Friday, October 30, 2009

Why We Are the Way We Are........

2010 Letterpress CalendarImage by Sarah Parrott via Flickr

Have you ever stopped and thought about why you are who you are and why you do what you do? We are all influenced by many things, but perhaps our greatest influence during our formative years is our parents. WOW! that's sort of scary isn't it? ~smile~ Scary or not, it's the truth. The role of our parents in our lives likely has had more to do with who we are today than any other single matter.

That is all the more reason that I am so thankful that I was blessed with some wonderful parents and their influence in my life has had some very positive effects in making me who I am.

Over the years one of the most consistent comments made to me about my self is my "obsession" in being organized. I always tell anyone who asks that both of my parents were very organized. I well remember as a child always seeing a 3X5 card in my Dad's pocket where he had written all of his "to do's" for the day. Mom didn't necessarily have a "to do" list each day, but she always kept our house very organized and orderly. I have few remembrances of our family ever being rushed to do anything. Mom always made sure that things were in order and we were ready to do or be wherever we needed to be.

To-do list book.Image by koalazymonkey via Flickr

I will admit that often my organization "obsession" is "to a fault" and I have tried to be more aware of that in recent years. I operate daily by a list and feel that it makes me more productive and keeps me on track. I love all the new electronic gadgets, but have not found anything to beat my spiral bound calendar. It has plenty of room for me to enter each day's activities and I keep a clip on it for my grocery list. And, yes, I carry a pen around with me in the grocery store marking the items off my list as I get them.

I like plans too. I do not "fly by the seat of my pants" very well at all. I'm sure I'm sharing way more than any of you would care to know, but we're all "weird" in some way and I guess this is my "weirdness." When the children were growing up we had a "family calendar" and everyone's activities went on that calendar and we could look at it and know what each day held for us. While neither of my children have my obsession for organization and structure, I think they would say that they appreciated my efforts to keep our home "on track."

I have really never been bothered by other folks un-organization (I'm not sure that's a word) unless it directly affects me. I do not like doing business where there is disorder, but when it comes to others' "home operation" it matters not to me. To each his own.

I've often thought that I would love to be a Home Organizer. It would have to be so much fun to go into someone's home and help them get it organized. But, then it would be left up to them to keep it that way and that could be hard for someone that is just not "bent" that way. I've also thought it would be fun to have a show on the Home and Garden Network about organization. But, neither of those are going to happen, so I'm most content to just keep my own life organized and conduct an occasional seminar on the "Joys of Organization."

Happy organizing to each of you!
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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Rosco and Rhett


I thought it was time that I introduced the rest of our family to my "blog readers." Now, you must first know, that until 2 1/2 years ago, I had a huge dislike for dogs. We had some bad experiences with a particular dog when the kids were growing up and I decided once he "went on" that we would NEVER have another dog. Do you hear me, NEVER!!! Well, we all know, "never say never."





Let me introduce you to Rosco first. Rosco, a chocolate lab, came to live with us 2 years ago this month. Our son and his wife were moving and needed to get rid of him. Well, my dear husband informed me that he was going to take him because he was such a good dog and he was past the puppy stage. Well, I informed him that if he did take that dog that he would be HIS dog and I would have nothing to do with him. Well, the day came for him to arrive. I went outside to see him and as soon as he jumped out of the truck, he came directly towards me. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and seem to say, "I am so excited about my new home." Well, that was that! He won me over instantly!










About a year later Rhett showed up at our backdoor one morning. When I saw him I went after him with a broom. We WERE NOT going to have another dog. Well, Tommy and his soft heart just could not send him away. So, he takes him to the vet and finds out that he is mostly yellow lab and who knows what else. He is healthy and good natured. Tommy informs me that he is staying and will be a good buddy for Rosco. By the way, we named him Rhett because we thought that sounded good with Rosco. And, just as I'm sure you have guessed, he won my hard heart over too.

They both went to obedience school to learn commands of obedience and it was money well spent. They follow their commands so well and are absolutely the best natured dogs I've ever been around. We even put up invisible electric fence around our yard so that they could not wander off and bother any neighbors, or do "their business" in anyone else' yard. Guess you might say we are responsible pet owners. Yes, we did have them neutered too



Not long after becoming dog owners again Tommy decided that we needed company in the evenings and thought it would be nice to invite them in. Well, imagine my reaction to that. Absolutely not!!! I would draw the line on that one. No dog is coming in my house! Well, one night I was busy with something on the computer and Tommy decided to invite Rosco in. He put a beach towel down by his recliner and told Rosco to get on it and lay down and Rosco did just that. I finished what I was working on, walked into the room and almost had a heart attack. But, I must admit, I thought it was really sweet. Yes, I really did. So, off to Pet Smart we headed. Found two large sized beds that matched our decor and bought those crazy dogs beds. When we are home in the evening they are invited in after we have dinner and they have one particular trail they are allowed to take to get from the back door to their beds and when we get ready to go to bed they are taken outside. They have never wandered around in our house and let me assure, they never will!!! Tommy and I agree 100% on that, and I'm sure glad. They really are a lot of fun, although all they do is curl up and sleep from the time they get in their beds until we take them out. They snore almost as loudly as Tommy. ~smile~

You may notice them both in the same bed in the above picture. That's because Bella, our little toy poodle "granddog" had come for a visit that night and she is "queen" when she is here.

Rosco and Rhett are a source of entertainment for the entire neighborhood too. They love to sit under the oak trees and bark at the squirrels and will literally sit for hours looking up in the trees. They have worn the grass from under the trees and as "ticky" as Tommy is about his yard, I never would have thought he would allow such. But...........

Yes, dogs really are "man's best friend." They love you unconditionally and are always glad to see us drive up and wag their tails when they see us coming up to them. Oh! me, what a sucker I am!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Where Do I Begin...............

PumpkinsImage via Wikipedia



Well, I think that I can safely say that fall has officially arrived! After weeks and weeks of rain and unseasonably warm weather, I was about to think that maybe fall would escape us this year. But, the past two days have been gorgeous fall days and I am so enjoying them. I got a bit eager almost a month ago and began pulling out fall decor and planting pansies. Mother Nature had teased us with some "fall-like" conditions and I got a little excited. Then the rains came and my poor pansies have almost drowned, but it appears that they have survived. I'm sure glad, as I planted almost 300 of those little "fellas." I
started planting them in pots about 3 years ago and just love the "showing" they make on our patio in the fall and winter months. I had to learn that you must cram them tightly in the pots in order for them to be lush. The first time I planted them in pots, I did it the same as I would planting them in the ground. That does not work!!

Picture of a purple {{MultiLink|Pansy}} ({{Bio...Image via Wikipedia



Since my last entry, things in our family have been busy, busy! I cannot wait to share with you what all this busyness has been about. At this time it will have to remain a mystery to those of you who do not already know the extreme joy we have experienced. Due to the nature of this joy it cannot be blogged about at this time. But, I assure you that as soon as the green light is given, I will tell you all about it and will post pictures. Meanwhile, stay tuned.

Our daughter and her husband and Clancy paid us a visit this week to share in our joy and we so enjoyed our time with them. Clancy is changing almost on a daily basis and is such fun and we often have to hide our face so that he cannot see us snicker at something his Dad and Mom think he shouldn't be doing. Oh! the fun of Grandparenting!!! I had to snap this picture of him getting in the dishwasher before his Momma took action. I just thought it was too cute! ~smile~







Bridget and her family headed back to Ok. yesterday morning and the house suddenly became very quiet. I came down with a bad cold on Wed. and hadn't felt as good as I really wanted to, but managed to keep going. There just wasn't any time to feel badly. So, after they left I was ready for a little rest and a little quiet. It's always fun to share in family time and to celebrate the special times in our lives, but I seem to always be ready to settle back in to my daily routine once it is all over. I think that's how the Lord intended it to be, for us to be happy in each phase of our lives and so far, I have been.

Again, I look forward to sharing with you how the Lord has blessed our family in these past days. We have seen God's hand orchestrate every detail of a very special event and I look forward to blogging about it as soon as I possibly can. Blessings to you all!






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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Lists to Live By - #2

9:365

I mentioned a few entries back the book, Lists to Live By and how much I was enjoying it and would be sharing bits and pieces of it with you from time to time.

Today I want to share: What Prayer Provides
Protection
Purpose
Power
Provision
Peace
Perspective
Passion
Purity

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Prayer is a practical way to exchange our worries for His peace. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)

Do you ever stop and think about what your life would be like without communication with our Heavenly Father? What a wonderful privilege we Christians have, as the old hymn says, "take it to the Lord in prayer."














Sunday, October 4, 2009

Is My Life Producing Fruit?

Tropical Fruits - Original Oil PaintingImage by wizan via Flickr

Perhaps, like you, I have been in Sunday School all of my life, but obviously, the Lord still uses the lessons we have to often speak to my heart. Today was one of those days. I felt like perhaps that if it spoke to mine that it might speak to yours too.

In a part of the lesson we began discussing the fruit that our lives produce, or the lack thereof. The Bible says in John 15 that if we remain in Him and He in us, we will produce much fruit. Apart from Him we are nothing.

What would it take for our lives to produce more fruit?

Pruning - giving up something that stands in our way of a real, personal relationship with Christ.

Watering - spending time in the Word to receive Living Water.

Transplanting - moving out of a bad situation or relationship that is hindering us from placing our faith in God.

Fertilizing - growing through personal disciplines

Nectarine (Prunus persica) fruit development o...Image via Wikipedia

John 15 continues on to say that when we produce much fruit, we are His true disciples and bring much glory to our Father.

WOW! I don't know about you, but I need to do some pruning, watering, transplanting and fertilizing in my spiritual life. There is no greater time than right now for we as Christians to be "bearers of the fruit" of our Lord and Savior. I'm on a mission to "Fight Fruitlessness" in my life.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Celebrating Our First Born..............

The above picture was taken about 6 weeks before Brandon was born. I never felt more lovely than when I was pregnant. Of course, not too long after Brandon was born, I looked at some of the pictures taken just before his birth and I could not believe how "puffy" I looked. But, since that "puffiness" happens slowly, I really didn't pay too much attention to it at the time.

We were so excited about the birth of our first child. I had dreamed of this time for many, many years and could not wait to be a Mother. My Mom had always made Motherhood seem like such an esteemed position and I could hardly wait to "join the ranks." On October 3, 1976 the Lord blessed us with, what we thought, was the most special little boy in all the world. In 1976 there was no way to know the exact sex of the baby, but the Doctor (based on the heartbeat) made the prediction that we would be having a boy. That thrilled us both too death! I was the oldest child in my family and had always longer for an older brother. Thus, I thought that having a boy first would just be perfect.

I remember so well the moment they placed Brandon in my arms and the overwhelming feeling of responsibility that came over me. I looked at this precious life that had been entrusted to us by God and wondered if I were really ready for the task. But, ready or not, the journey of Parenthood was about to begin.








These past 33 years of Brandon's life have been filled with so much happiness and what a pleasure to watch him grow into the man that he is today. What do I love about Brandon?
I guess I could sum it up and say "everything." But, there are just certain things that come to my mind when I think of Brandon.

His tender heart.......

His love of people........

His extreme honesty..........

His "big" laugh..........

And, it thrills my heart that he will still, without hesitation, give me a hug and tell me he loves me. Oh! my! touches my heartstrings.



Yes, he's all grown up now, but I'll always be his Mom and he will always be my #1 favorite son who continues to bring a lot of joy into my life. I thank God for the priviledge of being his Mom and my prayer is that, at the end of my journey in this life, he will remember me as his #1, favorite MOM and have no doubt how much I loved and prayed for him.