Tuesday, May 31, 2016

First Roadtrip Picture


My parents trip has taken them through several states thus far including stops in Illinois, Missouri, and now Kansas.  Here is a picture they sent from Kansas!  (Just joking!)  This is not a picture they sent to me but it shows just how wet Kansas is right now.  I'm encouraging all my friends and family back in the Midwest to buy a boat! 

Monday, May 30, 2016

May our Flags Fly


Fact:  Memorial Day was originated after the Vietnam War.  It has grown to encompass all military persons, past and present.   

Today is my birthday (Happy Birthday to Me!) but let's concentrate more on celebrating all of our fallen soldiers past, and present.  My son is a veteran.  He committed six years of his life (and that of his wife and child) to the U.S. Army, including a one year tour in Iraq and another in Afghanistan.  We spent a lot time on our knees in prayer and support of him and all our troops.  But he/we were the lucky ones as he returned to us, changed from his experiences, yet solid and whole.  It's time to give thanks to those who did not return come home to their families.  To those who died fighting for our way of life, our freedom, our voice.  Without each one them, we would not be the nation we are today.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your unselfish service to your country and I pray for your surviving family members.  May our flags fly freely today in remembrance of you, this Memorial Day.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Between the Quotes


It's easy to sit back and complain that life isn't working out the way we planned.  Perhaps it's because God's plans aren't the same as ours.  While our plans focus on the "what, of life" His focuses on the "how" of it.  The difference of the two certainly changes the final outcome.  Let's shift our focus from ours to His and see what happens!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Weekend Focus


A three day weekend stretches before us.  I hope that you and your family have plans to enjoy it.  At my house, we plan to do a little painting.  I have been talking about putting an accent wall in my living room for months and we are finally going to do it.  I am so excited!  I hope that whatever your plans are, you are equally excited about them.  Be safe and have fun!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A New Pastime


If I won the lottery, I would put one of these in my back yard!  I  would have to buy a bigger house though.  I would also hire someone to man the bar and offer poolside service!  It's always good to have a dream in your back pocket.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Safe Travels


I wanted to post a prayer for safe travels for my parents who left this morning for a road the trip of a lifetime!  They have been planning it for years, spent the past few months tracking the route, making arrangements, packing, unpacking, and repacking (I can't even imagine how many arrangements had to be made).  We will miss you dearly but hope that you have a wonderful time together, that you see things that you've never seen before, that you meet new people along the way and most of all, that you stay safe and enjoy the path before you, where it takes you!  We can't wait to see the posts and pictures of your travels.  We love you and we'll see you soon.  God bless.  

“In the name of God I go on this journey. May God the Father be with me, God the Son protect me, and God the Holy Ghost be by my side. Amen.
 
“Lord, be our guide and our protector
on the journey we are about to take.

Watch over us.
Protect us from accidents.
Keep us free from harm to body and soul.
Lord, support us with Your grace when we are tired.
Help us be patient in any trouble which may come our way.
Keep us always mindful of Your presence and love.
Amen.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Need...Coffee


Being a "Bolts Nation" fan can be detrimental to your sleep!  The Tampa Bay/Pittsburgh hockey game went into overtime last night!  Albeit, for less than a minute, but it was enough to excite the sleep right out of me!  Unfortunately, my four-day weekend is over and I have to get back to work today.  I'm not a coffee drinker but today, I'm kind of wishing I was!  I'm lifting my virtual coffee cup to you in order to wish you an awesome Monday! 

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Please Take a Soldier


This picture and it's worth hit me hard as I have a son, a soldier, now a veteran, who lived two one-year tours within his six-year commitment to the U.S. Army in Iraq and then Afghanistan.  It doesn't take a plastic soldier to remind those with loved ones in the military to pray, it's something you naturally do multiple times a day.  But for those who support our troops without having a personal connection, this is an awesome reminder that all the men and women serving should be remembered, celebrated, loved and prayed for.  Their lives remain in God's hands so let's make sure we do our part.  Thank you.

Friday, May 20, 2016

If Momma Ain't Happy...


Ha ha!  I love this!
Smile and have an awesome Friday.
 
P.S.  I am taking my computer somewhere where I can get comfortable and continue yesterday's storytelling progress.  The joy in my heart is singing - loudly and off key - but singing anyway!     


Thursday, May 19, 2016

Oh Happy Day!


I am celebrating having a four day weekend, most of which, I plan to write.  I have to get this new story completely drafted and out of my head.  You have no idea how your characters live in your head until you get their lives constructed and down on paper.  I have to get them out!!!  Have a great day and I'll update you on my progress tomorrow. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

So Many Remedies, So Little Time

Wow!  Who knew that one inexpensive product could all of this?
 
 
Fingernail and toenail fungus
 
Apply some VapoRub on the affected nails a couple of times a day then put on your socks. Trim your nails regularly until you remove the infected part.
 
Relieves congestion symptoms and cough
 
Applying VapoRub on your chest and throat will help you relieve congestion and treat your cough.
 
Prevents cat scratches
 
Rub your walls, doors and windows with VapoRub to prevent your cat from scratching them.
 
Fast healing of cuts and splinters
 
Apply Vicks on your cuts and splinters to accelerate the healing process and prevent infections.
 
Reek-free racehorses
 
In order to prevent the fascinating stench of the female pony and keep the horses focused on the race, professional racers rub VapoRub under the nostrils of their horses.
 
Stretch marks
 
Applying some Vicks on the affected area will get rid of your stretch marks easily and quickly.
 
Prevent your pet peeing inside
 
Place an open bottle of VapoRub in different areas of your house to keep your pet from peeing in these spots.
 
Eczema treatment
 
Applying VapoRub on the affected area will get rid of the inflammation and itching caused by this skin condition.
 
Relieves ear pain
 
Put a cotton ball with VapoRub in the affected ear and you should feel immediate improvement. Another option is to warm a garlic clove then apply Vicks on it and insert the clove in the opening of the painful ear.
 
Athlete’s feet
 
In order to relieve the infection, put VapoRub on the affected areas a couple times a day.
 
Removes warts
 
Apply VapoRub on the warts twice a day and cover the area with a gauze or sock – this will remove the warts in only a couple of days! Continue with the treatment until the wart completely disappears.
 
Deters mosquitoes
 
Apply a bit of VapoRub on your clothing and skin and the mosquitoes will stay away.
 
Sinus headaches
 
Here’s something that will help you with sinus headaches: apply some VapoRub under your nose and breathe deeply – the menthol from the ointment will soothe your headaches.
 
Eases acne
 
Did you know that VapoRub can clean the acne from your skin? Just apply some of it on the affected area a couple of times a day and it will dry them out quickly.
 
Repels insects
 
Rub some of the ointment on your neck, inner knees, elbows and behind your ears to keep insects away.
 
No more bruises
 
Apply some VapoRub and salt on a fresh bruise and watch how it disappears!
 
Alleviates sore muscles
 
Massage your sore muscles with VapoRub, then cover the area with a warm towel. Lie down until the pain goes away and repeat the process three times a day for best results.
 
Moisturizes your skin
 
The amazing VapoRub can moisturize the dry skin on your body – just put some on the affected areas and you’ll soon see positive results.
 
Tennis elbow
 
If you want to get rid of the pain caused by tennis elbow, apply some VapoRub on the affected area and you will soon feel the pain go away due to the presence of camphor and menthol in the ointment.
 
Treats cracked heels
 
In order to keep your feet healthy and smooth, you need to apply some VapoRub on them and put on socks before you go to bed, then wash your feet with warm water in the morning. In addition, you can also exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone.
 
Vicks’ VapoRub can help you reduce your belly fat and get the figure you want – it won’t do wonders by itself, but a combination of VapoRub, a healthy diet and regular exercise can accelerate the fat burning process in areas such as the legs or abdomen.
 
VapoRub can help you reduce fat, cellulite and stretch marks. All you need to do is to make a cream of Vikcs, camphor, baking soda and some alcohol. Apply this powerful cream then wrap the area with plastic wrap while you’re at home or at work, and you will be able to reduce your fat in no time.
 
VapoRub contains levomenthol, a mint flavored compound which is dangerous if used alone. However, dissolved in Vicks, the compound is completely safe as it is mixed with eucalyptus oil.
 
Camphor is another hazardous ingredient on its own, but safe for use when added in commercial products.
 
Here’s how to prepare this fat-burning remedy:
 
Ingredients:
 
     Vicks VapoRub
     Camphor
     Alcohol
     Baking soda
 
Preparation
 
Crush the camphor tablet and mix it with the other ingredients until you form a paste, which you should store in a plastic container. Apply the paste on the problematic areas before going to bed and massage in circular motion, then wrap the area with plastic wrap and leave it overnight. Use the method while resting at home or while you exercise.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Birthday Boxes: A Personal Project

With the kids soon to be home from school, I found this to be an awesome family project to help struggling families who might not otherwise be able to celebrate a simple birthday for a family member.
Here is what you need:
Shoebox size boxes
Cake Mix
Frosting
Sprinkles (if not already included in the frosting)
Candles
Birthday Banner (or make your own)
Fun surprises for the birthday kid such as:
•Bubbles
•Necklaces
•Regular Chalk or Sidewalk Chalk
•Stickers
•Crayons or other school supplies
•Candy
•Anything you can think of!

To decorate the box you'll need:
*Blank address labels
*Stickers to decorate labels
*Marker


Monday, May 16, 2016

Excercises for Those Over 55


I believe I should probably start practicing this now!
1 Potato...
2 Potatoes...
I can feel the burn!
Have an awesome Monday.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Small Things



We (all of us) can do small things we great love.
I love those words and will do my best to achieve them every day.
How about you?  Will you join me?

Friday, May 13, 2016

Happy Day!


There seems to be a lot going on today.  It's Friday the 13th with a full moon.  I'm also waiting "not so patiently" for a phone call extending a formal job offer (for a great job) and the Lightening begin a new series of play this evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Winning this series will put them into the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row.  I have the day off so I am going to get a few things done and truly enjoy it.  Happy Friday to you! 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Kindness for Kids

Kindness is one of the most important character traits, but sometimes kids need an extra reminder about the best ways to be kind to others or why kindness matters. These books provide that reminder in creative and appealing ways. Happy reading!
1. We All Sing With The Same Voice by J. Philip Miller and Sheppard M. Greene
We all sing with the same voice, And we sing in harmony! The familiar words to this joyful song combine with vibrant illustrations to celebrate the idea that no matter where children live, what they look like, or what they do, they're all the same where it counts -- at heart.
 


2. Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide To Daily Happiness For Kids by Carol McCloud

This heartwarming book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by "filling buckets."
 
 



3. A Sick Day For Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead

THE BEST SICK DAY EVER and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut.
Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee's case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.
 
4. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
WINNER OF A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AND THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD!
Each kindness makes the world a little better
This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they've put it down.
 
 


5. Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Pena

Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal
A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book
A 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of 2015
A Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of 2015

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.
 
6. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
 
"In this witty, wise picture book, Boelts presents a kid’s-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
 
This list was provided by BookishBuzz.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Flip Flop Wreath



How about a little summer fun to hang on your front door?!

For this project you'll need:

11 cheap plastic flip flops in assorted colors
Assortment of colored gem stones
Assortment of colored flower tops
A Styrofoam circle base
Glue gun

Glue the flip flops to the Styrofoam base, glue on the gem stones and cover any holes with the flowers.  Easy-peesey!  Hang on your front door to show off your handy work. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Tears of Fear



I believe I may have made a mistake in buying my son's birthday present this year.  No - I didn't buy him the bike!  I bought the collapsible wagon behind it - the one that my granddaughter is sitting in.  He claims it can go 75 miles an hour!  I told him that I didn't think that was quite what I had in mind when I bought it.  He said that she was crying "tears of joy at getting the opportunity to hang out with daddy" when he put her in it.  I'm thinking they were more accurately tears of fear!  I then asked him where I went wrong and never got an answer back.  I may need to worry!  I hope you enjoy the picture, it certainly got a round a belly chuckles from all of us.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Happy Day!



Happy Belated Mother's Day!  I didn't post yesterday because our family got together to celebrate not only Mother's Day but a couple of birthdays also.  The cake said "Happy Day" and thank goodness, did not involve candles!  We had an awesome day - the only thing missing was my youngest son and his family.  We missed you all.  I thank God every day for the blessings He continues to bestow upon us. 

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Problem Solved


Ha!  This is as good an explanation as any!
Now stop smiling and go enjoy your Saturday.
 

Friday, May 6, 2016

Bolts Nation


Oh yes!!!!  Come on Lightening!
This is Tampa Bay's year to win the cup!
We'll be watching tonight.  Let's go guys!
We're ready to break out the dance moves. 

Thursday, May 5, 2016

My "Do" List


It may be difficult to achieve these four things each and every day but keep trying. 
They are life long goals to set, to work toward, and even possibly, accomplish!  

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

The Best Therapy

Or lunch with your Mom!
Those are the best.
(We had lunch yesterday - thanks again Mom!)
Love you!


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Happiness


Love who you are, no matter your flaws.  You are the only YOU there is.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Sassy Pants


I thought this was appropriate for a Monday!
I'm wearing mine, are you wearing yours?
Have a Sassy day!