gigglesandgrace

Just for Fun

2011-09-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

I promise to get some great pictures and updates posted!! But for now enjoy the tune and your day!!!

Music Monday

2011-06-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Wishing you an amazing Summer...love this song! Hope it puts a pep in your step!!

Easter

2011-04-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all. What a glorious day. I couldn't sing loud enough at church today. Have you ever felt that way? Just so thankful and excited about the day. I do hope everyone is feeling our Lords presence and peace.
Have a wonderful week!!
Tina

Music Monday

2011-02-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

No video but these two put a song in my heart. Can't believe in 19 days they will be 15. Lots of fertility drugs and prayers made this miracle happen.

Have a wonderful week!!

Music Monday

2011-02-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

I love this song!!

Music Monday

2011-01-30T17:16:00.001-08:00

Random Pictures

2011-01-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

A fall drive let us to Brown County...what a fun and beautiful day!!
The crazy dental office I work at now!!
Choctoberfest at my house. We had a blast playing face the oreo.
Miss Ryann came for a visit
My man Connor...Look at this face....PRICELESS

Hope you are staying home an enjoying the gift of winter. I am trying to scrapbook our year during the winter months. It makes me stay in and that is a good thing. Trying to get more organized . Spending time by the fire is always a bonus. So I am trying very hard to approach this winter as a blessing.

Have a wonderful warm week!!

Music Monday

2011-01-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Music monday

2011-01-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Back and Sharing

2011-01-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings Friends...I am so glad to be sharing some of my life with you again. So sorry for my lack of posting just at a loss. With a new year I am working hard on renewing my spirit and reconnecting with life.

We came up with a Hammond Family Top Ten 2010

1. Mom got braces (yep me @ 47 a brace face)

2. Boys started High School (my babies!!)

3.Family vacation to Florida (man did we have a great time)

4. Emilee turned 21 ( my baby girl!!)

5. Emilee got a new car

6. Emilee lives at home & goes to IU East (with Law School fast approaching we had to cut some debt)

7. Mom works all the time...I mean full-time ( It's a blessing & a curse)

8. Levi plays HS Football ( he is a beast!)

9. Garrett plays HS tennis ( they call him the prodigy)

10. Mom worked at the soup kitchen (feeling down go help somebody!!)

Hope 2010 was a great year for you but if not never fear 2011 is here and with it comes new opportunity.

Things we are working on this year

Our family health..physical as well as spiritual...sometimes even mental

Being bolder about our faith and not only that our love of Jesus Christ. There are many out there that have drank the "haterade" with regard to Christianity and we've got to step it up

Be more wise with money

Rejoice even when we don't feel like it

Stay committed

Keeping balance

Reconnecting

Being Thankful...it's just not for Thanksgiving

Being thoughtful

Appreciating the little things

My word this year is....SEEK

May 2011 be all that you hope for .

Music Monday

2010-11-08T03:47:00.000-08:00

For the silly in all of us!!

Have a great week!
Tina

Music Monday David Crowder Shine

2010-10-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

I love this video...watch the story it's amazing and all done with a little lite brite. For real..the people in their church helped them with all the images. Awesome!!

Music Monday

2010-10-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Negative Nellie's

2010-10-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so excited about something that you can't help but share it with everyone. Maybe it's a new opportunity or maybe just something you have been wanting to try but it's working out and you are just so stinkin excited about it? Sometimes are you guarded and maybe you are afraid of sharing because you have been shot down before? Why can't people just be happy for you ? Aren't we suppose to delight in God's goodness being given to others? Mean and negative people are making me a little crazy right now. Can we get some thank yous and that a boys ? Please!!!

Music Monday

2010-10-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Music Monday is Back!!

2010-09-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!

Save a Place for Me,,,

2010-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

I know so many of you had been praying for my dear sweet friend Michal...she left for heaven today. I am struggling with such sadness but I am so thankful she did not suffer long. I can't even begin to tell you of the legacy she is leaving behind...faithful to the very end. She decided on July 18th to do no more Chemo, she truly gave it to God ...she stated it was his all along anyway. Trusting him the whole way...she never wavered...could I be that faithful?
Please pray for her hubby and sweet, sweet boys...they will miss her something awful. She has left them many sweet reminders of her but I hope they never forget how much she fought to stay with them and how much she loved them.

Hooray

2010-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post the skinny picture of my friend Christy...Hooray for you on your weight loss.

I also forgot the picture of my friend Jim... he is a Canadian Mounted Policeman...he brought his uniform so we could be goobers and get lots of pictures!!

Finally

2010-09-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

After months away I am attempting a comeback. We have had so much going on that I unfortunately had no time to dedicate to my blog. I have missed it.

Here's a little of what we have been up to:

*Took a family vacation to Florida to celebrate Emilee's 21st Birthday...we were there 2 glorious weeks this past June

*Boys started High School

*Garrett plays tennis

Levi is a football player

*Had a Luau to celebrate some summer Birthdays

*Went on a work retreat for my Literacy job

*Still work for Dr Jay

*Met Miss Emilee's New Fella...Big Steve ( he is great!!)

*Trying to deal with ailing parents...Papaw had a stroke and Grandma Val's neuropothay is BAD!

*Friend from Canada visits

*Football Starts!!!

*Cut my hair off...it's grown back some

*Emm starts back to collage ...can't believe she's a JR already...she takes the LSAT this year

*Build houses for the homeless

*Connected with an old friend...that always feels good

*Finally got to visit with my new skinny friend Christy

*Praying for my sweet friend Michal...gave up on chemo and is ready for Gods plan

*Cory and Ashley got engaged and the boys will be groomsmen 2011

* A young man (10th grade) that the boys played football with for years killed himself...Tragic

Although life has been a bit trying lately I must tell you that God has been so good and church has been awesome. We are so blessed and I feel God doing a work in all of us. I have had moments of extreme sadness and frustration but thank goodness they are never lasting. I know this is the holy spirit. I am hopeful and I do hope everyone in blog land knows that kind of hope.

May this new week bring you a beautiful reminder that you are never ALONE!!

Big Hugs

Music Monday

2010-06-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

My High Schoolers

2010-06-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my parents with our boys. We were heading out to 8th grade graduation. That's right they are now in High School!!! I just can't believe it's time for them to be in high school. I know how fast it goes and to be honest it made me a little sad.
Hope your summer is off to a great start!!

It's Friday

2010-05-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

I thought I would be able to check in a lot more, that has not been the case. Today is Yearbook Dance at the Middle School. I volunteered to coordinate it. Being that the boys are going to be High Schoolers...I'm so not ready for that. They just finished their Middle School Golf season. Levi already has a full football schedule for this summer but I am so excited about the coach. He takes them on a retreat and he offers a bible study once a week. Garrett is busy with tennis and we are praying he gets a good man to coach. With all the teacher cuts we are losing a great man that so inspired the kids.
I'm still working more than I thought I would be but I am blessed to have the opportunity to work. So many patients call cancelling their appointments because they lost their jobs and can't find work. So, I'm thanking God for the opportunity.
Hope to share some pictures.(if I can locate the usb cord )
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Music Monday

2010-05-17T04:06:00.001-07:00

Music Monday

2010-05-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

Enough

2010-05-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I have a Friday off and I am catching up on some errands, cleaning and thoughts. This Sunday is Mother's day and I want you to know I am just so happy to be called MOM. After years of trying(6) to have children and so many I'm sorry Mrs Hammond it was negative...I am most grateful for the opportunity to hear MOM yelled from upstairs. Working so much lately has made me appreciate that even more. Sometimes we can get caught up in what they do for us on this day and what stuff we get but truly just the simple gift of being called mom will be enough for me this year.
I'm excited because Emm is back home from college and my house is full of fun, fussing and chaos. We are going on a 2 week family vacation this summer and are thrilled to be able to do that. With the boys starting high school and Levi playing football...did you know that starts in June? We thought this may be one of our last times to getaway like this. Best part, the trip is already paid for. Yes, working a lot has its perks.

Have a wonderful Mothers day and let MOM be enough!!

Music Monday

2010-05-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that I will have more time to share with you all again. April is already gone and May brings new opportunities and new challenges but I will be cutting my day to day work load.
So I wanted to start with this awesome song. This was one of my favorites from the Dove awards.
Enjoy and have a great week! Honor him in all that you do.

Remember this Prayer Request???

2010-04-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

Remember sweet Ashley? I got the call we have all been waiting for...her pet scan is awesome and she only has 3 more chemo treatments!! June 1st and she will be done!! Thank you so much for all your prayers. She is so excited and is so thankful.

Big Hugs

PS My sister is at home and healing nicely. She is a little freaked out by all the stitches and the dent in her neck but all in all she feels great.

Greetings

2010-04-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have made a quick pit stop wanted to give a little update and request some prayer.
My sweet sister had to have a tumor removed from her neck yesterday and a 2 hr surgery turned into 7+ hrs. They kept her overnight and she is now at home with my mom. It took a tole on her and please pray for her and her healing. She is a little discouraged right now and scared. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
I know one day soon I will have more time to visit with you all. Until then make today a great day!!

GO DAWGS!!

2010-04-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

It is so exciting around here. Please pray for our Dawgs.

Birthday Wishes

2010-03-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Love these guys!!

14 years ago today my sweet boys were born...5 1/2 weeks early!! What a scary day that turned out to be. With the Dr not able to stop my labor any longer those sweet babies entered this world. Levi at 12:40 and Garrett at 12:42. My c-section went very quick and in no time I was meeting with the boys Dr to discuss their game plan. They needed to be moved to a neonatal unit at another hospital. It was so hard to tell them goodbye. I didn't see them again for 3 days. Leaving a hospital without your babies is tough and probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. But today we celebrate those babies that are healthy and strong and oh so funny. I am a lucky mommy!!

Off to go rock climbing!!

I'm Still Here

2010-03-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

I am still around but I have been a full full time working girl. The dentist I work for PRN is needing me to fill in for about 6 weeks. This is a blessing but it's also difficult because I am so booked with my literacy events. So there are days I am gone from 7am until 9pm. Again, this is temporary and the opportunity has been a blessing. I am pooped out !!
This week was rough because my babies are going to high school !!! Yep, it was freshman orientation...I can't believe it's time for them to go. I say no but go they must. I just know now how fast high school goes and it makes me a little sad. I really enjoy my kids. I love talking to them and hanging out with them. What can I say I dig my kids!!
I did have something exciting happen. One evening while I was in my car traveling to my next gig, I called into a radio station and won tickets to Mercy Me. I was so excited because I never do this and my son Garrett loves Mercy Me. So, I am a WINNER!!
The weather has been so much warmer and today I brought out the flip flops. My feet where so happy.
I hope whatever you've been up to has been a blessing to yourself and others. I pray that you have felt God's amazing presence.

Happy Spring!!

Music Monday

2010-02-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

I love singing this song!!
Have a wonderful week!!

Yummy Granola Recipe

2010-02-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

One of the awesome ladies I work with makes the best granola. She was kind enough to make it for us for Christmas and shared the recipe. I made it and it was so easy . I love me some granola with my yogurt.

Recipe:

2/3 cup cranberry juice(you can use OJ)

1/2 C Brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 1/2 Tbs oil

1-2 tsp vanilla

Combine juice,sugar, and honey and heat till dissolved. Remove form heat and add oil and vanilla. Stir well.

4 cups oats

1 Tbs cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup walnuts

1 cuped slice almonds ( I like whole too )

1 1/2 cups dried fruit ( I use the welches mixed berry)

Combine (except fruit) and pour juice mixture over oats and mix well. Spread over a jelly roll pan that has been coated with Pam spray. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes, stir , bake 15 more minutes, stir and check for doneness, you may have to bake another 10 mins until golden brown. Do not let burn. Cool on rack. Add fruit. Store in an airtight container for two weeks!!

Enjoy!

Snow Days

2010-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

We've had snow days , delays,being stuck in the drive (it was bad), drifting and more . We are so ready for spring or even some sunshine would be nice. But we did have some fun sledding. The boys brought a friend and they had a blast! Thought I would share some new pictures . I know there is snow most everywhere and in places it's not suppose to snow!!

Music Monday

2010-02-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Little Black Dress

2010-02-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Emme had a Little Black dress party and here are a few pictures of some goodies I helped her with. I made truffles and placed them in these little favor boxes. The favor boxes were found at the dollar tree and I stamped on them. So easy and affordable. I had bought the candelabra at a garage sale for $3. I finally got it painted for her and added the crystals. I had all of this stuff in the basement. We did find the dress @ goodwill for $2. I used a vintage earring to clip the welcome message. This was for the door. She did everything in black and white and it was so cute. All the girls were to wear their favorite little black dress and the guys were to wear black.

Valentines Day Ideas

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Being snowed in for two days has made me very productive. Our dollar tree had some cute boxes and this cute little trash can. I had picked these up awhile back and was hoping to have some time to get some goodies made to fill them. I love taking the sweetheart boxes and decorating them with scrapbook paper. I saw these rice krispy treats on several sites and gave them a try. So fun and so cute. Got some love decorations out and some love notes put up throughout the house. I refer to Valentines day as Love day.

John 13:34 Love on another

Beauty

2010-02-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

This sweet girl is heavy on my heart today. Ashley had to have emergency surgery yesterday. Actually twice. She spiked a terrible fever over the weekend and they took her to the ER. She has a staph infection at your port iv site. Last night they went 3 inches deep to try and remove as much as they could. She is in recovery and will be in the hospital for awhile and then home for a long healing process. They do have to stop chemo for now. I know I ask a lot but please pray for this sweet young woman. She had just lost her hair and was having a terrible time emotionally. I know from several people attitude is a key part to beating cancer. I couldn't sleep last night just thinking about her and all the emotions she must be feeling. When I saw her a few weeks ago we talked a lot about how she was more than her hair and so what if she is gaining weight. She is so much more than all of that. I thought about beauty, true beauty. Not store bought, accessorized, commercialized beauty. I pray that Ashley knows how beautiful God has made her to be. Please pray for her sweet spirit not be be broken .

Thank you all so much and I promise to have something fun to share this week!!

Blue Friday

2010-02-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

It's BLUE FRIDAY here in Indy. GO COLTS!!! The boys got to dress up for school and believe it or not some schools are closing on Monday or have a 2 hr delay because of the game. Our school system is not one of those schools and I am glad. Love a good football game but it is just a game. Are you having a Superbowl Party? What snacks are you fixing? My people love some wings and chicken buffalo dip. If you haven't tried that dip it is so easy and so yummy. I can share the recipe.
We are suppose to get some serious snow... 4-8 inches. The boys are excited because that means sledding!! I'm praying it waits till after I get home from work.

Whatever you're doing this weekend I hope it involves some fun!!

The Little Things

2010-02-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the awesome prayers. Yesterday was the funeral and there where nuggets from God everywhere. Through an experience like this we are given the opportunity to get a new perspective on things. For that I am thankful. One example of this came last night from my friend Cindy. She stood and told me that she longed to have Cory's smelly dirty clothes. Just have them laying on the floor in his room. I get that. I have two smelly teenage boys. This morning when they got ready I could smell the Axe being sprayed , the contact solution is still on the counter and their beds are a mess. These are signs of life and I am very thankful. Tonight when they come home from weight training and they are all smelly and want to give their mom one of those smelly hugs because they think it's so funny, I will gladly accept. So I thank my dear friend Cindy for reminding me to appreciate the little things, including smelly socks!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Music Monday

2010-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have always liked this song and after spending the day at the funeral home yesterday I thought it was more than appropriate. Please continue to pray for my friend and pray for all the young people that have been impacted by Cory's death.

Encouraging Word

2010-01-30T05:51:00.001-08:00

TODAY'S ENCOURAGING WORD - 1/30/2010
I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
--Psalm 40:1, NLT

Prayer Please

2010-01-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Here I was complaining and I needed to be reminded of what's really important. My friend Cindy's 18 yr old son Corey was killed in a car accident last night. He was on his way to a youth group event. I find comfort knowing that . He would have graduated this May. Please pray for Cindy and her family. Corey was a big brother, a friend, a son and so so young. She is grief stricken and her walk with the Lord has been growing. Let's pray she calls upon him even more.

Thank you all so much!!

Pulse on America

2010-01-27T04:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to check the pulse of America's education system. How are your schools doing with this recession? I am 46 years old and have never seen anything like it. I knew things were bad but never thought education would take a hit. Why? Because we have the lottery and casino's like you wouldn't believe. I can remember the sales pitch when gaming was first introduced...it's going to do great things for our schools. Our education will be some of the best. This is so not true! Our school recently had to lay off 14 staff members . The school board met with the community last night to share there is more to come unless we allow them to do a tax referendum. It was packed out last night. Standing room only and the diversity was amazing. People in this community truly care about these kids. Young, old, unemployed, teachers, parents and grandparents.
I sub a lot and have the opportunity to see a little bit more than the average parent. Recently the temperature in the school came way down, I mean it's cold in there. The teachers warned me to bring a jacket . No complaining just bring a jacket. Lights must go out if I'm not in the room , watch paper use and one day the sixth grade hall was being swept by the teachers. They are willing to do whatever it takes to save another friends job. This amazes me especially after learning that their pay is ranked 294 out of 296 in the state but test scores and overall school rating is 13th. One teacher told me she just wanted the kids to see them being good stewards of what he has given us. I love that we moved here 3 years ago !!
My brothers children will have to pay $375 to ride the bus next year and pay to play sports. Another surrounding community is closing 5 schools and consolidating to one high school.
What's your community up too?
So tonight when our President speaks I'm hoping he is going to address the education crisis in this country. Don't think it will happen because I truly believe he doesn't have a pulse on America!!!

Cuteness

2010-01-25T04:49:00.000-08:00

This is the yummy cake she made

How awesome is this wig?

CUTENESS

The Hat

Wanted to share some cuteness. Sweet Ashley has started her chemo and please continue to pray for her. It's a long process every other week she sits for 4 hours to receive it and she's surrounded with older folks. She is the youngest one there. She said the hardest part is watching the bags of meds drip so slowly into her. They are telling her that her hair will probably go this week. Pray that that people around her will see her true beauty. You'd be amazed what people say. Pray for her family and that a their financial burden can be lifted a bit. She looks so good and her sweet spirit is a pleasure to be around.

We went for a visit and she made me the most amazing cake. How sweet is that? I'm going to share a few pictures of this amazing young woman to place her in your hearts.

Emm and I wanted to make her a hat and while Emm had crocheted one for her she was not pleased with the results. So, I had purchased a sweater to try and make a hat . I did it and it is so cute and soft. Ashley loved it and looks so adorable in it.

In the spirit of fun her friends found her a precious wig. She has been fitted for a wig but as you can see the one her friends gave her screams FUN!!

Thank you all for praying for this sweet girl and please continue to find a place for her in your prayers.

Have a wonderful week!

Music Monday

2010-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

Remembering Haiti and what God says about tragedy like this.

Embracing the Snow

2010-01-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well, we decided to be a little bit more positive about the snow. If we're going to live with it, we're going to play in it. So our weekend started with hubby taking the boys ice fishing. I thought this would be a short trip but 5 hrs later they were home with many a fish tale. Today it was some good old fashioned sledding. We went to a park a town over and the hill was packed. The sun was bright and the snow was packed firm. The boys had a blast and hubby and I just laughed and remembered how we use to be able to stay out in that kind of weather for hours. Not so much anymore. But it was nice because the park had big bonfires going so you could warm up and I took a carafe of hot cocoa. This was a fun day.

It got me thinking how a new perspective on things can change everything.

Blessing

2010-01-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:9-14 (New International Version)

⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^a]">[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption,^b]">[b] the forgiveness of sins.

The Song

2010-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Here is my song...What Faith Can Do by Kutless. I just love it!! I hope you enjoy it and find it encouraging. Did you find a song? I'd love to hear it.
My word this year is POSSIBLE.
It's possible to lose weight.
It's possible to raise great kids.
It's possible to have a good marriage.
It's possible to get out of debt.
You see all things are possible...

Philippians 4:13 (New International Version)
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

New Year

2010-01-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !! It's hubby's birthday today and he wanted ice cream cake!! Did I mention it's freezing here? But ice cream cake it was.
We are going to make some family goals and some personal goals. We also like to reflect on things we tried the previous year, something we did for the very first time. It makes us be open to new things.
I think I found my song and I will be revealing it later along with some personal goals.
Hope you're having a great day!!

It's Outta Here

2009-12-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Cindy's kids @ Halloween, Samuel, Mary and Elizabeth

The tree that is. I was just ready to get it gone and all the food that goes with it. I'm ready for cleaning eating and no cookie temptations. I am ready for the New Year. New opportunities, new adventures, just the hope that a new day can bring. Come on 2010!!

Had a wonderful surprise visitor last night. You know when your cleaning up all the Christmas stuff and the vacuum is still out and stuff needs put up? Did I mention I was bra less and in my jammies? That's when you want to have guests?? I didn't care because it was my friend Cindy from Houston !! I maybe get to see her once a year. She is an awesome friend and I miss not getting to see her and her kids. She has 3 beautiful kids that are growing like weeds. I fed them the go to dinner of chicken nuggets. It was such a good visit and I am so glad they stopped by.

Ashley starts chemo today and has such a great attitude ! I do have to tell you that God blessed her Christmas Eve . It was her bone marrow test and by no accident she had a gentlemen that was retiring and she would be his last patient. Isn't God amazing? That was no accident. She did awesome and it was perfect! She was a little sore but that was it. Thank you for all the prayers and if you can keep them up I know she appreciates them.

Hope your Holidays have been wonderful and you are excited about what God has in store for you this year. Remember to be thinking of a theme song. I haven't settled on mine yet.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Stuff, Lots of Stuff

2009-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

She found the hubcap

The present

The circle..cold but so festive

Irene and Emilee the Dental Assistants (Fun)

Jen and Crazy Dr Jay

Had another birthday yesterday. Worked all day and got home by 7 but I came home to a nice warm fire and loving people. I love my people and aren't homemade cards the best? I also got a slide show, with music!! Got some special gifts and even made myself an oreo cheesecake. This was my first attempt and not bad. My friend Julie made me one last year, I kind of know why she didn't volunteer this year...they are a lot of work!! A lot of people forget my birthday and trust me I am very use to it. I think that's why God made me a giver. But then their are people that suprise me and remember. I am very Blessed!!

Had a wonderful dinner Friday night. The dentist I sub for included me this year and he took us to MO's Steakhouse. Oh my was it yummy. I'm including a few pictures of our evening. It was great being downtown and we even walked around the circle. I use to love doing that. I love working for him and his staff's the greatest.

My girl gave her bubs the sweetest present and I am including some pictures. She re-did their bathroom and made it a guys bathroom. The boys love cars and took some pictures this summer at a car show. She did a little editing and enlarged some prints. Voila, instance affordable wall art, some new accessories(shower curtain, towel, deep cleaning) and a note that read ...Merry Christmas! Love Sis(since I don't live here anymore) They love it.

I do have an update on sweet Ashley. She has a bone marrow tomorrow (yes on Christmas Eve) and starts chemo on Monday. She has stage 2? Hodgkin's lymphoma. Everything we've read this is very treatable. So we have tons of hope. She is in good spirits and is ready to kick it. Please remember her during the next 12 weeks. I will keep you posted.

I do hope you are having a wonderful week and enjoying this holiday season(it's almost over)

Girlfriends

2009-12-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

Present time

This is who greets you inside Amy's door. Isn't he cute?

See how she treats us?

Her hubby came home and took our picture. This is one terrific trio!!

This has been a fun week. I got to do a cookie dough exchange with my friends Melissa and Julie. We went to lunch and had a great visit. They make yummy dough and what I love about exchanging dough is you can bake it when you want.

Had a wonderful breakfast with Amy and Holly. Holly came up with the idea last year to give one of your favorite things. This was so fun. Amy always spoils us with a wonderful breakfast and the table is set beautifully. She makes you feel very special. It starts as breakfast but before long it's lunch and to be honest it could go till dinner. Loved all my special gifts and can hardly wait for our 2010 Fripp Island Trip. That's Holly's favorite thing...aren't we lucky?

I want to thank you all for the prayers and scriptures about Ashley. Today she is meeting with the oncologist and we find out what stage and what type exactly. I will keep you posted.

Sad News

2009-12-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

Before I even begin with this story please know that God is amazing and has his hands in all things. I had mentioned that Emm's sweet ex boyfriend is still a dear friend to us and that we had even met his new girlfriend (sweet girl). They even stopped by this past Sunday. We had been praying about this lump on her neck and yesterday was biopsy day. I hugged her Sunday evening and told her not to worry. Ashley is 19 1/2, just finished her medical asst program, started her internship yesterday and has this amazing new boyfriend. Life is good. Last night I got the call from Cory's mom that just was like a punch in the gut...Tina it's Cancer!! That's all this sweet women could get out. She will call me today with more details but in the mean time could you all be in prayer for this sweet young woman and Cory. Remember Cory is a two time cancer survivor and this family has been down this road. If a word of scripture comes to you please share it with me.
Again, God has a plan.

Delivery Day

2009-12-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Emme's Goodie Bags

My Cute little baker

The filled box

The empty Box

Ready for delivery

Wanted to share a project I have been working on for the Dentist I work for. Today is delivery day. He wanted to support local business and give some "tastes" of Indiana. There is fresh pasta, pinwheel cookies from a local baker, a chocolate peanut butter pretzel brownie from another and then yummy chocolates from a family owned candy maker. I found the boxes at hobby lobby and I love how they look. I wanted to do something different from a basket. These boxes weigh a lot!!

Emm and I also got some baking done. She is quite the little baker. She made goodie bags for a lot of college friends. We used a muffin cup as the base and it turned out to be a cute little accessory. She has finals this week and then it's Christmas break!!

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and you've had a few cookies. My goal is to not gain during this season and to not eat a whole cookie!! I'm still working out and feeling great!

New Club Member

2009-12-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Happy 40th Birthday Melissa ! I love the forties, there fun, funky and fabulous!!

So welcome to the club and enjoy the ride!

Celebrating

2009-12-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

We had to have dirt pudding for his "cake" and with worms of course.

He was so thrilled with this picture from Bill Dance

I call this "Redneck Elegance"

A few weeks ago Emm's ex boyfriend (I hate putting ex) Cory turned 21 and we had a little celebration for him. This was a very exciting birthday because we also got to celebrate him being cancer free for 5 years !! Cory loves the outdoors and fishing is like his favorite thing. He had always told us Bill Dance was his favorite fishing celebrity. So, several months ago I wrote Bill and asked him if he could sign something for Cory and he sure did. He sent him a picture with a very sweet message. Bill Dance YOU ROCK! I am showing you a few pictures from the dinner. He and his folks came up and we had the best time. We enjoy spending time with his folks and we have all become good friends. Our sweet girl says Cory is one of the nicest guys she has ever dated and she will always be his friend but he just wasn't the boy for her. (Please be praying for an awesome guy..we know God has a Boaz out there for her but man she's been dating a bunch of jerks!!)

Didn't mean to but I did make this sweet boy cry. He loves us and we so love him. We recently got to meet his new new girlfriend and she is very sweet. Who knows why God places people in our lives but we are thankful for Cory and his family.

Music Monday

2009-12-07T05:37:00.001-08:00

A Little Christmas

2009-12-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

I always hang the kids old pictures with Santa on the Bannister
Made this for the door this year. I love snowmen.
Dining Table with stockings hung on the chairs.
Mantle, Emme wanted stockings on on it this year!!
A few of my special snowmen and Christmas books.

Here are a few pictures of what Christmas is looking like at our house. To be honest I am just glad I took the time to get some things up.

Conference

2009-12-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a wonderful conference> You know how sometimes you go and you're hoping to get some great information to help you in your work? Well, I got some awesome information about life and perseverance. I got to meet and hear Liz Murray speak and her story is truly amazing. Not that she was homeless and went to Harvard but how she lives. To hear her speak was a gift.
I'll share more later but take a quick listen and be inspired!!

Music Monday

2009-11-30T04:51:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Pictures

2009-11-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here are a few photos from our day. I have been working on Christmas decorating ALL day!! I can't beleive it will be here before we know it.

And yes, I love the Gators...or should I say #15!!

Must See

2009-11-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

This movie was amazing. We have been waiting for it to come out for months. It did not disappoint. So, if you have some time this week go see it. It proves what a little potential and someone believing in you can do!!

Musice Monday

2009-11-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

Sadness

2009-11-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my hubby's family. His Uncle Rodney passed away this Friday and he was only 56. He and his wife have been sweethearts since high school. We are also worried about my father in law because it was his baby brother and my father in law suffers from Alzheimer's. He is in Kentucky so the trip alone will be hard for him to make.
It made me just get up even earlier to work out today!
Thank you for your prayers.

Wisdom

2009-11-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.

Aren't these words amazing? Written so long ago but bring such hope and encouragement today.
I am attacking my weight loss journey with God's encouragement and these words just speak to me about what I can do. I was an athlete growing up and very active. Like so many women I made everything else a priority and gave into stress and let food comfort me. No longer. So this blog may take a new direction and I may use it as a tool to monitor my weight loss progress. I'm sharing my story to say it out loud that I want to lose this weight!! Please pray for my journey.

I'm Back!!

2009-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

I am home and I feel great. I worked out everyday, ate well, rested, no stress it was truly a retreat. Here are a few pictures of my trip.

Word to cling to

Behold I am doing a new thing. Can you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Blessings, Thoughts and Stuff

2009-11-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

So I have been blessed with feeling much better and have been working a lot!! I recently was able to meet a wonderful friend for breakfast and it was so nice to visit and catch up. I miss that. I also got to see my dear friend Michal. You all have been praying for her to win her battle with cancer. It was so great to see her , man she looked so good. But looks can deceive us. Time going by can too. Talking to her I realized that I had put her on a back burner, because treatments where going okay and things seemed to be moving as they should be. Can I just say that people do what they have to do. She shared with me how scared she is and prays that she hasn't had her last camp out or made her last smore. She awakes at night frightened. Her children are frightened and don't like leaving her side. Can you join me in not just praying for her recovery but for her to have some peace.
I also found out my dear friend Carrie that lost her young husband this summer is finally hit the grieving process and is struggling. Her sweet 4 yr old cries for his daddy and misses he desperately. The holidays are ahead and that is a lot of firsts without him. So can she make a way into your prayers too.
I am going on a little trip. After being so sick and having a good check up with my Dr, she is recommending some Tina time for me. I am not good at this at all and I am struggling leaving my family but I need to make myself a priority !! So I will hopefully come back renewed and rested and ready to focus on my personal goals. Please pray for my journey.

Our sweet girl was blessed with a wonderful job. She had been praying that something would come her way and the Lord showed up with an amazing opportunity. The biology geek got the photographer job for school. Those are her words. He is such a giving God and she knows it truly came from him!!

I do hope your lives are full of great stuff and you feel God's presence.

Music Monday

2009-11-02T03:46:00.001-08:00

Yummy Soup

2009-10-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Go here to get the recipe for a very yummy soup.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/tortellini-sausage-soup.html
It is so good and full of all kinds of stuff that's good for you.

Hope you are having a great week!!

Fall and Stuff

2009-10-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

So glad I am feeling better. I was able to attend Levi's last Middle School football game, go to Garrett's tennis tournament, carve pumpkins with the kids, chaperon a dance and go on a beautiful ride. Here are some photos of my adventures. I can't believe October is almost gone. I love fall!!

Enjoy your week!

Music Monday and More

2009-10-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the lack of posting. We got the yuckies at our house. Apparently we started off with the h1n1 virus and mommy kept going and ended up with pneumonia. Learned a lesson through it all...slow down and just be sick. I am so not good at that. Well, this past Friday I was put down. I became very dehydrated and close to hospitalization. One of my awesome friends put out the word to pray for me and my dear friends did that for me and I was able to stay home. This past weekend was going to be a very busy weekend for me and God knew I wouldn't rest. But boy has that changed, I sleep all the time. I feel better this morning, weak but better. Hope you are enjoying some of these beautiful fall days!!

Music Monday

2009-10-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

Music Monday

2009-09-28T04:46:00.001-07:00

Be Blessed

2009-09-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

Say to them, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.
Numbers 6:23-26

No recipe to share yet but I felt let to sent you out a blessing today. I love when we do this at church. We all stand and reach our hands out like we are receiving it. So , take a minute and receive his blessings today, claim them. They're yours for the taking.
May you have victory and feel Gods power working in your life today and everyday.

Good Women

2009-09-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Do you have some of these in your life? I do and feel so blessed. You know the ones you can tell all your ugly to and they love you anyway!! When life is draining me, I have friends that will renew my spirit. Do you know how awesome it is to have women that you can ask to pray for you and you know without a doubt that they will? God wanted us to have friendships. I pray you have this in your life and I also hope you are that kind of friend.

Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure!

We Have a Renter!!

2009-09-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you how awesome a day we had Sunday. The weather outside was gloomy but man those prayers where answered in a big way. The phone started ringing in the afternoon and hubby showed the house. Folks usually stop by when they see someone is there and that's exactly what happened. I have to tell you I have prayed ever since we were planning on moving that our neighbor would buy our house for one of his kids...well, Sunday he came over and rented it for one of them!!! He is considering buying it!!!! I feel in my heart this is who is suppose to have our old home. It's going to be God's timing not mine. I am so excited.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!!!

Music Monday

2009-09-21T04:21:00.001-07:00

Thank You

2009-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Can I just say thank you for all the prayers...we started receving a lot of calls and my hubby showed the house. Whats really cool is we had always hoped that our neighbor would buy the house for his son but it has never happened. Well, today while hubby was showing the house to an another couple our neighbor came over and asked to go through the house. Great news, his son is renting the house and we are hopeful they will buy it. I can't even tell you the weight that has been lifted from me. I kept a good attitude this week and really focused on God and not worrying about it. He took care of it better than I ever could have.

Life is hard but God is Good

Thank you all so much

I may bake this week and share a recipe or two.
BIG HUGS

Request

2009-09-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all your prayers. I have been working so much. This is a good thing. God keeps providing me with opportunities. I am tired but very thankful. We still don't have a renter. Would you be so kind to remember that in your prayers. We have always had calls and this time we haven't had one!! We just need that one special call that God knows would be a great renter or the person that wants to buy our home. I know he is working behind the scenes.

Something came to me regarding my car accident. I hit a cement pole and have over 4,300 worth of damage. I hate that part of the story but what I have realized is that I have not been focused and have been so distracted with stress, life, worry , health and family issues. God sent that pole to me to get be focused. I will take a pole over people any day!! I am not reckless nor do I text and drive. I have had no accidents but I truly believe this was for my own good. I hopefully get my AWESOME van back on Tuesday and let me tell you I appreciate that Honda luxury van more than I ever thought I would.
Please know I am thankful and I know everything is coming together for good.

Music Monday

2009-09-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks

2009-09-10T04:54:00.001-07:00

Boy did I have a great day yesterday. I felt your prayers and I knew God was working behind the scenes but I got an amazing surprise yesterday...a $2 raise for the grant job I do. That just does not happen. I mean really I have been doing this gig for 5-6 years and NEVER had a raise!!! It was so cool to me how it was just all taken care of. He is so amazing.
Bonus: Hubby went to the other house and a neighbor came out and said her sister may be interested in our old house.

So, thank you all for the prayers and know that we are working our way through this valley!!

If you can't say anything nice...

2009-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's like the saying goes if you can't say anything nice, say nothing at all. I've kinda felt like this lately. I like to be encouraging and hope to inspire others to love Jesus. My spirit has been kicked around a bit lately and I have felt like a bully stole my lunch money.
BUT I am not one to be bullied. So here I sit wanting to tell you my life is in the valley right now but I know God is for me and he only wants the very best for me.
So he shared this word with me today. Oh, I've read it before but man did I need to hear it again.
No man has ever seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things God has in store for those who love the Lord. 1Corinthians 2:9

I truly do love the Lord and I am so thankful .
(even as we evict another renter and I pay my $500 deductible for wrecking the car!!)

Music Monday

2009-08-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

Summer is Really Over

2009-08-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well, you know summer's really over when you take your daughter back to college. It was move in day and she was so excited. We are so hopeful for a great year and we know God made a way for her to go to A U.

So here's a picture of my three awesome kids this morning before I left to take her. One football player, that is thrilled to be having his picture taken, one amazing college student and one very sweet tennis player that is going to miss his big sis.

Levi has his first football game tonight and he is so ready. He is rough around the edges but he has a sweetness about him. Take that number he is wearing. It was my number when I played sports and I told him it has always remained my favorite number. He works hard to get that number ever year and when he came home this year with it he was so cute...mom, look what I got. I was thrilled. It's the little things.

We had special dinner last night for sissy and we decorated the table with a painting she did this summer. She was so surprised. She has so many talents!!

Well, I guess I'm a big girl now because this year I didn't cry!! I think I'm just so excited for her.

Hope you are having a wonderful week!!

Music Monday

2009-08-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

I love this song and when we sing it at church it is so powerful.This is for my friend Holly and anyone who needs a little lift.
Have a great week!!

First Day of 8th Grade

2009-08-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

Emm took this picture of Cory pitching. She also changed it to all black and white and only the ball has color. Very Cool!!

It's the big day and they are begging me not to take their picture!! Sorry , it's a tradition. Where does the time go? It can't be time for them to be in 8th grade !!

One more week and sissy is off to AU. We met her new room mate and her mother last night for dinner and they are just lovely Christian people. Her room mate is from California!! So please pray for her and her family. She won't be home till Christmas. And here I thought two hours was bad.

We had a great weekend hanging out with Cory's family. They have a memorial softball tournament for a young man that died. They raise money to keep a scholarship going in his name. What an amazing way for them to pay it forward. They feel so blessed and are so thankful for their son being healed . So we watched Cory and his brother play and a whole bunch of great softball teams. They had 30 teams for this tourney. It was just awesome. Hot, but awesome.

No music today just a thought...GOD IS FOR YOU!!!

Thank You

2009-08-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Wanted to thank you all for your prayers. My mom did great. I am going to take her some meals this morning and see how her night went.
This is our last weekend before school starts and it is action packed. I am so praying the boys have a great year this year. We moved here two years ago and they left a lot of great friends. They have adjusted pretty well here but I just want them to feel great before they enter high school next year. They are one of the youngest in their grade and they where a little bummed that everyone had a huge growing spell this summer but them. They did grow but some of these boys grew 6 inches. I assured them their time will come and it will probably be next summer. I can remember this time with Emm but it was about braces and getting a pimple. With the boys it's height, muscles, hair, cars, being a man. They are still saying girls are too much drama. I hope that continues!!

Movie Review

2009-08-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it was girlfriend movie night last night and we saw the cutest movie. Julie and Julia . What a great movie to see with the girls. I laughed so hard and was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I think there were 9 of us that went and we all loved the movie. So grab some friends and go see this film.

My mom is having surgery tomorrow so if you would be kind enough to place her in your prayers I would so appreciate it.

It's school registration this week and I am working it. It is just amazing to see how much the kids have grown this summer. I can't get over it. My boys are in the big 8th grade hallway this year . I can't believe that one either. Let's remember to pray for all the teachers and kids out there.
Hope you are having a great week. It's stinkin hot here in Indiana!!

Music Monday

2009-08-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

Love this song and was so glad that David Crowder now sings it!!

Music Monday

2009-08-03T07:18:00.001-07:00

What a Week !

2009-08-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

First of all I can't believe it's Saturday already. This week was crazy!! I worked full-time for my Dentist friend and when you're use to a flexible schedule it's rough to commit to regular hours. I did it and enjoyed it.
Emotions ran high this week because Emme's sweet ex Cory had his yearly cancer check. Two days worth. I know I've mentioned before that Cory is a cancer survivor but he is actually a two time survivor and he is only 20 years old. He has the best attitude and is just the sweetest guy. His mom and dad came up last weekend for a visit and we just enjoy this family so much. His mom kept me posted on how things were going and after the first day they determined that Cory needs to go on blood pressure meds. All the chemo he took requires it. He was very disappointed, he is so active and feels so good. Day two brought great news...Cory is cancer free!! We are going down to celebrate with him tomorrow. Praise God ! Even though he and Emm don't date anymore I know he and his family where brought into our lives for a reason.

Friday brought great news for Emm a new roommate from California and the housing she had hoped for. She is ready to start her new adventure.

Blessings to all!!

Music Monday

2009-07-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

I love when we sing this song at church. In my life be lifted high...wow those are powerful words.

Have a great week!!

Door

2009-07-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

I loved this door and I took this picture on one of my trips to Madison to see Emm. I got it blown up to an 8x10 and I think I'm going to frame it with this scripture.

Revelation 3:20 (New International Version)
20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Any thoughts?

Music Monday

2009-07-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

For my dear friend Carrie and the day she says goodbye to her sweet husband!!

Beautiful Sunday

2009-07-19T09:52:00.001-07:00

I always love Sundays but today it was extra special. Gods love just rained down at church today. Everyone on the church softball team came wearing their jersey's in honor of my friends husband. He was the coach and loved the game. What was truly amazing was watching his wife come in wearing his jersey and worshipping the Lord. The showing is today and the funeral is tomorrow. She did exactly what God calls us to do.
Word from God today: You will never be immune from pain,so surround yourself with people who pray.

I want to thank you all for being those people who pray!

Sad Day

2009-07-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

We've had so much to be joyful about and sing Gods praises but today a very dear friend from church lost her young husband to a car accident. It's so much harder to praise during these times. Even though we can celebrate that we will see him again. He was a father to two young beautiful boys Boaz and Ezekiel and husband to sweet Carrie. Please pray for this family and lift them up.

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12

Music Monday

2009-07-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

This is how we feel. Our girl not only got into Anderson University she is has been blessed with enough money to live on campus. She feels so blessed and we are so thankful. She was faithful and knew God would make a way for her and he did not fail.
Thank you again for all your prayers. We serve an awesome God!!

We're Back

2009-07-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Fishing with Cory and his family

Cory and Mike telling fish stories.

Levi's first motorcycle ride

Hubby trying his best to catch something

Posie fun

Greetings to all. We got back from the lake early and have just been having so much fun around here that I have not been on my computer much. It's amazing how quickly summer is going.

Here are a few shots of what we've been up to. We have been doing a lot of fishing and even spend time with our girls ex-boyfriend and his family. I know this may sound weird but he is just a wonderful young man and his family is awesome. We enjoy them and had a blast.

Our girl did get to work a little for Anderson University at the Church of God convention. She drove a golf cart! She made two older ladies day when they thought she was Sandi Patty's daughter. She had to break it to them that she was indeed not her daughter but they didn't believe her and told her it was okay they wouldn't tell anyone. We got such a kick out of this. She has also been blessed with a job when school starts. She is just still trying to find something till then. God is providing opportunities and we are so thankful. Thank you for all your prayers.

I must tell you making these posies is addicting and so fun, Emm has already claimed several.

Hope you are having some summer time fun !!

Birthday Bash

2009-06-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Our girl had a wonderful birthday celebration with family. The sign she is holding is one we had made for her first birthday. The boys found it and put it in the yard. How cute is that? The boys started a tradition a couple of years ago where they launch rockets to celebrate Sissy's birthday. It's so much fun watching them get everything ready and then they do a count down and usually the rocket launches before they get finished. Good times! I made the centerpiece with Emms Eiffel tower and clipped pictures of her on it. Simple little carnations with a vase full of lemon slices, so easy. She loves zebra and black and white so here where her napkins and plates. This dessert is so yummy and all sugar free!! Her and I are doing great on our intentional eating and she didn't want to blow it on her birthday. This is a SF angel food cake with SF vanilla pudding ,SF cool whip, Sf crushed pineapple,fresh raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. It's so fresh and light and oh so good!! She had a great evening and the only thing she said was what's up with famous people dying on my birthday.

We are off to the lake and that means I won't be checking in for about 3 weeks. This is one of the best times of the year. No tv, no phones, no computer. Just the family, God and nature. I love it. I'm going to take some craft projects and some reading. I always come back rejuvenated.

So enjoy your July 4th celebrations and I pray you all are enjoying your summer!!

Wishing you a nice summer breeze with a beautiful sunset!!