URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

Several years ago, I met the most phenomenal couple at church....Tim and Lane Ann Miller.
They are truly a couple after God's heart, and have dedicated their lives to doing His work.

A few months ago, (after a regularly scheduled physical), Land Ann was diagnosed with liver cancer!
TOTALLY UNEXPECTED!! No symptoms at all!

Lane Ann began blogging as a form of therapy, and to keep us informed through her journey to healing.

This week, thing have taken a definite turn for the worst!
PLEASE pray for this family! You can read their blog here.

This time of year makes it especially hard on Tim and their children.
My heart is breaking for them!

Let me say again.....CANCER SUCKS!

GRIEF.....I'm so there!

I have SERIOUSLY been neglecting this blog! I looked at it today and realized that it's been well over a month since I've posted! UGH!!

Honestly, I've been reading and keeping up with everyone in the blogosphere.....but the storms are raging around here lately. Every time I'd sit down to post, I'd read what I'd written and think "man....how depressing" !! So I'd just delete everything and turn the computer off!


I LOVE blogging! I really do!! I just don't want to sound like a whiney butt, so I keep deleting.

So I've decided to skim over the things going on, and I'm going to develop an "Attitude of Gratitude" from here on out. NO MORE CRY BABIES!!


So here goes......(feel free to click off at any time)


Grief x1



I'm really, I mean REALLY, missing my brother!
As the holiday season approaches it seems to get worse.

In the past month, I've also found out that 2 people very dear to me were diagnosed with late stage 4 cancer!
Can we say "CANCER SUCKS" ? I really want to scream that!!!
Neither one of them has very long to live, but they are fighting with all they have and praying without ceasing!


On the up side....I have been through 1 grief support class with hospice, and am currently in another group for grief through the holidays.

Grief.....what a word with many meanings !

While I am attending this holiday group, I'm also in training.

I feel that God has led me to facilitate a Grief Support Group at our Celebrate Recovery program at church.

I know that it's my responsibility to take the experiences God has carried me through, and use what I've learned to help others! That, in itself is another form of therapy for me.


Grief #2:

I blogged here about our daughter in law and Lyric moving out of our house without BJ.
All of that has changed, and not for the better!
A few weeks ago, I was off work and cleaning the house. I went up to clean the bathroom that BJ was using and smelled theis horrible stench in the hallway. So being the cleaner that I am....I got the Fabreeze and opened BJ's bedroom door to spray. OMG.....I was NOT prepared for what I found! Garbage everywhere! Literally, garbage.....YUCK!!
BUT......it only took a second for me to realize there was a bigger problem going on. There were liquor bottles everywhere. Not just a few beer cans ( which would have been bad enough) but LOADS of empty "hard liquor" bottles. A few full......most empty!
MY SON HAS A MAJOR DRINKING PROBLEM! LORD HELP US ALL!
We had no idea! But then again...how could we? We never saw him!

This is awful in itself, but Chuck is an alcoholic! He's been sober for 17 1/2 years :0) but how much disrespect can BJ have by bringing that mess into our home?
Chuck and I talked and prayed and prayed some more, then we decided it was time for BJ to go!
Chuck took the next day off of work, and we were going to tell BJ either we would help him with treatment, or he had to move. His option.
We never got that chance. He never came home! We have not seen him since.
We know that he's ok....we checked. He is evidently living with Catherine and her mom and her brother and Lyric in a very small 2 bedroom house. I really don't think that Catherine has any clue about the drinking. It was not going on 6 weeks ago. Or if it was....he kept it very well hidden.
We've tried to call, text, what ever we can.....but he has our phone numbers blocked!

Now, it's looking like not only will I be without my brother for the holidays, but my kids and grandaughter too. I'm just so broken hearted!

BUT...... I know, without hesitation, that my son is a Child of God and God is in control here!
I just need to have faith! And I do !!!!
I have laid this all down at the feet of Jesus and told him that I can't handle it!
He has assured me that I don't need to......he has it all under control!
Thank you Father!
This is honestly the first time that I think I've been able to lay something down and walk away from it. I do have a peace about this all.

Several years ago (when my Mom had passed away) a dear friend told me the greatest thing!
I cling to it today! She opened her Bible and started reading
"And it came to pass"....."And it came to pass".... "And it came to pass".....THEN SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID......But ya know what????
IT NEVER CAME TO STAY!!!!

THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR WORDS AND CHRISTIAN FRIENDS!!

BAD MOTHERS ANONYMOUS

I stumbled on this web site while blog hoping earlier today.

Some of the stories here made me laugh out loud, but a lot of them made me sick!

I think this started out as a fun outlet for overwhelmed moms to just "vent" and realize that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. However, the more recent posts are unbelievable!

These women should NEVER have been given the privilege of being a mother.

I can't believe they find this stuff to be amusing......let alone post about it!

Here are just a few of the posts I've read.....

I've never been one that like displays of affection, especially hugs. My 8 year old loves to hug, sometimes when I shew him away when he asks for what I feel are excessive hugs.
-Anonymous 6/22/2009

Here's been my daughter's diet for today:
Breakfast--junior sundae and corndog from Sonic
Lunch--Cheetos and Diet Coke
Dinner--neopolitan ice cream
Who am I, Britney Spears?
-Anonymous 6/4/2009

I had my daughter when I was 17 yrs old, honestly I wanted to have abortion or put her up for adoption. But my mother kept telling me about these women who had abortion.."she went into depression" "she got mentally ill" etc. She also said if I gave my daughter up for adoption, she would take her and raise her. I felt like I had no choice but to have her. So now my daughter is 4 years old, and I'm still angry at myself for the choice I made. I feel like I don't have a life anymore, I work but all the money goes to feeding, clothing, daycare, toys, etc. for her! I can't get child support for the father just because he doesn't work!!! He's 22 years old and still lives with his mother who pays his bills!!
I love my daughter but sometimes "this" is too much..
I'm a bad mother... : (
-Anonymous 5/25/2009

I and my late husband (my kids stepfather) allowed my eldest to smoke pot and drink at 14.....and I have the nerve to bad mouth their father.
Anonymous -- 8/11/2008

But then there are these:

When my daughter was about 1 or so, I was changing her diaper. It was a Sunday. I swear she had a worm. I pulled one out of her bottom when I was wiping her. It was like 4 inches long. I called the doctor. We all got wormed. Her doctor wanted to see her on Monday and bring the worm with us. I walked in, (my MIL had already taken her and I met them from work)they both started laughing at me...My MIL had forgotten to tell me that they ate chinese and Mandy LOVES SPROUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a bean sprout!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....We all got wormed...for nothing.
Anonymous -- 7/17/2008

As my daughter got older, I kept telling my hubby to "watch what you say" around her and he keeps telling me she doesn't pay attention. As all Mom's know (guess not Dads tho) kids will repeat anything and mostly at the worst time. My hubby is not the most kind driver, so if someone is in front of him, not moving to his fast pace, he usually yells at them "Come on ya friggin bone head MOVE" (thank goodness he has made his language more PG rated)
So one day as I am sitting at a stop light behind another car with all the windows down in the car and my 3 yo in the backseat, the light turns green and the car in front doesn't move as soon as the light turns green. So in a loud voice I hear from the back seat "Come on ya friggin bonehead MOVE"
Gotta love what Dads teach their kids!
Anonymous -- 5/23/2008

Keep in mind this event happened on a day that this particular 15 year old boy was acting like a 15 year old boy. ATTITUDE, Hormone-filled, awkward hairs popping out of his chin Ball of Yuckyness.
15 year old son says to mom.....
"Mom, why did you even have me? I didn't ASK to be born you know!"
The very wise and very beautiful mother quickly responds...
"Well... I didn't know it was going to be YOU!"
Not nice, and yes, I , oops I mean she would have chosen him.... I, er I mean she would have just chosen him without the attitude!
(don't worry.... he burst into laughter and had to admit that his mother is indeed the Queen of Smart-as-a-whip, lightening-fast, comebacks to snotty questions.)
I, darn it.. I mean SHE wins! -- Dana in Texas

Am I being picky or what??? What do you think of a web page like this???

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

HARVEST PRAISE!

Chuck and I have these AMAZING friends, the Corley family!

They are members of our church, and a true example of Gods Love on earth!
There is NOTHING this family will not do to help a brother or sister in need. They are always the first to call or show up without you even asking. They were such a blessing to us during Mike's illness and passing! There were days that I would be working and having a really hard time. Out of no where, Janie would call me and say "God just asked me to pray with you today....do you mind?" Wow! It was ALWAYS when I needed it the most!

I LOVE THESE GUYS!!

Janie, Milt, and their children (Craig, Jennifer, and Rachael)have one of the most amazing witnesses I have ever seen.

They own a farm in north Christian County called "Christian Way Farm." They use a theme of "Sowing Seeds For Tomorrows Harvest". This truly is a CHRISTIAN FARM!

Their teen twins, Jennifer and Craig, just returned from a mission trip in the Ukraine where they took the Tres Dias program to a primarily unsaved part of the world to show the love of God!

The farm also follows the Kentucky and Tennessee Combined Curriculum in the areas of science, primary math, practical living,as well as vocational and social studies. Many schools use the farm tours as a teaching field trip.

The program starts with a "food" (such as pizza, tacos, hamburgers and french fries), and teaches the children everything that goes into making that food.

They teach them how to plant all of the veggies needed for the dish, how to care for the calf that will become the meat, how to grind corn for taco shells....you get it!

To me, one of the most touching "teaching stories" Janie does is to carve a pumpkin for the children. She uses that activity to teach the story of salvation! She explains how we are all a whole being (like the pumpkin) and when we accept Jesus as our Saviour, God cleans out all of the "yucky stuff" (the insides of the pumpkin) and puts his light and love inside of us (the finished pumpkin with a candle in it) AWESOME!!

The 3rd Saturday of each October, the farm hosts "Harvest Praise".

That's October 17 for all of you that are looking for an awesome way to spend the day with your family!

Harvest Praise is a fun filled day to play and give God praise for his abundant blessings of the year.

There will be puppet shows,live music, music, and more music!

Your children can navigate the corn crop mazes, play in the grain trucks, race on the tricycle track, pick a pumpkin, explore the straw castles, learn to shell and grind corn, pet and feed the animals, and many many other activities.

Mom and dad can also participate, or browse the country store, ride on the lawnmower train, take a hayride, or just rock on the front porch! The food is plenty, as well as the fellowship.

I guarantee you'll have a great time!

If you can't come to Harvest Praise on the 17th, then visit the farm on the other Saturdays in October. The hayrides, pumpkins, animals, cornmaze, etc are available. The music and food are not part of those days other Saturdays, but there is still plenty to do.

And if you can't make it on a Saturday, the farm is open every weekday thru October from 9 am to 1 pm. If those times don't fit your schedule still, just contact them--they will be glad to find a time that you can get to the farm.

Come on out to Harvest Praise on the 17th and meet the Corley's!It's an all day event, and I promise you won't be dissapointed!!

EXTREME MAKEOVER....CLARKSVILLE EDITION

The news today reported that Extreme Makeover Home Edition is once again building a home for a family in need in Clarksville, Tennessee!
That's only about 15 miles from where I live.
I'm so excited!

They did a build in Clarksville in 2005 for the family of an army medic that had been injured in Iraq.
It was fantastic!

This build will be done the week of October 17th. That also happens to be the week Chuck and I are on vacation! We had talked of possibly going to the Smokey Mountains for a few days, but I think I'd much rather volunteer to work on this build!

If any of you are in the Clarksville/Hopkinsville/Ft. Campbell area, you can go here and fill out a volunteer application to work on the project.
Not everyone will be accepted to work, but they do need about 2000 people.
Everything from builders, to painters, to people catering for the crew are going to be needed.
We ALL have something to offer!

I love this show. It always makes me cry, and also reinforces my beliefs that there are still good caring people in America!

Come on Kentucky and Tennessee..... let's show these people some Southern Hospitality!

ANSWERED PRAYER

GUESS WHO CAME TO VISIT YESTERDAY?



Chuck and I were watching the Titans loose **sigh** and we heard this little voice say "Nana....I've been looking for you!"

BJ brought her over so we could visit for a little bit. It was only for about an hour and a half....but it's a major breakthrough!

We did some reading.....

Played with our Littlest Pet Shop "guys" for a while, played on Lyric's "farm" on the computer, and then she was teaching me her newest hobby....BELLY DANCING! lol

Catherine has a belly dancing dvd she uses in her workout. Lyric's belly dancing consisted mostly of running in a circle and clapping her hands.

We built robots with her Lego blocks, and then it was time to go home.

The time went by so fast! But I'm so thankful we got to visit with her!

Thank you God for answering our prayers, and thank you friends for praying for us!

BROKENHEARTED

This is Lyric....my 3 year old grandaughter....my heart outside of my body!

I love this child (and my grandson) more than just about anything in this world. Chuck and I have kept her every weekend since she was born. We get special "Nana and PawPaw" time, as well as give her parents a very well deserved break! Win Win....right?

I thought so too.

My son was laid off from his job last November. Chuck and I have done our very best to support them and help them out during the lay off. They even moved back home with us earlier this spring.

Our house is plenty big enough to accomodate everyone, and it gave them a chance to get back on their feet. It's what we parents do, right?

I though so too!

BJ, our son, went back to work over 4 months ago. The kids were still staying with us until they could get things caught up.

Well, 9 weeks ago....let me repeat that......9 WEEKS AGO....Catherine took Lyric and left!

(I've thought long and hard about posting this....but it's MY blog after all...and I need to say a few things)

I don't know all of the story behind her leaving, just that there has been trouble between them for over a year now! BJ told us this last week.

We knew something "wasn't right" because of the way Catherine was acting. She was very depressed and frankly, just didn't pay attention to Lyric at all.

She was spending most of her days either in bed, or sitting on the sofa doing Sudoko puzzles. Nothing more....no playing with Lyric, no tv...nothing!

We started potty training Lyric, and on the very first day Lyric had several accidents. To be expected, right??? At least I expected them, having potty trained 2 myself.

Well, Catherine went off!!!! She screamed and hollered at Lyric telling her what a failure she was as a Mom, and how she couldn't teach her anything! THE FIRST DAY!!

BJ works second shift, so after her went to work, I went in the living room and told Catherine she was NOT a failure, and this was going to take time. I also told her that if she kept telling Lyric what a failure as a mom she was......that's what Lyric would grow up to believe!

Things seemed ok for a few days after that. THEN.....on that Sunday Catherine wanted nothing.... NOTHING to do with Lyric!

She kept telling her all day to go away, or go downstains with Chuck and me. So she did!

We spent all day playing, coloring, etc.

Around supper time, Lyric went upstairs to go potty, and told Catherine she was hungry.

Catherine came totally unglued on the poor baby! She grabbed her arm and screamed at her that "she was sick of her, and didn't want to even look at her face" Then she told her to get out of her way!

I'd had enough!!

BJ came and rescued Lyric....he took her in the bathroom to get a bath.

Then I went into the living room.......... Naturally, I was none too happy at the time.

I told Catherine that I NEVER wanted to hear her talk like that to Lyric again. She's only 3...she did not deserve to be spoken to like that!!!!

I also told her that there were times I was sick of my 26 year old kids.....but I would NEVER talk to them like that! Lyric had done nothing to deserve this!

Catherine just went to pieces and ran to the bedroom and slammed the door.

BJ fed Lyric and put her to bed. Then he went to work.

When Chuck came home Monday afternon, they were gone! NOT BJ.....just Catherine and Lyric!

BJ said when he woke up that day, Catherine had her brother over at the house packing up their stuff, and she was moving back to her Mothers house.

I went into Lyrics room, and Catherine had taken all of Lyrics things (except the things we had bought her). She also took everything (I mean everything) we had bought for her over the last 6 years she and BJ have been together and dumped it on Lyrics bed. She wants nothing to do with us anymore! All because of me defending Lyric!

Fast forward 9 weeks.....BJ is still living with us, and Catherine is still at her moms house.

She's told BJ that she "doesn't want to be married anymore".....but she doesn't want a divorce because she has no means of support! She has never had a job, and does not drive. She told BJ she needs him for his money! Seriously???

My son is heartbroken! He really loves Catherine!

In her defense, I will say that since all of this has taken place, we've found out that Catherine is bi-polar and has sense been medicated. This has helped tremendously with the mood swings....but the attitude is still the same!

She has told BJ that if he finds a new palce and gets everything set up and moved then she will consider moving back with him. But not until everything is done to her satisfaction!

(she really needs the crown knocked off of her head).

In the meantime....Chuck and I have been denied any contact with Lyric at all!

We have not seen her in 9 WEEKS!!

Catherine says she is afraid that if she lets Lyric come over, we won't send her back! Are you kidding me?? She says she's afraid we will keep her because she is such a bad mother!!
NOTHING like that has ever even been suggested!

We've talked to BJ about this, but he says it just starts another fight if he approaches the subject, but he will "try to work on it!"
We know that KY recognizes grandparents visitation rights. We just really hate taking our own kids to court.
In the meantime, BJ is still living with us (rent free), and driving across town every day to visit his wife and daughter. We still have our house full of all of their household goods (I have put most of my stuff away to make room for theirs),and BJ is paying for all of the utilities and groceries at Catherines mom's house.
She is disabled and can't work.
I'm not sure where this saga is going to go, but I do know a couple of things. BJ has to make his own decisions about his marriage. We've told him we are here to support him, but we have no place in their marriage! I also know that we cannot continue to enable his behavior as far as Chuck and I are concerned. I'd like to have my house back if they aren't going to live there.....and
I WANT TO SEE MY GRANDBABY!
PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF US AND THIS SITUATION!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

JAZZ....the old guy!

KID STUFF LIVE!

Our church has a program called "Kid Stuff Live". It's where kids take their parents to learn! Such a great program! Lots of dancing, singing, and teaching.

This is the new promo video for this year. These guys are CRAZY!! I love them!!
Who says church has to be boring?
Thanks Willis, for all you do for us!

Willis is also an awesome photographer! Check out his work!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM A SMALL TOWN WHEN...

The funniest thing happened last night! It made me realize that I'm no longer in Detroit, or anyplace close for that matter. The largest city around me is Nashville. It's about a 45 minute drive from my house.

ANYWAY.....yesterday, I was cooking supper.(woot woot...Chuck had a night off!)
So I decided to turn on the news and listen while I was cooking. I usually like to watch the news on channel 2.

So I was channel surfing down to there. (I'm too lazy to just key in the 2).
Channel 3 in this area is our local tv station. It's not a very big station, and deals mostly with farming, local happenings, yadda yadda.
I saw a guy being interviewed on the station that used to be one of my delivery guys, so I thought I'd stop and see what Ol' Chad had to say!

Imagine my surprise when he and the station manager were having this in depth discussion about "how you can turn your ugly ducklings into swans on Farmville!!!"

OMG !! I never laughed so hard!
Now, I'm as big of a Facebook addict as the next guy. And yes, I too have a farm with ugly ducklings! (see above picture) While this is a great way to have some mindless entertainment, as well as a stress reliever...does it really warrant a spot on the evening news?

Like I said....they do cover a lot of farming information! lol

Won't you be my Farmtown neighbor? Maybe you too can find an ugly duckling!

MY HOW TIMES CHANGE!

My aunt sent me these ads from th 30's today.
EEEWWWWWWW....my how the times change! You may have to click on the images to make them bigger to read.
I'm really glad we don't live in the 30's anymore!!

THIS MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD!!

No matter what your political views....this is tooooo funny!

LOVE IS HERE!

I woke up with this song in my head this morning. Have you ever done that?
I can't shake it!
I'm a firm believer that when God gives us a message, we are to share it.
I'm not sure who needs this song today, (actually we all do!)
but I just had to share it.
These guys are awesome~~~ENJOY!!

FOR ALL OF OUR TROOPS!

Our newspaper announced today that the 101st will be re-deploying back to Afganistan earlier than we had anticipated. Being from a military background, and living in a military community, this breaks our hearts!

This community depends on our military for more than defending us! It is the lifeblood of our economy and well being. We feel the direct impact of the loss of our "guys", as well as the heartache of the families left behind.

Military wives are amazing! Not everyone could do your job!

Our Celebrate Recovery group has even started a support group just for Military wives and families. I think it may possibly be one of the fastest growing programs we have.

My sister has just started blogging, and posted this video on her blog this morning. I think it's amazing!

We salute you 101st! We love you! And God bless every one of you!!

WE WILL PRAY!!

A TWIST ON AN OLD FAVORITE!

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello , and not too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this.
For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO : Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT : Mac?

COSTELLO : No, the name's Lou .?

ABBOTT : Your computer?

COSTELLO : I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT : Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou .

ABBOTT : What about Windows?

COSTELLO : Why? Will it get stuffy in here??

ABBOTT : Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO : I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT : Wallpaper.

COSTELLO : Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.?

ABBOTT : Software for Windows?

COSTELLO : No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything??

ABBOTT : I just did.

COSTELLO : You just did what?

ABBOTT : Recommend something.

COSTELLO : You recommended something ?

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : For my office??

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO : Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT : I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO : I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. ?What do I need??

ABBOTT : Word.

COSTELLO : What word?

ABBOTT : Word in Office.

COSTELLO : The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT : The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO : Which word in office for windows??

ABBOTT : The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO : I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with??

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO : That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT : It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO : What's bundled with my computer??

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT : Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO : I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT : One copy.

COSTELLO : Isn't it illegal to copy money??

ABBOTT : Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO : They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT : Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT : Super Duper computer store. Can I help you??

COSTELLO : How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT : Click on 'START'...........

When I got to work this morning, I looked up and saw this ......in the Bradford Pear Trees. Do you see it? ONE red leaf. That reminds me that fall is on the way. I love so many things about fall! It's just so refreshing after he heat and humidity of Kentucky summers.

This is a common sight (and smell) on my way to work in the fall. Kentucky tobacco barns.
There is nothing like them. It's very common to get tied up in a "traffic jam" of 10-15 tractors driving down the highway hauling tobacco leaves. They hang the leaves in a barn and smoke them. What a wonderful smell that gives off! I guess you have to live in the country to really appreciate it. It's a very unique smell, and the air is thick with it.

This is Main Street of the town I work in. I LOVE this place! It is very often compared to Mayberry. This is a small town, and everyone knows or is related to everyone here. Businesses are still closed on Sunday, and everyone has a church affiliation. There is actually a VERY heated vote going on in this county next month to end prohibition. it is actually dividing the people of Trigg County.

There is no Walmart here,and you are defined by who your mama and daddy are....and where you go to church!
Every October, this town hosts The Trigg County Ham Festival". It's a blast!

People come from all over the country for this event!

It's all things country!!

There's a carnival, all sorts of music (country, of course), hog calling, food and crafts vendors, and a Gaither type church service on Sundays.

The town gets all decked out with everything "HAM". LOL

There are contests with the best decorated yard and business. EVERY business has their own " mascot".......... Pigs of course!

I'm including pictures....see if you can tell what kind of business they belong to!

"Deputy Hogg"

He belongs to the sheriffs office!

"Hamlet"

He is in front of the local book store!!

"Sue E."She lives at a local restaurant

"Second Hand Rose"

Her home is an antique shop!

"Violet"

She lives at a florist!

You get the idea!

The kick off event to this weekend is this.....

There is actually a competition to get into the Guiness Book Of World Records for baking the worlds biggest ham and biscuit! We've made it several times! There was a special oven built to accommodate this bugger! It takes LOADS of people hours and hours of mixing, measuring and rolling to make this happen. After the official measurement is taken and submitted, it is cut up and pieces are sold to raise money for the festival!
I can't wait for the fall! I'll be one of these people visiting the vendors, and eating the goodies!

Ya'll come!!

WHY I WEAR FLATS !

I know you aren't supposed to laugh at things like this but....
This is why I always wear flats!

Needing a bit of bloggy help!

OK, by now most of you have heard the story of my brother Mike.

I miss him terribly!!

Mike passed away June 27th of this year after a long hard battle with kidney cancer.

Not only was Mike a great man of God...but he was an awesome graphic artist, as well as a published poet.

After he died, I found a binder of about 300 poems that Mike wrote. They made me laugh....they made me cry! They really told the story of my brothers heart.

Now for the help part......

I would love to have these poems bound into a paperback book (that he named when he put the binder together). It is my intention to sell the books and give the proceeds to our Relay For Life team ! I think this would be a great tribute to my brother, as well as a great way to raise money for cancer research. I have a list of people all ready that want to buy the book. Our Hospice as agreed to sell them, as well as a few friends we have that own businesses.

Great idea right??? I just need to know where to start!

Does anyone have any ideas about self publishing a book? I know we did them fairly inexpensively as church cookbooks. When I contacted that publishing company, they tell me they only do cookbooks! Grrrrrrr

I've found a lot of that.

There HAS to be a company or a way to do a small paperback book that will not cost an arm and a leg! I'm not looking to sell them in a bookstore, or get royalties....I just want a simple paperback of Mikes work.

Any suggestions???

19 ???? OMG!!

Have you seen this news today?

The Duggars are expecting baby #19!!
That's 19 !!
That poor woman!
Don't get me wrong....I think they are such a sweet family, and I love the fact that they are self-supporting (unlike the octo-mom)....but 19!

I love big families. There were 7 of us!
I've known several people that have large families through adoption, or other circumstances.
But 19 pregnancies ?????
That poor woman's uterus! It must be worn out by now.
I'm amazed that she's still healthy enough to bear children.

Her last baby is only 5 months old. When does her body ever get to recover?

What do you all think?

WINNER WINNER ...CHICKEN DINNER!

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway!

This was my first one, and so much fun!

A special thanks to Jill for offering to help me with this. I hope to do 100 more post, and then some.

Chuck was outside working on his bicycle, and I interrupted him to pick the winner. Pardon the grease! lol

The winner of my giveaway is Robyn at An Alaskan Family!
Congrats Robyn! I look forward to your new look!!

Robyn's family is in need of some special prayer right now. Hop over and show her some bloggy love!

Don't Forget My Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter my blog giveaway!
Jill , at Blogs By Sneaky Momma, has offered to do a Sweet Package giveaway with a design kit.
She's also offering the winner 50% off her odds and ends items!

Drawing on Sunday afternoon.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING !!

WARNING!! THIS VIDEO IS VERY GRAPHIC!
However, I feel it's one we must all see, and share with our teens that drive and text. I know they all deny doing this....but this video may save a life!!

100th POST!!

WOOT WOOT!!!! THIS IS MY 100th POST!!

Never when I started blogging did I think I'd meet so many awesome people! I love the blogosphere!
Thanks Renee for giving me the opportunity to become a part of this community!

I started blogging when I won a blog makeover (or a creation in my case) from my friend Renee. I'd been stalking her blog for a while, and she did a bloggy giveaway that I entered and won!

So in honor of my 100th post, and Renee....I'm giving away a blog makeover too!

There are so many talented people out there, and Jill, (a sneaky friend I met through the blogosphere) offered to help me out with this one!

Here's the particulars of this giveaway:
I have arranged for one winner to receive a Sweet Package (a $35 value) and design kit (up to $9) from Blogs by Sneaky Momma. The winner will have the option to add additional items (odds and ends) to their makeover at 50% off the regular price. Blogger blogs only. Commercial blogs are ineligible.

To enter just leave a comment on this blog (required) and tell me why you'd like to win a makeover.
Please leave me your email so I can contact you!

Additional ways to enter: ( leave a separate comment for each thing that you do)
**Follow this blog!
**Follow Jills Blog
**Link to and mention this giveaway in a post on your blog
**Follow Renee's blog

Maximum entries/comments: 6

You have until 3:00 pm (CST) Sunday, August 30th to enter.
I will email the winner, as well as post their name on this blog.
You will have 48 hours to respond to my email , or a new winner will be selected.

Good Luck and Happy Blogging!!

Random Stuff....My Thoughts Today

Gosh, i was trying to think of how to post everything going on in my head today, then I saw this cute button on Robyn's blog....so I stoled it!
Thanks girlfriend! I needed it!

First off, I'm LOVING this weather! It's been in the high 70's to low 80's with NO humidity! I just want to stay outside and play!

I'm so sad!! I blogged last month about my friends Moriah and Don FINALLY being pregnant with their first child. They were sooooo happy! Moriah was even blogging her way through the pregnancy.
Then yesterday I got an email prayer request from our church. Moriah had a miscarriage! Oh my heart aches for them! They were so excited, and had waited so long!
I had just seen a new blog YaYa has created for women that have lost their babies. It's WONDERFUL!! I wrote to Alicia, and she is sending Moriah a grief package. What an awesome idea!
Then I found this blog.
Deb sends out these beautiful handkerchiefs "For Your Tears" shed for your baby.
She is also sending one to Moriah.
These girls are awesome! What a wonderful way to show Mom's that someone cares....that they're not alone!

When Jacob played his first football game last week, we realized that we needed a new camera. Sooooo....Chuck bought me one for my birthday (it was the 20th) ( my birthday, not my age). This camera has a super zoom on it, now if only I can figure out how to use it! lol
Maybe I'll get some good pics of my grandbaby, who is now taller than me!

I'm so glad that doctors have finally decided that your appendix is a useful organ!
I'm not so glad they decided this after they removed mine!




I'm really concerned about the swine flu this year! Do you get a flu shot every year? How are you planning on protecting yourself and your family from swine flu this year?

This is my 99th post! Woot Woot!
Tomorrow (in honor of my 100th post)....I'm having a very "Sneaky" giveaway! You'll have to check back to see what it is.
I promise you won't want to miss it!

Jacob's 1st Football Game!

We've reached a milestone in our family!
My grandson Jacob made the football team this year!


Normally, this wouldn't be such a big thing to us. He's always been a boys boy...but his heart has alway been in BMX and skateboarding. Kristy and Phillip recently made a move to a new town. Jacob was scared! He's 13, and the new kid in town. New friends,and a new school.... UGH.
He had all of the normal jitters any 13 year old boy would have. Will the girls like me? Am I wearing the right clothes?? Am I smart enough?? Will the girls like me??
What if I don't make new friends?? Will the girls like me?
His first day of school, he was sitting in the lunch room and noticed a teacher staring at him. (for a long time)
Jacob asked if he was in trouble, and the teacher said he would be if he didn't try out for the football team! A bit scary since most of his time has been spent on wheels of some sort, and not on his feet! He'd never played football!
But he went to tryouts, and kept going to practice.
The boy is GOOD! The coach says a natural!
Imagine his surprise when he not only made the cut....but he made the "A" team!
Our boy is a starter!

The team had their first game on Saturday night. So the proud Mama and Daddy, along with the VERY excited Nana and PawPaw made the journey to the game.

I took my camera to the game (like I do for all firsts),and Jacob was none too thrilled!


We grow 'em big in KY! This is Jacob with his very proud Mom! He's 13....she's....oh well....you get it..she's the mama. (say thank you Kristy)

Then there was the proud PawPaw...you can see by his t-shirt that he has high hopes for the boy!

We found our seats and the game began!

We got to see him make some nice blocks !!
He actually played 2 positions in the game. Defensive End and Offensive Tackle. We're not sure where he will land permanently yet, but after only 1 week of practice, we were really proud of him!
His team won the game 12-6!!
Woot Woot! Go Rebels!!

You can tell, he was a bit proud of himself too!
It's hard (but very exciting) to watch them grow up!
He was glad that I brought my camera after all, and oh....the girls love him!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Sneaky.....VERY Sneaky!

I love the blogosphere! There are so many people that hang out here, and they're always honest and open themselves up to strangers like me! How awesome that we can "blog hop" and peek into the lives of others without ever meeting them.
You can make some really good friendships through blogging, and find out quickly that you really are not alone in this universe!

I have become friends with one of the most amazing women! Her name is Jill.
Jill is an awesome mommy to 2 girls,a wife, and a super friend. She gives so freely of herself,and is always there to encourage me and lift me up.
She has even created a blog totally devoted to helping newbies,like me,do the blogging thing the right way. This blog is dedicated to blogging tips and creations. She will talk you through (in plain English) things like adding buttons, strike throughs,sidebars, and all of that cool stuff to make your blog awesome!

Today, Jill has asked me to be a "Secret Sneaky Friend" on her blog!
I heart this idea! It's basically a Q&A session with the questions being submitted by her other blog readers!
I thought this was going to be an easy way to open myself up, and let others see a bit deeper inside of me. WOW....was I wrong! You people ask some deep questions!

Hop on over to Jills blog and check it out. (I may have to copy this idea one day!)

And by the way....I'm coming up on my 100th post...WOOT WOOT !!
I'm working on a Very Sneaky giveaway!
Stay Tuned!!

I saw this video over at Daria's blog, and just had to share it!
What an inspiration!



We all need an attitude like this!

WOW! WHAT A SURPIRSE !!

Jacki Jenkins

Cancer Community

Yesterday, I got an email from Dr. Geoff Rutledge at Wellsphere.
Someone there was following my blog, and they asked I would be a featured blogger on their cancer website! Cool !!
I highly suggest you check it out. (The web site...you're all ready reading my blog)
There is a wealth of information about any health concern or condition you can imagine.

Who would have thought that all of my rantings and ravings would be featured as a caregiver on a major web site!

They even created this really cool button for me!
Thanks Dr. Geoff!!

Cash For Clunkers....I Qualify!

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it.. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh,

either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY

A trip to my sisters house

Chuck and I recently took a trip to my sister Deb's house in St. Joseph, Missouri.....
Home of the Pony Express, and Jessee James and his brothers! It's a very cool "Old West" town. Lots of history there. But we were most interested in this........
My family.....
My nephew, Ryan....
My nephews, Mason and Cailyn, and my neice Brooklyn (along with one very tired sister)
This my nephew Shawn (Mason and Cailyn's dad)
We ate ALOT!! My sister is an awesome cook, as well as decorator. She and Mike got all of the talent in the family. the rest of us are just good ol' boys!
Mason is sooooo serious....but don't turn your back on him!
He's quite the practical joker!
Brooklyn was helping us with a family BBQ. She made a fruit salad out of Uncle Chuck!
Deb and Christy (Ryans wife/Brooklyn's mom) were always in the kitchen.
Occasionally, Deb got Ryan to do the yucky work. That's 3 pork loins they are cutting up. This family can eat!
My brother in law, Lonnie, is the grand Chef!
NO ONE touches his grill!!
Even in the pouring down rain!

Poor Lonnie! (note the Ariel umbrella, courtesy of Brooklyn)
Cailyn is the typical boy! His mom tried to teach him to stay out of the rain!
Mason and Parker were always thinking about things to get in to! They got alot of their own pictures.
They call them blackmail!! lol

We had a blast while we were there. It's the first time we've been back to St Joe in years! I miss my family sooooo much!

I'll post more pics of the inside of Deb's house later (it's amazing). We also took several cool mini trips I'll tell about.
St. Joe is an awesome place to visit!