I'm Ba-ack!

I know its been a year since I have blogged, but I'm back anyway. My brilliant plan for catching up on posts? Not gonna do it. Please forgive my absence. So here I am speaking in purple....again.

Fashion Shoot

With Halloween practically upon us, its time again for the kids to come up with costume ideas. Sadie came to me a few days ago, and announced her choice:

"I'm going as a Maude Model!"

Maude is a local boutique owned by our friend Becca. When Big D told Becca about Sadie's costume choice, Becca decided that as a Maude Model, Sadie should be dressed by her. This is the fabulousness that ensued:








We have a FABULOUS daughter.....and great friends!!!

To Those With The Heart of a Lyon.......

I hope you guys are having a great time!!





These are the most recent pictures we have. I will send a better group of pictures soon.
Thank you for taking care of the person I need more than anyone else in this world. Please send him back now....I can't live without him.

Dirty Jokes

This is from an email I received, it was so funny that I had to share it.

Handy Cleaning Tips

Dirt - Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.

Cobwebs - Artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If someone points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them and call them holiday decorations.)

Pet Hair - Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter.)

Guests - If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."

Dusting - If dusting is REALLY out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist that "This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes."

General Cleaning - Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly. Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean.... Works every time.

Another favorite, I think from Erma Bombeck, always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean.

I have to add my own personal cleaning tip. When guests arrive unexpectedly, and the dishes aren't done, stack them up in the oven, shut the door, and wipe down the cabinets!!!!

Shhhhhhh

Sometimes we can ignore what God is saying to us. Other times the message is so obvious that there is no use in denying it.

Since the first week in June, I have been reading the Bible and journal praying four or five days a week. God has sustained me through one of the most trying times in my life, during these quiet meetings of drinking His word and pouring my heart.

Two or three weeks ago, I was reading in Proverbs and kept coming across passages like these:

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

And my personal favorite

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

This is what I've been reading.......and then I walk into church two weeks ago and my pastor has the nerve to talk about the spiritual discipline of......wait for it...........SILENCE.

I have turned these things over and over in my mind. Tried to escape them, without success, and finally landed on the inevitable.

GOD WANTS ME TO SHUT UP.

"It is easier not to meet the eyes of beggers - lest you be required to respond."
-Ryan Jamal (or whomever he stole it from)

I've watched my parents selflessly respond for years.... so many of us don't make eye contact.... like me.

Father's Day

There are three fathers in my life. I respect them all more than words can express.
First, my daddy, he is and always will be a man that I look up to and value. When I think of daddy the word that comes to mind is dependability. I, as well as my five siblings and their spouses and children, can depend on daddy. He has done what he thought was best, even when it flew in the face of the world around him. He accomplished things that seemed impossible for him, given his circumstances, and his life is an example of a person's ability to change their course, and choose what is right. His legacy is found in his grandchildren, most of whom have already professed their faith in Christ, and been baptized by their papaw.
Second, my father-in-law, Stan. My husband's love and genuine affection for his dad, are rarely found in grown men.
When I think of Stan, the word that comes to mind is commitment. I don't know that I have ever encountered someone who is more determined in his commitments. He is committed to his wife and to loving her fully and forever. He is committed to his children and to teaching them what it means to have integrity and choose what is right. His quiet strength is an example to all of us who complain and fight against the things that happen to us in life. I look up to this man, and I am proud that he is my children's grandfather. I hope and pray that his grandchildren will look to his example in the face of adversity and choose what is right, committing to it fully.
The father that means the most to me though, is this one. The one that is raising my children. The one who comes home every night and isn't afraid or unable to hug and kiss his kids. The father who prays with my children. The father who takes the time to explain to our twelve year old the reason behind his decisions and why they are teaching her things she will need to know about life when she's grown, and working, and living on her own. The father who admires his son, and wishes he could be just like him, and tries to find the balance between spurring his son on and pulling him back. The father who saves the silly voicemail messages sent by his baby girl, and plays them over and over again, because he thinks she is so wonderful. This man shows both dependability and commitment, integrity, and endurance. Strength and courage in the face of adversity, patience, kindness and mercy. His legacy will be lived out in the lives of his children and I will forever be grateful to my heavenly Father for putting this father in my life.