In the next post, I talk about the start of our vacation and how exciting it will be. I rented a van last week for 7 people so that we could have everyone in one van for our day trips. For some reason, I was to pick it up on Saturday (tomorrow). But last weekend, realized we need it for Friday. Budget Rental didn't have a van available for Friday so I spent 3 hours on the computer once I got home trying to find another vehicle to rent.
It was starting to get frustrating after not finding a vehicle in Orlando, Gainesville or Valdosta....until finally, there was one thru Priceline at the Gainesville airport for $505.00. About the same from budget....so I booked it and confirmed it.
Welllll, we got to the airport at the appointed time today, only to be told it was not there. But there were a bunch of vehicles, INCLUDING 2 MINI VANS, on their way from Jacksonville. Give us another 45 minutes. Oh, it will still work out...untillll...we get back to the airport 1 hour later, only to be told it was not there, once again. New clerks at the desk...both new to the job.
Welllll, we went round & round for about 30 minutes, phone calls made, checks on the computer. Finally we walked out to the lot to see what was available. The largest they had was a 15 passenger van. I don't think so unless we're planning on charging for tours on the side! But he did have a 5-6 passenger car Impala. (We learned that morning that Dad wasn't able to go afterall because of his health) So we agreed on the car and the clerk said that he would make it right.
And that he did to the tune of the whole rental coming to............$7.82.
The message in this after all was said & done was...even tho I was disappointed that my Dad couldn't go, we then didn't need the larger van. And even tho it was a frustrating event with the rental, it all worked out in the end. Saving us a lot of money, that could be used on the trip if needed. In the morning we head out. Please pray for us a safe trip....and that Kevin stays on the road! He hates heights..:)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Spring Break
I will be on vacation with my family, including my sister & hubby and our dad, for the next 10 days. Ten days!! I can't remember the last time we were on vacation for that long of period. We're going to be staying in Dillard, GA, which is beautiful. We plan to just relax and take day trips around N. GA and also into North Carolina, which I absolutely love. I call the mountains...God's country. I know, God is everywhere, but I especially feel close to Him in the mountains for some reason. My plans are to look at mountains, see waterfalls, eat great food, look at mountains, quaint towns, meet nice people, look at mountains, eat great food....and keep repeating until I leave. The saddest part of the trip is always when I turn around in the car and see those majestic mountains getting left behind.
I will post photos when I return. In the meantime, have a blessed week, whatever you may have planned. And know that I will be thinking of you, praying for you....
I will post photos when I return. In the meantime, have a blessed week, whatever you may have planned. And know that I will be thinking of you, praying for you....
Atlanta Tornado
I meant to post this earlier. This is an awesome photo of the weather that spawned a tornado that hit downtown Atlanta on March 14, 2008. I love weather photos! And especially ones of tornadoes,lightning, etc. Even tho you know they will cause damage and sometimes death, it is still amazing to look at. I also like to watch the TV shows about tornado chasers, like "Twister Sisters". But I thought it was quite funny when one of the chasers commented, "Well, I really don't know what I am doing". Great, so I pay all this money, to chase tornadoes with you, and you don't know what you're doing. Niceeeeeee.......
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Joke Time!!
"The Obedient Wife"
There was a man who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money.
Just before he died, he said to his wife...'When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me.'
And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart, that when he died, she would put all of the money into the casket with him.
Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there - dressed in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, 'Wait just a moment!'
She had a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down and they rolled it away. So her friend said, 'Girl, I know you were not foolish enough to put all that money in there with your husband.'
The loyal wife replied, 'Listen, I'm a Christian; I cannot go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money into the casket with him.'
You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him??
'I sure did,' said the wife. 'I got it all together, put it into my account, and wrote him a check.... If he can cash it, then he can spend it.'
There was a man who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money.
Just before he died, he said to his wife...'When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me.'
And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart, that when he died, she would put all of the money into the casket with him.
Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there - dressed in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, 'Wait just a moment!'
She had a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down and they rolled it away. So her friend said, 'Girl, I know you were not foolish enough to put all that money in there with your husband.'
The loyal wife replied, 'Listen, I'm a Christian; I cannot go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money into the casket with him.'
You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him??
'I sure did,' said the wife. 'I got it all together, put it into my account, and wrote him a check.... If he can cash it, then he can spend it.'
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Awesome time with family....
Our Easter this year was spent with my sister and husband in St. Augustine. I love it there, not only because she lives there, but also that they live near the water and the wonderful history of the city. If you've ever been there, then you know what I mean.
Friday night, our daughter came down from Jacksonville to visit, which is always great. We never can get enough time with our children. On Saturday, my sister and I went back up to Jax to see where she works and get some Italian Gilato (?). Yummy stuff! Saturday night, we had ribs that my brother-inlaw fixed on his Green Egg that were absolutely delicious. The meat just falls off the bone.
Chef Clyde at work!
Looking good, Clyde...oh, the aroma...
My sister came in for a little nibble...
The final product. Can't you just taste them, the meat tender & juicy, saucy with just enough kick, the second one tasting even better...oh, I'm sorry, the memory was just overwhelming...:)
We made the Easter Story Cookies which is a couple of posts down. You need to try these, they were awesome! And kids at church this morning loved the cookies and how they related to the Easter story.
We always feel like their church is our adopted church. Members remember us and always greet us warmly. It was heartwarming to see someone that has been struggling in his life, play the piano with a talent that is truly God-given. The hymns that we sang, watching the faces of the children during the story, hearing about our risen Lord and how this is a time for reconciliation in our lives and a renewing of our faith.
On the way home I thought about a situation that needs reconciliation, a new beginning...It is my fervent prayer that our Lord will intervene and give guidance to everyone involved. Please know that I pray for you daily, and there is nothing that can not be resolved, that can not be restored as long as you have God walking beside you. It just takes faith, courage and love.....
Have a blessed Monday......
Friday night, our daughter came down from Jacksonville to visit, which is always great. We never can get enough time with our children. On Saturday, my sister and I went back up to Jax to see where she works and get some Italian Gilato (?). Yummy stuff! Saturday night, we had ribs that my brother-inlaw fixed on his Green Egg that were absolutely delicious. The meat just falls off the bone.
Chef Clyde at work!
Looking good, Clyde...oh, the aroma...
My sister came in for a little nibble...
The final product. Can't you just taste them, the meat tender & juicy, saucy with just enough kick, the second one tasting even better...oh, I'm sorry, the memory was just overwhelming...:)We made the Easter Story Cookies which is a couple of posts down. You need to try these, they were awesome! And kids at church this morning loved the cookies and how they related to the Easter story.
We always feel like their church is our adopted church. Members remember us and always greet us warmly. It was heartwarming to see someone that has been struggling in his life, play the piano with a talent that is truly God-given. The hymns that we sang, watching the faces of the children during the story, hearing about our risen Lord and how this is a time for reconciliation in our lives and a renewing of our faith.
On the way home I thought about a situation that needs reconciliation, a new beginning...It is my fervent prayer that our Lord will intervene and give guidance to everyone involved. Please know that I pray for you daily, and there is nothing that can not be resolved, that can not be restored as long as you have God walking beside you. It just takes faith, courage and love.....
Have a blessed Monday......
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Easter Cookie Story
You need:
1 cup whole pecans......pinch salt............wooden spoon
1 tsp. vinegar..........1 cup sugar...........tape
3 egg whites............zipper baggie.........Bible
mixer...................wax paper...............cookie sheet
teaspoon
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe! Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.
NOW GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.
Share “The Easter Cookie Story” with your friends....I did....Enjoy!
1 cup whole pecans......pinch salt............wooden spoon
1 tsp. vinegar..........1 cup sugar...........tape
3 egg whites............zipper baggie.........Bible
mixer...................wax paper...............cookie sheet
teaspoon
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe! Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.
NOW GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.
Share “The Easter Cookie Story” with your friends....I did....Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
STAR WARS...according to a 3 year old
This is precious....believe me, you'll watch it again just to hear her talk.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Cactus Cuties
This is a video of the Cactus Cuties...8-13 year old talented young ladies singing The Star Spangled Banner. The performance was at the Texas Tech vs Texas basketball game January 20, 2008. They have harmony that is amazing to hear. Enjoy!
Turning 21.....
In a few short months, my oldest daughter will be turning 21. I've been thinking about that and remembering when I turned 21....just a few short years ago. I can dream, can't I? To be honest, I didn't think it was such a big deal. I really thought 30, 40, 50 & 60 would be bigger deals....especially now since I'm staring at 60 in a little more than 4 years. When you're 21, you think you may never see 60 or that it's so far away. It really is, but believe me, it arrives sooner than you think.
Twenty-one is just a number. A legal number more than anything else. It doesn't change your relationship with your parents....unless they're wanting you to move out. It doesn't change your friends...those younger or older than you. Nothing really has to change. I think when you're younger, say in high school, you usually have friends around your own age. But as you get out of high school, move into college and beyond, you gain friends of all ages. Those friends can bring experiences that can enrich your life, that you can learn from. Strangely enough, your parents can become your "friends". There's an old saying, that "the older you get, the more like your parents you become." Just you wait.....
Turning twenty one can also bring conflict, if you let it. Am I suppose to act a certain way now? I'm legal now, I can be wild & free....um, no...just continue to be who you are. Hopefully a respectful, honest & caring person...the same person you were just 24 hours ago, before the big birthday party, cake and presents. The same person you'll be tomorrow....twenty one plus one day.
I turn 56 on the 22nd. Would I go back to 21? Heck no. I love my life with my hubby and precious children. And cherish my life with my family and friends. My twenties held too much drama, as many do. The trick is to make it to 30....and the big surprise party....:) That's where it pays to keep your family and friends close thru the years!
Happy Birthday....to anyone celebrating!
Twenty-one is just a number. A legal number more than anything else. It doesn't change your relationship with your parents....unless they're wanting you to move out. It doesn't change your friends...those younger or older than you. Nothing really has to change. I think when you're younger, say in high school, you usually have friends around your own age. But as you get out of high school, move into college and beyond, you gain friends of all ages. Those friends can bring experiences that can enrich your life, that you can learn from. Strangely enough, your parents can become your "friends". There's an old saying, that "the older you get, the more like your parents you become." Just you wait.....
Turning twenty one can also bring conflict, if you let it. Am I suppose to act a certain way now? I'm legal now, I can be wild & free....um, no...just continue to be who you are. Hopefully a respectful, honest & caring person...the same person you were just 24 hours ago, before the big birthday party, cake and presents. The same person you'll be tomorrow....twenty one plus one day.
I turn 56 on the 22nd. Would I go back to 21? Heck no. I love my life with my hubby and precious children. And cherish my life with my family and friends. My twenties held too much drama, as many do. The trick is to make it to 30....and the big surprise party....:) That's where it pays to keep your family and friends close thru the years!
Happy Birthday....to anyone celebrating!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Obama and his pastor....
I don't like to discuss politics on my blog but sometimes it just can't be helped. Today I was listening to the Sean Hannity radio program on my way home from work. He was discussing Obama's church, the Trinity United Church of Christ and its pastor, Rev. Wright. If you have listened to any news over the past few months, then you have heard the controversy surrounding this church. Sean played several clips of some of the pastor's sermons and I sat in my driveway shocked over the language and racially charged words, including "GD", that he uses. Now I can't rightly recall my pastor, both past & present, ever using this language in our church or discussing anything other than the love of Jesus and how He can transform our lives.
Mr. Obama has said that he searched for a church 20 something years ago when he found Trinity. There are many reasons to decide to join a church: beliefs, programs, friendliness of its members, the pastor and above all, a love of God. If he found a connection with Trinity, asking Rev. Wright to become his spiritual advisor for his campaign and hearing Rev. Wright's speeches today, people deciding to vote for Obama should have some concern of who they are entrusting the future of this country to...and where he receives his guidance from. I am a Republican and will vote such. But if you are a Democrat, I encourage you to seek out the information that I have regarding this relatively unknown candidate before casting your vote. Look beyond the speeches, of all the candidates, to make a wiser decision.
Have a blessed night....
Mr. Obama has said that he searched for a church 20 something years ago when he found Trinity. There are many reasons to decide to join a church: beliefs, programs, friendliness of its members, the pastor and above all, a love of God. If he found a connection with Trinity, asking Rev. Wright to become his spiritual advisor for his campaign and hearing Rev. Wright's speeches today, people deciding to vote for Obama should have some concern of who they are entrusting the future of this country to...and where he receives his guidance from. I am a Republican and will vote such. But if you are a Democrat, I encourage you to seek out the information that I have regarding this relatively unknown candidate before casting your vote. Look beyond the speeches, of all the candidates, to make a wiser decision.
Have a blessed night....
Monday, March 10, 2008
MegaCon...Megawhat???
On Saturday, the hubby and I took the birthday girl and 4 of her friends to MegaCon, a huge convention in Orlando for the comic book world. Hubby didn't want to go, but I wasn't going alone. I wanted to "share" this lovely time with him....:) Oh,boy, what a time it was. We waited 2 hours for tickets but spent the time just people watching...people that come dressed up in their favorite characters from Anime (Japanese), Star Wars, Mario & Luigi, Superman and much more. The costumes for the most part were quite creative, ranging from homemade to probably 2-3 hundred.
This was a Star Wars group photo taken last year. But they were all here, including Darth Vader, Jabba the Hut and more.
Once inside the convention floor, there were vendors everywhere selling every comic book you could think of. It was fun to see ones I used to read when I was a kid. There were also toys, costumes, swords, books, you name it...it was there. I stood and watched some illustrators draw and talked with a couple of authors. The drawings weren't something that I would purchase but I did appreciate the talent and detail that went into the drawings. There were seminars you could attend, relating to illustrating, gaming etc. Learn how to sword fight or play games with/against others, get autographs of various "stars" and just do a lot of walking around. I can see how some people could spend all three days there but three hours was long enough for us.
Not sure what show or book he is in...but this cow was there and wanted his photo taken...so we obliged!
Well, MegaCon came and went. The girls had fun and now we can mark this off our list of things to do in life.....:)
This was a Star Wars group photo taken last year. But they were all here, including Darth Vader, Jabba the Hut and more.
Once inside the convention floor, there were vendors everywhere selling every comic book you could think of. It was fun to see ones I used to read when I was a kid. There were also toys, costumes, swords, books, you name it...it was there. I stood and watched some illustrators draw and talked with a couple of authors. The drawings weren't something that I would purchase but I did appreciate the talent and detail that went into the drawings. There were seminars you could attend, relating to illustrating, gaming etc. Learn how to sword fight or play games with/against others, get autographs of various "stars" and just do a lot of walking around. I can see how some people could spend all three days there but three hours was long enough for us.
Not sure what show or book he is in...but this cow was there and wanted his photo taken...so we obliged!Well, MegaCon came and went. The girls had fun and now we can mark this off our list of things to do in life.....:)
My baby's 15!
My baby turned 15 Friday! I can't believe it. My oldest turns 21 in October.....21! I can't believe that even more! Where does the time go to? From learning you are going to have a baby, planning the nursery, buying the cute little girl clothes & toys. Seeing the precious little faces when you first get to hold them, the tears of their father just because he is so proud that his babies are healthy & beautiful, and smiling just isn't enough to express the emotion of the moment.
You see your children through all their firsts: walking, words, smiles, teeth, sleeping thru the night, going to school, making friends, losing friends then gaining them back, boyfriends, graduating from high school then off to college and starting a life of their own.
If you have babies, toddlers or older...love them, hug them and cherish their growing up years. It passes way too fast.
You see your children through all their firsts: walking, words, smiles, teeth, sleeping thru the night, going to school, making friends, losing friends then gaining them back, boyfriends, graduating from high school then off to college and starting a life of their own.
If you have babies, toddlers or older...love them, hug them and cherish their growing up years. It passes way too fast.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
You like??
For the past 2-3 weeks I have been trying to find a new template for my blog. After visiting another blog and seeing how nice it turned out..Click Here...I asked for some help in setting this up and this is the end result. I kept doing something wrong and a techno angel solved my problem. Thanks Brittany!
Hope you like it! Check out their website for other templates, Final Sense. Brittany says they're easy to set up....take her word, not mine...:)
Hope you like it! Check out their website for other templates, Final Sense. Brittany says they're easy to set up....take her word, not mine...:)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Pete the Dog
I get the greatest email from co-workers and family that I like to share with you. This one was received today and this little dog is amazing. There's another dog that skateboards but not like this one. Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Don't be scared off by this post......
All of the people that I personally know that read my blog won't be scared off by this topic. Those that visit I hope that you will be able to say that you agree with the post or by the time you finish reading, it will give you something to think about.
I am a Christian! Recently we were asked....How do you share God with others? I don't make it an everyday topic of conversation, but I try to live my life as an example of my faith. And hopefully that would be an inspiration to others. My faith in Jesus teaches me to look at others with a kind & forgiving heart. Sometimes I have to work at that...but I eventually get there. I don't have ill thoughts of others, wish harm to others either physically or emotionally, or try to be better than the next person. That next person could possibly be me on any given day, maybe tomorrow.
Why am I talking about this? Because I have heard some very hard things in the news the past few days, things that have weighed heavily on my heart. It made me ask... why would someone want to cause harm to others, to destroy another person's life....and my answer has to be...because that person doesn't know Jesus or have Him in their lives. It's the only thing that makes sense to me.
*A man walks into a Wendy's dressed in a suit and tie. Minutes later he starts shooting people, killing a father who was simply exchanging a toy for his child. The killer then kills himself.
*Parents and their children have been killed either by their own child or by strangers for such selfish reasons.
*A high school student with a promising future was gunned downed by gang members for not answering a question. For not answering a question! His mother has been serving in Iraq and now is coming home to bury her son.
Lives have been absolutely shattered and changed forever. If you don't have a driving force in your lives, a faith that sustains you and gives you guidance, then you make such life changing, life ending decisions such as above. My faith has sustained me in some very trying times in my life that I do not give up on life and even more so, my own....
I hope I didn't scare you off...I hope you know Jesus too.. or would want to.....have a very blessed evening......
I am a Christian! Recently we were asked....How do you share God with others? I don't make it an everyday topic of conversation, but I try to live my life as an example of my faith. And hopefully that would be an inspiration to others. My faith in Jesus teaches me to look at others with a kind & forgiving heart. Sometimes I have to work at that...but I eventually get there. I don't have ill thoughts of others, wish harm to others either physically or emotionally, or try to be better than the next person. That next person could possibly be me on any given day, maybe tomorrow.
Why am I talking about this? Because I have heard some very hard things in the news the past few days, things that have weighed heavily on my heart. It made me ask... why would someone want to cause harm to others, to destroy another person's life....and my answer has to be...because that person doesn't know Jesus or have Him in their lives. It's the only thing that makes sense to me.
*A man walks into a Wendy's dressed in a suit and tie. Minutes later he starts shooting people, killing a father who was simply exchanging a toy for his child. The killer then kills himself.
*Parents and their children have been killed either by their own child or by strangers for such selfish reasons.
*A high school student with a promising future was gunned downed by gang members for not answering a question. For not answering a question! His mother has been serving in Iraq and now is coming home to bury her son.
Lives have been absolutely shattered and changed forever. If you don't have a driving force in your lives, a faith that sustains you and gives you guidance, then you make such life changing, life ending decisions such as above. My faith has sustained me in some very trying times in my life that I do not give up on life and even more so, my own....
I hope I didn't scare you off...I hope you know Jesus too.. or would want to.....have a very blessed evening......
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