Sunday, June 30, 2013

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Prayers, Faith and Bugs!

Quote about childhood and magic: children see magic because they look for it.
 
Since Monday Angie has been looking for a bug to put in her new bug catcher. Last night during her prayer, she asked that she might catch a bug or butterfly today, on the last day of her Sleepover. I tried to explain that just because we pray about something doesn't mean the answer will always be what we want. Her blue eyes looked directly at me when she said " but why Nana?" I tried to explain that Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Sometimes we want something, but Heavenly Father knows if we need it or not. She didn't say much more about it today


Today was full of learning,  or as Angie said "I got a lot of learning in today, didn't I Nana?" :) First I downloaded some sewing cards for her and then got her situated at her own machine ( a friend bought it for $10.00 for her, old Kenmore and it runs great ). I had to make her chair higher and then put a box under the table so she could put her feet and work the pedal from there. Then she just took off, fast is much easier than slow, when it comes to sewing. She got it down quite quickly ...I was so surprised. Before I knew it, she was on her 3rd sewing card and I didn't even have to remind her to put the pressure foot up and keep the needle down when she turned and pivoted. It was too cute.
Next we went and babysat for a friend while she was at a DR appt. Her kids were sleeping, so Angie and I brought some money work sheets that we downloaded and she worked on learning money. She is a bit worried about not knowing that when she starts 2nd grade next year, so we started now.
 Last I taught her to crochet with her fingers. She isn't quite ready for the crochet hook, that just gets her frustrated. But she did well with her fingers and already made 3 necklaces before the evening was over. She said "after learning all these things Nana, I feel like I can do anything! "  Then she drew a Welcome Home sign for Poppa.
Finally after dinner we took a long walk, came home watered the flowers and while we were doing that Angie yelled " Nana, there's a bug and a big bug, can we catch it?" She quickly put it in her catcher (with my help), then we came in the house looked up on line what kind of beetle it was, then went out and got stuff outside for it to eat and live on ...and put that in the cage. Then she said " Well, Nana, I guess that Heavenly Father knew I needed a bug and He gave me one!" Oh the faith of a child! I then reminded her that tonight she should thank Heavenly Father in her prayers for the bug, her response was " are you kidding me, I am going to thank Him right now!" Then she walked to the edge of the driveway near the tree, and knelt down and said a prayer. Oh the faith of a child!
I really thought a lot about the past few days with my granddaughter, I realize that if you let them...these incredible little spirits, can teach us a lot about life! We just need to slow down and learn!"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."Quote about Children, teaching about life and learning about it.Need to learn more about "unschooling".  an interview with Sandra Dodd about natural learning

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Teach the children!

The fun just never ends at our Sleep Over! We did a lot of things today but one of the things that brought this whole teacher subject up to me, was when we were taking our walk.  For almost 2 hours we walked all around the neighborhood and parks to find some bugs or butterflies for Angie's new Bug Catcher ( no luck). But it was interesting to me all the things that she knew...like what a certain fern was called, or the stages a caterpillar goes through before coming a butterfly and on and on. Each time I asked her where she learned that, she would reply " from Ms Perdy ( her first grade teacher )".
 Now up until school started last year, we would have the same type of conversations and she would always reply " My Mom or Dad told me ". So there is a lot of things that Mom's teach to their children and that good teachers teach these sweet kids. Still there is nothing to compare to what we teach in our homes and that should be as it is. Knowledge from a book is important but hands down, the things that children learn within the walls of their own home ...can be the most important things that they will need in life.
So I tucked that sweet redhead to bed and told her what a fun day I had. She kissed me goodnight on the cheek with a hug and said " Nana, I love you more than the whole outer space! " I knew just what she meant because... I felt the exact same way!
May we never miss the opportunity to teach these incredible little people in our lives. They deserve only the best from us!
Good night dear friend

 Beautiful quote about motherhood. Set the example for your children so that they may hold to the truth always. :)

  I loved this story...
“Seated in front of me was a young couple with two small children who seemed, in my opinion, too young to be attending the event. I was silently annoyed at the parents for bringing along their mildly unruly children. The speakers taught about the Savior’s Atonement and then there was a musical number that focused on Gethsemane. The Spirit was thick in the large auditorium. When the song was over, there was a quiet moment before the next speaker took the stand, and I heard the mother in front of me whisper to her son, “Do you like it? Do you like the feeling in here?” The young boy whispered back, “I like it because it feels warm and comfortable.” My heart softened, and I gained a new respect for that mother. She was a teacher. She was an example.  She was a testifier.”
 quotes about teachers - Google SearchWhat We Learn Typographic Print. Education Art. Quote About Learning. Gift For Teacher Appreciation. Classroom Decor. Classroom Wall Art.Mother Teresa Quote (About love home action)


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The best 4 day Sleepover ever!

Since Jeff is out of town, Angie came over for a 4 day Sleep Over with Nana. What a wonderful day we have had ...and it is only our first day! We started out sleeping in and then having a nice breakfast together. Then we straightened up a bit. Angie decided she wanted to mop the floors while I did the dishes. Next we colored some and then we had lunch. Right after lunch we went looking for Butterflies, she has a new bug catcher that we were going to try and use. The weather was suppose to rain all day but it didn't, and so we took advantage of the sunshine while we could. Next we came home, got the car and decided to do a few errands before it got to close to dinner time.
 
I tried to block out my day to just spend the day with her... and what fun that was. Every store we went to, she just kept telling what a great sleepover this was. For dinner we ate at a restaurant that she had never gone to Panera Bread. She picked where we sat, I picked the drinks...water with lemons. She kept saying during dinner," this is the best place I have ever eaten...I really should invite my Mom some time". She loved the food, the atmosphere and all the time we were getting to spend together.
Then we walked across the street and got some frozen yogurt. In just the short time we were eating dinner, we saw the storm clouds rolling in. As we came out of the yogurt place, the wind was really blowing and it was raining hard. We laughed as we ran to the car, it was soooo much fun to run in the rain.
 Then we decided it was early enough to do one more thing before we went home. So we stopped at a book store and went to the children's corner and sat and read books and just played. It really was fun. Then we came home, put jammies on and watched a movie together. It was a great day!
 It was so sweet! Oh to be a kid again,( a kid like her I should say). Not sure I am want to go back and repeat any of my childhood again. Still I feel blessed to be able to share her childhood with her, I feel in some ways I can imagine how fun it would be.
I wish to all my friends who haven't been blessed with Grandchildren, that I could bottle up the fun and the memories and give it to them; so they could experience what it feels like. I try to be careful not to brag too much about my grand kids, for I know there are many lonely hearts out there ...that can hardly wait or could only wish to be a Grandma or a Nana. So I don't take my job lightly. I just want to help these kids be safe, know who they are and help them remember how loved they are. Those things should be huge stepping stones in their lives.
Yes, I pray that Angie as well as all my grandchildren, will some day remember the fun times that they had with Nana!
Good night dear friends!

Amy Woodard Jaeger
 A great quote about life and childhood.Image Search Results for winnie the pooh quotes


The next and better generation!



I have always said that each generation should get better, not worse... or the same even. It is important I think, that we do all that we can to shed what baggage we had from our past and not make the next generation  ( our kids or our grand kids ) carry it!
My sweet niece got married last summer, we all got to be there with her and her family. I just found this photo from the wedding. It makes me smile, one because I love each of these amazing girls so much. Two, because I know that these girls have learned lots from the generation before them. They realize what they need to do to make their lives better and healthier, and how to pass that on to their children.
Yes, I love these girls, they are and will do amazing things. What power lies in their hands! It is exciting to watch and oh how grateful I am that to know and love them! You go girls!!!
Creative LDS Quotes    #LDSQuotes #MormonLink.com    #MormonFavorites.com{All Things Bright and Beautiful ~ President Monson}Good Things to Come | Creative LDS QuotesFind joy.  #lds #quotes #mormon

Monday, June 24, 2013

Happy Anniversary!

Well, today is June 23rd, 2013, and it is Jeff and I's 31st Wedding Anniversary! I am a bit sad today because we had to be apart, he left on a business trip this morning. I am not sure that we have ever spent our Anniversary apart. We went out last night to celebrate... but today I have been missing him.
When I look back at my life, I realized that most of what I have conquered was with Jeff by my side, the things I have accomplished, he encouraged me all the way, the fears I battled, he battled them with me and I have loved him for all of that and more!  Having your best friend with you always, can be a big advantage in life. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for Jeff. How blessed I am to be his wife! To watch him become a Father and a Grandfather, only deepened that love, He became something that he was never really taught. He loves his kids and his grand kids and they in turn love him too.


So even though he is miles away, I pray that he really knows how much he is loved. How better my life is ...because he is in it! Yes, I can still remember 31 years ago, waking up early in the morning...too excited to sleep and saying to myself  " today I get to marry my best friend! " And like I have told him many times before, I still wake up every day and get excited that we get to have another day together! I try to never take that for granted! Happy Anniversary Jeff!

marriage quotes and great stuff!!! http://pinterest13.blogspot.comRyans LDS Quotes - Love your choice.
"Marriage provides an ideal setting for over coming any tendency to be selfish or self-centered....Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good,  and the foundation of a successful marriage." ~Richard G. ScottLove marriage quote


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Long, but wonderful week!

Well, the Shop Hop is over for me. I put in over 30 hours in 4 days and I am tired! I think what was most tiring, was that I was sitting the whole time. I did get up every now and then and stretch my legs, but I have a whole new appreciation for those who have a desk job, that's 9-5 each week!
I loved meeting all the new people every day. I loved telling them all the things we were giving them for free from the shop, that is a great way to make friends.:)  Some of the shops that people were traveling to, to collect blocks ...were giving out on a little bit of their block and then charging the people for the finishing kit. There were about 52 stores involved in the Shop Hop, so you can see many people had to pay quite a bit to by the time they hit all the quilt shops. But we gave out every thing for the whole block free, and also we even gave them a free pattern for another small project...and so they were happy campers to say the least.
Each day I had one or two people asked me to sign their patterns...when they found out that I was the designer. I was laughing so hard that I think I missed my few minutes of claim to fame:) But it was fun to hear how much everyone liked the block that Lauren and I created! ( it is the 3rd one over from the left, bottom row ) The shop named her Little Miss Sunshine! The quilt it's self is way too busy but we don't get to decide any of that. We just send in the block we designed from our shop and then they decide everything else
 
Since I don't work on Sunday, the 2013 Shop Hop is over for me, and it really was fun. A lot of work  but exciting to meet such incredible people! I am blessed to say the least!
Good night dear friendsLife isn't all about the good times..we need the bad times to teach us to appreciate the good ones.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Beautiful People!

I saw this quote on a friend's face book page. I loved it! Isn't that true? Don't we all know people like this and aren't we all grateful for these beautiful people who come into our lives? I know I am. I think what I like the most... is the countenance on their face, confidence in their smile and gratitude in their eyes. They have lived a lot of life, they have experienced much and they truly understand why they are here.
 Yes, there are a lot of beautiful people in the world... and I am not talking about the ones that the world thinks are beautiful...but the ones that are not only survivors of the trials of life...but the ones that are thriving and making the world a better place just by their beauty and example!
Thank you to all those beautiful people in my life, who have taught me so much!

Photo: Beauty and wisdom are earned through tragedy and pain. Be grateful for every experience in life, even the most painful ones! <3

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Shop Hop has begun!

Shop Hop has begun, I am working 10 hour days so my blog will be short and sweet tonight.
For the shop the biggest event of the year began today... it is what we call Shop Hop. My daughter Lauren and I designed it! We will have over 2000 come to the shop these 5 five days. We will give out 2000 of our Little Miss Sunshine blocks. I love seeing all the women and sharing with them our newest creation. If you get a chance, come in and see us and all the new things we have in the shop. You can check them out here:





Pinned Image

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Tips... from a concern Father!

Wright Words: 20 things to embrace this summer besides a summer romance 

 
WOODSTOCK, Va. — Schools are closed — pools are open. Busses are parked. Parks are brimming with bikes, kites and basketballs.
Welcome to summer, 2013. It’s time to stock up on charcoal and ice, Popsicles and Pop Rocks, sparklers and sprinklers, bubbles, bubble gum and Kleenex.
Yes, Kleenex. Because if it’s summertime, it’s also time for those red-hot romances that start with sparks and almost always end with tears.
You remember the summer romance, don’t you? Your neighbor invited a cousin to spend the summer from Savannah, Ga. A friend brought her BFF from Fresno, Calif., to band camp. You met a foreign-exchange student from Georgia — the country, not the state.
You said, “Hello,” exchanged smiles, felt the flutters, and before you could run the opposite direction, you were living in a Bryan Adams music video. But the odds were never in your favor, and by the time Labor Day hit, your romance ended like a Nicolas Cage movie — with a thud.
Take it from someone with a doctorate in adolescent puppy love. Summer romances are like hot peppers. They seem like a good idea at the time, but usually lead to heartburn.
As a teenager, I had several of these short-term, county-fair hand-holding, diving-board show-off summer romances. My parents warned me not to fall in like with the girl I met at the lake or the movies or mini-golfing. But what did they know?
Plenty, it turns out. Each of those summer romances ended with an awkward goodbye, promises to keep in touch and hours of listening to my “Richard Marx Greatest Hits” tape in my basement.
A few years have passed and somehow I have two teenage daughters of my own. So it’s my turn to dish out advice on matters of the heart, right?
Right. To the Wright daughters and teenagers everywhere, I offer 20 things to consider embracing this summer besides a summer romance.
1. Read the entire Nancy Drew series, all 56 of the originals.
2. Write three-page book reports about each of the volumes in the entire Nancy Drew series.
3. Volunteer at a nursing home.
4. Learn a new sport.
5. Learn to use an iron.
6. Take an online class.
7. Read the Bible cover to cover.
8. Learn Spanish.
9. Read the Bible cover to cover — in Spanish.
10. Become a certified lifeguard.
11. Write in your journal.
12. Invent your own language.
13. Interview your grandparents.
14. Learn to safely use a lawn mower and WeedEater.
15. Start a business.
16. Write a short novel.
17. Make friends with someone different than you.
18. Watch the news and ask your parents questions.
19. Learn to make your parents' favorite dinner.
20. Start a YouTube channel teaching kids the lost art of crochet.
This summer, more than anything, I hope my kids and yours make pleasant, colorful memories that never fade and I pray they enjoy their childhoods as long as they can. Life will present plenty of opportunities for love and drama — what’s the rush?
Hey, kids, go get started. Play safe. Be smart. Don’t fall head over heels for the new guy or girl that just moved in from Lithuania. It will only lead to heartbreak.
But if you do, I just might let you borrow that Richard Marx tape. Are you going to need it? Sí.

To read more of Jason's work here:

Don't let me down!

 Loved this video of a Dad and his son!  The song is called Don't let me down! I think every kid thinks that about his Mom and his Dad! And so they should, we are the parents...we are the ones that are suppose to make the better choices...especially ones that will directly effect their children's lives! We can't let them down!
Good night dear friends!
Watch it ....
here:
educate their hearts #parenthood #quotes

Sunday, June 16, 2013

A Father's Lessons!

Father's Lessons!

 Fathers Day Quotes
A love for everyone 
My own Dad taught me the ability to love everyone. My Dad seemed to be everyone's friend. He was always checking on them if they were sick, he was always the first one at the hospital or bringing something to eat to their home if needed. My Dad never seemed to meet a stranger, and that was a great legacy that he left me.


Empathize with those less fortunate
"One winter evening when I was about five or six years old, my father took me for a walk downtown. This was during the depression, when jobs were few and many homeless, hungry people were on the streets. My father and I were looking at all the store windows as we walked, and soon we found ourselves standing in front of the window of a sporting goods store. It was full of bright things that would catch every boy’s fancy — things like fishing lures and pocketknives for whittling.
"A shabbily dressed boy was standing near us, looking longingly into the window. I didn’t pay much attention to him, but my father went over and spoke with him briefly, then put his hand on his shoulder and led him inside the store. I watched as he took the boy to a showcase of pocketknives, told him to pick one out, then paid the shopkeeper for the knife.
"I didn’t get a pocketknife that day, but I did get a lesson. At the time, I felt let down, as a little boy would feel when the gift he thinks is his goes to someone else. But as my father and I walked away from the store, he said, 'You have me. He doesn’t have anybody.' Later I realized how generous and how sensitive to the needs of others my father was."
I got the story from here:


Appreciation for the world we live in
I meant to ask each of my kids 4 questions about their Dad and this week just sorta happened and I didn't get it done. But one thing that I know my kids learned from their Dad ( Jeff  ), was to appreciate the world around them. He took them hiking and camping and always reminded them how much our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ must love us,that they would create such a beautiful world for us to live in. They loved being outdoors with their Dad, and I am forever grateful that Jeff taught this to them.

Know that you are loved!
Knowing that you are loved is one of the most secure feelings in the world. Jeff had always shown our kids great love. He loves them individually and as a whole. He made sure to tell them that every day, and I know how much that means to my kids and now our grand kids. He is and was an amazing Father and I am truly grateful for that. 

fathers day quotes5X7 Father’s Day Quote | Free sweet Printables - via http://bit.ly/epinner
Share this Fathers Day Quote Image: Dad, First Hero, First Love | Yoga Relief Tips For Wellness

Me and my Dad!

Father's Day is almost here and I had to share a little from one of the best Father's I know...my son!
 

"Superman flies. Dad lets you fly. No contest!"

"Fatherhood making a lifetime of difference"

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Trust verses Love





This quote (below) is very sound advice. For those of us who  have had abuse in the past, you truly understand how hard it is to trust someone. And when the one who abuses you, is someone who is suppose to love you, or says they love you...then that trust is broken.
 I knew something was wrong when I told someone( when I was just little ) that I loved and trusted; and they didn't believe me! Then I started to doubt myself and my gut feelings. I began to think then it must be just me, I must be a bad person if all these people love and trust my abuser..why didn't I?
  But the help that I received after breaking my silence about my abuse was..to learn to trust my gut again!
 I would be guided and told who I can trust and not trust. And when I get that feeling, and the feeling is "this person can't be trusted " then no questions ask...I stay away or have my kids stay away!  I don't care how much other people love them, or how popular they are...I owe it to myself to listen to that still small voice inside. It will never lead me astray and that is something I know I can trust! And the when you know you can really trust someone, then there is a LOVE there that is hard to even explain, it is simply the BEST!

Good night dear friends!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

My angel niece!

 When I was a teenager, I went to visit my brother and his wife and family. I would help take care of and play with my niece. Then when we found out that she was going to be a big sister, we were all excited. Not long after our other niece was born, we realized that she began having seizures. After years and years of trying to figure out what she had, they realized she had Cerebral Palsy. She has out lived  any one's expectations and we are all so grateful for that. She has been such an amazing blessing in our lives. Today is her birthday and I just wanted to count my blessings, and she is definitely one of them!
 

These photos were taken by her talented Sister in law! Photo



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Kid's project to help Oklahoma tornado victims!

 I have always been impressed on how Jason F. Wright, writes and when you read his books, how you often want to go out and make a difference in the world. Well, obviously Jason and his wife have taught that same principle of giving ...to their kids. Look at the idea they came up with!

Kids launch toy crane, stuffed animal project for Oklahoma tornado victims




June 11, 2013

My children have always enjoyed playing the toy crane machines that guard the entrances of grocery stores, malls, restaurants and arcades. Kason Wright, my 9-year-old son, has such a high success rate that the folks who service these machines coordinate their restocking schedule with his allowance day.
We often joke that if dropping out of elementary school and turning pro were an option, he'd hold a press conference, hire an agent and line up sponsorship deals.
My wife reminds me the kids come by their toy crane prowess honestly. I've been playing the toy crane since the toys were slathered in lead paint and the cost was just a nickel. Even now as an old-timer on the toy-crane circuit I'll often stop to play when I'm on my own. "Never let the skills go rusty," I tell myself.
One night last week, I listened as the boys giggle-chatted in the backseat about their embarrassment of stuffed-animals riches after a particularly successful stop at our local Walmart in Woodstock, Va. Kason and his 6-year-old brother, Koleson, had just won three times on our way out of the store.
Then, before we'd even left the shopping center parking lot, Kason asked the kind of question parents live for. "Dad, what if we sent all our toy crane prizes to the kids in Oklahoma who lost their stuffed animals in the tornado?"
I stopped the car and looked over my shoulder. "Really?"
"Well, we've got lots and some of those kids probably lost all of their stuffed animals."
It was yet another reminder that my children's goodness surpasses mine in almost every imaginable way.
By the time we pulled in to the driveway, Kason and Koleson had decided that their friends might also want to send their own toy crane prizes and other stuffed animals. They dubbed it The Toy Crane Project and made plans for a website to invite others to join their mission.
Later that night my wife and two daughters returned home and I listened as the boys laid out their idea. There's nothing quite like hearing your 6-year-old son describe with pure giddiness his plans to build a website with pictures, video and "infostructions."
Over the next few days, the boys began telling people about their project and started sorting through their own stash of stuffed animals. Meanwhile, longtime family friend Eric Farnsworth helped with graphics, Aaron Lee compiled a highlight reel for YouTube and Stephen Funk donated both expertise and Web space for the site.
Before details had even been announced, good pals Stuart Freakley and his young daughter, Anna, were on our porch donating the very first collection of stuffed animals. Kason and Koleson got their older sisters excited about the project, too, and organized piles of stuffed critters began appearing on the floor.
Thanks to our good friends at the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, we soon had a drop-off location for local donations and a mailing address for others who might wish to help from a distance. Anyone who knows her - or the spirit of the chamber - wasn't surprised that Jenna French, executive director, couldn't say "Yes!" fast enough.
Just like that, in less than a week, the desire to do good went from a dream hatched in the backseat of our car to plush reality.
Hours before the website and video went live, I asked Kason what he hoped the Toy Crane Project would accomplish. "I want to help make the kids in Oklahoma happy and feel loved and cared for."
"I think you just might do that," I answered.
If you'd like to join the project, please send your new or very gently used toy crane prizes or other stuffed animals to the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, Attention Toy Crane Project, 103 S. Main Street, Woodstock, VA 22664. Please include your name and return address.
Donations will be sorted and delivered to Oklahoma in stages throughout the summer. If volume surpasses the need, donations will be stored until opportunity arises in other areas. If we've learned anything this year, it's that we do not control the when and where of disaster, we only control the response.
So, whether you're a fan of toy cranes or not, whether you're a child or an adult, whether you live in Virginia, Utah or points in between, you are invited to join the childlike dream of two boys with a simple plan. With your help, we can "make the kids in Oklahoma happy and feel loved and cared for." Read more of Jason's work  here:

Monday, June 10, 2013

What are you thinking about?

Our thoughts are very important in our every day lives. I have written and spoken about how important it is for us to learn to control our thoughts. I heard a reporter talking on the radio the other day, about treatments that are out there for those who have suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The report was about the success that they were having with a certain type of therapy... that helps the victim with their thoughts about the trauma, for many times they said that it is their thoughts that keep them held hostage for years with PTS Syndrome. I read a bit more about it here:
Anyway, this is a MOTIVATIONAL blog, so I will try to tell you why I mentioned such a dark subject?  I guess because I have been there and done that. I was a child of incest and suffered for many, many years with PTS Syndrome, although I had never heard of that in my life. I suffered many of the symptoms that they mentioned in the article, and even every now and then find myself haunted ( if only for a moment ) by a few of them but that Far and Few Between....all the good that I have in my life.
 How did I get help? Well,  you can go back in this blog and read about all of this ( just put the word abuse in the search engine ) and I don't need to repeat it but, it was when I finally told someone ...and they believed me! That was the beginning of my going and getting professional help. That is where I began, that is where I started to not only learn how to live a happy life, but I learned how to help others by sharing my story.
So like I have written many times in my blog, it is vital that we know what are thoughts are, that we learn how to control them and that we learn how to keep and continue having more and more happy thougths in our minds. Our thoughts are very powerful ...for good and bad. But we have the final say one what we continue to act out on the stage of our minds. I personally had to find and study some really important things about thoughts to realize that I have control over them. When I found that out and really started to believe that...then life became good! And I was no longer a VICTIM!
So if you can, stop and think about your thoughts...are they good, happy, sad and depressing? Do you want to change them? Would you be willing to learn how to do that? You can find a few articles that I have written or put in my blog about this very subject. (Just put the word Thoughts in the search engine.)  If so, there are counselors out there to help, there are books out there to help, there are churches out there to help. Yes, there is a ton of help out there, if we would only allow our thoughts to believe that we are really worth helping! I promise you ...that you are!
Good night dear friends!
about thoughts❥ think good thoughts about yourselfnever thought about it this way!


Did you have your C.O.C.?

I have had a great week, busy but good. Then by Friday my back went out again so it has been a bit of a tough weekend. Still, thinking about all the good things that happened ...and all the great people I have met or been with this week, I can say it was a Good Week!. I have made a few new friends lately ( I know you probably aren't surprised ) but I am always admiring the ones who had such a tough childhood and continue to want to make life different and even better for their children. Many of us did not have our C. O. C. ( (Childhood of Choice ) but still we have been able to learn and grow from it ...then stop the abusive or negative behaviors that we grew up with....all in the hopes to have our kids be safe and to have their lives be better than ours. I have looked up to my husband Jeff, ever since I have known him. He did not grow up with his C. O. C. either, but still he has become an incredible Dad and great Husband, despite his lack of example to teach him those things. We know others who have done the same and I really admire them and their strength and courage.
I also have talked to 3 individuals who they or someone they know have been effected by Cancer. Wow, that has been quite a few just in the last 2 months. My heart breaks when they tell me, for I can see and certainly remember the same fear in my eyes...that I see in theirs. Life is full of lessons isn't it and it is also about choices.


Just in closing, let me tell you about one simple choice that I made 35 years ago today and how it has changed my life forever. 35 years ago, this young nice looking, college guy from church asked me out. I was so excited, I had been secretly been hoping he would asked me out, ever since his old girlfriend left out of town. ( I know that sounds bad and she was a friend of mine too but...still I wanted him to go out with me!!! ) And so he did, I can still remember sitting on our porch waiting to hear his car come up the road. ( Yes, I lived a mile up a dirt road, did I mention I was from West Virginia? :) As soon as I could see the car coming, I went back into the bathroom to triple check my hair and make sure I looked as good as possible. My Grandmother was sitting out on the porch, she wanted to meet this young man that I had been talking so excitedly about, for awhile. So she was the first person he met, we still laugh to this day because my Grandmother said later, that she liked him and she thought he was very handsome, even thought he looked like Tom Selleck ( the movie star ). The reason we still laugh about it is because my Grandmother was legally blind and deaf. So Jeff didn't really think that was a good judgement of a compliment! :) But she was right, he was a great guy and one of the best that I had ever dated, plus terribly handsome! And since my dating years began way...before they should have. I had dated quite a few guys before him.
Yes, that one little decision 35 years ago, lead to another date and another date ....until 4 years later, and then we were married!  So I know it seems silly to celebrate the Anniversary of a First Date...but this wasn't any old First Date... it was the First Date with the man that I was going to marry for Eternity. Now that is worth celebrating! I still get excited when he is about to come home, still run in the bathroom and make sure I look my best...gee how fun to still be in love with someone 35 years later, actually I love him even more today!
So even though I might not have had the C. O. C., I did get the man of my dreams and that has made all the difference in my life and the life of our kids and now our Grandkids! Yes, little ( but good )  choices can lead to very big and good things!
So a good question to ask yourself tonight is .... Did you have the C. O. C. ? And if you did or didn't, how have the choices you made...been good or bad for your life? Just a thought!
Good night dear friends!