Wow! Thank you all so much for all the prayers and kind words through your comments. It seems like there are so many people that have experienced allergic reactions in some form, so you know how scary it really is!
I didn't want to keep anyone hanging on how Colt is doing. The Dr. gave him a Prednisone Pack and a couple more types of itching meds. He came home (and stayed home from work, I might add) and took a long nap while Joy and I were at stage rehearsal. When I got home, he called me and showed me that he was broken out again in hives. This time they were more just on the trunk of his body, but he had just taken a hot shower. That really is not a good idea when you're itching. I gave him some Aveeno (Oatmeal Bath) and he took one of those in cool water. That relieved alot of the itching and helped the hives. And by this point, I brought home his meds from the pharmacy. All of those things combined, helped tremendously! I believe he actually got a good night's sleep. We ALL got a good night's sleep. And so far today, all is pretty well. He is still itching with some hives on his wrists and feet, but for the most part is SO much better. He is going into work this evening for a short shift, but taking his meds with him.
I really, really appreciate all the prayers and concern! Thank you so much!
And Carmen C.....I want you to know that I prayed and am praying for your son! Appendicitis had to be a scary thing too! I hope your son gets out of the hospital soon! I'll be thinking of you this evening!
Hugs and blessings to you all!
~ Tammy ~
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Night in the ER
Last night didn't really go exactly as I planned. I planned on coming home after a long stage rehearsal of dance for Joy and climbing into my comfortable bed. I was thinking that I would try to get plenty of rest to be ready for the three show dance recital on Saturday that will have us there from 9:30 a.m. until at least 9:30 p.m., but things didn't turn out that way! Of course if anything happens, it's going to be when there's something else "big" planned, or a vacation, or event! That's the way it goes with us it seems! :)
When our son, Colt, came home from church and from playing music with his girlfriend and friends, he came home saying he was itching. I thought nothing of it because we all seem to be dealing with allergies these past few days in one way or another. He sat down, played a few songs for us and talked with us, ate his supper and went on to bed. I was just about to get into bed for the night....it was almost midnight, and I heard Colt talking to Jason telling him he thought he needed to go to the hospital. Jason turned on the light and Colt was covered in hives on the upper part of his body. His neck, chin, hairline, back and hips and wrists were big blobs of red hives.
He took shots for three years for general allergies as well as for insect stings such as wasps, yellowjackets, etc... A wasp sting landed him in the ER a few years ago which made us aware of all of these allergies. He had to get IVs at that time and his blood pressure had dropped significantly and he was having problems with breathing as well as hives, including facial ones that even distorted his face. He had stayed the night next door with my mom and dad, so my mom was the one to get him to the ER that time and she said he looked like a monster by the time she got him there, although he was already looking some better before we got there (and that was still pretty bad). So...we didn't wait around last night to get him to the ER! Jason stayed home with Joy since she was already asleep and I drove Colt on to the ER.
We waited....and waited...and waited after an initial visit with the nurse to determine that his breathing was okay, and it was. He was just itching...itching...itching. She gave him a cold towel to wrap around his neck. That's the only relief he had during the long wait. He had already had three benadryls and they weren't doing anything for him, or so it seemed. Finally, we were seen and he was given a steroid shot of decadron and an epinephrine shot. We had to wait twenty minutes to see how he was looking after that. He then had another epinephrine shot....another twenty minutes....and yet another epinephrine shot before we were allowed to leave. So finally at 4:00 a.m., we both crawled into our beds and Colt finally had some relief. And then the little booger got up and went to work today to open the restaurant (where he is a manager) at 9:00 a.m. He felt like he HAD to be there....stubborn!
We may never know what caused this reaction, and to me that is the most aggrevating and scariest part. At least he could avoid whatever caused it if we only knew! I just talked to him awhile ago and he was beginning to itch again and to break out a little again. I sent him off to the Dr. and there he sits in the waiting room now...his girlfriend, Amber, with him this time. I'm waiting on a call from him.
I would appreciate your prayers for Colt! Thank you! :)
When our son, Colt, came home from church and from playing music with his girlfriend and friends, he came home saying he was itching. I thought nothing of it because we all seem to be dealing with allergies these past few days in one way or another. He sat down, played a few songs for us and talked with us, ate his supper and went on to bed. I was just about to get into bed for the night....it was almost midnight, and I heard Colt talking to Jason telling him he thought he needed to go to the hospital. Jason turned on the light and Colt was covered in hives on the upper part of his body. His neck, chin, hairline, back and hips and wrists were big blobs of red hives.
He took shots for three years for general allergies as well as for insect stings such as wasps, yellowjackets, etc... A wasp sting landed him in the ER a few years ago which made us aware of all of these allergies. He had to get IVs at that time and his blood pressure had dropped significantly and he was having problems with breathing as well as hives, including facial ones that even distorted his face. He had stayed the night next door with my mom and dad, so my mom was the one to get him to the ER that time and she said he looked like a monster by the time she got him there, although he was already looking some better before we got there (and that was still pretty bad). So...we didn't wait around last night to get him to the ER! Jason stayed home with Joy since she was already asleep and I drove Colt on to the ER.
We waited....and waited...and waited after an initial visit with the nurse to determine that his breathing was okay, and it was. He was just itching...itching...itching. She gave him a cold towel to wrap around his neck. That's the only relief he had during the long wait. He had already had three benadryls and they weren't doing anything for him, or so it seemed. Finally, we were seen and he was given a steroid shot of decadron and an epinephrine shot. We had to wait twenty minutes to see how he was looking after that. He then had another epinephrine shot....another twenty minutes....and yet another epinephrine shot before we were allowed to leave. So finally at 4:00 a.m., we both crawled into our beds and Colt finally had some relief. And then the little booger got up and went to work today to open the restaurant (where he is a manager) at 9:00 a.m. He felt like he HAD to be there....stubborn!
We may never know what caused this reaction, and to me that is the most aggrevating and scariest part. At least he could avoid whatever caused it if we only knew! I just talked to him awhile ago and he was beginning to itch again and to break out a little again. I sent him off to the Dr. and there he sits in the waiting room now...his girlfriend, Amber, with him this time. I'm waiting on a call from him.
I would appreciate your prayers for Colt! Thank you! :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
A Sneak Peek (Bathroom Redo Progress)
Although we still have plenty of work left to finish in the bathroom redo, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek of some of the work we've accomplished. At least these pictures will give you an idea of some of the changes in color. To see the "before" pictures, you can click here to see the post from a few days ago.
Here the spacers are still in the tile. It has since been grouted.
Here's a little glimpse of some of the new trim.
And a look at the cabinet with just the back splash of the granite countertop lying on top, so you can see how it looks with the cabinet. (Remember you can click on the picture to make it bigger).
The granite...a little closer.
And here's a little closer look at the red cabinets (called calico) with the antiquing glaze over it. Cabinet doors have since been hung and the knobs and pull put on...and I'm so happy with it!
We had a nice BBQ dinner today, but weren't able to swim because our pool is not quite ready yet and because it's rained off and on as well. Then it was back to work again on the bathroom....at least for Jason. He had a well deserved nap in his recliner after the dinner! I've been cleaning up the messes! :)
I hope you all had a great Memorial Day!
Here the spacers are still in the tile. It has since been grouted.
Here's a little glimpse of some of the new trim.
And a look at the cabinet with just the back splash of the granite countertop lying on top, so you can see how it looks with the cabinet. (Remember you can click on the picture to make it bigger).
The granite...a little closer.
And here's a little closer look at the red cabinets (called calico) with the antiquing glaze over it. Cabinet doors have since been hung and the knobs and pull put on...and I'm so happy with it!
We had a nice BBQ dinner today, but weren't able to swim because our pool is not quite ready yet and because it's rained off and on as well. Then it was back to work again on the bathroom....at least for Jason. He had a well deserved nap in his recliner after the dinner! I've been cleaning up the messes! :)
I hope you all had a great Memorial Day!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Blessings this Memorial Day Weekend
As we celebrate Memorial Day with a full weekend, I also want to remember the sacrifice made by so many. Our forefathers, our military, and the families of our military and forefathers.....all have given much so we can live in this great country and enjoy the freedoms that we savor! Thank you from our family to all of these! I'm also thankful that we are a nation built upon Christian principles, a NATION UNDER GOD, and I pray that we always remember THAT is what made America what it is today....a great nation. I think it's very important that we remain a country with God's blessing.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalms 33:12
I am also reflecting on what so many of my family members are doing in Alabama in this weekend. Although, it's not a tradition around here (at least anymore), in Alabama and Tennessee, in a cemetary where so many of our family members are buried, our family will be gathering tomorrow with lawn chairs. They visit the grave sites; They visit with family members that have come to pay their respects; They just reflect upon the memories and the love shared by those remaining and those who have gone on before us. Some even have picnics out there...although our family usually meets at at a restaurant later in the day. I do miss my Grandparents and those many other family members that are no longer with us and it's good to remember them and the fun times we shared. I hope you all can do the same, where ever you are today.
Most of all, this weekend, amidst the projects you may have going on, I hope you all find time to celebrate the family you have with you and enjoy every moment you share!
Happy Memorial Day (weekend) everyone!
~ Tammy ~
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalms 33:12
I am also reflecting on what so many of my family members are doing in Alabama in this weekend. Although, it's not a tradition around here (at least anymore), in Alabama and Tennessee, in a cemetary where so many of our family members are buried, our family will be gathering tomorrow with lawn chairs. They visit the grave sites; They visit with family members that have come to pay their respects; They just reflect upon the memories and the love shared by those remaining and those who have gone on before us. Some even have picnics out there...although our family usually meets at at a restaurant later in the day. I do miss my Grandparents and those many other family members that are no longer with us and it's good to remember them and the fun times we shared. I hope you all can do the same, where ever you are today.
Most of all, this weekend, amidst the projects you may have going on, I hope you all find time to celebrate the family you have with you and enjoy every moment you share!
Happy Memorial Day (weekend) everyone!
~ Tammy ~
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Beginnings of a Bathroom Redo
After a long wait, we're finally giving our hall bathroom a much needed facelift. It's really time for my pink (or pepto bismol as I call it) walls to say farewell! Since Jason has five days off for the holiday weekend, guess what our plans are! Although, I do hope to fit in some family fun into the mix too!
Our hall bathroom is not big at all...it is actually fairly small. But besides our master bath, this one gets the most use. All three of our bathrooms need a makeover, but this one goes first. This is the bathroom used by visitors to our home, most often, as well as the kids' bathroom.
Just to give you an idea of changes to come, I'm going to show you some "before" pictures. I didn't remember to snap pictures until I had already removed alot of the decor in there, but I went ahead and took them. You can at least see the "before" wall color, flooring, cabinets and shower curtain.
Jason and I spent some time awhile back picking out our wall and cabinet colors, countertop, faucet, tile, trim and even the prim shower curtain. Here's the granite countertop and sink that will be put in...it's called desert gold. (And again, this picture doesn't show true colors...it has more gold or mustard in it than it appears here).
The walls are already painted, as I said before, in a warm rich color called bread basket. Although this picture really doesn't do it justice with the lighting in there, you can get some idea from this picture. In person, this color actually has more gold undertones. Please excuse the mess too....the construction zone!
I'm really excited because Jason actually agreed to painting the vanity cabinet in there! I was fine with that rather than buying a new one! It's hard to believe that this guy that loves his wood so much agreed to painting them. We didn't paint our kitchen cabinets because he just couldn't bear to see that great oak covered and I respected his wishes because I want him to be proud of what we do (together) and satisfied with the results too! But, I do have to say, that I'm VERY excited that I get painted cabinetry in here! And the color we picked out is a pretty barn red/burgundy called calico! As a matter of fact, it's already painted and Jason and I distressed it yesterday evening!
So the next step will be putting up trim, laying tile and puttting the cabinet back in; then the countertop and faucet. Also in the plans is a cabinet like Linda's that she tells me is called a tombstone cabinet.
And then the fun part begins.......decorating! Can you tell I'm excited????
Our hall bathroom is not big at all...it is actually fairly small. But besides our master bath, this one gets the most use. All three of our bathrooms need a makeover, but this one goes first. This is the bathroom used by visitors to our home, most often, as well as the kids' bathroom.
Just to give you an idea of changes to come, I'm going to show you some "before" pictures. I didn't remember to snap pictures until I had already removed alot of the decor in there, but I went ahead and took them. You can at least see the "before" wall color, flooring, cabinets and shower curtain.
Jason and I spent some time awhile back picking out our wall and cabinet colors, countertop, faucet, tile, trim and even the prim shower curtain. Here's the granite countertop and sink that will be put in...it's called desert gold. (And again, this picture doesn't show true colors...it has more gold or mustard in it than it appears here).
The walls are already painted, as I said before, in a warm rich color called bread basket. Although this picture really doesn't do it justice with the lighting in there, you can get some idea from this picture. In person, this color actually has more gold undertones. Please excuse the mess too....the construction zone!
I'm really excited because Jason actually agreed to painting the vanity cabinet in there! I was fine with that rather than buying a new one! It's hard to believe that this guy that loves his wood so much agreed to painting them. We didn't paint our kitchen cabinets because he just couldn't bear to see that great oak covered and I respected his wishes because I want him to be proud of what we do (together) and satisfied with the results too! But, I do have to say, that I'm VERY excited that I get painted cabinetry in here! And the color we picked out is a pretty barn red/burgundy called calico! As a matter of fact, it's already painted and Jason and I distressed it yesterday evening!
So the next step will be putting up trim, laying tile and puttting the cabinet back in; then the countertop and faucet. Also in the plans is a cabinet like Linda's that she tells me is called a tombstone cabinet.
And then the fun part begins.......decorating! Can you tell I'm excited????
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rascal Visits Again!
I was beginning to think that Mama Rabbit really scolded Rascal, her very curious and adventurous son, for coming to visit us so often and just maybe he'd been grounded, when Joy spotted him the other evening! He had grown up a bit in the last couple of weeks! He was out there snacking in the backyard! (In our badly need of mowing backyard...I might add...it's been too wet to mow until last night.) I slipped around the other side of the carport to try to get a shot of him!
Here he is a little closer....isn't he cute? Look at those ears straight up....I wonder what that means in rabbit language?
He almost seemed to pose for me....sitting long enough for me to get my shots....
(Remember you can click on the pictures to get a closer view).
then off he hopped with that cute little cotton tail in the air!
I guess next time we see him, he'll be grown up!
And while I'm speaking of our backyard visitor, I thought I'd share a few photos of my knockout rose bushes back there too.
We set them out last year and they've done really well and I love looking out of my kitchen bay window to the splash of color!
Oh and one more thing.....I'd like to thank Angie (Sandals and Daisies) for thinking of me with this super cool award!
I love visiting Angie's blog every chance I get...I love the way she writes! She is one of the most creative people I've ever "met" and she knows how to do it stretching a dollar! Thanks so much for the award, Angie, my friend! :)
Now I usually ignore the rules because I hate to have to pick and choose and because so many of my fellow bloggers are award free, but today, I've decided to actually (sort of) follow the rules and pick four. (The rules really say three and to link back to the person who gave it to you). I know four deserving young ladies to whom I'd like to give this award:
My daughter, Joy, of Doodlebug
Amber of Patchwork Angel
Thoughts From a Southern Girl
Madison of Mad Crafts
I really enjoy reading these girls' blogs! Way to go girls, you all are super cool bloggers! I know you're not mommies, but it's coming to you from a mommy and you are all future mommies! Keep up the good work on your blogs!
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Have a great Tuesday, everyone! :)
~ Tammy ~
Here he is a little closer....isn't he cute? Look at those ears straight up....I wonder what that means in rabbit language?
He almost seemed to pose for me....sitting long enough for me to get my shots....
(Remember you can click on the pictures to get a closer view).
then off he hopped with that cute little cotton tail in the air!
I guess next time we see him, he'll be grown up!
And while I'm speaking of our backyard visitor, I thought I'd share a few photos of my knockout rose bushes back there too.
We set them out last year and they've done really well and I love looking out of my kitchen bay window to the splash of color!
Oh and one more thing.....I'd like to thank Angie (Sandals and Daisies) for thinking of me with this super cool award!
I love visiting Angie's blog every chance I get...I love the way she writes! She is one of the most creative people I've ever "met" and she knows how to do it stretching a dollar! Thanks so much for the award, Angie, my friend! :)
Now I usually ignore the rules because I hate to have to pick and choose and because so many of my fellow bloggers are award free, but today, I've decided to actually (sort of) follow the rules and pick four. (The rules really say three and to link back to the person who gave it to you). I know four deserving young ladies to whom I'd like to give this award:
My daughter, Joy, of Doodlebug
Amber of Patchwork Angel
Thoughts From a Southern Girl
Madison of Mad Crafts
I really enjoy reading these girls' blogs! Way to go girls, you all are super cool bloggers! I know you're not mommies, but it's coming to you from a mommy and you are all future mommies! Keep up the good work on your blogs!
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Have a great Tuesday, everyone! :)
~ Tammy ~
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Last Weekend's Pampering (For Me)
I'm just now getting a chance to share my Mother's Day weekend with you, but it was really too good to let it slip by without mentioning! (I'm sorry but I just don't have many pictures to go with this post...I wish I had thought to take some so I borrowed this one from the net....this is what I felt like!) :)
First of all, last Saturday, Jason started on our bathroom redo. Yay! He wouldn't let me do anything in there....he just took care of everything! Really....all I did was take down the previous decor, fetch him things he needed and fed him lunch! I know he was working in small quarters where it was hard for two people to maneuver, but I think it was more than that....I think he was pampering me for Mother's Day! He took out the cabinet, toilet and trim, painted the ceiling and the walls. I love the color, by the way! It's called Bread Basket, if that give you any idea! :) Hopefully, I'll share some "before" pics and the progress so far in a post real soon.
Later that evening, we were up late watching the movie, Faith Like Potatoes. Colt came in from work and when he noticed it was actually after midnight, he declared it already Mother's Day and gave me my Mother's Day gift from him....a really sweet card and the DVD, Get Smart. We rented that movie when it first came out and all laughed it so much, he knew I'd like it. His girfriend, Amber, said he "cheated" by giving me my gift then (at around 12:07 a.m.). lol! Really, it just spread out the pampering though!
The next morning (early), just after I got up, Joy popped out of bed and followed me into the living room asking me to sit down in the recliner. She brought out her gifts (which she had stashed under the bed all night long waiting) and gave them to me one at a time....body spray, body scrub, and a pampering set for my feet. She then brought me her computer and showed me the post she put on for me for Mother's Day! That alone made my day and would have been enough, but when I got out of the shower, there were coupons from her lying on my towel....things like cleaning a room, making beds, unlimited hugs and a free cookie from Zaxby's!
That afternoon, Jason, Colt, and Joy took me out for a Mexican dinner at Panchos. It's definitely one of my favorite places to eat.
During all of the above, my mother was in Alabama. They went for the weekend to spend time with my Grandma (my daddy's mom). Plus, my brother, Richie, got to pamper my mom a little while she was there. So, we planned on going out with Mama and Daddy when they came home Sunday afternoon. I told Mama to choose where she would like to eat for supper and she chose Cracker Barrel and it was yummy too! I gave my mom part of her gift....a framed angel stitchery (stitched by my friend, Betty and framed by me to match her cupboard Jason built her awhile back). The rest of her gift is on its way here from Becca of Folk Art From the Harbor.......a sign for her bedroom!
After all of this celebrating, we came home Sunday evening around 9:00 p.m., Joy asked me to go sit down. She told me earlier there was "one more thing" she had planned for me that evening. She brought in a bowl of water and soaked my feet and gave me a foot massage and treatment!
It was heavenly, I tell you....especially after our busy day! Then Jason came in and both of them came me a shoulder and back massage! I believe it was hands-down the most pampered Mother's Day ever and it really lasted all weekend!
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Let me also show you what turned up on my porch that same weekend. When we went out to the sunporch Saturday morning, this bag was sitting out there on a chair.
Want to know what was in it?
...................47 stitcheries for me.......to do with what I wanted! My friend, Betty has found a new love.....stitching!
I'm still having to pinch myself to believe that she would do all this work and hand them over to me! There are a few that I will be looking for frames at thrift shops and painting for Betty and putting some of her favorites in....but the rest are all mine...........Now how generous is that???? Thank you, thank you, thank you, Betty! I love them!
So you see just how pampered I really was last weekend? :)
First of all, last Saturday, Jason started on our bathroom redo. Yay! He wouldn't let me do anything in there....he just took care of everything! Really....all I did was take down the previous decor, fetch him things he needed and fed him lunch! I know he was working in small quarters where it was hard for two people to maneuver, but I think it was more than that....I think he was pampering me for Mother's Day! He took out the cabinet, toilet and trim, painted the ceiling and the walls. I love the color, by the way! It's called Bread Basket, if that give you any idea! :) Hopefully, I'll share some "before" pics and the progress so far in a post real soon.
Later that evening, we were up late watching the movie, Faith Like Potatoes. Colt came in from work and when he noticed it was actually after midnight, he declared it already Mother's Day and gave me my Mother's Day gift from him....a really sweet card and the DVD, Get Smart. We rented that movie when it first came out and all laughed it so much, he knew I'd like it. His girfriend, Amber, said he "cheated" by giving me my gift then (at around 12:07 a.m.). lol! Really, it just spread out the pampering though!
The next morning (early), just after I got up, Joy popped out of bed and followed me into the living room asking me to sit down in the recliner. She brought out her gifts (which she had stashed under the bed all night long waiting) and gave them to me one at a time....body spray, body scrub, and a pampering set for my feet. She then brought me her computer and showed me the post she put on for me for Mother's Day! That alone made my day and would have been enough, but when I got out of the shower, there were coupons from her lying on my towel....things like cleaning a room, making beds, unlimited hugs and a free cookie from Zaxby's!
That afternoon, Jason, Colt, and Joy took me out for a Mexican dinner at Panchos. It's definitely one of my favorite places to eat.
During all of the above, my mother was in Alabama. They went for the weekend to spend time with my Grandma (my daddy's mom). Plus, my brother, Richie, got to pamper my mom a little while she was there. So, we planned on going out with Mama and Daddy when they came home Sunday afternoon. I told Mama to choose where she would like to eat for supper and she chose Cracker Barrel and it was yummy too! I gave my mom part of her gift....a framed angel stitchery (stitched by my friend, Betty and framed by me to match her cupboard Jason built her awhile back). The rest of her gift is on its way here from Becca of Folk Art From the Harbor.......a sign for her bedroom!
After all of this celebrating, we came home Sunday evening around 9:00 p.m., Joy asked me to go sit down. She told me earlier there was "one more thing" she had planned for me that evening. She brought in a bowl of water and soaked my feet and gave me a foot massage and treatment!
It was heavenly, I tell you....especially after our busy day! Then Jason came in and both of them came me a shoulder and back massage! I believe it was hands-down the most pampered Mother's Day ever and it really lasted all weekend!
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Let me also show you what turned up on my porch that same weekend. When we went out to the sunporch Saturday morning, this bag was sitting out there on a chair.
Want to know what was in it?
...................47 stitcheries for me.......to do with what I wanted! My friend, Betty has found a new love.....stitching!
I'm still having to pinch myself to believe that she would do all this work and hand them over to me! There are a few that I will be looking for frames at thrift shops and painting for Betty and putting some of her favorites in....but the rest are all mine...........Now how generous is that???? Thank you, thank you, thank you, Betty! I love them!
So you see just how pampered I really was last weekend? :)
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Winner & Faithful Fridays!!!!!
Wow! Joy and I wrote out over 200 entries for the giveaway! You all left the kindest comments! Thank you! I really appreciate the readers and followers over this past year! Thank you to everyone that entered....I wish I could afford to give you all the giveaway package! :) But....we did have to pick one....so last night at 10:00 p.m., after Jason mixed all the entries really well, Joy reached in and drew out a name. (She just about went to sleep on the couch, but she held on so she could be the one to draw out the name)!
And the winner is..............Susan of Penless Writer!!!! Congratulations, Susan! I hope you enjoy everything! I know you are a regular visitor over here at my blog and I appreciate you! Email me your address so I can get these goodies boxed up, addressed, and ready to go!
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Today is also Friday, which means it's time for Joy's Faithful Fridays! I have a few things I want to mention today! Faithful Fridays was set up by my daughter, Joy, to share her faith in God....to share things God has done in our lives, prayer requests, any story of faith, really. If you would like to participate, please feel free to use the button and go to Joy's blog, Doodlebug, and let her know in a comment that you participated!
First of all, I am very thankful that my mom received a good report after her routine mammogram and Dr.'s visit, after having breast cancer a few years ago.
Next, is really a small thing, but worth mentioning because it was something Joy and I prayed for and received an almost immediate answer! I misplaced some important papers that I was looking for.....I told Joy we should pray that we find them somehow..somewhere. Shortly after, I felt like I should look in my car....and there they were! Coincidence you say, well you can say that if you want, but I choose to believe it was a direct answer to a sincere prayer and I give God the glory there!
In addition, there are a couple of blogging friends that really come to mind this morning! I would like to ask you to pray for Molly of Molly's Country Memories. She is really having some health problems right now. She is just a sweetheart and I want to pray that she's better soon! And many of you know Donna of Never So Simple. Her family is really going through some trials right now as they look for jobs and even more health issues with her husband. Please remember Donna, Ray, Jessica and Eleni in your prayers too!
Last, but not least, I wanted to tell you about a movie that is worthy of this post today. Reading the Bible, you know that God says that mountains can be moved with the faith of a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? My aunt gave me a necklace a few years ago because I always admired it. It is a locket with a tiny mustard seed embedded inside. I never realized just how teeny tiny a mustard seed really is. And God says THAT MUCH faith can move a mountain. Wow, that shows how little I really have. That's why this movie really blessed me. It's called Faith Like Potatoes.
It's not an action packed movie, and they do have accents in the movies, but it is really an inspiring film! It's a movie for the entire family and shows basic moral principles that I think our nation has abandoned. Jason, Joy and I watched this movie and I was touched by this man's faith. It is based on a true story. This is the basic overview of the movie:
Faith Like Potatoes is an inspiring true story of a rugged South African farmer, Angus Buchan, and is set in the turbulent hills of the KZN Midlands. Angus' manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and tragic personal loss.
I won't tell you anymore about the story line, so you can see for yourself! I pray I can have this kind of faith.....faith like potatoes! :)
And the winner is..............Susan of Penless Writer!!!! Congratulations, Susan! I hope you enjoy everything! I know you are a regular visitor over here at my blog and I appreciate you! Email me your address so I can get these goodies boxed up, addressed, and ready to go!
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Today is also Friday, which means it's time for Joy's Faithful Fridays! I have a few things I want to mention today! Faithful Fridays was set up by my daughter, Joy, to share her faith in God....to share things God has done in our lives, prayer requests, any story of faith, really. If you would like to participate, please feel free to use the button and go to Joy's blog, Doodlebug, and let her know in a comment that you participated!
First of all, I am very thankful that my mom received a good report after her routine mammogram and Dr.'s visit, after having breast cancer a few years ago.
Next, is really a small thing, but worth mentioning because it was something Joy and I prayed for and received an almost immediate answer! I misplaced some important papers that I was looking for.....I told Joy we should pray that we find them somehow..somewhere. Shortly after, I felt like I should look in my car....and there they were! Coincidence you say, well you can say that if you want, but I choose to believe it was a direct answer to a sincere prayer and I give God the glory there!
In addition, there are a couple of blogging friends that really come to mind this morning! I would like to ask you to pray for Molly of Molly's Country Memories. She is really having some health problems right now. She is just a sweetheart and I want to pray that she's better soon! And many of you know Donna of Never So Simple. Her family is really going through some trials right now as they look for jobs and even more health issues with her husband. Please remember Donna, Ray, Jessica and Eleni in your prayers too!
Last, but not least, I wanted to tell you about a movie that is worthy of this post today. Reading the Bible, you know that God says that mountains can be moved with the faith of a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? My aunt gave me a necklace a few years ago because I always admired it. It is a locket with a tiny mustard seed embedded inside. I never realized just how teeny tiny a mustard seed really is. And God says THAT MUCH faith can move a mountain. Wow, that shows how little I really have. That's why this movie really blessed me. It's called Faith Like Potatoes.
It's not an action packed movie, and they do have accents in the movies, but it is really an inspiring film! It's a movie for the entire family and shows basic moral principles that I think our nation has abandoned. Jason, Joy and I watched this movie and I was touched by this man's faith. It is based on a true story. This is the basic overview of the movie:
Faith Like Potatoes is an inspiring true story of a rugged South African farmer, Angus Buchan, and is set in the turbulent hills of the KZN Midlands. Angus' manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and tragic personal loss.
I won't tell you anymore about the story line, so you can see for yourself! I pray I can have this kind of faith.....faith like potatoes! :)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My 200th Post.........Giveaway Time!
It's hard to believe this is my 200th post! But...it really is...and to celebrate, Jason and I have put together a little giveaway, along with the help of my stitchin'-machine-friend, Betty! Here's what's included:
The black colonial shelf of course was built by Jason. It turned out a little more distressed than we meant for it to be....we were kind of experimenting. However, if it's too distressed or primitive for the winner, you can always give it a coat of paint to your liking! (By the way, it's about 16" x 12".)
The primitive "Believe" angel was stitched and donated by my Ozark friend, Betty. All I had to do with it was the tea staining, painting, and distressing of the frame. (She actually brought me lots of stitcheries...I'll share on another post). It's a fairly large stitchery - 11 1/2" x 12".
And last of all is the wooden Goodwill pineapple makeover (painted) by me. It's about 8" tall from the top leaf to the bottom of the pineapple.
My first post was published on May 14, 2008....almost a year ago. For that reason, I would like to do my giveaway drawing on that anniversary date, which only gives you today and tomorrow to enter! I would like to invite you to go back with me and read my very first post. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in others, like a lifetime. I feel like I've made so many new friends and my life is all the richer for it. I really enjoy writing and sharing my faith, family, home, and homeschooling adventures. Thank you for taking this journey with me! To know that anyone else reads and enjoys what I share is such a joy to me, and humbling too. Thank you with a big hug attached! :)
So now on to the details and rules of the giveaway. If you would like to be entered in the drawing, please leave me a comment letting me know you would like to be entered and that will get you entered once. If you are a follower, let me know that as well and you'll get two additional entries! Because of shipping costs, this contest is open only to folks in the United States and Canada. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you, either through your blog, or an email address if you're a non-blogger. (By the way, thank you to all non-bloggers that read my blog too....I appreciate you all)! There is no need to announce this giveaway on your blog. I really would prefer it to be focused around those that are regular readers or those that make their way here during these few days of the contest. A winner will be drawn on my one year blogging anniversary, Thursday evening, May 14th at 10:00 p.m. I will announce the winner shortly after!
Thanks again.....and good luck! :)
Blessings,
~ Tammy ~
The black colonial shelf of course was built by Jason. It turned out a little more distressed than we meant for it to be....we were kind of experimenting. However, if it's too distressed or primitive for the winner, you can always give it a coat of paint to your liking! (By the way, it's about 16" x 12".)
The primitive "Believe" angel was stitched and donated by my Ozark friend, Betty. All I had to do with it was the tea staining, painting, and distressing of the frame. (She actually brought me lots of stitcheries...I'll share on another post). It's a fairly large stitchery - 11 1/2" x 12".
And last of all is the wooden Goodwill pineapple makeover (painted) by me. It's about 8" tall from the top leaf to the bottom of the pineapple.
My first post was published on May 14, 2008....almost a year ago. For that reason, I would like to do my giveaway drawing on that anniversary date, which only gives you today and tomorrow to enter! I would like to invite you to go back with me and read my very first post. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in others, like a lifetime. I feel like I've made so many new friends and my life is all the richer for it. I really enjoy writing and sharing my faith, family, home, and homeschooling adventures. Thank you for taking this journey with me! To know that anyone else reads and enjoys what I share is such a joy to me, and humbling too. Thank you with a big hug attached! :)
So now on to the details and rules of the giveaway. If you would like to be entered in the drawing, please leave me a comment letting me know you would like to be entered and that will get you entered once. If you are a follower, let me know that as well and you'll get two additional entries! Because of shipping costs, this contest is open only to folks in the United States and Canada. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you, either through your blog, or an email address if you're a non-blogger. (By the way, thank you to all non-bloggers that read my blog too....I appreciate you all)! There is no need to announce this giveaway on your blog. I really would prefer it to be focused around those that are regular readers or those that make their way here during these few days of the contest. A winner will be drawn on my one year blogging anniversary, Thursday evening, May 14th at 10:00 p.m. I will announce the winner shortly after!
Thanks again.....and good luck! :)
Blessings,
~ Tammy ~
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Best Mom
I'm still here! I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post. To sum it up, life has happened....and at high speed, I might add! The only day or evening this week we've been home for any length of time at all, was yesterday (Saturday) and it was a busy day at home. (We have actually begun the bathroom redo). But here I am today....thanks for sticking with me! :)
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Today I want to tell you a little bit about my mom. She's the best! My mama did a wonderful job raising my brother and me. She let us be kids. We played outdoors barefoot (gasp!), rode our bicycles around the neighborhood, made us homemade popsicles, let us play in water puddles, make mud pies, and have all the neighborhood kids over in our yard to play baseball or whatever else we dreamed up.
My mom made me feel secure and safe too. I always knew she was there even if she wasn't right beside me, busy doing something inside, if I needed her. She never complained when I was scared of sleeping in my room and would come ask if I could come sleep in the room with her and daddy.
My mom taught me to respect myself and others and to expect the same from other people. She taught me to be genuine and kind to others and to be confident in myself too.
My mom prayed with me and taught me how to be a young lady and wait for the young man God would give me as a husband one day. She taught me to trust God for this and many other things.
Because of my mom's love and the fact that she taught me all these things, I am the wife and mother I am today. I love being wife to Jason, and mom to Colt and Joy. A wife and mother were two things that I knew I wanted to be and I've had the best example! I wouldn't be the mom I am now if it weren't for my mom........I really do have the best mom.
I love you, Mama! Happy Mother's Day!
~ Tammy ~
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My next post (which will hopefully be in a day or two) is my 200th post and I will be revealing my giveaway on that post. If you're not a follower, I would love and be honored for you to follow along. And did I mention that folks that enter and are followers will get more chances in the giveaway too! Having faithful followers is just a happy thing, isn't it? Thanks so much every person out there that takes a moment to stop by! I really appreciate you! I've even recently discovered a lady that reads my blog and lives not far all from me.....it's a small world!
Okay that's all until the giveaway! I wish all you mothers, future mothers, and mothers-at-heart, a Happy Mother's Day! We really do have the best job in the whole world, don't we?
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Today I want to tell you a little bit about my mom. She's the best! My mama did a wonderful job raising my brother and me. She let us be kids. We played outdoors barefoot (gasp!), rode our bicycles around the neighborhood, made us homemade popsicles, let us play in water puddles, make mud pies, and have all the neighborhood kids over in our yard to play baseball or whatever else we dreamed up.
My mom made me feel secure and safe too. I always knew she was there even if she wasn't right beside me, busy doing something inside, if I needed her. She never complained when I was scared of sleeping in my room and would come ask if I could come sleep in the room with her and daddy.
My mom taught me to respect myself and others and to expect the same from other people. She taught me to be genuine and kind to others and to be confident in myself too.
My mom prayed with me and taught me how to be a young lady and wait for the young man God would give me as a husband one day. She taught me to trust God for this and many other things.
Because of my mom's love and the fact that she taught me all these things, I am the wife and mother I am today. I love being wife to Jason, and mom to Colt and Joy. A wife and mother were two things that I knew I wanted to be and I've had the best example! I wouldn't be the mom I am now if it weren't for my mom........I really do have the best mom.
I love you, Mama! Happy Mother's Day!
~ Tammy ~
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My next post (which will hopefully be in a day or two) is my 200th post and I will be revealing my giveaway on that post. If you're not a follower, I would love and be honored for you to follow along. And did I mention that folks that enter and are followers will get more chances in the giveaway too! Having faithful followers is just a happy thing, isn't it? Thanks so much every person out there that takes a moment to stop by! I really appreciate you! I've even recently discovered a lady that reads my blog and lives not far all from me.....it's a small world!
Okay that's all until the giveaway! I wish all you mothers, future mothers, and mothers-at-heart, a Happy Mother's Day! We really do have the best job in the whole world, don't we?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Choco-ALOT (If you're really hungry you might want to skip this post)
Last Tuesday, our homeschool group took the sweetest field trip! We toured Dinstuhls Chocolate Factory/Store. It wasn't the first time we toured there, but it had been a few years and way too long, so I was happy to go back! It truly has been a favorite field trip of mine! They were the nicest people and when you combine that with lots and lots of chocolate, well......need I say more????? Come on along with me and I'll share this heavenly field trip with you, but please note I'm not responsible for any increasted appetites after reading this post! :)
Here's our group (well the kids) outside Dinstuhls before the tour began:
First imagine walking through the door to the aroma of every kind of chocolate treat you could imagine....milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries............heavenly smells I tell you! You look around and there's chocolate everywhere, mouth-watering chocolate.....behind the counters.... and out on the shelves!
Well we passed through there and went back behind the scenes and watched a slide presentation on how we get chocolate, how the company was started, the process it goes through, etc... It was very interesting. The kids were very attentive.
From there, we really went behind the scenes....right into the factory. Can you imagine going to work everyday with a chocolate fountain, dipping candies into chocolate? These people obviously enjoy their jobs!
They had samples for us to taste right there. See those at the far right? That's cashew crunch...a speciality of theirs and my personal favorite! Yummy! (I snuck back over for seconds by the way...and Joy didn't like hers...so guess who got it?)
Nobody had to be coaxed!
Just look at this fudge!
They make their own heavenly marshmellows! They were so light in your mouth. Yes, the guy was standing there while Lori and I were photographing it and asked if we wanted a taste.....and you know we didn't refuse! (I'm the gal that loves those marshmellow peeps and can eat a whole box!)
The kids asked really good questions and some funny ones and our tour guide, Andrew (a 5th generation candy maker), really enjoyed answering them. He was great and the children were totally captivated!
Here they were making pralines.
Here candy goes on getting a bottom layer of chocolate.
Here goes the chocolate down the conveyor belt headed to the "chocolate fountain".
At the end it was showered with chocolate.....immersing it into chocolate...beautiful chocolate!
This reminded me so much of the I Love Lucy episode where she and Ethel were working in the chocolate factory and all was well.....they were loving that job and pretty confident with themselves about how easy it was....until production sped up and they couldn't keep up! They were stuffing chocolate everywhere.....in their mouths, in their shirts and aprons.....do you remember that?
(They even had this postcard hanging on their bulletin board of the Lucy episode)!
This lady was obviously keeping up with her job though!
At Dinstuhl's, custom orders are welcomed and no request is too hard or unique.
They make chocolate in every shape you can imagine!
Joy and I brought Colt home a chocolate electric guitar!
A few years ago when we went, they had similiar houses (but Christmas houses)...an entire village of chocolate houses....it was quite a sight!
Around Easter, they made a 75 lb. solid chocolate bunny rabbit with chocolate eggs in his basket. A man came in and bought it to be sent to St. Jude Hospital. I thought that was so thoughtful! Can you imagine the delight of those children?
At the end of our tour, there was much shopping going on in the store and as we left, each adult was given a chocolate sampling box and each child was given a goodie bag of chocolate and other candy treats to take home!
And did you know that chocolate is actually very good for you? I have it straight from the mouth of a 5th generation candy maker. So there, go get you some chocolate.....it's good for you! :)
(Well maybe not THIS much)!
Here's our group (well the kids) outside Dinstuhls before the tour began:
First imagine walking through the door to the aroma of every kind of chocolate treat you could imagine....milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries............heavenly smells I tell you! You look around and there's chocolate everywhere, mouth-watering chocolate.....behind the counters.... and out on the shelves!
Well we passed through there and went back behind the scenes and watched a slide presentation on how we get chocolate, how the company was started, the process it goes through, etc... It was very interesting. The kids were very attentive.
From there, we really went behind the scenes....right into the factory. Can you imagine going to work everyday with a chocolate fountain, dipping candies into chocolate? These people obviously enjoy their jobs!
They had samples for us to taste right there. See those at the far right? That's cashew crunch...a speciality of theirs and my personal favorite! Yummy! (I snuck back over for seconds by the way...and Joy didn't like hers...so guess who got it?)
Nobody had to be coaxed!
Just look at this fudge!
They make their own heavenly marshmellows! They were so light in your mouth. Yes, the guy was standing there while Lori and I were photographing it and asked if we wanted a taste.....and you know we didn't refuse! (I'm the gal that loves those marshmellow peeps and can eat a whole box!)
The kids asked really good questions and some funny ones and our tour guide, Andrew (a 5th generation candy maker), really enjoyed answering them. He was great and the children were totally captivated!
Here they were making pralines.
Here candy goes on getting a bottom layer of chocolate.
Here goes the chocolate down the conveyor belt headed to the "chocolate fountain".
At the end it was showered with chocolate.....immersing it into chocolate...beautiful chocolate!
This reminded me so much of the I Love Lucy episode where she and Ethel were working in the chocolate factory and all was well.....they were loving that job and pretty confident with themselves about how easy it was....until production sped up and they couldn't keep up! They were stuffing chocolate everywhere.....in their mouths, in their shirts and aprons.....do you remember that?
(They even had this postcard hanging on their bulletin board of the Lucy episode)!
This lady was obviously keeping up with her job though!
At Dinstuhl's, custom orders are welcomed and no request is too hard or unique.
They make chocolate in every shape you can imagine!
Joy and I brought Colt home a chocolate electric guitar!
A few years ago when we went, they had similiar houses (but Christmas houses)...an entire village of chocolate houses....it was quite a sight!
Around Easter, they made a 75 lb. solid chocolate bunny rabbit with chocolate eggs in his basket. A man came in and bought it to be sent to St. Jude Hospital. I thought that was so thoughtful! Can you imagine the delight of those children?
At the end of our tour, there was much shopping going on in the store and as we left, each adult was given a chocolate sampling box and each child was given a goodie bag of chocolate and other candy treats to take home!
And did you know that chocolate is actually very good for you? I have it straight from the mouth of a 5th generation candy maker. So there, go get you some chocolate.....it's good for you! :)
(Well maybe not THIS much)!