Thursday, February 28, 2008

In Memory Of My Cousin


Carole Jane Cochran McNeese

Age 47

She went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning. Carole was a very special lady. There is so much that I could say about her. Carole has been fighting MS for a very long time. She has 3 grown children and a husband that loves her very much. Carole has been in a nursing home for several years so she could get the care that she needed. She got to the point where she could not talk and all she could do was move just one hand. But with that one hand, Carole could say so much more than anyone I know. When I went to visit and would talk to her, she would raise her hand and praise the Lord. When I first started visiting Carole a few years ago, I thought that I might help her to feel better. But after my first visit, I found out that I did not help her as much as she helped me. Through everything she went through, she always praised the Lord. Carole was raised in a Christian home and was blessed with a Godly husband. If you mentioned her husbands name, her eyes would light up. She loved him so. If I have ever saw true love, they had it. He stood by her all the way. What an example both Carole and her husband are to me. When we went to the funeral home tonight, her husband told me that he was so proud of her and her life. He knows where Carole is. She is 6 years younger than me, yet she taught me so much about life. When I think of her, I think of that verse in the Bible that says:


II Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith......


To me, that says it all. I am proud to call Carole my cousin. Please keep her husband and children, her mom & dad, brothers & sisters in your prayers.


Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Quilt Block Challenge #4





It is amazing what you can do with a Challenge. Thanks Mom for the encouragement. This is the Quilt-A-Long that I am doing. If you are interested in learning how to make a quilt, Amanda Jean is a great teacher. If I can do this, anyone can! I am just a beginner but I am loving it. I have done 4 quilt blocks so far. I am proud of me!


Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.....
A blogging friend, Midlife Mom is celebrating her 250th Post this week with a giveaway. Go on over and join her in the fun and have a chance to win Her Giveaway!

Make Sure & Check Out
My Cooking Blog!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Every Day Is A Gift From The Lord






This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Today I am thankful that I was able to:
Work on my My eBay Business
Do my Laundry
Work on my Plants
Go grocery shopping
Fix my husband breakfast & supper
Work on my budget for March
Balance Checkbooks
And many more things.

It seems we complain about the little things that we have to do on a day to day basis, but after being sick for a week, I was really thankful for everything I got to do in my home today. Every day is a gift from the Lord. Thank you is not enough.
DON'T FORGET TO VISIT My Cooking Blog!










Sunday, February 24, 2008

THE QUILT BLOCK CHALLENGE #2 & #3






I started the Quilt-A-Long over at Crazy Mom Quilts several weeks ago. We are suppose to do a block a week. It took my mom to challenge me the last time to do the first block, not because I didn't want to but because I am a procrastinator. I think I wait for the perfect time to start projects. There is no perfect time. Well, she challenged me again today to get the quilt block #2 done this week. Well, after being cooped up sick this whole week, I was feeling better today and really wanted to do something. Well, I amazed myself! I did 2 quilt blocks! Now I have done Quilt Blocks #1,2, & 3. You can see spots on the one block, but it is only from ironing it. I am now ready to start quilt block #4. This is so much fun. I am just a beginner but I am so proud of ME!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Gifts of Love

GIFTS OF LOVE, JUST FOR ME!

1. Last night, Sweet Honey went to the store & picked up a different cough syrup for me that really helped me. I actually slept most of the night and part of the day today. If you know me, you know that I do not sleep during the day, no matter what! BUT I DID TODAY!

2. This morning, Sweet daughter, Maranda, brought us biscuits for breakfast. It meant a lot to us that she took time out of her busy day today to do that.

3. My Sweet Mother-n-law cooked us Chicken & Dumplings. I usually cook for her. I guess she has probably gotten hungry since I have been sick! (Ha!)

4. My Sweet Mother cooked us the absolute Best Potato Soup & Cornbread muffins that I have ever eaten in my life! I hope she will share the recipe on her blog! She brought me some mandarin orange tea with limes to go with it. I am drinking a cup right now! uuuummmm! A couple of weeks ago, mom & I went to a quilt shop together and I saw this fabric that I just loved. It is the Dick & Jane series. Well, today she surprised me & brought me a whole panel of this fabric. I just love it. I am including the pictures of the trip to the Lavender Lime Quilt Shop . Hope you enjoy! We sure did. Check out my new fabric!

Hopefully, the next time I posts it will not be all about me! I hope I am better soon! I have got to get to back to life! Thank you for all your prayers!
MAKE SURE & VISIT MY COOKING BLOG!

Friday, February 22, 2008

A SNEAK PEAK INTO MY HOME WHILE I AM SICK


I tried to find the "I Love Lucy" show where Ricky fixes Lucy breakfast in bed but I just could not find it. It would be the perfect picture of my home this week while I have been sick. My "sweet honey" has really tried, but he just doesn't get it inside my kitchen. Ha!

Here is an example of our life this past week.

Sweet Honey: What can I do for you?
Me: Nothing, I am fine.
Sweet Honey: I will fix us something to eat.
Me: Only if you want to.
Sweet Honey: What do you want?
Me: I don't really care. Anything will be fine.
Sweet Honey: Just tell me something you would like.
Me: O.K. How about Potato Soup?
Sweet Honey: Potato Soup? You sure?
Me: Yes, that will be great.
Sweet Honey: Scrambled eggs would be good.
Me: Yes, that will be fine.
Sweet Honey: What about tomato soup? That would be better for you.
Me: Whatever is easier on you honey.
Sweet Honey: No, its not about me. Its about you.
Me: Surprise me.
Sweet Honey: O.K.
(Noise in kitchen)
(Sweet Honey calls to me. Keep in mind that I am in the bed sick.)
Sweet Honey: Where is the canned soup honey?
Me: In the left cabinet on the top.
Sweet Honey: O.K.
(More Noise in kitchen)
Me: Did you find it honey?
Sweet Honey: I don't think we have any soup.
Me: I will come and show you.
(I get up and find soup and go back to bed.)
Sweet Honey: Sorry.
Me: Thats ok.
Sweet Honey: Honey, where is the can opener?
Me: In the left hand drawer.
Sweet Honey: I can't find it.
Me: I am coming.
(I hand him the can opener and get back in bed)
Sweet Honey: Sweetie, Wheres the crackers?

and this went on and on and on. The soup was good and it finally got done. It took about 30 minutes to open a can and warm it up! But I was finally served in bed. Keep in mind this is just one night in this long week of me being sick!
It was really hilarious!
I will tell you one thing, I am ready to get better. After the steroid shot and the antibiotics shot I felt better, but now I am going downhill with the coughing. Lets pray that this goes away soon. At least I can laugh about it! My husband is great, but, on his own in the kitchen without me is really funny!
Now I know why the Lord gave the Man a help mate! They couldn't do it without us!!!!!

Don't forget to Visit My Cooking Blog & check out the recipe exchange.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.......


YOU MIGHT JUST GET IT!
I find myself often complaining a lot about having no time for myself. I try to be everything to everyone because that is my hearts desire. On my birthday, I even told one of my daughters that I wished I could have one day, just for me, to be a little lazy. That is something you don't find me doing. I always have a lot to do. Well, the last 3 days, I have been in bed sick. I have missed a funeral that I should have been at. I have not got to visit or help with my best friends dad who is now in rehab and doing well. (Please keep praying for him). I have not been with my husband, children, or grandchildren. I will not get to go to church tonight. I could go on and on. I have had my "ME" day and I AM OVER IT! I am sick & tired of being sick! I am a lot better today, thanks to prayers, 2 shots and meds.! When I got to where I could hold my head up, I was reading some blogs and ran across one that talked about whining and complaining. It talked about taking 21 days and trying to form a habit of not whining, judging, gossiping, etc. It talked about guarding or watching our mouth. At our church we are taught about how powerful the tongue is. We are taught that there are things we can just leave off. I didn't really think I had a problem with this until I read this article. But I found out I do need help. As I layed in bed this week being sick, I thought about how I complained about what all I have to do, all the time. Now here I am sick and not able to do anything. Then, I read this article. Is this that "Still Small Voice" speaking to me??? Well, I am taking the challenge and listening very closely.
If I remember right, here is the way it goes:
It takes 21 days to form a habit.
You wear a bracelet on one wrist. If you realize you are complaining, grumbling, whining, criticizing, gossiping, judging, murmuring, etc. - then you switch the bracelet to the other arm and start your 21 days over. I read that it may take us months to form this habit. I would guess that you could use anything, a pin, a ring, or even a rubberband. It even talked about, if you are doing this with others and you catch them complaining & you bring this to their attention, then you need to switch your bracelet first. I thought that was awesome because that shows we are just pointing out others faults. I just loved this. This has really made me open my eyes. This really makes you stop and think before giving your opinion or complaining. This has even changed my thought pattern. This may sound silly to some but it has just made me STOP & THINK! One person described this journey as throwing yourself into reverse. I don't know if I will use a bracelet as a reminder or what, but this has caused a big RED LIGHT in my mind. So instead of whining about things, my goal is to use CAUTION before I have the GREEN LIGHT to speak. This will not be a 21 day challenge for me.This will be a lifetime challenge & goal. I know I will fail many times but I have asked the Lord to help me and I know where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord.
STOP LOOK LISTEN
Proverbs 31:26,27
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness, She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Visit me over at My Cooking Blog for a fun Breakfast Recipe Exchange & More!


Monday, February 18, 2008

Joy Of The Lord Through Sorrow

In Loving Memory of
Patrick Delon Carrell
Sept. 6, 1986- February 15, 2008


A 21 year old young man in our church family went home to be with the Lord this past weekend. He had a tragic car accident. I called one of my best friends in the church, which happens to be Patricks cousin and let her know that we were praying for them. She was hurting, but gave all honor to the Lord for Patricks life. I started getting sick yesterday, but I was determined to go to the funeral home. Patricks family is very dear to us. I went there to show my love to them and they showed me much more. I truly saw the Joy of the Lord in their sorrow. They showed me a family that is so close to the Lord. Patricks mother told us that she is so blessed. She said just to have him for 21 years was such a blessing. His daddy was precious. He was doing exactly what Godly dads do. He was standing right with Patrick. I can't even imagine the hurt that they feel, but when we talked to both of them, you could just feel the Lords presence. They both had a strength that I cannot describe with words. They were such an example to me. Today, I am very sick and have been in the bed since yesterday but my heart is so full. I wanted to try to write something in honor of Patricks life. My husband called a while ago, and was headed to the funeral. It broke my heart that I could not go but I didn't know if I was contagious or not. After I got off the phone, I prayed for the family and our Pastors. Then I started remembering. Patrick was a humble, meek & quite young man. When he was younger, my husband was the director of the Youth Group at our church. A lot of times, Patrick would sit with me during the service. I have a very distinct memory of him. I can remember almost every service that he would cry. One time, in particular he had brought a girlfriend with him to church and it just amazed me that he could care less what anyone thought of him. It did not stop him from worshiping the Lord through his tears. Patrick is a very special person and will always be in our hearts. One thing we know for sure is that we will see him again. Thank you Lord for that hope. Please keep this family & our Pastors in your prayers.


But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31


* My husband just called and said that the funeral was so special. He said that there were at least 75-100 kids from the college Patrick went to, that marched in before the family. They were all dressed in western attire. You see Patrick loved horses and anything western. What a sweet tribute these kids gave him.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Valentines Day Surprise!

Surprise for Valentines Day!


My "Sweet Hunter" picked me up for lunch and took me to my absolute favorite restaurant....Houstons in Atlanta, Ga.! I had no idea where we were going. He kept telling me different places and we kept driving and driving. It is over an hour away so this was a treat! I had what I always have. We started out with Spinach Artichoke Dip & Chips. Then I ordered the Traditional Salad, with Honey-Lime Vinegarette with Peanut Sauce & Cheese Toast. Sweet Hunter ordered the Smoked Salmon. We actually ordered a dessert to share! We are usually too full to eat dessert. It was heavenly!

After lunch we stopped by Allatoona Lake to check out our boat that is docked there. It was beautiful even though the lake is still low.

I am so blessed to have a husband like I have. We are very happy. This was a very special day, but he didn't have to do a thing. Just being with him is a special day, any day!

After our special time together, then we went to the hospital to check on my best friends dad. He is really doing good. Thank you for all of your prayers & emails! I have shared this with the family and it means so much to them. He is a Miracle. The doctors are amazed! He actually has had 3 strokes, all in the same place and it shows extensive damage, but thanks to all of the prayers, he is doing remarkable!

It was a wonderful Valentines Day!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Prayer Changes Things For A Very Precious Man.......


You all have met my best friend Vicki, in this blog world. Now I want to introduce you to her daddy, Ray. He is the most precious man I know. He calls me his adopted daughter. I have been friends with Vicki (we are actually like sisters), for almost 30 years. I have grown to love her daddy and the whole family just like they were my own family. I know without a doubt, if I needed anything that this man would move heaven and earth to help me. That is the kind of man he is. The whole family is just precious. They treat me just like I am one of them. He recently lost his precious wife and one of his daughters. The family has been through a lot. And now, this week, Vickis dad had a stroke. When we got to the hospital, it did not look good. He wasn't responding at all. The doctor had even came out and told the family that he would not want to live like this and ask about life support. We were heartbroken. I really did not expect this. No one did. Vicki was just crushed. It was like it was just over. I could not do anything but cling to Vicki & pray. I did not know how much more any of the family could take. You see he is the rock in their family. They have been through so much. He has been doing so good. He is a very funny man. You don't have to wonder what he is thinking because he will tell you. He is also a very compassionate man. He loves life. He loves his family. His heart is so big. He even has enough room there for me, his adopted daughter. His family just pulls together when times are good and when times are bad. They are all just amazing. I am privileged to even know them. We were absolutely in shock when the doctor came out with no HOPE. Anyway, my husband called our pastor and had the church to pray, I called a little prayer team that we have and they spread the word. I know the whole family was praying. Then Vicki went in to see her daddy after she got herself composed and the next thing we knew she came out and said he was trying to talk. It was amazing to us all. His mind was good. He knew everyone. He just was very weak and couldn't talk plain. But we had HOPE again. The doctor had already gave up on him. But we didn't. My sweet husband, which is a very Godly man told me later after we left the hospital, that when the doctor was telling the family that there was basically no HOPE, that he stepped back into the little room and just prayed that the Lord would not take him now. I thought that was so precious. It is just amazing how the Lord moved. This all took place within 15 -30 minutes after the doctor told us that. That was on Monday. This is Wednesday. This precious man is doing really good. I am sure the doctor is amazed. He can talk so we can understand it. His mind is clear. He can move. He is eating. He is very tired and weak and quiet, but he is still with us. He is truly a miracle. I know that you all do not know this special man except for this post, but when you pray, would you please say a little prayer for him. Prayer does change things. Thank you Lord for answered prayers. We have our HOPE back. We saw a miracle right before our eyes! This makes me have more faith for all of my unanswered prayers. Don't ever, ever, ever give up!!!!!


Faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Sunday, February 10, 2008

I Have Been Tagged!

I Have Been Tagged by Connie


RULES:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Seven random or weird things about me:
1.My husband is a deer & turkey hunter and he bought a trail camera this year. He keeps it on some leased hunting land. When he brought it home from the hunting land to download the pictures, I was amazed at all the deer. A few months ago he made some feeders for the deer here at home but we haven't saw any this year. We think they come at night. I am also looking forward to seeing what else is lurking around. I went outside the other day and saw a bobcat walking down the creek. A couple of years ago, my daughter and I actually saw a bear not too far away from my house which is very rare. It ran right in front of my car. Anyway, getting to the point....On my birthday my sweet husband wanted me to go and pick out a new outfit but I told him I would rather have a trail camera for HOME!
2. I would rather go fishing with my husband, than shopping!
3. My family thinks I am strange because I love blogging! I can't help it, I just do!
4. I am NOT a t.v. watcher! I could do without the t.v. but give me my laptop!
5. Things go better with COKE first thing in the morning!
6. I am my mother made over, which is a good thing!
7. I am 53 years old and have never been busier in my life. My life is so full, I cannot get everything accomplished that I would like to. Sometimes I would like to run away with my husband for a week or so and just hide and do nothing.
Now, to tag seven other people. I am happy to follow the rules but if the tag-ees do not wish to play along, I understand. So, here is my list of seven:
Alice Grace - Thoughts of Home ( My Mom!)Levin(and Emily) -I wannabe CraftyRegina -My Country-Rose-GardenRandi -I Have To SayPrecious Quilts -Precious QuiltsG'G'ma Quilts -G'G'ma QuiltsNancy - Mom, Ma'am, Me
I picked people that have stopped by my blog. I will be anxious to read yours since you have been tagged. Have a wonderful Day!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Mom!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
How can I describe you to everyone, mom? There are really not words, but I found a quote that comes close:
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
This is "MY MOTHER."



CHECK OUT MY MOM'S BLOG: http://www.hartdolls.blogspot.com/

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Letter To My Grandson

Dear Brett,
Today was a good day & a bad day. Bad day was that you had to get your shots today (5 shots!). Good day was that your mommy brought you to come & stay at granny's house so I could love on you, play with you, rock you & just be with you. You were so sweet even though you didn't feel good at all. When it was time to pick up your sisters from school, you went to sleep on your little pillow in the car & was all covered up with the blankey we brought for you. By the time we got back to granny's house, after your nap, you were feeling some better. Naps & tylenol sure do help. While you were asleep, I had some quite time in the car & I was thinking of all the things that I wish for you & your life. You remind me so much of my little boy whom is all grown up now. You are just 4 years old. I thought I would write you this little letter and tell you some of my thoughts & prayers for you. I wish for happiness and good days all of your life. I know there will be some bad days, but that is where you have a choice to learn from these times or not. I pray you choose to learn from these opportunities. The bad days are so important because they make you appreciate the good days. Remember that life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you handle it. I pray that you will be STRONG, yet always HUMBLE. I pray that when disappointments come & they will come, that you will know how to handle them. I pray for you to be WISE, SENSITIVE, FUNNY, INTERESTING, LOVING & KIND. I pray that you will be a LOYAL friend and TRUSTWORTHY. I hope you will learn that HONESTY is the best policy. I hope that you will not ever be afraid to do a HARD DAYS WORK. I pray that you will always honor your parents and stay close to your family and never stray away. Friends are great, but they come & go. FAMILY will always be there. Most of all, I pray that you will grow up to LOVE THE LORD. That is the most important thing you can ever do in your whole life. If you have the LORD in your life, you will make it. No matter what comes, no matter how hard the winds blow or how high the waves get.....you will make it when you put JESUS first in your life. Our day together was very special to me. I didn't get to work, or do a lot of things that I should have been doing, but I feel there is not a price on what we had today....... Just Granny and Brett!
There is a book that I have for you when you get older. The title of the book is "Love You Forever." Here are some special words from this book from me to you.............
I'll love you forever I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living My baby you'll be.
Love,
Your Granny

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Today was all about Gardening & Cooking!

My gardening Day!

72 Big Boy Tomato Seeds

Babies from my African Violet "Elaine" along with seeds for marigolds & impatiens

The finished greenhouses

Before "Elaine" got her bigger home........
A special clay pot that my mother gave me a while back

We had another wonderful Saturday. I love it when I get to stay home and do the things I love. Today I planted 72 Big Boy Tomato seeds and some marigolds and impatiens seeds in 2 little plastic greenhouses. I have them resting now on top of my refrigerator so they will stay warm and cozy. I also repotted my african violet (Elaine) that my mother gave me. She needed a bigger pot. While doing that I decided to try to root a leaf. If she lives, her name will be "Sue". Then, after planting my tomato & flower seeds, I had a few holes left so I planted several more african violet leaves. I hope they root & live. If anyone has any tips for me, I would greatly appreciate them. I have some other special house plants that need to be in bigger containers but I didn't attempt that today. I knew I needed to cook supper and start tomorrows lunch. Tonight we had a simple supper. It was a taco salad, but no meat, just refried beans and all of the fixings. It was very good. Tomorrow, we are having a big ham (in the oven as we speak), along with Baked Macaroni & Cheese casserole, Baked beans, potato salad(all is ready & waiting to be baked) & homemade biscuits. Dessert will be a chocolate cake.(It sure looks tempting) We will really appreciate this cake after a week without sugar. I will have this on my cooking blog soon. I didn't get to my second quilt block today, but I will do that very soon. There is always so much to do. I could never imagine being bored at home. I have actually heard women say that. I was told one time by a very wise friend that in the midst of all the "have to" things we do, that you need to take time to do something you enjoy every day. She told me this when I was younger and had 4 babies at home & I was so overwhelmed.
I will tell you that story one day soon. It changed my life.
Today was a wonderfully blessed day.
Thank you Lord!

Friday, February 1, 2008

January 2008 Goals


Start everyday with Prayer and HIS Word!
I can't say that I have done this everyday but I have tried. I pray all the time but when I say start everyday with prayer.....I mean actually get on my knees in honor to the King of Kings! I need to work harder on this. He gave HIS life for me, this is the least I can do for HIM. Pray for me.

Cook new recipes!
Yes, I can say that I have done this. I have enjoyed all the cooking I have done so far. I even started a cooking blog so I could keep up. Go to http://www.cookingwithval.blogspot.com/ and check it out.


Sew!
I got my sewing machine out and set it up and am ready to go!

Craft!
I have organized all of my things and I have did a few crafts with my grandchildren.


Quilt!
Thanks to my Moms challenge........I made my first quilt block since joining http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ - Hopefully, I will be working on the second one tomorrow.



Play!
I try to play with my grandchildren. They keep me young!

Garden!
I am very excited about my garden this year. We have had a small raised bed garden the past few years but we are planning a big one this year. I looked at seeds today. I am so excited!



Put a puzzle together!
I bought a Dora puzzle for the grandkids and put it together with them. They were a whiz at it. I also have bought me a more complicated puzzle. I hope I can do it. I hope I will do it. But just buying it is a start for me.

Learn to relax!
Blogging has helped me to do this. I am not one to sit and watch t.v. so sitting and relaxing is hard for me. Since I discovered blogs, I have found that nightime is my blogging time. I love to read other blogs and see how others live. I also love working on my blogs. This is very relaxing for me.

Work hard!
I have no problem here. I cannot sit still. If I am not working in my house, you can find me working on My ebay Business!


Visit More!
This is an area I am working on. I want to do better on visiting the sick and shut ins but I also want to go visit my friends and relatives more. I did go visit my granny this week. So get ready, I may be visiting you soon!


To Be More Organized!
A work in progress!


These are the areas I have not done well in:
Read more books
Watch more movies
Learn all I can
Teach my grandchildren


January is gone, and February is here! So I have a lot to work on but I am proud of what I have done so far. What are your goals? Have you accomplished any? Leave a comment and share with me!