Hanging On By Our Fingernails!

Shootings in CT

2012-12-16T11:52:00.002-06:00

MORGAN FREEMAN ON THE SHOOTINGS YESTERDAY:

“You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here’s why.

It’s because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single victim of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he’ll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN’s article says that if the body count “holds up”, this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer’s face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer’s identity? None that I’ve seen yet. Because they don’t sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you’ve just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man’s name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem.”

I will not honor the killer.

I will do as Morgan has asked and remember the lost.

Charlotte Bacon, 02-22-06
Daniel Barden, 09-25-05
Rachel Davino, 07-17-83
Olivia Engel, 07-18-06
Josephine Gay, 12-11-05
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04-04-06
Dylan Hockley, 03-08-06
Dawn Hochsprung, 06-28-65
Madeleine F. Hsu, 07-10-06
Catherine V. Hubbard, 06-08-06

Chase Kowalski, 10-31-05

Jesse Lewis, 06-30-06
James Mattioli, 03-22-06
Grace McDonnell, 11-04-05
Anne Marie Murphy, 07-25-60
Emilie Parker, 05-12-06
Jack Pinto, 05-06-06
Noah Pozner, 11-20-06
Caroline Previdi, 09-07-06
Jessica Rekos, 05-10-06
Avielle Richman, 10-17-06
Lauren Russeau, 06-?-82
Mary Sherlach, 02-11-56
Victoria Soto, 11-04-85
Benjamin Wheeler, 09-12-06
Allison Wyatt, 07-03-06

And, this from Proverbs 31 Ministries:

Many times it’s hard to know what to do or say in times of tragedy, or how to process through the pain… Proverbs 31 Ministries has compiled these resources to help you. We’ll continue adding to it for you and are praying.

1. 4 Free Resources for Ministering in Times of Tragedy {Source: Pastors ToolBox with Rick Warren: http://pastors.com/resources-tragedy/

2. Terrorism and Other Man Made Disasters {Source: Christian Emergency Network}:http://community.christianemergencynetwork.org/emergency-directory/natural-disasters/terrorism-a-other-man-made-disasters3. Three Rules for Teaching Kids About Tragedy {Source: Focus on the Family with Juli Slattery}:http://www.focusonthefamily.com/broadcast/todays-spotlight/articles/three%20rules%20for%20teaching%20kids%20about%20tragedy.aspx

4. Evil in Connecticut {Source: Focus on the Family with Jim Daly}: http://community.focusonthefamily.com/b/jim-daly/archive/2012/12/14/evil-in-connecticut.aspx

I wasn’t sure really what to say but I felt that I should say something.

Much love to you all.

Blessings – always.

Jerry Ann

Sick

2012-12-04T14:05:00.001-06:00

Well, I haven't been feeling well at all, and was trying to keep it at bay. It turns out I have bronchitis, sinus infection and borderline pneumonia. Joy. Having nothing of an immune system doesn't help. And now, after a steroid shot (which I like a lot more than the pills - no bitter after taste, or graduating down the script), and a z-pack on the road to recovery.

I have done everything I was supposed to do. Claritin D for the post-nasal drip. Vapor rub and breathe-right strips so I can sleep at a 90 degree angle. Rest...well, that one, not so much. Drinking lots of water. And it gets me and hard.

So no IV therapy on Friday. I am feeling sluggish this week anyway, I think, from doing the garage on Saturday, and was really looking forward to my medication. It helps so very much in my day to day activity. My stamina, but not my immune system.

Ugh.

Well, rest it is...and soup. Yes, soup.

Hope all of you are staying healthy.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Wraps

2012-12-03T12:40:00.002-06:00

I am now addicted to these wonderful wraps. I have to choose whole grain when possible, and whole wheat. I am able to have tortillas and bread now, and no added sugars are so very important. These met the criteria needed. They include whole wheat, oat bran, flax seed, and no added sugar of any kind.

I found these, and some others I have yet to try. These rock! For only 50 CALORIES! I had one with some crunchy peanut butter, and a half of banana for breakfast/lunch today. It was so good I wanted to share.

Okay, maybe it has been my lack of bread products lately (6 weeks), but these tasted really good.

Try them, just because I said so. (I purchased these at Publix, and have no sponsors. My recommendation ONLY.)

Enjoy!
Jerry Ann

Prism - 6 Weeks

2012-12-02T19:17:00.004-06:00

Today marked my six weeks accomplished (I have used that word more in the past 4 days) with continuing in the program.

You can opt out of weighing, but I decided to get on the scale. I am 11.5 lbs lighter. I haven't done the measurements, and need to as my clothes are much looser. Any pound that is gone from me is one I will not miss. So I am thrilled with the results. Almost 2 pounds a week for a loss. Great!

I have struggled, been tempted to cheat, not continue, and just give up several times. I have had encouraging friends and family to keep me going. My goal is to be a healthy me. Whatever that weight is, I know that it is much less of me now.

So, God is in control of my habits. Trying to get a handle on letting go when I give things to God. I am good with giving Him everything, but then take it back when He doesn't answer when I want him to, or how I want Him to answer.

So.

Another day.

Accomplished.

Blessings abound.

Love,
Jerry Ann

Garage done!

2012-12-01T19:43:00.001-06:00

These are some of the before pictures of the garage. The table and couch have gone to homes that will love them as much as we did. Other items either needed to be organized or moved to another area. Lots of it had to go find its way out the door...period.

What I thought would never happen, did today. The garage was a clutter zone filled with everyones stuff. All of the things that never get put away from where they came. All of the things that should either go out the door to the charity in need, or in the trash has now been disposed.

YES!

Stephen helped me against his will, but the goal was met today. I had been working on portions of it for about two months now. But this afternoon a tennis ball was hung from the ceiling, and the SUV parked nicely inside.

I am feeling accomplished again. Two days in a row.

So goal met. I still have some things that need going through, but that is for another day.

Happy December 1st.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

NaBloPoMo 2012-Day 30

2012-11-30T09:23:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 30

Okay, do you see that? Day 30? I have blogged for 30 (thirty) days in a row. I am really amazed that I stuck with it so long. I know that there were some days you shouldn't have read what I wrote, but all in all, I am feeling accomplished.

So I am still frustrated at my photos not uploading, and will continue to work on those. But, December is a very busy month for me (and I am sure, lots of you as well), starting with Stephen's birthday on the 2nd.

But, I plan to blog more because this showed me I could do it and you are reading what I write. That part scares me a little. ha.

Okay....so thank you for a great November!

Have a great day.
Blessings - always.
Jerry Ann

Be Kind

2012-11-29T10:02:00.002-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 29

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Simple.

Smile.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Bible

2012-11-28T11:41:00.003-06:00

NaBloPoMo2012 - Day 28

My favorite Bible is a leather bound, NKJV, Women's Study Bible that I have had since August 22, 2001. It was given to me by precious friends. Inside the front cover they have signed it with their favorite verses.

Several of the verses come from Philippians 4. And they are my two favorite verses.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Phil. 4:4

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

I have had a hard time finding a new Bible. Mainly this one has sad memories associated with it. My first husband didn't see the need in purchasing much for anyone but him. My friends knew that I had purchased this Bible for me (in hard cover), and had to return it. So for my birthday they had purchased it and inscribed it with my name.

So every time I see my name I remember that. They purchased something so beautiful for me to study. I still use it daily. It is my favorite with the added features for women.

Carmen and I were shopping on Friday after Thanksgiving, and we went into the Lifeway store. My only reason to go in there was to purchase a gift card, but it never works out that way. I have been wanting to update Carmen's Bible as well, since hers was a teenage Bible. So after finding several things for purchase, I went over to see if she had found one that she liked. She had, and we purchased it. But in the process of looking at the Bibles, I saw one. A new Women's Study Bible in the New King James Version (my favorite), and leather bound. I purchased it, and will have it inscribed with my name.

I will treasure my old Bible, but it was time to put the past away and move forward. The new Bible will be wrapped and placed under the tree for me from the kids. I will treasure it.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Santa

2012-11-27T13:50:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012, Day 27

When did you stop believing in Santa? Did some other kid tell you, and then you paid attention at Christmas? Or did you question all the time?

My kids found out about when Carmen was 10-ish. A friend told her. Same for the tooth fairy and Easter bunny. She came home and asked me. I told her the truth by saying this:

If you don't believe in Santa, he stops coming.

Hmmm...she is about to be 20 years old, and says she still believes. Ha!

Do you do any type of traditions like the Elf on the Shelf? I think that is a cute idea. Great marketing for the company. We have a simple cloth advent calendar. The kids fight over who does what day. It has hung in my house since Carmen was born. My mother had one at her house (just in case the kids were there), that is now in storage. It will go with one of the kids (whoever has children first), and then mine will go with the other. Passing it along.

And, so the Christmas season has begun at our house.

Still trying to get photos to upload correctly. Yes, I am still frustrated.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Ugh - Frustrated

2012-11-26T17:13:00.002-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 26

I have been trying most of today to upload and post pictures. I choose my files and they look great. I upload them, and Blogger turns them. So when I try to post them they are turned sideways. FRUSTRATED!

Carmen's expression is how I feel right now.

So..

So tomorrow is another day.
So sorry.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Philippians 3:13-14

2012-11-25T13:32:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012, Day 25

Today is Sunday. Today I went to church. Hugged sweet friends, sang, worshiped. Todays sermon was about letting the past go. I have, and today was evident of me letting my past go.

It was good to be in church, and not worry what was or was not being done. I didn't have to think or concern myself with any of it. It was good to finally let go.

Hope your Sunday is going well.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Philippians 3:13-14

200 Posts

2012-11-24T18:36:00.002-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 24

This is my 201 post. I am in awe that I have this much to say. Okay, I haven't always had to say something, but I always do.

So...have you gotten your Christmas decorating done? We have. Well, with the exception of the outside, but we rarely do anything outside.

Missing my love.

Happy Saturday.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

State Trip

2012-11-23T07:34:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 23

Stephen had his State Band competition in Tampa last weekend. The band ended up third, which was disappointing, but they did their best.

Choctawhatchee High School Band This is their YouTube of their full performance. Their official name is the Style Marchers. They do have style! They had to cut it to 6 minutes for the competition, but it is a very impressive show.

Me, Beth and Julie - we call ourselves "the Besties."

This is at the Tropicana Field in Tampa after a all day outside field semi-finals. My hair!

Me, Stephen and Carmen

We were so very proud of him, and his band.

Well, I am off for a shopping day...but wanted to post a small bit about last weekend. There is more. Much more.

Happy...

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

2012-11-22T14:44:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 22

Happy Thanksgiving.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NKJV

Today I am so very thankful for my home, family, friends, and well, everything.

I wish you the happiest day, one without calories, and many pies. ha.

Blessings always,
Jerry Ann

Stuff

2012-11-21T13:56:00.003-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 21

Okay...I have to share a secret. I posted the last 7 days in advance so that we could watch our son's band compete in the state competition in Tampa this past Saturday, and then we traveled to some fun places.

It was great. I am exhausted...but why will come in the next few days of posting. I just needed to post something today.

So this is it.

Resting today.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Great Finds

2012-11-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 20

I cleaned a corner of the garage the other day. Yes, just a corner. I will post the before and after later (much later at the rate as I am taking forever on it.) But in this corner of the garage was a shelf. And on the shelf, lots of junk. I threw away most of it (old gardening gloves, old craft paint and brushes, etc). But then I found this:

It really doesn't look like much. And to anyone else looking at these items, I am sure that they would dispose of them just as quickly as I did the other items on the shelf. But, if you look closely, you will find a measuring tape, two crocheting needles, a crocheted bag, and a cup made of tin and old clothespins.

What you don't know is that these are my Mom's crocheting needles that I have looked everywhere for after she passed. So 6 years now, lost and now found. Joy. Leaping joy! The bag is from Germany, and is used for shopping at the bakery or butcher shop. You have to carry your own bag (Germany has a handle on the re-use bags---we in the US should take note), or purchase one and they can be expensive. My mom used this one all the time. Measuring tape was from my Dad. He would keep this in his pocket just to measure whatever, because you never know when you come across something you need to know how long it is. ha. The cup. That cup was a Father's Day gift to my Dad that I made when I was in the Brownies. Yes, Brownies. So I had to be 5 to 7 years of age. Crazy. It is made from a soup can with a top cut away, clothes pins that have been taken apart, glued, and secured with copper wire. It used to set by the land line telephone (remember before cell phones?) in the kitchen with lots of pencils that were sharpened by a pocket knife.

Now it sets by my moms coffee cup, right where I can see it daily. Treasures found. Really. I had no idea that my mother kept this after all those years. As I am going through rooms, buckets and bins, I am discovering more of these things. Many things I am disposing. But these items today, brought back a smile, giggle, and tears.

What do you treasure?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Grown Up

2012-11-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 19

When did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Home Economics Teacher, until I went to college. Algebra got me, and hard.

Decisions are hard. Lifetime decisions are even harder. Trying to decide on what would be a good job in 4 to 5 years after college is even harder.

I am 46 years old, and I still don't know what I really want to do. I like being a wife and a mom. It is a difficult job, but comes naturally to me. At least the mothering does. Ha. In fact, I have been told to write a blog for Mom's. I'm not sure about that, but I may include some new mommy helps here.

But, I wandered again. So, my beautiful, smart daughter is at Auburn in the Pre-Nursing program. She may not get in to the nursing program. She doesn't know what else to she wants to do with her life. She would be a wonderful nurse. Not sure about the economy in the years ahead, but any profession is going to hurt in some way or another.

So...what does the future hold?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Disney 2008

2012-11-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 18

Do you feel the magic? What? The magic of Disney!

Carmen and I love Walt Disney World in Orlando. We want to go again. I don't think Stephen wants to go again. He wants to do Universal (and so does Carmen). I think there is something to do with Harry Potter there. But David is in Bagram and it will be a while before we go again. And we have gone since these photos were taken, but I thought I would go down memory lane and take you with me. All of these photos are from our July 2008 trip.

David and I at the Boardwalk.

David, Carmen and Stephen with their carnival wins.

At Cinderella's Castle breakfast. I love this photo.

Not strong enough.

Nope, David can't do it either.

Love them.

The rest are our attempts at making fish faces.

David's blow fish.

Mom!

Carmen kept making herself giggle.

Finally.

I love this part of vacations. Just being silly. Happy memories. Although, I am ready to feel the magic again - very soon!

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Pioneer

2012-11-17T15:04:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 17

My Uncle Jake called my Mom a pioneer. This took place in a conversation almost 3 years ago at Thanksgiving. I never thought of her like that before he said it. Pioneer.

My Mom, Lore. I love this picture of her. Young, scared, but happy. She came to the United States in 1956. This was the picture used for her visa. She had to be sponsored to enter the U.S. at that time. Her Uncle Max (who lived in Chicago, IL) sponsored her. She wanted something different than what was offered in West Germany.

I just saw her as my Mom. All of my friends heard her accent. I did with some words, like video. She pronounced the v like a w. It was always very funny to me to hear her say it.

With the days of the election just a week ago, I have been thinking about my Mom and the move she made. Going to a world where she didn't speak the language, had very little money, and schooled as a seamstress must have been terrifying.

I can't imagine moving to another country. Visiting countries are hard enough with the transit systems, and laws. She did it. Not by anyones else's standards but her own. She conquered, and achieved a life in US. She became a U.S. Citizen in 1963, after becoming a Nanny for a family in Connecticut. She went to Kindergarten with the child she watched so that she could learn the language.

Who does that now? Immigrants want us to speak their language (but that is an entire blog in itself). She learned. We expect so much from our country. People want hand outs, and help out with things we used to work three jobs to achieve.

Maybe we should think more like my Mom, and become a pioneer. Conquer.

Just a thought.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Time Flies

2012-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 16

Wow. Time really does go by quickly. Years are flying by. Faster as we get older.

I have been looking at my digital photos trying to find specific photograph. When I find it you will be the first to know. But in the mean time, another trip down memory lane. This one goes back a little further in time, all the way to November 2000. Carmen is about to turn 8, and Stephen is about to turn 4. I love the beaches here on the Emerald Coast. No matter the time of year, sunsets are always beautiful.

Playing in the sand.

Carmen.

Stephen. I get this look more often now that he is

almost 16 than when he was 4.

Love your children. Hug them. They grow up in a blink of an eye.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Dexter

2012-11-15T09:30:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 15

Dexter is the name of our dog. We have had him now for almost 5 years. He is a great dog, very loving, friendly (most of the time), and playful. He is some sort of rat terrier, and is about 25 pounds.

We have taught him some tricks to do for treats such as: speak, sit, lay down, roll over, stand up, twirl (stand up spin), and bang-bang (play dead). He knows what the difference is with his ball (tennis ball), bone (chew bone), and rope (play rope). He is very smart. I believe that he has trained us well. ha.

He likes to go for car rides. He is like most dogs when riding in the automobiles of their owners, sticking his nose out to capture every smell.

Please excuse the photo quality (taken with my phone and backwards at that, but being safe -at stops). Here he is nose out the window, acting like a regular dog.

And no more than 5 minutes later, he is sitting in his seat. He acts like he needs a car seat. I swear, he is a person sometimes, well most of the time. He certainly acts like it, especially riding in the car. He will get bored with the smells and sit for a while. He will lay down and nap if he is tired, or we are going farther than he expected.

He is family. We love him.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Holy Family Stamp

2012-11-14T07:30:00.000-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 14

I was completely taken back with this stamp this year.

USPS Holy Family Stamp

I had to go to the US Post Office today to mail two packages to David. He needed a pair of gloves, and a treat or two. While I was there, I asked if they had their Christmas stamps yet? They did.

I purchased three sets of these Holy Family books. I love that they are using the wording Holy Family. It was a comforting sight especially after the last couple of weeks.

I have always said that it seems that those of us who worship Jesus Christ are not allowed to say anything aloud in public because we may offend someone. We (believers) aren't supposed to say anything for those who choose not to worship Christ, and sometimes a "holiday" break just doesn't cut it. I want to say "Christmas" break because that is what it is. If you want call it "winter" break fine, but I am a Christmas break girl.

School programs are asked to showcase Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Christians aren't supposed to show Jesus. In fact, Stephen participated in a Holiday Showcase (in Kindergarten) that showed all things winter including Father Winter (I don't know really who he is), but not Christ. I am completely for others being able to showcase their beliefs, but then allow us (Christians) to do the same. We need to learn about other cultures and religions. I try to keep an open mind, but everyone should get the same piece of the pie and then everyone is happy (I know, but).

I went off...and I am sorry if I have offended anyone. Wait, I am not sorry. I am sorry if you are offended by equal time. I don't shove my beliefs down your throat, please don't shove yours down mine.

So all of my cards will have this Holy Family proudly placed on each and every mailing I do this Christmas. I am feeling quite blessed by being able to do this, this year. I think I need to purchase enough for the next several years, especially since they are "forever" stamps. Isn't that appropriate? The Holy Family Stamp is a Forever Stamp. I love it.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Smile

2012-11-13T07:27:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 13

Do you smile when you pass someone? Growing up in a small town, we waved to everyone driving by, or even walking. It was what we did. Never really thought about it. We smiled at people we liked and didn't like.

Living in a larger city, people look at you funny if you wave at them passing in a car. With walking, people are friendlier, but always look uncomfortable doing it like it is forced.

I love to smile. It is an automatic hello, welcome, and acknowledgement. It doesn't hurt to smile. It is the same in all languages. Yes. Smiling in some countries people look at me funny as well. Must not be a small town.

Smile at people today. Make them wonder what you have been up to. Make them feel comfortable when they walk into the room.

Smile. It may even make you happy.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Soda, Pop or Coke

2012-11-12T08:48:00.002-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 12

Soda, Pop or Coke - whatever you call it, it was hurting me.

I stopped drinking Diet Coke three years ago in August. I accidentally tried it when David had one, and it tasted like poison to me. I used to be able to drink as many as twelve cans a day. I read some where that the aspartame used to sweeten could cause inflammation of joints. I was swollen all the time it seemed, so I thought I would give it a try. It has helped.

I have had gum, and yogurt sweetened with aspartame. It doesn't seem to do the damage that the sodas were doing, mainly due to the amount of soda I was drinking.

I miss coke. I do. I drink tea some now, but mainly water with lemon slices. I sweeten my drinks with Splenda or Truvia, if I do it at all. We still don't know all of the effects of these as well, but I do try to stay away from aspartame. Doctors won't know the long term effects as well, unless all of us document what we eat and drink. Like that is going to happen.

I am not saying that you should give up soda/pop/coke. Just look at what you are putting in your body. Read the ingredients. I try to stay with pure food products, and avoid additives and ingredients that I can't pronounce, let alone know what they are. Prism (diet program, lifestyle change) has made me very aware of supplements and preservatives, and it has been an eye opening realization. But it isn't always easy.

Happy Monday.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Veterans Day

2012-11-11T08:04:00.001-06:00

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 11

Happy Veterans Day!

First and foremost, to our men and women in uniform...past, present and future...God bless you...thank you.

I have been surrounded by military. My father, who died 3 months before I was born, was in the Army, active duty. When I was almost 4, my mom married the man I called Daddy, who was also in the Army. He retired when I was 7, so technically I didn't grow up in the military.

I married a man who was in the Air Force, and was married 13 years. I am grateful to the people who helped us along the way.

I now live in a community that has two bases nearby. I understand their ranks, and their sacrifices.

I am grateful for my upbringing, and for my past. It has made me who I am today.

So, thank you again for you ----anyone who has ever served in any branch of military, and to their families.

Happy Veterans Day.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann