Wordless Wednesday- Queen for the Day-

Happy 90th Birthday Aunt Merle

My Daughters!!! They are my life....

To My Daughters...

I’ve traveled paths you’ve yet to walk

Learned lessons old and new

And now this wisdom of my life

I’m blessed to share with you

Let kindness spread like sunshine Embrace those who are sad

Respect their dignity, give them joy And leave them feeling glad

Forgive those who might hurt you

And though you have your pride

Listen closely to their viewpoint

Try to see the other side

Walk softly when you’re angry

Try not to take offense

Invoke your sense of humor

Laughter’s power is immense!

Express what you are feeling

Your beliefs you should uphold

Don’t shy away from what is right

Be courageous and be bold

Keep hope right in your pocket

It will guide you day by day

Take it out when it is needed

When it’s near, you’ll find a way

Remember friends and family

Of which you are a precious part Love deeply and love truly

Give freely from your heart

The world is far from perfect

There’s conflict and there’s strife

But you still can make a difference By how you live your life

And so I’m very blessed to know The wonders you will do

Because you are my daughters

And I believe in you

To my perfect yet completely different girls, who will someday be bright beautiful unique women.

I give you this guide to live by. Your lives will be beautiful if you choose it. It's always a choice.

Wordless Wednesday- See, Hear & Speak No Evil

Mother's Day 2010

I had a great Mother's Day this year!!!  My daughters are the greatest and I am so proud to be their mother.  I got the sweetest cards and some pretty awesome gifts. 

Erica got me diffuser set.  It is vanilla bean scented.. It smells so decadent.  It's a trio set which came with a candle and a car scent.  I opened the box today and I wanted to eat it..

Lindsey made me a beautiful quilt and pillow.  It is so pretty.. Lindsey has shocked me with her sewing skills.  She is pretty dang good.   She really has a talent with the sewing.  Her Dad and I went in together and bought her a sewing machine and she went right to work making me the quilt.  It was a surprise. You can see it has Happy Mother's Day sewn into it.  She had a little help with that and also.  It is up in the upper right hand corner and on the lower left corner it says Love Lindsey.

But more importantly I got to spend the whole day with them and my sisters.  I also got to spend time with my great nieces and nephews.  It was a great day I say.. I am such a blessed girl.. Oh yeah...

Luck? Nope- It's a God Thing...

My sister (Candy) and I went out for dinner Saturday night and as we were leaving Candy received a phone call from my niece.  She was ecstatic..  Her older brother (Jeff) had been in a accident and things didn't look good.  She was sure he had internal injuries and a brain injury.. 

We were at the hospital in no time..  Thinking the worse-- when the nurse called for the Elder family we followed the hospital personnel to a room..  With us being called in "the" room our minds all drifted back to the day we were told our mom was not going to make it and we needed to say our good-byes.  As my brother-in-law started crying out to God...  My heart sank..  My sister is not well, and it was the first time I had saw her in a year and she had shrunk to 94 pounds.  I got down on my knees and I grabbed her hand and I prayed for peace for my sister and brother in law.  I had got this feeling while walking back to the room that everything was going to be fine..  It had been about 3-4 minutes but it felt like 30 before the Dr. came in.

The Dr. told us, he is going to be fine.. He had a concussion and 1 fractured rib..  "Praise the Lord"..   She told us they wanted to keep him over night due to the concussion.  God is so good.  He actually showed up at our Mother's Day picnic yesterday and he was up walking around.  He is a little sore and had lots of bruises and scratches... But he is doing just fine..  Just fine I say

Wordless Wednesday- Gangsta

Wordless Wednesday

I thought I would join my friend/sister Ashlee on Wordless Wednesday... 

Erica and Justin on his 18th birthday.... Pimp Daddy Justin..LOL

Valentines Day for my Loves

Today is Valentines Day...  Valentines Day means different things to different people.  This is what Wilkipedia says about Valentines Day

  an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Since my children have been born, the holiday took different meaning to me.. It was not that much of an intimate companion holiday as it was showing my love to everyone.  Which we should do everyday anyway,

When I was younger and was dating it was about the opposite sex sending me flowere and or buying me candy.  After the kiddies were born I think the focus was more on them.. Making sure we had the girls something for Valentines day..  I am not one into gift receiving anyway..  I had much rather give than receive. 

This year I purchased both of my daughters a necklace, which I hope shows them how deeply I love them.. I don't know if they will wear them, but the gift was special to me...

It is a sterling silver necklace with the words Mother, Daughter, Friend....

To both of my sweethearts.. I love you both very much......

My Brother- Look-a-like

This is a picture of my brothers oldest daughter and his only son.  When I saw this picture I had to do a double take.  Cole looks exactly like my brother did at that age.  He is such a sweet little guy too.  I can see the resemblance of Todd in the other two kids, but nothing like this.  I'm on a quest to find pictures of Todd when he was 8 years old.  When I find them I will do a repost and you will see how much they look alike..  It is like Wow, how can this be.  Then again, maybe it is because I want to see Todd in him.  Todd was so proud of Cole-Train..  Just as we all are proud of all of Todd's kids.. 

I miss Todd everyday... I think as long as we have Todd's kids around us we will have part of Todd with us. 

1 Year

All week long I was dreading Saturday. It marked the one year anniversary of my brothers death. I have thought about him alot this past week. Remembering his warm smile and his beautiful eyes, always brings a smile to my face and a tears to my eyes. When I think back on September 13th, 2007 I get sick. I can still see his body laying in the car, with all the blood on his seat. I can see it like it was yesterday..

As Saturday drew closer I thought what will I do to keep my mind off of him. God took care of that for me.. He had a plan for my day. My good friends and I went shopping and kept my mind busy. They probably don't even realize that they helped me in such a tremendous way. I stayed busy most of the day and when I came home I ate dinner with Lindsey and we watched a little TV and I climbed in the bed around 9:15, which is my normal bedtime. I lied in bed for just a few minutes before I drifted off to sleep. The thoughts in my mind were of the good times I had with Todd. I could see him at the front door with the great big smile on his face, just tickled to see me.. I could hear him telling me he loved me.. He would say "Love ya Girl". He was so quick to tell me he loved me..

Thank you Lord, for making my day a great one. Thank you for the wonderful memories of my brother, thank you for the Friends you sent to me that day. Thank you for loving me when I need it the most..

Good Ole Gatlinburg, TN

We escaped to Gatlinburg this past weekend. I just up and decided I wanted to go. I would have loved to been up there in those beautiful mountains by myself, but it does not work like that.

Randy, Lindsey, Tianna, Erica and Adam joined me. The ride up there was very pleasant. We woke up on Saturday morning to find there was no water. We were not able to take a bath, make coffee:( (you would not like me without my coffee) I made a quick dash to the grocery store to get some water. We had breakfast, sat around on the back porch for a few hours and still not water. What to do now? We all needed a shower....

We had to go to the club house to shower, which was not at all fun. The shower stalls were so small. No even enough room to turn around in them. The water finally came on around 4:00. So much for Cabins4you.com . I was not going to let this ruin my trip though. We went shopping (which is my favorite thing to do) . Grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to Gatlinburg so Lindsey & Tianna could escape mom & dad. We gave them a couple of hours to hang out without us tagging along.

Not the best trip I have taken to Gatlinburg, but it was time away from Spartanburg and the long weekends that I so dread these days. Life seems to have taken a toll on me these days, but when I am spending time with my kids, it gets me through!!

Justin Turns 18

July is the Bday month for many of my family members. Let's see, well July is my birthday month as well. There is Me, Amy, Jeff, Lauren, Benny, & Frankie. forgive me if I left someone off. Oh yes, of course, July is also Justin's birthday. He turned 18 on the 24th.

Justin is very special to me. I have alot of empathy for Justin. His life has not been an easy one. Those who know him, know he has lost some very dear people in his life. He struggles daily with making the right decisions. He seems to not make good choices, which has gotten him into some trouble. If only people knew this kid has had it rough. He is such a kid at heart but he is in a mans body, and I mean a big man... LOL.....

He was such a good sport on his bday. He wore the stupid hat and tie that Candy and I picked up for him at the "Dollar Tree". Candy made him a "cookie cake" for his bday. We went by Fuji and got his favorite, and Candy, me and Erica headed to his house to celebrate his bday. I think he really enjoyed himself. We made him feel special. His mom had to work, and she has been out of work for several months and didn't really have the money to do anything for his birthday.

I pray for Justin daily, and I pray he will wake up one day and decide this is the day I turn my life around. I will never give up on him, and will hold him close to my heart and continue to love him no matter what. I made some pretty dumb choices myself when I was 18, I was just lucky that I never got into the things he did. It was in front of me but I had the strength to walk away from it.. Happy Birthday Justin!! I love you very much!!

Justin really enjoyed getting to spend his special day with his favorite cousin"Erica". They have a bond, and even though Erica is only a couple of years older than him, he really looks up to her.

It's Been a While

Wow!! I looked at my last post and all I can say is "Where has the time gone". To be completely honest I have not even felt like posting. I mean if i would have posted something you would have seen how sad, lonely, & somewhat depressed I was. I had no desire to post anything. It seems like I have been living in another body for sometime now. No, I didn't just wake up and see this. I have been knowing it, but really did not want to do anything about it. While I have been living in this closed world environment and trying to make people think I am okay because I can handle what God sends my way, I have been dying on the inside.

I mean I can grieve as long as I want to.. There is no time limit on how long it takes a person to get over the death of a loved one. But who was I trying to fool. I guess myself. I laid around all weekend and did not even bathe. What kind of person does that. I mean for three days I did not leave the house. I have friends who care about me and family, but I don't really want to be around any of them. Not because I feel sorry for myself because I don't.

But right up under my nose my youngest daughter who has been branded the "perfect child" has fallen head over hills with someone. She has a telephone growing out of her ear, and she has grown up on me in just a few months. She has broken the trust her father and I had for her and whom would have ever thought that she would "sneak out of the house" to see this little guy she has fallen for. You talking about a wake up call, that was it...

What am I to do now?? I keep thinking how can I get her to see this young guy is not worth it. Yes I am so disappointed, but I am also shocked. Where has my little girl gone??? How could this guy take the place of her mom & dad? I dare him... I know it is called growing up, but it was much easier for her to be a little girl.

I will figure out what to do and try to be the stern mother I was to my oldest daughter, but that is so hard to do when you have never had to discipline this child in probably 8-10 years. Her dad would love it if we could some how kill this little boy and throw him away... But, it was just a thought. I really don't think that is the answer. No I am sure it is not the answer.

Thought for the Day......... Seek God's guidance in everything...

FAMILY CHAIN

We didnt know that morning,God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,You did not go alone.
For part of us went with youThe day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,The chain will link again

Miss Me - But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the roadAnd the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little, but not too long,And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,Miss me, but let me go.
For this journey that we all must take,And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,a step on the road to home.
When we are lonely and sick at heart,Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,Miss me, but let me go.


Mother lived her life this way!!! Thanks for showing us, that it is more important to give than receive. I pray your family carries on the torch.... You were the best... I know you are having a great reunion with Todd, Brenda, Betsy, Daddy, Ma, Pa, Uncle Bill, Perry, Virginia, Myrtle, Mary Tisdale and all the others who went on before you.. Thanks for the love, the memories, the great Christian home that your raised us in.... I know we disapointed you in many ways, but thanks for loving us anyway....

Letting Go!!

God saw you getting tired.
He closed his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me".
In tears we honored your wishes.
We watched you gasp for breath
Our hearts were broken to pieces,
you fought so hard to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain,
We could not wish you back to suffer so again.
So keep your arms around her Lord, and give her special care.
Make up for all she suffered and all that seemed unfair

Cathy

Meet Cathy- my sister. Oh what a wonderful person she is... A true God fearing woman. She is married to Larry- Meet Larry

This is normally where you will find Larry. Either the recliner or the couch. He is usually napping. Larry has been around since 1972- I was 7 years old when Cathy and Larry got married. So he is my brother. He also loves me as a sister.

Cathy and Larry have 1 son (Jeremy) and 1 daughter (Kerry) and one wonderful grand daughter whom they cherish more than anything. Her name is Kaylen... She more or less lives with Cathy and Larry, and they would not have it any other way...

Larry's health has declined significantly in the past 10 years. He is not the same man he used to be. Oh he is God fearing just as Cathy is but his mind is not what is used to be. He has seizures and they have affected his mind. He is such a fine Christan man. What a great follower of Christ he has been and still is. What a great influence Cathy and Larry have been in my life... Always the same no matter what...

With Larry's sickness it has made Cathy have more to do. Not only does she work a full time job, takes care of her grandaughter, takes care of mama but she cooks almost everyday and has a spotless house. She is a work horse I tell ya..

Cathy is loads of fun.. She loves to laugh and to make people laugh. For some reason on Easter Sunday she climbs up the ladder and gets in the tree......LOL

Gotta love that Cathy Jean!!! She keeps her head up and stays positive. Knowing that God is in control and everything will work out according to his perfect plan...

Easter 08

I had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Of course, I always love spending special holidays with my family. We attended Church and had a beautiful service. I never get tired of hearing about the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Pastor Hall showed videos to go along with his sermon. It really lets you get the full effect of how much Jesus suffered on the cross.

After church we headed down to mamas to enjoy a delicious Easter Sunday dinner. We had all the fixings, along with turkey and ham. I ate and ate and did I mention I ate.. It was a great day of fellowship. The day just kept getting better.

We played outside with the kids most of the day, The annual egg hunt was great, along with red rover red-rover, and bum, bum, bum. We had more fun than the kids.

Enjoy the pics and know how special my family is to me!!

Memories

I had posted a few days ago, about the "stuff" that my daughter left behind. I found these too. Erica wore these dresses when she was less than a year old. The pink dress is what she wore home from the hospital on December 16, 1987. The little frilly dresses were my favorite. Oh how beautiful Erica was sporting these dresses, did I mention she did not have any hair until she was over a year old..

This is a mouse costume that she wore her 2ND Halloween. The Mini Mouse Costume is what she wore her 6Th Halloween. I will definitely have to look through my photos and post pictures of her wearing these adorable dresses and costumes. I know I have some...

I figure I will have to seal these babies up. She may want them one day. She can show them to her little girl!!! They say no children, but I think they will change their minds..