Lab Potluck at work

A few years ago we started doing potlucks at work. The first year I told everyone that we would do a Gag Gift exchange for our Christmas potluck. I am the only female in the Labs in my building, and I have to be honest, several of the guys complained about having to do the gag gift exchange. Now they all love it, and we have alot of fun with it.

This is for you sis!

An email I got that I liked

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in
a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe..
That my best friends and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When
you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've
had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how
many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change
your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally
different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who
don't even know you.


I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.


I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Appreciate Your Calling

So I just got the book, Starting Your Day Right, a devotion book by Joyce Meyers and I love it. I find that it gives me focus in the morning and reminds me to be the best me I can. In the book she starts by saying that the book isn’t a replacement for Gods Word, but that the book is to give you direction and to remind you that you need to have God clearly insight in order to follow him. If we don’t fill ourselves with the Word, how do we know how to follow him? I have to admit that I don’t spend as much time in the Word as I should. So I have been using this book to help me focus, and really get in the Word rather than just reading threw it.

Here is some of the devotion for October 26th.
Appreciate Your Calling

So we, numerous as we are, are only body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Romans 12:5

Learn to appreciate the call of God on your life. He has a different call for everybody. None of us are called to do all the work that needs to be done, but we can each enjoy the assignments given. We can also enjoy the work God does through others.

Today holds an opportunity to mature in the knowledge of God and to enjoy whatever God has called you to-do. Your part is needed. Ask God early in the day to show you where to use your gifts to help others.

When I read this it reminded me of the Ministry I am involved in at church. And really applies to all ministry. We are all ministers of the word. As the devotion says, God hasn’t called one-person to-do it all. Take the First Impressions Ministry for example. God has called a group of men and women to work together. Some have been called to serve as Greeters, Ushers or at Vision Central; others have been called to serve in Security or the Parking Team. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Lately I had to admit I couldn’t do something. This was a great learning experience for me. Even thought I lead up the First Impression Ministry, it doesn’t mean I have to know everything, or have the ability to do it all. I have my own strengths, and I have weaknesses. God has put people in the First Impressions Ministry who have strengths were my weaknesses are. We work together. Like Romans 12:5 says, So we, numerous as we are, are only body in Christ and individually we are parts of another. This applies to ministries within the church. Some of us are called to minister to children. It’s not a competition of who has the most volunteers in your ministry. We should all want to help each other find what our calling is. When we find our calling, the body comes together as one, and works like a well-oiled machine, so to speak. This applies to churches as well. If we are trying to reach the lost, and share the Word with those who don’t know Jesus; it can’t be one church, it has to be all of us. It’s not a competition. We can enjoy the work he does through others as well.

God also does this in our lives. He puts people in our lives, and we balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Enjoy and press on with what God has called you today. If you don’t know what your calling is, pray, give and serve, and pray, give and serve, and follow his word. If you are faithful and follow him in all the ways he asks you to, he will bless you and reveal your calling when the time is right. Your part is needed. The body can’t function as 100% without and arm or a leg. Are you the arm or leg? We need you. I am needed! Look at your neighbor and say, "I am needed!" Sorry couldn't resist, lol.

Happy 13th Birthday Adam!!

I can't believe my son is 13 years old. Enjoy the slide show with pics from the last 13 years. Lots of good times, and lots more to come.

If we are the body

I haven't blogged in a while. I felt a message in my spirit last week, and wanted to write about it, but it didn't really come together. Then as I listened to my Pastors message on Sunday, it all came together, and I sat down it is just started flowing.

Last week as I was listening to the radio I heard the song, If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. I have heard this song a ton of times, but I heard it in a different way last week. I have heard people refer to Christians as the body of Christ, but I thought it referred to us as a body of people, like a group of people. With this frame of mind, I heard the song as we are the believers, and why isn't Jesus' arms reaching me, why aren't his hands healing me, why aren't his words teaching me. This is a very selfish way of hearing this, and as I think of this, I wonder if this is how a lot of us think, as a matter of fact, I am positive this is how a lot of us think. Sunday my Pastors sermon really brought all of this together. As "Church People", we feel we are entitled to something, like we are owed something. Like my Pastor said, we deserve Hell, it's because of the blood of Jesus that covers me, that we have his grace and are forgiven.

Last week when I listened to this song, this is what I heard:
If we are the body, (we are his arms, legs, hands and heart),
why aren't his arms reaching (our arms are his arms, so why aren't we reaching the lost),
why aren't his hands healing(instead of passing judgment and hurting others, lets accept them and help them heal),
why aren't his words teaching(our words should always reflect him, why are we quick to point out someone’s faults, and tell them everything they are doing wrong, lets teach them how God wants us to live, lets let our words always reflect his love, lets teach them the word),
why aren't his feet going (our feet are his feet, why do we sit on our couch and in service and take, take, take, but not get out and serve, go the distance, go out and find the lost),
why is his love not showing them there is the way (we need to show the love of Jesus to those who do know him, and those who don't know him. We can't be nice to those at church and hateful to the lost because you feel like they aren't living right. And we can't be nice to the lost to reach them, and then be hateful to "church people", because how you act, even if you think no one is looking, is always on display. We have to show them there is a way).

As a church, as the body (Jesus is apart of us) why aren't our arms reaching the lost? Why aren't our hands healing those who have so much hurt in their lives. Jesus was about love, acceptance and forgiveness, why do I see so much hate, judgment, and unforgiveness in "Church People"! Church is scary for someone who comes broken and hurt. They are afraid of the pointing fingers, just like the song says, "It's crowded in worship today, As she slips in, Trying to fade into the faces, The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know, Farther than they know", "A traveler is far away from home, He sheds his coat, And quietly sinks into the back row, The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances, Are better out on the road" It's sad, but sometimes that is exactly what they find. Pointing fingers, whispered words in there direction. Is this how we reach the lost, is this how Jesus reached the lost, No! We have to get our heart right. People are afraid of being judged by “Church People”, not the world. If we judge them, they will feel safer in the world, something is wrong when that is the case. We have to offer them a safe place. Sometimes a simple, "hi, how are you?" can mean so much to someone.

I believe strongly that our actions influence others; we say we are Christians but do our actions display our beliefs. It's not about how often we come to church, or about the fact that we volunteer our time to the church, or the bumper sticker on the back of our car. It's about how we live our lives, how we treat others, and the relationship we have with God when no one is looking.

“Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come, and we are the Body of Christ”

Sunday at my church, when the alter call was given and people responded, I just kept hearing “healing” in my spirit. There was healing taken place because we offered love (the love of Jesus), acceptance (no one pointed fingers), and forgiveness (come how you are, we are all sinners who have been saved by the blood of Jesus).


If We Are the Body
By: Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Chorus (2x)
If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

Every Friday and Saturday in October

Come check out this Haunted House. I will be there helping out every Friday and Saturday in October from 8-1am. See you there.

Hysteria Promo from Jason Isaacs on Vimeo.

Accessorizing your look with jewelry

http://www.azfamily.com/yourlife/learn/stories/accessorizing-clothes-jewelry.7155a36d.html

Check out the link to see how you can change up your look and really jazz up an outfit with the right Jewelry.

Contact me to recieve some Jewelry FREE. My average hostess earns about $200 in Free Jewelry for having me over to show my Jewelry to some of her friends and family.

Come to church with me Sunday

Wow, I have been going to New Vision for 5 years this month. Sunday we will have our first service in our new location, The Vision, across from Jefferson Mall in the old Walmart building. Service is at 10:30am. I invite you to come join me and see the place that helped to teach me about God, and showed me that I can have hope and peace, and that there is a church that offers Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. If you don't believe me, I dare you to come check it out for yourself. This church has impacting me and my family. I hope to see you there.

9/11

8 years ago, I was back at work for the first day from my maternity leave after having Alex. We got a phone call letting us know about the terror attacks. I will never forget that day, and my prayers continue to go out to the families and friends who grieve for there loved ones who were lost that day.

Alex says...

Alex: I think I'm going to get a new girlfriend.

Me: well, how are you going to do that?

Alex: I don't know, I will ask Adam for advice...no wait.. I will ask Dad because Adam doesn't have a girlfriend.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

25 Years Together

My parents renewed there wedding vows this weekend for there 25th wedding anniversary. My dad wanted to do something special for my mom this year for there anniversary, so a few months ago, he asked my mom to marry him again. When my parents were married 25 years ago, they went to the court house and were married by a judge. So they never had a wedding. So me and my sisters helped my mom plan her wedding. All the planning paid off because it was definitely a day to remember. The sanctuary was decorated in purple and silver, and it was filled with our family and friends. Me and my sisters along with our husbands and kids walked down the aisle before my parents walked down to Then by Brad Paisley. Pastor David conducted the ceremony, and my parents said there vows. Curtis and Charmain Bridgemen sang Bless this Broken Road by Rascal Flatts while a photo slide show played with pics from the past 25 years. Stacey and Will read a poem. Once my parents were pronounced once again as husband and wife, they walked back down the aisle to Footloose, which was there first date. We had a dinner reception, and my parents cut the cake and had there first dance. Me and my sisters toasted to my parents, and then we danced and had a great time celebrating with my parents and our family and friends. My toast to my parents. Today we celebrate 25 years of marriage between my parents. 25 year ago we also became a family. 9 years later Ashley was born, and over the next 16 years our family was complete with the addition of 2 son in laws and 4 grand kids. Daddy, A lot of people say that mommy is the best thing that ever happened to you, and that is probably true, but I want you to know that you are the best thing that ever happened to us. So today I honor you as a couple and as my parents. My dad meet my mom when me and my sister were just a few years old. I have watched my parents grow in there love for each other, and it really does seem like they love each other more and more each day. They are amazing parents, and role models for me and my sisters. They love with all they have, and would do anything for you. I can honestly say that I have the best parents I could ever ask for. I love you mom and dad.

my boys

Alex put his Sunglasses on, looked at Little Adam and said, "you might have to fight the girls off of me."

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He blessed me with Jewelry and so much more.

As some of you know I am an Independent Distributor for Premier Designs Jewelry. I just started my 6th year as a Jeweler. I do Premier part time. I love the flexibility and the fact that I make great money for fun work. I get to take my Jewelry and share if with a hostess and her friends and family and I make 50%. You can't beat that. Well it does get better, my hostesses earn on average $200-$300 in free Jewelry. I came across this post on a blog and had to post it on my blog. It sums up what Premier is all about. Premier has really been a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to make extra money, meet some amazing women, and I have grown spiritually as well. Premier has helped me come out of my shell. It all started with a few pieces of Jewelry.

Premier Designs - A Different Kind of Company

y'all

I say y'all all the time and Adam hates it. He says, "babe it's you all, not y'all." I got an email and had to post this line just for him.

In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.

Love it.

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I need girl time!

I am surrounded by men! I have nothing but guys at home (laila doesn't count she won't let me paint her nails). And I work around all guys. Today at lunch we were on a discussion about how men and woman communicate. There is little ol' me, with 6 guys. I was out numbered. When they say Men are from Mars and Women are form Venus, I totally agree.

why did God invent bugs?

My niece, Adrianna, asked my sister why God invented bugs because they serve no purpose? Jacqueline told her she didn't know, and that she would have to ask God. So Adrianna is bound to get to the bottom of it, so she asked for God's phone number. So Jacqueline tells her that you can't call God on the phone, you just talk to him outloud. So Adrianna looks up to toward the sky, and asks God why he invented bugs. She is in kindergarten. Had to share it, it made me laugh.

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Mom

I had lunch with my mom on Saturday and even though it was a simple lunch, it sparked something in me and I needed to Blog about it.

I know that my mom is an amazing women. I know that the relationship we have is special. However I think sometimes we still catch ourselves taking that for granted. I have had a few of my friends lately tell me that what I have with my family is special, and to cherish every minute of it. I thank them for that, because at times I know I take it for granted. Not that I take advantage of it, but that it is simply normal to us, and I think sometimes I think it is always going to be there. In reality, it will not. I look at my husband, and how he lives everyday without the living influence of his mother. She is always in his heart, but she died when he was 17, and that has greatly affected his life. Some of my friends and family do not have a close relationship with there mothers, and some do not have there mothers in there lives. I can't imagine what that would be like, and my heart goes out to them. They remind me to value the wonderful mother that God has placed in my life, and I thank them for that. I rely on my mother so much. She is my rock. I don't tell her nearly enough, and I don't think anything I can ever tell her or do for her would ever make up for what she means to me.


Mom,
I don't tell you enough what you mean to me, so I will say it here for you and everyone to see. Mom, I love you. And I don't thank you enough for everything you do and for what you are to me. Your heart is the kindest I have ever known. You have the strongest shoulder to carry every ones burdens, and yet they are soft enough when a shoulder is just what we need to lean on. You are there no matter what we need, not just in the good times, but in all the times. Thank you for not giving up on me when I disappointed you. Thank you for holding my hand threw the worry, crying with me during the sadness, laughing with me, and celebrating in the good times. You seem to know when I need advice, and when I just need to talk, you seem to know exactly what I need. Thank you for accepting me and what I believe. You are the best grandmother for my boys, and I hope that they know how blessed they are to have you in there lives. We are the most loved people because of your love. You are not only these things to us, but to our friends as well. You are not only a mother, but also a friend. I know that I can talk to you about everything. Thank you for being there when I was sick, for doing what ever it was that I needed and what ever you could to make me feel better. Thank you for the little things. Thank you for coming to the boys games, and school performances. Thank you for picking the boys up from school when we need you too. Thank you for meeting me at the hospital when Adam was in his car accident. Thank you for helping me with my school work during college. Thank you for all the birthday dinners, and cakes. Thank you for being stricked on us growing up when we needed it, and for giving us room to be us when that was what we needed also. Thank you for being who you are, and for helping us learn who we are as well. I love you mom.

Your loving daughter,
Angela

Saturday was a simple lunch between a mother and daughter, but I know that Adam would do anything just to have a simple lunch with his mother, and I have to cherish those moments with her.

Key West

Ok, so Key West was awesome. I don't even know were to begin. First of all, I can't think of anyone else who I would have rather gone with, Stac, I had a blast with you, and the best part of the trip was going with you. I know I said the Para sailing was, but it was really going with you, lol. There is just something about going on a trip with a friend. This was a first for me, along with many other first on this trip.

We stayed in a bed and breakfast, and I would stay there again. It had that Key West feel. We went snorkeling (I had alittle anxiety), para sailing, kayaking, swam in the middle of the ocean (alot of anxiety on that one, just ask Stac), and did Jet ski's. That was our Ultimate Adventure, and it was awesome. Here are some pics, more to come. We spent one day at the beach, we did alot of walking, and shopping, and bike riding (the way to get around Key West), and laughing, and sunbathing. It was a blast. We also got tattoo's (yes, that is plural mom). I can't put it in words, it was just awesome. Enjoy the Pics.

Ashley is on a roll!

Me: "what day do you have tutoring at school."
Ashley: "I dont know, all I know is there is 5 days in a week, and I just hope the last one comes soon."

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randomness

Alex says..."I think I'm going to wait until I'm 10 to get advertised."
He meant baptized. LOL

Ashley says...
"Mom, will you take me to target to get some of my pictures printed off my digital camera?"
Mom: "Ashley, you have to plan things like that, you can't just run all the time."
Ashley: "but mom, I've been thinking about it in my head all day."
Mom: "that doesn't count as planning."

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It is FINALLY here

OK, it's here, and I know some of you are sick of hearing about it, but in less than 24 hours, I will be on a plane headed to Key West for Vacation. I am so excited. This is a first for me, and a vacation full of firsts. This is my first Vacation without Adam and the boys, I am sure I will miss them like crazy, but I am looking forward to the girl time with my Bestie. My vacation will be full of Sun, Sand, Water, Sunscreen, Wild Chickens (it's illegal to kill chickens in Key West), snorkeling, parasailing, shopping, and good food. I will be blogging about my trip while I am gone, so check back to see pictures and hear about my adventures.

Funny Randomness

So yesterday Little Adam asked me which anniversary I think will be our best. I said probably our 50th, because you guys can throw us a big fat anniversary party. Alex says, "yeah mom, cause you and dad will be real old, I mean real old!"


If you have a weak stomach, don't read this. I have boys, so this stuff doesn't bother me.
We had Moe's for dinner the other night. When we got home, Alex has to use the restroom. Adam and I are in our room, and Alex is narrating from the restroom, "here comes the taco"! LOL sorry, couldn't resist.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Happy Anniversary

Today Adam and I celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary. 7 years ago on a rainy day in April, we pledged to love one another forever in front of our family and friends. This was a very emotional day because it was a long time coming. Adam and I meet in high school, and had our first son within a year of meeting. We were engaged twice. The first time, I think we got engaged because it was what was expected of us. We had been together since High School, we had a child, and it was the next step, in an out of order sequence of steps for us to take. We were so young and had alot of learning, and growing up to-do. We made our share of mistakes, and we did grow up, and we just so happened to do it together. We had one thing that held us together stronger than anything, and that was Little Adam. Adam was bound and determined to be there in his sons life. To be honest, I really didn't want to be one of those couples who got married because it was what we had to do, so that is why there were two engagements. The second one happened because it was right for us. We got married not because of a sequence of events that lead to it, but because we were ready to stand before our family, friends and God, and really mean the words that we spoke. The whole day itself was a bit of a blur. I have pictures that bring back the memories. I remember how cute Little Adam looked in his Tuxedo that was exactly the same as Adam's. I remember how much Adam embarrassed me when he did his little dance before the garter toss, it was priceless. I remember my cousin who was in the wedding, showing up with a black eye, again priceless, but that didn't matter to me, because he was there. I remember how it felt to have our two families separated my hundreds of miles, come together and celebrate with us. I remember dancing with my dad. I remember the blend of Hip Hop, Country and Latin music that entertained us at the reception. It was one day that represented us. There were 6 years of us before, and many years of us to come after, but that one day was about us. Happy Anniversary Babe.

Just some funny things my kids say...

OK, so last night me and the boys were coming home from dinner after Church. Adam was home in bed by this time, and we went to one of his favorite restaurant, so I wanted to take him home some rolls. Now don't think he was getting the wrong end of the deal, he loves the rolls. So we are walking to the car, and Alex was carrying the box. He drops it, the box opens and the rolls all land on the ground. As I was picking them up, Alex said, "since it's April fools can we put them in the box and daddy can still eat them?".

So on the way home Little Adam was telling me about his bet with his Dad. I guess it could be labeled as bribery, Yes, we bribe our kids! Last year Little Adam was known as 'Walkman' on his baseball team, because he has a great eye, and he always walks. So this year Adam tried to give him incentive to hit the ball. Adam told him if he has more than two hits that he will buy him the new Halo game. So Alex chimes in and says he is going to tell dad that if he gets more than 3 hits that we have to buy him an iPhone. Lol. Yeah. Alex is really working us to get him an iPhone. Little Adam bought one with his own money, and it is killing Alex that he is the only one in the family that doesn't have one. I told that wasn't going to happen. So he said, "Well, I will just have to use the puppy dog face on Dad." Little Adam said, "Alex, Dad is puppy dog face proof, it doesn't work on him like it does mom!"

Come Join us at NVMC this Easter

My 29th Birthday

This year for my birthday we didn't have much planned. My birthday was this past Saturday and I couldn't have asked for better weather, 80's in March. Last year on my Birthday we were snowed in with 8 inches of snow and ice. What can I say, we live in Kentucky, you never know what you are going to get. I had a hair appt scheduled for that morning so I went and got my hair done at my stylists new Salon. I have been going to Tracy for over 8 Years, and I was excited to see her new salon. It is amazing. Very contemporary, the salon is called Fierce, and fierce it is. After my hair appt, I headed home. Adam and the boys planned to take me to dinner because my mom wanted us over for cake at 8pm. So we headed downtown, our destination was a surprise to me. I love surprises, so I didn't ask. We pulled into the parking lot at Joe's Crab Shack, and I immediately remembered that they love to embarrass you on your birthday. In the past I have had to stand on a chair while people sang happy birthday, and when I graduated college, I had to ride around the restaurant on a stick pony and say I graduated while people sang happy graduation to me. So I started to get very nervous. As we walked to the restaurant, I saw some familiar faces at a distance. I realized that Adam had surprised me with my family and friends on my birthday. I was very surprised and excited. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. We had a great time, and in case you were wondering, I had to wear a hula skirt and a straw hat and do the hula dance while standing on a chair as people sang Happy Birthday. There is a video floating around somewhere.

So to all my family and friends who were there, thank you for taking the time to celebrate my Birthday with me. I love you all, and couldn't imagine not having you in my life. To Adam, thank you honey for surprising me on my Birthday even though you don't like doing stuff like that.

Call from School

So I get a call from school today. Considering all the sickness going around, I expected them to say Alex was sick. Instead they inform me that Alex took his cell phone to school and it rang in the middle of class. So they took it away, and me or Adam have to pick it up. Alex knows this is a no no. He just got a cool hand me down phone from his brother, so I'm sure he took it to show his buddies. We might have to rethink the cell phone for Alex.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Uncle Bob

I just want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers these past two weeks. For those of you who didn't know, my Uncle Bob had a Massive Stroke Two weeks ago Sunday. He Passed away this past Tuesday.

The stoke left him paralyzed on his right side. When I went to see him, he opened his eyes, but it was so hard to not be able to hear what he was thinking. He was on a ventilator at the time. I kissed his forehead and told him that I loved him and that Adam and the boys loved him too. The next day Aunt Mae made the dicision to remove the Ventilator, the feeding tube and IV. We all knew that was what Uncle Bob wanted. I am sure it was the hardest decision she ever had to make. We continued to pray that he would get strong and make a full recovery. I know how big God is and what he is capable off. I also know that God has a plan, and that it could have been Uncle Bob's time to go. I started to pray for God's will. I prayed for peace for Aunt Mae and the family. Last Tuesday Uncle Bob passed. He was a man of God, and I know were he is today, Heaven.

Uncle Bob was my Great Uncle on my Dad's side. My dad grew up in a very close family. My Memaw and Aunt Mae were sisters. My Memaw, Pepaw, Aunt Mae and Uncle Bob were always together. Some of you have meet them at the boys birthday parties. They would drive from livermore because family meant everything to them. Uncle Bob and Aunt Mae had 4 kids, Angie, Berry, Tony and Vickie who died when she was a child. For my dad and his bother Darren, growing up with Angie, Berry, and Tony, they were all like siblings. I love to hear my dad tell stories of growing up in Livermore. So when they all grew up and had kids, us kids all grew up together. Holidays and weekends at Memaw and Pepaws meant fun with my cousins. Angie is an Aunt to me, and Berry and Tony are my uncles just like Uncle Darren is. We grew up as a very close family full of traditions, and just spending time together. Every thanksgiving and Christmas Day we spent at Memaw and Pepaws who lived right across the street from Uncle Bob and Aunt Mae. The whole family would pile in the two houses, and we would always eat dinner at Memaw and Pepaws, which used to be my Granny's house.

At the funeral they spoke of Faithfulness. My Uncle Bob was faithful to the Marine Corp. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Marine Corps after 23 years of service, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was faithful to his church. He was a member of the Livermore United Methodist Church, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and had also served as Mayor for the City of Livermore. He helped to establish the Veterans Memorial in Livermore. But most importantly, he was faithful to his family. He was faithful to his wife of 55 years. They said his greatest fear was not of dying, it was of Leaving Aunt Mae behind. They spoke of how he would be asked to go and help with something, and there were so many times he would, but most of the time he would say, "No, I think I will stay with Mae." He loved his family and we loved him. My cousin Shilah and I are very close, and even though Uncle Bob was her Pepaw, he was like another father to her. They had a bond like no other. Shilah's husband, Chris, wrote a song for Uncle Bob called Flowers, and it was played at the funeral. It is on my myspace, check it out, it's beautiful. The funeral was complete with Military Honors, and Uncle Bob would have been proud.

When my memaw died, and I broke down because I couldn't leave my pepaw, Uncle Bob reassured me that he would be OK. He would joke with me about my hair color of the month, and then he would always tell it to you like it was also. He called Little Adam his Little Marine. He gave Little Adam a pocket watch with a the Marine Logo on it alittle over a year ago, and Little Adam cherishes that watch. Little Adam has said for the past few years that he wants to be a Marine when he grows up. When we would visit, Little Adam and Uncle Bob would disappear and we knew they were somewhere together, and uncle bob was showing him some of his medals, or certificates, or pictures. I am so blessed that the boys will have those memories of Uncle Bob.

Everything I knew growing up is changing. The family I grew up with, leaned on, and looked up to is different than before. Change isn't always bad. It's sad to say goodbye, and miss those you love, but I know my Memaw and Uncle Bob are in a better place. They are no longer in pain. I know I will see them again one day.

Just like the Marine Corp hymn says, I'm sure he's guarding heaven's gates standing up straight and proud.

Sickness go away

So I have been sick for alittle over a week. It started as a Virus, and really had me down and out last week. But this weekend I have a full schedule, so I had to suck it up and get things done. Well, that made the sickness linger, and I had to go back to the Dr yesterday. I have Bronchial inflammation, and I am taking steroids. Well technically, I am not taking them yet. I dropped off the prescription last night, but didn't feel like going back out to get the meds. So this morning my mom sent me an email asking how I felt. I told her pretty much the same because I didn't pick my meds up. So she replied back with a whole lot of (*&%&%$%$#^%*&^)(*&)(*^&%$*&)()^(&^$^$#&!!! She got onto me for not taking care of my self, and not telling her because she would have gone and got them for me. I know she would have, but she has alot going on too, so I didn't want to bother her. I asked her if that was her cursing at me, and she said Yes! Lol. Don't mess with momma. lol. So she told me next time don't lay there and suffer. So nobody better mess with me, cause you don't want to make my momma mad. And Mom, I know you are reading this, so I will go get my meds as soon as I get off.

Come and See

Looking back, I see were God has brought me from, and I see how he was working in my life before I even acknowledged him. About 5 years ago I had a dream that I will never forget. I dreamt that Adam and me had died. We were standing there in front of God. God told me I got to go to heaven. I asked about Adam, I told him it didn’t matter to me were I went, I wanted to know that he got to go to heaven. I can still remember how I felt even though it was a dream. God told me that we both got to go to heaven. Then there was my mom and my aunt Susan with our son Little Adam. Adam and I had to say goodbye to him. I wondered how I could do that. There was no way. But we had too, he couldn’t go with us. I woke up in tears. I couldn’t control the tears or my anxiety. I wasn’t saved, I didn’t know if I died if I would go to heaven. I wanted my husband and my son, my family and friends to go to heaven too. The morning I woke from my dream I went to work, and as I was sitting in front of a dishwasher running a test, my co-worker walked over to me and handed me a bible. I started to cry. He had no idea about my dream, but I know that it was God. As scared as I was, I was also scared of church. I had been turned away from another church because we had our son while I was 16 and Adam was 17. We lived together before we were married. These are all things that I was told were bad in God’s eyes. I couldn’t look at my son and see anything bad, he was a blessing, so I was angry that anyone would suggest that having him was bad. I just wanted someone to accept me and teach me despite of my past, I wanted someone to see that I wanted to know God. I was scared of being rejected, something I would constantly struggle with. One year later another co-worker invited me to New Vision. She knew of my past and never judged me. She told me that the people at New Vision would welcome me with open arms. I saw the love, acceptance and forgiveness first hand, and I longed to be in that atmosphere. That is what got me to church, a sense of being accepted. Along the way I learned about God, his love for me, and his will for my life. I have been on fire for God ever sense. New Vision is a place that you can come with all your baggage, and there are people that will teach you how to lay it at his feet, and give your burdens to him. Knowing God will give you a freedom like no one or nothing else can give you. I invite you to come and check it out. This Sunday join me at NVMC.tv at 6907 Outerloop. Service times are 9am and 11am. I hope to see you there.

Im stuck!

I have so much in my mind, and heart but I just can't get it all down on paper! I feel clogged up, in a good way.

We got Forked

We got Forked Saturday night. A few of our friends from church forked our house Saturday night, so we woke to the surprise Sunday morning. If you are like my mom, you might not know what forked means. You take white plastic forkes and stick them in the ground with the handle up. They were all over the yard.

Lesson learned: Laila and Trinidad are not good guard dogs.

I only have one word to say...revenge. lol

Pop

My Pepaw passed away on Sunday. He and my Memaw were staying in a hotel because they lost there power in the ice storm like so many of us. Saturday he had a hard time breathing and my Memaw called the ambulance. He died Sunday morning at the age of 91. He and my memaw were married for 64 Years. I was at church when my sister called to tell me. The first thing I told her was that I told him we would come down and go fishing with him, and we didn't. Then I started thinking of all the times I could have gone to visit, but something else came up. At that moment, I was filled with regret. Regret for not spending as much time with my family as I could. Regret is the hardest part of grieving.

Growing up, me and my sister, Jacqueline were close to my Memaw and Pepaw. We would spend summers at there house, playing in there wooded backyard going on adventures. My cousin Kristina was always there too. The three of us would have so much fun. My Pepaw had a workshop where he would make all sorts of things. I still have alittle rocking chair that he made for my dolls, it's in my office and I think of him every time I look at it. You could find him in one of three places. His workshop, in his Garden, or in his chair. My Pepaw loved to garden. He had a vegetable garden and fruit trees. Me, my sister, and cousin would sneak an extra plum every once and a while. They were so good. My pepaw always told us stories, he could tell me anything and I believed every word of it. At the funeral the Pastor said that he was told that my Pepaw had the incredible ability to read a book, listen to the radio and watch TV all at the same time. He also loved his chewing tobacco. My uncle Jack stuck some in his suit pocket at the funeral home. It put a smile on every one's face when they saw it, because they knew he always had it with him. We called him Pepaw, but alot of the family called him Pop. He was a tell you like it is kind of man. That is who he was. I will miss him very much. From all of this, it made me realize that I need to make more time to visit the people that matter to me before they are gone. This is what has been on my mind, thanks for reading it and spending a little slice out of your day to read about my pepaw. So if you can take anything away from reading this post today, make time for those who matter to you.

Eddie James Live at NVMC.tv this weekend!!!!!

Angie Girl's 2008 Highlight Video