NaBloPoMo 2012-Day 30

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 30

Okay, do you see that? Day 30?  I have blogged for 30 (thirty) days in a row.  I am really amazed that I stuck with it so long.  I know that there were some days you shouldn't have read what I wrote, but all in all, I am feeling accomplished.

So I am still frustrated at my photos not uploading, and will continue to work on those.  But, December is a very busy month for me (and I am sure, lots of you as well), starting with Stephen's birthday on the 2nd.

But, I plan to blog more because this showed me I could do it and you are reading what I write.  That part scares me a little. ha.

Okay....so thank you for a great November!

Have a great day.
Blessings - always.
Jerry Ann

Be Kind

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 29

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Simple.

Smile.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Bible

NaBloPoMo2012 - Day 28

My favorite Bible is a leather bound, NKJV, Women's Study Bible that I have had since August 22, 2001.  It was given to me by precious friends.  Inside the front cover they have signed it with their favorite verses.

Several of the verses come from Philippians 4.  And they are my two favorite verses.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Phil. 4:4

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

I have had a hard time finding a new Bible.  Mainly this one has sad memories associated with it.  My first husband didn't see the need in purchasing much for anyone but him.  My friends knew that I had purchased this Bible for me (in hard cover), and had to return it.  So for my birthday they had purchased it and inscribed it with my name.

So every time I see my name I remember that.  They purchased something so beautiful for me to study.  I still use it daily.  It is my favorite with the added features for women.

Carmen and I were shopping on Friday after Thanksgiving, and we went into the Lifeway store.  My only reason to go in there was to purchase a gift card, but it never works out that way.  I have been wanting to update Carmen's Bible as well, since hers was a teenage Bible.  So after finding several things for purchase, I went over to see if she had found one that she liked.  She had, and we purchased it.  But in the process of looking at the Bibles, I saw one.  A new Women's Study Bible in the New King James Version (my favorite), and leather bound.  I purchased it, and will have it inscribed with my name.

I will treasure my old Bible, but it was time to put the past away and move forward.  The new Bible will be wrapped and placed under the tree for me from the kids.  I will treasure it.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Santa

NaBloPoMo 2012, Day 27

When did you stop believing in Santa?  Did some other kid tell you, and then you paid attention at Christmas? Or did you question all the time?

My kids found out about when Carmen was 10-ish.  A friend told her. Same for the tooth fairy and Easter bunny. She came home and asked me.  I told her the truth by saying this:

If you don't believe in Santa, he stops coming.

Hmmm...she is about to be 20 years old, and says she still believes.  Ha!

Do you do any type of traditions like the Elf on the Shelf?  I think that is a cute idea.  Great marketing for the company.  We have a simple cloth advent calendar.  The kids fight over who does what day.  It has hung in my house since Carmen was born.  My mother had one at her house (just in case the kids were there), that is now in storage.  It will go with one of the kids (whoever has children first), and then mine will go with the other.  Passing it along.

And, so the Christmas season has begun at our house.

Still trying to get photos to upload correctly. Yes, I am still frustrated.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Ugh - Frustrated

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 26

I have been trying most of today to upload and post pictures. I choose my files and they look great. I upload them, and Blogger turns them. So when I try to post them they are turned sideways.  FRUSTRATED!

Carmen's expression is how I feel right now.

So..

So tomorrow is another day.
So sorry.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Philippians 3:13-14

NaBloPoMo 2012, Day 25

Today is Sunday.  Today I went to church.  Hugged sweet friends, sang, worshiped.  Todays sermon was about letting the past go.  I have, and today was evident of me letting my past go.

It was good to be in church, and not worry what was or was not being done.  I didn't have to think or concern myself with any of it.  It was good to finally let go.

Hope your Sunday is going well.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Philippians 3:13-14

200 Posts

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 24


This is my 201 post.  I am in awe that I have this much to say.  Okay, I haven't always had to say something, but I always do.

So...have you gotten your Christmas decorating done?  We have.  Well, with the exception of the outside, but we rarely do anything outside.

Missing my love.

Happy Saturday.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

State Trip

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 23

Stephen had his State Band competition in Tampa last weekend.  The band ended up third, which was disappointing, but they did their best.

Choctawhatchee High School Band  This is their YouTube of their full performance. Their official name is the Style Marchers.  They do have style!  They had to cut it to 6 minutes for the competition, but it is a very impressive show.

 Me, Beth and Julie - we call ourselves "the Besties."

This is at the Tropicana Field in Tampa after a all day outside field semi-finals.  My hair!

Me, Stephen and Carmen

We were so very proud of him, and his band.

Well, I am off for a shopping day...but wanted to post a small bit about last weekend.  There is more.  Much more.

Happy...

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 22


Happy Thanksgiving.


“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NKJV

Today I am so very thankful for my home, family, friends, and well, everything.   

I wish you the happiest day, one without calories, and many pies. ha.

Blessings always,
Jerry Ann

Stuff

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 21

Okay...I have to share a secret.  I posted the last 7 days in advance so that we could watch our son's band compete in the state competition in Tampa this past Saturday, and then we traveled to some fun places.

It was great.  I am exhausted...but why will come in the next few days of posting.  I just needed to post something today. 

So this is it.

Resting today. 

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Great Finds

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 20

I cleaned a corner of the garage the other day.  Yes, just a corner.  I will post the before and after later (much later at the rate as I am taking forever on it.) But in this corner of the garage was a shelf.  And on the shelf, lots of junk.  I threw away most of it (old gardening gloves, old craft paint and brushes, etc).  But then I found this:

It really doesn't look like much.  And to anyone else looking at these items, I am sure that they would dispose of them just as quickly as I did the other items on the shelf.  But, if you look closely, you will find a measuring tape, two crocheting needles, a crocheted bag, and a cup made of tin and old clothespins.

What you don't know is that these are my Mom's crocheting needles that I have looked everywhere for after she passed.  So 6 years now, lost and now found.  Joy. Leaping joy!   The bag is from Germany, and is used for shopping at the bakery or butcher shop.  You have to carry your own bag (Germany has a handle on the re-use bags---we in the US should take note), or purchase one and they can be expensive.  My mom used this one all the time.  Measuring tape was from my Dad.  He would keep this in his pocket just to measure whatever, because you never know when you come across something you need to know how long it is. ha.  The cup.  That cup was a Father's Day gift to my Dad that I made when I was in the Brownies.  Yes, Brownies.  So I had to be 5 to 7 years of age.  Crazy.  It is made from a soup can with a top cut away, clothes pins that have been taken apart, glued, and secured with copper wire.  It used to set by the land line telephone (remember before cell phones?) in the kitchen with lots of pencils that were sharpened by a pocket knife.

Now it sets by my moms coffee cup, right where I can see it daily.  Treasures found.  Really.  I had no idea that my mother kept this after all those years.  As I am going through rooms, buckets and bins, I am discovering more of these things.  Many things I am disposing.  But these items today, brought back a smile, giggle, and tears.

What do you treasure?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Grown Up

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 19

When did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?  I wanted to be a Home Economics Teacher, until I went to college.  Algebra got me, and hard.

Decisions are hard.  Lifetime decisions are even harder.  Trying to decide on what would be a good job in 4 to 5 years after college is even harder.

I am 46 years old, and I still don't know what I really want to do.  I like being a wife and a mom.  It is a difficult job, but comes naturally to me.  At least the mothering does. Ha.  In fact, I have been told to write a blog for Mom's.  I'm not sure about that, but I may include some new mommy helps here.

But, I wandered again.  So, my beautiful, smart daughter is at Auburn in the Pre-Nursing program.  She may not get in to the nursing program.  She doesn't know what else to she wants to do with her life.  She would be a wonderful nurse.  Not sure about the economy in the years ahead, but any profession is going to hurt in some way or another.

So...what does the future hold?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Disney 2008

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 18

Do you feel the magic? What? The magic of Disney!  

Carmen and I love Walt Disney World in Orlando.  We want to go again.  I don't think Stephen wants to go again.  He wants to do Universal (and so does Carmen).  I think there is something to do with Harry Potter there.  But David is in Bagram and it will be a while before we go again.  And we have gone since these photos were taken, but I thought I would go down memory lane and take you with me.  All of these photos are from our July 2008 trip.

 David and I at the Boardwalk.

 David, Carmen and Stephen with their carnival wins.

 At Cinderella's Castle breakfast.  I love this photo.

 Not strong enough. 

 Nope, David can't do it either.  

Love them.

The rest are our attempts at making fish faces.

David's blow fish.

 Mom! 

 Carmen kept making herself giggle.  

 

 Finally.

I love this part of vacations. Just being silly.  Happy memories.  Although, I am ready to feel the magic again - very soon!

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Pioneer

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 17

My Uncle Jake called my Mom a pioneer.  This took place in a conversation almost 3 years ago at Thanksgiving.  I never thought of her like that before he said it.  Pioneer.

My Mom, Lore.  I love this picture of her.  Young, scared, but happy. She came to the United States in 1956.  This was the picture used for her visa.  She had to be sponsored to enter the U.S. at that time.  Her Uncle Max (who lived in Chicago, IL) sponsored her.  She wanted something different than what was offered in West Germany.  

I just saw her as my Mom.  All of my friends heard her accent.  I did with some words, like video.  She pronounced the v like a w.  It was always very funny to me to hear her say it.  

With the days of the election just a week ago, I have been thinking about my Mom and the move she made.  Going to a world where she didn't speak the language, had very little money, and schooled as a seamstress must have been terrifying.  

I can't imagine moving to another country.  Visiting countries are hard enough with the transit systems, and laws.  She did it.  Not by anyones else's standards but her own.  She conquered, and achieved a life in US.  She became a U.S. Citizen in 1963, after becoming a Nanny for a family in Connecticut. She went to Kindergarten with the child she watched so that she could learn the language.  

Who does that now?  Immigrants want us to speak their language (but that is an entire blog in itself).  She learned.  We expect so much from our country.  People want hand outs, and help out with things we used to work three jobs to achieve.  

Maybe we should think more like my Mom, and become a pioneer.  Conquer. 

Just a thought.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Time Flies

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 16

Wow. Time really does go by quickly.  Years are flying by.  Faster as we get older.

I have been looking at my digital photos trying to find specific photograph.  When I find it you will be the first to know. But in the mean time, another trip down memory lane.  This one goes back a little further in time, all the way to November 2000.  Carmen is about to turn 8, and Stephen is about to turn 4.  I love the beaches here on the Emerald Coast.  No matter the time of year, sunsets are always beautiful.

 Playing in the sand. 

 Carmen.

Stephen.  I get this look more often now that he is 

almost 16 than when he was 4. 

Love your children.  Hug them. They grow up in a blink of an eye.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Dexter

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 15

Dexter is the name of our dog.  We have had him now for almost 5 years.  He is a great dog, very loving, friendly (most of the time), and playful.  He is some sort of rat terrier, and is about 25 pounds.

We have taught him some tricks to do for treats such as: speak, sit, lay down, roll over, stand up, twirl (stand up spin), and bang-bang (play dead).  He knows what the difference is with his ball (tennis ball), bone (chew bone), and rope (play rope).  He is very smart.  I believe that he has trained us well. ha.

He likes to go for car rides.  He is like most dogs when riding in the automobiles of their owners, sticking his nose out to capture every smell.

Please excuse the photo quality (taken with my phone and backwards at that, but being safe -at stops).  Here he is nose out the window, acting like a regular dog.

And no more than 5 minutes later, he is sitting in his seat.  He acts like he needs a car seat.  I swear, he is a person sometimes, well most of the time.  He certainly acts like it, especially riding in the car.  He will get bored with the smells and sit for a while.  He will lay down and nap if he is tired, or we are going farther than he expected.

He is family.  We love him.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Holy Family Stamp

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 14

I was completely taken back with this stamp this year.

USPS Holy Family Stamp

I had to go to the US Post Office today to mail two packages to David.  He needed a pair of gloves, and a treat or two.  While I was there, I asked if they had their Christmas stamps yet?  They did.

I purchased three sets of these Holy Family books.  I love that they are using the wording Holy Family.  It was a comforting sight especially after the last couple of weeks.

I have always said that it seems that those of us who worship Jesus Christ are not allowed to say anything aloud in public because we may offend someone.  We (believers) aren't supposed to say anything for those who choose not to worship Christ, and sometimes a "holiday" break just doesn't cut it.  I want to say "Christmas" break because that is what it is.  If you want call it "winter" break fine, but I am a Christmas break girl.

School programs are asked to showcase Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Christians aren't supposed to show Jesus.  In fact, Stephen participated in a Holiday Showcase (in Kindergarten) that showed all things winter including Father Winter (I don't know really who he is), but not Christ.  I am completely for others being able to showcase their beliefs, but then allow us (Christians) to do the same.  We need to learn about other cultures and religions.  I try to keep an open mind, but everyone should get the same piece of the pie and then everyone is happy (I know, but).

I went off...and I am sorry if I have offended anyone.  Wait, I am not sorry.  I am sorry if you are offended by equal time.  I don't shove my beliefs down your throat, please don't shove yours down mine.

So all of my cards will have this Holy Family proudly placed on each and every mailing I do this Christmas.  I am feeling quite blessed by being able to do this, this year.  I think I need to purchase enough for the next several years, especially since they are "forever" stamps.  Isn't that appropriate? The Holy Family Stamp is a Forever Stamp.  I love it.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Smile

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 13

Do you smile when you pass someone?  Growing up in a small town, we waved to everyone driving by, or even walking.  It was what we did.  Never really thought about it.  We smiled at people we liked and didn't like.

Living in a larger city, people look at you funny if you wave at them passing in a car.  With walking, people are friendlier, but always look uncomfortable doing it like it is forced.

I love to smile.  It is an automatic hello, welcome, and acknowledgement.  It doesn't hurt to smile.  It is the same in all languages. Yes.  Smiling in some countries people look at me funny as well.  Must not be a small town.

Smile at people today.  Make them wonder what you have been up to.  Make them feel comfortable when they walk into the room.

Smile.  It may even make you happy.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Soda, Pop or Coke

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 12 

Soda, Pop or Coke - whatever you call it, it was hurting me.

I stopped drinking Diet Coke three years ago in August.  I accidentally tried it when David had one, and it tasted like poison to me.  I used to be able to drink as many as twelve cans a day.  I read some where that the aspartame used to sweeten could cause inflammation of joints.  I was swollen all the time it seemed, so I thought I would give it a try.  It has helped.  

I have had gum, and yogurt sweetened with aspartame.  It doesn't seem to do the damage that the sodas were doing, mainly due to the amount of soda I was drinking. 

I miss coke. I do.  I drink tea some now, but mainly water with lemon slices.  I sweeten my drinks with Splenda or Truvia, if I do it at all.  We still don't know all of the effects of these as well, but I do try to stay away from aspartame.  Doctors won't know the long term effects as well, unless all of us document what we eat and drink.  Like that is going to happen. 

I am not saying that you should give up soda/pop/coke.  Just look at what you are putting in your body.  Read the ingredients. I try to stay with pure food products, and avoid additives and ingredients that I can't pronounce, let alone know what they are.  Prism (diet program, lifestyle change) has made me very aware of supplements and preservatives, and it has been an eye opening realization. But it isn't always easy.

Happy Monday.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Veterans Day

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 11

Happy Veterans Day!

First and foremost, to our men and women in uniform...past, present and future...God bless you...thank you.

I have been surrounded by military.  My father, who died 3 months before I was born, was in the Army, active duty.  When I was almost 4, my mom married the man I called Daddy, who was also in the Army.  He retired when I was 7, so technically I didn't grow up in the military.

I married a man who was in the Air Force, and was married 13 years.  I am grateful to the people who helped us along the way.

I now live in a community that has two bases nearby.  I understand their ranks, and their sacrifices.

I am grateful for my upbringing, and for my past.  It has made me who I am today.

So, thank you again for you ----anyone who has ever served in any branch of military, and to their families.

Happy Veterans Day.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Southern Girls and Football

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 10

I live in the panhandle of Florida in between Pensacola and Panama City.  Some people call it South Alabama, but I don't.

But we are part of South East Conference in college football.  I say this because everyone here is a fan of either Florida, Alabama, Auburn (lots of those) or LSU.  I am a lonely girl by liking Arkansas.  I was raised twelve miles souteast from the University of Arkansas, and went there some.  (Partied there, more than anything.)

So, as far as I am concerned, Fall is football season.  We look forward to this time of year more than most. Which in itself really insane.  But most of the SEC fans are insane.  We have to be to do what we do on game days, or during the season.

My wonderful hubby is an alumni from LSU, and LSU and UofA (Arkansas not Alabama) have a game at the end of the season called the Boot Game.  I love it. We have more fun cheering on our teams. Hurts most of the time (especially this season), but we love each other and football.

Southern girls and football  I found this picture (quote) on Pinterest, and it is truth.

Hope you are enjoying your Saturday.

Blessings, 
Jerry Ann

Romans 15:4-6

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 9

Happy Friday.

Encourage someone today.  


Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus.  Romans 15:4-6

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Frittata

NoBloPoMo 2012 - Day 8

Frittata...

I love watching the Food Network. Love it.  If I am home,  it is on,  if only for background noise.  I was watching it the other day, and Giada came on.  She is a wonderful cook and teacher.  I think this because, after watching her show on a Frittata, and how simple it was, I thought I could modify it for my Prism diet.

Giada's recipe called for 8 egg whites and cream...  Giada de Laurentiis frittata recipe 

My version:

1 cup Egg Beaters whipped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
2 cups Arugula fresh
1 green onion chopped
3 oz smoked salmon chopped (be easy not to break up the salmon)
Salt (be careful due to the smoked salmon and Parmesan cheese) and Pepper to taste
Pam cooking spray

Heat a non-stick skillet (use a pan you can place in the oven) to medium -high heat.  Also, turn your oven on to 350 degrees. 

Spray your pan, and saute the green onion for about a minute.  Then add the Arugula and wilt (saute for about 3-4 minutes, don't move it around too much).  I poured the eggs (whipped) in gently not to disturb the Arugula.  When the egg is slightly cooked around the edges, place the salmon in gently.  Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the egg.  Add some black pepper.  Place in the oven to finish off the cooking for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

You can have this entire Frittata for 280 calories (if you use the 80 cal smoked salmon 3oz and egg beaters)!!!

Not the best of photo's...but you can still see all of the goodness.

Enjoy!
Jerry Ann

Procrastination

NoBloPoMo 2012 - Day 7

Procrastination.

My 19 year old daughter asks me in a our phone conversation today:

"Mom, how did you procrastinate when you were my age? Because, ya know, there wasn't Pinterest, Twitter or Facebook."  (She was talking about going to the library to study when she asked this question.)

Hmmm....well, for starters it really wasn't that long ago! Ha!

But I will play along:  I was either watched television one of three channels for a long while in my small town until I was in high school then we got TBS and the Weather Channel. Major stuff. I would read (something I wanted to read, not had to for school), practicing (dance team), performing (once again, dance team), out with friends, at the movies, driving around town or on the land line phone. Oh, then I had babysitting jobs that took up some of my time as well.  

When I was younger, I square danced. Second from right.

Freshman year, dance team, homecoming parade. 

I am the one on the very back left.

 Junior Year, second from left, top row, dance team, after camp

Joy (on left), and I selling yearbook advertisements. Ya, we found this photo booth instead.

 We had fun, and the sales that year were still good, but not great.  

Fun memories - thought I would share.

Back to the conversation with Carmen. Trying to remember...I also remember what happened when once, I had a flat tire (around 17 years old) and I had to go up to peoples homes, and knock on their door to see if I could use their phone.  Really.  And other times, if I wanted to call a boy, I found their phone number in the telephone book, dialed the number and the boys parent would answer.  I actually had to converse with an adult to see if they (the boy) was there.  The majority of the time they weren't, and I ended up thanking them and hanging up without giving my name.

Apparently, I took it too far with that remembrance (with her anyway) ha. Oh well.  Really.

We have too many things to distract us now from the important stuff in life.  I answer the phone when my daughter calls, because one day she will be too distracted to call.  

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Vote

NoBloPoMo 2012 - Day 6

Vote.

plain. simple. vote.

My first husband was in the military.  He never registered to vote before we were married (he was 28).  It was too much of a hassle.  I registered when I was 18, and was so very excited about it.

When local elections would come around, he would start complaining about one candidate or another.  We used to get into some major disagreements over his not voting and then complaining.  He finally registered, and voted, and complained.  

But you can complain if you vote.  You have exercised your constitutional rights by voting.  If you don't vote, you can't complain.

plain. simple. vote.

Blessings today as always -----but vote!
Jerry Ann

New Habits/Routines

NoBloPoMo 2012 -Day 5

New routines.  The experts (whoever they are!) say that it takes 30 days to form new habits, or new routines.  I think I am swaying to their side on this one.

I have been on a lifestyle change for 2 weeks with a reduced caloric intake (Prism Diet).  So far it is working on shedding some pounds, and my attitude towards food in general.  These are huge for me, and I am going to stick to it this time! =)

Today is a new routine for me because I am physically going out to a gym to walk/workout. Ugh.  I hate both of these in a confined setting, but with the weather turning colder if I prepare my attitude to the gym now by the time winter is here I will be used it. ???? Well, that is the plan anyway.

I am starting out slow, only 30 minutes of walking, but it is a beginning.  I apparently need to do this for 30 days to make it a new habit.

So what habits have you changed to make your life better?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

2 Corinthians 3:6

NoBloPoMo 2012 - Day 4


Sunday, November 4, 2012

“We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this—that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It’s written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives!” 2 Corinthians 3:6 MSG

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Thankful

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 3

So there is this thankful thing going on over at Facebook.  Some of my "friends" are doing this daily.  I think this is a great idea, but I don't want to follow everyone else. I never do.  I believe that it is based off a book somewhere, but I have not seen it to verify.  Just because someone says it, someone else does it.  What ever happened to telling our children "just because Joe jumps off the bridge doesn't me you have to!"?

This month is about being thankful, but the stores already have out Christmas items to purchase and decorate.  I am not ready for Thanksgiving yet, so for me to think about Christmas is not happening.  I do buy things for people on our list beginning October, but I like to have a lot of that out of the way.

I tend to see stuff I want in November, which means I am not very thankful for what I have, right?  I am trying to remove clutter, but then I see more stuff I want.  Daily.  It is very aggravating to have this happen so often. I must get into gear and get the clutter gone!

So one thing I am doing to prevent this from occurring is that I am not getting anything out that has to do with Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving.  The bonus will be that the kids will be home, and I will have their help in what to put out.  Then I can have some of the items already purchased, wrapped and under the tree.

Stephen's birthday is December 2, and Carmen's is January 1st.  So it has always been challenging to sort out birthday and Christmas gifts.  Although it seems that since they are getting older it is a bit easier.  Because their birthdays are so close I have always bought for them early.  Then when I got their "want" list, I could compare and go and fetch more if needed.

 So back to being thankful.  I am thankful.  Thankful for blood work that comes back with the results wanted. Thankful I have a home, with a roof, more than enough to eat, and a loving family.  Thankful for friends.

Thankful.

What are you thankful for?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Progess

NaBloPoMo 2012 ---Day 2

So this morning I had an appointment with my doctor to see how my iv therapies are going.  It was a really good appointment.  My blood work for September and October were the best she has ever seen, and hopefully only 5-6 more therapies left.  Hopefully, my system will be put into remission with this medicine.  It is working for me, and really that is all that matters to us.

I am less stressed with not working, and the biggest thing I am missing is people interaction.  Although most of the time was positive, there are times especially with church members that there was conflict or some one just didn't like what you were doing - right or wrong.

Now I notice when I don't do the housework.  Ha.  Really? No, not really, but I do like my house to be clean and tidy.  But it is nice not to have to worry about work, or when I am going to be able to get something done.  Now the only thing stopping me is me.  I am still trying to figure out what to do with the clutter that continues to grow in corners of my bedroom and office/craft room.  But that is another day.

Hope you are having a beautiful Friday.  I pray (prayed) for all affected by the Superstorm Sandy this past week.  Living on the Gulf Coast we have grown accustomed to possible devastation and recovery with every storm that comes our way.  As bad as today or even yesterday looks, tomorrow is a day for rejuvenation and rebuilding.  I haven't lost everything in a storm, praising God here, but I know some that have.  It strips you to the bone.  I see it as a new day to start all over with everything.  From new stores, to your home, to furniture, to school, and most importantly takes you back where your heart should be, thanking God for your blessings.  Storms like Sandy always make me thankful that the sun is shinning, I have a home, and blessed by my wonderful family.

Have you thanked God for something - anything - today?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

National Blog Posting Month 2012

Well, I think I am insane.  You can confirm it at the end of November.  I am committing myself to blog every day during November.

I am not going to do a theme, but keep it varied like I do normally.  I promise to post something, anything, the next 30 days.  So...hang on...here we go!

If you want more information about all of the blogs entering this great blogging party click here:

NaBloPoMo 2012 (blogging party)

And, this counts as Day 1. 

Blessings (always),
Jerry Ann