memorial day 2010

Today is Memorial Day. The day to honor the fallen soldiers who lost their lives while serving our country!

My Uncle Selmer. I never met him but my dad told us about him. He was dad's older brother. Serve in the military during World War 2. He was sent to Europe. They capture some enemy soldiers in France and were getting ready to move them when one grabbed a gun from one of our soldiers and shot my uncle in the back. Sad way to go. I honor him this weekend for his bravery and his dedication to our country. xoxoIt's been a pretty good weekend! I had 4 kids overnight. We watched some tv....played Taboo but we played it like Password. The kids had to read the clues to get the person to say the top word. They did good! The girls surprised me! Made chicken last night.... chicken fettuccine and chicken and dumplings. Nummy. Have no idea what papa is serving up for breakfast this morning. I would like to teach the kids something about memorial day. hmmmm. It has turned into just a day off school... but it is more than that. Hope you all think about that as you enjoy this day off! xoxo

ANDREW'S DEVOTION:

ANDREW'S THOUGHTS ON DANIEL 2:20-22: We cannot comprehend how the Lord came to make everything. Like how far the stars reach or how long eternity will be. We can't understand this in our human form. But rest assured, the Lord will make everything clear one day.

more flower and more flowers!!!!

So true... so true!!! Good morning! I see sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside... I got the month of May!

I am actually getting the hang of this little monitor! It's not so bad. Even Andrew likes it! Weird. I am going nuts. I have been looking for this little adapter to hook up cable to cable. I have about 8 of them around here... and haven't found one when I need it! I've checked tool drawers, junk drawers, nooks and crannies. No where. I don't want to buy one when there is no need! Frustration!

Last night was Maddie's recital again and I gave Karla the camera again. I think I got some good ones of her and her cousins. I sat right in front with Marin, Riley, Lauren, Jordy and Andrew! We had a great seat and Maddie saw us! I wore her favorite shirt with neon green in it and she said it glowed! lol! Rachel, Karla, Tara and Brad sat several rows behind us. It was SO much fun! Maddie sparkled. Seriously! When she was getting into her car it her face was glowing and her eyes were really sparkling! She'll never forget this night. Lauren brought her yellow carnations, Marin brought her roses, Jo gave her flowers and so did Karla! It was so cool! When she walked in the room we waited for her in after the show... we clapped! It is so important to make kids feel special. Karla is now afraid we've created a monster!!! A regular Prima Donna! lol!

My facebook friend of the day is Camille Henry Newman! I've known her and her family for a long time! She's always been sweet and polite.... just a great girl who I feel a bit protective of. She is a great mom of this little guy... and I love this picture of them.
My picture of the day may shock some of you knowing how Karla feels about birds! Well, this cute little emu she was holding may be part of her fear now. She took care of Rocky and Becky's adult emu's while they were gone a weekend and they cornered her in their huge cage. She was very afraid and had to climb out. I would be freaked too! Not a good experience for her! ;D
Cleaning today. Finding that connector. Not sure what today will hold. Hopefully sunshine! I am sick of rain!

Maddie's First Ballet Recital

Maddie is the second beautiful butterfly from the left!

DO NOT FEAR!

Lamentations 3:55-58

⁵⁵ I called on your name, O LORD,

from the depths of the pit.

⁵⁶ You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief."

⁵⁷ You came near when I called you,
and you said, "Do not fear."

ANDREW'S THOUGHTS: All I have to say today is that the Lord will never, ever turn His back on you. :)

Our beautiful Ballerina!

Opening night.... the stage is set.... the dancers are ready! It is opening night of "Alice in Wonderland"!!! Maddie shined like a star! She is the butterfly .... second one from the left on her toes with the hands in position. Isn't she gorgeous?
After her performance she received flowers from her parents, Grandpa and Grandma, a card with another flower from Grammy and Grandpa, and flowers and a ballerina barbie and candy from mam and papa. She can't believe she got so much!!! I told her... "Well, it was opening night! Of course you did!" She was so happy! She told her parents she couldn't quit smiling on her way home! I will be seeing it again tonight! Tara has an extra ticket! ;D Maybe Karla and my photography skills will improve by then! LOL!

I will be cleaning today. Have had a rough day so far! My flat screen monitor for my computer has been acting up... I've had to turn it off and on 10 or more times to get it to stay on. Last night I couldn't get it to stay on at all.... so this morning I unplugged, rebooted, checked the plugs, the whole thing and nothing helped it. So papa carried in my old big antique monitor and that is what I am using. Hey, it works so I am happy. Goes about 2 feet back so I have to put it on a different table... doesn't fit on my desk! But whatever works to get me on here will have to do, right?

Memory picture is Karla and I in 1976 at my parents.

Cammie is my facebook friend of the day! I've known her for over 20 years. We met through sports... our kids played football together! Maybe even baseball? We also attended the same church! She is a kind and thoughtful person who is so easy to talk to!

Well... that's all I have to say. Should be a quiet weekend. Lord willing and the creek don't rise! xoxo

ANDREW'S DEVOTION

Luke 5:27-32 (New International Version)

The Calling of Levi

²⁷After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, ²⁸and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

²⁹Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. ³⁰But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

³¹Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³²I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

ANDREW: "What Jesus is saying is in every way true. Since we have already taken Christ into our hearts, it is not we who need the help most of all. But it is the people around us who have not gotten to know the Lord yet. We are here to spread the Word of God, not to be given what we already have."

added later: Okay, I kinda made the devotional sound a little like Christians don't need more of Christ. We definitely do!!!! But what I was trying to say was that people who aren't Christians need Christ more than people who are Christians. I took that off from what Jesus said. He didn't come for the healthy, but for the sick. Sorry for the misunderstanding!

Kids will always say the darndest things....

This quote is in memory of Art Linkletter. I loved this guy. He always made me laugh and truly cared about people. He passed away yesterday at the age of 97! Art Linkletter was abandoned as an infant, adopted and raised by a preacher. He first showed his entrepreneurial spirit by sorting through discarded lemons at a local fruit-packing plant, picking the least-obviously rotten fruit, and selling the produce door-to-door. He hosted House Party and People Are Funny both on radio and later on television, and is best remembered for his interviews with children, Kids Say the Darndest Things.

Still raining. And raining. And raining. Getting tired of it. Papa and I woke up... he fed the dogs and let the cat out. We both sat in our recliners and fell back to sleep. Lauren woke me up at 9:15! Imagine her being the first one up! Andrew woke up an hour later and he is cranky... although he denies it and said we are making him cranky. He is in the den with a book. Good place for him. lol! Funny how teenagers always deny attitude or crabbiness!
I am so excited tonight is Maddie's ballet recital! Alice in Wonderland! I am not the most excited though.... it is a tie between Maddie and Karla! lol! Can't wait to see our little butterfly dance! xoxo

Yesterday Tara finally got some answers regarding her arm! They went to a specialist who read the MRI. Tara wrote : "Jordan broke the inside of her scaphoid bone. Her thumb and arm are in a cast for 4 weeks. Then we will check it again. Happy to have an answer. Jordan is happy because they had a neon green cast and it's waterproof. Totally worth the $19 I paid for the waterproof cast." She's in pain all the time but still smiling for the camera! xoxo

Yesterday I went to the eye doctor and it is a sty. No medication, not contagious.... just warm compresses and massage my eye. Seems like a waste... but the assurance it's not catchy is worth it, I guess.
Then I went to Karla's and got my tickets for the recital... then got med's at pharmacy, then picked up my Mama!
We went shopping at WalMart. I got her a Digital Picture Frame but she didn't notice so I will upload pictures for it today! Lois and Libby are going in on it with me. She doesn't have any pictures on the walls (on purpose) so this will be great for her. I downloaded pictures she never saw before on my computer so she'll be surprised.
Picked up Andrew and he went home with me to unload groceries! That was awesome!!! Then we picked up Lauren at the bus and brought her here!
Andrew went in the kitchen and made brownies!
We watched Marley and Me last night. I was a bit disappointed with it. I cried like a baby for the last 30 minutes of the movie... but I didn't like the swearing or adult content (sex). Lauren didn't get it and I wasn't explaining it. Plus it jumped around alot. my opinion only. We didn't get done watching it until after 11! No wonder we all slept in.

My facebook friend of the day is Brooke! She is such a nice person and happened to be one of Lanny's favorite ICU nurses! Fred was pretty cool too. After Lanny got our of the hospital he found out he knew her dad from church! Small world! I am so proud and thankful to have her for my facebook friend!
My photo of the day is of my Joshua taken May 28, 2005! He is such a cute little chub!Something to think about....Andrew is taking his sweet time doing his Bible verse so I will post it later! Have a great day!

Long weekend coming!!!!

Well..... the big weekend starts after today! Papa has 4 days off... so do some of the grand kids! I pray it goes slooooooow! I have lots to do! I go to the eye doctor this morning. I think the infection is going to the other eye now. happy days. I just hope I can drive home! Tomorrow night is Maddie's ballet recital! I can't wait! She will do awesome! Then I have 3 days with no plans! So I think we will spring clean! ;D Maybe the garage for my honey... our bedroom closet and toy room for me? We need to go goodwill hunting.... make a huge stash to take there!

Please pray for Jordan still! She is in more pain than ever! She woke up hurting yesterday but went to school. Half way through the day Tylenol wasn't working anymore so she called her mom crying. When she took her splint off something popped. Really terrible pain then. They did an MRI on it and still not sure. At first thought she had a cyst... but are now ruling it out. She goes to a specialist this morning. I am praying so hard for her. Kills me when she is crying and in pain... she is always laughing and smiling!

I LOVED American Idol. No spoiler here.... let's just say I loved most of the guest singers especially Brett Michaels, loved seeing the past winners sing together.... even though it would have been nice if Kelly Clarkson had smiled, and what is with big shirts with leggings and high boots I ask again! That is what Carrie wore. I don't like the style. 90's. I was really sad to see Simon go.... he was always my favorite. I wish Randy left instead... right dog? I was wondering about Paula when she was giving the speech on stage... was she all there?

My memory picture of the day..... Tara and Heather kissing Karla! Those girls really loved one another! ;D

My facebook friend of the day is my niece, Brittni, and just a treasure! I love her more than she knows! She was my flower picker. When she was little she would pick EVERY flower in my yard and in my flower beds and give them to me! Didn't matter what they were.... daffodils to dandelions. I just couldn't tell her not to pick them. She was too cute! I love you Brit!!!!
How could you say no to this little girl?
Ok then.... I am going to leave you with Andrew's scripture for today... it is pretty heavy! Wow!
Have an awesome day! ;D


^{Revelation 20
7}When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. ⁹They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. ¹⁰And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Andrews thoughts: This verse is self explanatory, I don't know when this day will come, but I can't wait to see the look on Satan's face when he burns to death and will never, ever rise again! He will be engulfed bu the power and glory of the Lord! Have an awesome day today knowing Satan will never be able to hurt you ever again!

WE'VE BEEN FREED!

Psalm 107

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

² Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

³ those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.

⁴ Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.

⁵ They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.

⁶ Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.

⁷ He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.

⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,

⁹ for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

¹⁰ Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,

¹¹ for they had rebelled against the words of God
and despised the counsel of the Most High.

¹² So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.

¹³ Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.

¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.

¹⁵ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,

¹⁶ for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.

ANDREW'S THOUGHTS: PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL YOU DO. FOR HE HAS FREED YOU FROM YOU CHAINS AND SHACKLES AND GAVE YOU A HOME WITH HIM IN HEAVEN. YOU REALLY HAVE TO LOVE SOMEONE TO DO THAT!

not much to say? who me?

I also love this one taken at the neighbors house... Kevon, Heather, Ryan and Lena in 1987! My kids have always been soooo cool! ;D

I've got a doctors appt for tomorrow for my eye. My right eye is starting to water. Yuk! I've never gone through so much sanitizer with me and this eye and Makoa and his cold! The worst part is I can't wear make up! lol! Sunglasses wherever I go... rain or shine!

My face book friend today is Brittany Everett. Isn't she beautiful? When I taught Sunday school she was always my helper! I loved having her around! She was so sweet and great with the kids. Kids seem to love her... and animals by the looks of this picture! She sure has grown up. Andrew's devotion hasn't arrived yet.... I'll post it on another post. I am so proud of him looking these up every day... sharing them with everyone through his texting... and sharing his thoughts about the verses. It shows how much he is growing in Christ. Not bad for a 14 year old. He's found his own relationship with the Lord at an early age. Sure lots of kids believe and love the Lord... but Andrew's relationship to God is everything to him. That is awesome!!!!

Will it ever stop? We see sun but somewhere in the day the rain creeps in! Every day! I hate it. Usually I love rain but right now I am feeling bad for papa and his deck. He said he is finishing the front this weekend .... with a tarp if necessary! ;D Ya'll have a great day! xoxo

strawberries, styes, and specks

Good morning fans! lol, jk! The sun is out again today. It was out yesterday and it got kind of stuffy in my house... muggy. Last night I planted these strawberry plants in a big planter. Andrew and Lauren got me a strawberry started kit and when Lauren was sick we planted the seeds. We did everything right and nothing happened. I didn't want to disappoint her because she checks every time she is over or she'll ask me on the phone. So papa and I stopped Sunday on our way home from Tara's and got plants and soil! Won't she be surprised! I won't lie to her, I will just say "Look at our strawberry plants!".... because they are ours! ;D And because that's what grandma's do. xoox

Had Makoa all day and we had a great time! He's getting louder. Not fussy louder but noise louder.... just noise. He was funny.... right after we had our morning slice of cheese... he ran and got the ambulance. Uncle Kevon bought the ambulance for Andrew's first Christmas and it is still going strong. Well, Makoa brings the ambulance over and shows me he knows how to press the button now. He is so proud of himself!!!


Went and watched Lauren's last game yesterday afternoon. She is still talking about the catch she almost made. It was a high fly to 2nd base (where she was playing) and she caught it... but it fell out of her mitt. She was so excited and the crowd was yelling!!! It was a great moment for her! Papa called her when he got home to hear about it. ;DWhen each game is over the coach (on the left) always makes the boys line up behind Lauren. See her up front?The coach next to Lauren is the one that always taps her helmet when she runs to first base. They tease each other alot. He just let her tap his head... missed the picture... just got him still teasing her as she walked away.
Watched half of the 24 finale but papa had to get to sleep so we will finish it tonight. I need to try to stay away from spoilers! Frustrating to go on facebook or emails this week because if you DVR shows like us you don't see it right away.... and then you read something that ruins it... like hearing the end of a good book before you finish it! So I will avoid things like that... if possible.

Have any of you tried "Tea Tree Oil"? I just looked it up because my kids use it in their kids shampoo... it is suppose to deter lice which can be a problem at our schools when they start up. Also good for canker sores. Here is the link: http://www.homeremediesweb.com/tea_tree_oil_health_benefits.php

Canker Sores and Laryngitis

Diluted in water, Tea Tree Oil is an effective treatment for canker sores and laryngitis:

• Add 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil to one cup of warm water.
• Gargle this solution twice daily.

Dandruff and Lice

Studies have shown that shampoos with 5% of Tea Tree Oil can cure dandruff and help get rid of head lice.


Ok.... so my left eye is totally swollen. Tea Tree Oil doesn't treat it. I had a sty last week in the lower part of my eye... now it is in the upper lid so it looks alot worse.... like I was hit. I would post a picture.... but no. I guess I better get to the doctor and get some medicine now. I love Group Health. We can make our appointments on line, order med's on line, check out our history... we basically have our own site and can see everything! I love that. I love we can get our test results within hours.These two pictures are my memory photo's... taken a year ago yesterday at Tara's! Hard to believe the bridge was down this time last year and we were having to take a car/bus/boat/bus/and car to get to Tara's! lol! The kids love being together and we love being with them. I am sure either Kevon or Heather were making the kids laugh. Below is Papa and his kids... Tara, Heather and Ryan! Don't have many of just the 4.
Bri Taylor... my facebook friend of the day! I know her through church... she is one that always gives me hugs and she was a supportive friend when I needed one! She is a very kind person and I am happy we are friends!
My grandson, Andrew's verse for the day:

Matthew 7:1-6 (New International Version)

Matthew 7

Judging Others

¹"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ²For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

⁶"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Andrew's thoughts: This seems pretty easy to some, but to others, they still may be trying to get it down. What am I talking about? Judging others. In any way you judge others, you will be judged in the same way by God. This is a big deal that happens numerous times a day. Try to catch yourself ever time you remember.

Our shining star sings!!!!

Yesterday we had so much fun!!!! We went to Brad and Tara's and went with them to the Tacoma Rainiers game! We left during the 8th inning... we were beating New Orleans by like 11-3 or something. We got 5 homeruns.... I think. Great Game! We were in a covered area but it didn't rain anyway. The best part of the whole thing was Jordy and her choir class sang the National Anthem. I was proud she had her hand over her heart. Good parenting!Riley and her daddy before the game....Jo and her friends....Jo ate some candy and lost her back tooth!!! That was a shock!The Seattle Mariners have a Moose.... the Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners Minor League team, I guess) have a reindeer called Rhubarb. He was funny.
He got so close and then Riley backed off....Mam and Papa had lots of fun!
So did Brad and Tara!!!And one of Tara's bff's Jennifer and her husband Bill!
Came home and topped our weekend with Steak and baked potato!!! num! Watched the Brooks and Dunn special. Can't figure out the style of a dress/shirt? and leggings and high boots. Not too into it. Wasn't that a look in the 90's? I thought Reba's outfit was terrible. The music was great! Only my opinion. I love Brooks and Dunn.

I get sad when it is Monday.... but I do get to see Makoa. That is the good thing about Monday's. He's such a good baby boy! Hope his shiner is gone! Plus the sun is out this morning and I am looking at blue sky. Poor papa and his deck. The weather wasn't very cooperative. But he isn't discouraged. He's got more paint. lol! This weather has been so unpredictable. Last night I woke up about 12:30 to coughing and sat up before it affected my breathing. I could feel it come on... and I now know what the problem it. My sinus's are draining into the top of my throat and getting stuck... or at least that is what it feels like. Slept in my recliner the rest of the night and was fine. Maybe I should take some sinus meds before bed?

Andrew's devotional today is: Proverbs 16:3
"Since anything is possible through God, then why not commit everything you do to Him? Especially love?"

My memory photo of the day was taken 5-24-08 of Heather and her oldest, Parker... she always gives him a hard time!
My facebook friend today is Brandy Oliphant Lacey! I remember when Mark and Sandy were blessed with this baby girl! She shines like a star and has always been so kind and sweet. She reminds me so much of her mama! Pretty inside and out! I am happy to have her for my friend!

Well... that is it.... hope you all have a spectacular week! xoxo