Cure for the Common Cold

Nothing like a little afternoon matinee, with friends to make you feel better. Life is good.

xoxo,

~My Cup Runneth Over~

One for the Birthday Boy

If you feel like we are celebrating a birthday almost every blog...you are probably right. Our immediate family isn't that large, so how on earth can almost everyone have a birthday within weeks of each other, and so close to Christmas at that!

Today is Daddy, Bill (pronounced Beel by my mother), Billy Ray, Bill Bowers, Papa's birthday. I think he has but one wish, for my mother to turn the heat up to 72 for the day!

Whatever your wish, I hope it comes true! Happy Birthday to my Dad...I'm happy I got you!

xoxo,

~My Cup Runneth Over~

Better to Give Than Receive

If we've heard it once we've heard it a thousand times, right. But it is as true today as the day our mothers first uttered the words.

Here's a little of the break down of Christmas, at least for me.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus loves everyone, always has, always will. His love is one of sacrifice, ultimately the sacrifice that would save the world. Of course He should be the reason we celebrate Christmas at all and it is easy to get side tracked on the giving..excess anyone?!?

On the other hand, it is okay to give gifts at Christmas. It is exactly what Jesus wants us to do, give to others. Our giving should be a matter of the heart, paying it forward where there is need.

Opportunities exist every single day and we need to be as generous, caring and giving as our time and resources will allow, not just at Christmas. Christmas brings opportunities to the surface though and that is a good thing, an opportunity to give something back - don't miss your chance! There are so many places to volunteer, places to serve.

A dear family was put in our path for such a reason this year. One chance encounter provided opportunity for lives to be touched in the true spirit of Christmas. One email and love was paid forward by my generous family and friends.

I had the privilege of delivering the goods today and the look of joy and HOPE for this grandmother made me the lucky recipient. God is so good!

Below, a grandmother's note, handwritten, name left out for privacy, but I think you will agree, it truly is better to give than receive.

xoxo,

~My Cup Runneth Over~

Dallas or Bust..

Or should I say Dallas and bust! I went to Dallas for the purpose of visiting with a few friends before Christmas, relaxing, shop a little, see Kristen :), but I think I must say clearly the SOLE purpose was to eat as many meals in as little time as possible!



I hit town at 1 and ate at my favorite Mexican food place of all time, Tupinambas. If you go to Dallas, eat there! You will not be disappointed, promise.



A couple of my friends spent the afternoon shopping before we met up for dinner, 6:30, Campisis (Italian), must be #2 on the favorites because I also eat there every time I'm in Dallas.



We had so much fun. Three of our grown children met up with us. It's always fun to see the second generation of our group together.



Tuesday was full, shopping with Coleen, eating lunch at 12, movie (Invictus) and then group dinner....again at Tupinambas! Of course we know the owner on a first name basis, hugs at the door, he was there on Tuesday so it was worth the return visit. But seriously, how can I consume this much food in such a short time! I'm not sure what I was thinking after all the heavy food when I hit the bed, asking Kristen if she had anything chocolate in the house. Hershey morsels at midnight...who knew they could be so tasty!



Bring on the stretch pants, it was worth it!



xoxo,





~My Cup Runneth Over~

All Because Two People Fell in Love

Reunions...love them or not, they seem to roll around in all families. My mother's family is rather large, 7 brothers, which makes for a fairly large group of cousins, their children, in some cases their children's children and even another small generation beginning after that! Needless to say, through the years cousins moved, families extended and family, well, a lot of family literally has lost touch.

Of course we hear this and that through our own parents, but sadly we don't really know many of our cousins anymore.

My brother and I have been wanting to host a reunion with a push to get cousins in attendance for over a year, but busy schedules and logistics of where to have such an event kept it from happening.

I decided there was one day in December that I didn't already have a party, commitment, etc., :)...and we needed to schedule something. Boom - Bardin Family Reunion on the calendar!

Although busy holiday schedules wouldn't allow for all to attend, we had a great time and just a few tense moments.

Hosting with house guests proved to be quite entertaining. Let's just say my brother will need to stay elsewhere next visit! He likes to "rearrange" my things when he visits. Usually he will make a stack by my front door, but this visit he chose to put malt balls in the opening of decorative birdhouses, magnets hanging anywhere but the refrigerator, strainers on the pot rack, Santa upside down on kitchen counters...you name it, he did it.

I like to make videos, sweet, remember this videos. One problem is that I don't actually know how to do them. I always have to enlist the help of my children and usually my son.

Let's just say asking 70+ year old people to send pictures in .jpg format didn't exactly work out! He spent hours and hours scanning, cropping, pulling from funeral videos (not kidding). Needless to say, he was still putting the finishing touches on when the guests started to arrive and I was tying bows and raffia and handing them out as people left, ha. Still, the night was a lot of fun, the video was great, catching up and hopefully staying in touch was worth it all.

The night was complete with our personal photographer (thank you Tiffany). She came and took our photos. I was sending out an email early Sunday morning when shock turned to horror as I realized that the camera she took those pictures with had NO memory card! In an effort to update my photos and get Christmas cards printed I had taken it out and hadn't replaced it.

I was too exhausted to freak out so I just cried, a sad little cry. When Steve saw me he asked what was wrong, I told him and he looked more shocked than me. Probably afraid I would host again :)

Luckily he had the idea that my camera might have internal memory, and yes, praise Jesus it did! Pictures, there...all of them.

It really did all start because two people fell in love. My grandparents were amazing. My brother and I loved being with them, always. Places no longer there were favorites as kids...Red Colemans Convenience store, The Frisco (ice cream cones), The Delman Theatre, getting Avon gifts for Christmas every year (purchased from Ms. Boscoe) and my personal favorite Prince's Hamburgers. I spent many nights listening to my mother and grandmother talk while mother rolled her hair (bobbie pin style). I watched and did tricks in the den to try to get their attention (I outgrew that), but never outgrew loving and wanting to be with my grandparents.

Not only did they love each other, they loved their family, all of them and they loved Jesus more. They were a house of very limited income, but they obviously did something right because we never knew and we certainly never cared. Because they lived in faith and were faithful always, they passed down things money will never be able to buy. Love of God, morals, values, knowing right from wrong, treating others the way Jesus would, keeping what you need and giving the rest back...the good stuff. I am so thankful they were our beginning. Christmas got a little bit brighter...family matters, hold them close!

Aunts, Uncles

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins

~The Bardins~

xoxo,

~My Cup Runneth Over~

Oh Happy Day

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday dear Kristen,

Happy Birthday to you!

Remember the line from City Slickers...best day of your life~

Easy...March 4, June 5 and December 1.

Love you...to the moon and back!

xoxo,
Mom


~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree(s)

One good thing about not posting until after the fact is that it doesn't seem so silly posting about Christmas trees on December 1st! We got home from the Komen 3-day on a Sunday, I took Monday off and went directly into tree decorating on Tuesday. I worked pretty hard for several days. I always loved having the house look and feel like home when the kids came home from college and I guess we'll continue on with that tradition even though we no longer have kids in college. That seems extremely odd to me. Why did they have to grow up? I guess that's for another post!

I stumbled on a must have invention this year...a super little toe tapper switch that allows you to turn your trees/mantles on and off with the click of your toe! No more bending over trees and mantles or messing with timers - I love it!

Even though this process started several weeks ago, I put the finishing touches on the backyard just this evening! Officially in the Christmas spirit and ready to go. I am so thankful for our savior Jesus Christ, may we rejoice and celebrate Him this holiday season.

Crank up your favorite Christmas songs and get that decorating finished!

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

I'm Walking....Yes Indeed I'm Walking...

Komen 3-day, Dallas, 60 miles, over 11 million raised. Hats off to everyone that showed up for us, for the cause of finding a cure for breast cancer - soon.

I'm keeping it short since I wrote a personal letter weeks ago...sorry blog.

In 2 words - thank you. 3 words - for showing up. You prayed for us, you sent cards, texts, you called, you gave, you came, you encouraged.

You, our friends, sustained us once again in the name of fighting cancer.

It was not easy, but it was worth it...every mile, every blister, every ache and pain - I literally hurt on the palm of my hands! No, I did not walk on my hands! I have no idea how I could hurt there, but I did, ha.

The look on people's faces told their personal story, no words spoken.

To our #1 crew chief, chauffeur and dear friend, Liz, aka, the Loj...thank you! You were a difference maker - we love you!

xoxo,


~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Halloween

Very hard to believe it's been so long since I've blogged. I guess the word would be way too busy.

Couldn't skip over Halloween at the Rogers. We had a blast.

In all their glory...Maggie and Jake.

There's a new Sheriff in town!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

2 Wrongs...

Do not make a right! My mother keeps two darling kids after school and today the little boy was out playing in our cul-de-sac with a Frisbee ring. He sounds the alarm that it has landed in the tree (high in the tree) and that his father usually chunks tennis balls to get things down.

I have a better idea :), maybe something heavier...maybe one of Big Daddy's lawn mowing shoes. Nah - doesn't work!
Blow wind blow! At least before it's time to mow again.
Look closely for exhibits A&B.

**Anyone but me notice how many everyday uses shoes have!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Call 911!

I know you've heard the expression crying wolf. I think I can say without hesitation that our family certainly qualifies for moments of high drama - some without need, well one may have just occurred.

I was trying to mind my own business in the bathroom, supervised as always by my 2 dear canine friends, when I noticed Jake sniffing something on the floor. He suddenly jumped back, sniffed again, jumped back...I looked and said, oh my gosh, is that a scorpion?

I wasn't actually talking to myself at this point as I was multi-tasking, talking on the phone. I get the idea to have my other dog Maggie check it out. So she heads over, same thing, backs up, the thing appears to recoil and I suddenly feel awful that now both of my dogs have been stung!

I go into an organized panic, Tiffany begins googling, words like poisonous, deadly, drooling, call your vet immediately...blah, blah, I'm like, I've gotta go assess the situation.

Jake is beginning to look pitiful, I get both dogs outside, collect my weapons of mass destruction (aka Big Daddy's shoe and a baggie for the victim to be clearly identified) I head in for the kill.

Realizing I had a "snack" baggie and would have to be precise on the scoop, I close in and realize that it's being very cooperative, not really moving much...but then again, small dead leaves usually don't move much do they?

People...everyone back to work, it's all under control. I really need to get out of the house, it's been almost 7 days!

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Jake- Looking Pale

Jake- "I'm good! It's all good!"

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

The Eyes of Texas

And look at him go....he could go all the way! We hope so, we certainly hope so! There is something so sweet about beating ou in the Red River shoot out. I like the Eyes of Texas much better than boomer sooner. Did you guys see Bob's recent interview, the one where he tried to keep a straight face while telling the media this was just another game, not the end all of games for his team, this game didn't define their season. Really??? Since when? Since Bradford got hurt, since you already lost 2 and almost certainly out of the Championship race? Get on board Bob - this game means as much as it always has, to both teams.

Come early, be loud, eat a corny dog, stay late! Hook 'Em Horns!

Looks like everyone is pulling for the good guys....

2009

2008

Maggie means business...

Tennis ladies for Texas!

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

A Little Bit Country

Last week I made a short trip to Dallas and Ft. Worth to visit Coleen and show her cousin and friend around town. We tried to jam as much as possible into our short time together.

We made the necessary Dallas stops: Tupinamba - best Mexican food ever! Sam Moon - not gonna lie, losing it's appeal, but I did get a snap watch for a smart price, State Fair, DSW (not sure how that made the list), but Coleen did purchase 3 pair of shoes in a matter of 5 minutes which earned her a free brown handbag which she gave to me! Thank you very much :) Touring Cowboy Stadium was on the agenda, but we were running short on time and our visitors broke the news that they don't really follow football...ouch! I guess Vermont doesn't spoil them with great exciting football.

Next up, Ft. Worth, the Stockyards in particular. Embarrassed to say that I have spent 33 of my 50 years living in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and I had never been to the Stockyards.

I was impressed and would like to state for the record that I actually loved it. I've always been a fan of the music and the dancing (sorry fellow baptists, yes I LOVE the dancing). I like old country, sappy country...country that tells a story. Songs that sound as if they were written just for you, yeah, I like them!

And no cowgirl would be complete without a hat! I found a really cute blue cowboy hat at the Fair, loved it, but it didn't match my darlin cowboy boots. It did however send me on a wild goose chase for one that would.

Let me set the stage. It was a bit chilly outside and I was wearing a sweater that has a reasonable amount of shaggy animal fur. My son-in-law affectionately refers to it as my Cruela Deville...now, enter the salesman - let's call him 'the real deal' as he was a rootin tootin dipping cowboy.

I find a hat that is a bit of a vintage look, like my boots. I really like the color, but it was a soft straw. I'm not really a hat person, but I realized that if you have the hat shaped to fit you, it can work. So I ask the guy if they have anything in the 'real' cowboy hats, ones that can be shaped, but one that looked like the one I had on.

He basically looked at me like I was from Mars, and says...no mam. I ask him what he thought about the straw looking hat, in particular as it related to me. Ha.

He sized up my outfit and said well, if you want to look like a real cowboy, you get the real hat. If you want to look like a city girl wearing a cowboy hat you get the one you've got on. I was happy to see that he thought I had potential. Like Cinderella and the shoe, maybe the right cowboy hat can change your life! At least change your wardrobe.

We finished our night in Ft. Worth with a trip to Billy Bob's, also a first. I had a good time, but it could have been a great time. I loved, loved the bull riding and would have enjoyed the music and watching people dance (Big Daddy wasn't with me)...but it was concert night and someone that could NOT sing was the man of the hour. He gave me a splitting headache!

I left with my resolution for 2010...for Big Daddy and I to brush up on the two-step so we can hit a few country and western dance floors next year, as well as a couple of rodeos. I just love the good 'ol boy aspect of that way of life. Men still open doors for the ladies, they look at you like you're a lady, they call you mam in a good way, not like you're old. I think they basically live by the golden rule, and I like that.

Several that know me may laugh at the idea of me going a little bit country, but I might just surprise you. I'm not saying I'll be wearing rhinestones anytime soon, but stay tuned for the cowboy hat.

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Big Tex

Fried tomatoes, fried pickles, fried guacamole, fried pork chop, fried snickers, fried Oreo, fried butter, fried grilled cheese, fried banana, fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fried latte...say what? Recognize anything here? One guess as to where you can find these gourmet treats and stop your heart on a dime. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas.

Some things are good, they stand up to the test of time, Fletcher's corny dog, corn on the cob, cotton candy, carmel apple...but fried butter and fried latte!! How on earth do you fry a latte....and WHY on earth would you! And better yet...why would anyone buy and eat such things.

Last Thursday was a fun day spent at the Fair, doing the usual along with some unusual. Usual - over eating, walking the Midway, checking out the car show, listening to a little music, lots of people watching and walking through the exhibits. Unusual - riding the Swans (paddle boats, which I must say I actually enjoyed), wine tasting and last but certainly not least....buying a set of "magic knives" - yes, as seen on tv.

We had basically stopped for a rest. We were the only ones standing there, the guy seemed to get a bit excited that he had an audience, albeit small. We told him we didn't really cook, he was just the first stop inside the door. He shot a look as if to say - I hate you already, but proceeded to give his demonstration.

Who knew a knife could cut through a metal bar, I mean, no idea why you would need to do this...but impressive non the less. It cuts through wood, again, why you would need to do this I don't know - but you could if you wanted to. It dices food so easily one might be tempted to throw out the food processor and it fillets a tomato so thin you would need 10 slices to add taste to your sandwich! Impressive? Well yes, I certainly thought so.

It made me want to be a better person. Ok, maybe a stretch, but at least a better cook. I can report that I've already used the knives twice and it's only been 24 hours...worth the money! I don't think I'll be on Top Chef anytime soon, but it is fun stocking the kitchen and makes me want to see Julie/Julia or whatever the heck the Meryl Streep movie is.

As Ms. Childs would say...Bon appetit!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Play Me the Song You're the Piano Man

So I have this thing I like to call "the baby closet"...for future generations. It's a safe place for those darling little numbers we think we can't live without or just too cute to pass up. Some purchases are bargains, some - well, not so much, but doesn't it just stand to reason that it will seem like I'm not spending as much if I already have a collection?

The following purchase has not yet made the closet...

Truly one of THE cutest things I've ever seen. Yes, it is real and I think it belongs in my house :)

Too stinkin cute for words.

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may his love be enough~

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

Hats off to Big Daddy...it's your birthday, party like a rock star!

A little diddy for Big Daddy :)

On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true; so they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue...

Oops! Sorry, I believe the Carpenters already pinned those words. Here we go....

Stef, Weeber, Daddy, Big Daddy,

Names of the one we celebrate~

Because of your love and unselfishness,

You've made our life so great~

Advisor, coach, handyman, fixer of little girls hair,

These are some of the things you do~

Tax man, yard man, prayer partner,

Just to name a few!

So from our house, the 3 of us,

Me, Maggie and Jake~

We wish you love and happiness,

And can't wait to eat some cake.

Much love Big Daddy!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Put it on My Tab

It started innocent enough. I was in desperate need of getting my hair back to my natural blond, shape it up a little, but was in one of those "I would like a little change" moments, so I decided to try someone new.

Enter Dorinda, dear friend, tennis bud, hair always looks great, people ask if we are related, I think, I'll try her girl. Easy enough, I get a call back right away and can you believe, she has an opening the next day! Life is good.

Let me state for the record, this girl was super nice, gets the concept of my hair is dark because I'm aging, please help me age gracefully, give me my natural blond back thing...I liked her.

However, it didn't take long at all to realize I wasn't in Kansas anymore! I've been going to a walk in type hair place for the past year plus, and obviously paying WAY below market rate.

I immediately sent a text to Dorinda...um, just approximately how much do you pay for this? She tells me, I start to hyperventilate, I email MY girls...I'm in a bit of a pickle Dick...what do I do? She was running behind, sent me next door for a sandwich, so I had an out...I could just run, vanish, she wouldn't know what hit her! But seriously, who does that?

I sheepishly go back over thinking, I'll take back that cute purse, I'll have a garage sale, whatever, I just don't think I can run out like this. After all, I was in desperate need of having my hair done.

She does shop in a place where all the rooms are private little suites like a Dr., that was my first clue to being more upscale than the place I had been going. She kept trying to talk about pleasantries and I SO wanted to enjoy it, but all I could think of was...how does a $180 hair do look? Will everyone on the street turn and stare? Will they all be smiling, telling me how great I look...is it possible that they will ask me for an autograph thinking I'm someone famous?

I can tell you no! The only thing I was asked to sign was the bill! I felt a blog coming on after my ordeal, but before I could write I had Bible study with several darling young things and another aging gracefully sister.

Anyway, these darlings come prancing in, I like your hair! I'm taken back...first notice since I left the scene of the crime, I ask if Kristen told them to say that, they say no. I ask if I could be nosey and ask them...how much do you pay for hair with color?

All I can say is, I am speechless, and obviously a tightwad. They ALL pay this and more! MORE. I am still in a state of shock, but on sort of level that I'm still not sure I understand, it has somehow made me feel better. People, I'm not kidding I had gastro trouble over this! Well, that and the 1/4 lb of malted milk balls from Lammes!

I had to laugh in spite of the circumstances thinking of the movie line...just put it on my tab! If only it were that easy.

Off to do my first wash and fix...woo-hoo or boo-hoo!

xoxo,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Like a Breath of Fresh Air~

I am sooo ready for fall! Our summer was a bit toasty, even for my taste, and I am ready. Not just the cooler mornings and nippy nights, but all that fall implies. Friday night Texas football, Longhorn football, nights in the hot tub, outdoor chats by the fireplace with smores (despite the burn ban and living next door to the Mayor - yikes), changing out the seasons in the closet, wearing sweatshirts all the time (love it), the start of all the many birthdays in our family...LOTS of them, fall decorations, fall festivals and shopping bizarres, Halloween - love, love all the little chickadees in their cute costumes, and I love that fall is the stepping stone to Thanksgiving and Christmas which will need their own blog!

I know God was having a good time, probably shaking his head in disbelief last week while I tried to blow leaves off the back deck while a decent wind was blowing. When I realized that they were basically blowing, swirling and circling back around, I smiled thinking God was having fun with me that morning, sweet.

I know it's a little early for the fall decorations, but I couldn't help myself! I had tall man (Taylor) get them out of the attic on his short stay at home and thought I would put them out in a couple of weeks. But, after about 2 passes by them I just couldn't help myself...they needed a home - fast!

Insert 'Stepmom' (the movie), just a little company, someone talking when all the peeps in my house give up and go to bed, and I'm off! My children affectionately call these moments of holiday decorating, cleaning, rearranging furniture, preparing for company....Danny moments. Danny Tanner, clean freak from Full House. As Cinderella might say - if the shoe fits!

This time however, the movie turned out to be very counter-productive (much like the leaf blowing). I guess it had been awhile since I last watched it, so I found myself stopping, a LOT, to actually watch the darn thing.

Steve rounded the corner at one very dramatic point, the point where I was sobbing my eyes out all the while holding an arm full of fall foliage, and he said...I can't believe you do this! Would it be considered self defense if I said I can't help myself? I have to confess I do this all the time. I did it today watching only part of Steel Magnolias...in between NFL football. I still managed to cry myself into a splitting headache!

All's well that ends well! Thankfully Susan Sarandon gave the gift of acceptance to Julia Roberts. She even told her I have their past, you will have their future (cry with me here people), and they enjoyed one last Christmas together...family style!

Danny was inspired that even in sorrow life can have a happy ending and thus motivated to burn the midnight oil and finish those decorations! I have tried to limit the madness to basic fall, saving the scary stuff for October 1st...if I can restrain that long.

While writing this post they announced a cool front for the week...can't wait! Looking forward to some outdoor blog writing this week. The fixings for smores are ready to go, come on over.

I leave you with pictures of a couple of the favorites this far. Have a great week.

XOXO,

~May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Rain..

Shh...don't say anything, but it's raining in Round Rock :) I mean it's really raining, not just two sprinkles and then the sun comes out. Unless you live here, literally in Round Rock, you have no idea how little rain we have had, how much we need the rain. To quote another blogger...Jesus bring the rain! Rain after a drought usually inspires me to write a little diddy~

Rain, rain...
Don't go away.
We need the wet for many a day!
Please water our yards
And fill the lakes...
To be in the boat would sound so great!
Lucky for me
I have a pair of rain slickers.
But it's been dry so long
They still have the price stickers!
No complaints,
We've waited a long time.
The diddy is over,
I've got no more rhyme :)

I know...wow is all you can say.

xoxo,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

What Can I Give Him~

I have a place I want you to all know about, it is called The Storehouse. The Storehouse is literally a faith based food pantry, clothes closet and prayer ministry for the poor. Located in Pflugerville, it provides service for anyone in need...no strings attached. It is a ministry started by Jack and Sandra Cochran because they found themselves in a place of need, knowing what it meant to be hungry. They have poured their hearts, time and resources into this ministry for over 6 years.

This ministry requires no proof of income, no proof of need, does not require that you live in a certain area, they simply open their doors each day and serve all that enter. They show the love of Jesus Christ in it's purest form, service and acceptance.

I have prayed for quite some time for God to lead me to a place of service. I've had a couple of opportunities, but nothing seemed like the place I knew God wanted me to be, until now.

The premise is simple, the ministry is anything but simple. People come, sign in, meet with an intake coordinator, talk about any special needs, receive prayer if they want it (100% asked for prayer), they go into a small room where they receive food for approximately 4-5 meals. They receive food ONCE a month. Let that settle with you for just a minute. 4-5 meals, once a month.

As I knew it would be, I was on the receiving end Wednesday, not the giving end. Mothers, fathers, children, grandmothers, brothers, sisters...they all came. One gentleman could hardly walk, so painful to get in and out of the chairs, I asked him if he minded me asking what was wrong with his foot (in a cast), he said he was a diabetic, had his toe amputated a few weeks earlier and he had infection around the site...oh and yes, he was hungry. No complaints, smiled the entire time he was there.

And then came Chris. He was the last man I had the privilege of praying with and serving that day, but who am I kidding, he served me more than I could ever serve him. As we got up from the intake/prayer desk and started to make our way into the room for food, he stopped, pulled a tattered one dollar bill from his worn out wallet and placed it in a jar of coin donations sitting on the desk.

I was overwhelmed! What had I just witnessed? I had not even noticed the jar, and still have no idea what organization the collection is for (it is not for The Storehouse), but I knew I had just witnessed the love of Jesus Christ in this dear man! Giving something back, walking in faith that God would provide for him, his family, all their needs, in spite of their current circumstances.

I fought back tears in that moment but let them fall as soon as I got in my car. I still stand amazed at how good God has been in our life and pray that Chris can rub off on me. Jesus in the ordinary...Chris, you are anything but ordinary, thank you for the greastest gift you could give.


~What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a Sheperd,
I'd give him a lamb.
If I were a Wiseman,
I would do my part.
What can I give him,
I'LL GIVE HIM MY HEART~

Author Unknown

xoxo,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Bases Are Loaded...

It's what you play for....Championships. Regardless of age, t-ball state championship (not kidding, it does exist ), or Super Senior Tennis Nationals (yes, that exists too!), nothing beats being dubbed THE best at what you do. And so it happened last night, in our family.

Our son was drafted this year by the Giants and played in his first year of minor league baseball in Salem-Keiser, Oregon for the Volcanoes. They were up 2-1 in a 5 game series, and playing game 4 at home. Be reminded home is Pacific time (need my z's)...and they managed to play 13 innings! It was so exciting though. Every boy's dream...bottom of the inning, bases loaded...base hit - let the fun and excitement begin!

I sat reflecting on getting to this moment. The bleaching of uniforms, hustling to take forgotten gloves, belts, and pants..yes pants! before a game, practice, more practice, spring games, regular season games, tournaments, regional games, home openers, end of season, extra innings, freezing games, sunburn games, laughing, crying, laughing and crying at the same time, winning, losing, times in the valley and times on the mountain....but this...this was a moment of anticipation. There is just something about time spent -in the dog pile!

Taylor said it was probably the most fun he had in his life and suddenly, it was enough. The joy in his voice made it more than enough. Champagne flowed, pictures were snapped, they were fitted for championship rings, and for a time, men were as boys and baseball was the way it is supposed to be, a game you love, and a game you love to play.

~You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out it was the other way around all the time~ Jim Bouton

Congratulations!
xoxo,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

Who is a Hypochonriac???

For as long as I can remember, at least in my adulthood, I have been...well, a borderline hypochondriac. In defense of myself, a lot of my conditions have proven to be right on. Others...well, not always. Here's a few...

Legit - for months had a sour stomach, nothing settled well, hungry but then too full, felt like someone hitting me between the shoulder blades...gallbladder attach and stones, check.

Low energy, mood swings, very severe cramps...hysterectomy, check.

Severe back pain, couldn't move, problem with disc, took medication and chiropractor, check.

Tee-tee when I ran, coughed or sneezed, bladder suspension, check.

Felt like I had a stick in my knee, swollen, cramped, couldn't straighten my leg, torn meniscus, bone spurs, multiple shots and surgeries, check.

Severe pain in right shoulder, couldn't hold my arm up to blow dry my hair, torn labrum, very painful surgery and rehabilitation, check.

Flying out of bed because I dreamed crickets were attacking me, fell on a shoe on the floor, knee swell to the size of a small city...legit people!

Another bad dream, jumped out of bed and hit the ironing board...hard! My stomach swell like I was 9 months pregnant, lost all bladder control...yeah, hospital again, this time they did a little "investigation"...make sure Steve wasn't abusing me. I guess not too many people complain of complications due to running into an ironing board in the middle of the night.

Suspicious lump that I could sometimes feel, sometimes not, low energy level, malignant tumor, double mastectomy, chemo and radiation, check.

Not so Legit - pregnant with Tiffany, severe cramping (while Steve was playing a softball game), drove 90 with lights flashing, thought I was having a miscarriage...diagnosed as needing to toot, wow, not legit.

On-going headaches that certainly must be a brain tumor, not legit...all MRI's perfectly fine. In defense of myself I take medication for migraines and they go away, so at least they aren't just in my mind!

Being unable to breath one night after dinner, chest pains, dizzy, rushed to hospital thinking I was having a heart attack....acid reflux attack. That is actually good news, but I'm telling you it hurts and it's scary because you can't get air!

Being frightened by bird hiding in my backyard at dark one night, freaked out when it flew at me, thought I broke my foot...not legit. It was bruised and it did hurt, but not broken.

Contrary to what my husband thinks, I really do have a pretty high tolerance for pain. However, I also have a keen sense of knowing when something is not right, and I like to have peace of mind, so I check it out. Maybe the "rush to treatment" gives me the label of hypochondriac. I always joked, regardless of what hurt or where it was, that it was a tumor. Remember the line from the movie..."it's not a tumor"....I wish I had a nickel for every time someone told me that! But then one day, it was a tumor, and the jokes stopped, just like that. Well, I'm officially bringing "the tumor" back. In my restored health I think it's very healthy for the heart, soul and the mind to laugh again, and laugh about everything. Here's to the moving tumor!

My symptoms for today: I have no energy, like none at all. I'm low when I'm doing nothing, but when I do something...play tennis, work in the yard, etc., I am literally wiped out. Almost too tired to eat, but are you kidding me, that would only happen if I were dead. I don't have a big appetite, which is very alarming, and my arms and legs feel heavy, if that makes sense. Headaches, controlled with Tylenol. So, not huge symptoms, just an overall feeling of not feeling good. What are your thoughts?

I'm going with...are you ready - swine flu. I haven't looked it up on the Internet yet, but I'm going to. Regardless of what is wrong, anything, nothing at all, I am so darn grateful to God, the great physician for restoring my health, sense of humor, ability to laugh at myself and my situation...wherever I go, He is always with me, and I absolutely love Him more each day!

XOXO,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary and may His love be enough~

The Title Has Meaning

You've probably heard of the movie P.S. I Love You. While I did like the movie, it is not the inspiration for the title. Steve and I celebrated our 30th anniversary this past July 27th...what a ride. He gave me a gift that is now in the top five of gifts I've ever received, in my life. It is beautiful. A simple, hammered wedding band from James Avery. The fact that he, all by himself, had it engraved P.S. I Love You, meant the world to me. He was pretty proud of himself all I can say is ditto. Thank you Steve. But, for as much as that ring means to me, that isn't the reason for the title. It did make the decision absolute, but the real meaning came from thoughts, lots of them, starting almost 4 years ago during my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I have this little thing I affectionately call "the baby closet" because I can't resist purchasing cute little this and thats for future generations. To be fair, the closet came before cancer, but cancer has definitely given it a push! I was very settled and walking on the same page with God on every matter and issue I faced during that time, except those babies. The thought of never holding, rocking, praying with, playing with, reading to, and just loving on my own children's' babies was something I just couldn't find peace with. And in that time, in the area I simply couldn't seem to yield to God, the Holy Spirit covered me in grace. Sweet, peaceful grace for that moment. Faith grew, as it always does, walking in the valley with the God of grace. I have no idea if I'll rock one, two or all of those precious little gifts from God, but I know there will be a piece of me with them always. And the signed notes of love will simply read:

P.S. I Love You... to the Moon and Back~

xoxo,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary, and may His love be enough~

OMG...I'm a Blogger!

I almost feel like I'm doing something naughty - writing a blog! I am not a computer person...at all, but I do love to talk! And stories...do I have stories. You just can't make up the things that seem to happen in my life. I've been promising to write a book of these little mishaps for years. The characters around me, aka, my kids, parents, husband, pets, other family and friends never let me down, clowns all around me, ha. But somehow I just never seemed to be satisfied with the how to put it all together, so recently I began thinking...blog, simply - blog. I'm hoping this will be a way to express, well, just about everything. Let's say we do have some embarrassing moments around here (future posts), and in those posts...only the names will be changed to protect the innocent:). I have no idea how often I will post. I simply want to share for the purpose of laughter, joy, and matters of the heart. Here we go!
xoxo,

May you find Jesus in the ordinary, and may His love be enough~