# 100!

This is the 100th post on my blog. I started this blog in February and have had so much fun learning all the features of blog world. It has been fun to write, post pictures and read your comments (which I LOVE to get, by the way). Its just as fun to read the blogs of friends, family and others. I've found out that this can be addicting and take up lots of time if I let it. Thanks to all of you who have made it so much fun!

I'm using my 100th post to post a photo I took yesterday. It is a photo of a hydranga, which is one of my favorite flowers. All over our region, the hydranga bushes are in full bloom and are spectacular.

I have always had an interest in photography and love to play around with my camera. Maybe in a future stage of my life, I will be able to purchase a more sophisticated camera and take a few photography lessons. I took this photo to experiment with a camera feature that I read about on i speak film. If you have an amateur interest in photography click on over there for a fun and fascinating blog on using a camera.

Weigh In Day

Good News! I lost 2 more pounds this week. That brings the total to 8 pounds in 4 weeks! I still am feeling very impatient, however! I want it all off NOW! :) See how others are doing by clicking here.

Memorial Day

We watched this video in church yesterday. It is a moving tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. It is a call to prayer for those who protect us now. Even though we are a great nation, we are still dependent on God. Use today to pray for our nation.

Click on this link, scroll down to video and click on play. Be sure the sound on your computer is on.

Sunday Reflection

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
-Psalm 91

Learning New Things - Experiment

I noticed a slide show over at Nancy's blog, so I decided to experiment and make my own.

I took this series of photos about a year ago. I was just having fun with my kids - dirty feet, noses and all.

Free MySpace slideshows, photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Last Day of School!

Today is the last day of school for us! Our oldest child is finished with Kindergarten. We had a good homeschool year and I am proud of her! Last night, we had two families over for supper to help us celebrate "Kindergarten graduation." Because both mine and Joel's families live so far away, these two families have stepped up and provided the family we need here. They are dear to us and we love them.

The fun thing is, both families' youngest child is graduating from high school this year, too. So we just celebrated it all! I prepared one of our favorite meals (which you can find on my recipe blog. Three of the dishes I served are found here, here and here.), we opened gifts, had a decorated cake and laughed A LOT! It was a very special evening, and I am grateful God has given us friends to share it all with!

Our daughter loved the great gifts she recieved: a graduate build-a-bear and books.

Then, our daughter, with the help of our friends gave me a gift. It was a framed collage showing our daughter in several pictures wearing a cap and gown. I had not planned to get a cap and gown, because I didn't really know where to get one and we weren't going to be in a ceremony. So this was a very special gift! We ended the evening by taking pics of the three graduates in their caps and gowns.

It's a Tutu Fantasy

5 minutes for moms is having a contest for a tutu from Tutu Fantasy. These are beautiful tutus and I know my daughter would LOVE wearing them. I think my favorite is the rainbow tutu. Click on over to check it out.

Sibling Affection

Our kids LOVE to go to Home Depot as much as their Daddy does. Its not because of the lumber or the paint. Its because of the buggies. They love the bright orange race car buggies that come equipped with steering wheels for them to use while pretending to race through the store. Recently, we were at Home Depot and the kids were very disappointed to discover that the steering wheels were missing from all the buggies. They managed to enjoy the ride anyway and I snapped this photo (yes, I carry my camera in my purse, so I almost always have it with me) of their sibling affection.

New Restaurant In Town

Yesterday was the grand opening of a new restaurant in our little town. This year has seen some exciting additions to our town, including several restaurants! This restaurant is on the square of our town in an old building. I have special interest in this one, though, because a friend of ours is the owner. Our friend, Melanie, and her family took an old building that was in very sad shape and did a LOT of work on it. I must say they did an excellent job of making it look great! I applaud their hard work.

I was excited when Melanie asked me to do the wall decorations. She wanted pictures that depicted some of the history of our town. She also wanted pictures of hometown heroes and hometown sports heroes. I had SOOOO much fun researching, talking to people and hunting down pictures! I learned a lot of interesting facts along the way. Like the hometown football star that went on to play for Florida State, then joined the Air Force, fought in Vietnam, made the military his career and became a Major General before retiring. Or the man from our town who served 8 years in the State House of Representatives.


As I mentionned, yesterday was grand opening. Because the first day is so rough and I wanted to help my friend, I worked with her during supper rush last night. Now I've never had a waitressing job, so there are probably some of the finer points of the job I don't know, but I had a good time. It was very busy (we even had a large group come in for a birthday party) and I worked hard - never being still for even a moment. And when the need for a waitress lessened, I did the dishes. Whew! I now have a new found respect for those who do this regularly.

All in all, I had a lot of fun. Since we live in a small town, I know most of the people who came in. and it was fun to chat with them! I hope Mama B's (that's Melanie's Mom) does great and is around for a long time!

Weigh In Day

I am sad to report that I did not lose any weight this week. Thankfully, I did not gain any either. But, that's ok. Weigh-in just served to re-motivate me and I hope I have a better report next week.

Season's First

We took the boat to the lake today for the first time this summer. After several weeks of very warm weather, we were surprised by a slight cold snap this morning. We went ahead and went even though we were wearing jackets to keep warm. It didn't take long for the weather to warm up even though the water remained invigoratingly cool. We took along Jonathan and Casey and enjoyed wakeboarding and kneeboarding! Our daughter was proud of her new bathing suit and our son loved "helping" his Daddy drive!

A Year's Worth of Bandages !

5 minutes for moms is having another contest. This time for a year's worth supply of Nexcare bandages. This is the perfect prize for a mom of small children. Get on over there and sign up!

I'm Mad Too!

When I was growing up in Oklahoma, I remember seeing bumper stickers that said, "I'm Mad too, Eddie!" I didn't really know what everybody was mad about, so I searched the web for info this morning.

Born in Itasca, TX, H. E. (Eddie) Chiles (1910 - 1993) worked as an oil patch roustabout before hitchhiking to Norman in 1930. In 1934, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering.

In 1939, after working as a Sales Engineer with Reed Roller Bit Company in Houston, he founded The Western Company of North America, which served the petroleum industry with technical services required in the discovery and production of oil and gas. He started the company with little more than two trucks, three employees, and the will to succeed. At its peak, the Western company had over 5,000 employees and annual worldwide revenues of over $500 million.

Through his conservative radio commentaries, Chiles became a folk hero in parts of the nation. His trade-mark sign-on "I'm Eddie Chiles, and I'm mad," created an incredible demand for bumper stickers that read "I'm mad too, Eddie!" In 1980, Chiles purchased the Texas Rangers and served as Chairman of the major league club until 1989.

So I want to say "I'm mad" today. I'm mad about the gas prices. Yesterday, in our area, gas prices went up 10 cents. IN. ONE. DAY! I don't pretend to know the answers as to why or even how to fix it, but I say FIX IT! Drill a well in Alaska or off the coast of somewhere, build new refineries, lower gas taxes, whatever! I would like to spend my limited budget on things like, oh say, FOOD! Or even clothes or the water bill. But, no, more and more of it is going to gasoline. Ugh!!

(Thanks for letting me rant)

Family and Fitzgerald

We returned last night from Fitzgerald, Ga. where we attended the funeral of Joel's granddaddy. In a phone conversation with my sister yesterday, she asked, "was it a sad funeral?" The answer is no. Of course, it was emotional. Of course, we all miss him and are sad that he is no longer living here. But, we are not hopelessly sad. We are glad that he is seeing what he spent his life believing. We are glad that there is no more pain, and there are no more tears for him. We are glad that this family stands strong because of our heritage and that we are drawn closer together in love during times like these. And we are glad that we will one day all be together again.

Fitzgerald, Georgia is where Joel's grandparents lived and where his parents grew up. They no longer live there and now that the grandparents are no longer living, we won't be returning to Fitzgerald as often. Because of this, I was diligent to take some pictures of places in town that we will want to remember. In the side bar, you will find a collection (flickr badge) of some of the photos I took of family and Fitzgerald. (I will remove this badge after a few days). Click on the badge to view all the pictures.

Weigh In Day

Today is weigh in day over at tales from the scales. This is actually week # 3 for my diet. (I had just started my diet when they announced this challenge. I was excited to find a form of motivation in blog land!) I lost 4 lbs the first week and 2 last week. This week has been harder, because we've gotten off schedule and I can't always control what is prepared for meals. But I'm hoping to lose at least 1 lb. this week. Want more info about how you can join us? Click on the May Challenge button.

What's Important!

Ok, Its been one of those mornings that everything my children do, irritates me. I hate it when I get this way. I suddenly find myself extremely aggravated at them and then extra-extremely aggravated at myself for being so extremely aggravated at them! I love them, am blessed to have them and yet am so impatient and unkind at times. So, I'm taking a step back. I've put in a movie and I'm blogging about my self-centeredness.

Why do I get so irritated when I am "inconvenienced" by my kiddos? They are precious. The problem is me. So I'm going to post a couple of pics of my precious children, then go pray about my attitude.

My daughter is folding the laundry for me. Sure, she's pulled the cushion off the couch to use as a folding board, but its precious that she's helping me.

My son is playing with his counting bears on a map of the United States. He says they are playing football. Why the winter hat when the Alabama weather is hot? I don't know, but that's what makes him precious.
These are the crafts they made for me in Sunday School yesterday. My 3 year old drew the family portrait. My 5 year old decorated the flower pot. Now THAT'S precious!

Do you ever get frustrated with your children and then remember what's really important? What's important is that God has blessed us with children and given us the responsibility to train them for His service. The best training is what they receive from our example. My lack of kindness to them this morning certainly wasn't a good example.

Crystal's post over at Our House made me stop and think. Visit her for a reminder of what's important. And while you are there, offer a prayer on her behalf.

Moms Who Are Special To Me!

First, of course, is my mother.

(My mom with my daughter March 2006)

(Mom with 2 of her 5 grandchildren. Photo taken at
my grandmother's house December 2006)

She is the best mom, and now that I am an adult, she is also my friend. As a mom myself, I now more fully appreciate all the sacrifices she made and continues to make for her children. Thanks, Mom, I love you!

Also special to me is my Grandmother (Mom's Mom).

(Grandmother with my daughter March 2006)

Grandmother is a special woman who has always shown so much love to me. I praise God that she is still living and that I was able to travel to Arkansas to see her this past Christmas. Happy Mother's Day, Grandmother. I love you!

And then, there's my sister!

(Rachel with her family December 2006)

Rachel has her hands full with 2 babies. She is quite the patient momma, however, and I am proud of her. I wish I could see her more often (she lives in New Jersey). I love and miss you, Rachel! Happy Mother's Day!

Last, but not least, is my mother-in-law.

(My Mother and Father-in-law with Joel December 2005)

My mother-in-law is not your stereotypical mom-in-law. I have never felt looked down upon, pressured, not good enough, etc. She has enfolded me into her family as a daughter. She always treats me with love and kindness. I've even heard her tell people that she is proud of me. I'm glad she is. Thanks for loving me, Mary. I love you.

Joel's Granddaddy

My hubby's granddaddy passed away this morning. He was 87 years old. He grew up and lived in a small town in south Georgia. He served our country in World War II. He worked hard rearing a family while working with his hands. He was a godly follower of Jesus Christ. He had two children, more than 5 grandchildren and at least 10 great-grandchildren.

(Granddaddy with some of his great-grandchildren March 2007)

He no longer suffers from the physical ailments of earth. He is now listening to the choirs of heaven (he couldn't hear very well these last few years on earth). He is walking the streets of gold (he struggled so to get around). He is seeing Jesus (his sight was quite bad). And if they do such things in heaven, he's busy working on something (it grieved him that he had lost the ability to work and be of help to others).

(Granddaddy with one of his great-grandchildren November 2006)

My children (and I'm sure several of Granddaddy's great-grandchildren) will remember the rides he gave them in his chair. This gave him a lot of pleasure and thrilled the kiddos. We miss him, but we are glad he is whole in heaven.

Field Trip!

On Monday, we went to the zoo in a nearby (2 hours away) town. Its the 2nd time we've been to this zoo. While this zoo is on the small side compared to others, it is so nice. Its easy to see everything in a reasonable amount of time without having to rush around. And, I love how close you can get to the animals. The big cats always make my blood run cold. They are right there...so close I could touch them, staring at me with yellow eyes.
They pace back and forth in their cage with their large, powerful muscles and sometimes growl or roar. I always get a little nervous and pray none of them escape their cage!
Our son loves deer of any kind and got a kick out of these of an Asian variety standing on the hill looking at him. And the bald eagle was at the front of the cage allowing for very close inspection and good pictures! (Click on any photo to see a larger view)

I'm in!!

About a week ago, I decided it was high time to lose a few pounds. So, I found a website that helps me keep track of the foods I eat and counts calories. I also started riding my bike every morning for exercise. Then, I found this blog that is promoting weight loss starting in the month of May. So, I kind of have a head start on everybody, but I'm in! Interested? Click on over!

Blog Design Giveaway

I really want to win this. I would love to have a blog design. I have a great idea for my blog but not the software capability to create it. Check out this contest for a free blog design, but please don't enter it. I want to keep it all to myself (even though that totally goes against what we learned in Sunday School this morning).

Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
[or Jesus! I do now adore Him,]
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Words: J. Wil­bur Chap­man, 1910.
Music: Hy­fry­dol, Row­land H. Prich­ard, 1830

Strength Training

A man from the rescue mission was in our neighborhood recently. He pulled into our driveway to pick up some clothing we were donating. My hubby and our son were there to greet him.

Man from rescue mission: "Hi, I'm ----- Armstrong."

Joel: "Nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by."

Our Son: "But, Daddy you're strong, too. And I'm strong like you."

We Love Biking!

Biking is our new family past-time. I mentioned in an earlier post, that a friend had given Joel and me hand-me-down bikes. So now every one in our family has a bike, and we have taken to riding through the neighborhood together. I have even made it my habit to ride all by myself in the mornings before Joel leaves for work. Its very nice alone time and great exercise too (which I am very much in need of).

All that to say, we got our daughter a new bike this week. She gave her "old" one to her little brother, because his bike has seen much better days. She is thrilled with her new Barbie bike and her brother loves it that the "big" bike is his now. It doesn't hurt that the bike is decorated with gator colors!



But our boy can't do anything the "normal" way. Today, he went in the house and got the goggles from his toolbox and wore them while riding.

"I'm So Excited...I Just Can't Hide It!"

Now these give-aways are TOOOOOO exciting! 5 minutes for moms is hosting a series of giveaways this week in honor of Mother's Day! Today's giveaway is a 4GB Apple iPod Nano! Can you believe it! Now I'm being nice by telling you. I could just keep it all to myself and heighten my chances of winning. But, now I've told you so you better get on over there (click the button above). And keep checking back everyday for a new giveaway!