Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Sunshiny Hodgepodge! The weather is glorious here! Want to join us in all the fun? Simply answer the questions on your own blog and link up. That's all there is to it!

1.  Share a favorite song, book, or movie title that contains the word green. 'Green Green Grass of Home' by Tom Jones. My mom and dad used to listen to it all the time and I know every lyric by heart. Still gets me choked up to hear it...



2.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, 'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Would you agree? Are you a believer in luck? Hmm...I think I'm somewhere in the middle with this one. I believe in luck to a certain degree. For instance, if you play the slots in Vegas, you might have the good luck of winning from time-to-time. However, I tend to believe more that every action you engage in has a consequence. For example, if you are an honest person with a strong work ethic, you can become successful in the job force.

3.  Spring water, Hot Springs, handspring, spring fling. Spring Break, spring fever, offspring...which 'spring' word best applies to your something in your day, week, or life right now? Spring fever! Our temps have been reaching the upper 70's and it's everything I can do to keep from planting flowers in all of my beds. However, I'm going to give it a little more time to ensure that this warm weather is here to stay.  

4.  What's something you do to make yourself look or feel more confident? I exercise, at least, five days a week and I shower, wash my hair, and put makeup on every single day. Not because I 'have' to, but because it makes me feel better, overall.     

5.  It's National Celery Month...are you a fan? If so, what's a snack or dish you enjoy that calls for celery? I'm not a huge fan, but I will eat it. I love it as a side to boneless chicken wings...the spicier, the better!

6.  What's one thing you wish you'd learned sooner? How to bowl! Chris and I have a couple of close friends that we go bowling with about twice a month. We bowl from about 7 PM until about 1:30 AM---during Cosmic Bowl with disco lights! We have a blast! My highest score yet has been 152. I wish I had started bowling consistently at a younger age so I'd be more 'seasoned'.    

7.  Would you like to own a second home? If so, where would you want that home to be? Absolutely! My dream would be a log cabin nestled somewhere in the mountains of East Tennessee. This one would definitely fit the bill...

                                         (Image via Google)

8.  Insert your own random thoughts here. For the past few weeks, I've been taking Melatonin at bedtime. It's a natural sleep aid. I've been sleeping like a baby and have been having the most vivid dreams. Plus, I wake up feeling completely refreshed. I'm sold on it!   

Hope it's warm and sunshiny wherever you may be!

Garage Redo Reveal

As much as we would have enjoyed it, Chris and I didn't have a relaxing weekend. We worked all weekend long on redoing our garage. We had already removed the wood shelving that Chris had built and nailed to the back walls and we cleared all of the 'stuff' out. The next thing we had to do was paint all the walls and baseboards. Actually, that part of the process went by much quicker than anticipated. Then, we applied a decorative garage floor epoxy. Chris did the painting and I went behind him and sprinkled each section with decorative chips...

   

We had to allow it to 'cure' overnight. The next day, we retouched the baseboards, then we went to Home Depot about four different times and purchased holders and hooks from which to hang our lawn tools, as well as brooms and umbrellas. Once Chris got all those installed, we were able to beginning moving our belongings back into the garage and start organizing everything. 

So, I present to you our newly painted and organized garage...

It's amazing how changes like the ones we made in our garage can make such a BIG difference. It feels so much newer and cleaner! It was an undertaking to get it completed, but it was so worth it!

Hmm...wonder what kind of project I can talk Chris into doing next?  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

We meet, again, for a little Hodgepodge action, which I love! Won't you join us? Simply answer the questions on your own blog and you'll be all set!

1.  This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?  Yes, we absolutely celebrate Easter in our home. Chris, the girls, and I go to church, then I, usually, prepare ham with all the fixings for a late lunch/early dinner. Of course, this year could be different now that Abby has moved out and Brittany is on her own. I pray we can all come together and celebrate that Christ has RISEN! As a child, I can recall my mom sewing me an Easter dress or buying me one. She always liked the frilly ones...me, not so much. We'd often go to my grandmother's house in NW Arkansas for Easter and attend church with her and have an Easter egg hunt in her backyard with some of my cousins.    

Here's the girls on Easter around 2008, I'm guessing. Seems like eons ago...

2.  George Weinberg is quoted as saying, 'Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.' Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts on the word hope. I agree wholeheartedly! One thing I've learned in all I've gone through with Abby moving out five months ago is to NEVER give up hope! It's the one thing, along with my faith in God, that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other each and every day. It makes me believe that things can turn around and that there is a real possibility for her to return home. If I didn't have that hope, I probably would have curled up in a corner by now.

3.  Weigh in with a yay or a nay on the traditional Easter candies. Peeps? A solid milk chocolate bunny? Cadbury Creme Eggs? Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? Jelly Beans? Coconut Creme Eggs? Of the candies listed, which would you most like to find in your Easter basket? Of the candies listed, the only one I'd like to see in my Easter basket is a Cadbury Creme Egg. YUM! I'm not a huge fan of the others.

4.  When did you last feel like a 'kid in a candy store'? Probably when Chris gave me the go ahead to purchase an area rug for our kitchen. I had such fun deciding on just the right one! 

5.  What's something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Did it bother other people? I have absolutely no clue!

6.  Palm Springs, CA., Palm Beach, FL., or the PALMetto state...of the three which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?  I'd say the Palmetto State~South Carolina. My mother-in-law lives there on a huge lake and it's only about a 3 hour drive from here. We love to hop on the pontoon boat and go riding around looking at all the lake homes. Other than South Carolina, I've visited Palm Beach, FL.

7.  If you could change the length of a day, would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why? I would lengthen it because I never seem to have enough time to do all that I need or want to get done in one 24-hour period.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. Have any of you been watching '19 Kids and Counting' as they prepare for the wedding of Jessa and Ben? They are just the cutest couple and her dress is GORGEOUS! She's such a beauty...

                                        (Photo via Google Images)

I so admire their strong Christian values and how they waited until their wedding day to have their first kiss. Love that.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!

International Cherry Blossom Festival And More

Sorry I've been out of the loop. Just seems to be a lot on my plate right now. I wanted to share with you about a trip I took last weekend to Macon, GA. to visit Brittany. Abby came along, which was nice. Its a 2-hour trip down there so it gave us some time to visit...something I've missed dearly.

Brittany was kind enough to let me sleep in her comfy bed while she and Abby slept on the floor in the living room. Here's Abby snoozing away on Saturday morning...

Once we got ready, we went to the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon. The cherry trees were all abloom and so pretty...

There was a car show, carnival rides galore, and the smell of corn dogs and cotton candy blowing in the breeze...

It was a fun place to wander about and people watch. After we left the festival, Brittany wanted to go look at pets at PetSmart. She's been wanting to get a pet for about a month or so. We looked at guinea pigs, birds, hamsters, gerbils, and even a rat (BLECH!)! She, finally, decided on this little furry creature. I present to you her new bunny, Peaches. Guess that makes me a Grammy...

Abby put her cage together all on her own. It was quite the undertaking, but ended up being just the right spot to keep Peaches...

If this next photo doesn't depict true love, I don't know what does. Brittany put her on the floor in her empty guest room and I've never seen such a speedy bunny! So funny to watch. Of course, Brittany called me just a little while ago and told me she's worried about Peaches because she's been sneezing non-stop since yesterday. She has a call in to a vet. We're hoping she isn't sick and just has the sniffles...
   

I think Brittany is learning a lot about caring for another living being. Definitely a good lesson for motherhood down the road. All-in-all, the three of us had a fun weekend together and did our best to put aside our differences for those few days. Definitely far from 'normal', but I'll take whatever I can get at this point.

Today is the hubby's birthday. Here he is when he played Little League baseball and I think he's still as cute now as he was then...

He's my rock, my best friend, and my sweetheart. I love him dearly and look so forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him!

If I don't get the chance to post, again, tomorrow, I wish all of you a BLESSED EASTER! Brittany will be home late tomorrow evening and I think Abby will be coming over, as well, to celebrate Chris's birthday and Easter with us. The road has been tough these past five months, but I'm a survivor because of my faith in Christ. He has continued to give me HOPE that tomorrow will be better than today.Wishing that hope for you, as well.

Much love,

Birthday Weekend

Hope y'all had a Blessed Easter! Ours didn't turn out as we'd hoped and I'll be sure to fill you in later this week. Chris turned 52 on Thursday, but we decided to celebrate on Friday because Brittany planned to come home for the weekend and Abby said she'd be over, as well. 

Abby sent me a text on Friday evening saying their dog's stitches had become infected and they were going to have to take her to the vet. She told me she would have to be over later than expected. Well, around 10 PM, she sent me another text saying they were about to leave and wanted to know if it was too late to come over since she wasn't spending the night. I explained that we all thought she was spending the whole weekend with us because that's what she had told us, which she denied. So, I told her it was probably too late to bother coming over and that we were going to proceed with having birthday cake. Let me add here, also, that Abby asked me on Thursday if Austin could join us for our Easter meal. Chris and I had decided that we wanted it to be just the four of us and I expressed that to Abby. She continued to plead with me. However, I stood firm and even extended an invitation to have them come over this Saturday for dinner. She never acknowledged my offer and informed that that if we couldn't have Austin join us for our Easter meal, they would go to his Nana's house, instead. She was upset with me. I had told her that we'd love for them to come to church with us and she said she'd see us then. That's where I'll pick up later this week.

Now, back to the celebration for Chris. Here's the cake I made him and he was impressed. If you'll recall, Chris is the one who can make such flawless cakes, but I think I gave him a run for his money...

He loved the shirt Brittany gave him. Truer words have never been written.What's sad is that it's the first birthday that Abby has missed in all of her 18 years...

The next morning, he let Brittany take a spin on his new riding lawn mower. It was hilarious to watch her in action...

Later that afternoon, the three of us decided to head to Duluth for a little go-cart racing...

I opted to sit out and watch and take pics. They looked like the 'real deal'. Time to 'Shake and Bake!'

And they're off! They went so fast around the track! It was like watching a mini-version of NASCAR! They had a blast!

We got home and Brittany and I enjoyed playing with Peaches. Isn't she just the sweetest little ball of fluff?

The weather was so nice that I was able to plant some Columbine flowers. Just love how intricate the blooms are..

So, as the saying goes, 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' I'm learning that even when things don't go exactly as planned, I can still find ways to enjoy life and appreciate the many blessings I've been given. Is it easy to do? No..far from it. One day at a time...that's all I can do.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm tickled pink be back with Hodgepodge today! Last week, I just needed a bit of a breather. Happens from time-to-time. If you'd like to join in, all you have to do is answer the questions on your own blog, click the button, and link up.  
   

1.  Beside leftover Easter goodies, what's something currently kept in a basket at your house? Well, in our sunroom, I keep a basket of 'Southern Living' and 'Good Housekeeping' magazines. In our master bathroom, I have a basket for my face lotions and toothpaste.

2.  'The greater danger for most of us in not that our aim is too high and we miss it. but that it is too low and we reach it.'~Michelangelo Buonarotti. So, which one are you? The one who aim too high or the one who aims too low? Have you ever seen The Sistine Chapel?  Did you know Michelangelo's surname prior to answering this question? I have a tendency to aim high in everything I set out to do, regardless of what it may be. In my job, I always want to turn out more reviews/reports than the week before. I, also, like to try and run faster than I did the previous day. I'm constantly challenging myself. No, I have never seen the Sistine Chapel and I had no clue that was Michelangelo's surname. You learn something every day!  

3.  April 7th is National Beer Day...wonder how that's celebrated? Do you like beer? Have a favorite? If you're not a beer drinker, do you have any recipes that you enjoy cooking that call for using beer? I don't drink alcohol, but I have had a sip of beer before. Did not care for it. at all. The one thing I like to make with beer is Beer Butt Chicken. Have you heard of it? You take a whole chicken and place it over an open can of beer and put it on an outdoor grill. The meat, literally, is so moist it falls right off the bone.

4.  When did you last travel somewhere new? Tell us where? How'd it go? Gosh, I really have no idea! It's been almost a year since I went somewhere completely new and that was to Maui last summer. It was AMAZING and I'd love to go back, again!

5.  The value of ________________is greatly overrated. The value of anti-aging creams is greatly overrated. Why? Because you're going to age, anyway! However, I must admit that I do use them with the hope that it will delay deep wrinkles and age spots from developing for just a little while longer.

6.  What's a pet peeve of yours when it comes to restaurant dining?  I can't stand it when I'm in a restaurant and someone is chatting loudly on their cell phone as if no one else is around. It bothers me when the waiter/waitress brings your food but never checks back to refill your drink.
   
7.  It's Poetry Month...share a favorite poem, either the title, a few lines you find meaningful or the whole kit and caboodle. This is a poem I recently came across in a book I'm reading called 'Going Gypsy' and it really touched a chord with me. Hope you enjoy it.

Before there were late night crying babies, there was us.

Before there were 2 AM feedings, there was us.

Before there were tiny dirty diaper changes, there was us.

Before there were drool-stained bibs, there was us.

Before there were kiss-it-and make-it-better skinned knees, there was us.

Before there were school bus stop good-byes, there was us.

Before there were dance classes, there was us.

Before there were little league games, there was us.

Before there were after-school minivan marathons, there was us.

Before there were junior-high school crying jags, there was us.

Before there were prom dresses, there was us.

Before there were nervous-waiting-up-for-them-to-get-home late nights, there was us.

Before there were tuition bills, there was us.

Before there were graduations, there was us.

Now, there is us, again.       

8.   Insert your own random thought here.  After reading that poem, again. I realize all the experiences I've been robbed of...Senior carnival, decorating Abby's locker, the Senior Walk through the school hallways, prom dress shopping, graduation, shopping for dorm room supplies, etc. These next couple of months are going to hit me hard. They're moments I'll never get to 'do over'...and the sad part is, Abby won't, either.   

The POWER Of Prayer

I just had to write a bit of an update to what I posted earlier. As most of you know, I've been struggling today, especially, with not hearing from Abby for four days. That's when my mind plays some very horrible tricks on me and it's all over the place. Well, as I often do, I went in her room about 30 mins. ago and prayed for her beside her bed...pleading with God to let me hear from her soon. With tears streaming down my face, I stood up and heard my phone buzz. I went in the hallway to get it and saw that Abby had sent me a text. She wrote, 'Thinking about you today. I'm really sorry for how Easter went...I love you.'

You can't convince me that isn't a 'God thing'. I'm still in awe of what happened. Might seem insignificant to some, but it's HUGE to me. The POWER of prayer is very real and God hears my cries!  

Six Months Ago Today...

As soon as I woke up this morning, today's date jumped out at me. Six months ago today, Abby moved out of our home and in with her boyfriend and his family. Seems almost surreal to me. On one hand, it feels like an eternity, while on another, it feels like it all happened yesterday.

I can still vividly recall the shock of coming home to finding Abby and Austin moving her belongings out of our home and into the back seat of her car. They looked like deer caught in the headlights. I've often wondered, though I've never asked...were they hoping to be long gone by the time I arrived home? That would have been an extra jab of the dagger. At that moment in time, I convinced myself that she would be gone for only a couple of days...at the very longest, a week or two. I figured she'd start missing HOME and want to come back, but that hasn't happened yet. How I managed to make it through that first night in this house alone after what occurred is only by the grace of God. It was a long, painful night of no sleep and constant worry. Where had we gone wrong? What had we done to push her away? What could we have done differently? I had no answers...and, to be honest, I still don't.What she did on that day still doesn't make any sense to me. Why would she choose to throw away the life she had here with us for the life she's now living...from stability to chaos?  

Perhaps that's the whole key. We aren't meant to fully comprehend all the 'whys', which leads us to TRUST and lean on God. In fact, if anything good and positive has come out of this, it's that my faith in God has grown stronger by leaps and bounds. He is the One on whom I can depend. Without my faith in God, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago, but the hope He's given me tells me to never give up and to keep fighting. It's a choice I make daily. I could choose to live the rest of my life allowing bitterness to overtake me, but what kind of life would that be? Granted, some days are far easier than others, but I still am able to find joy in life...to find things that make me smile and laugh...to continue to believe that tomorrow holds new beginnings. I'm a survivor of sorts, if you will. I continue to claim that my prodigal daughter will return one day!

Now, one of the things that makes me smile is taking photos of nature, namely animals. This bluejay seemed as inquisitive about me as I was about him...  

Another bird enjoying a mid-afternoon snack...

Of course, this little fella was the smartest one in the bunch...

On a different note, Chris found out last night that one of his college buddies passed away over the weekend. Apparently, he had gone out on his boat and a wave caused him to be thrown overboard; he was struck by the propeller. Just goes to show how quickly things can change and without any warning. Prayers for his family and friends would be greatly appreciated.

Cherish life and the ones you love.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Yay...time for Hodgepodge! Have you joined in with us before? All you have to do is answer the questions on your own blog and link up!

1.  Speaking of April 15th, what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently? Well, since spring's arrival, I've decided to clean our carpets. I've done the family room, but the stairs need it next. Our rug cleaning machine isn't the easiest piece of equipment to lug around, but I'm making progress, slowly, but surely!

2.  When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was the somewhere? I'm trying to think. It had to have been the cruise we went on several years ago. I believe it was in St. Kitt's.

3.  What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago? I'm pretty good at holding a plank (not a plank of wood), thanks to Shaun T. when I did T-25.

4.  How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick Fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken-n-dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...? Chris and I eat chicken, at least, twice a week. I must say that my mom made some of the BEST fried chicken I've ever put in my mouth. The recipe she used was Loretta Lynn's recipe and it was for Mooney's Fried Chicken. Mooney was Loretta's husband. It had to be triple-battered and fried up extra-crispy. Man, what I'd give for a big plate of it about now! 

5.  What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most? I had quite a few. Does anyone remember 'Sigmund and the Sea Monsters', by chance? Loved it!

I was, also, a big fan of 'Gilligan's Island', 'Love Boat' and 'Happy Days'. Arthur Fonzirelli was one of my favorite characters from 'Happy Days'. I was in love with the Professor from 'Gilligan's Island' and I always wanted to be like Mary Ann.    

6.  What was the last piece of 'art' you made? I don't get inspired too often to be crafty, but a few weekends ago, I went to Michael's and purchased a large wooden 'W'. I painted it a bright yellow and hot-glued some small paper flowers to two corners. I hot-glued a yellow ribbon to it and hung it from our from door. Looks pretty snazzy, if I have to say so myself!

7.  What frustrates you most about the Internet? It isn't as fast as I'd like it to be.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. I have a doctor's appt. in a little while, so I'm not sure if I'll get around to visiting all or you, if any. My apologies if I don't. I'll do the best I can, though.

Happy Wednesday!

Nature Happens

Last week, we enjoyed some beautiful weather. It was so nice that I sat outside on our back deck and read a book. Nothing quite like a little solitude...I call it 'food for the soul'. It was so nice that I had to grab my camera and take a few shots.

I really love this one because I adore tall trees and white fluffy clouds, so it's a good combination of two of my favorite things in nature...

Of course, as they say, 'All good things must come to an end.' Rain moved in and it stayed around for four to five solid days. Yesterday, we were under a tornado warning for about an hour and the skies, as you can see, were quite ominous-looking...

That, however, didn't seem to deter this little fella....

If you don't already know, I absolutely love nature and all the wonder it brings.

Abby came over for about three hours yesterday. She had asked if she could come over to work on her schooling. She said it's hard to get anything done at Austin's house because his 16-month old niece is always running around, which is distracting. So, we agreed and Chris drove over and picked her up. It may not be the 'recommended approach', but we want so badly for her to get her HS diploma that we're willing to help out in that regard. Please pray that she stays on track and maintains her motivation to get the job done as soon as possible.

Well, I'm about to wash my car since the weather has returned to being beautiful, again. I want to soak up the sun as much as I can!

Have a terrific Tuesday! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I have something really exciting going on later today, so I'm amazed I could focus enough to even do Hodgepodge today! I'll share more about that for my random thought, but let's get moving. If you'd like to play along, just answer the questions on your own blog and link up!

1.  Have you ever had to wear a uniform? If yes, tell us more. Did you love it or hate it? Yes. My best friend, Marni, and I worked at Magic Springs Amusement Park in Hot Springs, AR. one summer while we were in high school. They gave us stiff button-down shirts to wear and I don't think either one of us thought much of them.  

2.  April 22nd is Earth Day. What is one thing you do personally to be a good steward of Mother Earth? I recycle every week. I keep newspapers, magazines, and, basically, anything made out of paper in a bin that I put out by the road each Friday for pick-up.

3.  Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous...your healthy grain of choice? How often are one of the three on your menu at home? Given a choice between white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or fried rice, which would you choose? Out of the three, I prefer brown rice. I'm not a fan of the texture of quinoa or couscous. I make brown rice about once a week. If I had my choice and didn't have to worry about how 'healthy' (or unhealthy) it is, I'd probably choose fried rice with brown rice or wild rice being a close second.      

4.  In your opinion, who has the best job ever? I'd have to say pediatric nurses. I would love to be able to care for children who are sick, particularly those suffering from cancer. I've always had a heart for them. I know it might be a very difficult job, emotionally, but, oh, so rewarding.      

5.  What's a situation in your life currently requiring patience. I think you know the answer to that. Let's just say that waiting on God's timing is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

                                          (Image via Google)

6.  Do you live your life around days of the week? Explain. Yes, I think so. I live for Fridays to roll around because I know that's the start of the weekend and some much-needed time to relax. I, of course, live for Sundays because I get to go to church...many don't even have that privilege. Of course, I live for Wednesdays because I know that half of the week has already passed and I'm on the downward slope.       

7.  In a nod to the A to Z Challenge happening around town this month, what 'R word' best describes your April? Rainy. I know April showers bring May flowers, but our yard is sopping wet!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. So, in just a little while, I get to meet one of my best friends for lunch! She's from AL. and is in ATL. for a couple of days. We haven't seen each other since we lived in Collierville, TN. She came through for a short visit one day. It's been 11 long years and I can't wait to see her! She's been there for me so much these past 6 mos. and many other times, as well. What a wonderful reunion it will be! Please know that I'll do my very best to pay you a visit once I get home, which could be around midnight with the way we tend to chat about everything under the sun!      

Do you have a special friend that you haven't seen in years?