Update on Jeremy

As I intended to do, I deleted all the frequent updating from Jeremy's surgery yesterday. It just wasn't something I wanted to have everyone reading - however, unfortunately in doing so, I had to delete a few comments. Some well wishing - some comical!

Anyway, Jeremy is at home recovering now. Down time will hopefully be 10-14 days. After that, I think he'll begin to feel better and start life without his tonsils! I'm hopeful that he will notice a significant difference.

So, he's doing as well as he can for now, and taking advantage of the time to sleep! Interestingly, he has some pretty cool neon blue stitches in the top of his mouth. Pain wise, he says he doesn't hurt until he needs to swallow - and it is visibly obvious that having to do that jolts him to his very core!!

For Mama

My mom is in Ohio visiting with her parents. She's requesting recent pictures for my grandmother, so here's a few newer snapshots that I've taken.



Just waking up! Addison and Shirley Temple (aka Abby Long) :-)

SLOW DOWN, TIME

I mentioned a post or two ago about my recent trip to Jersey. I can't believe a week and a half has already passed, before I got to sit down and write about it.

So, to tell you about the event, it was the post-wedding reception of my "little brother" Jared Tinsley. He married a couple of weeks ago, a sweet little gal named Meranda from Indiana. If you need more details, you'll have to ask Teresa. I did not know her, but got to spend a few minutes getting to know her at the reception, and from our conversations, I think that Jared snagged a good one. And as Laura would say, "Teresa finally got her a girl!" As far as the event itself, it was a beautiful occasion, decorated to a hilt! And what else could you expect! We're talking Teresa's kid here!

I wasn't there but just a few minutes and Jared came over to where I was standing, hugged my neck and took me over to meet his bride. We immediately became friends as we shared our nauseating nervousness at being there. Obviously she had tons more reasons to be nervous than myself, but I was walking in to a crowd of people where I knew every face, but had not seen them in YEARS! Some of them close to 7 years since I'd seen. It was an overwhelming sense of nerves that came over me as I walked in. Anyway, Jared introduced us and I instantly liked her. I was introduced as his big sister from Savannah. Laughingly after we had met, he put his arm on my shoulder and asked me what I thought about his bride. I was quick to reassure him and then he let me know that he knew I'd tell him exactly what I thought. He reminded me that I had on more than one occasion (although not in front of them) let him know exactly how I felt about his previous "girlfriends" - one in particular - I showed him little mercy where she was concerned, and lo and behold, if she didn't turn around and break his heart right in half.

Anyway, I'm tickled pink he's finally moved on to pursue his chosen path in life, but man, I'm feeling OLD!! I can still see those three little rascals in the back of a light blue mini van with drum sticks flying everywhere, music blaring, and seeing what stunt they could pull next to trigger squeals from me or their mother. One of the funniest things I remember was one weekend before we went off, they had all three just gotten a crew cut. Along with that crew cut, came some type of "gel stick" to make their hair spike. Matthew was spiking his hair with that stick every 3 minutes. He didn't let go of that little stick the entire way to our destination. He had little white balls of gel caked in his hair by the time we got to where we were going. I still laugh thinking about that. And now they're all "growed up!" I just wish time would slow down. It's overwhelming me!!

Speaking of time, this morning I was brushing my teeth and Addison was in the other room playing. All of a sudden she came barreling into the bathroom as if something was after her. She came to a screeching halt right in front of me and looked up with her eyes just glistening with excitement....trying to ask me a question so fast, I could barely keep up with her. This is what she said, "Hey Mommy, I'm gonna be 4 soon, ain't I?" I shook my head, because I couldn't answer with my toothbrush in my mouth. After she got my answer, she said, "And, and.... after I turn 4, then I'm gonna be 5, right?" Same answer! She threw her hands in the air and started yelling YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! as she flew out of the bathroom as quickly as she had come flying in. I was tempted to yell, "SLOW DOWN, TIME!!"

I'm way too young for this! lol!!

Poor Abe!

As we all know, GEICO is known for all of it's intriguing little commercials with the gecko. I was getting ready to look at a news clip online the other day and this commercial was before it. It just cracked me up. I found it on YouTube. Make sure the volume is up so you can hear what they say....



LOL!!LOL!!

Something I Believe!

Back in December, at the very end of the year, I wrote a post called "Little Dirt Roads." This link will take you back to it, just in case you never read it. I was reminded of that little story this past weekend after an event occurred to me on my way home from Jersey.

(I'll elaborate on my trip to Jersey in my next post - haven't gotten a chance to sit down yet and write it all down -until now)

Anyway, my experience started a few minutes after I left the reception at the church there in Jersey. I had talked to Laura on the phone and had mentioned that they had just opened up a new El Charro in Covington, GA. El Charro is at the top of my list of favorite Mexican restaurants, in addition to the host of memories that go along with the good food from there. It was a frequent eating place for us when we lived there, so it has many holds on me! :-)

Just out of pure sentiment and desire to see the new restaurant, I began this battle in my head and my heart as to whether I should run in quickly and grab one of my favorite items there and then hit the road. I had in my head, if I did that, it would take approximately 20 minutes and would delay me that long in getting home.

Therefore, I fought a "mental battle" the whole 10 miles there. When I was almost there, I decided I'd journey on home. As I began to pass the driveway to El Charro, I found myself slamming on the brakes and whipping up into the parking lot. I talked out loud to myself at that moment for the "on the whim" decision I'd made......my little conversation to myself went something like this....."I don't know why in the world I just did that. Glad no one was behind me. I'm not even starving and I act like this is something I have to do!"

I got out, went in, marveled a little over the new scene and took my seat alone in a booth for a few minutes to take it all in and enjoy my little $3 nacho cheese and beef tostada. As I sat there attempting not to scarf down my food in attempt to get back on the road ASAP, I sat there texting Laura, rubbing in the fact of where I was sitting. She was NOT happy with me, to say the least. I was feeling on top of the world. It was an unusually peaceful feeling. I was thinking that it was because I was getting to eat without having to constantly pick up taco pieces falling off of Addison's fork between her plate and her mouth!

As I sat there enjoying the serenity, I looked at my clock to see how much time I had wasted on my trip home to stop there. It was exactly 24 minutes. I paid and left.

The trip was going well, and the clouds were starting to gather pretty heavily ahead of me. I called Sis. Arlene Head, who I knew had not too long ahead of me, traveled the same route that I was headed. I asked her if she had experienced rain on her journey and that it was looking like I might get myself into some pretty quickly. She warned me that there was definitely rain ahead and they had just come out of it.

I hung up the phone and was prepared for whatever was coming. I was still feeling "peaceful." It began to pour rain and I was focused on what was happening around me. Barely able to see ahead of me. After I traveled in some very hard rain for about 15 minutes, it stopped as quickly as it had started. About 5-10 minutes out of the rain, I was brought to a sudden stop at the top of a hill. Staring me in the face was multiple firetrucks, cop cars, and emergency personnel, and good Samaritans everywhere. Directly on the road in my lane ahead of me was a car flipped over and in the ditch to the right was a mini van - which they had covered with a blue tarp - and as I turned around was able to see the body in the van through the window that they had yet to pull out.

I turned around at the policeman's instruction and thankfully had GPS in my phone to get me on an alternate route. As I drove off the opposite way, it was almost as if I had this small whisper to my heart that let me know that I had been in the shelter of an Unseen Hand. 20 minutes ago, had I been where I now sat, I might not be writing this story.

And as corny as it may sound, my little 24 minute enjoyable meal at El Charro, I believe, became another memorable "Dirt Road" in my life. Just wanted to tell you about it.

I Have Rights!

My brother in law, Don, sent this to me! No description needed! If you can't make out what this sign says, click on it, and enlarge it.

For My Mom and Dad

I was reminded of this song yesterday. I got lucky and happened upon it. This is for my Mom and Dad. They haven't been able to hear the records for quite some time (I'm certain of that because they are sitting in my bedroom), so this is for them. May the memories flood your soul!

Unless I am badly mistaken, this was always one of my Mom's favorite songs. If it wasn't, it sure got played about as often, when I was a kid, as I play Priscilla McGruder at my house. And now, the memory is a very sweet one for me. I love this song! Laura get the Kleenex out. I promise you'll need it.

My Detailed Friend

After you read what is about to be posted, you will understand why I gave the post the name that I did.

Throughout the process of getting my new blog together, I met a charming friend who was one of the first people to help me out. She allowed me to publish a tribute she had written for Priscilla on the same day I had - the day after she had passed away.

Ever since the initial email to her, we have found that we have quite a bit in common and I actually stumbled upon her last year at NQC. For fear of intruding into her personal space while she was writing, I did not approach her, but very vividly remember wondering what had her so captivated as she wrote in a notebook. Since I've gotten to know her a little bit, I now know the kind of things she was putting in that notebook. I have found her to be one of the most inspiring individuals I've had the pleasure to ever become acquainted with.

We have found that one thing we have in common is our love for "details." Jeremy gives me a hard time, all the time, for this trait. Sometimes I tell him it is a "professional" thing. Details are what make my job a success or a failure.

On Wednesday, my "detail friend" (lol) whose actual name is Sony, posted on her blog, a very inspiring post regarding details! I want you to read it. Please read it! I love it! (if you click on "a very inspiring post," it will take you there.

It's Personal

I am working on a brand new project, and once you see it, you'll understand why I've not been as busy with this site as I normally am.

I won't take much time to explain - and some won't even care to go look at it, but if you know anything about me, you know this is something that I care a great deal about. This is a very personal project to me.

If you follow this link to my new blog, you will understand why I feel this way. So far, I've had several individuals stop in. Some have left notes, and I still have promises of things to come in. I hate to say it this way, but I'm almost holding my breath. Everyone with promises, says they will get it as soon as they get a minute's break. We'll see.

The Power of Determination

When I was in nursing school, I was constantly looking for sources of written encouragement to give a little bit more determination - because some days, quitting looked like a better option than finishing.....especially during the Mother / Baby days. I hated the maternity section of nursing school. Hated every minute of it!

One day, I ran across this little fable and it inspired me.....I typed it out on my computer in a artsy form and pinned it right above my desk in my little rickety house where I lived during college. Sometimes at midnight while I was sitting there studying for exams, it would occur to me that this story was sitting above my head. Somehow, every time I read it, I had a little bit more energy - and the will to study a little bit longer.

I ran across it in my scrapbook a few days ago. I totally forgot I kept it. So, maybe it can inspire you.

Two frogs fell into a can of cream
----or so I 've heard it told----
The sides of the can were shiny and steep,
the cream was deep and cold
"Oh, what's the use?" said number 1
"Tis fate - No help's around--
Good-bye my friend! Good-bye sad world!"
and weep still, he drowned.

But Number 2 of sterner stuff,
dog paddled in surprise,
the while he wiped his creamy face
and dried his creamy eyes.
"I'll swim awhile, at least," he said
----or so it has been said----
"It wouldn't really help the world
if one more frog was dead!"
An hour or two he kicked and swam-
not once he stopped to mutter
But kicked and swam, and swam and kicked,
then hopped out via BUTTER!

My Patriotic Side

I know it's been one of those crazy weeks for everyone. Most people were off Monday for the July 4th weekend, so there were parties to attend, vacations to take, home improvements to be done, and all kinds of other stuff going on.

I was kinda busy myself and have continued to remain busy this past week, therefore not getting the chance to get on here and post any new items. Especially when July 4th was here.....but I want you to know that I am a very proud American. The idea of traveling to any other land just gives me the "willies." I'm not that adventurous, so I'm content where I am.

Anyway, since I've been kinda preoccupied, and not blogging, I ran across something that I wanted to post. It's one of those things that almost makes you cry, makes you smile, and makes you breathe easier. Not sure how it has those capabilities, but it just is a great reminder of why I love America. I'm sure there are some that would argue that the Gaither Vocal Band do a better rendition of this, but this one is my favorite.

This is from my patriotic side of life.......

And just in case you have any trouble figuring out the words he's saying the first few lines, the lyrics are :

Oh beautiful, for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, our country loved,
And mercy more than life,

America, America, may God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain devined.

The Transformation

As you know, we rarely have a time when we don't have a project of some sort in progress. This week I've been without Addison, so I've gotten some serious stuff done.....well one serious thing done that is next to impossible with little hands who love paint as much as hers do - hanging around. So, there are no little fingerprints anywhere in this project.

Mom is asking for pictures, so here is the almost completed task. It is lacking the beautiful white 3 inch chair rail that will make the whole thing POP! Like it's not already with the red. Much to my surprise, my hubby has not had one negative word to say about it. For that I'm so grateful! Sometimes, my ideas can be a little over the top, but this one has gone over well. It also helps that my furniture is very neutral with no color.....so I assure you, some was needed. But the whole wall being red would have been a little too much. This has been the perfect combo for us. It gives us just the "cozy" and "warm" feel I was looking for.

So here are my before and after pictures. BTW, every wall was painted the same color in our house for a fast move. We didn't take the time to plan a million different colors before moving in, so this is a work in progress. But this transformation has just been amazing and it makes me smile every time I look at it. I am now past my fear of color! Looking at the older pictures, I simply cannot believe I tolerated that bland look as long as I did - mind you, I had taken everything off the walls before I snapped the pics, but still.......

(by the way, I see / realize that my couch was not centered under the picture....it has since been readjusted!) lol

More Helen Photos

Just a few more snapshots of the streets of Helen.

A Little Bit About Helen

Ok, so I've never been to Helen until this weekend, as I've mentioned earlier, so I didn't know exactly what to expect. What I did know before I got there was that it was a little town tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, it was converted from a little mountain town into a replica of an Alpine Village known as Bavaria.

There is quite a bit of German heritage - mixed with a little Swiss Swedish, and Dutch history as well. I am intrigued with this type of stuff, so needless to say, it was a great learning experience for me. Thank goodness for our iPhones. We put them to good use this weekend discovering the places we were learning of.

In my next post I will uncover one of the keys that unlocked a few of the questions we were having trouble with as far as our "history" was concerned. It was, in my opinion, one of the most unique and interesting experiences of my recent life. I learned so much.

Anyway, one of the things that makes Helen unique is that although it has it's share of "mountain decor" there is that German replica thingy that makes it just really cool. Like this view when you drive around that curve and into the city limits. It's like all of a sudden you crossed the border and find yourself in this awesome Bavarian town on the other side of the world.

Everything from the churches to the playgrounds and parks bear its resemblance. The hotels, the restaurants, the strip malls......you name it. I also took a picture of my favorite street. I have an old interest in this culture. Only thing is, from what we learned, you don't just cross the river and get to Bavaria. It's located between two high peaks of the Alps! I got a picture to prove it....but not on this post. This one is just to show you just how cool it is to cross that border and step into another culture.....Instantly!





This was our hotel.

Elaboration on Details

So, now that I have my computer back, I plan to post some pictures from our recent trip to Helen, GA and the Blue Ridge Mountains. We arrived back home around 5 p.m. Monday evening.

It was a very enjoyable getaway. Mom has Addison, so we got to take a few hikes we wouldn't have been able to take if we'd had here.....like the half mile straight up a mountain to see Anna Ruby Falls outside of Helen.

Quite a spectacular site, I must say.....but about two steps up the incline I was beginning to wonder if we were making a bright decision about heading up there.....especially after reading the entrance warning that was bold and had big letters that read..."CAUTION - this is a natural habitat for copperheads and rattlesnakes.....do not mess with them and they will not mess with you!"

Let me tell you, this is one soul they don't have to worry about. I seriously about broke my neck looking out for the stupid things. Missed a small dip in the sidewalk making sure no rattlers or copperheads were anywhere in my vicinity - and down I went.....I literally sprained my ankle....limped the rest of the way. Was able to regain my balance just as I almost collapsed onto the sidewalk. I was a little mortified! lol!

Anyway, the trip up the mountain and back would have been a little more enjoyable had I not been constantly monitoring my surroundings for those wretched cold-blooded beasts! Thankfully there was a wooden deck to enjoy the view of the waterfall from - instead of the beaten path that held the possibility of the little devils! By the first 0.1 mile up the incline, our calves were burning so bad we had to stop and rest a bit. It was a serious incline. We actually thought the trip down was going to be better on us, but ended up about half running us down the mountain because - believe it or not, it was just as much of a decline coming down as the incline was going up! Wonder how that happened. We were sweated down like pigs (although pigs don't sweat - I assure you we smelled like them!)

So, here are the pictures of Anna Ruby Falls. I will include pictures of our other excursions on another post.

This is actually the smaller of two falls. The larger being at the top of this post. This is the view headed out.
This is a bench to rest along the way. Made of stones.....pretty cool!

This is a tree growing out of a huge rock. Literally, not one inch of dirt around the place. I was kinda mystified by this....as you can see.....

On An Expedition

I guess you can tell that I disappeared off the face of the earth for the last week! It's been crazy busy. Campmeeting was last week and consumed almost every waking moment of our lives! By Friday night, I was sleep walking while standing. I was literally pretty much delirious!

On a whim, Friday night, we decided to take a quick and relaxing trip to the Blue Ridge mountains. Namely, the little town of Helen, GA, which I've never been to. I have found it to be one of the more intriguing places I've been to. I really don't have any pictures to post at the moment because we didn't bring the computer, but I will post them soon. We've fallen in love with this quaint little area and have found some treasures here ad there....like mayhaw jelly for one. Some Farmer's cheese made in Sweden for the other. We discovered these things in a cool store which I will also post pictures of soon.

Right now, we're sitting in a little old house - converted to a restaurant. Built in the early 1900's. The floors creak and shake anytime anyone moves, but we have discovered the biggest and best fried and grilled shrimp that we've ever eaten. Along with mashed potatoes with red skins and doused in creamy butter - ah- heavenly!! Definitely a place to come back to. It's called the Nacoochee Grill!

I'll pos more stuff soon... But for now, I have other places to go.... Like the Hansel and Gretel Chocolate Factory!! Yummy!!

Summer has Officially Arrived

It's so hot in South Georgia that walking outside takes your breath away. The humidity just wraps you up like a blanket, and makes it look like you just stepped out of the shower, it drenches you so quickly.

So, that's the worst things about the summer that I have to complain about so far. I haven't seen any snakes - YET! Well, other than the one that was on the road after becoming roadkill - but none threatening to move me off my property, or anything like that. My little lot of land is not big enough for me and a snake to dwell in unity upon! I hate a snake worse than anything.

Along with the arrival of extremely unbearable hot weather, there are a few things I happen to love about the summer. Namely my garden fresh tomatoes. And fresh corn off the stalk, squash, Vidalia onions........and the list goes on and on......

The other day I took the advice of a friend and visited a roadside fresh produce stand a few miles from my house. It was probably one of the highlights of my summer thus far.

I drove up close to the stand and got out to be heartily greeted by a big burly fella about 3 times my size. He had a smile that lit his sun burnt face up. His smile revealed a mouth full of crooked teeth that were very eye catching. I kinda chuckled inwardly - he was just happy to be there! He had on a bright yellow shirt and big denim overalls and had his hands tucked under the bibs like old farmers do.

As I observed each piece of produce carefully, he would inject every few minutes to make sure I looked at it good because he wanted me to "take only the very best home" with me. So, that's exactly what I did. I ended up getting a bag of squash at $1 / lb, a basket of huge fresh tomatoes, and 6 ears of fresh sweet corn (still in the husks) - all for $5.00......

Even if I could get that good of prices in the local grocery store or Wal-Mart, the interaction with the sweaty owner made it worth whatever extra I had to pay.....Luckily I got if for cheaper and got to support a local "little man" (although he was a big man) of America and enjoy his friendliness. I long for life to once again be made up of these types of encounters. Unfortunately, we get so caught up in our little "worlds" that we forget just how wonderful that interaction can actually be. We just want to go do what needs to be done and get on with life. Forgetting that life is made up of these little special moments.

I walked away feeling like I owned the world. I had the sweet feeling that country summers past had come back to life. It was one of those great moments in time for me. I could see, in my mind's eye, all the farmers I've known in my life as they passed on some of their treasures from their gardens and the sense of pride they felt to know that was the result of their hard work and that we were going to enjoy every moment of eating it.

I remembered all over again why I'm willing to tolerate the heat of the summer months here - to get the rewards of the wonderful "fruit" that is the result of that blazing, blistering sun. So, as soon as all that I got that day from the friendly giant in the overalls is gone, I'll be headed right back for more. And more than I'm concerned about the produce he sells, I'm kinda looking forward to seeing him smile again and carry on in his boistrous kind of way!

Two of A Kind

My little girl Addison is named after great friends of both of our families. They were a husband / wife team who evangelized for years and years and eventually semi-retired in our little country hole in the world. Their last name was Addis.....hence Addison's name. I considered them to be very influential people around the United States, but they were very influential in my life as well. She was a very UNIQUE personality, and frankly, we considered her to be one of a kind. For years before we married, she thought Jeremy should be the man I married. She was VERY fond of him.....as was my mom!

Anyway, they were my honorary grandparents at our wedding and truly were a big part of our life. Sis. Addis died before Addison was born therefore it gave me even more motivation to let her memory live on. Sometimes, when Addison gets a little stubborn, I'll call her Phyllis - Sis. Addis' first name because she was a very set in her ways individual.

I went on that little verbal ramage to lead to this next part of my post. Several years ago, maybe 5 years ago, I encountered another lady who was so like Sis. Addis, I cried and laughed the first time I saw her. I was able to witness an interview with this couple called the Urshans and she was so like Sis. Addis, I was absolutely shocked out of my brain.

It's complicated as to how I discovered them, so I won't even attempt to explain....I'll only leave it at the fact that Priscilla McGruder was involved. The rest is too many details.

So, now it stands that instead of being one of a kind as Sis. Addis was, now there are two of a kind with Sis. Urshan. As they say, the proof is in the pudding.....and I have the proof. You can check out my proof and see what you think.

And by the way, Addison absolutely loves this. I've shown it to her on many occasions to let her have a peek into what she missed by not knowing Sis. Addis until she's able to understand. Therefore, I think she would have been intrigued by her namesake.

And if you're wondering about why this came up today, talking about campmeeting earlier got me feeling all nostalgic again and I just had to talk about it.

Here's my proof.......

Campmeeting Days

For the past few weeks / couple of months, we have spent days and hours preparing - leading up to the yearly celebration at our church. For the new converts who get to experience it for the first time with us and don't know what campmeeting is, Bro. Ryan always describes it as our "Jubilee." And to return you to the nostalgia of what some used to know, we still call our celebration "Campmeeting." And if this year is anything like last year, it was definitely a campmeeting. It was quite wonderful. When I refer to this event at work or to modern Christians, they don't understand that word, so I have to use the term "church conference." Especially to the devout Catholics with whom I work. So, if they're understanding is a little limited, it's ok, I don't mind explaining. I also looked up the term "campmeeting" in the dictionary.......they seem to know what it is either. It's one of those things....you have to experience it with your heart to know what it truly means.

But for me, there's nothing better to me than this time of year when campmeeting rolls around and you see friends from far and wide......catch up on friendships you haven't maintained over the previous year, etc..... But mostly, something about getting all kinds of people under the same roof who are expecting the Power of God to fall the same way you are just kinda makes it a little more than a conference. It's just flat-out, good ole Campmeeting. And that's just the best way to describe it.

Fortunately, I have in the recollection of my head and heart the fondest memories of the campmeeting experiences I've had throughout my life, and I assure you there are plenty. I wouldn't trade those days for love nor money! So, just to take you back to the nostalgia, if you care, I have borrowed the fond memories from someone else to help take us back.......

An Old Landmark

This old landmark that sits on I-75 between my Aunt Linda's house and my Grandma Daugherty's house made the front page of news this morning on Yahoo. I was a little shocked to see it. As a matter of fact, the last trip up north, Jeremy took a picture of it on his iPhone. Guess he might be glad he did now. Here's the news......

Here's what it says, in case you don't click....from the Associated Press

MONROE, Ohio – A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised along a highway was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm Monday night and burned to the ground, police said.

The "King of Kings" statue, one of southwest Ohio's most familiar landmarks, had stood since 2004 at the evangelical Solid Rock Church along Interstate 75 in Monroe, just north of Cincinnati.

The lightning strike set the statue ablaze around 11:15 p.m., Monroe police dispatchers said.

The sculpture, 62 feet tall and 40 feet wide at the base, showed Jesus from the torso up and was nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way the arms were raised, similar to a referee signaling a touchdown. It was made of plastic foam and fiberglass over a steel frame, which is all that remained early Tuesday.

The fire spread from the statue to an adjacent amphitheater but was confined to the attic area, and no one was injured, police Chief Mark Neu said. The fire department would release a monetary damage estimate Tuesday, he said.

Travelers on Interstate 75 often were startled to come upon the huge statue by the roadside, but many said America needs more symbols like it. So many people stopped at the church campus that church officials had to build a walkway to accommodate them.

The 4,000-member, non-denominational church was founded by former horse trader Lawrence Bishop and his wife. Bishop said in 2004 he was trying to help people, not impress them, with the statue. He said his wife proposed the Jesus figure as a beacon of hope and salvation and they spent about $250,000 to finance it.

Purses, purses, purses.....

Jeremy and Joey are sick to DEATH, along with a few other males in our little world, of hearing about our favorite subject these days. Purses.............

I recently had a purse party at my house, attended by a few of my friends, and it started off a whirlwind of new designs and organization for my (and Jenna's) life. I got so enthralled with it, I enticed my dear sister to take a peek into it. It has so peaked her interest that she is now the new "Thirty-One consultant" of the family. Fortunately for her, she is in an area in Alabama to sell the merchandise where there is no competition for her product. Other than the few out the roof boutique stores that carry a few designs of different handbags and accessories.

So, just so you know, (to my family) if you are interested in some personalized gifts for Christmas coming up, give Laura a ring.....email, or text......

If you'd like to see what she's selling, you may take a peak into the catalog at www.thirtyonegifts.com

Once you take a peak, you'll be intrigued. I took my bag into work today and at lunch sat down to glance at the catalog for the 50 millionth time. By the time my lunch break was over, I already had one order and two more contemplating what they want. One asked to take the catalog home so she could mull over everything she wanted. I had another nurse ask me what I was selling. I was happy to tell her nothing....I just sat down with a catalog and got overwhelmed with questions and interested parties. It's just that cool!!

.....Speaking of Reptiles....

Sunday morning while getting dressed for church, Addison was in a playful mood, goofing off. As I stood in the bathroom fixing my hair, she walked out the door of the bathroom, closing it, telling me she was leaving. As she walked out telling me good bye, I remarked "See ya later, Alligator!" She replied back to me, "See ya afterwhile......Lizard!"

I have laughed and laughed over our little exchange for 2 days now. It was just so unexpected for me and seemed like it was all part of her plan!

Just had to share.

Another TRAIN

Have you ever had a subject that was so totally unrelated to another lead to a train of thoughts and you think...."how in the world did I think of that?"

Well, maybe I'm the only one who has frequent TRAINS of thoughts, but writing these Abby posts have triggered a series of thoughts that has one phrase stuck in my head.....and it's driving me CRAZY!! So, I got on youtube and looked it up hoping that I could find it and make everyone else understand why this silly song is stuck in my head.

Another note I might add is that once you're a Ray Stevens fan, no matter where you go in life and what you do, his songs have a way of making their way into your thoughts whether or not you want them to.....like during the middle of some serious conversation someone uses the word "furthermore." And off you go smiling and giving inside joke smiles to someone close (like my husband, sister, parents, sister-in-law, or brother-in-laws) and then you find yourself humming or singing in unison with the other - "and furthermore, and on top of that....I don't love you anyway...."

In this instance, I've read a thousand and one stories about Abby sailing around the world in her yacht. Naturally, every one of those people I just listed just realized after I wrote that sentence exactly what song is now in my head and that I'm getting ready to post! It just comes....once that simple phrase gets stuck in your head, you sing that stupid song for ages (sorry can't use the word "stupid" - don't tell Addison).

So, here it is....oh, and by the way, no music with the armpits, please! lol! And this is not a video - just the music.

The Rescue - Part 2

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was intrigued with this Abby Sunderland story. And I mentioned reading up on her story......Well, I checked out her blog about her trip.........I figured it out. And now I'm even more intrigued. I kinda chuckled out loud when the page for her blog popped up. If you click on this link that leads to her blog, maybe you can figure it out. Here's her website.

And here are some snippets of the rescue - some stories, some videos.....just in case you are as interested in this story as I am.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/06/12/french-fishing-vessel-rescues-teenage-sailor-indian-ocean/



http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/06/12/teen.sailor/index.html?hpt=T1

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/lost_sailor_found

Experience

You know that old quote "Experience is the greatest teacher??" Well, I had that quote cross my mind the other day while driving down the road. It was kinda funny, but it reminded me how true that little quote is.

Actually it was the event that happened while I was driving down the road that caused me to think of it. As I was driving along with my thoughts a million miles away, I heard this awful wailing and screeching begin from the back seat along with the yelling, "My finger's STUCK!" I quickly jerked around to see what the problem was. I turned to see Addison with her finger stuck down the straw hole of a Chick-Fil-A cup lid......where the pointed triangles come together.......you know how they are. On top of that, the straw was still in it's place.

As she continues to wail, I talk her through the solution as I continue to drive. First remove the straw and then quickly pull the finger out. So, she does it and our mission is accomplished.

When she finally frees her finger and stops wailing, I scolded her a little by saying, "Do NOT do that again!" After I said it, I actually chuckled at what I just said.....because the truth is, I really don't think it's a problem any more. Experience was definitely a wonderful teacher!