Today - Nothing Tackled!

I started to do my “Tackle It Tuesday” project today and then decided I just didn’t really feel like doing it – so I didn’t! I’m feeling stressed lately over the job-hunting situation. I need to find a job soon!

I have sent out several resumes and actually had a call today on a resume I sent to a particular business. The only problem was the office that pulled my resume and wanted me to interview was in Tulsa! I applied to the office here locally and I was certainly surprised when they asked me to come in for an interview and then told me where they were located. She asked whether or not I would consider relocating! I told her no and thanked her for the opportunity, but I’m staying where I am now. I have lived in this area for over 25 years and am pretty comfortable.
I have a couple of medical tests tomorrow and then Thursday I have a typing test to take for one of the jobs I applied for this week. Hopefully, that will produce good results.

I received a call today that my Mom’s Death Certificate is ready to pick up from the funeral home. I will do that tomorrow while I’m in town for testing. I still need to make a return appointment with the doctor – should have gone back this week – to run blood work a second time. I’m praying that the results from the test two weeks ago were just a fluke and this test will not show anything abnormal.

This past week I have been reminded of the joys (ha ha) of being a mom to a teenager! Chance is such a great kid and when he doesn’t live up to my expectations it throws me off for a couple of days. I try to “pick my battles” and only insist on a certain standard when the consequences of his actions could be detrimental to his existence (that’s probably a little extreme on my part!) He and I have always shared a close relationship and now that he’s 17 that has started to change. I know that’s normal and I know it has to happen, but I’m really not ready for it! He still feels like my “baby” and I’m finding it difficult to see him as the young man that he has become over the past year. I know, through prayer, we will get through this part of his life – just like I got through each of the girls’ lives – and come out closer as a family.

Jim and Sheila came over last Friday after the baby’s appointment with the pediatrician. I kept Ethan here until they return on Thursday when they will take him back home. I thought it would give Sheila a break with the new baby since Jim returned to work this week. I took Ethan to Elizabeth’s yesterday to spend the night and then realized my medical tests were scheduled for tomorrow morning. I also, today, scheduled a typing test for a job opportunity I am pursuing, so she said she would bring him back on Thursday before she goes to work at the wedding chapel. She is going to bring Addy then as well and she will stay with us for a couple of days.

I had asked Candace to bring the boys over tomorrow to spend some time with Ethan, but had to cancel since I won’t be home. Candace and I used to talk every day, but she’s no longer “allowed” to talk to us. She still calls every couple of days while her husband is at work. I don’t call her except during the day so that I don’t get her in “trouble”. I worry about her and the boys every day. I pray about the situation daily and try to give it over to God. I know that’s the only way things will change. She’s afraid to leave now – he has made threats about what will happen to her if she does leave, thereby controlling her by fear and intimidation. I don’t know how long things can continue as they are between them. She’s made a choice not to share the details of her marriage with everyone and some people – even family members – have made comments that they believe she is just blowing things out of proportion. The comments are unfair and completely wrong! She needs support now, especially from the people who are closest to her. I constantly reassure that her that Jody and I support whatever decision she makes whether we agree with those decisions or not, we love her and that’s what matters! She and I have been able to talk about the issues because I know from experience how hard it is to make a decision when you’re involved in a domestic violence situation. It seems so clear-cut to other people looking in because they don’t have first-hand experience. Oh, if it were only that easy! What a wonderful world this would be!

I don’t hear anything from our oldest daughter. When we call, our calls are not answered. I’ve sent a couple of messages to be added to her list of “friends” so that I can read her blog and keep up with things that way, but those messages have also gone unanswered. Candace says she is having the same results when she tries to communicate with her. I pray for her daily as well. I’m concerned about the life choices she is making and don’t know how to reach her anymore.

Well, I at least have to say that Elizabeth and Michael are very happy together and for that I am thankful. I say it often, but I believe that God put the two of them together and great things will come from their union. They are both so strong in faith and they are both dedicated to living in service to Him.

I am going to go with them to Life Church on Sunday to see what they are so excited about when they talk about the service there. So many things have happened at my church home that I really am looking for a new place to worship where there is enthusiasm and love for God and for each of the members. I love the congregation where we have worshipped – and where Jody and I met – but feel like it’s time to move on to something else, although I will miss everyone there. There are many people that I love like family.

Well, I guess I can step down from my soapbox for today! I had a lot of things on my mind and I feel like now that I’ve written them down, I can actually address them. That’s one of the great things I have found in “blogging” – seeing things written helps me to work them out and get things resolved.

-In The Blink Of An Eye -

I want to share with you an important link to my sister-in-law, Annie's blog. If you are a parent, a grandparent, or a neighbor to families with children, Annie has such a testimony to share about the dangers of near-drowning accidents and how just a moment can change lives forever. Annie shares the experience of her daughter's near drowning accident and their life since that time. If you want to meet a woman of true faith in the healing power of our Lord, Annie is a great example and I believe that you will be truly touched by the story she shares!

Wordless Wednesday

Tackle It Tuesday #1

This is my first Tackle It Tuesday, but I love the idea! I had several projects in mind today, but since the weather was so good, I decided I would "tackle" my flower bed - get it ready for spring! I've been meaning to clean it out, get rid of all the dead stuff in it and get the leaves out, but just had not taken time to do it. So that was my project today.

(Sorry, I accidentally deleted all my pictures of my flower bed)
Here's the before:

Here's the after(with my little helper):



I felt like I accomplished a lot today, even though I didn't get much housework done! My granddaughter, Addy spent the night with us last night and we had a busy day today! First thing this morning we got up and went to my brother's house to feed his horses and his cat. He and his wife are in Hawaii this week for their anniversary, so Elizabeth volunteered to feed while they are gone. I had driven Elizabeth's car back to my house yesterday after spending the afternoon with her, so she had no way to get to his house to feed today. Addy and I decided we would go and feed for her.

As we were driving out to feed, my youngest brother - whose wife just had a baby on Friday - called and they were in town and wanted to see if I could keep their two boys while they loaded up some of the boxes from their house here to be taken to their new home. I jumped at the chance to keep the boys. We haven't had a baby in our family for awhile, so I enjoyed every moment that I spent holding him - the entire time I had him! I, of course, took a few pictures of the baby, big brother and Addy while they were with me.


Shortly after they left, it was time to pick up Chance from school and then we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Of course, those few things turned into more things and we ended up staying there for a couple of hours. I finished the flower bed once we got home and I was so thrilled to get it done that I'm now ready to tackle the other two flower beds. The one I did today is the biggest, so the other two won't take as long.

I've been fighting "the blues" since my Mom died last month and working in the yard was the best medicine I could have received. It felt great to be out in the sun, doing something useful again!

My first "Tackle It Tuesday" was a great success and I look forward to next week!

In Need of Prayer

This has been a rough weekend for my youngest daughter and I would like to ask for prayer on her behalf. She has had problems since the beginning of her marriage but they have escalated to violence. She is trying to make decisions regarding the future for her children and herself, but is having a trouble making the changes she knows she needs to make for their safety. My heart is heavy and I am really worried about her and my grandsons. I pray that measures can be taken soon, before something happens!

We did have a bright spot this weekend - I have a new nephew. He was born on Friday evening and Mom and baby are doing great! His big brother is very excited and can hardly wait to get him home.

I am still unemployed, which at this time is not such a bad thing. My doctor has scheduled me, during the next two weeks, for a number of appointments and tests to be done. I would like to get them all out of the way before starting a new job.

Chance is finally "on the mend." He has really been sick with an upper respiratory infection. The meds prescribed by the doctor have done the trick. He still has a bad cough, but it does sound better than it did a week ago.

Addy spent the night Wednesday and Thursday this past week. It's always fun to have her around. I miss seeing her and the other grandkids. I would love to be able to see them much more than I do now. Candace brought the boys out a couple of days last week. They love to come out here because they can play outside without Candace worrying about them. We're far enough out and back from the road that they can play to their heart's content. They love to be outside!

Well, that's all for now. Please keep Candace and the boys in prayer, as well as her husband.

Mark 11:22) "Have faith in God," Jesus answered.

23) "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain,

'Go, throw yourself into the sea,'

and does not doubt in his heart

but believes that what he says will happen,

it will be done for him.

24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,

believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

25) And when you stand praying,

if you hold anything against anyone,

forgive him,

so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Friday's Feast #1 for me

Appetizer
What does the color pink make you think of?
My Granddaughter, Addy - pink is her favorite color, My friend, Phyllis - pink is also her favorite color and Ballerinas

Soup
Name something you thought you had lost, but later found.

This past Christmas I put together gifts for each of my family members to be given to them from my Mom (who was not able to do the gifts by herself this year). I bought frames, matted for three separate 5 x 7 pictures, for each of my Mother's six children and had the pictures in mind that I wanted to put into each frame. The pictures were - a current picture of my Mom, taken right before Christmas, a copy of the last picture my Mom and Dad had done together and a picture of my Mom and Dad at the time they married at age 16 and 22, respectively. I thought that I had lost the early picture of them and looked for days before I finally found it! I was so relieved to find the picture and was able to finish the gifts in time for Christmas!

Salad
In 3 words, describe this past week.

Reflective, Quiet and Peaceful

Main Course
What are you obsessed with?
Taking pictures and blogging/Learning about other people by reading their blogs

Dessert
What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?
Amazing Grace and Falling In Love both by Philosophy



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Thursday Thirteen #11 - Memes

Thirteen Memes I found through "Bloghopping"

1…

Menu Plan Monday. Although I don’t post on this one, I regularly read Annie’s Annie's site and am finding some great recipes. I am not a planner (unfortunately), but through this meme at Organizing Junkie's site, I may become one!

2...

Mirth On Monday. - I found this one at a site called "Our Whole World in his Hands & Other Adventures. The purpose of this meme is to get to know everyone better and hopefully spread a little joy throughout the blog world.

3…

Tackle It Tuesday. Hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom. I love the idea of this one. I have many drawers, closets, nooks & crannies that need to be tackled! I plan to begin this one next week.

4…

Wordless Wednesday. This one is also hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom. I have seen this one on several blog sites and thought it looked like fun! Finding the right picture each week will be a new adventure for me.

5…

Works For Me Wednesday. Hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer. - Basically, the idea is that on Wednesday you post a little tip you've learned--whether on parenting, or cleaning, or computers...basically anything that has "worked for you" in making your life easier. I think this one will definitely help me out in almost every aspect of day to day living. I can use all the help I can get!

6...

Thursday Thirteen. This is my 11th TT and even though I don’t do it every week, I enjoy reading the TT entries on other blogs.

7…

Thankful Thursday. Hosted at Sting My Heart. I found this one either by coincidence or I was led to it, but either way, am glad I found it. This is another one I am definitely going to add to my list of “Do’s” .

8...

Tasty Thursday. Hosted by Trista. Trista says, “Lately I have been in the menu doldrums, cooking the same thing week-after-week or every other week. This will help us all find new dishes to cook for our families.” I know I can use help finding new recipes to try on my family. I’m pretty much stuck, too.

9…

Slow Cooking Thursday. I also found this one while reading Annie's site - hosted at Family Corner and am finding more great recipes.

10..

Friday’s Feast. This one I found through Barbara’s blog, another blog I read regularly. Each Friday questions are posted to be answered on your blog for the day. I have not tried this one either, but have enjoyed reading other’s feasts.

11..

Weekend Reflection. This is another meme I saw on Annie's site (I love reading her blog and find so many other interesting sites). I haven’t started this one and am not sure that I will, but I enjoy reading about other bloggers’ weeks.

12..

Photo Hunters. I love taking pictures and when I found this site through Sting My Heart, I was really excited. This sounds like another great adventure.

13.. Scattegories Meme. I found this one at Are We There Yet - It looks like fun and I think I am going to try this one for sure!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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