I CAN Do It

Mama's Urn

2011-10-18T07:54:00.000-05:00

Mama's final resting place was a source of sad uncertainty for me. Buying an urn is serious business. After all, no one wants their loved one to rest in a place that isn't suitable. But when the person who has passed on doesn't get to choose that place personally, it can be quite a puzzle for the ones left to make the decision...to say the least. I did my research and was startled to

Dog Causes Car Wreck

2011-10-10T08:33:00.003-05:00

Dogs that are not kept behind fences, in houses, or at least under close supervision can be a dangerous hazard for drivers. A big black labrador retriever scared our teen daughter one night on a country road. Needless to say, the accident killed the dog, which had no identification. The damage to the car totalled close to $200. Our daughter was shook up but unharmed, thank the good Lord

2011-10-06T11:03:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday for my husband was last month. So, I'm a bit late getting the pictures on here, but I suppose I could claim the infamous writer's block. Getting back into the swing of things is proving sluggish at best. However, the birthday was a quick one. This was one of the oddest birthdays yet as we "celebrated" in the few minutes between when my husband was welding out back and

How to Argue Better

2011-08-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

Oh, but were we to maintain the innocence of small children. The over-rated phrase, 'Can't we all just get along' comes to mind. But since we adults prefer to get our point across, sometimes at all costs.....and then complain because we argue too much in our personal relationships....well, here are some phrases that just might help improve your arguments so you can move on to more important

God is Watching You

2011-08-14T10:17:00.000-05:00

My son took this photo for me since I couldn't get it while we were riding past during our visit in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is a beautiful piece of wall art and helps to remind us that God is watching. Ever present, ever listening. Remember that whatever you do, wherever you go, God is there. It is humbling that we are in His care 24/7. He is the Ultimate parent. I know it isn't

Prom 2011

2011-05-15T19:47:00.000-05:00

most expensive bracelet she's ever had Big brother adoration My daughter finally got to go to a prom. She's been awaiting this moment for a few years now. Her wonderful big brother took photos with her, drove her to the pre-prom dinner where they met her friends, and took more photos. Then he dropped her off at the prom. Unfortunately, some things are better during

Customer Service Woes

2011-04-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

From what I can tell through my own personal experiences with customer service, there is a dire need for people who give a crap about their jobs. Yes, I said it. I have become so disillusioned with customer service over the past few years. Take this week's episode, for example. My brother needed help paying for a doctor visit. He was located about 3 hours away from my home. I decided the

Motorcycle Rides in the Summer

2011-04-16T16:54:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite summer activities is motorcycle riding. I actually prefer to let my husband drive so I can sightsee better. But I do sometimes drive myself so I can feel the power the bike allows. There's just an unexplainable feel of freedom when on a motorcycle ride. I don't know any other lady riders in my area, although there are ex-riders who have long ago sold their bikes. There are

Peroxide...More Than a Brown Bottle of Fizz

2011-03-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

I am always looking for ways to make things I buy stretch so I can get my money's worth. My latest find is on the benefits of peroxide. I have been leery of peroxide for many years. In my opinion, it looks like it could eat through my skin! It doesn't, of course, but the only way I've ever used it is with cuts or tears of the skin. I advise anyone reading this to proceed with caution and at

Seniors Know How to Jam!

2011-03-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

About a month ago, I joined a dear friend of mine in an adventure to the Senior Center in our Northeast Texas town. Although I really didn't know what to expect, I was taken completely by surprise at what I embraced. These people were jamming with some of the best music! Every member who sang and/or played showed exceptional talent. Yes, I know, why should I even be surprised? Forgive me,

Have You Had "the talk" with Your Teen?

2011-03-13T00:33:00.000-06:00

Mary Jo Rapini and Janine Sherman wrote one of the best books I've ever read thus far to help guide parents and teens through the dreaded sex talks and information! It's named "Start Talking". It covers much more than just the basic birds and bees stuff our parents were told to teach us. It encourages thinking and communication between the parents and child. I went through the book recently to

You Never Let Go

2011-03-04T22:32:00.000-06:00

The song on the radio was endearing because of the sweet music. Something in it reached inside of me and grabbed hold, so I went online and searched for the lyrics. Matt Redman, a great contemporary Christian artist, sings, "You Never Let Go." Although the song is about God, it reminded me of my mother. She died in November after suffering through Malignant mylenoma stage 4 cancer. I have to

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

2011-01-24T13:10:00.000-06:00

I belong to a book review club on http://www.goodreads.com/. Having recently lost my mother to cancer, I decided to read about what would happen to a body that was donated to science (as hers was). I posted the book on the site as one of my current reads. One of the other readers sent a message asking me if I was seriously reading this book after losing my mother. In my defense, maybe it is a

The Man Behind the Woman

2011-01-06T14:40:00.000-06:00

The man behind the woman... he gives so much to me. I yearn for his support and suffer no defeat; for of it he gives freely with love and sacrifice. The man behind the woman... I whine, I yell, I gripe. Yet he gives more than ever I deserve. He loves me, leans on me, props me up. He asks me to believe; believe in him and what he has for me within his heart. The man behind the woman... God's

Healing Must Not Be Rushed

2010-12-11T22:08:00.000-06:00

Following my mom's death, which was preceded by my daughter's boyfriend's death, I am trying to heal. In this fast-paced world, healing (as well as all else) is expected to be rushed. It's simply not one of those things that should be put on the fast-track. People act like it's a bad thing to be sad, to grieve. Christians want to pray away my sorrow. I don't want my sorrow prayed away. I

Looking for Hubert Lee Jones, my lost grandfather

2010-09-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

I was told that my grandfather was full blood Cherokee Indian. He was also married and had two children from another marriage when he was involved with my grandmother. So, my mother was an illegitimate child--a big deal back in those days! Her maternal grandmother helped raise her and apparently was the only reason we have information on her father today. Grandpa sent gifts to Mama, which she

Looking for Hubert Lee Jones

2010-09-09T23:23:00.001-05:00

Hi, everyone! I'm hoping to find my Mama's father. She has never known her father because her mother forbid it. She has tried to look for him in the past and has failed to get anywhere, so I'm trying for her again. She has terminal cancer, and it would be a blessing to know if she has more family out there that she hasn't met yet, or to at least know what happened to him after all these years

I Found a New Candy!

2010-09-01T13:10:00.001-05:00

There are these little things called chocolate Twizzlers that are just too yummmmmy. I can't pass them up. I am a true chocolate addict, and I can tell the cheap chocolate from the good stuff! When I saw that Twizzlers had a chocolate flavor, I thought, "Yeah, right, another wanna-be." But I couldn't resist. I'm trying to wean myself off candy bars. I took one bite and have been hooked ever

Blogging Mamas

2010-08-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Hello Blogging Mamas, Meet other Moms who have awesome blogs and learn from their experiences with children and family. Marie provides a connection to help us all help each other! Go Bloggers!

Remembering Elementary School

2010-08-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

Winnsboro Lower Elementary School is where I began my journey into grade school. This building holds some miserable memories for me, but also interesting ones. I say miserable because I was not a willing student. I don't blame the staff. It was a deeply personal issue that caused me to dread school. I loved the bookwork. But I didn't love being away from the security of my home and my Mama.

Update on "My Formerly Hot Life: Dispatches From just The Other Side of Young"

2010-08-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

Several posts back, I noted that I would report on this book I won in a giveaway. Despite life's distractions, I did finally finish reading the book and felt it only fair to provide my review. Stephanie Dolgoff knows how to relate to women in their forties and older. I, for one, not being ashamed to be in my forties, can certainly agree with ninety percent of what she has stated in her book

ARC Giveaway for Great Books!

2010-08-07T18:07:00.000-05:00

Book lovers, here is an opportunity you just can't miss. There are 5 Advance Reader Copies being given away....Summer/Fall book releases you won't want to miss. Any true blue avid reader should want to sign up for this fabulous opportunity to win this totally awesome giveaway!21 Pages is hosting this huge event, so let your mouse do the clicking and join in for a chance to win a free copy of

Chemo Kit for Mama

2010-07-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

An online friend of mine, Diane, crocheted this lovely chemo kit to give Mama comfort when she begins her treatments! Diane asked my Mom's favorite colors and address and surprised us with her personalized blanket. It looks so warm and inviting. Mama has already used the blanket as she tends to get chilled easily now. The aghan in the back is not part of the kit, by the way. It's been in the

Is Sudden Death Easier on Loved Ones?

2010-07-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

Is Sudden Death Easier on Loved Ones?

Italian Websites Anyone?

2010-07-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

I recently came across an Italian website. I don't read Italian, so lucky for me there was translation! I just thought it was so interesting to see what a foreign web site would be like. Since my husband taught me to be interested in vehicles, I checked out a web site that sells automobiles . Ok, my readers, it's time to test your Italian....do any of you know what this means? auto usate