50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Tonight we attended a very nice dinner and dance for our friends Hal and Myra who celebrated their 50th Anniversary. 50 Years!! It was a wonderful evening.

I met Myra right after we moved here. She's one of the ladies in the Tuesday Lunch Bunch who was so sweet about making sure I found a tennis group, a book club, a lunch group, etc. and introduced me to so many people. She and Hal really are a sweet, sweet couple.

Hal and Myra
George and I had a great time
The 8 at our table from front to back - Left: Larry, Rita, Me, George Right: Rex, Jo, Linda, Gerald
Me with Pat aka "Nother Mother"

George gets "Nother Mother" on the dance floor

DREAMY CHOCOLATE

It's pretty bad when your dreams are filled with chocolate!

This is what I love !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



But, this is what i fear.....

I know I'm dreaming of it 'cause I'm trying so hard to stay away from it for awhile. Actually, I'm trying to stay away from anything with sugar. It's so hard for a chocoholic like me!

I hope your day (and dreams) are filled with something sweet.

I'm off to walk on the treadmill just like this.

WHY MUST THERE BE POLITICS IN CHURCH?

We went to church this morning with heavy hearts because we've heard about some struggles going on within the church, primarily the musicians. I just hate it when things happen, especially in my church. I know this happens quite often and I've heard of it happening many times in other churches in almost every city we've lived in. It just has never happened in our church.

It's quite upsetting for us. We're still not sure what we're gonna do. I guess time will tell. If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you KNOW we love our church, so this is very hard for us. But, once we arrived today and sat in our normal spot, I felt a peace and felt things will be okay. George isn't sure just yet. Please say a prayer for us.

The sermon was amazing today and it was entitled "When I Get Where I'm Going". David then sang the Brad Paisley song with the same title. It's one I really like. I love the words and the feelings it brings and the music is incredible.

"When I Get Where I'm Going"
When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

[Chorus]

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

[Repeat chorus]

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR...

Our neighbors are the best. They are constantly doing nice things for us. This morning one of the twins brought over some grouper filets Brad caught yesterday. Tonight I broiled them and served it with brown rice and a great salad. Voila'...dinner was served...quick and easy and so yummy!

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT – Friends and Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you think you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you, or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins and extended family all bless our life. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead, nor did we know how much we would need each other.

A $50.00 CUP OF COFFEE

Actually, make that $65.00 plus tax. Why?

This morning George suggested we take Miss Daisy for a ride in the golf cart up to Starbucks. And you KNOW he had to twist my arm! (wink, wink)

We can't take Daisy inside, so George always stays outside with her and I go inside for our morning fix coffees. And just like I do every time we go, I put my cell phone down on the table so I could carry the coffees easily.

Well, this morning, George didn't notice my cell phone on the table and decided to move to another table so he could chat with some people who were asking questions about Daisy. Of course his back was turned to the table.When I came back out with our coffees, I didn't even think about my cell phone since I immediately jumped into the conversation about our sweet dog.

Later, I looked for my phone and it wasn't there. I thought George might have put it in his pocket. Nope. Gone! We looked everywhere and even called my number using George's cell. It went straight through to voice mail, which I later learned meant that it was either turned off or disassembled. I was afraid someone was using it to make expensive long distance calls. I was told even if someone was making a call, I would still have heard it ring since I have call waiting.

We ended up having to make a police report since we were filing a claim using our cell phone insurance. (Yes, we have cell phone insurance...living at the beach, there's always a chance of dropping it in the sand or the water....not that I know this personally....more winks)

To make a long story even a little longer...I spent the afternoon filing reports, etc. I now have a new phone and even got to keep my old number since the old phone was deactivated.

So after spending $50.00 for the insurance deductible and another $15.00 plus tax for a clear case with a clip, now all I have to do is re-enter the gazillion numbers I have. Urggggggg........ (And that's money I needed for more coffee!!!)

WHO'S IN YOUR 'FRONT ROW'?

Wow...Dianne gets my vote for the perfect post. Go here to read it. The title is "Who's in your 'front row'?". Love it! Great message.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET "B BEAR"!

Bree with her boyfriend, Jay

Happy 26th Birthday Bree! Time truly does fly!

9 pounds, 1-1/2 ounces!

Look at all that dark hair...yours and ours!
We couldn't stop smiling!
Two very sleepy girls after our busy morning!

Happy Birthday Sweet "B Bear"! We love you more than words can say. You have always made us so proud of you.

THOUGHTFUL BLOGGER AWARD

The Thoughtful Blogger Award is for those who answer blog comments, emails, and make their visitors feel at home on their blogs. For the people who take others' feelings into consideration before speaking out and who are kind and courteous. Also for all of those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve, and fix their sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.


Annie nominated me or this award and I am humbled and very, very touched. Thank you so much Annie. I really appreciate this more than you will know. It especially thrills me to get this particular award from you sweet Annie. You more than anyone else I know certainly deserves this award. The description above describes you perfectly! Congratulations on getting it yourself and thanks so much for giving it to me.

I try very hard to be thoughtful about what I post about. I started my blog as a journal, just to put my thoughts down and to document what's going on in my life. Life is precious and I want to remember all of God's blessings in my life. I never really thought others would be interested in what I wrote or what I think about. It's nice to know that others like my blog and appreciate some of my post. And it's fun to get comments. :-)

Here's just a few of the Thoughtful blogs I enjoy:
Jill at Who Could Ask For Anything More
Deb at Lavender Chick
Theresa at Living The Life
Heather at Running From The Little People

THE ANSWER IS YES

Me with Tonja at our new Tommy Bahama Cafe

Did I get to meet and have lunch with Tonja at Gatherings? Yes

Did I mispronounce her name? Yes (It's pronounced just like it's spelled - Ton ja, not like Tonya)

Did I say it wrong more than once? Yes

Is she as sweet and cute and funny as she seems on her blog? Absolutely yes! Tonja is so easy to talk to and has the kindest, sweetest spirt and she is "as cute as a button"!

Did we really have a two hour lunch? Yes and it wasn't enough

With no chocolate involved? Yes (sad, but true)

Was it fun? Very much so!

Would I do it again? Yes...again and again

Did we talk about all you other bloggers? Yes, in a good way :-)

Did we both show up in our flip-flops? Yes, of course!







I feel very blessed to have now met 3 of my fellow blog friends so far, Tonja, Tracey and Rhoda. These girls are exactly as I imagined they would be. Exactly. Which has been wonderful. It's exciting and fun and yes a little scary, but oh how I've loved it.

This blogging world which was so scary in the beginning, has become such a joy to me. I've met some really wonderful friends and I want to says thanks to all of you for your friendship.

LET'S SAY THANKS

I think it's important to let our troops know how much we appreciate their sacrifices.

Xerox is doing something very cool. If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com , you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

I chose this one, but there's lots to choose from.

God Bless The USA and our troops and their families.

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT

My free Monk&Neagle CD arrived in the mail this afternoon. Yippee! Oh.My.Word! This CD is incredible! BooMama was so right and I'm glad I entered and won. My favorite is "Beautiful You", but every song is wonderful. Click and listen. Be sure to pick yours up on September 18th. You won't be sorry, I guarantee you!
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Miss Daisy continues to bring us so much joy! What a great dog...the best we've ever, ever had. Every day we grow to love her even more.
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Is it just me, or is summer flying by? Can't believe July is almost over!
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I posted a few days ago about the "Mega Huge Rummage Sale" my daughter-in-law and her friend were having to raise funds toward their adoptions from China. I just wanted to report that it was a huge success. You can go here to read a little more. Thanks so much for all your prayers!
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Tonight we went to dinner with some friends to the Tommy Bahama Cafe which just opened. Wow....beautifully decorated and the food was incredible, especially the desserts! We ate way too much though.
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My blog friend, Tonja, is in town for the week and we got to chat by phone today for awhile. She sounds just as sweet as I knew she would. We were giggling like school girls. (Tracey, remember how we were?) We're planning to meet for lunch later this week. Can't wait! I've been blessed this year to meet 2 other blogger friends, Tracey and Rhoda, and I hope to get to meet more of you in the future.
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MAKE THIS A GREAT WEEK

Let's make this a great week!

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God!

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

FOR NOW JUST CALL ME "MARTHA"

"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" is a book I've been wanting to read and I plan to pick it up soon. I've heard it is a wonderful book.

Luke10:38-42
38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

This was our scripture reading this morning in church and it's got me to thinking...

Now, I would like to think that if Jesus was here in my home that I wouldn't fret and run about doing "this and that". I would hope that I would just sit at His feet and wonder at His presence and feast on His every word. Just like Mary.

But I know myself and I'm pretty darn sure I would have myself in a "tizzy" running around like a crazy woman making sure everything was "just right". Every surface and floor would be sparkling clean and Oh.My.Word would there be food and drink. Only the best for my Lord. Just like Martha.

I know this because every time George and I have a party, I can almost guarantee that I'm the one doing the running around like the proverbial chicken with her head cut off. I plan far in advance and I worry over e.v.e.r.y little thing. During the party, I'm still running around (behind the scene) taking care of everything. Where is George? Having a ball. The life of the party. E-n-j-o-y-i-n-g himself! I often tell him the next day that he's a guest at his own party! LOL

I want to be like Mary. I want to be like George. I want to enjoy the moment.

This is something I'm praying about and will be working on.

Are you a Mary or a Martha?

THREE AMIGOS

Update: Jean asked why I call us the "gang". Its because the 6 of us are always doing things together. When we plan something, we say "let's get together the usual suspects" meaning the 6 of us. Thus "the gang".

Tonight was fun. The "gang" all went out for Chinese. The guys weren't interested in being in the photo though.


Barbara aka "Duckie", Jeanette and Me

I DON'T WANNA BE CALLED 'THREE HORSE'

Hey, I'm not guilty of this...not "little ole me", no Ma'am!

I just thought it was funny.....

SEND UP SOME PRAYERS FOR OUR 10TH GRANDCHILD

Our sweet grandchildren are waiting for their little sister. Our daughter-in-law, Angela, and her friend in the midst of getting ready for the sale.

George and I are blessed to have nine grandchildren. Our tenth will be a little girl from China that our son, Eric, and our daughter-in-law, Angela, are in the process of adopting. They have three children of their own, but God has placed a desire on their hearts to adopt. I get goose bumps just thinking about the blessings this little girl will be to our entire family.

To help raise part of the funds needed, my daughter-in-law and her friend who is also adopting a little girl from China, are having a "Mega Huge Rummage Sale" today and tomorrow. Angela has written several posts recently about the sale here and here. They have worked so very hard to pull this off. Please send up some prayers for a "Mega Huge" blessing for these families. I just spoke to Angela and so far, they are having a good day. Someone has also anonymously set up a grant for them with Helping Hand Ministries. We're praising God from whom ALL blessings flow.

Thanks!

A GIRL'S GOTTA DO WHAT A GIRL'S GOTTA DO

Yep, I'm still dealing with hot flashes. And let me tell you, it ain't pretty and it ain't fun...especially in the humidity and heat we've been having around here.

Hot flashes are fascinating though. It's amazing that our bodies can do this. I mean I'm perfectly normal (?) one second and the next there is a volcano blowing hot steam that starts in my belly and rushes toward my head and in a split second I'm boiling H.O.T!

Kari wrote a very funny and accurate post about menopause. Go here to take a look. I warn you, it's not pretty.

YEAH! - FREE MUSIC

I love their sound. Great Christian Music. Click to listen.

Yippee!! Thanks to BooMama, I was able to sign up for a free Monk & Neagle CD. I was one of the first 100. It should arrive in about 10 days or so...can't wait.