Enjoying My Life

Friends

2011-11-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

I had lunch with a good friend today. Got me to thinking about how awesome friendship is. I've got some pretty great friends - some as far back as elementary school and some as new as last week.

Here's a list of some things that I'm most thankful for:

My friends accept me
My friends are encouragers
We pray for each other
We cheer each other in our accomplishments
Help is never far away, I just have to ask
I can bear my soul and find understanding

Thank you dear friends.

Enjoying my life,

Mary

What are you most thankful for in your friendships?

Goals For My Weight Loss Journey

2011-11-02T07:07:00.001-07:00

I've been a member of Weight Watchers since May, 2011. I have had some success in losing weight, but I'm not happy where I am in this stage of the game. I've met some great people at my meetings and I'm thankful for all the support that I have from my family and friends. I've been lax in setting goals and I realize that I haven't had anything specific to reach for. I have eight weeks of weigh-ins until the end of the year and have set five goals to meet by that time.

My Goals to meet by December 31, 2011 are:

1. Every day, I will track what I eat. Our WW leader challenged us last night to track every day. As incentive, we will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card at the end of the month.

2. I will meet the recommended Good Health Guidelines by drinking enough liquid, getting my healthy oils in and taking a multivitamin.

3. I will choose to eat Power Foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat dairy.

4. I will participate in a 5K. My WW buddies and I decided that we need to have something to work toward in getting in our activity. Another WW leader shared with us that she always registered for a 5K to help her stay motivated to exercise. We are following her example and looking for a 5K to participate in.

5. I will lose 10% of my body weight by my weigh-in On December 27. That means I have to lose 2 lbs a week.

I believe that as I meet these five goals I will have success and feel better!

Let me hear from you...what goals have you set for yourself?

Enjoying my life...

Mary

Flower Garden - A Blessing

2011-07-16T16:39:00.001-07:00

I am so blessed. There have been many people that have helped us get into our new house. The lastest being the flower bed in front in our house. My Pastor's wife and friend, Laural and her sister-in-law, Kathy planted it today in the rain. Pictures follow. Makes me smile every time I drive into my yard. Thank you so much Laural and Kathy!

Best compliment ever!

2011-07-09T16:47:00.001-07:00

Recently, I signed up at emealz.com. Emealz creates 7 meals per week based on the grocery sale papers. I chose Publix Portion Control. I've enjoyed not having to think about dinner. My family is enjoying dinner too.

Tonight, I made Mexican Potatoes and served them with meat loaf. Jonathan watched Lee prepare his potato with the sour cream/corn/cheese mixture and top with salsa. Then wanted his fixed the same way. While eating his potato, he said "This is a good meal. It's better than spaghetti!"

Since spagetti is his favorite meal, I know I just got the best compliment ever!

This is Debby

2011-07-08T10:54:00.001-07:00

My dear sister, Debby, is my child care provider this summer. What a blessing she has been to me. The boys are enjoying her too.

If you are friends with her on facebook, you can see her pictures here. They've had quite the adventures.

I don't think I'll ever be able to put into words how much I appreciate her. I hope that she knows that I love her.

5 things that I like about my new house...

2011-05-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

1. The laundry room - I now have a room dedicated to laundry. And a new washer. In the past, I've done laundry in a college dorm, a laundry mat, my mother-in-law's house and in my bathroom.

2. Two bathrooms - no longer will I share a bathroom with my boys. If you have boys, you know what I mean.

3. Closets - there are closets in each of the three bedrooms. There is a linen closet in the hall. There is closet space in the laundry room, which I love, by the way. Each of us will have our own closet. No more sharing space.

4. Neighbors - we have good neighbors. One has already mowed the lawn just to be nice (we have since hired him to take care of the lawn).

5. The Lake - we have fishing rights. Now to learn how to fish so that I

can teach the boys.

One thing that we do not like about our move - we will be leaving Nana

and Granddaddy's neighborhood. The boys, especially Jonathan, think

that they'll never see Nana again. I am having trouble convincing him

otherwise, but I hope that this works itself out.

My mother-in-law has been instrumental in getting every thing done

and painted so that we can move. I do not think I will ever be able to

express my thanks to her sufficiently. But I hope that she knows

how much I appreciate her!

So here's to tomorrow and getting everything moved before the

rain starts!

Enjoying my life - even in this oh so stressful time of moving.

Mary

PS - click on the title and it will take you to my facebook album.

From Joel...

2011-05-06T08:21:00.001-07:00

My little chef....

From Jonathan...

2011-05-06T05:54:00.003-07:00

I love mother's day gifts from my sons!

Moving day!

2011-05-01T17:09:00.001-07:00

My husband wants to start moving on Saturday, May 7 to our house on EL! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't freaking out a litle bit. I've been focusing on painting not packing.

A friend tonight said I'd be happy we did it now after we get moved. Like pulling of a bandaid. I've been waiting at least 3 years for this to happen. So I choose to enjoy this season in my life...and not stress about it.

I leave you with a pictures of the boys...

Celebrating Joel

2011-04-23T15:06:00.001-07:00

Five years ago, I was home with a 20 month old and 37 weeks pregnant and not feeling well. My mom was out of town and so was my mother-in-law. By Monday, I decided to check my "What to expect..." book and discovered I could be in labor. So called the doctor who said to go to the hospital. I had to wait for Lee to finish at work and find someone to keep Jonathan since both grandmothers were out of town. Our Pastor came and got Jonathan and rode around town for a couple of hours until Nana got home.

I was dehydrated when I got to the hospital so the plan was to get hydrated and go home. My cervix started changing so we planned on a c-section. At 5:15 pm on April 24, 2006, Joel arrived 19 days early. After 5 days in the hospital, we were able to bring him home. He had to be on oxygen because he had fluid on his lungs. Now he is a healthy 5 year old and I give God praise that Joel has had no residual affects from it. I also praise God for healing me from endometriosis and for blessing us with two precious boys!

Halleluah! He is risen! Happy Easter!

Something missing...

2011-03-30T18:54:00.001-07:00

Tonight when I got Joel, 4 almost 5 years old, out of the tub, I noticed something in his mouth. So I took a look. Much to my surprise I found something missing...a tooth. We didn't even know that it was loose and we don't know where it is now. After I finished crying...yes I cried...I took a picture. At which time, Joel asked me to post it on facebook. Then we called Nana, Grandma and Aunt Judy. Loosing that first tooth is a right of passage for a child. But for this mama I'm still in shock and not quite ready for this one.

Proud of Jonathan!

2011-03-29T17:21:00.001-07:00

My son is talented artistically. The teachers show off the kids artwork in the hall and I was impressed by this display. All of the class had a positive statement by their kites. Of course, I will spotlight my son. He's good at math too! :-)

Android App

2011-03-26T18:22:00.001-07:00

I just downloaded the Android App for Blogger. Maybe I'll post more. I hope so. My problem, I've discovered, is my thoughts refuse to exit through my fingers.

We recently went to the Azalea Festival in Valdosta. The boys walked on water.

Meet my friends...

2011-03-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

One thing I enjoy doing is quilting.

Here are two of my friends that help me:

Meet "Slick" - the handy dandy sewing machine.

and "Roller Blade" - the rotary cutter.

Here are some of the projects we've worked on together:

Jonathan's Quilt

Joel's Quilt

Emma's Quilt

My Tote Bag

My first finished wall hanging

I look forward to many more projects that we will finish together!

Tenth Avenue North - You Are More

2011-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You've been remade
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.

Take a Chance Challenge 3

2011-01-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

I've been reading more lately...expanding my reading horizon. I want to participate in this reading challenge this year. It looks like a lot of fun and doesn't require too much thought, because Jenners has done all the work. :)

official rules

Here are some of the details for the 2011 version of the challenge. If you want to know the complete challenge rules, please click on the link above.

Basic Information

The concept of the challenge is to take chances with your reading by finding books to read in unusual or random ways. 10 different ways to find books are listed below. Feel free to complete at many as you want. However, anyone completing all 10 challenges by December 31, 2011 will be entered in a prize drawing to win a book of their choice from Amazon.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2011.

Crossover books from other challenges is fine. You can read books in any format.

On January 1, 2011, Jenners will post pages for each of the 10 challenges so you can link up your completed posts.

My 2011 Challenges Results

1: Staff Member’s Choice:

2: Loved One’s Choice:

3: Blogger’s Choice: Room by Emma Donoghue

4: Critic’s Choice:

5: Blurb Book:

6: Book Seer Pick:

7: What Should I Read Next Pick :

8: Which Book Pick:

9: LibraryThing Pick:

10: Pick A Method:

Happy Reading!!

The boy's Christmas Party

2010-12-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

I signed up to bring a "main course" to the kindergarten Christmas Party at Jonathan's school. My plan was to order chicken nuggets from Chick-Fil-A...

Then Jonathan asked me to make sandwiches because I "make the best sandwiches" he says. Yesterday he handed me this list of what kind of sandwiches each classmate wanted.

And yes, I complied. There are only 10 students in this class. It only took me about 30 minutes.

Each child will get a drummer boy and Christmas tree. I also included some for the teachers because Jonathan did not want them to be left out.

Merry Christmas to the Kindergarten class at HCA!

My first "Mom" jewelry

2010-12-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

While shopping for pajama's for the boys, we walked through the store near the jewelry department. Immediately the boys wanted to look for gifts for Mama (that's me!). How can you say no to the sweetest boys in the world when they want to buy jewelry for their mama?

At Sears, Dustin was a tremendous help. He helped the boys pick things out then tell me the price so I could approve it. And he wrapped them up pretty for them. All this so that I wouldn't know what they picked out.

The boys couldn't help themselves this morning...they had to show me "one" thing that they got for me. After I took a peak they decided that they wanted me to have it today. So...

Here is Joel's "three" bracelets....

and Jonathan's "mom" necklace...
Wonder what's left in those pretty packages....

Merry Christmas!

Nervous Breakdown!

2010-12-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

On our way to school this morning, I chose a different route because the railway barriers were down and lights flashing.

I watched, waiting for the train to come...no train.

I watched several other drivers turn down West Street and maneuver around the barriers and I followed.

Here's the conversation I had with my son, Jonathan.

J: Mama, why are we going a different way?

Me: I went a different way because the barriers were down, but there is no train.

J: I think the barriers must have had a nervous breakdown!

Oh, I could not stop laughing but had to hide it so that he wouldn't get his feelings hurt. Enjoying my life with these boys!

Mixed Drinks

2010-12-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

What causes a child to decide that he wants a mixed drink? When we buy a fountain drink at the convenience store, my oldest always wants "orange" but my youngest changes it up a bit:

One day it might be Sprite.

The next - a little bit of Sprite and the same amount of Pepsi.

The next - a little bit of Fruit Punch and the same amount of Coke.

And my favorite - a little bit of Sprite, a little bit of Fruit Punch, a little bit of Pepsi and a little bit of Coke!

Things I'm Loving This Thursday

2010-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

SeptemberMom at My Voice, My View invites us to join Teresha at Marlie and Me in sharing what we are loving this Thursday.

I love that my boys' schools celebrate Thanksgiving with feasts and programs.

I love the turkeys made out of the boys' handprints.

I love that I can spend individual time with each one at their school.

I love that I can be silly with them and they think I'm fun.

Thunder Chief

2010-11-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today was Joel's Thanksgiving Program at preschool. His class represented the Indians, while the other K4 class represented the Pilgrims. I think the Indians were cuter! What do you think?

Thunder Chief

Joel with his best friend, Wyatt

Mama with her little Indian Chief

These past few months have been bittersweet for me. I'm enjoying the stage that Joel is in right now. But my baby isn't a baby anymore. He still gives sweet kisses and hugs, but can get that little boy smell of playing hard and having fun.

I love you Thunder Chief!

Snow!

2010-02-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

During Winter Break, I took the boys to visit my brother and his family in Greenville, SC. My 5 year old, Jonathan, exclaimed, "I haven't seen snow in 5 years!"

The boys enjoyed visiting with their cousins, Jesse, Donna, Abby, Greg and Michaela. My mom and I enjoyed the trip too.

Crazy Love!

2010-02-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

My last post was November 22, 2009! But not only have I not blogged lately, but I haven't read anyone else's blog. Seems like I've missed some things.

My "dashboard" is filled with blogs that don't interested me anymore. There are too many so that the ones that are important to me get lost. I need to clean that up.

Our life is very busy lately. The boys are in school. I am teaching. My weekends are full of catching up on housework and laundry.

Jonathan is learning to read. He gets so excited about his "sight words" list. Joel has finished with the letter "p" on his journey through the alphabet. I'm teaching probability, ratios, radicals, quadratic formula...

Today, while showing one Algebra II class how to simplify and rationalize radical equations, I told the class how much I enjoyed algebra. How I enjoyed seeing a problem solved. How much I loved math. One student in the back of the class called it...

Crazy Love!

I just giggled, much to the pleasure of the class. They don't seem have the same affection for algebra as I do. I wonder why that is....

I love teaching....

2009-11-22T07:08:00.001-08:00

just in case you wondered.

Friday completed my 6th day of teaching at Southland Christian School. And I survived. The kids did too.

For the weekly newsletter, the students interview a teacher and write an article that appears in the Eagle's Nest. Last week was Mrs. Branch's turn and since I was substituting for her, I was interviewed. You can read the article here. The students did an excellent job with what I gave them.

The sewing class made pink ribbons for all of us to wear on Tuesday in honor of Mrs. Branch. She is loved very much by all of the students. Mrs. Branch came through her surgery well. She came home on Friday and is in good spirits. She had a mastectomy and they took one lymph node. That central node was positive for cancer so they went back and took the remaining nodes. We'll know Tuesday if the cancer has spread.

Other than a few discipline incidents, I LOVE TEACHING! I love it when I hear an "Oh" of understanding coming from the Geometry class. I love it when I hear that the Algebra II class understands quadratic functions. Even grading papers has been enjoyable because I've been able to record good grades for everyone.

This week is Thanksgiving Break! I am going to enjoy it and play with my boys. They've adjusted well to our new schedule. They love Aunt Judy and going to her house. On Friday, I took them to school myself and they asked why Aunt Judy couldn't do it. I think Aunt Judy enjoyed sleeping in. And I enjoyed walking them into their classes.

Wordless Wednesday (Self-Portraits)

2009-11-11T20:11:00.001-08:00

Jonathan

Joel

Teaching....

2009-11-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

I begin my adventure as a substitute teacher on Friday, November 13. Last week, I brought home the textbooks for Geometry, Algebra II and Trigonometry. I still don't know enough to be nervous. I guess I'll have to wait to find out where the permanent teacher is on Thursday.

See, my experience is in tutoring a student one-on-one. I've actually been successful. These will be actual classrooms with multiple students in them. Geometry has 20 students. Trigonometry and one student. There are two Algebra II classes with 10-11 students each.

I'm excited though! My biggest concern is not seeing the "light" go on when I explain the subject matter. Anyone, have any suggestions?

If you are interested, I'll be at Southland Christian School. Click on the picture above to go to their website.

Six Word Saturday....

2009-11-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Six Word Saturday! To find out more about 6WS and to participate, check out Call Me Cate's blog by clicking the button below.

My words...

I am thankful for my boys!

Every Friday night when I go to bed, I hope against hope, that the boys will sleep in on Saturday. Just once, please, let me sleep till 9:00. Ha! They were up at the crack of dawn again. How do I turn off their internal alarm clocks that go off at 7 am no matter what time they go to bed the night before?

It takes me a few minutes to wake up and get moving and the boys were impatient for their juice. But when I got to the fridge, I realized we were OUT of juice. Fortunately, the boys found their new games and were occupied. So I started the coffee brewing and headed out to the grocery store. In the 5 minute drive, I was complaining in my head about being up so early on a Saturday. Then stopped myself and decided I need to think of something positive about being up so early. Hence, my six word Saturday post:

I am thankful for my boys!

I did not have my children until I had passed my 30th birthday. So, for me, I waited a long time to have them. Lately, they've been very affectionate and loving. I get a lot of hugs and "I lub you" from both of them. They touch my heart every day.

Here are some highlights:

Jonathan loves to play games. He recently discovered Checkers and Chinese Checkers. Granddaddy Carmichael likes Chinese Checkers but won several games, therefore, Jonathan doesn't want to play with him anymore. Last night, he got Connect 4 and won more games than I did.

Jonathan can be bossy. Gets on my nerves until I remember that I was like that as a child. So I change my tactics and am trying to teach him to be respectful to me and his Dad. Five year old's CANNOT tell their parents what to do. His latest things is to say something like "I told you my shoes were in the living room. Duh!" Irks me to no end to hear the sarcastic "Duh".

Jonathan is learning to write and gets excited to tell me what letter they are working on in school. This week was the letter "C" and he's pretty good at since he's been writing Carmichael for a while now.

Joel is so much older than his three years because he tries so hard to keep up with his big brother. I don't hear much about school from him, except he stayed on "green". The preschool uses the Stop Light as a way of discipline. The student gets a warning for a wrong doing. Second time they move their clip to yellow. Third time they move their clip to red. If they get on red, no treasure box on Friday. So it is very important to him to stay on green.

Joel likes me to lie down with him at night so he can be close to me. I love it and I do it. Can't help myself. Of course, if I lay down with him, he remains still and goes to sleep faster. So we accomplish two things at once.

Joel is my helper. He loves to help. No matter what the project, he wants to be involved and has fun doing it.

Still Enjoying My Life....

Is it completely full?

2009-11-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

I was told that after Jonathan had his tonsils out, his sleeping and breathing would improve. Not only did those too thing improve, but his appetite improved also. I can't seem to get the boy full! Last night he asked for spaghetti for supper. After he finished his first helping, he came to me and told me that his tummy was full on the bottom and that he needed more spaghetti to fill up the top! So I gave him a second helping. When he finished that one, he announced that his tummy was full at the bottom, middle and top. Here's the proof.

Read any good books lately?

2009-11-03T03:05:00.001-08:00

I love to read. I haven't done much reading lately, at least reading for enjoyment. My nose has been in a calculus textbook. Or Algebra II. Or reading to the boys. I'm not complaining. I enjoy reading to my boys. And I love math. I was reading some of the other blogs I follow and there seems to be lists of interesting books that others have read. So, please recommend an awesome book that you have recently read. Thanks.

November 6, 2005

2009-11-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

This was the date of my grandmother's passing. I thought of it today because the prompt at One Minute Writer was to write about a favorite childhood treat.
I was fortunate to be able to travel with Grandma when I was younger. She always bought a 1 lb bag of M&M's to have in the car. Their place in the car was on the front seat in between us.

We'd eat on those all the way to our destination, whether is was

to her house in SC or
back to my house (wherever that was at the time) or
to PA for the Morley Reunion or
to FL to see her parents or
NC to go to Cherokee.

David (brother), Me and Tim (uncle) at Cherokee

I also remember eating at Cracker Barrel with her. It was such a great memory for me that when we'd visit them as adults, we always tried to take her and Grandpa to Cracker Barrel for a meal. Other great memories I have are:

Going to Mother/Daughter Banquets with her while I was at BJU.
Helping with Great-Grandma Morely while she lived with Grandma in Honea Path. I worked at Grandpa's Shaved Ice stand the same summer.
Playing "house" in the cabin in the backyard at Bennett Street.
Playing with the Swaffer's each summer. I was fortunate to be able to visit my Grandma every summer since I was two.
Grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk after church on Sunday nights.
Watching Gunsmoke with Grandma and Grandpa at midnight.
Reading books from Grandma and Grandpa's library.
Helping her redress her dolls when the season's changed.
Molasses cookies, fruit cake and homemade bread.
Sitting up late into the night talking and laughing. Laughing so hard we'd end of crying and not being able to talk at all.

No matter where I found myself in life or what mistakes I made, I never doubted Grandma's unconditional love for me. As her oldest grandchild, I had a special relationship with her. But she was such a woman of noble character that all of her 32 grandchildren had a special relationship with her.

The last time I saw Grandma was in September 2005 and I blogged about it here. I was so glad that she got to meet my firstborn son before she passed away.

I loved my Grandma and miss her very much.

For other posts see: Mable I. Perry

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...Six Word Saturday! To find out more about 6WS and to participate, check out Call Me Cate's ghoulish blog by clicking the button below.

Geometry
Algebra
Trigonometry
YES I CAN!

See this previous post.

2009-10-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Joel can be a big help to mommy by getting dressed. Often times, this is the end result! :)

A special opportunity......

2009-10-29T20:06:00.001-07:00

I tutor. I have one student that I've been with for three years now. It has been very rewarding to see his grades improve and his confidence levels jump. I've worked with him in Algebra I, Geometry and now, Algebra II.

Last year, I was able to tutor a sweet girl in Geometry and again saw her grades improve and her confidence levels jump. She ended up passing Geometry. This year I'll help her study for the ACT when needed.

This year, I've taken another student in Algebra II. In just a couple of weeks, his grades have improved by 40 points and his confidence levels have jumped too. I can't wait to see what the final result will be.

Confidence. These students saw their grades improve because their self-confidence improved. They can do the work. They put in the time needed to study and practice. They saw the results. Which caused their self-confidence to jump - again! I have enjoyed this so much.

This week, I was offered the opportunity to substitute teach for these kids' teacher who is fighting breast cancer. She will be out for 4-6 weeks. Pray for the teacher as she undergoes surgery and treatment. This is a scary time for her.

I'll be teaching Trigonometry, Algebra II and Geometry. I am so excited about this opportunity. But I'm nervous too. But a dear friend told me that it wouldn't take me long to find my "teacher voice". I am so enjoying my life.

Picture of the Day

2009-10-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

The day before school pictures, Jonathan informed me on the way home that he had to go to the haircut doctor. That week, we had been to the dentist and ENT specialist, so it made perfect sense to go the haircut doctor. He insisted that he HAD to look handsome for his picture. And he did. I took this picture to show off his haircut. Facebook has an application called "Picture of the Day" and it picked this one, so I decided to add it to my blog. Another moment in enjoying my life.

We went to the Circus....

2009-10-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

My sister, Judy, invited us to go to the Cole Bros. Circus of the Starts tonight. It was the first time for any of us to attend the Circus. We had an enjoyable time. The boys loved the motorcycles in the round cage, and the "superhero" who acrobatic-ed in a wheel, along with the camels, mule and elephants. Next, time we'll get reserved seating and bring enough money to get two of those stupid plastic lights....

And the grand finale was shooting the "superhero" out of the cannon.

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try my writing skills on something easy today. I got the idea from C. Beth Blog. What do you think?

Saturday. Cleaning. Laundry. Studying.
Hopefully Playing.

My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza

2009-10-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

We are part of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and we got My Lucky Day in the mail today.

About This Book

When a delicious-looking piglet knocks on Mr. Fox's door "accidentally," the fox can hardly believe his good luck. It's not every day that dinner just shows up on your doorstep. It must be his lucky day! Or is it?
Before Mr. Fox can say grace, the piglet has manipulated him into giving him a fabulously tasty meal, the full spa treatment (with bath and massage), and . . . freedom.
In a funny trickster tale of her own, Kasza keeps readers guessing until the surprise ending when they'll realize it was piglet's lucky day all along.

We all got a kick out of this book at bedtime. I know that I'll read it again and again. The illustrations are great too. I highly recommend this book.

2009-10-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been almost two months since I posted anything here. It's been a whirlwind for me. Some of the highlights for us have been:

Joel started K-3 this year. He is doing so well and his teachers tell me that he is very smart!
Jonathan turned 5 August 19. He has matured so much in the last couple of months. He got a bike for his birthday and is very proficient already.
I started a calculus class at VSU. I'm doing okay, but I'm at least 20 years older than most of the students.
Jonathan had his tonsils out October 7. I can already hear an improvement in his speech, breathing and sleeping. His eating has improved too. But I'm told that it just gets more as the boys grow.
Lee started a new job at the end of August and I haven't seen him since. I'm kidding. He is putting in a lot of time there, but I think he likes it.
I'm tutoring again this year. I get such satisfaction in seeing my students achieve their goals. And I have such joy when I see their confidence levels jump!

My life is busy at every turn, but when I think of how the doctors told me that I may never have children I stop complaining. I am so very blessed to have two wonderful boys who are smart and loving and funny and MINE! I wouldn't change a thing where they are concerned.

Enjoying My Life.....
Mary

Just to say hello

2009-08-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. The last three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. The boys started school. Jonathan turned five. Lee has interviewed for three different jobs. I started a Calculus I class. I have lots of things to write about and will do it very soon. I need to write my blog celebrating Jonathan's last five years. I have to record the first day of school. So come back often, I'll have more posted in the next few days.

2009-07-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

Today, we took our oldest Jonathan to the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to have his tonsils evaluated. He's had strep throat twice and both times, the doctor told us that his tonsils were very large for his age. I wanted the specialist to look at him to determine if they needed to come out. From what he could see, Jonathan's tonsils may need to come out in the future, but if he is not having obstruction while he sleeps, the tonsils will stay in.

The doctor went on to explain that although he would not hesitate to do surgery if it was necessary, he wasn't in a hurry to operate on Jonathan at this time. President Obama commented recently that doctors are quick to take the tonsils out of lots of kids when it isn't necessary just for the money. I'm glad that our doctor is looking out for my child and not putting him through anything unnecessary at this time. He went on to saythat is it actually cheaper for him to do a tonsillectomy than to treat a patient for a lifetime of allergies.

So here is my opinion of the "Obamacare" - I am against it. I do not want the government telling me how to take care of my child's health. I do not want the government telling me what doctor I can see or what procedures can be done or when I can see the doctor. The United States has the best health care. If that wasn't the case, why do so many come here for treatment?

Sure, there is room to improve our current system. Let the physicians do what they are trained to do and get paid appropriately for it. Insurance companies discount doctors fees so much and base those discounts on medicare. Then the doctor's malpractice/liability insurance premiums go through the roof. I believe our current system should be looked at in its entirety and made changes where necessary. Not be replaced by some government run health care program.

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-07-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the newest residents at E. Greenwood Ave. I couldn't resist getting a picture. But when I tried to get their faces, the frogs hid quickly.

How many days until....

2009-07-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

Lately, Jonathan asks - how many days until my birthday? How many days until school starts? How many days until my Uncle Bill, Aunt Allie and Emma get here? How many days until we move to East Lake?

I have to have a calendar just for all the countdowns. Is this normal for a 4 year old? Of course, then Joel wants to know how many days until his birthday!

So for the record:

Days Until...

Uncle Bill, Aunt Allie and Emma get here - Today is the day!

School Starts - 20 days (August 10)

Jonathan's Birthday - 29 days (August 19)

Joel's Birthday - I'm not counting yet (April 24)

Move to East Lake - not soon enough, but I have no idea so I just tell him "one day"

Professional Pictures

2009-07-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

I recently had some photos taken of me and the boys by Autumn Orozco at Blessings Photography. I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Autumn really did a great job. If you'd like to see the entire group of photos, click here.

Swimming lessons.....

2009-07-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

I took swimming lessons the week of July 6. I had 5 - 30 minute sessions and learned a lot. My teacher was a 38 year old mother of three. She also teaches at the YMCA in Thomasville, GA. I think one reason that working with her was easy is that I had seen her work with my boys for two weeks while they learned to swim. I was comfortable with her and it was easy to relax. This is a picture of Jill working with Jonathan.

By the end of the week, I was swimming the length of the pool. I could take a breath without gulping in too much water. My form was good. I could even tread water.

The secret to learning how to swim as an adult is to remain relaxed.

I think I've found my place of relaxation (as long as no one is watching). Now it's time to get to the Y and swim some laps.

Fireworks on July 4th

2009-07-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

I took the boys to see fireworks on Saturday night. We met up with some friends around 9 pm. I thought they'd like hanging out while we waited for the fireworks to start at 9:30 pm. Instead I listened to 30 minutes of "when are the fireworks gonna start, mommy?" Casey had sparklers that kept their attention for a while. Then after the fireworks started, I listened to 20 minutes of "when will it be over?" But on Sunday, they both said that they liked the fireworks. So was it a success? I think so, I got to spend some time with my boys watching fireworks. Here are some pictures from the event. Enjoy!

Just pictures

2009-07-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

Joel sleeping

Joel took this picture of Jonathan

Jonathan loves to take pictures of himself. And I love that you can see his freckles on the tip of his nose.

And here's Joel

A parent's view...

Grandpa Perry

2009-07-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have one grandparent living. Donald Perry is my mother's father. Doesn't he look so happy in this picture. I love it and stole it from my cousins's facebook album. I love you Grandpa.

2009-07-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, coffee.......
I am enjoying a cup of Starbuck's Verona coffee, doctored up with sugar, milk and chocolate syrup! And listening to Joel sing while he plays in the bathtub. Thought I'd take a picture of his naked hiney, but I don't think his daddy would appreciate me posting that on my blog. Joel's got a nice tan going on. So does Jonathan.

This first week in July has been busy. We finally got the pool set up that Nana got for the boys. They've really enjoyed playing in it. Thursday, we spent the day at the YMCA pool with the 'other Mary' and her crew. Of course, they enjoyed that too. So much, that they both were asleep within 5 minutes of leaving the Y that day. Then I was able to enjoy Girl's Movie Night while Lee entertained the boys. I got a call though, because Jonathan was running a fever. After we got home from swimming at the YMCA, Jonathan just laid around much of the night, sleeping a good bit, but woke up feverish. Friday, he had a fever again and we decided to take him to Youth Care. Youth Care is a walk-in clinic in Valdosta serviced by the pediatricians for children to be seen when the physicians offices are closed.

Jonathan's diagnosis was strep throat. This is the second time this year he's had strep throat and he's also had a sinus infection. Jonathan has very large tonsils for his age, so we'll have him rechecked in two weeks to determine if the infection is gone and if his tonsils got any smaller. If they do not get smaller when the infection is gone, we were advised to take him to an ENT physician for evaluation.

So because of the strep throat, Jonathan was not able to visit with his cousins this weekend. My brother and his wife are here with their five children. Aunt Judy met me at Youth Care and took Joel with her to Grandma and Granddaddy's house. Joel had a blast playing with his cousins. I was able to go too after Lee met me at Chick-Fil-A to pick up Jonathan and took him home. It is always good to see my brother and his family. I was hoping to be able to go back today, but Jonathan still had a fever this morning.

Now, I'm listening to Jonathan sing in the bathtub. I am so thankful for my little men!

We were scheduled to have pictures taken on Sunday evening by Autumn at Blessings Photography but I've rescheduled that for another time. We felt that maybe we'd all do better when we weren't so tired and sick. Check out her website. She does awesome work!

So, tonight I'm hoping that Jonathan will feel well enough to go see the fireworks. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Introducing fitmom!

2009-07-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, Melissa, has started a blog appropriately named fitmom. She is one sexy, fit mama!

Please take a moment to check it out and give her some feedback. The purpose of her blog is to discuss fitness and nutrition. She's always given me good advice and I trust her.

So, take a minute, check out her blog and welcome her to the blogging world.

Thanks!

Summer Update

2009-06-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

April - 18 posts
May - 2 posts
June - 3 posts

What has happened to all my words roaming around in my head? They sure haven't found their way to my blog. I was looking at my posts and I am significantly down since April. Some of it could be that I'm trying to keep the boys busy now that school is out. We finished two weeks of swimming lessons last week. The boys did so well.

We've also been bowling a couple of times. The boys like bowling, but they enjoy the other games more ~ Galaga, Fuse ball, Air Hockey....

We've also done arts/crafts at the Brooks County Library. Jonathan especially has enjoyed that. Joel gets some one-on-one time with Nana at these times if he gets bored. Tomorrow the craft is to make city scape's with construction paper shapes. I think both boys will enjoy it.

This week, I'm helping at New Covenant's VBS in Valdosta. When I took Jonathan to his class, four of his friends were there. To be able to play with his friends was a highlight for him. Joel met new friends in his class. This is an event where I actually asked them to call me Murry because the other Mary is there too and every time we were together today someone would call for Mary and we'd both answer. LOL Most of my friends call me Murry anyway...

Looks like a girls night is going to happen this week! Woo Hoo!

My swimming lessons are scheduled for the week of July 6. I may or may not talk about this summer event. :)

This is the 11th month that my husband has not been employed. Fortunately, we have rental income and I have my own business to help supplement. This has been a hard season for me. I want this blog to be a place of positive words and often I've had trouble staying positive. Hence less posts for sure. But we are doing okay.

So, I'd like to introduce---

Key Administrative Solutions

I have a few clients for which I do monthly work and I've enjoyed it very much. I am still working on my website, but as soon as I have it complete you will be the first to know! Some of the things that I provide for my clients are:

weekly reports
budgets
bookkeeping
payroll
accounts payable

If you are interested in contacting me regarding what services I provide, you mail email me at keyadmin.mc@gmail.com.

Happy summer to you and I trust that you are Enjoying Your Life!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

2009-06-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

My dad, David Boyd, recently lost his older brother, Jesse. He was too young to die. Thankfully, we know that he is in Heaven with Christ. His death has caused my brother and I to rethink some things. Like how often we see each other or talk. I can't imagine what my cousins are going through, because I still have my dad.

I'm my dad's eldest child. I'm the child of his youth his tells me. I think that makes me special. Daddy and I always enjoyed doing things together; singing, target shooting, volleyball and moving his office at the VSU campus. He's had three offices that I remember. One time that I remember being angry at him was when he decided it was best to move the family from Sumter, SC to Valdosta, GA. Valdosta, GA? Where is Valdosta, GA? No one I knew had ever heard of it. All I could think about was that he was taking us away from our friends at SCS. We had been there for six years. And then, when we got here, he MADE me play volleyball for my new school, LCA. Oh how I dreaded volleyball practice that summer. He was forcing me to interact with people that I did not want to interact with and play a sport. I was a 'cheerleader' not someone who played sports. :)

If you know me very well, you know that I came to love volleyball and basketball and cheerleading and softball. So he DID know what he was doing when he forced me to play. :) When I moved back to Georgia after my divorce, Daddy shared with me that by taking the job at VSC he received a $14,000 increase in pay. Since I had already has my first job at that time, I understood the significance of that pay increase. And I couldn't be angry anymore.

I've learned from my Dad about how to use a gun and gun safety. I've learned the importance of being punctual and always doing my best. I know the importance of education and music. My dad was able to send me to college and to pay the tuition in full. He has done that for all four of his children. Recently, I realized that most kids do not have that. So it is pretty significant for me and my siblings. Thank you, Daddy.

Daddy, I love you and respect you. Thank you for being my dad and for being my friend. I hope that this post conveys to you how important you are to me.

Swimming Lesson

2009-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last week the boys took swimming lessons. This was the first time that either one has been in a regular size pool. Jonathan is 4 1/2 and Joel is 3. To be honest, the first three days were not fun for me. There were always 6-7 children taking lessons at the same time and Jill would take out one at a time and work with each child at their current level. My kids cried every time it was their turn. Then they'd come sit down on the steps and wait for the next turn, which would result in more crying. But we stuck it out. I am 38 and never learned how to swim and I do not want my children to find themselves in the same position.

By Thursday, the boys were more comfortable and began to play in the shallow area while they waited for their turn with the teacher. And there was no more crying. Goggles seem to help too. They weren't so upset about getting water in their faces. Thursday was also the day that Jill told us that she had two openings for this week if we wanted to bring the boys back. She felt like they'd learn so much more this week now that they trusted her and were comfortable in the water. Thursday was also the day that Joel jumped from the diving board. Jonathan jumped from the diving board on Friday.

Yesterday, Jill told Lee that Jonathan should be swimming under water very well by the end of the week. And that Joel was doing well.

This week the boys look forward to swimming lessons and can't wait to show me today what they've learned. I'm glad that I didn't cave and just bring the boys home last week when all they did was cry. It's hard for me to put my boys through things that they don't like even when I know it's for their own good.

Actually, Jonathan just came up to me while typing this post to tell me again, that he can't wait to show me what he learned yesterday and to show me how he can jump off the diving board.

Last Saturday, we went to hang out with Judy at "Uncle Wade's grandmother's pool" and had a blast! The boys did so well in the pool and were comfortable playing in the water. They did a lot of swimming from me to the steps.

Summer is good. And I'm Enjoying My Life!

Disclaimer: When my parents offered swimming lessons to me when I was a teenager, I refused to take them. My mom is quick to remind me of that. :)

Arts and Crafts at the Library

2009-06-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Brooks County Library hosts Arts and Crafts on Wednesdays. The theme today was water colors. At first, I wasn't sure how well it would go, but it did. (Thanks Nana for helping) The final results say it best...

Jonathan's Orange Tree

Jonathan's Space Shuttle

Joel's Grapes

2009-05-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

I recently said to a friend, "Hope your day is great!"

The reply I received was, "My day will be great because I choose for it to be!"

I have thought of that countless times this week when I found myself having an all but great day. And even though this season of my life has been hard, there are things that make my life great! Two being Jonathan and Joel. I so enjoy listening to them play together as they take Thomas and friends over the train tracks, or fight the fire in the bathroom, or race their cars through the kitchen race track. I want to be that carefree. I want to put the reality of life on hold and just play!

My friends also make my life great. I have good friends. Friends that make me laugh. Friends than encourage me. Friends that cry with me. Friends that love me. And with the help of Facebook, I've reconnected with old friends as far back as elementary school.

My family makes my life great. Mama told us girls recently how she was glad that we all loved her. We have had our share of junk, but in the end we are family. We love each other. We even like each other! :)

All that aside, I cannot expect anyone or anything to make my life great. That is up to me. That is the choice that I must make daily.

My life is GREAT because I choose for it to be GREAT!

My mother is awesome!

2009-05-09T07:34:00.001-07:00

My mother, Becky Boyd, is pretty awesome~ She has always loved us unconditionally. I am the oldest of four children and that makes me pretty special. But being the first born of a first born has had its challenges. I remember as a teenager how I criticized her for making me do the dishes. I was a busy girl - in school, sports after school, piano lessons, babysitting, homework and I asked her why did I have to do the dishes? what did she do all day? I know that I hurt her deeply that day. Fortunately, in 1995 we had an opportunity to clear the air with each other, ask forgiveness and move on. She came to NY to stay with my after I had surgery. Then when I got sick with the flu I think, she stayed the whole week. That was one of the best weeks of my life. So when I found myself divorced at 25, I made the decision to move back to GA to be near my mom. I needed her. And she's always there when I need her.

Then in 2001, mama was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As we sat in Dr. Phillips office waiting for the results of the biopsy, I knew in my spirit that it was not her time to leave this world. Not only did she still have 2 children at home, but I had just gotten married again and didn't have children yet. My children were going to know their grandma! I tried to be there when she needed me. December 2008 marked the 7th year since that diagnosis and I am pleased to say that she is cancer free!

I still have my mother with me. To help me navigate my own road of motherhood. To be my friend. To be my confidant. To be my mama.

I love you dearly mama! And this post is a small effort to show the world how much.

Celebrating Joel

2009-04-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today, I wasn't feeling too well. I had been a stay at home for about 3 weeks by this time and Jonathan and I were doing fine. But this day, something wasn't' right. I pulled out my trusty What to Expect When You're Expecting book and discovered that what I was experiencing was labor. This was a new experience for me because I was induced when I had Jonathan (and that story will be saved for his post on August 19). I called the doctor's office and he told me to go to the hospital so that they could check me out.

This was one time that I didn't quite know what to do. My husband was at work. My mother-in-law was out of town visiting her sister in the hospital. My mother was with my sister-in-law who was also pregnant because my brother was out of town. I wasn't scheduled to deliver Joel until 3 weeks later by c-section. I told Lee what we needed to do and then I had to wait for him to get home from work and I had to find someone to keep Jonathan. I called my mother-in-law and they hopped in the car to come home to help me. Thanks mom! My pastor agreed to keep Jonathan for us until Nana got home. I think he drove Jonathan around for a couple of hours that day. Thanks Pastor Ray! Finally, we got to Labor and Delivery and I was dehydrated and having contractions. We thought that once I got hydrated, we'd be able to go home. But my cervix began changing, so I delivered Joel at about 5:15 pm on April 24, 2009.

The main difference between Joel's delivery and Jonathan's was that I had a spinal to numb me for the c-section. I was very aware of what was going on. Hearing the first cry was an awesome experience. I got to see him and kiss him, then my husband went with him to the nursery. I went to recovery. The next thing I remember was waking up in my room alone. I didn't understand why Lee was not with me. I asked the nurses and they thought he was in the nursery. I called the nursery and was able to talk to Lee and found out that Joel needed to be on oxygen. But in that drug induced state, I couldn't comprehend what he was saying. The pediatrician on call came to my room to explain that Joel's lungs needed oxygen and that he should be off in a couple of days. This was not how I imagined I would spend the next few days. Joel had to have chest x-rays everyday and was on oxygen for 5 days. The only time I got to see him was when I went to the nursery. It was hard not being able to hold him. We got to go home on Saturday. He has had no after effects of this problem.

My two boys are 20 months apart! And it was hard in the beginning, but we found our groove and it's been quite an experience. I am so thankful for my boys and I know that they are gifts from God.

Joel has had a good three years. It's been easier during the transition phases. I took him off the bottle soon after he turned one. He was potty trained soon after he turned 18 months. He tries very hard to keep up with his big brother. Jonathan did all these things later than Joel did so it felt like my baby grew up way too fast to this mother's heart. I was advised early on to enjoy each phase the my children go through. And I've really tried to do that and focus on the positive aspects of things. Yes, there have been hard times, but it's been worth it. My children are friends and miss each other when they are not together. But my favorite thing is...

Hearing Joel say "I lub you mama!" and give me kisses on both cheeks.

Here are a few pictures of my Joel-y!

Joel at 3 months with his big brother Jonathan

Joel at 3 months

Joel drinking out of a sippy cup for the first time.

This is typical Joel at 1 climbing onto everything

Joel at 2 years old with his new sandbox.

Joel at Easter 2009 after a fun egg hunt.

Joel in his favorite shirt saying cheese!

Circumscribed

2009-04-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

I tutor a couple of teenagers in Geometry. Today, we were working on Inscribed and Circumscribed Triangles.

A circle that circumscribes a triangle is a circle containing the triangle such that the vertices of the triangle are on the circle.

A circle that inscribes a triangle is a circle contained in the triangle that just touches the sides of the triangle.

The problems we were working on asked the student to determine if the circle circumscribed or inscribed the triangle. But what she so shyly pointed out, I kept saying circumcised.

We both had a good laugh about that. I had no idea I was saying it, but to a 17 year old, that topic can be embarrassing even when you had no intention of discussing it.

My experience with making granola bars

2009-04-20T03:57:00.001-07:00

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I am making changes in my eating habits. So I've increased my water intake and am making better choices of snacks. Another area that I'm working to improve is my kids eating habits. None of us are really breakfast eaters. I don't usually eat breakfast, so I haven't encouraged my kids to eat breakfast. But that is changing.

I went grocery shopping on Saturday and got Cheerios and frozen waffles for the boys to eat. Sunday, I just made the waffles, put them on the table and told the boys it was time for breakfast. They sat down and ate the waffles, then some watermelon. And actually enjoyed it. We had a nice relaxing lunch too at Nana's. They had a snack later, then ate supper. Eating meals was not a hassle for me. And when I told the boys they had to wait for pudding until their snack time, they accepted it and went back to their playing. Having menus planned and snacks planned has helped me a lot in this.

So as I'm taking a shower later, I realize that I've been a mother for almost 5 years and I'm finally getting it!

For me, I wanted to find something that I could eat that was healthy but would not require a lot of preparation. So I decided to make granola bars. I chose "Best Granola Bars" out of Tosca Reno's book The Eat-Clean Diet for Family and Kids. First, I needed to buy the ingredients. I spent 1 1/2 hours in Publix on Saturday mainly because I was looking for these ingredients and I wasn't sure of what I was looking for or where they would be. I found everything I needed in Publix - some in the diet section and the rest in the organic food section. You can also buy the oats, muesli, nuts and protein powder at health food stores.

I made the granola bars Sunday morning and found it quite easy. I let them cool while I was at church. When I got home I cut them into 1" x 4" bars and stored them in snack Ziploc bags. I put half of them in the freezer for later. My husband and I actually like them and I know I'll make them again and again.

Weight loss update - I have lost some weight. But I'm not sure how much. I've used 2 different scales. Soon, I'll get an accurate number and may or may not tell you. :) On one blog that I follow, the writer actually has a ticker showing her weight loss. I don't think I'll go that far as I'm embarrassed to let the world know my numbers.

Here is a pictorial of the finished product and of my attempt to be creative in food pictures. Enjoy!

Best Granola Bars

2009-04-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup dry muesli

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

2 scoops protein powder

1/2 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds

1/4 cup raw, unsalted sesame seeds

1/4 cup raw, unsalted almonds chopped

1/2 cup sultana raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp dark agave nectar

3 Tbsp organic honey

3 Tbsp safflower oil

Pinch ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, agave nectar, oil and egg.

3. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Mixture should be lumpy.

4. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. The edges will be lightly brown.

5. Remove from oven and set on wire rack to cool. When cool, cut into 1"x4" bars.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 171 / Calories from fat: 70 / Fat: 8g / Saturated Fat: 1g / Trans Fat: 0g / Protein: 6g / Carbs: 23 g / Dietary Fiber 1.5g / Sodium: 20 mg / Cholesterol: 0mg

Emma

2009-04-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just can't resist posting pictures of Emma. She is a cutie. I'll get to meet her next weekend. We are all looking forward to that.

Emma and Daddy

Emma and Mommy

Five Favorite Quotes

2009-04-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Friday High Five is hosted by Angela over at Angela's Adventures and Minor Mishaps. If you want to play along, check out the rules here.

5 of my favorite quotes

"I love you too, mama." Jonathan and Joel

"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves." Thomas Edison

John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. " Jesus

"Friendship isn't about who you have known the
longest....but about who came and never left your side."

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

He has risen!

2009-04-12T05:42:00.001-07:00

Mark 16:6-7 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Bike Riding

2009-04-11T16:55:00.001-07:00

We've been riding outside lately. Jonathan still uses a tricycle because I want him to master it before moving him up to a bicycle with training wheels. Joel has been riding the scooter. It's been fun. Today, I took my camera - Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Smilebox

2009-04-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

I tried a digital scrapbooking sight called Smilebox. I think I like it. Here's what I created. You can use it free, but your creation will include ads. You can pay a small fee to eliminate the ads. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Coloring Easter Eggs

2009-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jonathan posing with his finished eggs.

Joel posing with his finished eggs.

But he didn't want to show them.

Autumn: I am waiting to see your pictures of the boys decorating their eggs. Did they love it?

Me: They had a good time and want me to boil more eggs. It was some what of a let down for me. Maybe I should have had my own dozen to decorate?

Autumn: In what way was it a let down?

Me: After we colored them, the boys hardly did anything with them. I tried to show them that they could decorate the whole egg, but they just did the top. But they had fun and I'll post pictures soon.

Autumn: The point is that they had fun. Next year they
may get into it even more. It was their first year. Focus on making good memories because time flies too fast. I really want it to slow down sometimes.
The above was a conversation I had with my friend Autumn on facebook. What she said about focusing on making good memories is good advice. I don't often do crafty things with my kids because its hard for me. I find it hard to just let go and let the kids do what they want. For instance, I kept trying to get the kids to decorate the whole egg, but they just wanted to do the end that they had facing up. When they were done, they were done and quite proud of themselves.

A few of the eggs were cracked after boiling them, so I knew we would not eat them. Jonathan wanted to know what was inside the egg, so I peeled one and cut it in half to show him. He peeled the second one and proceeded to crumble it up in his hands. But he had fun.
So I think I was successful in making good memories.

And we'll do it again next year.

BSP: My first job

2009-04-09T22:29:00.001-07:00

A NY accounting firm hired this green southern college graduate to be their receptionist. I remember having a hard time saying Brock, Schechter & Pollakoff and being able to pronounce the clients names. But I was well liked by the partners and staff. I moved up to the secretarial pool and thought I was something when I started typing financial statements and correspondence. I was only there for 3 years and 2 months. And I only left to move back south after my divorce. I made about $21,000 a year and they offered me $25,000 to stay back in 1996. I wonder how things would be different now if I had.

Milk glass

2009-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love milk glass. Most of what I have is Westmoreland. I thought I'd share a few pieces with my blogger friends. Lee went to the Valdosta Daily Times on Saturday and brought home a Universal Red Tea Pot. I think it looks great with my milk glass glasses with cherries.

He also brought home this pink milk glass relish dish. I love it and it is in perfect condition.

This last piece is one of my favorite pieces that I have displayed in my kitchen.

I have lots of other pieces. But I'll display them when I am in a bigger house. They will have their own buffet or hutch to live in. :)

Peach Orchard Quilt Shop

2009-04-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Valdosta Daily Times held it bi-annual yard sale on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Lee likes to go and check things out. He can usually find glassware or pottery that he likes at reasonable prices. He always brings me a gift too! This time I got several things which I will blog about later, but what I am extremely excited about is this:

There is a quilter in my town who finishes quilts with her long arm quilting machine! I am so excited about this because I love to piece quilt tops, but actually quilting them is not easy for me. The long arm quilting machine makes a quilt look polished.

Now it's time to get a quilt top finished..........

Here is the quilter's information if anyone is interested.

2009-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jonathan's preschool has chapel every Wednesday. This past Wednesday they told the story of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. For Christians, it is a well known life experience. But there is nothing like hearing your 4 year old tell you how bad guys killed Jesus by nailing his hands and feet to the cross. That Jesus died for our sins and that He was buried in a tomb, but now He's alive! You can find these events in Matthew 26-28. I hope that you will take time to read these passages and meditate on them.

I bought my kids this book and they love it. It's given me the opportunity to explain to them what sins are and how wonderful that Jesus took our sins upon him and died so that we could be redeemed. But that it's awesome that he rose from the grave and lives forevermore.

I'm looking forward to the day when my children come to me to be introduced to my Savior, Father, and Friend Jesus!

2009-04-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law Bill posted some new pictures of Emma today. This one cracks me up:

Vitamins

2009-04-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

If you've seen me lately, you would understand why I am working on losing some weight. So I've increased my water intake, try to make better food choices, take smaller portions and eat more often during the day. I've just felt tired and lethargic. Last night, I realized that I haven't been taking my vitamins.

I took them today and expect that I'll feel much better. So much so, I think I'll exercise today!

Healthy living to you all!

He can sleep anywhere!

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight after having a snack, Joel fell asleep -

He's in an awkward stage right now where he probably still needs a nap, but if I give him one, he doesn't want to go to bed at the same time Jonathan does. On school nights I put the boys to bed at 7:00. I have to work to keep Joel awake until then. As I was browsing through some pictures tonight, I discovered that Joel can fall asleep anywhere. Enjoy!

It took 75 minutes

2009-04-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today, I had lunch with the other Mary and her kids. Then went to Books-A-Million, where my mother found me. Then I went to JCPenney with her. Since it was a beautiful, sunny day, I took the boys to Drexel Park. After a good day in Valdosta, I left the park at 4:30 in order to be home by 5:00.

At 5:00, I found myself at the intersection of Norman Drive and Hwy 84 going west. I called Lee to tell him where I was. I continued west on Hwy 84 and was stopped at Ousely Road by the DOT doing road work. I couldn't tell what kind of work they were doing, but suddenly I saw cars in both lanes making u-turns left and heading east on Hwy 84. Then I saw the "road closed" sign. They closed the road right in front of us. I called home to find out if I would really have to turn around and go back to Valdosta. Surely there was another way to get to Quitman from here. Nope! So I too made the u-turn left and headed east on Hwy 84.

At 5:25, I found myself again at the intersection of Interstate 75 on ramps and Hwy 84 (just a couple intersections before Norman Drive). I decided to go up James Road taking me to St. Augustine Road. Halfway there, I encountered another "road closed" sign. Sighing, I made another u-turn and went back to Hwy 84. I decided to take I-75 North from exit 16 to exit 18 to get to St. Augustine Road.

At 6:45, I arrived at home in Quitman. A trip that normally takes 30 minutes, took me 75!

It does work!

2009-03-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

This afternoon when I walked into the kitchen, I found my two boys coloring with Sharpie markers. I guess they got bored with paper and "repainting" their cars because they moved onto coloring themselves. I found Sharpie on their faces and on their arms. My husband was concerned that they'd have to go out in public with fading marks on their skin. I immediately put them in the bath tub, then googled "Sharpie marker on skin" and found several sites with info on how to get it off. Know what works?

Dish detergent!

2009-03-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Emma Lavens Carmichael arrived March 16, 2009 at 3:31 am. She weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 21 1/4 inches long. She is the first girl born into the Carmichael family since 1918.

Welcome Emma! Contratulations Bill & Allison!

Quilting for the boys

2009-03-21T23:31:00.001-07:00

While I was working on a baby quilt as a gift, my boys asked me to make them one. So I stole another idea from my friend Melissa and took the boys to Walmart to pick out some fabric. We got 1 yard each of 2 prints of fabrics for each boy. That was two weeks ago. I finally finished them Saturday morning.

I discovered basting adhesive. This made it so much easier to quilt. You just spray it on your batting then attach the fabric. Turn it over and do the second side. This eliminates having to pin it together or use a basting stich on your sewing machine.

This was my first attempt to quilt anything. In the past, I've taken my quilts to a lady in FL who would use what is called a long arm to quilt them. Very professional. I've found out that quilting with my machine is actually fun. For Jonathan's quilt, I followed lines already in the print and did a cross hatch from both directions. Turned out pretty good. For Joel's I followed the race track which made for an interesting design. And the boys were thrilled with them.

It took me about 8 hours total to complete this project. It was definitely worth the time and effort to give my kids something that I made. In the future, I'll plan some cool bed quilts.

Hunter's quilt

2009-03-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

I finished a baby quilt today. Or, my friend Melissa finished it for me. I got to visit with her today as she helped me get the quilt quilted and the binding put on. The boys had a great time playing and Melissa and I got to relax and chat. Melissa and I were room mates before we both got married. She is a dear friend to me, but lives too far away - way down in Tallahassee!

A couple in my church were expecting a baby and I wanted to do a quilt for them. I found out that they were going to name him Hunter and decorate using camouflage. So first I picked out some fabric -

Then I pieced the top together -

Here I am with the finished product -

Another picture of just the quilt -

Then Joel wanted to pose -

And the best thing is that Hunter and his parents are coming home tomorrow. So I got it finished just in time. Thanks Melissa for all the great help!

Next one is for my niece Emma - she's expected March 17!

Have you stumbled today?

2009-02-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

“The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Ps. 37:23–24 TLB).

I needed some encouragement this morning already and I've only been up for about 90 minutes. I was thinking how I've asked the Lord to order my days in the past and felt like I've failed. And I was reminded that the Lord holds my hand. See above verse. I am learning to know God as Abba and this was just what I needed today. Even though I may stumble, my Abba is there is help me up, encourage me and love me as I am.

Max Lucado quoted this verse in his devotional that was in my inbox this morning.

The Beach

2009-02-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I was at St. George Island with girlfriends. It was the first time I left my kids and husband for 3 nights. They did alright without me. I originally was going to go home on Sunday, but decided to see what the guys thought about my staying till Monday. Lee said he spoke to the boys and they took a vote. They unanimously agreed that I should stay one more night. Don't I have great kids?! and a great husband?!

When I got home, they boys climbed in my lap and Lee talked to me for about 30 minutes. I knew that I was missed. Not just for what I do, but for who I am!

Here are some pictures of the boys playing with the sand I brought back. I also brought them a couple of books and they are the books of choice to read every night. The boys claim them as their favorites!

Joel claimed all the shells. Then he dumped his sand into his dirt pile in our backyard.

Jonathan wanted to make sand castles. That was when I wished I had brought home more sand. But he too added it to his dirt pile in the backyard.

Then they made mud!

Grandparents

2009-02-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

September 2005, Lee, Jonathan and I went to visit my grandparents in Honea Path, SC. We stayed a week with them. We had a grand time and I was so glad to introduce my first born son to them. But I knew it would be the last time I saw my grandmother. She passed away November 2005 and has been with Jesus for over 3 years now. I miss her.

Jonathan with Great Grandma Perry
She was upset that she forgot to put her bridge in that morning.

Jonathan with Great Grandpa Perry

I think I have pretty cool grandparents and I enjoyed them when they were young as I was the oldest grandchild. I got to travel with them. I got to bug my uncle who is only 5 years older than me. As I matured, though, they became a lot more cool! I didn't ask about their lives though, but every time I see my grandpa I ask him to tell me something else about himself. He's quite an interesting guy.

2009-02-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

A note is being passed around on Facebook called "25 Random Things about Me" and it has been interesting reading them all. My cousin's wife mentioned several times in her list her favorite brown chair. She uses it to spend time with the Lord. She uses it to relax and read. She uses it to spend time with her family.

As I was reading my Bible this morning, I was wishing for a favorite chair and place to call my own. I've attempted several times to set up "my place" in my house, but none of them have become my favorite. I have a rocking chair set up in the kitchen to use when I'm waiting for the buzzer to go off. I have a rocking chair set up in my bedroom with a small table and lamp beside it to use to read. I have two spots set up in the living room - the couch and a chair/table/lamp set up. Why do these not work for me? Several reasons, the chairs aren't comfortable or they become storage places for coats, books, etc. The spots aren't quite enough. So, I've decided to work on "my place" again to find my favorite chair and spot to call my own. Thanks Beneth for expressing your joy of having your own special spot.

If you want to read my 25 Random Things check out facebook.

Wisdom

2009-02-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 1:7 (Amplified Bible)
The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Psalm 111:10 (Amplified Bible)
10The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever.

Every time I read Proverbs 1 I am reminded that having God's wisdom starts with my reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord.

2009-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

A Prison Diary by Jeffrey Archer
Titles A-Z Challenge

My cousin, Christy, recommend this book to me.

On July 19, 2001, Jeffrey Archer was convicted of perjury and is sentence to four years in Prison. He spent his first three weeks in the notorious HMP Belmarsh, a high-security prison in South London. This prison housed murderers, terrorists and violent criminals.

You may wonder why would someone convicted of perjury be house among murderers, terrorists and violent criminals. Most of these prisoners have life sentences, therefore they are more likely to be civil in comparison to those that have short sentences of 1-2 years. Archer decided to use his time by keeping an hour by hour diary of these three weeks. Some of the prisoners came to trust Archer with their stories and allowed him to include them in his book. He was respected among the prisoners, guards and those in authority.

I found this book quite interesting as the day in the life of Archer and many of his prison mates are spelled out for all the world to see.

2009-01-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

Uncharted by Angela Hunt
Titles A-Z Challenge

A friend of mine asked me to read this book so that we could discuss it. It was disturbing to her. Some of it was disturbing to me too, but by the time I finished the book, I understood.

Every year, David Payne would go on a mission trip. Every year, he invited his five close friends from college. Every year, they would all decline the invitation. Except for this year.

While attending the funeral of their dear friend, Kevin, Karyn, Mark, Susan and Lisa were invited again by the widow to go on the mission trip planned to honor her husband. This book is about what happens after the boat they are on sinks and they find themselves on a desolate island. Each person's true character is revealed and you will definitely be surprised.

I hesitate to tell too much of the story because it will take away from the book's suspense. But I did enjoy the book, more so when I fully understood what was meant by this line from the book:

"I'm beginning to think the island wants to keep us here."

Great read!

Inauguration 2009

2009-01-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

President George W. Bush was gracious in making the transition of power a smooth one. I am so thankful that he was our President for eight years. I think that overall he did a great job. What I am most thankful for is that he was a child of God and he was a praying President. He said in one interview that the job he valued most as President was being Commander in Chief. How awesome it that? God bless President and Mrs. Bush as they begin this next chapter in their lives.

I watched the inauguration events today and the days leading up to this historical event. My children are not old enough to understand what was going on, but I did explain who President Bush was and who President Obama was. I was glad that I didn't have to explain the underlying mood like some of my homeschooling friends had to tell their children today. It is awesome that we have an African American man as president. I think it shows that America is the place where dreams can come true for anyone. There's a lot of fluff in change and hope, but we've not been given any solid platform for this change and hope to stand on. What we must remember is that our hope should rest in the Lord God. He is the only One who can bring change!

My friend Tami has an excellent post on her blog Moms4SarahPalin. Please take a moment to read it and comment. She said it better than I ever could.

Glenn Beck is on Fox!

2009-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Gov. Sarah Palin was on Glenn Beck's premier on the Fox News Channel tonight. I am so happy that he is now on Fox and I don't have to watch him on that "other" cable network. Glenn also had Joel Osteen on as well as the wives of the former border patrol agents. Below is the video from Glenn's interview with Gov. Sarah Palin. Enjoy!

I am AMSTR to be here!

2009-01-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

I am a member of Smart Girl Politics. Tonight, SGP hosted a great treasure hunt to announce an event to take place on January 20, 2008. I really decided to participate just to check things out, you know. Well, by golly, I won the thing. I am still giggling because I didn't realize that I had won and I left the chat room when I finished the treasure hunt. After a few minutes, I joined the chat room again and saw a message telling Mary to email her address. I asked "me Mary" - and yes it was ME! The message I received on Twitter was:

You won a SGP swag bag filled with SGP gear and Ann Coulter's new book. Congratulations!!

I am so excited! So what is the great event happening at SGP on Janaury 20, 2008?

To play the game, you followed the original link given to find a letter in pink. You were to write down the letter, then click on it to be taken to the next website. There were 5 letters to locate. The last letter took you to Mind Active Media (Thanks to preppydude for hooking us up!!!), in which we were met by pinkelephantpun and ChristinaKB who welcomed me and asked me to use the password in a sentence which would send me to the announcement. This was my sentence:

I am AMSTR to be here!

But the catch was to unscramble the word first. So then I typed:

I am so SMART!

I had a lot of fun. Check out Smart Girl Politics and join in the Conservative Woman's Movement!

2009-01-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

Looky here, what do I see?

The trash is exiting the house

And it isn't by me!

2009-01-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

I follow several blogs because each one is interesting to me for a specific reason. And I miss those that do not post very often. Then it occurred to me that someone may miss a post from me. I don't mean that arrogantly, just that a friend misses a friend.

I find that I don't take the time to write because I've been so busy with life or work and think if I can't get the laundry done or the dictation transcribed, I shouldn't be blogging. I find that I don't take time to write when I'm angry or frustrated with my life. The latter seems to be the case more often than not. But, I've determined not to bad mouth those in my life on my blog or air our dirty laundry. Please understand, I have a good life, my attitude towards it could be better at times. :)

We are studying Blood Covenant at church on Sunday nights. I do believe that as I understand covenant, I do get more revelation as I read the Bible. My Pastor, Ray Copeland, made this statement on Sunday.

As you grow in relationship with the Father, your life comes into order.

I'm beginning to realize that my relationship with the Father is more important than whether I follow a list of dos and don'ts. As my love for Him grows, I do make the right choices for my life. And my desire is that I walk in His love.

Send a birthday card to

2009-01-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Sarah Palin.

Her birthday is February 11, 2009. Click the logo for more information and the address. Let's show her our support by wishing her the best birthday ever.

Another Reading Challenge

2009-01-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Option A: Read authors A to Z. Commit to reading 26 books theoretically speaking.

Option B: Read titles A to Z. Commit to reading 26 books theoretically speaking.

Option C: Read both authors A to Z and titles A to Z (52 books; this is the challenge Joy created) (MY CHOICE)

Option D: Read internationally A to Z (books representing 26 different countries) (The books could be from international authors (writers from that country); however, it's fine if a book is only set in that country. If need be, instead of countries one could use cities, states, regions, etc. The idea is to use proper place names. If you'd like you could even use a few fictional countries.)

Option E: Read 26 Alphabet books. Embrace your inner child and go visit the children's section!

Authors:

A-

B-

C-

D-

E-

F-

G-

H-

I-

J-

K-

L-

M-

N-

O-

P-

Q-

R-

S-

T-

U-

V-

W-

X-

Y-

Z-

Titles:

A-
B-
C-
D-
E-
F-
G-
H-
I-
J-
K-
L-
M-
N-
O-
P-
Q-
R-
S-
T-
U-
V-
W-
X-
Y-
Z-

2009 Mini Challenges

2009-01-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

I've decided to participate in the 2009 Mini Challenges hosted by caribousmom. For more information and the rules check out her blog. Here are the 12 challenges:

1. Read a collection of short stories.
2. Read a play.
3. Read a nonfiction book.
4. Read 2 essays from the same collection.
5. Go to a book event.
6.Borrow a library book.
7. Read a book by a new to you author.
8. Make a donation.
9. Promote literacy.
10. Participate in a buddy read or Group discussion.
11. Read a book outside your comfort level or from a genre you don’t normally read.
12. Read a classic (defined as anything published before 1970).

Happy reading!

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence

2009-01-03T23:12:00.001-08:00

What has caused me to allow depression, anxiety, insecurity, fear, anger and resentment into my life? I have been disappointed and not been able to work through it and trust God. "This is not what I signed up for," I tell God.

"For the mind set on the flesh is death,but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; ...However, you are not in the flesh but the Spirit." Romans 8: 6,7,9 NAS

When reading the above scripture I never read past "the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace" and received a revelation tonight when I saw that having a mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. But then I was reminded that I am not in the flesh, but in the Spirit as I am a child of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in me. Hallelujah!

I often try to find books that I can read to help me with whatever issue I am dealing with at the present time. Today, it is the Bible. I need to find out what it says for myself. There are a lot of good books out there filled with wisdom and scripture, but for me I need the Word alone at this time. I found the following to help me with my insecurity -

"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snare of death." Proverbs 14:26-27 NAS

Life map has been the topic that I have heard several times recently. One being from my friend over at Fat, Fed up and Gettin' Fit!, who is setting goals for fitness. I am setting goals for my spiritual life map.

What is my spiritual life map? To be in love with Jesus.

How do I achieve this goal? Have a daily encounter with Him with uninterrupted quiet time of prayer, the Word and/or reading or listening to teaching material.

My Rescuers!

2008-12-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

As the boys were playing with their new toys, Joel told Jonathan that there was a fire.

"Where is it?" asked Jonathan

"In the bathroom," replied Joel

"Don't say that word, Joel. Say '38 miles away'."

Joel answered, "38 miles away."

And off they went. Jonathan with the fire engine, sirens sounding and Joel with two monster trucks. The bathroom 38 miles away is safe thanks to my two rescuers, Jonathan and Joel!

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

This morning, my husband and I woke up to two small voices saying, "Santa did come!" (at 9:15 am) It was so awesome. This was the first year that our oldest really got "it".

Tree Ornaments

2008-12-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

Jonathan brought these ornaments home from preschool. Aren't they cute?

These aren't just five snowman as anyone can see.
I made them with my hand which is a part of me.
Now each year when you trim the tree
You'll look back and recall Christmas of 2008
When my hand was just this small.

(I couldn't get a good picture of his whole hand)

He was quite proud of his snowflake.

Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus...

2008-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

2008-12-20T06:32:00.000-08:00

President-elect Obama has invited Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. I'll admit that I've been taken by surprise at those who are angry about that. So many want to be accepted no matter what they believe or what lifestyle they choose, but yet they just can't accept that someone who may not agree with them, like Warren, would agree to participate in Obama's inauguration. Some Obama supporters also can't seem to accept that he would ask someone who did not agree with him on all issues, like Warren, to participate in his inauguration.

Whatever Obama's motives are does not concern me. I am just glad that Rick Warren agreed to give the invocation. I know that he has a personal relationship with Jesus and that he converses with Him. Jesus hung out with those that did not agree with Him and that is exactly what Rick Warren is doing - showing the love of Jesus.

Thank You Lord

2008-12-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a day where you couldn't think of anything to be thankful for. I had one of those days recently. The Lord reminded me of a song that we've been singing in a church a lot lately - Thank You Lord by Don Moen.

The second verse says

For all You've given to me
For all of the blessings that I cannot see
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord

When I ask God to show me those blessings he always does. I hope that this song will minister to you today.