Technical Difficulties

That image says it all! I am not sure what happened to my sidebar on my blog, but I got up this morning and it was just GONE! Could it be Hackers?? I didn't even go into the template section yesterday! So it couldn't have been something I did!?!? Please bare with me as I try to get my blog back in order. It's funny after you set your blog up just like you want it, you kind of forget what you had on it. So, if you see something that is missing that I had on before, please leave me a comment.

I know I need to add these things:

Archives
Last Posts

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Weekend Stuff

What a weekend! Here is a little of what went on this weekend:

I received a special surprise in the mail from a wonderful friend of mine. She knows how much I LOVE lighthouses and recently she went to the Bahamas. While she was there she took a picture of the Port Lucaya Lighthouse for me.

Also on her way back home she stopped by Tybee Island and took a picture of that lighthouse also for me!

*Thanks YellowRose! Love ya!



Saturday, Big D and I took one of our youth (and her mom) to the Teen Talent Competition our church has for the State. God had his hand on us while we were traveling. We were almost to our exit when about a quarter of a mile, I could see a yellow maintnenace truck parked on the side of the road and the man get out of his truck. Just as I get a few hundred feet from him, the car in front of me swerves a little and in an instant flips a entire blown semi tire at me. I had a semi to the right of me and this maintenance man and his truck to the right of me. All I could do is hold the steering wheel tight and drive over the tire. Thank the Lord that it didn't cause me to lose control of the van. It did bust the nose of the van and other damage. But I am thankful to my Heavenly Father that it wasn't any worse than it was. We were able to drive to the competition and drive home. The competition was great. Lacy (not to be confused with my Lacey) sang a solo and did a routine with her color guard flag. We won't know if she will perform at the General Assembly until they mail her scores to her. Even tho she sang wonderfully, I believe her drama with the flag will get her the superior rating she needs to go to the Assembly! She used the song Stained Glass Masquerade from Casting Crowns. She did an awesome job!

On Sunday, Computer Geek left for 3 days. He went on a TSA (Technology Students of America)Competition in Chattanooga Tennessee. He is participating in the Tech Bowl. He was so excited about this trip. I hope he has a good time.

So how was your weekend??

Until next time.....

God Bless~

100th Post!!

Woo hoo!! I am celebrating my 100th post!! I can't believe I actually posted 100 times already since joining in July 2005! I have enjoyed every moment! Thanks too all of you for your comments during my first 100 posts.

So when did you hit your 100th mark??

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name 3 things that you think are strange.

My next-door neighbor
Gothic Teenagers
The Male species


Soup
What was the last ceremony you attended?

Awards Ceremony for Computer Geek at Tennessee Governor's School last summer.

Salad
What is one lesson you have learned in the past year?

Life with your children is more precious than we realize!

Main Course
Tell us about one of your childhood memories.

I couldn't not share a childhood memory without talking about my niece, Michelle. She is only 2 years younger than me, so we were raised like sisters instead of Aunt/niece. One of my most favorite childhood memories is her and I pretending to be Charlie's Angels in my front yard in Indiana. I was always Kelly Garrett. She was always Kris Monroe. Those were such wonderful carefree times!

Dessert
If you could extend any of the four seasons to be twice as long as normal, which season would you want to lengthen?

Fall!! Fall is my favorite season! The smell of bonfires and the cool evenings. The way the leaves crunch under your feet as you walk on them!!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

It's a Miracle!!

I'm Back!! Woo HOOOOOOOOOOO!! Did ya miss me??? Whew, what a fight I had with this computer! Computer Geek worked and worked and worked on it. I thought we were gonna have to just reprogram the whole thing. I really really REALLY didn't want to have to do that. Its just a hassle to have to download everything again. But my nephew came thru for me last night! Thanks Kevin!!! It took probably a total of 10 minutes to fix! So here is a little update of what has went on since my last post:

Computer Geek, Football Star, and I have had such good times going Geocaching on the weekends. So far the treasures haven't been worth posting about, but the thrill isn't in the treasures its in the hunt! This past weekend we took Big D's little 6 year old nephew from Germany to a few. He had a blast. He thought he was a modern day pirate. When we picked him up he had his little backpack full of snacks and things he thought he needed to go "treasure hunting". His smile was priceless when he would find the containers. Soooo cute!

We have been spending a lot of time at Big D's parents house because Big D's younger brother from Germany is in visiting. After 9 years serving as missionaries in Germany, God has lead them back home. Please keep them in your prayers. They are not sure where they will be living. It is a very difficult transition for them and the children. We are so glad to have them back home in the U.S.

We also have been very busy. A lot of college things to prepare. Computer Geek got a couple of great academic scholarships. Not enough for a full ride, but really close. We go next month to Tennessee Tech for S.O.A.R. (Students Orientation Admission Registration). It is a weekend conference for freshman students and parents. I can't wait to go. I love visiting the TTU campus!

Last week, Computer Geek and I ordered his tux and flowers for his date for his Senior Prom. Since she is wearing a pink and black dress, he went for a complete black tux with a vest and Windsor tie. He wouldn't go for a pink vest or tie! LOL!
He is going with a great girl! She is very special to Big D and I. They are only going as friends, but I am so glad they are going together.

Next week is Spring Break for the boys. We were going to go to Gatlinburg for a couple of days, but Computer Geek has a TSA (Technology Students of America) competition in Chattanooga that week. So I guess we will just hang around the house during Spring Break and Football Star will just catch up on some much needed sleep!

I think that about catching you up on the highlights of what has went on since I blogged last!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Computer Problems

I know I haven't blogged in a long time. First week was a crazy week. Then I didn't feel well (and still don't)for several days. But my main reason is I am having some serious computer troubles lately. I hope to be back up and running soon. So if I haven't commented on your blog in a long time you will know why!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how intuitive do you think you are?

I am about an 8 but, my kids think I am a 10! Because I always find out! LOL!

Soup
What is your favorite kind of gum?

Now Gum is my THING! I always got in trouble when I was little falling asleep with gum in my mouth and then it getting stuck in my hair! I LOVE gum! So it changes from time to time but my favorite right now would have to be Orbit's Sweetmint or Trident's Watermelon Twist!

Salad
Name a CD you own that you would never get rid of.

Casting Crowns first CD "Casting Crowns"

Main Course
When was the last time you said something you didn't mean?

I try not to say things I don't mean and if I do I always try to go apologize right away. But the last time was last week when I was trying to get Big D to fix my printer.

Dessert
What is the sum of the numbers in your birthdate? (Example: 3 + 2 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 9 = 31)

32

I went Geocaching!!!

Geocaching is something my nephew Kevin over at EpowerServe.com, told me about. It sounded very fun and interesting so I told Computer Geek and he wanted to try it.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps (global positioning system) users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

So after school Computer Geek and Football Star went scavenger hunting with their gps unit. The first one they couldn't find. The second one they found. Then I went with them back to the first one and with mom's help they found it! I love scavenger hunts so this geocaching is right down my alley!! What a fun and exciting outing to go with the family and see new sights! We are going out again tomorrow if the weather permits!

Interested and want to know more??? Try this website www.geocaching.com
WARNING: If you get addicted, don't blame me! LOL!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Congratulations Football Star!!!

This afternoon Football Star took the test for his Tennessee Driver's Permit! We are so excited because he passed! I was so nervous for him just like I was with Computer Geek. That 5 minutes waiting to see if he passed seemed like an eternity for him (yeah and me too! LOL!)It is bittersweet to watch your kids grow up. Even tho I can't help but be excited for this milestone in his life, at the same time I was sad as I see him growing up. We took him out for a celebration dinner with the smile still on his face. Then of course, dad let him drive on the way home!
Where does time go???

Congratulations Football Star! We are so very proud of you!! Love ya!!!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
How many pillows and blankets do you sleep with?

2 pillows under my head 1 to hug up too. 1 sheet and 1 blanket.

Soup
What are you currently "addicted" to?

I am a very addictive type person. Right now today it would be www.paperbackswap.com

Salad
If you could make a small change to your current routine or schedule that would make you just a little bit happier, what would it be?

hmmm?? maybe to get going much sooner with household duties?

Main Course
Which adjective do you find yourself using often?

sweet!

Dessert
Have you ever picked up a hitchhiker?

NOWAY!! I am a big chicken with a HUGE imagination! LOL!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

20 Years!

I can't believe it has been 20 years since I married the most wonderful man in the world! Today as I reflex back to our 20 years together, I won't deny that we didn't have very difficult times. Doesn't everyone? But I can say, there have been more good than bad years! The last few years have been the best! First I want to give credit where credit is due. We could have not made it 20 years if it wasn't for Jesus right in the middle of our lives and marriage! I am so thankful God sent me Big D! We met at the Indiana State Convention. While hanging with my friends during the Convention we heard rumors that there was a new family moving into the state with 6 boys! Let me tell you all of us teenager girls thought we had died and went to heaven! LOL! Six new boys to choose from! But little did we know, four of them were married! Our first meeting wasn't love at first sight for me because I had an accident right before the state convention and had several cuts and bruises on my face and body and was VERY self conscious about it. But Big D will tell you he was interested in me then. Well after that day we didn't see each other much. Even before we met, each night I would pray for God to send me the husband He wanted me to have and to protect him from harm until we could be together. Little did I know that God was protecting him from marrying the wrong person! During a revival at his church, before our first date God told me that Big D was the one. Yeah I was shocked and never told anyone until after we were married. I mean we hadn't even talked much, just a hi here and there at church functions. It was just a couple of days after God told me Big D was the one that we had our first date at the General Assembly in Tennessee. I was so happy, but 4 days later he said "he just wanted to be friend". It broke my heart! I questioned myself and GOD! But it was only a few days after we were back home in Indiana that we got back together. Several months later, when I asked him why he broke up with me, he said he was falling for me too fast after coming out of a relationship it scared him. Three months after our first date he asked me to marry him. Three months later we were married! It doesn't seem possible it has been twenty years!

We have to spend this special day apart because Big D is in Mississippi. Big D gave me my anniversary gift before he left. He is taking me on a trip to the North Carolina coast to visit not only my favorite lighthouse, Cape Hatteras, but 4 more besides! We will go sometime in April when the Lighthouses are open to tour! Thanks listening as I share about this special day.


Honey I love you so very much! I could have not asked for a better person to spend my life with! I can't wait to spend the next 20 years with you! Happy Anniversary! Hurry home, I miss you!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

What is your Blogging Personality?

Tonight, Computer Geek and I found this little quiz and I liked it so much I decided to share it with you.

Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate

You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great. One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog... And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes. Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

So what is your Blogging Personality??? If you take the quiz and post it on your blog, please leave me a comment so I can read about your Blogging Personality!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Blink by Ted Dekker

I just finished reading Blink by Ted Dekker. It took me until about the 4th chapter to really get hooked, but once I hit the 5th chapter I was a goner!

An intoxicating tale set amidst the shifting sands of the Middle East, Blink touches on geopolitical conflicts as ancient as the earth itself. The page-turning plot follows a Saudi Arabian princess fleeing a wretched forced marriage for the promised land of America.

A brilliant American graduate student discovers a mysterious power-giving him glimpses into the future. Thrown together, they become pawns in a struggle for power and must manipulate the very future in order to save themselves. In his most riveting novel to date, Dekker brings the story to a dramatic climax that will change the future of fiction in the blink of an eye.

I have read 2 Ted Dekker books this month. He goes on the list of favorite Authors with Frank Peretti and Dee Henderson!

See ya later, I am off to start my new book by Frank Peretti, Monster.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Choose one: moving to another state, having triplets, or never being able to eat chocolate again.

Having triplets or Never having chocolate again?? ARE YOU CRAZY?? LOL! Of course, my choice would be move to another state. I would love to move back to my home state of Indiana!!!

Soup
Name a news story that truly shocked you.

A lot shock me on the news, but my newest one would be the story of the Twin Girls I posted about this week.

Salad
What was your very first job?

My first job was working at my brother's convenient store/gas station as a cashier.

Main Course
If you had the chance to read the diary of someone you're really close to, would you? Why or why not?

I would never read anyone's diary. I don't like my privacy invaded so I wouldn't invade someone else. But for this I would probably choose my boys, just to see how they really felt about life. And to see what they were up to! LOL!

Dessert
What's something you're looking forward to?

Grandbabies!! (but no time soon! LOL!)

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Million to one odds

As I was watching Good Morning America this morning, they did a short report on this young couple and it intrigued me. I decided I wanted more information on their story so I googled them (how did we ever survive without google???)

Beating all the odds this couple gave birth to one black and one white twin girls! The couple are both mixed race. Their mothers are both white and their fathers are black. According to the Multiple Births Foundation, baby Kian must have inherited the black genes from both sides of the family, whilst Remee inherited the white ones. The odds against of a mixed race couple having twins of dramatically different color are a million to one.

I just loved this story and wanted to blog about it this morning. What a wonderful story! I am sure they will have a lot of explaining to do when the girls realize they are different, but what a blessing God has given them!!

If you would like more on this story, CLICK HERE

Until next time.....

God Bless~

I am a Member, Are You?

Are you a avid reader?? Do you have paperback books (Hardbacks too!) laying around that you have read and just don't want anymore?? But would love to add new books to your library?? Ever buy that book and it just wasn't as good as the summary sounded and would love to clean out your library of books like that?? Then PaperBackSwap is the place for you!!! I absolutely love this place! I joined last week. Doesn't cost to join. The only cost is the $1.59 to mail the books from your bookshelf. But when you request a book from another member, they pay to send it to you! When you add 9 books to your bookshelf, you receive 3 free credits. You receive 1 credit for each book that someone requests from your bookshelf and you send to them. Credits are good for getting the books you want. 1 credit = 1 book (unless they are audio books they are 2 credits). Within 15 minutes of posting my 9 books, I had a request for one of my books! I mailed it right away! Once she receives it, I will get 1 credit to get a book I want! With my 3 free credits, I requested 1 book over the weekend! I can't wait to get it. This is so fun! If you decide to join and never heard of PaperBackSwap until reading my blog, please use me as a referral. My nickname at PaperBackSwap is lightseeker. If you have already joined, please leave your nickname in the comment box so that I can add you to my buddy list.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

12 Step Program for Blogging

I have meant to post this earlier, but it has been a busy week since we came home from Marriage Retreat. I wonder if they have a "12 Step Program" for Blogging? Above is a picture of our State Overseer for our church. As you can see, he is blogging during Marriage Retreat. I had Big D take this picture for me. Now I thought I was a blogging fanatic. But he beats me by a mile! Brother McKinley is an awesome overseer! I couldn't imagine a better overseer to be under and work with getting my minister's license. You may wonder why I want to post such a picture as this. Well during Marriage Retreat, our special speaker was Dr. Knoblich, state overseer from Washington State. The Knoblichs and the McKinleys had a conversation about "Rednecks". The Knoblichs didn't know what it was and Brother McKinley had a difficult time trying to explain it. Well in the process, Brother McKinley took out his cell phone and took a video of the Knoblichs in the middle of a store. He shows us this video after telling us if he hopes we can help him with a definition of what a redneck is to share with the Knoblichs. That was the wrong thing to say right before showing the video! As I watched the video, it came to me. So I write this down, "Definition of a Redneck: One who videos you in the middle of the cereal isle with his cell phone". After Friday night service, I hand Brother McKinley the note. He reads it and starts laughing and told me "That is good!" I can see him sharing it with the Knoblichs and their reaction was priceless. I am so proud of myself UNTIL.....

Saturday Brother McKinley gets up and says, "Yesterday I shared with you to try to come up with a definition of a redneck for the Knoblichs" I looked at Big D and said, "Oh man! He isn't gonna say what I think he is!" Big D says, "You didn't think he wouldn't?" Brother McKinley continues, "Well a young lady hands me a note. Now I won't tell your her name..." I am thinking, "whew thank goodness" He finishes by saying, "...but her intials are (and he says my name!!)" Those that didn't know me knew it was me by my red glowing face! Then Brother McKinley shares the definition and of course everyone laughed!

I know bible says "revenge is mine saith the Lord", but I like to help out when I can! Just kidding! I wouldn't post this if I thought it would hurt his feeling. I truly love and appreciate Brother McKinley.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
If you were a color, which color would you be, and why?

I would be the color purple because it is the color of royalty! It is also my favorite color!

Soup
When was the last time you went to the doctor, and what was your reason for going?

I went in September because I was really sick with the flu.

Salad
What do you collect?

I used to be a serious collector of Salt & Pepper shakers. I still have them but not as interested in them as I used to be. When you reach over 200 shakers, you kind of run out of space! Now I collect This Little Light of Mine by Harbour Lights.

Main Course
What were you like in high school? Name one thing you miss and one thing you don't miss about those days. (If you're still there, imagine how you'll remember it in the future.)

I was very quiet, but everyone's friend. I had friends in every clique. I miss the carefree times where the worse thing you worried about was what other girls were thinking about your outfit that day! I don't miss all the drama teenager girls can make!

Dessert
Pretend you're standing in front of your home, with your back towards your home. Describe the view - what can you see? Trees? Cars? A zoo? Wal-Mart?

I see a lot of trees and the mailbox! From the backyard you can see the beautiful mountains of Tennessee!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Happy Valentine's Day!

I want to wish all my family and friends a Happy Valentine's Day! I love and appreciate all of you. Whether it be a simple card, a box of chocolates, or a bouquet of roses, please take the time to let those you love know just how much you appreciate them today!

To my number #1 Valentine (Big D):

I love you honey with all my heart! I could not ask for a better person to spend the last 20 Valentine's Day with! You are not only my soul mate, but my very best friend!!! Happy Valentine's Sweetie! xoxoxoxoox

To my little Valentines (Computer Geek, Football Star, and Princess Lacey):

I love you all so very much. You are the reason I get up each day!! I am so proud of all of you. I am a very blessed to be your Mom! xoxoxoxox

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Surviving Marriage? More like surviving SNOW!

Big D and I had an awesome time at Marriage Retreat in Gatlinburg Tennessee this weekend! Sister McKinley, our State Overseers wife (pictured), did an AWESOME job! Thank you so much Sister McKinley!! We love you and Brother McKinley!

All the speakers did a good job. I especially enjoyed Shannon and Jennie. They shared a wonderful testimony of how God restored their marriage. God is truly awesome!


The praise team was very annointed. We also had some very fun activities (pictured)! Big D and I won a prize for a trivia questionnaire. The questions were about the movie "Castaway", "Fantasy Island", "Gilligan's Island", "Facts on Paul", "Titanic", and "Survivor". We only had 2 wrong!! Our gift was a beautiful tri-fold picture frame and photo box.

It was a great weekend. UNTIL...................






THE SNOW!!!!


This is what we woke up to this morning!! Big D took this before 7am.


Gatlinburg got 6-8 inches of SNOW! When I saw all that snow this morning, I was ready to stay a couple more days! Or whatever it took until it MELTED! LOL!


Big D assured me it would be safe to drive and that he would get me home safe. And he Did! But I had to look at the mountain COVERED in snow as we desended! Yes it was a beautiful site! But all that slush and snow and ice sure can make a person a nervous wreck!

Praise the Lord, we are home safe!

I didn't post a picture of Brother McKinley tonight. This is because I have a very special picture I want to share with you tomorrow. SO check back tomorrow!

Until next time.....

God Bless~