A Mixed Bouquet

How time flies!

2012-07-03T20:51:00.002-05:00

It's been another year! Well, I made it into the LVN-RN transition program that started this past May. If I keep my head above water, I'll be graduating in May 2013. It's going well so far, but life is sure busy! Keep me in your prayers!

Two years later...

2011-06-14T13:14:00.016-05:00

and I'm still busy. My last post stated that I was going back to school to study Psychology. Well, I changed lanes and chose nursing. It seemed like a good fit since Mr. B was medically-fragile for five years and I had also been interested in nursing as a teenager. A nearby college extension site, in its 23rd year, had an LVN program. I called for information, took the test two weeks later, and was accepted. Classes began in Fall 2009 and it was a very tough year!

I was pinned in August 2010. Since graduation, I have taken two pre-requisite classes each semester for the LVN-to-RN transition program; along with working full-time.

(I'm the red-head in back to the left.)

So much has changed since I put blogging on hold. I had promised to write or call several of you. I'm sorry that I didn't follow through with it.

Here are the highlights:

● My older son and I were in the graduation ceremony together (not pinning).
● We sold the farm (600 or so acres); which was three miles down a dirt road.
● Added a granddaughter to the family.
● We moved the old farm house 85 miles northeast to seven acres off pavement.
● I started a new job and classes at a different college.
● and more...

It seems overwhelming when listed; however we believe that God's faithfulness is revealed in the midst of comfortable and difficult times.

"...but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

I'll write more later; although my blogging time will most likely be rare. I've missed my friends and hope to read their blogs regularly!

It's Time to Say Goodbye to My Blog

2009-04-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

Blogging has been such a fun hobby for me. I have really enjoyed every aspect of it. The private emails were especially uplifting for me, you shy lurkers. :D

I've decided that it's time for me to complete my psychology degree. Although my favorite role in life has been to be a SAHM/wife, the degree will be very helpful for our future. The boys are grown and I can find the time now. For the most part, I will be be taking online courses. Those will still be time-consuming and I've neglected my blog enough over the past several months.

I will not be renewing my amixedbouquet domain, so I'll decide about leaving my blog open under the blogger domain or just deleting it. I most likely will delete it.

I hope to find the time to visit your blogs, however, I haven't done too well in recent months, have I? I'm sorry for my neglect, because you do have wonderful blogs! Thanks for our friendships and let's continue them. I really do want to know what's going on in your world!

Slip of the Tongue or Heart Issue?

2009-03-20T15:55:00.009-05:00

I never watch the late shows on TV, but this morning I did see portions of Obama's Leno show appearance. I'm not sure why he made the decision to appear on the show, but that isn't something I'm going to analyze.

It seems that so often there are statements from our leaders, later an apology is made, and then everyone should just get on with their life. Let's forget it and move on, right? Not so quickly in the following case for me. You see, I expect this type of word-usage from school age children with poor manners, but NOT from the President of the United States of America.

"It's like the Special Olympics or something."

This remark is an extension of using the word retard in an ignorant manner. I believe all racist remarks, anti-religious statements, or anything similar to be a heart and mind issue and not merely a slip of the tongue.

Oh, and the irony of this situation? There are Special Olympic bowlers who have had perfect games? Hmm...that's something that few of us have done. So, they'll invite a few special needs bowlers to the White House for a photo op. That will calm many people, but I really just hope Obama will learn something from this experience. I hope that with time the Lord can use this to show our leaders that every life is of value.

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Psalm 141:3

What's Your Play? #35

2009-03-03T00:19:00.004-06:00

This is Laura's original photo:

My Play:

PSE Rough Pastels, Canvas, Bottom-left left

Things in My House Thursday: My Kindle 2

2009-02-26T00:34:00.005-06:00

I really hesitated in posting about this. I mean, the economy is bad and I'm certainly not rich. I'll be the first to say that the Kindle 2 is expensive. However, I'm so impressed by it that I wanted to post. The photos were taken as the Kindle was charging yesterday afternoon after I ~~had ripped the box~~ smiled and hid my excitement from the UPS guy as he placed the box in my hand.

My enjoyment of techy gadgets is what led me to read about the Kindle 2 a month ago. With the steep price, I began researching how I could benefit from this device and justify the expense. My list grew with knowledge and I quickly realized that this wasn't just an electronic device for storing and reading digital books. I can covert many docs/pdfs and more for Kindle use. I often wish that I had various nutrition, special needs information, recipes, and more. There are numerous sites, including amazon.com, who have free book downloads. I'm creating ideas for using it for Mr. B for learning, too. While the text to speech voice is rather robotic, I can see the benefits. I won't bore you with my complete list as you can read more about it on the Amazon site.

The convenience is a definite plus when one is running errands, waiting of any type, trips, and much more. My Kindle will be able to handle any reading mood that I'm in at any time. It's going to be one of my new companions. I just hope The Farmer Guy doesn't become jealous!

It's a great 25th wedding anniversary gift (March), birthday gift (April), and Mother's Day gift (May). See, I had all the bases covered before pre-ordering it! Besides, I'll save a tree, right?

Join the fun at Mommy Sweet Mom's place!

What's Your Play? #34

2009-02-24T17:11:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned Dolce's website written by Laura in the past. Her little Solphie is such a doll! Laura has a weekly Tuesday meme that is so fun. I only recently purchased Photo Shop Elements, due to discussion from Amy and other friends, and now I can play. I'm very excited even though there's a learning curve to this simpler version of Photo Shop. Photography is a fun hobby in our house, so this program will come in handy for several reasons.

Here are past entries and here are the guidelines. My entries will be rather simple until I get the hang of PSE. I plan on using past What Your Play? photos in my learning process. Makes sense to me! I'll create a new post for those.

Laura's Original:

My simple play:

PSE-Stylize-Glowing Edges-default settings

Giveaway by OzJane

2009-02-23T17:52:00.002-06:00

http://five-minutes-of-fame.blogspot.com/2009/02/oh-dear-600-postsmaybe-giveaway.html

She is giving away a homemade bag in celebration of her 600th post! Go check it out! She has three very simple requirements. They won't take long...promise!

God Lives Under the Bed

2009-02-21T00:34:00.004-06:00

This is a great article that I receive via email. I did a Google search to locate the author and found her. I just love it and hope you do, too! Marilyn

God Lives under the Bed

(Written by Kelly Adkins)

“I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least, that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed."

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays--oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside.

"That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished.

But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others.

His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere.

And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God--to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances--they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!"

(Written by Kelly Adkins)

Ezinearticles

Things in My House Thursday: Grandpa's Pocket Watch

2009-02-12T09:40:00.005-06:00

I recently went through my jewelry box and knew that this watch would be an entry for a future TIMH post. The pocket watch belonged to my grandpa and was given to me years ago by my grandma. She told me that she had accidentally washed it and therefore it no longer worked.

This watch has great meaning to me. I can remember grandpa checking the time while we were out on the farm in Southern Indiana. My mental picture is of him in coveralls and pulling out the watch.

This photo is from the early 70's. That's my sister squatting who is now 40 years old. She probably didn't think that she'd be nursing her own four children years later. The other girl is a friend whose parents still live next door to my parents. The other people in the photo are my dad, Grandpa G, Grandma G, and my paternal Great-Grandma Z who is leaning on the hoe.

Join the fun at Mommy Sweet Mom's place!

Word-Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 27:17

2009-02-11T00:20:00.001-06:00

Granddaughter K is #45

Join this uplifting meme at AmyDeanne's place!

Another Great Awakening For Me

2009-02-10T23:03:00.008-06:00

I must admit that I've been rather wrapped up in my own life and concerns lately. I do have huge concerns right now, but I seem to require a constant reminder of the blessings in my life. Why, oh why, do I allow the concerns to drain me so much?

Well, I had a remarkable awakening this evening. Similar to many I've had over the years, but it came at the right time for me. I was reading several online devotionals and decided to check a few blogs. I've really been neglecting my blogging friends.

Little Miss Mozi Esme was introduced to you in the past. I love this blog written from her viewpoint by her mom. As I was looking through the precious photos of this little one, I began to see a pattern in my Google Reader of her titles. There were many beginning with OLZ and several great giveaways. I went back to the oldest post which explained Operation Love Zimbabwe.

Please go read this post and then check out the other entries about OLZ. There may only be a few days left in this particular adventure, but there's so much more that can be done. I'll continue praying for the orphans of the world. That's something that can easily be done by all of us.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

My concerns at this time are not created by me, my concerns cannot be solved by me, and my concerns certainly steal joy from my life. That merry-go-round will continue to turn and I must be a part of it from time-to-time, however, I don't have to stay on the ride until I'm dizzy and sick.

And Now a Few Words From Thomas Jefferson

2009-02-08T23:57:00.000-06:00

These appear to be accurate and there are so many more.

“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”

“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”

“Leave no authority existing not responsible to the people.”

"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government...”

Sigh...

Word-Filled Wednesday: Psalm 147:17

2009-01-28T01:32:00.005-06:00

Yesterday morning I walked to the mailbox at the end of our drive. It was so cold and ice had covered everything in sight. I put my outgoing mail in the box and quickly walked back to the house. I was thinking about the warmth of my kitchen and my hot cup of coffee. However, the beauty of the countryside was breathtaking. Some would say it was mother nature and yet I smiled at the handiwork of God. I just had to grab the camera and snap a few pictures.

A few hours later we had one inch of snow covering the ice. This has been our first moisture in nearly four months. It was a great reason for smiling and praising our creator.

Join the fun at AmyDeanne's place!

Songs in Commercials

2009-01-23T19:44:00.006-06:00

Do songs associated with commercials make you smile? There are several songs that I like and I just couldn't remember the products. I finally wrote down the names and searched for the songs. I was really hoping there were full versions available. I've been playing them this evening. They are just plain fun songs:

TLC Family Night Commercial - Beautiful Life, The Band Fisher

Bounce Awakenings - Ordinary Day, Emilie Mover

Ipod Nano Commercial - Bruises, Chairlift

Surf detergent - Neopolitan Dreams, Lisa Mitchell

Things in My House Thursday: The Worry Jar

2009-01-22T02:33:00.009-06:00

Hmm...it's been a week since I've posted. I wouldn't have thought it possible last year. It's happened often in the past month or two. There's a reason for it and that ties into my Things in My House Thursday post.

Blogging is such a fun hobby for me. Ideas, mundane or not, just seem to come to mind. My time isn't spent on how to write down my thoughts, because I'm just being me here. No stress is involved since I just type what I'm thinking at the time. My goal isn't writing and editing in order to be humorous, entertaining, or even to write in an editorial manner. I don't spend time in thinking through my posts and I realize it shows. It's something enjoyable to me. My edits are always grammatical, spelling, or related errors. It's a simple and quick way to enjoy my hobby.

So, why have I gone so long between posts? To be very honest, I am dealing with some stress. A close family member has made and continues to make poor choices. I wish that I could say that my faith makes it easy for me to follow RD's advice of "Just give it to the Lord, Mom." I do and then something new happens which starts the cycle again. TFG reminds me that this is out of my control.

How does that fit in with today's meme? It's the following jar:

It's a worry jar. Upon first sight, it may seem to be an odd piece. Actually, I almost didn't buy it 20 years or so ago. I liked the material, the colors, the shape, but the title seemed contrary to my beliefs. I didn't want to collect my worries in a jar. Writing down my worries almost seemed like I was claiming them. I bought the jar and have kept it on a shelf with the words toward the back. Yesterday, I did a search for "worry jar" and my findings were somewhat I expected. However, I decided to turn the jar around so that I could see the words. The jar is a reminder that my body doesn't need to be a receptacle for worries. I don't need a place for my worries, because I know the One Who can handle them for me. The jar, to many, may seem like a sign of my weakness. Perhaps in some ways, but it's a quick reminder to humble myself. There times in the valley that we must be reminded of His truths.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:6-7

Join the fun at Mommy Sweet Mom's place!

Things in My House Thursday: A Painted Rock

2009-01-15T13:55:00.006-06:00

This rock was painted by my oldest granddaughter many years ago as a preschooler. She's now 14 years old, but this rock has always been a paperweight on the computer hutch. At Christmas, I showed it to her and she asked, "I painted this?" I didn't expect her to remember painting it. It's still a sweet memory for me. I can remember her mom dropping her off to stay with me for the day. Miss K was beaming with pride when she handed it to me and said, "I painted this for you, Ma-Ma!"

Time goes so quickly!

Check out the TIMH fun at Mommy Sweet Mommy's Place!

Word-Filled Wednesday: Psalm 113:3

2009-01-14T00:30:00.000-06:00

Join the fun at AmyDeanne's place!

Mr. Big Stuff

2009-01-13T15:45:00.003-06:00

I was 13 years old when Jean Knight's hit, "Mr. Big Stuff",was released. I had the 45 and played it until the neighbor's dogs howled outside my window. Not really, but I'm sure my mom had to visit the medicine cabinet for aspirin quite often!

I recently heard Mr. Big Stuff on TV and the memories came flooding. I was singing and bobbing my head to the music. There was only one problem. I couldn't really enjoy the song, because my brain had memorized "the skip" in the record! We're talking 37 years later, people!

So, I found the song on You Tube and have played it several times. I still hear the skip when it gets to "You made 'em cry, many poor girls cry." Sigh... It's too late to retrain my memory. I would be running to the medicine cabinet for Tylenol!

For your enjoyment, I've included the song. Oh, come on, you know you want to hear it. Well, except those of you who had to ask the meaning of "the skip"!

Considering the Future for Those With Special Needs

2009-01-09T00:22:00.003-06:00

The Farmer Guy and I have somewhat procrastinated in researching this for Mr. B. Sure we have minimal knowledge and know who we need to see in order to get started on the paperwork. We also plan for our life insurance to rollover into a special trust. We are also aware of area programs to help us and Mr. B.

This is probably one subject that can easily cause my heart to race and nearly bring on a panic attack. I know to quickly turn it over to the Lord, however, the concern is definitely understandable and seems to return occasionally. Those of you with special ones know about this.

Here are a few links for you:

There will be a web seminar on February 25, 2009 for special needs planning. It is an interactive seminar that can also be accessed later in their archives. http://www.epliveonline.com/ep_20090225.html

A Down Syndrome support group in a nearby city is having several special needs planning seminars. We will be attending one this month regarding Guardianship and they will also have special needs trust info. Their first seminar, which we missed, was held by a representative from Stemark Associates. The website has valuable information and free downloads.

Free access in the month of January for advocacy information: http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/shop/Jan09promo.html

Check your local and state resources, too!

I'd love for you to comment and list websites and other resources. We are utilizing free information until we see the lawyer who is familiar with our area and state. She is also knowledgeable regarding programs that Mr. B participates in at this time and knows how they will follow him into adulthood. A great positive is that she's married to Mr. B's pediatrician. That should also make the process easier as he will see Mr. B until age 21.

Things in My House Thursday: Artwork

2009-01-08T08:00:00.005-06:00

I purchased this original piece of art in 1984 about the time The Farmer Guy and I were married. It's appropriately entitled, "Crescendo". It wasn't cheap, however, it really appealed to me. I reasoned with TFG that the annual cost would be minor by our 50th anniversary. LOL! He agreed with me and I was thrilled. It's been above our couch for nearly 25 years! TFG and I both have different memories of the cost. At his price, it would be $20 per year and mine would be $14 so far. See, it will be a very cheap decoration in 25 more years! :D I don't expect to ever tire of it.

There have been a couple of people who thought it was dark and rather depressing. For me, it represented the cloudy days at my grandparents' farm and the old buildings on it. After being in dry West Texas I love and appreciate rain. The clouds are a promise of the Lord watering and nurturing our crops which maintain our family on the farm. The rain is important and we praise God for it. I see great promise in this painting.

It was painted by a woman at our former church where we once lived. She teaches art and music at a college. Quite a talented lady!

Visit the other Things in My House Thursday participants at Mommy Sweet Mom's Place!

Blog Reader Programs

2009-01-01T13:17:00.002-06:00

I rarely check my Feedburner, but it lists the various readers of those who subscribe to my blog. It shows all of them and not just the Google ones as my Google account shows. My question isn't about numbers, but reader programs. Has anyone found one that they like better than Google Reader? I don't have any specific problems, but just wondered if there was something better. I do like checking my email and then clicking on the Reader link. It's probably the most efficient thing to do, however, I'm not familiar with the others.

Thanks if you have any insight!

Address Book Winner!

2009-01-01T12:46:00.002-06:00

The winner is #5: Clair from Books and Paper! Congratulations, Clair! I'm off to email you now.

Address Book Giveaway!

2008-12-29T10:47:00.007-06:00

Yeah, I've been missing around these parts for awhile. I'm hoping that things can somewhat get back to normal...whatever that may be. There's still plenty of work to keep me busy, however, I think that I can get back to my hobby of blogging.

So, what better way to get going than with a giveaway? This Dayspring address book is just like the one that I gave away a few months ago. I still have a third one that I'll giveaway in the spring sometime.

It's such a pretty book and serves a great purpose!

There is scripture throughout the book and they have used various versions as the source.

Since I like interesting comments, I'd like you to tell me a goal, dream, or plan for 2009. It can be a sentence or a paragraph. I love comments, so tell me about your new year!

If you put my Etsy button (or have) in your sidebar, then give me a second comment telling me. Subscribing to my feed (or if you are a current subscriber) will give you a third comment. Post about this giveaway and you have a fourth comment to increase your chance of winning.

The giveaway ends at noon on January 1, 2009. I will be using the Random Generator to choose my winner that afternoon. You must make sure that I have an email addy in which to contact you.

Thanks for being my e-friends! I really enjoy all of you! God bless!

The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still. Proverbs 27:9

Can I Share, Well, Brag?

2008-12-28T11:13:00.001-06:00

I love all gifts that are given to me and I don't have a favorite. Honest, I don't! Many of my favorites are painted rocks or drawings by my kids and grandkids. So, don't take this post in the wrong way. Also, I don't believe that any of my family has read my blog in months, so it won't appear that I'm playing favorites here. Besides, my family truly knows me better.

This is what RD, my near-20 year old, gave me for Christmas:

I was in total shock. My words were, "No way!" and "An iPod? No way!" It's silver although the photo doesn't look like it. Do you know how many movies, sermons, and music can go into this 120 gig item? A lot! Right now I have 18 movies, 17 podcasts, and 26 albums and that's not quite 10 gigs. They were all free, too. RD knew that I'd wanted one for years. This was actually a celebration of my 50th year in life. The engraving gave that part away. It's my 50th Christmas and I'm four months away from 51.

RD gave his dad a day of remote control airplane flying at the local center. He invited their RC club and the guys had a great time. Several of the guys paid for a second day rental, so they were able to fly another day. The Farmer Guy was thrilled!

The part of all of this that makes me smile is that RD is a college student with expenses. He was willing to make us smile this Christmas. RD also jokes that these will be our gifts for the next five years. LOL! Anyway, I admire the guy's unselfishness. It extends to those in need and not just to spoil his parents, too.