Today I am thanking God

First for just some small, insignificant things, like the energy He enabled me to find this week to be consistent in my "biggest loser" workout all 5 days. (yeah, I took the weekend off....so.)

For giving me the power to sit still long enough to (almost) finish an entire book...which we all know is an unattainable act for me, but I've prayed for His guidance in helping me get my finances back on track and am super excited about the direction He is leading me.

For allowing me to get control of my hormones, my life back to reality and finally a clearer complexion.

And yes, though maybe a bit shallow, I'm being honest with you in sharing these smaller things in life I am thankful for.

And I'm thankful for some bigger things too. Like the fact that today is my mother's birthday. And I am so blessed to have had her in my life for this many years and I'm looking forward to many more.

My mom and I - Fall 1973

She has been my rock throughout my life and as I've said before I know no matter where life's road takes me, she will always be my constant.

October 1990 - Baby Shower for Big Dan

But today, I am most thankful for these precious two people.

We got word that for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, Big Dan has lost one of his classmates. The first girl passed away in a one vehicle car accident just a few miles up the road. If that wasn't disturbing enough, we found out last night that another girl in his class had just passed away in a four wheeler accident. I must say, I was so shocked and can't even tell you how sad I feel for her grandparents, parents and siblings. Our school is very small, with only about 50 in Big Dan's graduating class, so anytime anything like this happens, it is so hard on the kids and the entire community. Please remember this family when you pray.

It's no secret the love I hold for my children. Just knowing that I could lose them any day makes me want to hold on to them that much tighter.

And can I just say this......if you truly love your children, the most precious gift you can give them is the opportunity to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27

I Love This Man

That's the best title I could come up with.....because I really do love this man.

This is my dad. He's been my dad for 38 years and I hope he's my dad for many more. Today is his birthday. And I know the day is almost over, but I just couldn't go to bed until I told you just how special he is to me.

November 2008

I have spent the last few hours going through albums, and searching folders on my computer for my favorite pictures of my dad.

Me and My Dad, July 1973

Dad's a handsome fella, isn't he? You know, unfortunately, I have a terrible memory, but I have a feeling I was quite the daddy's girl. I have pictures of me and my dad with puppies. I have pictures of me and my dad with watermelon, me and my dad wrestling. Pictures of us together sporting our dead ducks and dead squirrels. I must say, I'm sure my dad was happy to have his boy come along. Not that I lost any rank as his firstborn. My daddy and I have always had a good relationship and I love him more today than I ever have.

Me and My Dad, Father's Day - June 2006

For what's not to love. The only thing that has changed about my daddy over the years is that he has only gotten sweeter. I love his sweet, tender disposition. This man has never met a stranger and everybody loves him. All of my "simplicity" comes from him, for he is happiest doing the simple things in life.....much like his own father. I love that he raises vegetables in a garden and shares with me. I love so much that he raises animals and delights when his grandkids come help him milk the cows..(and drink it).

I love how much he's earned my respect over the years because he fought and and was wounded in Vietnam for my country. How he sacrificed so much of his time and many years of his life making a living at the Railroad for us to have the nicer things in life. He is a wonderful husband of 40 years to my mom and would literally die for her. I love how he is a hard working man...not afraid to tackle any job. Even cutting and sawing down the very logs that were used to build his and my mother's home and even mine and Big Dan's first house.

I love how he loves me and has been there for me through thick and thin....even when I've dissapointed him and made him cry.

My Daddy holding his first grandchild, Big Dan. October 30, 1990

My Wedding Day - July 1993

I love how he makes me laugh...because he is quite comical. And the funniest thing is, he doesn't even know he is. It makes me laugh at how he can sit down in a chair and be asleep in 10 seconds flat. It makes me laugh that he gets coffee from sun up to sun down no matter what temperature it is outside. It makes me laugh that he strikes up a conversation with anybody anywhere. I laugh (with him, not at him) when I think of all the cuts, scrapes, bruises and "smashed" toes he's had over the years, and the stress he's caused my mom because he's just an accident waiting to happen. It makes me laugh that he annoys my mother so much by collecting these and storing them in her yard as his new retirement day hobby. (but she doesn't complain when he brings in the money off ebay...lol)

I love how he wants to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren and takes them on hunting excursions and enjoys every second.

Papaw and Little Ann (and of course, Susie and a squirrel) - November 2008

and how he has been my traveling companion to every away basketball game Big Dan has ever played....(and baseball too). How he has rooted him on and praised his efforts for a job well done.

My dad loves his family and that is no secret. What a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather he is.....and what a legacy to leave behind. My dad is none less than the most precious person I have ever known and I thank God for him every day.

Christmas Eve at my Brother's - December 2006

and I am also so very thankful I am so much like my dad. Happy, loving, forgiving....simple. There isn't anyone I would rather replicate.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

My Top Five...

Here in no particular order are my top 5 reasons for not blogging faithfully. And really, they're great reasons, so that means it's all good, right?





And yes, I am reading a book. I know, it's a miracle. But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

I'm sorry to my faithful readers. Maybe my brain will eventually re-join the rest of my body. At least I didn't do like this girl and tell you that "my dog ate my computer". Although I do have plenty of dogs. (which need a good home by the way.....)

I Shall Deliver

I am loving this season of The Bachelor. I don't know what is wrong with me though for waiting so long to put my 2 cents worth in. It's so not like me to not let my opinion be known. Although the day is almost over..I shall deliver. This is my take so far..for what it's worth.

It's no secret I think Jason is just adorable. I think I like him so much because he seems to be more real than some of the other bachelors that have been on the show. I love his smile and the way he seems to be so happy go lucky. I like happy people. They make me happy. I was distraught last season when Deanna didn't pick him. My heart just ached for him because I had gotten so used to seeing that smile and I couldn't stand to see it turned upside down.

I have my own opinion about a few of these girls so far, but I am having difficulty putting the names with faces just yet. It may have something to do with having to watch the show through fuzz. Luckily Pete turned my antenna enough to get our ABC where it's viewable, but still not the greatest.

I know some of you may like Shannon, but I just don't. I hated the bucky teeth on the first night. I was embarrassed for her when she started spouting off facts about Jason and his family, and I couldn't believe she was throwing ice on the balcony when he was up there with another girl. I think she is an attention hog and too immature to be a mommy at this point. I hope she goes soon.

I'm a little torn on Stephanie. She seems sweet and I know she is probably lonely and ready to marry again since the death of her husband, but something about her seems "old" and "plastic barbie" like. Maybe it's because she is so southern and everything she does and says is sooooo slooooow. (Not that I have anything against southerners, ya'll...I'm from Arkansas). But, I don't know. I have mixed feelings about her.

I do however really like Melissa and Jillian. I thought they were both so pretty when they got out of the limo. Melissa seems so upbeat and normal and seems to be a good match. Jillian is a good pick too, but mommy material, I'm not sure. Nikki made a good impression on me too, but I wish she wouldn't be so whiny about the kissing and talk so much about the other girls.

And let's talk kissing.....wowza, I can't believe he is kissing so much so soon..and in plain sight too! That was surprising to me. He seemed like more of a private intimate person. I guess when the girl comes up to you and wants to show you her hidden talent, what man is going to turn that down, audience or not?? lol.

I'm glad he sent the two home that he did. That Raquel girl was just a little over the top, huh? She definitely caught him off guard in the limo and was a little attitudal too, in my opinion. That other girl was just a little too plain.....and she resigned her job?

I'm getting into this season fo sur!! I can't wait to find out just what. is. up. with Deanna!!

A Hopeless Romantic

I don't want to get into all my opinions about Jason's choices tonight. I'll save that for tomorrows post, but I just want to say there is nothing like a little "Bachelor" and "Momma's Boys" to warm my heart and make me grin. I needed a little pick me up. What can I say? I'm just a hopeless romantic.

Separation and a few Tears

I wish I could say I was better today, but although I made a little physical progress, mentally, I'm still down. I don't want to blame it completely on PMS because I've been feeling muddled for a few weeks now. And I know all the reasons I give are just so trivial compared to the things so many others are dealing with. I should be ashamed for letting myself get to this point, but wow, sometimes, I just don't know what to do with all these emotions.

Everyone...can you say "Congratulations, Scrapper Mom"! I finally got all of Christmas out of the house and my living room back in order. I must say that made me smile briefly.

Sometimes the reality of the way things are versus the way things were just a short time ago hits me. Tonight the family was separated and it makes me sad thinking that this is going to be pretty much the norm from here on out.

After Pete had to basically force me out of the house to be social tonight...(for some reason he thought I needed to attend our monthly ladies bible study...can't imagine why), he decided since he was off, he and Little Ann would grab some Chinese and a movie. Big Dan, of course, had gone to the home basketball game.

This is where the tears come in. After my meeting, Pete called to see if I wanted to meet them in town. I needed to buy a Birthday gift for a party tomorrow. Little Ann got on the phone just a boo hooing. They had gone to see "Marly and Me". And I quote...."You can rent it when it comes out, but I never want to see that movie again!" And she's quite serious I believe. I had to explain that it was just a movie and that Marly didn't really die (oops, sorry for the spoiler). I haven't seen it yet and it got spoiled for me too. She was so ready to get home and see her pups and of course, her own sweet Marly...aka Dixie Doo.

And I don't care how depressed you feel, if this doesn't make you smile, then what else could?

Rock a bye puppy, in the tree top. Have a great weekend, ya'll.

I'm Blue...da ba dee, da ba die

Anybody think I'm crazy? Don't answer that.

I know my title is kind of wacky. I'm just feeling a little blue and this stupid song just popped in my head.

And you're probably wondering why it's Wednesday and I haven't blogged about my reality TV. I even got a comment from my friend asking me why I haven't written about The Bachelor's season premier. Well, let me do that right now and then I'll tell you why I'm bummed out.

If you are my facebook friend, you knew that my ABC channel wasn't cooperating the night of the premier. I was so frustrated because I couldn't watch, but I did get to watch Momma's Boys because it is on sister channel NBC which actually does work. I am so appalled by JoJo's mom and all her quirks, but then I can totally see myself doing something so stalkish like getting in a helicopter and spying on Big Dan while he's making out in a hot tub. Letting your baby boys grow up and detach from us momma's is so hard. This is my first one, but I almost feel it will be easier with my girl. My heart went out to her when she saw her son doing the ultimate no no in her opinion because so many times I see the big picture when Big Dan doesn't, and no amount of talking can get through his thick teenage skull. I know she only wants what's best for JoJo even though she has a very tacky way of showing it.

I did finally get to watch The Bachelor online Tuesday. It was great. I don't have a lot to say about it right now other than I think he did a good job narrowing it down the first time. There were a couple of girls that were nutso in my opinion. Those previews of Deanna. OMG! What is up with that? I can't wait til next Monday!!

Last night we skipped out on the last few minutes of Girl Scouts (I know I'm a bad, bad mommy) to get home for the season premier of The Biggest Loser. Well, that and the fact that Little Ann had just taken Benadryl. Too many puppies around for a little girl with allergies...especially one that just can't keep her hands off of them. The show was super, but I wish they wouldn't have sent those 9 people home after the first week. Getting them motivated to work alone is good in theory, but maybe a little further down the road when they've built their confidence. I'm pumped for that one too! Could you believe that 460 something pound dude? Oh. My. He'll do great because he seems really motivated and you know the more you have to lose the easier it comes off.

Sorry I didn't link into any of these shows tonight. I didn't have the energy. If you would like to visit any of them, you can go here and I think I had linked to all of the shows italicized.

I got news today that Pete may have to move from where he currently stands at work to a different position. It's not that detrimental for us right now financially, but it will require some changes on both our parts. Not only that, but it's a little scary because I don't like change for one... and to me, this is only the first step in another negative direction. This economy is getting scary.

Which leads me to why I'm blue.

Broken promises to myself.
Defiant children.
Jeans that are too tight.
Pimples.
And...
I just figured up what I owe versus what I have and it aint purty, people. So, I guess dish network will continue to be a dream until I can see a light at this long, dark tunnel. I volunteered to get a different job other than substitute teaching, but he doesn't want me to just yet.

I think I'm going to visit Dave Ramsey.