Friday, November 27, 2009

thanksgiving

The holiday has technically come and gone. The viddles have been eaten, the movie has been watched, and the sale papers have been sorted for our shopping trip that will begin in about 2 hours. But, I didn't get a chance to write what I am thankful for. As I get older, my list just keeps getting longer, but I'll try not to bore you.

* that my saint of a husband got up early while I was still sleeping to snag a paper at Wal-Mart so we would have the sale papers to peruse. After doing this, he came home and cooked a delicious meal before helping me map out a plan for the morrow.

* that even though we were totally bummed that Shea was not here with us, she did have some friends to share the day.

* that two short weeks from now this semester will be over and there will only be one left to go. hip-hip-hooray!

* that while we are total opposites, my brother and I get along and that he has a precious family to love him.

* that God, in his infinite grace, sees fit to use us daily for His work. That is a tremendous blessing to us.

I hope that today you reflected on those you love and the things for which you are thankful. I could go on and on. I wonder sometimes why I am so blessed while others are less fortunate. We don't have lots of money or many things, but we have the important blessings........family, friends, health, and eternal salvation. God Bless and be safe shopping:)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

the ring

No, no, no.....not the movie! and No, Shea didn't get a ring either (we are still praying for that elusive man to show up--he's somewhere learning how to be a great man before he finds you, Shea!).

Luke's ring....you know, the one that helps to keep the poor Josten's rep his job and suckers souls like me into purchasing. You know the one.....THE EIGHTH GRADE RING! What? you didn't know there was such a thing?(then you haven't been reading my blog b/c I told you all about it here) Well, alas, there is.....and we have the pictures to prove it:)


Here he is wearing it and showing his Patriot's pride!



Kinda hard to see it, but this side features musical instruments--we especially like it because it has a sax on it!



His name and school colors



He's really thrilled with it, and this mom couldn't be happier for him. I cannot believe that the school year going by so quickly and next year he will be in high school. The time passes all too quickly---enjoy it while you can!



good-bye old friend

Each year, we do an open house for our church folks to remind them that we love them and just show our appreciation to them for letting us minister to them. This year, it's on Dec. 6 so I have to start getting ready. So, in preparation, I started my Christmas decorating today. I put up our "big" tree (it's not really that BIG per se, but it's the one that only I am allowed to decorate--some things just have to be perfect!). We got everything out of the building and started going through the boxes to see what we would use. It's exciting for us this year because we haven't really decorated for the past two years. Two years ago we were living in that tiny apartment in ATL and last year we had just moved here so there really wasn't time to go all out. However, in the midst of all of this cheer we are gathering for the season, I feel as though I am betraying an old friend---Thanksgiving.

I love Thanksgiving, and if there were a forgotten or discarded holiday, it is the one. WE just breeze right over it without so much as a second thought. We gobble up the turkey (or ham if you live here), sift through the black Friday ads, and go to the movies. Then, the next morning we are off--up and running early to "start" a holiday that the stores started months ago.

Thanksgiving is about family and friends. This year will be very different for us as we will not be surrounded by either. Now, don't feel too sorry for us--we were asked and declined several invitations. Shea won't be here because of work and we just didn't feel like we could drive to ATL to be with everyone. So, it's just the four of us. We'll still do the normal things, but I still feel a little sad that by Thursday my harvest table will be no more. We will take a few moments to remember what we are thankful for.

I've been posting daily on Facebook what I am thankful for. Someone suggested that the ideas might run out....I don't think so. With so much in my life, how could I ever stop being thankful? Even through the hard times, we should have grateful hearts.

So, good-bye old friend.....see you next year.......gobble....gobble...gobble

Monday, November 23, 2009

christmas shopping

I have found a new love......internet shopping! I have already done about half of my shopping and all of it on the internet. I don't have to pay taxes and the shipping has been free (at least where I have shopped!) I'm still planning on going out on Black Friday and have been perusing the ads at this site, but I'm pretty happy with the progress I have made. Wanna know some of my personal faves?

www.moosejaw.com for those all-important coats and vests for the frigid weather here in the south (LOL)

www.marydoodle20.etsy.com for those personalized shirts for kids (I love these....this is a fairly new site, and she doesn't have a lot of variety yet, but she does good work)

www.stubhub.com for the hard-to-get tickets--this is your place!

www.amazon.com for EVERYTHING!! Who doesn't love amazon with their super saving shipping?

www.half.com for books, movies, music, and video games new and used......cheap!

http://thevintagelane.blogspot.com/ this gal makes necklaces and they are really cute. I haven't ordered anything yet, but I am about to. She just moved to GA, so she obviously has good taste :)

Check out some of these, and let me know if there is something I am missing......I do so love a deal!!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

what would you want to do

I'm sitting here watching Dr. Quinn and this episode is about the townspeople thinking the world is about to end. So, if you knew the world was coming to an end tomorrow, what would you want to do today?

Me? I'd gather my people together to talk and snuggle. We'd talk about all the things that make us family.......laughter, tears, regrets, accomplishments, and the list goes on and on. We wouldn't spend too much time on regrets, though, because that can make a person crazy! I'd memorize their faces so that when we all got to heaven, I'd know them even if they looked different (because, ya know....the Bible says we will all be made new and I intend to be thin!) I'd rejoice in the fact that all five of us know Jesus as our personal Savior and will be able to spend eternity with Him.

Then, I'd call all of those that I know to make sure that they were going to join us in heaven. I would hope that in the face of certain death, people would be willing to listen. It's sad that they aren't willing to listen today...because we do face an uncertain future. One without hope if you don't know Jesus, and I cannot image living like that. Without. Hope. That just doesn't make sense to me.

Lastly, we would go to Bruester's, our favorite ice cream place, and get a ginormous amount of whatever flavor we wanted and eat and share some more. You know, since we don't know if today is our last day, what are we waiting for? I think I'll stop blogging for the night and go memorize some faces............and share some laughs with some of my favorite peeps!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

courageous

The newest movie from the Kendrick Brothers has been announced, and I am pumped! This movie is to focus on fathers, a topic that needs to be addressed within our society. So many fathers today have no idea what they need to do for their children. Many believe that running them from practice to practice or riding them hard to do what he wants is "quality time". I say not so!

As you know, I am a HUGE fan of the Kendricks. I love the positive messages that they portray in their films, and I have seen first-hand what Fireproof can do for marriages. I believe that Courageous can do that for fatherhood. WOW! Using the power of the media in a good way....so exciting.

If you haven't seen any of their films, I urge you to check them out. Get ready, though, the acting is not for the faint-hearted. These films are low budget, but the message is HIGH quality :o)

The Story of Christmas

When I saw that this book was on Thomas Nelson's site to choose from for blog reviewers, I was so excited. I love children's books, and I love Christmas! This book tells the story beginning with the birth of John, which was really the start of this beautiful story. The book tells the entire story in very kid-friendly language without messing up the meaning behind it or taking any of the Bible away from it. The pictures in the book are fun and lively. I used this in my children's church program to help the kids get ready to work on our Christmas program. They loved it, and that is the sign of a good children's book.

This book also includes a DVD. This allows the children to watch the story with the same lively artwork and meaningful story. This combination book/DVD makes a great deal since kids and adults alike can enjoy them both. I would highly recommend this purchase for any child you love and with whom you want to share the beauty of Christ.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

praxis

Well, today I hoisted my body up from the bed at the too early start time of 6. I had to get to Columbia to take the first of three tests that I must pass in order to be "the graduated one" and to be certified to earn some moola. There are rules when taking such a test, and some people do not know how to follow said rules....or I'm going to call them commandments!

  1. Thou shalt not barf during said important test.
  2. Thou shalt not wear a noisy windsuit and then proceed to shuffle furiously around in it during said important test.
  3. Thou shalt oil the doors to classroom when said important test is going on.
  4. Thou shalt not disturb everyone in the room by coming in and out of haunted house sounding door.
  5. Thou shalt not discuss barfing mentioned in #1 with an outside administrator.
  6. Thou shalt not sprinkle foul-smelling stuff to cover odor of foul-smelling barf.

So, let me expound!
  • Yes, someone barfed in the room while the test was going on. TWICE.
  • Yes, a BIG man wore a windsuit and Lord only knows what he was doing when he abruptly got up in said suit shuffled to the administrator, talked to her (think BIG man.....does not whisper), shuffled out of the room, shuffled back into the room, sat down and proceeded to take off noisy wind jacket and shuffle it around looking for something.
  • The door sounded like one of those creaky doors inside a haunted house. And it opened and closed at least 50 times (not kidding).
  • Another test administrator was summoned when the barfing commenced and it was discussed right next to my desk which was right next to creaky door.
  • Our test administrator sprinkled that fruity-smelling stuff (teachers....you know what I'm talking about) over the barf. I wonder....did anyone clean that up? I, thank goodness, was not near the barfing....I'll take the noisy man any day!
So, not a pleasant experience. On top of that, I don't think I did very well....go figure! Well, at least if I have to take the test again, what are the odds of this happening again?

Friday, November 13, 2009

family fest

The WMU for our local Baptist association hosts a Family Fest each year. This year was, of course, our first and we volunteered to help. Stevie and Luke were in charge of the sno-cone machine and had a blast! There were determined to "dress up", hence the hair coloring since they didn't get to dress up for Halloween. We all had a good time. I wonder if you can guess who took these pictures. Could it possibly be the "gadget hog?"



Trying out the first sno-cone



The Sacks of Love table



Oh no! Here come the crowds!!



Debating on which flavor was the BEST!




Having a FABULOUS time!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

prayer requests

Just so you know, I haven't forgotten you.....I have a HUGE project due next week that I must get done. I am also taking the Praxis on Saturday.

So, please keep those two things in your prayers as well as the following situations that I am aware of:

A friend of mine and his wife adopted a baby. The birth parents changed their minds after about a week and a half. My friends are heartbroken.

Another friend of mine was hosting a birthday party for one of their children at their home. The roof of their house caught on fire. Now, they are living in a camper for four months waiting for repairs.

Thanks for praying, and I'll be back soon!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

ain't God good?

Today, I have been watching the blog of MckMama to see how her 1 year old son would do during his emergency, yet somewhat planned, ablation in Boston. The Doctor there didn't expect much in the way of really good results, and in fact, Stellan flat-lined earlier today while they were prepping him. However, because of God's mercy and grace, the word is that Stellan has been cured by this ablation and will not even need a pacemaker. This was a baby who wasn't suppose to make it to term when they learned, in vitro, that he was sick. Then he shouldn't have lived long after he was born, but...guess what? God had other plans for him. So, tonight....we praise Him from whom ALL blessings flow!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

christmas

It's just too early, isn't it? Everywhere I look there's tinsel, trees, lights, and gifts for me to purchase. I do love Christmas, but come on......can we have a little thankfulness first?? Thanksgiving is probably my absolute favorite holiday. It's the ONE day a year when my family has a plan. We eat, we go to the movies,we eat, we play cards, we eat, we plan our black Friday outing, we eat, are you getting the picture? Mostly, though, it's the time when we STOP and remember. I think about the Thanksgivings when my parents were alive......so we remember those we love and lost. Steve thinks about the Thanksgivings from his childhood before things got complicated.....and we laugh at how he got to swim in Florida and run from house to house. Our kids think about the fun things we've done this year, and remind us that they are growing up. But, mostly, we just ARE. WE are together.

I do love Christmas..................but, take the time to be thankful first. Resist the temptation to succumb to the world in this one area. Remember whose you are and what HE did for you to have what you have. Then, and only then, will you truly be able to enjoy Christmas.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

stage debut

The stage debut ended up being a "staged reading". The play itself was a little strange, but since this was an "acting boot camp", I thought it was pretty good. Luke really enjoyed it, and plans to audition for The Wizard of Oz this Spring.



We actually have a short video clip, but as you know, I have had problems getting blogger to upload pictures. I'm going to keep trying to get the video uploaded so that you can see his 3-minute scene which was really funny.

awards day- 1st quarter

Luke getting his Spirit Card (or whatever they call it) for having decent grades......not the straight A's that I want, BUT...............I'll take it :0)



WooooHoooo! 320 AR points so far this year..............the MOST in the 8th grade!

A Beautiful Mess The Story of Diamond Rio

If you like country music or Diamond Rio, then this book will suit you fine. I found the book to be muddled sometimes and hard to get through especially in the beginning. However, I was unfamiliar with the characters. Fans of the group will find this book gives them some of the answers they may have been searching for when wondering what prompted them to turn to christian music. The stories, told from the points of view of each band member, give varying perspectives on the inside makings of the group and the decisions they made. It gives some insider information that fans may not have been aware of, and allows the fan to travel the bus with them.

Some of the stories are more forthcoming than others. It reads as though not all members of the group were completely on-board with this particular project. I think some of them were uncomfortable sharing all of their story, but I thought they did a good job sharing those parts that they felt were most pertinent because not everything needs to be spoken about in public. I like the pictures, because they gave me, as the reader, the opportunity to feel a part of the story. The later part of the book was the most enjoyable for me as it gave updates on the group now. To tell the story of their past is fine, but I like knowing what they've learned and where they're going from here. All-in-all not a bad read, you just have to keep plugging if you want to get to the good stuff!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

scavenger hunt



One of the blogs I follow....a preacherswife.com is doing a scavenger hunt for those of us who are married to the ministry. Here are my answers:

1. First Name. Patty

2. State and Country of Residence. South Carolina; US

3. Husband’s Ministry Title. Senior Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. 11 months; 16 years total

5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages. Shea, 25; Stevie (a girl), 18; Luke, 13

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage. 12

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? eat sandwiches.....don't like to cook or eat out on Sundays (actually I don't cook any day of the week--Steve cooks everything we eat!), but like most everyone else I love to nap

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? yes, we live next door to the church so it's hard to explain tardiness

9. Favorite TV Show. Amazing Race

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol) Dexter

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve. people who refuse to speak up and then go out into the parking lot and talk about the "issue" OR people who complain for sake of complaining

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it. I don't horde stuff so I don't really have anything that I should throw away. There might be some emotional baggage I could get rid of, though :)

13. The one food you can not live without. Diet Dr. Pepper and fried shrimp (endless shrimp at Red Lobster: yum-o)

14. Parsonage or have your own home? parsonage (we've done both, and prefer to own, but our parsonage is really nice)

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? completely FREAK...I love having company, but I like to plan

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloween

I've never really cared for Halloween as an adult with children because I didn't like the pressure of costuming my three kids. It always provided stress that I just didn't think I needed. It was not until we were introduced to the trunk-or-treat at our KY church that I really started liking it. They not only did the TOT, but also combined it with a Fall Festival to boot! This was my favorite event of the year the whole time we were there.

When we moved to Atlanta, we were close to Sam and Jack. So, we had the pleasure of taking them around their neighborhood and watching their excitement. This year, we didn't do that, and it was a sad, sad evening. We live in the country now where nobody even comes to the door. No neighborhood kids, no church kids, no TOT at our church, and no festival. I missed it! It made me long for those days when our entire neighborhood gathered and all the kids went out. Yes, we still checked their candy; yes, we still had to walk them through the neighborhood; so the dangers were still out there, but we at least got to see their little faces light up at the sheer enjoyment of being in the fun.

Our kids are older now, so the excitement comes differently and less frequently. There are more hoops to jump through if you want a true smile from one of them. But, the memories made way back when are still with us, and I think they were even a little bummed that Halloween was passing them by. Next year, we will find a TOT to participate in. My kids or not, it will still be fun to catch some of that chocolatey goodness as it runs past from car to car (or trunk to trunk)!