My Friends ~ You Guys are the Best!

Friday, April 30, 2010

How does your garden grow?


I am a
Daffodil


What Flower
Are You?




This is a fun quiz! (Other than the fact they seem to think me somewhat daffy.)

I found this unique little quiz over at Momza's House. Momza is a crazy lady, who lives in a crazy house. (just kidding) Go by and visit Momza, she is a true friend. Just tell her, I sent you!

Notice: If you are following me and I haven't returned the favor, please leave me a comment (with a link if possible). I will do my best to visit and follow! With connection problems, everything takes FOREVER! (I have 7 months left on my contract with AT & T, so I am weighing my options about changing ISP's. I hate these kind of decisions!)


May each of you have a very blessed weekend!


Oscar and Oklahoma

Jenny Matlock



Looks like two for one Friday and there are so many other wonderful memes on Friday we could include here, but sometimes we have to consider the time (and frankly, sometimes I feel I spend way too much time on this electronic contraption , but what can I say? I love ya!).

If you would like to hitch your “O” post to the wonderful Mrs. Matlock’s, please click on the Alphabe – Thursday button above. You will be glad you did!

If you are posting about Oklahoma, there will (hopefully) be a MckLinky at the bottom of this post. Still dealing with connection issues. Ugh

Oscar and Oklahoma

(How’s that for some O’s?) I love our state! Even with the “wind sweeping (fiercely) down the plain” tonight (and the wind drives me somewhat crazy!) it is still my state and I love it.

My grandfather, Oscar Foster, came to Oklahoma from Missouri by train. The day he arrived in Purcell, Oklahoma, was March 13, 1871, his 21st birthday. He would later marry my grandmother, Effie Howard. The Howards had moved to Oklahoma by way of Tennessee from Georgia. They were a part of those fleeing Atlanta when Sherman made his march to the sea. Oscar and Effie met and married in Okfuskee County, near the community of Mason. Okemah is the county seat for Okfuskee and it borders Okmulgee County. (There are five Oklahoma Counties that begin with the letter O.)

FYI ~ if you are ever traveling down I-40 between Henrietta and Shawnee and see two water towers off to the north labeled “Hot” and “Cold” – you have found Okemah! Okemah is also the home of Woody Guthrie.

From Roadside America ~



"We've seen the old "Hot" and "Cold" water tower gag before, but Okemah's line of three municipal storage tanks offers a unique combo of labels.

And whoever ran the water company in Okemah when the last water tower went up must have had a sense of humor, if not more liberal politics than the rest of the town.

"Home of Woody Guthrie" was painted on Okemah's new onion-shaped water tower in 1972, back when most of Okemah still wanted nothing to do with its left-wing home town celebrity, and when most other towns were painting their water towers with smiley faces."

Now that we have had our “history” lesson for today, I have an announcement. Friday next, we are all skipping class….(not really, Mrs. Matlock, only those who are suffering from oppression and all this overwhelming class work ~ Opal, Olivia, Odette and Octavious would love to be excused. They promise to hand in their “P” papers on Thursday.)

When I was in school (right after statehood….not really), this time of year, it was very tempting to skip school on Friday afternoons. And the one or two times we did actually do such a thing (perish the thought), you could find us at Turner Falls. The falls itself is 77 feet. Not huge, but nice for this part of the country and the park is located in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains. Enjoy the pictures….next time, you can come too (shhhh, don’t tell).





Have a great weekend!

Blessings,




Monday, April 26, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook





FOR TODAY ~ April 27, 2010

Outside my window
.....the air is much cooler than it has been the last few weeks. My toes are cold.

I am thinking.....I need to make some lists before May gets here.

I am thankful for.....my husband, my helpmate

From the learning rooms......we are looking forward to taking a short break and are examining the possibility of different projects for summer. As of now, we are planning on three trips to state parks, a festival or two, camps, working on penmanship, learning the Hebrew alphabet, map reading, raising worms and turkeys. We will also continue to read over the summer….but fun stuff, like Hank the Cow Dog.

From the kitchen
...something warm, nurturing, homemade ~ maybe a large pot of vegetable soup with cornbread and a cheesecake for dessert

I am wearing...my Oklahoma Food Co-op tee-shirt and jeans, bare feet

I am creating...only in my mind, but it is a busy place!

I am going.
.... to write a few notes and make some needful calls. Tried to call my aunt yesterday and wasn’t able to reach her.

I am reading...still reading “Here Burns My Candle” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Because of a headache, I didn’t read much last week. What I’ve read, I love, but I wish I had ordered the large print addition. Just saying.

I am hoping...for the days to warm back up soon. I have lots of baby plants that need to be set out, but don’t want them to go into some sort of shock.

I am hearing
...the crowing of a rooster, goats that are anxious to be milked, babies wanting their mamas

Around the house...trying to sort through the winter clothes. Each time I go to pack them away, the thermometer takes a nose dive.

One of my favorite things
.....warm weather! And I’ve really been wanting cantaloupe ….a good, sweet, ripe cantaloupe.

A few plans for the rest of the week.….I’m not sure. I think I will just let it unfold and try to enjoy the splendor of each day as it comes.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing
...



This is Brennon. He spent this past weekend with us. He wants to know if he can move in and stay all summer. Not sure what his Mama and Daddy will say about that.

Be sure and visit the "original" The Simple Woman's Daybook and go by and say hello to some of those who have linked-up there!

I'll have the winner(s) from the Candle Giveaway in just a few days!

Blessings,

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Power of Forgiveness



I normally don’t write about “second hand” testimonies, but this is one we can all embrace and glean from. A while back, I was privileged to meet Marilyn. This is her story.

Marilyn's Amazing Story of Forgiveness

In 1984, there was a bank robbery in the small west Oklahoma town of Geronimo. Marilyn was working as a waitress and walked across to the bank to get change for the restaurant. She followed a young farmer into the building. Immediately, a gunman ushered them to a backroom where three woman were lying face down on the floor. The three woman who were employees of the bank, had been stabbed multiple times; however, in the excitement, Marilyn nor the farmer realized the women were already dead. One of the young ladies was Marilyn’s first cousin.

After Marilyn and the young farmer were forced to lie down with their faces to the floor, another gunman forced a young couple with a baby into the room and they were made to lay on the floor, also.

A few minutes later, one of the gunmen shot the farmer in the back of the head.

Marilyn was a brand new “baby” Christian and all she could think to do, was call on the name of Jesus. So, without an outward sound, from her heart she called on the King of kings over and over. The gunman then moved to Marilyn and shot her. Marilyn lost consciousness. He then moved to the young couple, shooting both of them and he attempted numerous times to shoot the baby in the back of the neck, but the gun was empty by this time.

What seemed like an eternity, according to the FBI report, was only fourteen minutes from the time Marilyn had been forced into the backroom, until the failed attempt to kill the baby.

Marilyn needed the skill of a trauma unit. The closest one was Oklahoma City. She would need the assistance of medi-flight. Due to heavy snow fall, medi-flight had been grounded.

Somehow, miraculously, two helicopter pilots based at Fort Sill heard of Marilyn’s plight. They asked for permission to fly Marilyn to OKC. It was denied because of the weather. They went against orders and made the flight.

Once in OKC, doctors didn’t give Marilyn’s family any hope. It would be months before she would be well enough to leave the hospital, if at all. The fact was, if she lived, she would be nothing more than a vegetable, unable to care for herself.

Fourteen days later, Marilyn (to everyone’s amazement, including her team of doctors) walked out of the hospital.

When it came time for the trial, Marilyn was called as a witness. But when asked about the robbery, all she wanted to do was testify to the healing power of Jesus and what He had done both during the robbery and while she was in the hospital. And that is what she did.

One of the robbers was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences; the other was sentenced to die.

Marilyn, who has a heart after Christ Himself, wanted to talk to the men. She wanted to tell them, she had forgiven them and she desired to share what Jesus had ministered to her from the beginning of this traumatic event. She was never allowed a face to face meeting; however, she was given permission to write both men.

Marilyn and the young man who was sentenced to die, became “friends”. Because of Marilyn, he gave his life to Christ. The other young man, insist he did nothing wrong. As Marilyn says, she would like to forgive him, but it is difficult to share forgiveness with someone who insists they have done nothing wrong.

Marilyn’s wounds left their affect. She was left unable to hear on one side, her vision is such that she no longer drives, and when in front of a large crowd she has difficulty articulating at times. Marilyn laughs and says, according to her brother, “That is not a new problem. She has always been a little slow.”


Several years after the robbery, Marilyn was home alone sitting at her dinning table listening to a preaching cassette tape. God healed her hearing, completely, instantly! She believes one day, He will also heal her vision. She guesses, again according to her brother, she will always be slow.

Her message is riveting, but she stresses this: As a babe in Christ who did not know a single Bible verse, who only knew to call upon the Name of Jesus - from the time she did, NO ONE ELSE IN THE BACKROOM OF THE BANK WAS KILLED!

Like Marilyn, the young couple recovered from their wounds.

God is amazing! And when we allow HIM to use us, we are able to do amazing things.

”And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” ~ Acts 2:21


I am still having computer problems, so if I am unable to post or comment on your blog, it isn’t because I’m not trying. My AT&T wireless malfunctions about 60% of the time. It is very frustrating, but want you to know, I am here and I am thinking about you.

Have a blessed week!
Cheryl

Sunday Along the Country Roads

Unknown Mami

Brought to you by Unkown Mami. Be sure a visit the link-ups!




Spring Wildflowers In Oklahoma












I love spring! And hope you are enjoying yours!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Awards, Troubles, and the End of the Giveaway!



This award is from the dynamic blogger…of All These Things, the lovely Adrienne. Please go by and say hi! (You will really like her!)




I have to share 10 random things about myself and then pass this award on to 10 of my favorite bloggers.

1. I am short (5’1”) and hubby is tall. We look like Mutt and Jeff.


2. I am OCD about some things ~ dishes done, trash carried out, and the bathroom cleaned. Pretty much everything else is, “when I get around to it.”

3. I learned to crawl in the bottom of a boat. My folks loved to fish.

4. I have one sister, she is four years younger and lives outside of Chicago.

5. I enjoy painting, as in oil paints, but rarely have time anymore.

6. I love classical guitar music, such as Mason Williams.

7. My first job after graduating high school was with the FBI in the district of criminals.

8. I enjoy movies that make me laugh.

9. I love to read (almost more than eating!) and would list my favorite authors, but that would be a post in itself!

10. Okay, this is the long one, so get ready (after all, April is National Humor Month). You know we live in the country and you probably have guessed we love animals; however, we once had a rooster that I hated (even more than the mean, ugly rooster we have now). One day I was standing in the kitchen washing dishes looking out the window. Hubby was in the back bathroom taking a shower. I kept watching this rooster out the window and the more I watched, the angrier I got. Finally, I did it! I marched into the bedroom and got the .22 out of the closet, loaded it and (without thinking) went out and shot that hateful old bird. Unfortunately, I didn’t mention my intentions to honey hunk before I did the deed. He came flying out the back door with a towel wrapped around him trying to figure out what the dickens was going on. He didn’t use the word “dickens”. He also informed me, he would appreciate a little advance notice the next time I decided to shoot something. That was several years ago. The only thing I’ve shot since then was a copperhead snake and honey hunk wasn’t home at the time.;-)

Okay, moving right along, I now have to pick ten! But first (a word from our sponsor…hahaha), do you own a tart warmer? This is the Candle Giveaway Question of the Day! Leave me a comment.

I am going to pick five of my newer favorite blogs and five of my older favorite blogs. And since I love you all with equal amounts of zeal and favor, I don’t want anyone to feel left out. I still have five winners I need to choose from the Sunshine Award and another ten from another award, plus I have an award I am designing…so, if you are not on this list, stay tuned!

Winners of The Honest Scrap Award: (in no particular order)

Caution Flag at The Human Race 600

The Gals over at Real Housewives of Oklahoma

Melinda at Melinda’s Fabric Fantasies

Dawn at Dawn’s Diversions

Steph at Katie What Can U Do

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee


Okay, I selected 6, and then my laptop refused to connect to the internet. I fiddled with this crazy thing until after 2:00 a.m. this morning and then was on the phone most of the day with AT&T, trying to diagnose the problem. Finally, about 8:00 tonight (Friday), I am back!

In order to get this posted, I am once again cutting the list short, but I will finish and pass the awards along like a good "girl" or not....sorry. If you really, really, want the award....grab it! I won't tell a soul. Promise. For one thing, it takes time ....lots of time, to check to see who has already rec'd the award and some days, time is a valuable commodity around here.

(Psssttt....Adrienne, if you are here....I really do thank you for the award! I love you for thinking of me! I do. And you can award me with any award you see fit! I'll get caught up one of these days ~ soon!! Hugs!)

Also, this is the last question for the giveaway..(the one above), but I am going to include any and all comments through Sunday night the 25th. I think I was suppose to close the contest out tonight, but after being off line for nearly 24 hours, that doesn't seem fair. So, comment away!

And now for NEW BUSINESS ~ I think I am going to do something a little "controversial" concerning my weight or rather the need to shed some of this weight! I have been studying and praying about trying something new and totally different. And because it is a process most are not familiar with, I am going to share my experience with you, along with blogging about my weight loss journey. Normally, I wouldn't do this....I mean, why set myself up for criticism if I fall on my face, but on the other hand, I am believing this has the potential to keep me honest!

Therefore, if you are like me and need to loose some of the extra baggage trying to hang on your lovely frame....stay tuned and check back!

This concludes our meeting for today (unless I have another bright idea before I crash), for now I need to do some studying.

Have a very blessed weekend!


Thursday, April 22, 2010

Thankful Thursday ~ In These Days



For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Spiritually Unequal Marriage
.

From the Land of Blogdom ~

I have said this before and will probably say it again, I love the Land of Blogdom! I love the way it allows this Oklahoma farm gal to connect with women all over the country, all over the world.

I also love this particular scripture that found it’s way into my heart years ago. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Now, due in part to the internet and the Land of Blogdom, we can fulfill this verse almost daily by way of our computers! We have the awesome opportunity to encourage not only those around us, but those far away and even those outside our own countries!

When we allow the daily dose of news to invade our lives, the alarming sounds of the world we live in, can cause us to take our eyes off the Word of God. Often when that happens, we are prime candidates for the firey darts of Satan. But it is through HIS word and the testimonies of HIS people we are made strong – our minds are refreshed and our souls receive strength.

It is indeed an awesome thing to live at this time! We are living Biblical history as it is being written (obviously, I believe we are in those “last days). I always dreamed of the time, when we could visit with our favorite person in the Bible, to ask them all those questions we have saved in our hearts ~ You might want to ask Sarah how it was to leave her homeland to travel with Abraham across the hot sand ~ or maybe you want to ask John the Baptist, did he really have doubts toward the end or what it was like to have Yeshua as his cousin during their youth ~ maybe you want to meet Stephen or Melchizedek. But once the end of the era has fully come, these same people and more are going to want to visit with YOU! They will want to know what it was like during the end the age. Did you experience the Mighty Hand of God in your life?

I said all that to say, today I am thankful for each of YOU! You probably do not realize how much I value your encouragement and your friendship, but I do. I believe our friendships are sealed in the Heavenly realm and that our Father is pleased we are reaching out to one another.

If I were going on a vacation with a group, I would be contacting different members of our traveling party, getting to know those who would be my companions on the upcoming trip. I would also be looking at maps, folders, flyers in anticipation of those things we would be seeing and the places we would get to visit.

And so it is! One day, in the not so distant future we will be together, comparing travel notes and rejoicing.

Today, I am thankful for YOU, my traveling companions!




Blessings,

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Celebrate, celebrate ~ Dance to Music

Okay, just a little celebration today! Jan became my 100th follower! WoooHooo, thank you, Jan. You can visit Jan at A Tapestry of Life, where she has a delightful blog about her life in Australia.

Since Jan became number 100, I am stalking, er....following her around today....not really, but she was doing a fantastic meme and of course it looked like fun.



The Random Dozen is hosted by some chick, Lid...Linda...(depends on her caffeine levels at that time, I think). Just kidding. You will also enjoy getting to know Linda at the 2nd Cup of Coffee. Speaking of which, I need to go grab my second (or is it third) cup. While I am gone, make yourself at home! And below is my Random Dozen! And below that is the candle giveaway question of the day!

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"

Yes, but they are actually very nice at our library. But hey, with all these kids, over the years I was bound to misplace a book or two.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts.

Little of both, but more often that not, the latter.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?

Only if you count a tornado.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

Probably, Bridge Over Troubled Water…..mostly, I just miss the 70’s!

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?

An old farm lady with lots of kids….oh, that’s my everyday costume!

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

The dictionary, unless I am really trying to impress someone (which isn't often).

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

Omelets and fresh (seasonal) fruit

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

No, but I’ve been tempted.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?


Yes, one time when I was nine months pregnant and my husband still reminds me of it. I had to stack concrete blocks to climb on to reach the window. I couldn’t find my key though. Finally, the kids got big enough to unlock the door and I could just lift them through the window.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?


More like super attracted at first sight. I mean, how can you know someone’s heart unless you are around them for a while?

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?


Probably 5, but at less three of the five need to be added to the rag bag. Only two that I can actually wear in public. It is difficult to throw the old ones away, as they are great for working in the garden and just for everyday.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

I am assuming “Duff and Crew” are on the food network and we don’t do TV….however, we do, do cakes, During the warmer months, I love those nice gooey things that have to be refrigerated (yeah, you know the ones…easy to make, hard on the waistline). During the cooler months, I like lemon pound cake, fresh apple cakes….usually cakes without icing that are great with coffee. Or you may make me a cheesecake anytime you like.

Candle Giveaway Question of the Day~

If you could invent a candle fragrance, what scent would it be?

(My answer would be....my hedge that is blooming, I love that scent! And I would call it Spring Fantasy.

BTW, help yourself to the coffee, tea, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit!

May you day be filled with blessings!


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Cheryl’s Daybook

Tuesday ~ April 20th, 2010





Outside my window...
~ it is cool, the early morning air smells sweet

I am thinking... ~ about the teaching we listened to over Sabbath

I am thankful... ~ that the 19th passed without another tragedy

I am wearing... ~ still wearing my pajamas, ~ barefoot

I am remembering...
~ some scenes from another April that will be forever engraved on my mind

I am going... ~to work on the house today, schoolwork, and hopefully play in the dirt (the garden, not the dust inside)

I am currently reading... ~ Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

I am hoping... ~for lots of sunshine (& Sonshine) this week

On my mind... ~ my sister

Noticing that...
~ my to do list exceeds my energy gage more often than I like

Pondering these words...

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

From the kitchen...
~ the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, later today grilled chicken

Around the house...
~ all is still quiet, peaceful

In the barn
~ we have a sick nanny goat (Buttercup)

One of my favorite things ~ family

From my picture journal:



From a field trip.


Giveaway Question of the Day...
~ favorite candle scent for the kitchen?

For more entries in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Please be sure to go by and visit.

Blessings,

Sunday, April 18, 2010

April 19th, 1995

The RHOK

This week's question, "April 19, 1995 - Where were you?"




I had taken the kids to the small, rural school they attended and after letting them out, parked the car to run inside to visit with one of the teachers I had previously worked with. She had called and asked if I would be free to sub later in the week. After checking with her, I decided to go back by the office before returning home.

At the time, the office was small. It was actually two adjoining offices, but neither one was much larger than a walk-in closet. In that rather cramped area, six or seven teachers had gathered, along with the principal and the superintendant. It was disturbingly quiet. There was no typical early morning chit-chat, only worried faces and the faint sound coming from a portable television someone had turned on.

I asked, what was going on and was told by the secretary there had been a bombing in Oklahoma City. Not comprehending the seriousness of the situation or how devastating the action actually was, I made one of my flippant (stupid) comments, something to the effect ~ “how bad can a pipe bomb in OKC be?”

The superintendant looked at me like I had three heads (all screwed on backwards). He politely and simply said, “It’s serious, Cheryl. It wasn’t a pipe bomb.”

The office was crowded and clearly everyone looked distressed, so I returned to my car and turned on the radio. Once home, seeing the destruction and loss of life on television, the enormity of the situation settled in.

Like everyone else, I will never forget the scenes that played out over the next few days. Similar to when the Challenger exploded after lift-off, we kept watching the scenes repeat, hoping that the next time they ran the ending would be different. But the graphic scenes ended the same each time, one hundred sixty eight lives lost ~ thousands of lives affected.

I still regret the off-handed comment I made upon first learning of the bombing, but I realize now, I am probably the only one who remembers the words I said. Everyone else there had already been absorbed into the tragedy and their minds were busy trying to sort through the details of what had happened.

Before I close, I want to say I learned a valuable lesson during this time. Our oldest daughter was getting ready to go on a short term mission trip six weeks later. Her uncles, my brother-in-laws, were upset we were allowing (encouraging) Jenny to go. When praying about her upcoming trip, doubts would creep in and I would wonder if we were doing the right thing. Then it occurred to me, prior to April 19, not one of her five uncles would have batted an eye had she decided to stay in Oklahoma and accept a summer job there at the Murrah Building.

We are called to be wise, but we can’t allow fear to rule our lives. If we do, the enemy has already won.

Be sure and go by Real Housewives of Oklahoma and checkout the other posts linked to this question.

Prayerfully,

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Is There Anything I Can Do



Jeff and Sheri Easter

Chorus ~

Can I toss you a line
Can I shoulder your load
Can I walk a little ways with you down this road

Can I listen a while
Can I give you a ride
Can I laugh when you laugh
Can I cry when you cry

Can I keep you awake
Can I sit while you sleep
Can I pull you along when the water gets deep
Let me know how I can help to get you through
Well, I’m here
Is there anything I can do?

Friday, April 16, 2010

FF's and Spring Giveaway!

Mommy's Idea

Friday Follow

This past week took two formerly “stud” horses to Doc’s. They will no longer have romantic notions when they come into contact with the girlie horses. We had talked to the boys before the trip to the vet, explaining it was a process similar to when we “band” the baby “billy” goats. Our 13 y/o was super interested in this process. Even more so when we suggested if he didn’t settle down, he could meet with the same fate. LOL The look on his face was priceless.



Obviously, Flicka thought that was amusing! We have the smartest horses.


I am sorry I did not get to visit many of those who linked to last week’s Friday Fragments. Every time I turned around it seem some part of life was “unraveling.” I felt like the little boy who stuck his finger in the dam to stop the leak, only I kept running out of fingers.

The fact that Dixie Carter/Julia Sugarbaker passed away saddens me. I thought she was brilliant, elegant, and spunky ~ definitely a southerner at heart. I loved her role as Julia Sugarbaker (although, the lines I remember laughing at were often Suzanne’s). She will be missed.

The irises are beginning to bloom. They were always Mom’s favorite flower! They are lovely.

The Spring Giveaway is going on ~ go here ~ therefore we need a question of the day for this post! Which candle fragrances would you choose for your bathroom?

Wade’s Wisdom:

I had amnesia once - maybe twice.
Now, go see a play tonight…..in 3D!;-)

But before you do, be sure and click on the above buttons and visit with the other Friday Fragment people and the Friday Follow bunch! You will be glad you did.

Now, go have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Memories!

Memories…

I have to admit, I am late posting anything because I have been “stuck”. Not that I can’t think of any M words, I just haven’t had a definite impression as to what to say or how to say it.

But I do have M*E*M*O*R*I*E*S. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure some of my M-memories would seem rather ancient to many of you who normally link to Alphabe-Thursday.

Jenny Matlock

Ahhhh ~ I loved running home after to school to watch the Mouseketeers!



Remember Moochie from Spin and Marty fame?


(Yeah, Spin was my favorite, too!)

Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if our days were as simple as those days in Mayberry?



One of my all time favorite M’s ~ Thomas Magnum, P.I.



So let me just say ~ “Thanks for the Memories, A sentimental verse and nothing in my purse ~” (Bob Hope’s theme song)



A trip down Memory Lane is always special, but my favorite "M" quote happened just this morning. And naturally, it came from the "M" granddaughter,Michaela.

"Mamaw, I need a washcloth. I have waffle juice on me." (Waffle Juice? I'm pretty safe in assuming it was Maple Syrup. She was very sticky!)

Be sure and take time to go by the marvelous Jenny Matlock's site to checkout the magnificent M posts from men and women everywhere!

Blessings,
Cheryl

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wednesday ~ Thoughtful & Thankful



Last Wednesday, I linked up with Judy over at *A Thankful Woman’s Book of Blessings,* and as I have gone about my ordinary life, doing my ordinary chores today, I have given much thought as to what I am thankful for. It occurs to me, there probably isn’t enough space even in all of Blogdom to contain all those things I should be thankful for. Like so many of us, I think I take too much for granted, never giving much thought to the Source of my blessings or the blessings themselves.

So, this Wednesday, I am digging deeper, bearing some of those inter thoughts I often keep to myself. Why? Because it is something I need to do. And maybe, through some “random” act, something I say will give someone else the courage to know the path they are on is right. Stormie Omartian penned a book called “Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On.” I love that title; however, sometimes if we combine our “lights” the path is brighter, easier to follow. (And no, I do not believe anything is random.)

We homeschool and sometimes I wonder if we are doing the right thing. Maybe wondering if we are doing the right thing correctly is more the point. I have often said, there are some days I am more grateful for what the boys aren’t learning, than what they are.

We have a neighbor who has cancer and her husband and family members have been having to drive back and forth to the City (OKC) each day, which is about 160 miles round trip. Our 11 & 13 y/o went down the other evening to make sure someone had come in, in time to do the evening milking. They drove through the pasture on ATV’s and they didn’t come back for nearly an hour. Because there is always the possibility an accident, I was watching the clock. When they did return, I said, “I guess Dewayne wasn’t back?”

They answered saying no, he had just got home when they got there. Oh, okay, “So what took you guys so long.” ~

He looked wore-out, so we told him we would go ahead and milk and feed for him. ~ Yeah, I am thankful….if they never gain anything else, I am thankful they are learning the value of helping someone else simply because it is the right thing to do.

I once wrote a devotion entitled, “Choose Life.” (I’ll dig it out one of these days.) We don’t always choose life. We had an incident about a week ago that hurt extremely bad (I know that is poor English, but you understand what I mean). It effected two of our grown children and the actions of 3 or 4 individual family members. It was a pretty devastating blow, just when things seemed to be falling into place.

Believe it or not, I have managed to “Choose Life.” I’ve kept my comments to a minimum. I haven’t poured gasoline on anyone’s fire, choosing to keep my (big) mouth shut. It has been difficult. For two days I was so frustrated I wanted to cry, to shout at someone, even kicking something would have felt good! (Well, until my toe started throbbing!) Today, God began to turn the situation. He is making something good come out of something hurtful. He is amazing! I am glad I picked LIFE. I am thankful that grace has allowed me to grow to the point that some times I am capable of making the right decision. I am thankful that His love gives me the strength to praise Him even when I do not feel like doing so.

I am thankful we have the opportunity to worship the Creator of the universe. We could loose this right one day. It is a precious thing, that we have taken for granted.

I am thankful the latest Liz Curtis Higgs book, Here Burns My Candle, came today. Silly maybe? No, I know it is going to not only entertain me, it will minister to me on a different level.

I am thankful for HOPE. People who have hope are more than conquerors. Their circumstances may look grim, but because of hope (or faith) they are able to rise above their circumstances and overcome that which is meant to harm them.

And there you have it. What I am thankful for this beautiful Wednesday, April 14, 2010.

My prayer, “So teach us to number our days, that we might apply our hearts to wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Blessings,

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Hey, It’s Tuesday ~ Notes & Treasures

The question of the day ~ When talking candle fragrances (I clarify, as I found out the hard way Coconut Lime Verbena ~ while a great candle fragrance, is terrible in coffee! gag, spit, spit…) do you prefer floral scents or kitchen type scents? If you are like me, you lean toward floral, fruit scents in the spring/summer and kitcheny scents in the fall/winter. And, if you are clueless to what we are talking about, go here.

And no, it isn’t too late to get in on the giveaway!

In the last few weeks, I was fortunate enough to win two giveaways. The first was a pair of beautiful earrings, which I received from Katie over at Dishin and Dishes. (I believe the earrings were made by Katie’s friend, Nancy. Nancy’s website is Dragonfly In Amber Designs. You will love some of Nancy’s designs.) You’ll also love Katie’s recipes. A few days ago, she posted one for accordion potatoes. They look so good!

The earrings are a deep red/rust color. Sorry, the pictures do not do these two lovely pieces justice.


The second was a gorgeous bracelet, which I received from Raymonde at Everyday I Walk With You. I believe the bracelet was also made by a friend of Raymonde’s. And I don’t believe she (the friend) has a website, which is a shame! You will really enjoy getting to know Raymonde, who along with her family, makes her home outside of London.

I wish you could see and feel this bracelet. It is gorgeous!

Be sure and checkout these sites and blogs. You’ll be glad you did! Thank you, ladies, for the wonderful giveaways!

Now, I have a favor to ask ~ Sonya (Home Cooking with Sonya) has placed in the top ten of a photo contest hosted by Communal Global. You can read about it on Sonya’s blog, but please….please go and vote for Sonya. Vote here. Thank you! Big hug!!

Sonya's picture:


Okay, now that I have played catch-up in a number of areas, we can move on to what Tuesday’s are all about ~ Treasures! This meme is hosted by the fabulous Mari Larkin. Just click on the button below and see who the rest of the SOGWPIP are showing off.

Oh, you want to know what SOGWPIP stands for? Years ago, when one of my mother’s best friends became a grandmother for the first time, Mom found a little pocket photo album with those letters ~ Silly Old Grandma With Pictures In Purse! (And I have no idea why thought of that tonight! However, for years it was a running joke between Gladys (my mom) and Avanell.)







I think you have met this gang before, but I like the "cool" picture. They get their "sass" from me, no doubt.

Now, go visit Mari!

Blessings,
Cheryl

Monday, April 12, 2010

Beth, I will get you for this! ~okay, I'm just kidding.




Beth over at Beth A Work In Progress, bestowed this awesome award on me. Please visit Beth. You will enjoy her wit and humor as she blogs through life!

According to “The Rules” I now have to list ten things that make me happy. So here goes!

1. Beautiful weather, like the past few days! I love sunshine.
2. Studying the Bible or taking part in a good Bible study.
3. My family ~ of course, they also have the ability to make me sad.
4. My grandkids! I love to laugh with them.
5. A really good book. I love to read.
6. Antiques, country, and anything old.
7. Watching any of the new born babies on the farm.
8. Holding hands with my husband and working together.
9. Music and flowers ~ especially wild flowers.
10. Blogging, writing, and chocolate! And all my online friends!

Next, I am suppose to pass this along to a few other bloggers (I don’t think Beth told me how many), then visit their site and tell them ~ Hey, I picked you! (or something along those lines).

So, on with the show~

Dianna at Bits and Pieces. I love reading Dianna’s posts! She is delightful! Dianna shares incredible stories about her life, from her delightful childhood, to raising her own children, and now (she & Strong Heart have joined the “sandwich generation”) ~ taking care of elderly parents (and in-laws) and enjoying the rich rewards of being a grandparent.

Leanne
at My Home and My Hips Are Both Double Wide. I am a new follower of Leanne’s. I mean, really, do I have to explain why ~ read the name of her blog! She makes me laugh and she makes me think (I really like laughing more, but my brain needs the exercise.) Go by and say hi to this southern treasure.

Sonya at Home Cooking with Sonya. Sonya is a transplanted American, living and raising her family in the Netherlands. She shares terrific recipes and posts about the trials and joys of living “across the pond.”

Amy at Amy’s Assorted Adventures. Amy, along with her husband and family live in Africa where they run an orphanage! Her posts are both inspiring and interesting. You’ll enjoy visiting with Amy and seeing Africa through her eyes and heart.


Mary Beth
at Live, Laugh, Make Something! Mary Beth is another (new to me) blogger, I met through New Friend Friday. If you enjoy crafts, doing something a little different, you will love her blog! She has wonderful suggestions with great instructions!

There are many more I would like to give this award to, however, it is work and I am falling asleep. Maybe in a day or two, I'll pick out five more. In the meantime, if you would like to actually view the rules visit Beth

And now, enjoy the week ahead. It is going to be a good one!

Blessings,
Cheryl


P.S. This will not get proof read until sometime tomorrow....I am not responsible! LOL