Thursday, December 16, 2010

Twelve Days of Christmas

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas?

I received this email and thought I'd share...

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mammogram Results

Survivor Status Update

Hey friends! Sorry I’ve been a bit AWOL lately—life has been full, and I’m working six days a week. But I wanted to give you all a quick update: in January, I’ll be celebrating my 10-year Cancerversary

Last week, I went in for my yearly mammogram—the first time I’ve actually gone a full year between screenings. They found a lump in my other breast, near my armpit. Ultrasound shows it’s likely an enlarged, abnormally shaped lymph node. Next steps: gather all my films and get into another program here in Houston for follow-up in 11 weeks.

The good news? No biopsy yet, and the mammogram & ultrasound were completely free. Programs like this exist if you know where to look. If you’ve had cancer and don’t have insurance, call the American Cancer Society and your local chapter—keep calling until you get answers. Screening is crucial.

Please keep our family in your prayers. Life is chaotic with six kids and work, but honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤️

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Garden Bounty


With the four oldest kids away for the week, life at home has been…different. Fewer meals to cook, less chaos, and somehow, the garden is thriving on its own. The zucchini? Absolutely massive.

It’s given me a chance to slow down and get creative—thinking it might be time to experiment with some zucchini salsa recipes. Sometimes, a little neglect is surprisingly productive.


Vicksburg National Military Park





Vicksburg National Military Park – History Meets Humidity

Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi was established in 1899 to honor the Battle of Vicksburg and preserve the land where it all happened. The main park stretches along the city boundaries and includes most of the original battlefield.

Kevin and I explored the park the day after dropping the kids off with their dad. It was fascinating… and extremely hot and humid, but still worth every sweaty step! Here are some snapshots from our whirlwind tour. We’re hoping to bring all six kids back when we pick up the oldest four—it should be quite the adventure!









Monday, June 14, 2010

Giggles

Okay, I know this is a totally random post… but who cares! πŸ˜„
I used the facilities at Vicksburg National Military Park, and I just had to share this—too cute not to!

Drumroll please… the company name?
Hiney Hiders!!! πŸ˜‚

Seriously, how clever is that?!





Saturday, June 12, 2010

Stone Mountain


My four oldest kids are visiting their dad in Atlanta for six weeks this summer. The boys got to climb Stone mountain today!  My grandparents lived there when I was growing up and we visited often so our family and all our cousins OFTEN had races to see who could get to the top first!  I had that mountain memorized.

One of the highlights of my youth was when our church youth group took a Lynx trip to South Carolina and we stopped to climb this mountain!  FOND memories of great times and GREAT friends!  Here's a picture of our trip back then:

I am so glad my kids have had the opportunity to see this, even if I wasn't able to share it with them.  For more information of Stone Mountain visit here.


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Funnel Cakes

I Adore Funnel Cake

Nothing beats a homemade funnel cake—crispy, golden, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. Bonus points for cinnamon!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups flour

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 1/2 cups milk

  • 3 large eggs

  • 3 cups vegetable oil

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

  • Powdered sugar to finish

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350–375ΒΊF. Test with a drop of batter—it should bubble.

  2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla—mix until smooth.

  3. Pour batter into a gallon-size Ziploc, snip a 1/4-inch corner, and drizzle into hot oil in a swirling web.

  4. Fry 2 minutes until golden, flip, fry 1 more minute. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot. 

Monday, May 24, 2010

Prayers


Lord God, you are my strength. Hold my hand in my weakness and teach my heart to fly. With you, there's nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. Hold me tight in your embrace, so that I can be stronger than the challenges in my life. Amen.
I found this at Eliza's Prayer Box.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Piggy Paint

Piggy Paint Nail Polish: Safe, Stylish, and Kid-Approved

Non-toxic, odorless, water-based, and hypo-allergenic—Piggy Paint actually delivers. I tested it with my three girls, and they couldn’t get enough of the yellow polish. No harsh smells, no fuss, and it lasts just as long as regular polish.

The remover impressed me even more: completely odorless and safe enough that I feel good using it myself. As a cancer survivor, I’m careful about what products my kids use, and Piggy Paint earns my full confidence.

For moms looking for a safe, high-quality polish kids will love, this one is a winner.

Stop by Piggy Paint and check out all of their colors and products.


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Gift of Exhortation

The Gift of Encouragement: Reflections on Exhortation

Has anyone ever said something that made you feel seen, purposeful, and inspired to try harder, be better, or simply live more fully? My post yesterday, The Art of a Compliment, had me thinking along these lines, and it brought back memories from my “pastor’s wife days” when I studied Spiritual Gifts. One gift stands out in particular: the gift of Exhortation.

People with this gift have a remarkable ability to say just the right thing at the right time—words that encourage, challenge, comfort, and guide others toward growth. In essence, Exhortation is the divine enablement to present truth in a way that strengthens, motivates, and inspires action, especially for those who are discouraged or wavering in faith.

Those with this gift:

  • Strengthen those who are weak in spirit

  • Challenge others to trust and hope in God’s promises

  • Urge others to action through the application of Biblical truth

  • Inspire growth and deeper faith

I’ve always admired people who possess this gift. I had a friend growing up whose words could lift anyone’s spirit or make them pause and reflect on what truly matters. It’s a rare and beautiful ability to help others reach their potential simply by knowing what to say—and how to say it.

Personally? I don’t think I’m naturally gifted in this way, but I’ve come to deeply appreciate it. It’s a reminder that the words we speak can carry power beyond our awareness.

What’s your gift, and how do you use it? If you’re curious, there are several simple online tests to help you identify your Spiritual Gifts. While I can’t personally vouch for every test, they can be a good starting point to reflect on your strengths and how you can use them to encourage and inspire others.





Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Art of a Compliment


Compliments are beneficial not only to the receiver but the giver. Compliments build self-esteem, break the ice, motivate, diffuse stress, inspire, reward, comfort and validate. However, an improperly executed compliment can have negative effects.

First of all, BE SINCERE. The receiver will always know if you are genuine. If it is really a bad haircut, compliment her on her jewelry choices. This is why being specific is so important. Speak from your heart.

BE SPECIFIC. "What a pretty painting. I really like how you gave the detail here in the back. I never would have thought to do that." The more specific your are the more sincere the compliment seems.

BACK IT UP. "That blouse is beautiful. It really brings out the blue in your eyes."

UNCONDITIONAL. "This is a good meal. Except for the mushrooms." It totally turns from a compliment to a complaint.

Likewise, receiving a compliment correctly can greatly boost the givers self-esteem, or hurt it.

Simply, SAY THANK YOU. Don't try to repay a compliment with a compliment. It will seem fake.

DON'T DISQUALIFY IT. "Oh, it was nothing." "This old shirt?" These types of responses completely undo the compliment and leave the giver feeling discredited.

Monday, May 10, 2010

FLASHBACK


Mom, Debbie and Me (left to right) circa 1973(ish)?

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Household Tips

I was thinking about making a post because my brain is full of ideas. Mostly shortcuts. Mostly cheap ones. Mostly survival tactics for feeding a family of eight and cleaning up after six kids and one fully grown husband. So here’s one of my favorites:

Warm, wet dishrags in the fridge. Yes, really.

When there’s a spill—jelly, meat juices, strawberry syrup, or that unidentified sticky substance that makes your stomach question your life choices—skip the scrubbing. Soak a dish towel or rag in very hot tap water and lay it directly over the mess. Fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, stovetop… wherever the crime scene is.

Leave it there while you wash dishes or start dinner. By the time you’re done, one quick swipe and the mess is gone. No elbow grease. No drama. Just done.

Shortcut unlocked.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking man who snarled as he stared at me.. He definitely was the most evil person I had ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door opened and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'
The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell..' He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address the court. 'Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine.'
My Lord continued with, 'Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.. This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.' As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all.'
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.. 'This woman is free. The penalty for her has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.' I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Sunday, May 2, 2010

2010 Relay For Life

My son, Garit, and I went to our Relay for Life this weekend. The other kids were at a Planetarium show with their Grandparents. Garit decided to go support me and the cause instead. Our county 2010 Relay For Life Raised $293,000 (so far). Country wide Relays raisefunds to donate time, resources, and money to a cause that not only helps to fund cancer research but also goes to help cancer patients who may not have funds for treatment of cancer. This year's theme was "Peace, Love, and Relay" as the theme took on the 1960's theme. Polk County continues to be number one giver to Relay in the nation per capita. Literally thousands showed up for the relay this year. Here are some photos we took of the festivities.  One of the teams, full of Spirit!
Excuse my appearance it was HOT, HOT, HOT and raining!
Some of the entertainment...
One of the Teams decorations...
A two time survivor I met...
Garit and I were both impressed with this ROTC groups mobile kitchen and their enthusiasm!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Judgement


We usually form our opinions of others based upon our first impression or our first conversation. We even consider ridiculous things as clothing, vehicles, wealth, home, education and physical appearance. What makes a person a person? Things? Possessions? What kind of hair day it is? Another person’s misguided opinion? Silliness really.
When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 I had an epiphany. There is no possible way of understanding what another person is experiencing. Why do we get so impatient with people? Haven’t you needed compassion and a little leeway before? How critical we are effects all aspects of our lives.
When that old man in the car in front of you is dazing off after the light turns green, before you blare that horn in your rush to get somewhere 30 seconds faster just contemplate... What if.... If that was my father, grandfather, uncle... what if... he recently: lost his wife, was diagnosed with a fatal disease, sold his childhood home to pay for medical bills, learned that his child was dying. Really, we are clueless. But we all have been given compassion by our Father. Use it. Let it grow. Reach out in kindness, compassion and empathy. Love your neighbor. We are all human and frail. Let generosity and compassion start with our thoughts and spread to our actions.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Just Be Silly


Do something silly today. The simple act of letting go and having fun, even for a brief moment, can have a miraculous effect on your entire being. Just let go and have fun for just... 30 seconds! My good friend LaDonna and her family in this picture are a very,very good example! My heart just giggles every single time I see this photo!

I have six kids and they can tell you I can be quite silly. Just the simple act of singing, if you want to call it that, at the absolute top of your lungs can have a waving effect on the silliness level of the house. Silly games too! Simple! Just a little imagination and let it go.

I tend to have a dark, dry sense of humor but I am well known for my ability to make people laugh. I consider it a mission in life to try to make the unexpected person stop mid-track and think for a second. Usually their entire attitude changes and they LOL (laugh out loud).

So whether it is something as silly as a 42 year old mom of six skipping to the mailbox with her four year old in tow, an awkward mom playing hopscotch, or a quick hand slap challenge, it only takes a moment to have fun and I promise you that smile will definitely make you forget all of your woes for a moment at least!

So make a silly dinner tonight, watch a silly movie, play hide and seek, Capture the Flag (one of my favorites), have a scavenger hunt for the remote control or gaming controller, whatever it takes, just do it!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Go Carting


Kevin got a go cart (actually one that he already fixed up and two frames). Garit is totally WILD about it! He had a total blast. All the way up to the point when the chain broke and Garit wanted it going so bad he took the chain off of his bike to try to put on this!!! Awe..... We will get a new chain this week sometime! Garit is in heaven! Nathan hasn't had his chance yet. He was at the Grandparents house this weekend for his Birthday.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Our current homestead - 1





Our Kittens - My Photo Subjects





Okay, now that you are all awing.....
WHO WANTS ONE (in about five weeks)?

ps. Not easy subjects these fellas, those little guys are QUICK!