The Night The Lights Went Out

I got into my car Monday afternoon and within seconds a storm hit (HARD). Along my drive I saw limbs from trees flying around and an entire tree was blocking one of the roads so only 1 car could pass through. When I got home the lights were out so we decided to go to McDonald's for some playtime on the playground (Olivia, not Rudy and I - although if I thought I could still fit, I would probably try) After an hour or so we were ready for a change of scenery. We decided to go home, change clothes, and go to the gym. Thank goodness we called first....their lights were out also.

Olivia @ McDonald's

So the only choice we had was to sit at home, by candle light, and wait for the lights to come back on. My question is, what did people do before electricity?

I know....they worked hard in their fields...spent time talking as a family...fellowshipped with their friends...read books before dark. We don't have fields to plow (but after all this recent rain our yard is fast becoming one), we love to spend time as a family, fellowship with friends and reading is one of my favorite hobbies. These are not always our choices because electricity provides so many other options. We love to watch television, Austin loves his XBOX, and Paige is a computer addict. So....we got creative, lit a bunch of candles and decided to play farkle. Farkle is a dice game I have been playing with my family for several years now.

This was our set up

I have to admit...we had a lot of fun and the time passed quickly. Olivia won the first game (with a little help from Rudy and I) and just as we finished the second game the lights came back on. Of course then we rushed to catch up on bath time, washing clothes, resetting the clocks, and getting back to what we consider the normal. I think I may take time to catch up on one of my books this weekend. Even though it was a little inconvenient I'm thankful for the night the lights went out.

No Pain ~ No Gain

Last Sunday we started attending a small groups Bible study at Pastor Craig's house. Currently this small group is approximately 20 people but by Christmas we will break up into smaller groups. The study is on the Book of James and this week we reviewed 3 passages:

James 1: 2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 Peter 1:5-7

Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I feel like tonight's study was just for me (I'm sure everyone in the room felt that way). Through all my trials one thing is for sure, when I needed God to show up, He did. I must have a lot of perseverance to produce and character to build because he keeps throwing me the trials. I do know He will not put on me more than I can handle and my faith and hope does grow stronger with each suffering. My hope is that if you are reading this, it helps you understand the grief and trials in your life. Please realize that they will not last forever....so be joyful in sorrow....be thankful in grief.....hope and God's love will be there in the end.

I will always have faith, hope and love.

Road Trip to Lexington, NC

At 3:00 today we locked the doors at work and took a road trip to Lexington (about 45 minutes from Greensboro). The reason was to watch Middle School football. There are 4 of us in our office and each one of my co-workers are like family because I spend so much time with them.

There is Lisa (the boss lady) who is wonderful to work for. She expects no less than your best, rewards us for great deeds and hard work. She is also direct and quick to point out mistakes. I always know where I stand with her and I love her for it. It feels good to get up each morning and look forward to my work day.

Lisa's son, Warren, is # 72

Barry is the Sales and Operations Manager, he's a single father of 2 daughters, 17 and 15. He works hard and gives all of himself to the business and his girls. I admire him for his sacrifice and sometimes wish I had as much drive as he does.

John is the new guy in the office. He's also a Sales/Operations Manager and has been there a couple of months but he's catching on very quickly. He is a perfect fit for our office family.

All 4 of us (and my Husband) headed to Lexington to watch Warren play football. Now...having girls, I have not been to a Middle School football game since I was enrolled in Walter J. Baird myself. I was SHOCKED at the size of these kids and they played football like High Schoolers.

Warren, #72

Unfortunately they lost 22-14 but win or lose doesn't matter because these kids are learning a valuable lesson for life. They are working together to accomplish the same goal....score 8 points!! (Yes I said 8 points because they get 6 for a touch down and 2 for extra points) They are training for their future.

I never looked at it this way but it's exactly what Lisa, Barry, John, and I do every day. We work together to get the job done!

Change of Plans

I was so excited about writing tonight because I was going to tell you all about our Co-ed Church softball league but......there has been a change of plans. Due to the rain (for the past 5 days) the game has been postponed so I will save that story for another day.

Isn't changed plans the story of our lives? I like to think ahead, organize, get prepared, schedule events, plan my life with every detail to make it easy for me and the ones I love. I have a calendar on our refrigerator and anytime we plan something it goes on that calendar. It's the only way I can keep up with everyone. So you get the picture.....I really like to know ahead of time what the plans are. The problem is.....it doesn't always go accordingly.

My entire life has been a domino effect of changed plans. I wanted to go to college to earn an accounting degree because I LOVE math and it would allow me to have my own business....instead I got married and had Paige within a year of graduating High School.

I wanted to have happy healthy children that grew up and experienced life together, instead I suffered heartache at the loss of 3 of my children and my daughters are so far apart in age (11 yrs) that it seems like 2 different families.

I wanted to be married to the same man all of my life because it is so rare these days....instead I divorced after 17 years of marriage.

I wanted to spend my life close to my family because they are all so important to me....instead I moved away.

The good news is God changed these plans for me because that was HIS plan

Suffering the loss of my children has given me gratitude beyond belief for Paige and Olivia. I appreciate every kiss, every hug, every touch of their hands because I know in an instant it can be taken away. Yes, they're 11 years apart but it has allowed me to enjoy each of them more one on one. I probably couldn't have handled them close to the same age.......Thank you for that Lord.

These are my children and they are HAPPY

If I had stayed married to the same man, I would not know the deep love of my Husband, Rudy. Because of his support I have a closer relationship with God, a greater appreciation for happiness, and a understanding of what is really important in life. He's my best friend, my teammate, my confidant, and I share EVERYTHING with him. I have learned that taking care of someone isn't loving them but being taken care of sure feels a lot like love. Thank you Rudy for taking care of me, I was broken and God mended me by sending me the gift of you.

Rudy and I

Moving away from TN was a traumatic experience but I have concluded that it's been rewarding also. Visits with my family are not as frequent as I would like but you can bet I appreciate every second I spend with them. I took them for granted. They were right there beside me my entire life and I was too dependent on them. Moving 7 hours away has allowed me to become a stronger, more independent woman, and I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that my family is in my heart, therefore is never too far away (telephones help too, it puts them in my ear). If you ever need a humbling experience, move away, it will change you.

John (Brother), Carol (Step-Mom), Olivia, Dad, Me, Mom, Paige, and Kelsey (Niece)

My goal is to plan on the good, prepare for the bad, and pray that when changed plans happen.....I have God and family to get me through.

Family Dinner ~ At Home

On my way home tonight I thought about how busy our lives have become and we rarely have family dinners anymore. My step-son Austin is in college and working a full time job in the evenings. Paige is unpredictable on when she's here (usually Thurs-Sat night but always subject to change). Rudy and I are playing co-ed softball on Tuesday and Thursday nights, in Bible Study on Sunday nights, and usually so behind on sleep that we're too tired to cook anymore and that makes me sad. I have always enjoyed fixing meals but my favorite part is sitting down together to say the blessing (That is Olivia's assigned job that she gave to herself), to eat, to share our day, to laugh, to catch up on conversations we otherwise wouldn't have....because we're too busy.

It's kind of funny that this is so one of my favorite family times because when I was growing up eating was torture. I remember falling asleep many nights at the dining room table because I didn't want to eat my dinner. I was so picky as a child that I ate 1 item at a time and no food could touch or I wouldn't eat it (not so picky anymore). My Mom took me to the Dr. once because she was afraid I wasn't getting enough nutrition in my diet. Come to find out peanut butter and crackers is loaded with protein so he told her not to worry.

Anyway.....I decided to stop at the store this afternoon and make a family meal tonight. Everyone seemed surprised.

We had pork chops dipped in melted butter and cracker crumbs (with a small amount of creole seasoning). I baked them in the oven on 375 for 45 minutes. Rudy made homemade mashed potatoes (I taught him well - and a big THANK YOU for his help), brussel sprouts, and crescent rolls. I even made homemade banana pudding. It was a hit!

Rudy, Austin, Olivia and I enjoyed our meal as we talked, laughed, and ate together. We even got a surprise visit from Brandon, my step-son who lives 4 hours away. He goes to college in Wilmington, NC. He was too late for dinner but I fixed him some banana pudding to go.

It was worth every effort it took to get us all to that dining room table tonight....tomorrow we will all be too busy. Praise God for family dinners at home!

My Firstborn Is All Grown Up

On November 23, 1991 @ 4:44 AM I gave birth to a 5 lb 8 oz baby girl. I instantly fell in love. She had a full head of hair and blue eyes (until the age of 5 when they turned green like mine). I was only 18 years old that day but I grew up fast, with the responsibility of a new life I found purpose for mine. She's been joy and she's been heartache but she's always been my child and I would not trade a lifetime with her for all the money in the world.

This past Saturday we drove to Danville, VA to pick up her Senior pictures. It takes an hour to get there, we had lunch @ Subway (her choice), shopped @ Target, then an hour back home. I cherish the times I'm with her and we had really good conversation. I don't think we ever stopped talking the whole time. I was sad when we got back to the house because I knew her agenda would change fast.....she would be thinking about what her plans were for the night. Instead she stayed with me until around 8:30 so....I colored Paige's hair (with the help of Olivia)

I wanted to share a few of her pictures because I think they are beautiful.

This is my favorite Sr. picture.

This is the one she picked to go in the yearbook. They don't use traditional pictures anymore

I had this same pose for one of my Sr. pictures so I had to get this one. She looks exactly like me in this picture.

The traditional picture.

3 weeks ago, the day we went to pick out her pictures, they had it on a CD and showed them as a slideshow with music. They had taken 95 pictures and somehow I narrowed it down to 7 (You have to be kidding me).

I started crying on picture 5 because my firstborn is all grown up.

God has blessed me so much with that 5 lb. 8 oz. gift....I love you Paige.

Retail Therapy Followed By A Fashion Show

With Fall almost here, I felt the need to spruce up Olivia's wardrobe. She still has clothes that fit from last year but she has grown 6 inches since October of 2008. I know this for a fact because she has a measuring chart in her room and she reminds me often to see how big she is...47" the last time we measured on September 16th, 2009.

So....we took a trip to Old Navy tonight. It was just me and Ms. Olivia....they were having great deals (I am such a sucker for a sale). As we were leaving Friendly Center mall we passed by McDonald's (big mistake). There are so many directions I could have taken to avoid going by the McDonald's but I was too excited about all the money I just saved.

"Mom, let's go to McDonald's so I can play....I have been such a good girl"

And she had been good so we went.

After we got home I had an idea to have a fashion show and let me take pictures of her new outfits (so MeMe could see). It was a great idea......

This is the first outfit. Hair done courtesy of Olivia Rollins. Attitude courtesy of her Mom

I love this one with her Old Navy hoodie and cute skirt. Hair courtesy of Me.

Another skirt outfit....we got 3, it's cost effective since she can wear them to Church and school. She insisted on the headband. (Not so sure about that one)

This is my favorite picture...shows her BIG personality.

I may be a little partial but I think she my have a chance at modeling and for all of you that really know her, you will agree when I say acting is absolutely in her future.

Thank you God.....this is a night I will always treasure.

My Original Home Place

Lebanon, TN

As a child Lebanon seemed to be a small town but it's amazing how much it's grown during my lifetime.

I grew up on North Hatton Avenue with some of the best friends a child could ask for. Rachal, Rob, Donnie, Mindy, Jody, Danielle and I owned that street, literally, we were on it constantly. We didn't have to worry about being abducted (our parents never allowed us in the house if the sun was up) so we rode our bicycles all over town. My bicycle was red and I wore it out.

I can remember going to Sonic on West Main Street and looking for peppermints that were dropped on the ground, it was a treat and we thought we hit gold. We played in the creek and on the playground behind the First United Methodist Church. When we walked through our neighbors yards to get to the Church, they didn't get angry, they came out to socialize. Mr. & Mrs. Mason were our neighbors to the right, two of the oldest sweetest people I ever met and they had spent their life on N. Hatton Ave. Our neighbors to the left was my best childhood friend

Rachal and I

There was nothing that we didn't do together. Playing, dancing, softball, eating....you get the picture. We were ALWAYS together and all my childhood memories include her. My Dad likes to tell the story of coming home one afternoon and Rachal, Mindy, Danielle, and I were huddled up like football players getting ready for a big play. When he asked what we were doing, I said "Watching kittens being born". He almost died. There in the middle of the living room floor we had my pregnant cat laying on towels giving birth to her kittens. We were very inquisitive children.

Me, Mom, & Rachal

My Mom made all my clothes when I was younger and she was good at it. I wish I had the patience, talent, and time to do that for my children.

I will cherish my childhood memories for as long as God will allow me to have them and I will never forget the place I call home.

Something New

As if I don't have enough going on in my life, I have decided to give blogging a try. This is why ~~

Leigh Ann & Sandra

My most recent inspiration came from my friend Leigh Ann, she is blogging a picture a day to document 1 year of her life. She is on day 9 and I'm already hooked.

Mom & Olivia

This is a way for my Mom to peek into our lives since she is so far away. I miss my Mom everyday and I know posting pictures of the kids and us will make her feel a "little" better.

Jim & Lynn

I gained inspiration from my friend Lynn, she is blogging about her journey as a Fibromyalgia fighter. I find myself drawn to her blog because I can't (or should I say...I don't) pick up the phone and call her everyday so it's a way to keep up with how she's doing.

May God Bless each of you and thank you for helping me start a new chapter in my life.