Clutter!

Okay, blogger universe.  I have a question, actually several.

Background:  Both of my parents have passed away, only child.  I have all of their stuff, keepsakes etc.  I also have lots of furniture (rockers, clocks, trunks) that I am not discarding.

I need to start going through photographs, under the bed tubs (4) full of them.  I am not sure what to do with them.  I can scrapbook some of them, but do I toss the rest?  Scan them all? I don't think some of the general black and white photos that have no one recognizable should be kept?

I want to keep some of things...but deciding on what keepsakes to keep.

I need to start...so one day I will be finished. ugh.

So, how do you deal with keepsakes (of parents), and just in general how do you sort your stuff?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

A to Z Meme...with LPM Blog (Beth Moore's Blog)

Hey! I saw a cute idea on Beth Moore’s blog (Living Proof Ministries).  

Please feel free to comment with your answer to a letter or link up your own blog entry!

A. Age: 46...proud of every day.

B. Bed size: A King.

C. Chore that you hate: Dusting...the minute I am done, I need to do it again.

D. Dogs: Dexter - Rat Terrier; also Cat: Abigail.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. 

F. Favorite color: PINK! 

G. Gold or Silver: Both are beautiful, and I don’t think I would turn down either <wink>

H. Height: 5′ 3″ and round 

I. Instruments you play: I don't, can't sing either, but I do.

J. Job title: Administrative Assistant, Director of Preschool & Children, NOW: Homemaker, Wife, Mother.

K. Kids: Carmen, daughter -19; Stephen, son - 15

L. Live: Florida 

M. Mother’s name: Lore, so wish she was still with me.

N. Nicknames: Cookie, from elementary school friend Mom.  Hand always in her cookie jar.  It stuck.  

O. Overnight hospital stays: Just to bring two babies into the world… well worth the stay.

P. Pet peeves: Wal-Marts ---NO it is Wal-Mart!!!!! And, people that never see the good or bright side of things.

Q. Quote from a movie: “A dream is a wish your heart makes” - Cinderella

R. Right or left handed: Right-handed

S. Siblings: Older sister (Carmen) deceased.

T. Time it takes you to get ready: Probably about 50 minutes. I always shower in the morning, the hair must start the day out clean, and fluffy (I am a Southern girl from the 1980's by the way).

U. Ultimate Vacation: anywhere with my family.

V. Vegetable you hate: Fennel, not a fan - don't hate. 

W. What makes you run late:  The snooze button. 

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Lots…. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, so knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists, fingers.

Y. Yummy food that you make: Sauerkraut, my Mom's recipe, or Nutella Marble Pound Cake both are comfort food.

Z. Zoo animal: Giraffe. Their chins are always up.  (plus it is a inside family joke, and whenever we try to explain to anyone, they don't get it. so)

Pick a letter, and leave it my comment section.  I would love to see them!!

Cute Stuff

I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off...too much to do...and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation...staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus - I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway...one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can't find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin' Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin' Up - Julie is great - and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn't it the cutest!  Most people won't see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it...still have more to get done...and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

My heart is heavy.

My heart is heavy is a comment made by a coworker on Wednesday after a particularly difficult afternoon.

Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

A story was repeated to me yesterday, and I would like to share a snippet.

Satan is speaking with an observer about his tools.  He has many tools that he uses to cause harm, and to keep us from God.  This one is famine, and this is disaster, but this one is the best one of all.  He points to the one he uses on Christians, it is the tool of discouragement.  This one makes them fail.  It is a simple tool, and many people, even other Christians help me use it on their own.

Discouragement.

I am praying for discernment on the path chosen.  I have been through difficult passages before, some more difficult this one.  But...I have never felt bombarded like I do today.  Spears, arrows, bullets are flying at me with such force.  I have no time to breathe and defend one of them, let alone, all of them.

Each difficulty that we are given is for God's glory to be shown.  It shows that He sustains us through all.  I am praying for strength and an answer to this path.  Change is difficult for all, but we must adapt, bend, comply. 

Moses asked God to "show him His Glory" in Exodus.  I am doing the same today.  Sustain me, Lord.

How we feel led to share God's love is a path God given. It maybe to a homeless drunk needing food or a kind word, to a leader of a childrens program in a hurry to complete a project, to listening to a coworker who is needing a hug and affirmation, to a spouse that has had a difficult day, to a child that may only have one good meal a week, to a youth needing guidance, to you, and to me.

How do you share God's love?  Are you discouraged?

"Sometimes we are told to quietly lean on our Savior and rest. At other times God calls us to actively wait.  But we are always to stay close to our Redeemer." - Kelly Minter

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20 NIV


"You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." - 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Blessings.

Changes

Life changes...

David will be starting a new job on Monday.  It is a great opportunity for him professionally, and will enable us to climb out of our debt hole just a bit quicker.  Changes...for me as well at work.  Trying to stay focused on the organization of the house, getting things ready the evening before, memorizing Bible verses, doing my bible study, and...laundry.  ha.


Today was a hair day.  I love hair days, you can change your hair as often as you want.  You could have blond, red, auburn, brown, black hair in a matter of minutes.  Short, long (extensions) doesn't really matter any more either.

This picture was taken on New Year's Eve.  David and I celebrated with dear friends (and neighbors), and had a great time.   One of my favorite colors is pink.

My hair used to be thick, brown with highlights when I was younger.  I am thinning (I do not like this at all), and try to style to hide it.  Men can have thin hair, and they are called distinguished.  Well, not me.  My mother was a hair dresser/stylist/beautician in a small town.  I grew up having my hair cut (not always the way I wanted), but whenever I wanted, and she loved to play with color.  When a new product came in, she would want to try it out on me.  I loved/love being able to change my hair so quickly.  Changing habits or physical appearance (body) is much harder to do.

So...my new do: 

The picture is from a iphone, and a self portrait (with the help of a bathroom mirror).  So...I love the color, especially this time of year.  I am a creature of habit with my hair, and normally default back to styling one way.  I do like the way this frames my face (I have lost a little bit of weight), and thins me.

So...what do you think?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Positive Thinking

Stress causes me to think the worst.  I am really quite a positive person.  I am a glass full, not even half full, but full full.

What we see and hear, and how we react to it, is directly connected to everything we are and do.  Positive thinking is a very real and powerful thing.

"Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."  --Mark 11:24 KJV

Believe it, live it.

Yep.  That is all.

Family - lost and found

Here is a short history of me.  My father Jerry David was killed during active duty in Germany 3 months before I was born.  My parents were living on an Army base in Germany, 1966.  My mother, Lore, went to live with my father's family in Livingston, Texas.  I was born in August of 1966, in Nederland, Texas.  My grandparents, 2 uncles, and aunt helped my mother with me and my colic.  Not a easy time for anyone especially me. 

For many reasons, my mother left their care and moved to Enterprise, Alabama. She had a support network, and felt this was her best move.  I don't really now specifics, mainly due to my Mom being quiet about it.  She didn't speak much of bad things in her life.  She loved Jerry, and felt she was doing what was best for us.

We visited often when I was young.  Not many memories, but I have pictures, and plan to ask who is who.  My Mom remarried when I was 3, Leroy Thurman, and he raised me as his own.  I really didn't know anyone else.  Once they were married, I remember traveling once, maybe twice, to see them.  But it just didn't work out to visit them. We did visit my mothers family in Germany, and they are precious to me. But...

Life went on, and I didn't see my paternal family again until I was 17.  It was a short weekend, and as a teenager, didn't really want to spend it with my Mamaw.  She was a strong lady, and able to do much.  In the last bit of years of my life, I have lost many family members, including my Mamaw, and Mom.  Only through Facebook, have I reconnected with my Aunt Clairece, and through her my Uncle Jake.

We plan to travel to Spring, Texas, where my Uncle Jake and Aunt Barbara live.  It will be a short trip, mainly to retrieve a piece of furniture from my Mom (left long ago with my Mamaw), and the property is being sold - so I have been offered the piece.  The furniture isn't the main reason I am wanting to travel.  I want to hear about my grandparents, father, and family.

I pray that I laugh much, and cry much.  I hope to have memories to pass on to my children of my father, and family.

Lost and found.  Sometimes, it can be found just in piece of furniture.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Missing In Action

Well, I will try to be short and sweet. I haven't had time to sit and write, let alone upload pictures, post blogs, etc.  Family and extended family in many different directions this weekend, and tomorrow is Wednesday.  (And, yes, I know all of you do this as well.)  I promise to catch up this weekend, and to get back on track.

I will have menu's for the following week as well.

Have a blessed week.

Love,
Jerry Ann

Today's Daily Devotion

Then he said to me: "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth; "Every thief shall be expelled," according to this side of the scroll; and, "Every perjurer shall be expelled," according to that side of it."  Zechariah 5:3 NKJV

I am struggling with this, especially today.  This is my devotion today, and the little story that came with it was about a woman witnessing another woman shoplift.  She did nothing about it, and thanked the security cameras so that she didn't have to confront the person or security to take up her time.  The decision of confronting the person or turning her in was a difficult one.  Is it to be made?  All of us sin.  We are all forgiven if we choose it.

The prayer that went along was this:
Dear Lord, heavenly Father, I pray for Your righteous justice for this woman and for everyone, because we're all sinners.  Bring us discernment and judgment as we go through each day, and help us to make the right decisions.  In Your holy name, amen.

I truly want to do the right thing.  Is it always what we should do?  We are supposed to confront our brother or sister in Christ when we are aware of wrong doing.  Someone else took care of that for her.    I pray that I do what God wants me to do, especially in difficult situations.  It doesn't always work that way.

Do you watch and do nothing just to let past be the past?  Do you pray for that person that you are aware of wrong doing? I struggle with that more than anything.  Pray for the person?  Seriously?  Yes, Lord I know, what I am supposed to do, but I don't always WANT to do it.  I don't always want to do what people tell me to do either.  hmmm, I think I see a pattern.  It is easier sometimes not to do anything.  It causes less conflict, stress, and issues. 

Then I think about my character.  Is my witness and character what God would want it to be?  Do I show in my daily actions of doing the right thing?  Does it show that I am loving and forgiving? 

Lots to pray about today.  I pray that you have a good day, and that you make right decisions.

Blessings.

100th Post

Wow.
I have written 100 posts.  I did this?  No, not I? Really?

And who is reading such garble?  You!  Seriously people. Hahahaha.  I am amazed that anyone is reading this blog.  I love it, I really do. 

I also love the commitment I am making to cook more for my family.  I have convinced myself that Carmen and Stephen will have all of my recipes in my blog, since none of them are written down (but there are here).  So, this is for my children. For my family.  Yes, that is why I do this.

Thank you for reading.  I hope that I can keep you entertained as you keep up with my ADD.  =)

Enjoy your day! 

Fall, ya right.

Okay - it is officially fall.  Well, not here in Northwest Florida. 

Here it was 90 degrees yesterday. 

No rain for a  while so things are starting to die.

This is our crepe myrtle outside our front door. 

 

Things here turn brown, not a pretty red, orange or even a yellow just brown.

Today is an overcast today.  We need the rain, so I will not complain about that.

I am moving slow this morning.

I think I would enjoy the rain and clouds if our trees would be in pretty colors.

Cards

I love making cards.  Once a month, Julie (wonderful, crafty friend), who sells Stampin' Up, hosts a stamp-a-stack weekend. I always feel NOT crafty when I attend these things.  Julie always is the first to tell you that she follows directions, and will take from scrapbook pages or other ideas and make it her own.

I loved learning this technique.  We weaved ribbon around a card stock.  I fumbled around a lot this day (my hands were not cooperating), but it was so worth it.  Ribbon, card stock, color paper, and a stamp.  Simple, and really cute.

And then - change the paper, and ribbon...and you have a completely different look.  

This is really great for using up extra ribbon.  

 And, then this rose:

Tear some paper.  Emboss the white outer part of the rose.  Water paint (yes, with drops of ink on a wet card).  Blot if you wanted it lighter (which I did), but I LOVE the effect.  You can also dry with an embosser.

Then Marie (another crafty friend - jealous!) had a workshop, and Julie had to step it up.  And we did!  

These bubbles are a riot!  Fun, and really easy.  

These petals almost killed me, but OH did I feel crafty!  And, I think I could repeat what I did. 
Simple concept, and very easy, just detailed.

You can find her here...
www.craftasticpassion.com 

Tell her where you found her!  =)
Enjoy!

Friendship

Why do you need your bestie?  Yes, best friend.

Phone...I have a bench from my Mom that she referred to as a "gossip bench."  It used to have the phone on it's shelf, and underneath the shelf a telephone directory (all of her family, and important numbers), and a telephone book.  You could sit by the phone (well, you had to - the phone cord was short and connected to the wall), and chat for hours.  This is before cordless phones, and most certainly, cell phones.  I remember sitting there for hours chatting to friends.  I truly can talk for hours, and hours.  Talk about troubles, funnies, irritants, and just general stuff.

Friend. How often do you talk to your friend?  Sometimes I wish that telephones were still connected to walls.  So you would need to sit and think about what was being said.  You took time to talk.  Not always on the way to the store, or later.

I look at my bench, and always think of my friends.  Now it is a spot for things to be dumped, and not ever in its appropriate place.  Or for the cat to sleep away the hours.  I wish there was a phone, and time to spend hours on the phone with my best friend.

Busy

Schedules.

Mine is normally not that busy on weekends mainly due to needing rest.  This past weekend there were commitments that I wanted to keep.  I did - I kept all of them.  Surprising even to me.

Do you say "no" when asked to do things?  Do you feel guilty if you do?  It seems lately that I do say no more.  The kids are extremely busy, but not as much as some I know. 

I am the social one in the family I think.  I like people --friends!  I enjoy them.  I want to be an encourager.  Hug, smile, and love on them. Some days are just busy.  Not enough of hugging, smiling or loving on anyone.  Schedule that time.  I plan to.  Our days are too short not to love on our friends and family.

Hug a friend, especially when they say no.  =)
Have a good Monday, and be an encourager.

Down Days

The weekend has become my down time.   Monday through Friday I work outside the home.  One day, hopefully sooner than later, I will be able to work from home.  But for now that is the way life has it.  I have been off of the medicines recommended by my RA doctor for over a year now.  Overall, I believe that I have less issues without the side effects from the medicine than being on so many different prescriptions.  I hate taking pills.

Although there are days that are extremely difficult with joint pain, and fatigue.  Weekends seem to get me more now than ever.  The weather is becoming really nice outside, and with low humidity.  This just makes me sad.  I  need to rest, if I don't - Monday will not be a good day, or the rest of the week.  I have off Labor Day Monday, but we had activities this weekend.  The family goes and does, and here I sit, resting, with my hips throbbing, and thoroughly exhausted.  I slept until 1030 or until my back couldn't take it anymore.  You would think that I had plenty of sleep.  Nope, not today.  I have been focusing less lately as well.  It has been a long while that I have felt this bad. 

So another weekend, and I have spent my time either in bed or on the couch.  I am grateful that my determination is better come Mondays but overall, I still don't feel well.  Days like today I wonder if I should go back on the medicines, but they seem to make the bad days every other day, then allow me to wait until the weekends.

So, the house is quiet, and I think it is time for a nap. 

Birthdays

My 44th birthday was on August 22nd.  It was a great day.  I have many blessings. 

I love Brighton.  www.brighton.com

Brighton shoes, purses, baubles.  Especially the baubles.

Stephen and Carmen have gotten me several charms the past couple of years.  My newest one is the carousel.  It spins, really.

So from left to right...Peridot (August's birthstone), pink gems spacer, J with pink flowers (of course, how did Brighton know?), rainbow spacer (David got that one for me), A with a lady bug (My Mom's favorite - again, how did Brighton know?), silver and gold spacer, Arkansas Pig (Yep, I am a Razorback), pink tiger eye spacer, and my newest - the carousel. 

Friends and Family

Who do you consider family?

I have lost most of my immediate family over the years, and tend to believe that my friends are my family. I have family in Germany, and love them dearly.  But they are so far away.

One young family, in particular, was difficult to get to know.  God opened a door, and all of us have been so very blessed.  I have spoken of them before...but this morning part of them are traveling North.  North for another adventure in their lives. 

The youngest one...C...wrapped himself around all of our fingers.

He is a joy.  Just over a year old...and we have gotten so much love from him.  Babies love big.  Big love.  You see it in their faces, happy to see you.

This little family has had so much impact on our lives.  Touched each one of us.  Carmen: a big sister.  Stephen: an paper airplane friend.  David:  joy, from all 3 of them with games, talks, and smiles.  Learning more of himself, and the joys that a baby can bring.  Me: family. 

Today is bittersweet.  Knowing that we won't see them for a long while, hurts our hearts.  Knowing that we will see them soon...and that we have made life-long friendships:  priceless...truly.  God given family.

We love you.

Blogs

Okay - I couldn't stand it any longer.

Two blogs!  I was out of my mind.  (I know, when am I not - heh.)  But seriously. 

I like being able to say this is all me.  My recipes, combined with the craziness of the way I think, should only belong to one blog.  Hanging...just hanging...sometimes I cook, sometimes friends cook, and sometimes we eat out.  Truth.  Okay, a lot of the time we eat out.

So I am back here...plus the sheer confusion of the other one (and), what I thought I could do there and not here...but can here...confusion.

No longer.  I am random.  I have tons of other stuff here.  I am not just recipes.  So, you will have to put up with me with all of the "other" stuff too.

I am going to be creating something different with the look here, so once again, be patient with me.  =)

Blessings!

quiet time

Yesterday was a very busy day.  We went clothes/shoe shopping with Stephen.  I had put it off for way too long, and he has grown out most everything.

We went to Kohl's (I had a coupon for an additional 15% off).  We ended up purchasing just enough.  And, then some.  We saved $280!  Yes, saved!  Between costs of items originally $21, paid $11, and then 15% off of that.  I signed up at Kohl's for their email savings...I would suggest you do the same.

Two pairs of shoes (1 boat shoes - Chaps, and 1 black dress shoes)
Two pairs of jeans - Levi's
Two pairs of Arrow khaki's
3 dress shirts (button downs)
4 t-shirts
1 plaid shorts
1 basketball, reversible shorts
1 warm up pants
1 leather reversible belt
3 packages of underware
3 packages of socks (white, and dress)
toys...yes, toys, for a newly turned 1 year old.

Really doesn't seem like much, but then on top of all of this...$60 in Kohl's cash to be used August 2-6.  I can purchase $60 worth of merchandise, and not pay for a penny of it.
Deal.

Today is quiet time.  Haven't moved much.  Just a bit of laundry, and lots of tv time.
Enjoy the chaos...and then quiet time.

Reflections of a Favorite Teacher

I follow Beth Moore's Blog over at Living Proof Ministries.

http://blog.lproof.org/2010/07/a-really-fabulous-teacher.html/

Not sure where or when my comments will post...but I felt like I needed to share on mine as well.


"Oh, my!

I grew up in a small town in Northwest Arkansas (Prairie Grove), graduating class size of 63, graduated 1984. My favorite class began with Home Economics (basic sewing, cooking), Mrs. Phyllis McGinity. I loved that class, and the way she taught. She made learning of cuts of beef fun. She talked with her hands, and would giggle throughout her lecture portion. Her eyes would close and she would smile when comments weren’t correct, but she would let you work it through. I took basic child education classes, to advanced cooking classes. My senior year, I had a free period, and became her assistant.

She really did mean the world to me. As a graduating gift, she gave me “Apples of Gold.” A beautiful little book with quotes, and scriptures for everything in life. The inscription meant the world to me, and all it said was “Thanks for smiling when I taught.” There was more written, but this meant the most.

I did attend college, but never went past the first year due to many things. I still regret not getting a degree in Home Economics, but believe that I have been gifted by her teachings, and carry many with me daily.
I think I will send her a Thank You. Teachers need to know.
Thanks Beth!
Jerry Ann"


If you have a favorite teacher, and they are still around - send them a note.  I think  it would mean the world to them.
Blessings!