Treasures in My Heart

Thanks

2012-01-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my special friends. Many thanks for the great ideas you gave me to occupy my time while recovering from surgery.

All is well. I’ve had my first session of PT so I am on my way.

Jennifer is going to take me out for a little shopping tomorrow and I can’t wait. Hoping to find lots of kitches to make me happy.

Take care-

Help!

2012-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

As you all know I am having knee surgery on Friday. Most probably will be out of commission for about 1.5 weeks. Would appreciate any scoop on different crafts I could do while semi laying down.

I know that I will be reading-alot. But I need something to mix it up.

Thanks everyone. I know you won’t let me down.

Cindy

2012-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Riley came out to the farm today for a visit. We haven’t seen Riley since Christmas. It looked as though she had grown a foot! Am I repeating my grandma?

Riley’s favorite thing to do at our home is always go see the “baby chickens”. Uncle Justin always takes her to see the chickens. I will talk to her on the phone and she will ask about the baby chickens. She liked the baby goat, also. We have the goats put in a cage so they will get used to their home. They are Tennessee Fainting Goats- if they get alarmed their muscles tense up and the fall over as though they fainted. Hence, the name Tennessee Fainting Goats. So they are not fighters in the least. They need to be protected just as our chickens do. We are in a search for an AKC Great Pyrenees- they are so expensive!!

I need to keep some old clothes and coat for Riley when she visits the animals. That pink coat just doesn’t look like a farm coat. I need to get to Carhart and buy her a pink carhart coat. ( I think I am misspelling carhart).

As you can see, she is Papa’s girl!

Meeting with the Surgeon

2012-01-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

To all my friends I’d like to ask that you keep me in your prayers today.

I am going to therapy first thing this morning. I haven’t had a very good December-I’m hoping that she doesn’t add more meds to my arsenal. I’m hoping this is something that we can talk out. :Plus, I don’t know if the added anxiety and depression is really a back slide or if it is related to the surgery and the fact that I’ve been down with a serious cold for almost 2 weeks? And 2 trips to the ER around 1am both times with restless leg syndrome. I had it 4 nights in a row and I was literally going crazy from it. Plus I had gone to my family doctor with it. He finally switched to to mirapex and it works great.

I don’t think I’ve been out of the house but maybe - gee, I really can’t remember when I have been out and on my own.

After this visit I’m off to the surgeon. When I had the first operation they fixed my meniscus and cleaned bone fragments behind my kneecap. While in recovery my surgeon speaks to Jennifer - gives the usual she did OK-yada yada yada- But then he ask if I have ever been in a car accident and injured my knee. NO, I haven’t. Well according to the doctor my knee cap (behind) was like that of a crushed egg shell. According to the mri and my pain level we operated on the left knee first since it was in better shape. What does that mean about my right knee then?

More pain, mri report right knee severely damaged while the left knee had moderate damage.

Yi,Yi, Yi!

Happy Rednesday!

2012-01-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be a part of Rednesday! I think wherever you have red there must be so gold.

These are the ornaments that hung on our tree this year.

I look forward to getting to know everyone!!

Wrong way to ring in 2012

2012-01-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

So far, 2012 has held nothing but physical inconveniences. pre New Years Eve & Day I had restless leg syndrome. I went to the doctor on Friday - gave me a shot to settle down the sensation plus a script for requip . Well that same night I was on my way to the ER. I felt silly, it wasn’t an emergency to most but I gotta tell you it was driving me crazy. Was given 5mg ambien and 2mg shot of ativan. When I got home I was beside myself with being so umcomfortable. I did sleep but not sure when fell asleep. Helped enough to get to sleep. Friday I was truly playing with fire. I had taken throughout the day a total of 9mg of ativan and cocktail from the gp. I wish I could say I flying high but I was so restless that the extra meds on board really did nothing but hype me up for an hour and then poof out like a light until 1:30pm. Don’t even remember when I went to sleep.

Last night same scenario but while at the hospital I begged for stronger meds to get me to sleep. Ok, the doctor lied. benadryl and something else in my shot did less than the previous visit.

So today I called my gp and he has called in yet a different medicine.

This past week has given me a huge insight—I am on way to much medicine from my therapist. I still need her but man some days I feel toxic from the meds. It used to be if I took one Tylenol pm you could count me out until late in the afternoon of the next day. Now I take 2 plus ativan plus sleeping pills and I still struggle to sleep.

When I had my knee operated on they gave me versed (sp) to knock me into twilight sleep. didn’t even phase me. This is a shame. I’m only 47 years old but my body is probably the age of a 70 year old.

Pray for me that I can find the right mix in my life this year so much that the need for meds is all but gone.

2011-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

I thought this was interesting facts regarding how New Year’s Eve is celebrated internationally. Hope you enjoy!

Hogmanay (Scotland)

The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is "first-footing." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party (visit their Hagmanay website here).

Oshogatsu (Japan)

The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.

Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

United States

Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

How to decide??

2011-12-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

I’m think I’m beginning to have a mid-life crisis over my style.

After reading so many blogs I have decided that I need to have a style that I can call my own. Problem is— how do make a decision?

I like old vintage - 1900’s- pretty soft feminine-

and vintage 50’s. - b right and bold. Both styles are so different- can I have both as my style?

When you do those decorating style test do you answer what you can afford or what you truly love? Which do you prefer vintage 50’s or early 1900’s?

Snowmen

2011-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about the winter season is the snowmen you see, everywhere. You never see a sad snowman - which maybe the reason that I like them.. I can’t say that I am a collector but I do like to have a few set out for winter decorating. . They are always so cheerful looking and most of them are always doing something fun!

I would love to be ice skating on a pond with snow falling out of the Heavens. Snow that has just fallen is always a brilliant white. as it falls to blanket everything.

When it snows I like to think about the storehouses of snow that Joshua maybe gets to play in.

Have you entered the storehouses of the snow?

Job 38:22

Need prayers

2011-11-29T10:39:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I fell and possibly will have to have surgery again on my left knee. I am going to PT tomorrow for the first time and she access and determine which way I need to go. She is a great friend so I already feel some comfort.

Thanks,

Cindy

2011-11-27T07:20:00.001-08:00

I’ve been hitting the gym hard 3x a week (sometimes 4) and have done ssome serous damage to my knees. This has been going on for several months. I didn’t say anything about it — just figured I was way out of shape and the pain would get better as I got more in shape. Nope! I was really creating havoc on both knees.

Last Tuesday I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. I had a partial torn meniscus and under my knee cap looked as though I had been in a wreck and my knee saved me from going through the dashboard. I have not had a wreck- this was damage that had been from working out. Arthritis. Major. My ortho doctor was shocked about this. In as much, I just received a letter from our insurance requesting I fill out a form stating no accident was involved.

The scary thing about the whole situation is that I had surgery on my left knee first because it had less damage according to the mri. What does that mean about the right knee? I’ll have surgery on it after the first of the year.

Takek care-

The day our world changed

2011-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 15 11:50 an Joshua’s wreck was called into dispatch.

Sunday Novemer 16 12:15 am we lost our son.

It has been 7 years- starting the eight year this weekend. Everytime November rolls around it just makes realize that I am that much further away from him and our memories. Time can be a horrible thing.

Close friends of ours are artists. They wanted to give us something that would last instead of flowers. Mike drew this in a few days. How priceless is this gift to us?

Gotta go

kitschy kinda phones

2011-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, does this picture bring back many, many memories. In our kitchen we had the model brown wall unit only ours was turquoise. and was a rotary dial. Our county didn’t have the push buttons offered to us.

Downstairs we had a black phone ( just like the beige one). When I turned 16 I was given the Princess Phone which is the red phone on the top of the page. Mine was turquoise- just like our living room and kitchen. Dad still has the black phone in his garage now.

These pictures bring back so many memories for me. I hope they bring some good memories for you. I’d love to hear your story

Thank You!

2011-11-11T05:42:00.001-08:00

2011-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Apple Pie Bread

Apple Pie Bread

1/2 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
1/2 c buttermilk
2 tsp baking powder
2eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 c shredded, peeled apples
1 c chopped walnuts
1/2 c raisins

Streusel-Nut topping
1/4 c brown sugar
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter

Mix sugar and flour together. With pastry blender cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in walnuts.

Preheat oven to 350. Grease the loaf pan.

In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium for 30 seconds. Beat in sugar until combined. add buttermilk and baking powder;beat until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until combined. Add flour and salt, beat until combined. Hand stir in apples, nuts and raisins.
Spoon batter into pan. Sprinkle Streusel Nut topping over batter. Bake for 60 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cool completely. This makes one loaf.

This recipe came from Living the Country Life. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks very good. Anything cooked with apples turns out great if you ask me.

Greetings!

2011-10-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

2011-10-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn’t realize that I hadn’t posted on my blog since last week. I thought I’d show some of fall scenes from our deck. The first photo (on the top) isn’t very good, but, you can see the top half of one of our Angus Heifer's. Jack’s woodpile,. tractor wheel. Our backyard is just a hodge podge of things left over from summer and trying to get ready for winter.

All the pictures are taken on our farm. And from our back deck. I’m not bragging, but we do have an awesome view in the fall. The front of our house faces another field full of trees changing colors.

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. You would think that would change since we lost Joshua in the fall. But, with each passing year I’m not enjoying as I used to. I keep dreading November 15.
Tomorrow is my birthday - and every holiday, birthday, event is always bittersweet. It will always be that way.
Must go now- need to take care of my tears. Bye

Rain, Riley and Chickens!

2011-10-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

I kept Riley on Thursday- Jennifer was working. I took Riley with me on some errands. It was a dreadful rainy, foggy day. I do not like to drive in the rain. The main errand I had was to go to Cincinnati and pick up 25 little chicks. I consider myself pretty good with road directions but the directions I had from the hatchery were ALL wrong. Two gas stations and 1 phone call later we arrive at the hatchery.

I was kinda bummed looking at the hatchery. I had in my mind a barn like building with chickens running around loose. It was nothing like that. Just a plain grey metal sided building that if you weren’t looking for it you’d never pay any attention. It is an injustice to those of us that are misled. The website looks totally different. Barns, chickens. Nothing! Just another lesson in life.

On our way home she decided it was time for a nap. Thank goodness. Between the chickens chirping, Riley saying Babies over and over and all the potty stops we had to make I needed a few minutes to clear my mind. I would hear my grandma always say “God knew what he was doing when he gave the babies to young people.” Amen, I say! Amen!

Sepia Saturday

2011-10-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken around early 1910-1915 of my grandpa’s class at St. Boniface. I’m not sure what grade he was in- I’m sorry that I didn’t ask him more about his schooling. He is the one with the red circle around his head.

My grandpa lived in Ludlow, Ky. His father, Samuel, worked for the railroad as well as most men from that era. Jack’s grandpa worked there as well as his dad. Most probably our grandpa’s knew each other. Sorta strange how we are somehow connected to each other.

My great-grandmother, Julia O’hara had passed away when my grandpa was 2 years old. By the time I came around to ask questions he had forgotten what she had passed away from.

I will tell you this as my grandpa was way up in his 90’s he would tear up every time he talked about his mom. He didn’t know anything about a mothers love but he did know he missed out on a special kind of love. As he aged He would cry frequently while he spoke of her.

The impact of my grandpa’s desperate need for his mom only hits me now. I wish I had hugged him, comfort him but I only listened. Never offering the physical touch that he so needed at that time.

Visit

www.sepiasaturday.com

by clicking the link above

2011-10-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

A look ahead

2011-10-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

My list of things to do this week:
go to the doctor

clean house

clean and organize craft room

hit the Quilt Box to cut down my fabric

babysit Riley

get to kohls

grocery shopping

work on designing my blog

love to look at pinterest so that is a must

buy cattle feed

my dinner list - cooking used to be therapy for me but after we lost Joshua my desire to cook is just not there on most days.

monday beef stew

tuesday

wednesday

thursday - spaghetti and rolls

friday - La Rosa’s pizza
any ideas and recipes for tuesday and wednesday.

wonderful idea: Blessing Bags

I got this from Linda at Prairie Flower Farm

Blessing bags (keep in car to give to homeless), such a great idea!

When inspiration meets motivation

2011-10-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

When inspiration meets motivation. This comment is my life. I have just never found the words to describe it, but, now I have.

I have all the inspiration a person could want. I love to read about quilting, photography., cooking- especially the Barefoot Contessa.

I thought I wanted to start quilting and learning how to sew. After buying 2 sewing machines I have decided that I might not be Susie Sewer. I haven’t let this completely fall by the wayside. I’ll work on a quilt maybe an hour a week.

Now that I am hooked on the barefoot contessa, Ina Garten, I have bought all her cookbooks and am seriously considered getting a new stove to go with my inspiration to cook. Haven’t reached motivation though. Maybe the new stove will be my motivation.

I thought I wanted to start taking up photography so Jack went out and bought an expensive digital camera for me at Christmas. As you can tell from my blog I haven’t used the camera much.

Any ideas on how I can become motivated? Any tricks or hints up your sleeve?

Cincinnati Skyline

2011-09-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Skyline

I took this picture 9/17 at Justin’s cross country race. We ran at Covington Catholic’s Invitational. It was held in Devou Park which as you can see overlooks Cincinnati. This picture was taken in Covington. A few highlights are the Bengal Stadium, the tall building on the very right has a crown on the top of the building. Hence, The Queen City.

I love this picture with our flag waving in the wind. It brings tears when I think about what the flag symbols for us now - after 9/11. The grey bridge right in the center of the picture is the bridge that Obama mentioned about it being one of the major trucking thorough thru in North America. Not only, you have many commuters from Kentucky that take that bridge daily.

I’m anxious to see what happens regarding the repair of the bridge.

Do you know what this plant is?

2011-09-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Guess your best!!

I have a plant with no name. I know that it is a type of cactus but that wraps up my knowledge. For the longest time it only had a few leaves and flowers on the plant. Slowly the plant began to grow.. I would not have bought this for me. I had a friend who thought it needed my attention and care. Now, I am known will accept any type of flower that someone will give me - just next time I guess I need to ask a few questions, first.

If you know what this plant is please pass it on. I don’t want to embarrass myself with the thought of asking my friend “ now what kind of plant is that again?

Take care-

http://treasuresinmyheart.blogspot.com/

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

http://treasuresinmyheart.blogspot.com/

2011-09-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

(viewed 5061 times)

Sometimes imagination can be our dearest friend.

2011-09-05T06:40:00.001-07:00

2011-09-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Isn’t this a beautiful centerpiece? You could also use lemons, limes or a mixture.

Another centerpiece that I like to use is sugared grapes on a pedestal or cake plate.
Was grapes with cold water, put into a Ziploc gallon bag and how ever much sugar it takes to coat. Take out of gallon bag and set on cake plate.

The kids really like this, especially if dinner is a little late. They can pop in pick up the grapes and have a little healthy snack.

I found this recipe on Paula Deen’s holiday recipe page. The only thing different between our recipes is Paula uses egg whites to dip the eggs. Don’t know what to think about that one.

Wish I had a picture to show you—Maybe I will do that tomorrrow. I have a bag of grapes in the fridge that need to be eaten.

It’s all relative

2011-08-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Maxine and I have shared a few moments together this week….
My guy Justin is always trying to hear what is going on with mom and dad. He is 16..I don’t know if that makes a difference. We are jokingly calling him nozella.I had my annual gyn appointment this past week. they always seem to find something wrong with me. I have uterus that is large as a 4 month pregnancy and my right ovary is triple in size. Test results Monday or Tuesday.

My list….

2011-08-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Things to do today

work on my collage

go tractor supply to buy chicken feed and cat food

Take Dad to lunch for his birthday

Stop by Allan’s Repair to pickup sweeper & iron

go to grocery to pickup few things

I’ve been told by my dr. to make a list of my errands everyday and this should make it easier for me to get these accomplished. Unfortunately, I would prefer the list at the top of the page— We’ll see if the list gets completed.
I’ll let you know.

Riley having a good time

2011-08-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Riley having fun at her babysitter’s house. I don’t think her little friend knew how to react with her screaming and laughing.

Look at that hair…it looks like this on days when mommie doesn’t have time to fix it.

How do you….

2011-08-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

increase the size of your readers? Is there something that I just not grabbing??

What do people like to read about in your blog, how do you make it interesting?

I feel like I am missing the boat.

Thanks, cindy

You know...

2011-07-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

it is a bad day when you google your sons name to see if anyone has mentioned him. Joshua just keeps sliding down the google page.

Weird things you do when you have lost a child.

Remember when…..

2011-07-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

Which would you prefer the snow flying or the sun shining?

We are going on our 19th day of over 90 degrees plus humidity making it over 100 every day. It looks as though there is no end in site for our Ohio Valley. This coming week they are predicting no temps below 90. Yuck!! I will take the snow any day!

These pictures were taken during a snowstorm in 2010 year. The first picture was taken from our front yard looking towards Rt. 36— our main thoroughfare . The second picture is looking upward at the snow falling at nighttime. And the last is a picture of our home. It never crossed my mind that I would look at these pictures — and tell winter to hurry up. Below is the forecast for today from our local news and under that is a random Wednesday when we were having a snowstorm.

CINCINNATI -- More heat, but a side of storms possible Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the entire Tri-State from noon until 8 p.m.

A heat advisory is issued when high humidity is expected to combine with hot temperatures to make it feel like it is 100-105 degrees.

An excessive heat watch is in effect for Hamilton County for the same period.

Interactive Radar | Sign Up For Alerts

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Tri-State under a slight risk of severe storms on Friday. High winds are the most likely threat from any storms.

Persons in the advisory area are advised to avoid prolonged work in sun, or in poorly ventilated areas. Also, keep plenty of liquids on hand and try to stay in an air conditioned environment.

Children, the elderly and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat.

Heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions.

Friends, relatives, or neighbors should check on people who may be at risk.

CINCINNATI -- Wednesday will be snowy and blustery around the Tri-State.

A winter weather advisory was to expire at 9 a.m. Wednesday, but was extended to 7 p.m. instead.

Lake effect snow showers and blowing winds will move snow around and leave up to an inch of additional accumulation on Wednesday.

The heaviest snow has ended with most areas receiving about 3-4 inches of accumulation.

This is overwhelming!!

2011-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

WE are in the clear!

2011-07-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for those who prayed for enduring the last trial. The doctors confirmed it is a cyst.
This type of cyst is normally formed in utero.

Arachnoid cysts are benign cysts that occur in the cerebrospinal axis in relation to the arachnoid membrane and that do not communicate with the ventricular system. They usually contain clear, colorless fluid that is most likely normal cerebrospinal fluid; rarely, they contain xanthochromic fluid.

Most are developmental anomalies. A small number of arachnoid cysts are acquired, such as those occurring in association with neoplasms or those resulting from adhesions occurring in association with leptomeningitis, hemorrhage, or surgery. They constitute approximately 1% of intracranial masses; 50-60% occur in the middle cranial fossa. Cysts in the middle cranial fossa are found more frequently in males than in females; they occur predominantly on the left side. Most arise as developmental anomalies. A small number of arachnoid cysts are associated with neoplasms. (See the images below.)

T2-weighted sagittal MRI image (see next image for axial view) of the brain in a 28-year-old woman with an incidental finding of a superior cerebellar cistern arachnoid cyst (arrow).This is exactly same spot that Jack has his cyst. We are getting a second opinon from a nuerologist.

Jack

2011-07-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

My friends,

Please be in prayer for Jack today. He fell on Sunday directly on his head. We went to our doctor on Monday which resulted in a CT scan. Looking for a possible beed instead they found what they think to be a tumor. Benign. We are having a MRI today to confirm what they saw on the scan.

Thanks,
Cindy

Friday Funnies

2011-07-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I think Maxine is on the right track…..

Heaven, is this what you will look like?

2011-07-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

yOur final exit will be your greatest entrance.

In the Bible God showed some glipses of heaven to John who wrote about it in the book of Revelations. "And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God". --Rev 21:10

The New Jersulam—I’m certain that it is going to be even more beautiful.
Jesus has been pictured many ways. It does not matter what he looks like. What matters is what he did and can do for you.

Grateful Friday

2011-07-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

I’ve found a blog that I really enjoy, called the Gypsy Mama. Every Friday you are to write for five minutes about a topic that she will give you. You can hook up with her through her button on the right of the blog. During this five minutes you write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about making it perfect. That isn’t what this is about. Just your random thoughts on various words.

Grateful

I don’t feel very grateful — to anyone. Especially God. We lost our 16 year old son, Joshua,in a car accident 7 years ago. You can read about Joshua if you will go to my blog. I feel as though I am like Jacob, wrestling with God through the night, only it has been years for me. I’m trying but it just isn’t there. I need to be back in church. My husband, Jack, goes every Sunday—but not me.

Thanks,

Cindy

2011-06-27T06:02:00.001-07:00

chick talk

Isn’t this picture funny? It is almost like they are involved in a deep conversation. The only one I can think that they might be having is “how many bugs did you catch today”.
One of our hens likes to take the eggs from the Nester and put them on the ground, cover them with whatever she can find. Jack was cleaning out the hen house and found this “stash” of eggs. It is pretty neat how even chicks have their own personality.

This one has an attitude. Of course, being the only male with 7 women around you all day…..
Hope your day is better than his!
Take care-
Cindy

2011-06-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

My Dad
The love I have for my dad is beyond measure, as is his love for me.

I remember as a little girl the rides through the country side on a warm summer day. I believe that I went everywhere with my dad when I was a little girl. I remember the places that we would often stop while my dad would talk with the old farmers. Kelly Bruce's, Brownies are just a few of the places we would frequent a on regular schedule.
He was my protector in life—mostly from the cruelness of my mother.

There were a few years that I didn’t get to see my dad. My mom and dad divorced when I was 16. A few years later my dad married his high school sweetheart, Frankie, and my mom was so jealous with rage that she would not allow me to visit dad. This crushed me. I was so afraid of my mom that I would sneak a visit with dad in Florence for a few minutes while he way on his way home from work. This was way before cell phones and computers.

Once, during a cool summer night I had my bedroom window open and as I lay in bed In the distance I heard a train blowing its horn. I fell apart in my bed hearing that because I knew that my dad or mama would have either heard or would hear the same noise. It was a connection I could make with dad, even though he would never know until now.

My dad possess an undeniable strength . Dad drank from his early teens until he was 60. I attribute his drinking to living with my mom.

Dad remarried to his high school sweetheart, Frankie. To this day I remember the first words she spoke to me. “Are you a christian?”. Frankie encouraged dad to quit drinking and he was able to give up the drink. They were only married five years before she was diagnosed with esophageal/lung cancer. Before Frankie passed away she made my dad promise that he would not start drinking again. He has honored that promise to Frankie.

The night that we lost Joshua the only call I made was to dad. The first face I saw after waking up in the ER was my dad.

There is one thing that I could never repay my dad. He has taken care of Joshua’s grave since the day he was buried. It might seem morbid, silly — I don’t know but all I can tell you is that dad needs to go and make certain things are ok—and I need to know that he is taking care of my boy.

2011-06-02T06:19:00.001-07:00

Isn’t this the neatest table setting? I love the background art with the greys and yellows. I have looked online and found the “recipe” on how to make the collage of ribbons. I am going to make one for July 4th.

I found this from hostesswiththemostest.com. It is a wonderful site for helping create any type of party. Kaliceevents.com is also a cool site to gather information and then take their ideas and make them your own.

Stormy Weather

2011-05-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

What a wild spring we have had here in Kentucky. We have had rain almost everyday. Our garden isn’t even plowed yet. We were supposed to get severe storms yesterday afternoon but they held off until midnight. We have a set of neighbors that do not have a basement so they come here every time it storms. I was not a good hostess last night. They came around 112m, Justin tried to get me up and I just couldn't’t move. I didn’t even move. Anyway, he stayed with them in the basement with our friends. He is friends with their oldest son. I felt terrible when I woke up this morning realizing what I had done. I’ll have to call her this afternoon and apologize. The basement is finished so they did have things they could do while they waited out the storm. Justin told me they were here for 2 hours.

I feel an incredible amount of grief for the people in Joplin and elsewhere that life has been lost. I heard that some parents are still searching for their children. I can’t grasp not knowing, ever, what happened to my child. I read that in Joplin a teenage boy was sucked out of his car through the sunroof—with his seat belt still on him. His parents are still looking for him.

Take care-

Cindy

Joshua

2011-02-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

All I can say today is Joshua would have been 24 today.

He was born by Cesarean section and arrived in our world at 9:15 am. He was my biggest baby at 7lbs 15 oz.

I would put up a picture but I just don’t have the energy today.

Take care-

Cindy

I love this

2011-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

My Grandma is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being.

I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.

Quote from Gracie Harnt

This quote strikes deep for me. My grandma always told me “as long as I’m alive no one is going to hurt you”.

don’t really know what she meant by this statement but it is one I”ll carry with me to my grave.

I felt her love me, unconditionally.

Take care-

Cindy

I’m still here...

2011-01-14T05:54:00.001-08:00

A child from Zimbabwe

2010-12-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

After much thinking of adoption of another child for years, we decided to be a sponsor instead.

The beginning of this story starts at our Family Christian Bookstore. While I checked out I began a conversation with the clerk.

She was promoting World Vision as a sponsorship for under privileged children. I had told her the short version of loosing Joshua and as I talked to her she picked up the packet for Brighton Mawkise.

There were 2 things that touched me about Brighton Mawakise. He looks so very sad and his favorite activity was playing ball. Probably football or soccer is what he plays.

He lives with his grandmother and 2 brothers. His grandmother struggles to provide for the family.

He lives in a community affected by HIV and Aids. They rarely have money for food or medical care.

My hope for this little boy is that we can make a difference in his life.

2010-12-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hey gals, over at Life on a Southern Farm is having a great give away. On December 9 they will randomly draw someone to win a Nesting Box!

Isn’t that awesome! Go over and visit Pam’s blog. Tell her I sent you!

http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/2010/12/chicken-nesting-box-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeOnASouthernFarm+%28Life+on+a+Southern+Farm%29

2010-12-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

I’m arrived very late to the tea. I got tied up into visiting with an old friend. It was very rude for me to have not paid attention to the time.

I will be certain to be on time next year—and I’’m already working on a date.

Cindy

treasuresinmyheart.blogsplot.com

2010-12-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

I might be a little late for the tea, Mr. Toast. I caught up with a friend and we doing a little sightseeing.

It is a tad chilly so I am going to stop by a boutique and choose something more weather friendly.

Mr. Toast’s Tea

2010-12-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

I am so exctied to be going to Scotland for Mfr. Toast’s tea. II have been flown in our private plane. I did stop and take part of the day to go through the garment district. So many copies of the future Queen of England will be wearing.

I havea list of places I’d like to visit while in Scotland. I’ll give you a few pictures. OH..I’m so very ecited.We stayed overnight in Oban Harbour (on the west coast). This is a picturesque town built on a sharp downslope into the sea.

Lock up tight!

2010-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to keep our homes locked up tight when we leave. There have been a string of break-ins where we live.

I don’t know if it is because they need drug money or Christmas money. I do know if someone needed something I much rather give it to them than steal from me.

We live on a country road, Mitts Road, which is named after my mom’s side of the family. But, we have a “main” road that will take us to into town. This main road is where all the theft if happening. It doesn’t matter the size or condition of the house either. Our main road Route 36 has quit a mixture of homes. No subdivisions, mostly big and small farms except for my uncle’s house.

My Uncle’s house has been destroyed. No one has lived in it since he passed over a year ago. They have broken doors down and busted windows to get. Then they ramsack the home looking for money. Justin and I went down to check on the house right before Thanksgiving. We have a in the living room an organ that dates back to the late 1800;s. Plan was to get the organ before we burn the house down. Would you believe our thieves came in between the last time we were checking on the house and ripped the back side of the organ looking for some loot!

We called the sheriff on our first break in and they only made a report and told us to probably expect more of the same acts but that the sheriff's office couldn't’t do anything about it.

And the thing is the sheriff and I were great friends in school, he worked Joshua’s accident and his boys play ball with Justin. I just don’t understand….

2010-11-25T06:53:00.001-08:00

OH, it feels good to be busy!!!

2010-11-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

Since we have such a small family I’m the only one doing the cooking. That is ok. After a serious meltdown yesterday, the worst I have had in a long, long time it feels so to be in the kitchen.

I wish that today were Thanksgiving. I’m looking for anything extra in the pantry that I could whip up that we don’t have each year. So far I have cooked green beans and ham—you know a bean ins’t cooked until it can’t stand up- macaroni and cheese and a carrot cake. That might not be much for some of you but for me it is exhilarating. One sad thing is I could wake up tomorrow and not want to do a thing. That is why I wish it were Thanksgiving today.

Thanksgiving was Joshua’s favorite holiday. Before we lost him we would always go to mom’s and he would claim that she would cook a feast, (well it really was a feast). We now stay at home, I cook and anyone who wants to come and eat is more than welcome. I wish I knew some people that doesn’t have family close to them then we could become their family. Maybe, I might make it one of my NY list to be more aware of the people around me.

Gotta Go!

What is your thought on cutting coupons?

2010-11-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

The coupon cutting craze has hit Grant County. Most of my friends are doing it, either on their own or they pay to attend a coupon class. I just can’t pay someone to teach me how to use coupons. These girls are really into it. Binders full of coupons and they will buy 4-5 Sunday papers just for the same coupons.

Now I realize that cutting the cost of groceries at this time of year can be very beneficial to us as consumers, but I just don’t seem to be able to get on the band wagon.

Do you cut coupons? What is your thought on the clipping?

I googled cutting coupons and the amount of sites dedicated to clipping - 4,850,000.

Maybe I’m the silly one????

A trip to Gatlinburg

2010-11-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of mine, Jenny, invited me to a church retreat on Nov. 13-14. Gatlinburg' s about a 4 hour drive from our house. As time got closer I was deciding that I really didn’t need to go. We were staying in a beautiful cabin in the mountains that slept 13. I think I was in bed each night by 8, but I loved it! I would do it all over again and again and again. I think/ I know I could sleep my life away. If God would wake me up just in time to tell everyone I loved them and not to be sad for me, well, I would do it it a heartbeat. Selfish, I know, I’m trying to change. The thought still of being with Joshua is so overpowering. He took care of his mama. shew…gotta quit crying.

Downtown Gatlinburg showing off it’s Christmas lights.

I wasn’t in the best of mood when I left for the trip. In fact, called her 10 minutes from our home to try and cancel. After all, Jack, Justin and myself were going to Gatlinburg on the 15th & 16th.Most of you know that we lost Joshua on the 15th. This is the first time in 7 years that Jack had agreed to go away for a few days.

This is the closest picture I could get of that would resemble our chalet. It slept 13 and we had a blast

If you have the chance to eat at the Mellow Mushroom. It is a pizza joint that is so cool. If you have any problems you’ll leave them outside the door. Great food and service.

Then there is the majestic Christmas Inn. I should have made reservations for next year to take Riley. You honestly have to make reservations that far in advance. We wen’t lucky enough to have snow. We had a high of 70’s both days. Then when Jack and Justin arrived it rained the entire time. Gatlinburg is one of those places that if it rains your stuck in your room. And it was a cold rain….brrrr…..now snow like the picture suggests. We did have snow up on the mountain that would take us to North Carolina.

Inn in snow

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T05:56:00.001-08:00

Joshua and Lana

Pray for us as this coming Monday we will begin our 7th year without our boy.

Joshua and Lana just a month before we lost Joshua in a car accident.

2010-11-08T14:32:00.001-08:00

Isn’t this little Basset Hound just adorable? I just love those little guys. We used to raise Basset Hounds. Jack thought that this would give me something to do. It was maybe 2 years after we lost Joshua.

We had one litter and the mama had mastitis so I had to bottle feed 6 little babies only 2 weeks old. Night and day! But I loved every minute of it. One female died. OH, how I cried when she left us. Jack had worked all day, and this little girl was not doing well .When he got home from work he drove 45 minutes north to an Vet Emergency Clinic. I just held her in my hands until they left and I know you will think I’m crazy but that little one just cooed like a baby. Jack told me she died just as he pulled into the parking lot.
I’m thinking about raising Bassets again---tossing it back and forth.

I am thankful for.....

2010-11-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

my chickens. They always make me laugh -- especially when they are running from the rooster!

We only have 6 chickens + 1 Rooster at this point but are looking to add more in the spring.

I wonder what they are talking about.....maybe for me to leave them alone??

Giving Thanks!

2010-11-02T04:50:00.001-07:00

I have joined Leah from South Breeze Farm ( still haven't figured out how to set up a link) to give thanks daily for the things we have in our lives.

Today, I am giving thanks for the friends that I have met while blogging.

When I have been down you have lifted me up. Never an unkind word. I love it! When I log on to my blog the excitement about who has visited me is almost like Christmas morning.

I"m looking forward to making new friends all the while I'm being thankful for what I have in my life. This sure is a change for me.

Take care-

Cindy

Today is the day!

2010-10-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!!

Today I turn 46!! Ouch!!

Our family is going to Joe's Crab Shack tonight for dinner. I love that place!

Hopefully I'll post some pictures late tonight or tomorrow. Remember when you see me now I have roughly 80 pounds extra that I am carrying. More on that later.

Would you like a peice of cake?

2010-10-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

After my sleep study I was referred to a dentist at UC who could make a mouthpeice for me to sleep with.that should decrease my snoring. He alsotold me to lose weight! yayda yada yada! Those are the options that I'm choosing right now. I won't get the mouthpeice for at least a month. That means 1 more month of sleeping on the couch.

I got into our bed after Jack left for work this morning. I didn't realize how much I missed his smell. So I snuggled deeper into the blankets and pillows trying to get a little nap in ( I didn't sleep at all last night) but Justin needed to get out of bed and ready for school.

We are headed to Lexington UK's Alzheimers Clinic for the results of the test preformed on my dad. I am so very worried about him. I think that is the reason I didn't sleep last night.

I"ll post more after we get back.

Cindy

My Sammie!

2010-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

She has been with me through many ups and downs. Alot of downs. When I cry she will sit right beside and guard me. I don't know what I will do without her.

She is extra special to because she was Joshua's dog. He didn't care for animals, but Sammie was the one and only.

Some of my favorite quotes

2010-10-11T03:47:00.000-07:00

My Grandma is a never ending song in my heart of comfort happiness and being.

I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. -Gracie Haunt

Do not let Sunday be taken from you. If your soul has no Sunday it becomes an orphan.

-Albert Schweitzer

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have.

-Unknown

As we begin our journey my hop is that one day we will be able to put one a little in front of the other.

-Unknown

Results from sleep test

2010-10-06T14:38:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't have sleep apnea that would require a PAP machine. I do however, have a mild case of apnea. I only quite breathing 2 times in a 7 hour period.

I do snore. The determined it was 8 out of 10 times that I would snore. How they determine this...I"ll never know. (hopefully)

I do have to correct this problem and here are the options that I have been given in the order that I will try them.

All these include losing weight.

Go to UC (which is where we lost Joshua) and get fitted for a mouthpeice that will bring my overbite to the correct posititon which will open up the airways. ( he said had a small air way to begin with--great!!)
Depending on the success of the mouthpeice will determine if I need coblation--possibly in addition/or with the mouthpeice. Coblation is where they would use a laser and blast away some mouth/throat tissue.
The last option at this time is surgery where they will go in and scrape, cut out peices of mouth and throat. Dr. Moser said this is more painful than when I had my tonsils out!!

What really shocked me from the overnight report was that I woke up 63 times but never knew I was awake. No wonder I wake in the mornings and sometimes feel as though I wrestled with God all night.

Good Heavens!

I won't see the oral susrgeon until the 19th oct. I was told by Dr. Moser that this was not a fast process.

I just pray that I don't have to have the throat surgery.

I'll keep you posted.

Good morning Monday!

2010-10-04T03:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but I am glad to see a new week roll around. Fresh, untouched.Waiting for us to make our mark. Let the world know that we are here and realy to go.

Hope everyone has a great day, week!

A quick note...

2010-09-22T04:40:00.001-07:00

Will you say a prayer for me?

I'm headed to the Sleep Disorder Clinic this morning for a consultation with a doctor. I'm certain that I will be doing a sleep study after my visit to the clinic today.

I have issues with sleep. First and foremost is snoring. It is so bad that I can actually feel a struggle to breathe when I'm snoring. I can even hear myself snoring. I've been on the couch for a month. Jack can't sleep while I'm snoring so loudly.

I've been going to the gym at Toyota and working with a trainer. I've only been doing this for 2 weeks so haven't seen any changes so far.

I was hoping to see some change in my sleep patterns by going to the gym but it seems to only aggravate the problem.

The second problem I have is I can't sleep. For a couple of days in row!! I'll catch a few winks when it becomes morning time so I haven't gone with no sleep but close enough.

Thank you!!

cindy

ps....have seen the doctor and will be having the sleep study tonight. I will get there at 8pm, get a shower and then get hooked up to the monitors. He is semi certain I have sleep apnea with my throat being so narrow. We always hear of people dying of sleep apnea but he assures me that God gave us a great device to keep from dying from apnea......we wake up when we feel the struggle to breathe. I'm going on what he says but not betting on it. So many people have died from sleep apnea..Reggie White, football player for Minnesota. He is the only one I can think of now. I'm a little scared. What if I get there and don't sleep at all or say something I shouldn't??

Those are all things I can't control so here I go God- trusting in you!

Keep me in your thoughts tonight.....

Maxine

2010-09-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Even though I don't work outside the home this cartoon hits home.

Does anyone read Maxine on a daily basis? If not, you should. She is so funny. She is Hallmark branded so you know it won't be anything nasty or sassy.

2010-09-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

Neal Davis. My father in law.

Neal was a chemist at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. In the picture you can see he was diligently working. Neal was not a person to do something that he wasn't proud of. In work and in his home life.

He taught my Jack's family many things outside the lab.

He taught them patience, honesty and that there words mean everything. He took Jack's mom, Sylvia, to places she would never had been if she hadn't meet Neal. Why, they eve owned a cabin in Maine on the coast. SYLVIA sold that after Neal passed. Oh, how we wish she would have kept it. Jack has many stories of Maine that just seems to make Maine so pristine.

Neal was a teacher, leader at heart. Such a shame we lost this man. Way to early.

It is a terrible trick being played on most of us in this world. We never truly are aware of just how important a person is until death takes them away.

Cross Country Begins

2010-09-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from last year but since Justin shows such grit and determination to get to the finish line that I had to post these pics.

Today is his first meet running his at his level. Coach has had him running up with the varsity and it really aggravates Justin because he knows there is no chance in him medaling the race. So, today is a freshman only race and he is very pumped up about running today.

Gotta Run,

Cindy

Elementary School- Sepia Saturday

2010-09-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I had written a nice, long post on my grandfather. Of course, I didn't save it before I logged out. I'm tired today so I will Just bulletpoint his main journey. Oh yell, he is the one with the oval drawing on his head.

born in ludlow- 1908
mother died when he was two, julia o'hara powell
older brother, paul, thought he could swim across the ohio river--he was found two days later
my grandpa and his sister were sent to Grant County to live with my great grandma's relatives.
my great grandpa Sam went to the country after a while of living in the city
my grandpa only had one sister who lived with him and she was very, very mean to my grandpa, 12 years age in difference (her the older) and as you can imagine my Papa ended up with nothing from the family in later years due to her.

Radney Foster - Angel Flight

2010-08-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

This made me cry like a baby. I wish there was a way to support our troops by blogging.

I can't imagine being a mother with her child in the East. I lost Joshua but didn't have that fear of loosing him every second of the day. My heart goes out to those parents who have children willing to serve. Be very proud of them. Husbands, wives..any family member or friend that you have willing to give their lives for ours.

November 18, 2009
DALLAS - The "Angel Flight" is the one flight you don't want to be on. It's the last trip home if you're in the military. The men and women who fly the "Angel Flight" have an important mission to make sure fallen soldiers make it home with dignity and honor.
Country music star Radney Foster pays tribute to that aircrew and the fallen soldiers it carries with a new song and music video called "Angel Flight."
One of the most powerful lines in the song says, "Between heaven and earth, you're never alone, on the Angel Flight come on brother I'm taking you home, come on brother I'm taking you home."
"Angel flights are actually the flights that bring fallen troops back home," said Darren Cameron the film director for Man Bites Dog who shot and directed the music video with the Texas National Guard.
Foster says his song was inspired by the tragic crash of a helicopter crew from North Texas in Iraq called the "Red River 44." Four of the soldiers were from Texas, three were from Oklahoma.

Three Sisters

2010-08-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sepia Saturday

Pictured above are great aunt Vena, my grandmother Ella, and great aunt Lura

As with most pictures taken in our family the location is the old home place which is about 1/4 a mile from where we live.

If you look in between the two buildings you can see the dinner bell. We have kept that bell. I can just picture my grandma ringing it for the hired help to come in.

My mom is the only one left of that generation that could tell me what those buildings were. Her memory is so bad though that I'm afraid to ask her and make her upset.

Aunt Vena and Aunt Lura both left for the city - Covington- where they married, raised kids and died there.

My grandmother was the baby so she stayed on the farm. She met my grandpa as he was traveling by horse to go in search of his brother. They were both orphans...my grandpa had heard that there was a Jim Lawrence in Williamstown. Long story made short- grandma and grandpa were married shortly thereafter and he did find his brother, Jim.

2010-08-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

I love my son, Joshua so very much and I want everyone to remember him.

The anniversary of his leaving us is racing towards us like a rocket. Way to fast.

Every year I think this is the year I am going to do something for his memory, his legacy.

We had the ball tournament last year expecting it to be an annual event but for lack of funds from the county, there was no tournament. We knew too late to do anything about not having the funds.

I'm thinking of one way to remember Joshua is to start a program that will increase awareness that there are so many older, lonely people that need visits or phone calls, cards and somehow incorporating Joshua with that.

What do you think?

I would sure like to hear what you might think is a great idea. I am open to anything, but now is the time to do it. I believe I am ready after 6 years.

I love my boy!

2010-08-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I knew it would happen. I just thought I'd be able to cope a little bit better than I have. No sleep tonight, just crying every know and then.

Joshua's girlfriend at the time of his accident got engaged Friday night. I wish her all the best, I hope her future husband takes good care of her. I'm going to try and download the video for you.

Ahg, to be honest I haven't had any sleep and don't feel like searching for the video. Maybe latter today.

Cindy

2010-08-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Q's.

1. Do you think mustaches are sexy? yes, on most men

2. What's the last concert you've been to? casting crowns
3 What was your favorite 80's sitcom? was knots landing in the 8o's
4. Were you named after anyone? yes, my grandmother and grandfather
5. When you buy new clothes, do you wash before wearing? oh, it depends on what they are
6. If you didn't blog, what would you do with your spare time? probably read, sew or crochet
7. What is your favorite department store? Macy's
8. If you were to get Laser Hair Removal..where would you get it? only in one place??

Would you believe??

2010-07-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Left fracture hallux prox. phalanx

right high ankle sprain

Fell down 1 step and this is what happens!

U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E

I'll be in the cast for at least 6 weeks depending on how I heal. This type of break, according to the orthopedic Dr, is extremely rare. The break is in the middle section of my toe and most breaks occur at the tip of the toe.

Right high ankle sprain is what most athletes are subject to. Of course, since I am not an athlete, I asked him how could I have injured my ankle with the high sprain. I said to the Dr that I am constantly rolling my ankle which in turn is what saved my ankle from being broken. We have 3 sets of ligaments that cover our ankle for protection. I only have 2 sets which leads to the ankle rolling and actually kept me from breaking my ankle.

You could just say, I'm becoming older and more feeble. That is what Justin told me!

Old Farmhouse Door

2010-07-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is the front door of the old farmhouse. There is another front door with the same etching in the glass but it is cracked top to bottom. We have grabbed this door already. Wonder why old houses sometimes had two front doors?

You see the front side with the chipped paint.?? It has weathered many storms, winter and summer. I never paid much attention to the door, only the etched glass. As I said before, we took the door down and I got my first look at what type of wood was used for the doors. Cherry Wood!! And they painted it white?

The Real Housewives of New Jersey - Photos - New Jersey Premiere Party | Bravo TV Official Site

2010-07-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Real Housewives of New Jersey - Photos - New Jersey Premiere Party | Bravo TV Official Sit

Just click on the above link. Never did I think I would become interested in these shows. Girls, I can not wait to watch these shows. I guess these housewives shows give me a break from reality. Please tell me there are more of you out there that watch this nonsense? Which show is your favorite? I'll never tell!

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

R run, run, run,run

I irresistible

L love

E Energy

Y Yeah

For this little one I am very thankful.

Very discouraged

2010-06-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

This summer sure isn't what I had planned it to be.

I had planned to be up to elbows in gardening, taking a swim, possibly contemplating writing a book, discovering my creative outlet and traveling around our state just for day trips on the 15th of every month. Loosing some weight at the gym and just flat out meeting new people and making new friends.

Not one of the thoughts I had have come to fruition. Rain kept us from a garden, not taking care o the pool this winter has created a swamp in the pool, writing the book - hah! I can't even write a blog correctly. I sure haven't found my creativity. I've tried quilting, sewing- non at which I am good at. I've stopped going to the gym - it is 45 minutes away at toyota but such a great gym to belong too. Meeting new people- I've discovered if you go out of your way to be friendly to someone they back up very quickly and think that you are weird or a nut case.

I just don't know. I don't understand how some women make it look so easy and then there is me...struggle with every step I take.

Writing the book was going to be so exciting. I have an idea in mind....I wouldn't actually be writing the book. Women like you would have chapters about their lives.

Oh well, I'll say goodbye for now.

MY DAD

2010-06-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

For Fathers day this year I want to take time out and honor my dad.

My parents were divorced when I was 16. I was an only child. He was always there me, if I had done something stupid or maybe I had done something deliberately against him.
In what I thought was the prime of my life I didn't have time for dad on the weekends, seriously does any teenager who just turned 16 a had a mustang to drive around.

My mom has told me numerous time that if her mother had not died earlier she would haven't given my dad a thought. She probably would have been an old maid.

After school Dad enrolled in the Army. He had a steady girlfriend, Frankie, who was going to wait on him to come back home. Well, she didn't. She married A friend of my dads.

I encouraged dad to ask Frankie out for a date, she too had just become divorced. They went out for a very short time before they were married. They were both so happy. Then sickness came around. Frankie got lung cancer and died 5 years later.OH, how my dad's heart was broken.

She was married by the time Dad came back from the ARMY. My mom and dad were married 9 months after he came back from the army. Frankie did everything for my dad. She loved him and he loved her. They had been apart so long and now they were together again to grow old together. Frankie died 5 years after they married from Lung cancer.

Frankie made dad promise to her he would never take another drink of alcohol and he hasn't. It has 23 years since we lost her.

Dad is Joshua's security team. Dad will go out to the cemetary throughout the week and make sure no one has stolen his flowers and I guess just to spend time of quiet solitude. My dad loved Joshua very much. It was Dad I called when from the hospital when Joshua had his wreck. I'll never forget Dad walking down that long, long hallway. I could go on and on but for the sake of my family I'll leave the post as it is.

Just know that my dad is number one in my book.

JOY

2010-06-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

J Jesus first ( seek ye first the kingdom of God)

O Others Second (love others as Christ loves his people)

Y Yourself third (you are a temple of the Holy Spirit)

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-17T02:52:00.001-07:00

I am Thankful for today because.....
I was able to wake up with Jack,
spoke online to a missionary in India,
I am able to love Jesus.

Such small things but they matter to me.

Head over to www.gracealone.blogspot.com for more thankful thursdays.

Great grandma Ethyl Evans

2010-06-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is my paternal great-grandma. I don't remember her-- I was only 2 at the time she died.

Her home was always considered the home place on my dad's side. I'll post a picture of that house and barn.

My great grandma was a hard worker and kept things nice. This picture brings tears to my eyes. I can see mama in her.

I an't imagine the county newspaper using a story about my ggmother.

I'll have to research and try to find out more information.

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-02T17:48:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for Jesus without Him we would have no hope.

I'm thankful that school is out and baseball is in.

I'm thankful for husband.

SEPIA SATURDAY

2010-05-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my great grandpa & grandma, Robert Henry Mitts and Nancy Coleman Mitts. My great grandpa was known as Fat Daddy. No one knows why he was given this nickname.

This picture was taken before 1930 and is considered now as the home place. We live on the same land as this house. If fact, we are in the process of having to tear it down. So many memories were made here for so many people.

mys sweet, sweet boy

2010-05-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Joshua at 5 months old.

Hummingbirds

2010-05-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

They're here!!

I was beginning to think we weren't going to have any visitors. So far only two have shown up. I could just spend an entire afternoon watching the comings and goings of hummingbirds.

and rolling and rolling

2010-05-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Jack and I had purchased a front loader washer and dryer about 2 years. I didn't like either one and we felt like we had been cohearsed into buying the machines.

I got rid of the washer first. I had 3 service repairs on it for the same thing. They didn't care psshhh I was just another number to them. Went out and bought locally instead of going to the "city". There was nothing wrong with the dryer at this point so I decided to keep the darn thing.

About a year later the dryer started to scream every time it turned. It got to the point we couldn't talk in the kitchen because of the racket it was making.

Well, we decided to buy the dryer locally as well. Rodney came out installed new dryer and took the old dryer with him.

While all this was going on Jack kept telling me that he was missing a few t-shirts, socks and underwear. I didn't pay much attention to him at the time. I mean where could it go? Our bathroom down the hall to the laundry room.I acted as though I would get right on it.

He says to my friend, Jenny, on Sunday morning at church "You might want to tell Cindy I have a load of Jacks clothes in the shop." He gave them to Jenny and I got them a few days later.

All that I can say is thank you Lord that it wasn't my old underwear and bras that were worn out. Shew!

And this is how we roll....

2010-05-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days? Well it has been one of those weeks for me.

I'm not going to go into everything but just the highlights:
I kept Riley on Wednesday and my dog, Sammie, bit her on the forehead. She is fine. We didn't need to take her to the ER like we did last time I kept her. Justin had the oven door opened and Riley used the HOT door to pull herself up. A second degree burn and dog bite. I don't think I'll be up for any awards this year from Riley. Bless her heart.

We bought a new computer, a Mac, and everyone raves about the Mac but I don't care for it. I am certain everything is operator error but who can I get to help me learn the system? We had the Geek Squad install it, for 189.00 all for an hours work. Won't do that again.

I've had new post ready to 3 days this week and could not get them published. I'm thinking today might be the day, hence no picture to up/download.

Here's hoping for Sepia Saturday.

I hope everyone has a wonderful mother's day if I'm not able to post again.

Fun Facts About the Derby

2010-05-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

With me being from Kentucky I just had to write about the derby. I found some fun facts that if you weren't from Kentucky you would not understand.

I've never been to the derby. The closest I've ever come to the derby is Keenland in the spring and fall. Too many people, too much comotion going on for me to have a good time in person.

The Kentucky Derby is a stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, staged yearly in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race currently covers one and one-quarter miles (2.012 km) at Churchill Downs; colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kg), fillies 121 pounds (55 kg). The race, known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate time length, is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States. It typically draws around 155,000 fans.
Are you good enough to pick the Derby or Oaks winner now? Place a Kentucky Derby Future Wager or Kentucky Oaks Future Wager and get early odds that could be much more attractive than race day odds. Bet on your favorite now, cash in when the race is run!
The Kentucky Derby is one of the crown jewels of the elusive Triple Crown which includes the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes.For over 125 years the Kentucky Derby has been everyone's race - from the dapper men and beautiful women, all in hats and sipping on frosty mint juleps, to the laid-back infield crowd who picnic on fried chicken and toss around Frisbees.They're all there to witness the world's premier horse-racing event. "Riders up" booms the paddock judge. The trainers give a leg up to the riders and send them out through the tunnel and onto the world's most famous track as the University of Louisville band strikes up Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home".
Traditions
In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions have played a large role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and sugar, is the traditional beverage of the race. Burgoo, typically a thick stew of lamb and vegetables is served from iron pots sometimes 10 feet in diameter. Legal gambling on the race is done through parimutuel betting at the track. The Infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers low general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party. By contrast, "Millionaire's Row" refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich and famous. Elegant women appear in long dresses, big hats, and carrying fancy umbrellas. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, "My Old Kentucky Home" is played by the University of Louisville marching band while the crowd stands and sings along.
The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner. The governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy.

ps I love the burgoo!!

Word Filled Wednesday

2010-04-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 2: 8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I'm always on the search to confirm that God does know our story beginning to end. Nothing is a suprise for him. You can read more of my story to understand this need.

Mountain Dew

2010-04-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

I wonder if this is playing any part in my not being able to sleep?

all photos courtsey of Mountain Dew.

Who had a button design for their giveaway?

2010-04-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

I hate when this happens. I always hop around on blogs and forget the blogs that I want to go back and visit.

About a month ago someone had a friend who designed things with buttons. I thought it was so neat. I'd like to take a gander and maybe purchase some things.

I sure hope you aren't like me and you forgot.

Take care-

Depression

2010-04-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

Depression has made it's ugly face known again. Was feeling sorta down the past couple of days. Didn't even think of the dark depression would be back with the med's I"m on. Plus I'm only working 2-3 days a week at the garden center. Not much stress in my life right now. Damn this depression.
The signs were all there, just didn't put it together. Going to bed early, not interested in the computer, not talking much. Now I have anger that I don't know where to go with it. I'm just miserable. Everyone around me is as well.

Jennifer keeps telling me, Mom you just have to do it. Yes, I do have to go with what is thrown at me, but a little help every now and then wouldn't be bad either.
Just keep me in your thoughts, prayers this week. Hopefully I'll be back in a couple of days.
Take care-

I've got a job, and I love it!

2010-04-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that I not be homebound. I could stay in my home 24/7 I believe. I could become the hermit that I desire to be.

But, I have a friend who owns a garden center, Rocky Ridge Garden Center. I called her a few weeks ago and she gave me a job.

Not sure what my hours or days will be at this point. It all depends on when the weather breaks. I have worked 2 days there and had a great time. I can't wait until it is warmer, the sun is shining and I'm in my shorts and t-shirt and making a little running money.

I've got some baby pictures of Joshua that I want to post but my scanner keeps sending them to acrobat. Why wont it send it to my documents like it always has??

Talk soon-

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a great Easter Sunday. May we all be aware of why we celebrate this day.
Thank you Lord, Jesus for your sacrifice.

Easter, this year

2010-03-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Before you read this please know that I am still struggling with God. Writing this is so much easier than living it. But, as I believe, if I am angry with God, then I still believe in Him. When I don't ask him questions or think about him throughout the day, then I feel as though I have a huge problem. When I don't believe that I will not see Joshua ever again, then it is time to throw in the towel.

Easter Service...hhmm...makes me very nervous this year. I haven't been to church in ages. But I don't want to be classified as one of those C & E people. You know them, they attend only at Christmas and Easter.

Well, that is who I am this year. Maybe. I didn't go to church this past Christmas so maybe that makes me just an E person.

The first few years after we lost Joshua Easter was most exciting to me. I truly embraced the whole event. Jesus meant more to me than life. More important than Christmas, actually. That day our Saviour was born, not a whole lot special about that. Everyone has a birthday, right? But who can die for us and be raised on the third day? Truly, this is the day that changed history.

I don't know of anyone except Jesus who could die for us. But at Easter, Jesus really did become our Savour through suffering and God' s grace to us all. If Jesus had not resurrected from the grave we would have no savior. I can't even fathom the idea. This world is so full of struggles, evil ...it is everywhere. If we had no Jesus, what would we have?

Of course, I don't know that C & E really need to be examined as one competing with the other. Aren't we really supposed to live our life as though it is C & E everyday?