June 5th! AMAZING!

First of all, let me tell you, I adore these two. They are so cute! They have to be the sweetest couple ever! I hope that me and my husband can be like these two for the next forty-six (and then some) years! They set such a wonderful example. They do so much for others and ask for NOTHING in return. They are truly made for one another and are examples to be followed.

The year. 1960.

Gunsmoke, My Three Sons, The Ed Sullivan Show  and The Red Skelton Show were among the favorite TV shows. Eisenhower is President. Kennedy wins the election for new Presidency. Price of a new home: 16,500. Cost of a first class stamp: .04 cents. Gallon of Gasoline: .031 cents. The Twist by Chubby Checker was on the Billboards along with Sinatra songs….just to name a few things going on…and my in-laws…Jimmy and Carolyn Davis were in LOVE and getting married.

Ah….June…the month of  Love! The month for marriages. This past weekend I dug for all the facts of their blossoming love and how they fell for one another. And boy, did I learn alot of how my father-in-law adores his lovely wife. He does ADORE her! I love that about them…they are still so in love after 50 years of marriage.

They have raised three wonderful children. And helped with raising their 7 grandchildren. They both worked hard at their careers and are now retired, but don’t let the term retirement fool you. They are still hard at work, spending time with their grown children, grandchildren, gardening, taking care of his mother by taking her places and mowing her yard weekly, volunteering at church, St. Joe hospital, and anyone else that may need a helping hand, they serve as deacons at their church, and teach Sunday School. The list goes on and on of the many things that keep them busy.

I hope that this June they take time off to enjoy one another and remember why they fell in love to begin with! Here’s to another 50.

I’m still here!

It’s not that I don’t enjoy telling stories of my life. It just seems as though I never have time to write. I really need to get better at this! I started this blog so that I could have a record of all the fun things and the funny things that my kids do or say. I hate it when I forget something they did, or something they said. I’d like to say that I am  even so organized that I have a little book of all their babblings and a scrapbook of every memory they’ve ever made. That’ll be something I hope to tackle soon. I have tons of pictures…they just don’t have a scrapbook home!

I’ve just been so busy with taking care of my sick mother for the past year and a half, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and she is on the mend (for now and hopefully for quite some time)! Praises be to God! That’s another story for another post!

For now. I just wanted to say….I’m still here! =-)

Liam’s Lighthouse…

One of my New Year’s Resolutions….usually every year…is to LOVE LIKE CHRIST….

What does that mean….well…it could mean many things….but today it means being aware of the people around you and doing more for others, even those you have never met….especially those you have never met.

As I got my 9 year old off to school today…sitting at the computer, it’s my only ‘off’ day….mind you, I have tons of stuff to do, but I’m taking some ‘me time’ this morning….so, sitting at the computer, watching the TODAY show…Al Roker speaks to 3 women with BLUE scarves on and a poster of the most adorable 20 month old baby in a hospital crib. His name is LIAM.

His name means ‘Powerful Warrior’. He had a rare blood disease and became an angel on 9.9.09

How do I know, did I meet his mother? NO. I went to her website from the TODAY show… it is www.liamslighthousefoundation.com . Very Interesting. Please check it out. I learned something new today….AND I’m loving LIKE CHRIST…although I don’t know this lady…. I’m going to embrace her. I’m a mother too….and I would hope if anything were to happen to one of my Angel’s that some other mothers would rally with me!

Do something for others today….you can also financially support this ‘Liam’s lighthouse foundation’….monetarily…so that others can be educated (including doctor’s) about this rare condition. (HLH).

Loving Like Christ

~Shane

WHAT I DO…

I don’t really know why…but I just felt led to tell you a little more about myself and what ‘I do’.

First, I just wanted to let you know that I’m a jesus-lover. I would love to be able to SERVE even more than I already do, but honestly, I just don’t have time…I’m really struggling to find more time as it is to allow myself to grow closer to SERVING my lord and savior. I by NO means am perfect, nor do I claim to be…I’m also looking  and struggling to be a little more patient…a patient mother, wife, daughter,teacher  and friend. This list could go on forever.

I’m also a full time Mommy and Wife. When I’m not taking care of them (which is actually never), I help to take care of my sick mother, volunteer at church and at my daughters school, and I also do Pampered Chef. I’m a consultant for The Pampered Chef!

I help teach in the children’s department at church, which is on most days a challenge as well, I guess the children just don’t want to listen, or they’re just tired of being cooped up all day at school. I haven’t quite figured that one out just yet.

I’ve been a consultant for the Pampered Chef for a little over a year and a half now, and absolutely LOVE it! I’m really starting to get comfortable with it!  It’s a ton of fun, I get to meet new people and stay home with my children! How cool is that? Plus I get tons of FREE product from the Pampered Chef and I’m working on earning a trip…all expense paid to Maui this year! Wahoo!

I love my family, my ability to stay home with my family and care for my mother. I’m thankful that my husband takes care of us so that I can do all of these “missions”…I truly feel blessed and have GOD…to thank.

BRING IT

BRING IT!!!!

Bring a new year and a new attitude! That’s what I want! I need to SHED a few lbs this year as well….that’s where the whole BRING IT phrase came from…me and my friend Bebo started working out last year and that was our motto….and I kinda like the catchy little phrase…

I slacked off of the whole working out thing, I’m hoping to get back into that this week.

My attitude needs to be adjusted as well, I’m working on that as well… I just think you get more with Sugar than with Lemons…and well…I’ve felt a little lemony (is that even a word? if not, I’m gonna own it, ok?).

I also need to bring it more with GOD…yes him…I hope you can all relate and I’m not the only loner out here…I just don’t talk to him like I used to….and guess what… even with GOD…even though he still loves me for who I am… my flaws included…I need to talk to him more. I know HE knows what’s going on…but he still wants to know…kinda like I wanna know what my kids have been up to.

Anyway…I’ve been an awful daughter to HIM in 2009. Not communicating with HIM as I should…so I’m gonna BRING IT!

I challenge you to BRING IT too…in whatever that may be…talking to GOD, friends & family, going to church, being the church, working out….giving more sugar than lemons…you get my drift….let 2010 be the decade that we all BRING IT!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I’m so glad to be beginning a NEW YEAR and a new DECADE all in one! I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to get out of one year and into a new one…

This past year has been an unusually difficult year. Not complaining by any means…I’m happy to still be here and am fortunate to have my health, my family, my church (and after this year….my sanity).

My mother has been sick since Spring of 2007. Last year she went through so much…I don’t really even know how she’s even still here…by the GRACE of GOD, is the only explanation I have.  She’s had CANCER since Spring of 2007….although we didn’t find out until Nov. 2007. I’m really hoping she beats all odds this year and we can get her stronger.

I also lost a Stepmother to CANCER this fall. Did I even mention that I hate CANCER and all I wanted for Christmas was a cure? She was a lovely soul. Never would hurt a fly…alway there to lend a helping hand…I’ll post one solely to her in a future blog.

That’s one new resolution…in my SPARE time…I’m going to try to blog more. At least once a week would be good.

Anyway…so glad to be out with the old…in with the new.

Happy NEW YEAR…. hope this year is better for the economy this year as well. It has to get better! It just has to!

Summer is here!!!!

Baby….ready for summer!

Ready for Summer!

Summer is here… and we’ve been waiting!!!!!! Waiting and wanting! Ok.. so it’s NOT  *officially* summer… But it IS summer VACATION!  Yep… no more school… school’s out…. school’s out….teacher’s let the monkeys out!

We’ve been patiently waiting for warm weather… and it’s FINALLY arrived! Yay for summer! I LOVE SUMMER! And with that being said… comes all the fun and not so fun stuff about summer!

FUN: Swimming, catching fire flies (glow bugs… as Prissy calls them), planting a garden, the beach, popcicles, ice cream from Brusters, long drives down country roads with the windows down at dusk, BASEBALL, Beaches, Sand, Visiting Family, summer camp, VBS, lazy days, afternoon naps, chlorine, sun, smells of sunscreen, cook-outs, sleep-overs, painted toenails, shorts, sunshine, just to name a FEW! GOTTA LOVE SUMMER!

NOT SO FUN: Allergies and Athsma….

Baby has Athsma (reactive airway disease)… that I hope won’t flare up this summer!!! and THE BOY has SEVERE ALLERGIES to GRASS AND TREES… (we found out today)… gosh… and I was LOVING that he’s old enough to MOW now! Thank GOD for drugs! What did people do 100 years ago????

Happy Summer!

~S

Time Flies… when you’re LIVING LIFE.

Wow! Where does time go! I’ve been a mom for almost 15 years now…. just seems like yesterday HE was learning to walk and talk… just like yesterday he was graduating KINDERGARTEN…. 5th grade….. 8th grade… OH NO! YES! I’m a Momma to a 14 (almost 15) year old YOUNG MAN… going into 9th grade! Whew! Where does it all go?????

My baby boy graduated from middle school last week and my baby girl (that we still refer to AS *THE BABY* is going into 3rd grade! 8 going on 18 for her. Yes folks… I’m either getting old or they are keeping me young!

Anyway…just thought I’d share with you… it’s a bittersweet moment in life…. you are sooo happy and proud that they get *PROMOTED* (NOT GRADUATE as I had put before), and yet SAD that they are no longer able to be rocked to sleep or to even sit in your lap! The BOY is TALLER than me by 4 inches… and weighs almost as well! CAN YOU BELIEVE???

Blessings!

~S

THE BOYPromoting!

OOOPS….I did it again!

What exactly did I do????

I ooopssed!

I was cutting my brave hubby’s hair, when ooppsss…. off was the gaurd and gone was the hair! I’ve done this once before…but not with my brave hubby… with my silly son. I oopsed and scared his poor little head for life! I couldn’t help laughing this morning when it first popped off… but then, my laughter turned to tears…when I thought my Hubby would have to stay like this…

He’s all fixed now and he’s not mad! That’s the best part about it…he’s not mad! So, I truly hope I’ve learned from this experience and won’t pick up the clippers again …..unless my cat needs a hair cut!

Amazing Grace….

…..how sweet the sound…

I just love gracefullness… and wish I had more of it… and will take whatever I can get.

What I really love about amazing grace…..is that My God has it…and abundunce of it… how perfect is that…and what else is so sweet…is the sound it makes…

My son got an organ for Christmas….and he plays it daily… he’s TEACHING HIMSELF to play… the piano/ organ. I’m going to get him lessons….because he’s really, really good at it and I think with lessons, he’ll be even better…. today he was playing AMAZING GRACE…he’s 14 and taught himself to learn this… what’s just as sweet is that his sister is 8 and sings right along with him.

I told my hubby that we should be so proud…many children don’t even know this wonderful song! Praise HIM!

Boyz and Slingshots

My boy…. who is growing up so very fast I might add…. is 14. He has a slingshot. Well, he HAD a slingshot.

Well I might as well tell you… I’ve tried to protect him in every aspect. He is a very sheltered child. A good boy to say the least. He has MANY boy toys… guns, guns and more guns… they are ALL being saved until he’s “old enough” to use them… they are at my Daddy’s house in a very hidden place. Everytime he’s gotten one for birthdays, christmas, whatever the occasion that my brother sees fit…. I send them to Daddy’s house. Well….evidently I missed the slingshot!

So, our house is a neighborhood hang out for most of the boys in our neighborhood. Especially younger boys. They are drawn to us. My boy is the coolest in their eyes. The boy with the cool toys… and the slingshot. Well, some of his “best buds” are ages 6 and 8. They are my adopted children. They are here daily. Well, they may not be allowed to play here for sometime now. My cool teenage boy decides that he’s going to GIVE the Skipper Boys (ages 6 and 8) his slingshot. No harm done in the eyes of a 14 year old. I’m at the grocery store at the time of this giving away and my husband isn’t home from work yet. The girl is at the Skipper Boys house with their mom. The Slingshot changes hands and they are out the door to play!

One hour later, my friend is calling me, pleading with me…. WHY??? WHY??? The older Skipper boy is hurt. One of the neighborhood boys placed a potato in the slingshot and WAPAP…. right in the leg. Not once did this neighbor boy think it would be cool… but twice….this is why we shelter our children, especially the boys! This is why if I have it my way… he’ll NEVER get his guns. I’m glad the slingshot is gone, sorry our friend is hurt. Please don’t buy any BB guns for Christmas… they’ll put your eye out! ( THE CHRISTMAS STORY)!

The Big C

The Big C…. C-A-N-C-E-R… I hate that word. It should be a four letter word. I’m sure everyone reading this hates that word, yet it is such a word that is in all of our vocabularies…one that we are so familiar with and still hate. One that has touched all of our lives from someone we love, know or someone who knows someone thats had this HORRIBLE curse.

I know all about it. Yet it is so perplexing that I know so little about it. My hats go off to those who study it and are looking for a cure for this horrible growth. It amazes me, because to even say the word is very scary.

I’m writing about the big “C” , as I’ve lost many loved ones to this horrible disease, know many survivors and have two very close to my heart right now that are going through the daily battles of this painful, emotional, heart wrenching disease.

I ask that you pray for my loved ones. That GOD gives them the strength to battle this, as these women are fighters in every breath of HIS  word. May this, my favorite verse in the bible be with them during this. Phil. 4:13 “I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength”.

The Gift

Hey all… I’ve had a busy week and weekend….working! Whew! Sure does wear a spoiled girl like me out! And now I have to get to my filthy house! Just wanted to challenge each of you to give the gift this season… the gift of cheer… the gift of a hug to someone that really needs it (and sometimes you don’t even know they need it)!…. the gift of love…. the gift of JESUS.

Just do it. I know you all have it in your heart. I was at work this weekend and honestly… lately I haven’t felt very cheerful. Not cheerful at all. I know that’s very hard for anyone to believe… but that’s another blog for a later date. Anyway… I haven’t felt like I’ve had it in my heart… but I do.. it’s still there…. and it’s name is JESUS and he’s so the reason for the season….

I shared this weekend and I didn’t really feel like it. But I met so many people. Some from Manhattan (and we talked New York since I’m going there next week with the fam)… some from Lee County, Mt. Sterling and Hadley, KY. (Didn’t even know we had one of those). Anyway, I hugged the lady from Hadley and she really needed my hug, and honestly, I needed hers too… complete and total strangers, bound by a simple gesture, nothing less, nothing more… we hugged and hugged and hugged…. and now I feel better today. So, in the midst of this busy season, don’t forget about our Savior and King. SMILE… even if you don’t feel like it. (I’ll have to remind myself of that one often). Send Love… Send JESUS.

~S

Love this poem…thought I’d share

The Night before the First Christmas

 

T’was the night before Christmas,

and all through the stable,

the animals were keeping as warm

as they were able.

Then the door opened and,

in the star-glow,

were a man and a woman,

with a donkey in tow.

The woman lay down on the staw the man piled,

and the animals saw she was heavy with child.

They drifted to sleep but woke when they heard a cry,

and they saw a miracle had occurred:

On the hay lay a baby,

brand-new to the world,

His hair still damp,

little fingers all curled.

He was wrapped up in rags

in HIS straw manger bed,

and a luminous halo

encircled HIS head.

The love that they sensed-

if they could share just a part,

they knew it could change the whole world,

heart by heart.

They heard angels above announcing HIS birth,

singing, “Glory to GOD and peace on the earth!”

Shepherds left in the fields to come adore HIM,

offering gifts and bowing before HIM.

And the animals, too,

knelt down in the hay,

knowing Love was newborn among them that day.

 

Author… I’m sure there’s one… don’t know who! Enjoy this season!

Start spreading the news….

New York City…. here I come! Ok. So I’m really excited. Almost as excited as I get when I get to go see my family in Youngstown, OH. Which is reeeeeee-ly reeeeeeee-ly excited! tee hee.

I haven’t been to NYC since the 80′s. I was in 7th grade. Me and my Crawford Jr. homies were having a blast. Big hair, Michael Jackson and bright geometric sweaters were in (along with those leg warmers… that I saw yesterday at Sears!). Yes folks. They’re back!

So, it’ll be a little different this time. But still fun! This time with the family (most of them anyway)… My dad, step-mom, little sister, brother-in-law, hubby and kids… I’m hoping the kids are staying in the room with the grandparents! ha!

We are planning on going lots of places, so this isn’t a restful trip, but a busy one that I’ll need much sleep to catch up on! We are going to Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty, to see the Rockettes, the Lion King, Ground Zero, MACY’S DAY PARADE… TODAY SHOW on Tuesday…look for your superstar friends on TV. And many others if we have time. Central Park, Empire State Building. Let me know if you have any other ideas for me!

I’m lovin’ New York City! I’m sure I’ll have tons of funny stories when I return to blog about. See you in a week!

I paid what?

Ok. here’s another one for the New York trip. My son is 14. A doll, that boy. He NEVER asks for anything. He’s very unlike my prissy princess that has to have everything at the ripe ol’ age of 8.

So, yesterday i pick him up early for a doctor’s appointment. Just a check up and flu shot. After that he says mom, I need a new hat, scarf and gloves. OK… we’ll go to CHILDREN’S PLACE. I love that store. Cute stuff. That’s where his last matching set came from (the one’s he’s out grown).

NO…NOT THAT PLACE….IT’S FOR LITTLE KIDS.

I know… you are a little kid. (right… in my eyes, he is).

NO MOM. I’M MUCH OLDER NOW. A TEENAGER.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Ok… the GAP.

So, we go to the GAP. Nothing strikes his fancy. And to be honest. I saw tons of cute stuff for prissy, but not for Teenage Boy. So, off to Abercrombie. Have you been to this place? $30. for a hat $38. for a scarf. Come on people… you can make them for $2. or less!

Nothing strikes our fancy… we think they are girl hats and scarfs (all the frilly stuff at the bottom of the scarf).

Hollister is our last stop or Wal-mart it is dude.

$72. later for a hat and scarf. It better not get lost, stolen, dirty, you name it BUDDY!

But he’s worth it. Like I said, he NEVER asks for ANYTHING. He’s a good boy, and it’ll keep him warm in NYC and at the bus stop in the morning. But $72 bucks. I hope his taste changes.

Was I really that vain as a teenager. Oh, yeah. I think I was worse. Happy Holiday Shopping people!

I’mmmmm baaaack!

Ok… I took a little break from blogging and I’ll do my best to update at LEAST once weekly. It’s hard when you’re as busy as I am, but I’ll do my best. Also… I’m not the best writer, and don’t always have topics…. i’ll do my best… that’s this years motto…

I’ll do my BEST!

The Big Apple

NYC Skyline from the Statton Island Ferry

What can I say? This place was is awesome. My children want to move there when they grow up. They litterally haven’t stopped talking about it! What a great Thanksgiving trip!

We stayed on the move EVERYDAY. Up by 4:30 am every morning. Monday we arrived…our most relaxed day by far. We did a little sight seeing… a little shopping..and a little eating….all close to our hotel. Then to see the rockettes that night.

We also took in two days at the TODAY SHOW. Early and cold…. lots of shopping… a show with the Lion King. AMAZING I tell you, AMAZING! I love, love, love Broadway. Stopped at the entrance…saw my cousin… a struggling artist/actor in NYC. Got to see NYC in style… with a limo ride around manhattan, harlem, the bronx, YANKEES STADIUM, Elis Island, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Central Park, just to name a few.

On Thanksgiving we had a wonderful time spending our morning at the MACY’s Day Parade. We saw Al Roker. Had a wonderful dinner at AJ Maxwells. Came home friday…

I’m going to try to post some pictures now. Here’s hoping it works!

The BIG APPLE PICS

The hubby's having a BLAST shopping!

The girls at TIFFANY'S

The Bambinos in Central Park

In the subway station underground

Happy Birthday to my Hubby ♥

Well… here it is… another year I’m blessed with my wonderful and patient and kind hubby! He’s another year older… I won’t spread the news on his age… but he’s made it another year, none the less…and my life is blessed by the lord placing him in my life and giving us yet another wonderful year together. I would go on and on about the wonderfulness of him… but those of you who know him already know how wonderful he is

I’m just counting my blessings that his wonderful parents gave birth to him and then raised him to be the loving man that he is today! They did a wonderful job at this! Happy Birthday Honey ♥

I have the I’m cold blues.

Ok… here it is… I’ve been waiting…. waiting for that really big snow… you know, the kind to make snow angels in, the kind to build a snow buddy in, the kind to have a snow ball fight in.

But no such luck this year.  I know, I know… it’s still winter.. but I have the “I’m Cold Blues”… and now I’m just ready for mother nature to make it warm again. Especially since my Honey will be umpiring out in this weather in about a month, and my son may be practicing baseball soon… yeah.. I’m ready for suntan lotion and sunshine!

Bring it on! Bring on the snow, or Bring on the sun… but lets get rid of the COLD…. BRRRRRRR!