Just Today - Friday

Outside my window ................. it is 72 degrees.

The time is ................... 9:15 am.

I am thinking ...................... so glad it is Friday.

At the moment , I am thankful ................ for my children having such AWESOME teachers at school.

I am going ................... to take Jennifer to school in a couple hrs & do some cleaning.

I am wearing ................ tank top & jean shorts.

I am working on .............. e-mailing some friends & my children's teachers.

I am hoping ................ that the swelling in my one foot goes away.

I am hearing around the house ................... Dora on Nick Jr.

I bet you didn't know one of my favorites is .................... steak & baked potatoes, So YUMMY.

Walking With You - The impact the Loss had on our Marriage

Walking with You was created to help support those who have lost a child. Together we share stories , helpful information , scriptures ,encouraging words , prayer requests and more. Thank - youto those of you that have joined us for the past few weeks ....... for courageously sharing your stories. If you haven't joined us yet and would like to , you are more than welcome. This week we will be sharing about the effect on our marriage after loss of baby.











Well Paul & I have been together since early 2003. We only lived together when I had my first miscarriage, Feb 10 2006. It was hard because it was already a tough time for us. I had some other issues going on & I felt like it was my fault that we lost our child. Paul is a very quiet guy & he lost both his parents at a young age. I remember coming home after being at the hospital & him doing everything he could for me, from holding me & taking care of our other children. In the days that followed I asked him if he wanted to talk but he never said much at all. I didn't want to pressure him so I let things be. I needed to talk & really didn't know where to turn but to the Lord. I prayed & tried to understand why this happened. I used books to try to help me. I knew Paul was there but I knew he was one to keep things inside. Things were still good between us. We got married in Dec 2006 & then we decided to make a big move in our life, We moved to Nevada Sept 2007. I was only 8 weeks this time & once again I miscarried Dec 2007. It was hard because we didn't have our own place yet. We were staying with his oldest sister. It was tough for both of us, we needed our own space to together.











Finally in Feb 2008 , we got our own place & Sept 2008 I found out I was pregnant. We were both nervous & Paul I know was worried to that we might lose again. Things were different this time & things went well but many times he would bring up those children we lost. So I thought wow this is the first time he is really saying anything. don't get me wrong everytime I miscarried he was always there but I feel maybe he didn't know what to say & he was hurting to. I know that men & women grief different. I know today we are stronger & closer since we lost. We how have 4 children together 2 alive & 2 that passed away. I have 2 children from another relationship & he has 3 from another relationship. This is really neat a week and a half ago our children went back to school. Jennifer ( Paul & I ) our daughter started Kindergarden. I was saying how quiet it will be here in the afternoon with everyone but our youngest daughter & I here. Paul gave me a hug & said you know honey we should have 2 more at home yet. Not that I had forgot but it was sweet. I know that was just part of his way of grieving. We talk alot more about it now & I know we both have those moments when we think about them. I know that we both know the Lord & put our trust in him & he will always be there to carry us together thru those rough & tough times. I remember reading the Bible alot & have a few verses to share that helped us.



Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comfortrd. Matthew 5 : 4





God shall wipe all tears from there eyes ; and there shall be no more death, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain ; for all the former things are passed away. Revelation 21 : 4





The words of Job never rung more true to us also ;

Naked I came from my mother's womb , and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away ; may the name of the LORD be praised.



We hold onto the hope that our children , whom we never got to hold in our arms is now resting in the arms of Jesus & that there name is written on the palm of God's hand.





As for support just be there for each other everyday cause the grief never ends. Trust in the Lord always.

Wednesday's Walk - Moving to Nevada

Today my walk down memory lane goes back to Sept 2007. It was the biggest move I have made in my life. Work was slow in Ohio & my husband couldn't find anything so we decided to move to Carson City, Nevada. I was working at the local newspaper in town. I loved my job it just didn't pay enough. Well my husband Paul left right after the 4th of July & he took his son Jared who was 17 w/ him. I stayed in Wooster, Ohio until September. They stayed with his sister until he found work which didn't take too long. He has family here in Nevada & that's why we came here. My husband is from Calf anyway.

Wow here is the big thing, I took myself & 3 children on a greyhound bus. My oldest Ridge was 7 yrs old. Marie was 5 yrs old and Jennifer was 3 yrs old. I had never rode the bus before but was a little scared with 2 big layovers. I was just worried that the kids might get away from me. It took us 3 days to get here. The last day seemed like forever. My gang did awesome & it seemed like we had done it before. We only had to worry about our carry on bags because I had shipped all our clothes before. We just had a couple of changes of clothes & junk food & books for the kids. Wow I look back & wonder how we did it. It was fun & exciting & a neat way to see the United States. My kids once in a while still talk about our big adventure & that's what it was. I hope they have good memories to tell there children someday. We went almost 2500 miles , Wow amazing to stop & think about it. Well that was our trip & we made it safe & sound w/ lots of praying to the Lord.

Read With Us - Chapter 3

In the book " In Faithfulness. He Afflicted Me " We are on Chapter 3 & Lynnette talks about the days after losing her son & than later another pregnancy.

Have you ever been at a loss for words when trying to comfort another ? If you have endured a loss in what ways have people shown you that they care ? How have you shown others you care ?

Yes many times I have been at a loss for words. I love to help people even people I don't know that well or maybe have never met. At the same time I am afraid of offending them because everyone handles grief differently. I know I shouldn't feel like that but even though I may not have had something like what they are going thru I still try my hardest to be helpful & find the right thing to say. I can remember one time just like it was yesterday, a friend of mine her daughter was accidently ran over by her school bus because her daughter dropped a paper & went back to pick it up. I seen her little girl just 2 days before & she was only in first grade. It was tough because at the time I had no children of my own but I didn't know exactly how she felt but I tried so hard to be there for her if she felt like talking or needed anything. If I can't find the right words I just pray for them alot & try to be there in support. I feel that means alot to a person.

Well I can remember when I had my first miscarriage & I went back to work. Most everyone knew & they tried to make me smile & most of them were not sure what to say but told me they were sorry about my loss. Then of course there were some that offended me by saying you already have kids & things will be ok. I can remember it seemed like for 2 wks I never was by myself to much at work, someone was always there & it helped take my mind off of things. Most of them prayed or gave me a card or brought me stuff at my lunchtime. I remember when I lost my Dad how alot of the men that worked with my Dad came to calling hours as a group & that was neat.

Again I just try to be there for that person & even if it's just a prayer or a card. Just having support means so much.

What fears do you have that you feel you should give to God ?

Well this past pregnancy was hard for me after having 2 miscarriages in a row & knowing how old I was to have a healthy baby was scarey. I went thru a difficult time, I had extra ultrasounds & my docter had first talked that since I declined all the extra tests that I was at a high risk. My husband & I had decided since the day I took my home pregnancy test that whatever happened , happened & we put our faith in the Lord. My fears now are just that some of the things that my older children went though when I was with there father not bother them as they get older. And if for some reason I was to be pregnant again just to have a healthy baby. I used to be afraid to die but I just trust in the Lord & can't wait to see the people I love that are waiting for me.

10 on Tuesday - Favorite Sounds

Today's Topic : Favorite Sounds

1. The sound of my husband anytime.

2. The laugh of a child.

3.The sound of rain ( since I have moved to Nevada I hardly ever hear it. )

4. When a Baby coos.

5.Fireworks.

6. Sound of the school bell at the end of the day, my kids are coming home.

7.The sound of family on the phone, they all live in Ohio.

8. Sounds of the Ocean.

9. Sound of Nick Jr or Noggin, I know my children are near.

10. Music.

Wow this was a little tougher than I thought but it was fun :0) Have a great Tuesday.

Please Pray For Stellan

Please say a prayer for lil Stellan. I know most of you know Stellan and his family but just incase you don't please say a prayer for him and his family. Then stop by his Mom's Blog to learn more about this special little boy and let her know you are praying.

http :// www.mycharmingkids.net

Mcklinky Blog Hop - Favorite Kid Photo

Little Miss Carly

Jennifer Lynn at Lake Tahoe July 2008

Ridge and Marie and Jennifer at Mills Park. We live right beside there.

Start here with your content. Replace this paragraph, and everything down to AND INCLUDING the word: STOP. DO NOT REMOVE OR CHANGE THE CODE BEYOND THE WORD STOP BELOW! This week's Blog Hop theme is Favorite Kid Photos. You can have one or more of your favorite photos your kids, grandkids, someone else's kid or even YOU when you were a kid. Funny, precious, heartwarming... your favorite!. Here is a sample post based on this theme: http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-72809-favorite-kid-photos.html ...STOP

Six Word Saturday

Today is my first Six Word Saturday. Today's Topic : Describe your life ( or something) in a phrase using six words. " My Six Words"

Motherhood is the most rewarding job.

Hope you have a AWESOME Saturday !!!!!! :0)

Walking With You - The Sea Of Grief

Walking With You was created to help support those who have lost a child. Together we share stories, helpful information, scriptures, encouraging words, prayer requests, and more. Thank-you to those of you who have joined us for the past few weeks....... for courageously sharing your stories. If you haven't joined us yet and would like to, you are more than welcome. This week we are sharing our first steps into the sea of grief.




This is my first time sharing , I had two miscarriages one at 12 wks & one at 8 wks. It was really tough then & I know it still is there. I have days that it seems like it bothers me more. I didn't have much of a support system. I had alot of questions & I didn't know where to turn. I felt like I couldn't breathe for days. I'm a christian and I know that helped me. I remember laying in the E.R. at the hospital & praying so hard. A nurse brought me a little pamplet to read about miscarriage. I know Psalm 23 by heart & I kept thinking, Lord I need your help. I had surgery and then was released. I lost a little boy that day. I had 3 children at home & my oldest son at the time was the only child that knew I was pregnant. He was only 6 & I wondered to myself how I would tell him. I remember leaving the hospital & thinking to myself this couldn't have happened to me. I had this very empty feeling inside that I never felt before.


In the days that followed, we told my son & of course his biggest question was where is the baby ? It made it hard & I was still trying to deal with things myself. Then I went back to work. the only one that really knew I thought was my boss but I was wrong. I guess everyone knew. I had some be real nice about it & not know what to say. Others said it will be ok you already have kids. Well no it wasn't ok just because I had children. I did so much reading on miscarriages but wondered why this happened to me & others. Right after it happened & I would see a baby , I would lose it & cry. As time went on things got somewhat easier but it was still there. Then August came & I should have had a new baby.


Once again it happened I miscarried again & this time we had just made a big move to Nevada from Ohio. I had no family of mine here just my husband's side & I had just met them. I again felt so empty & lonely. This time my husband was the only one that knew I was pregnant.
I was afraid to say anything for the fear of miscarrying. It was still hard & my husband's oldest sister told someone that we didn't need anymore children. I cried I'm trying accept things. I still cry at times & my heart hurts. I wonder if things had been different what my children would be like today ? It's a hurt that will never go away but I have faith & trust in the Lord, someday I will see my babies & I get excited.


I have a few verses to share :

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46 :10

Blessed our those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5 : 4

For this God is our God for ever and ever, he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48 : 14


I pray for everyone that has lost a child.

Tell Me About It Thursday - Early Childhood Years

I got this idea from a new Blogging friend Sandy & she thought she would start a Thursday Post called Tell Me About It Thursday. So I thought I would give it a try. The topic she gave for today is Early Childhood Years

Wow this could get real interesting for me cause I have a very good memory. I can't remember my first christmas cause I was only 3 months old but I remember my next one just like it was yesterday. I'm going to start with that. I remember getting a rocking chair & sitting it all the time. I just loved it so much. I can also remember my Mom being pregnant w/ my brother & there is only 20 months between us. I think that's pretty neat cause alot of people I have talked to say they can't remember that far back. I had a pretty good childhood, I have a brother & a sister who I love a whole bunch. We always done alot together & my Mom didn't work she stayed home with us.

One thing I do remember doing as a child was going & picking strawberries. Lots & Lots of them, my Mom always made her own jam & jelly. Which was fun & the most AWESOME strawberry shortcake. We would go to this big strawberry patch & pick all day , well it seemed like. Of course when we got home had to help Mom clean them. When I was 10 yrs old something happened to me, I couldn't eat strawberries anymore. Here I developed a allergy to them & it was scarey to cause it affected my throat & causing it to swell. My parents took me to the Dr & so after all that picking strawberries & knowing how great they taste, I can no longer eat them. At first it was tough but then my Dad started buying me peaches to eat & I felt special. I still buy them "Strawberries " today & fix them for my family it's just tough cause I know how great they taste but I deal with it.

All in all I would have to say I had a pretty good childhood & lots of happy memories & a few sad to. I remember most doing things together as a FAMILY & that's the best.

Wednesday's Walk - My Grandma

This is my Wednesday's Walk remembering my Grandma Zollars (my Mom's Mother ). Her birthday would have been this coming Friday July 24. She was so very special to me. As a child I spent alot of time with my grandparents. I used to go & stay at least 3 wks out of the summer & I always had so much fun. I loved spending time with Grandma cause she was always teaching me how to do something & I learned how to cook from her. I remember one time making homemade noodles & drying them & cooking them. They used to take care of the church they attended , all the cleaning & also the cemetary, mowing & the up keep of that. I always loved helping. My Grandma played the piano at the church to. She was a woman of God & when she passed away will be 10 yrs this September, she never wore a pair of pants. Always wore a dress. Also she didn't have a diamond ring , Grandpa gave her a Ruby ring when they got engaged. Just some neat things I remember about her. I really miss her & I value all she taught me on those summer visits to Grandma's House. Also everytime I hear the song How Great Thou Art & Amazing Grace those were her favorites, I feel like she is right there w/ me. Happy Birthday Grandma , I Love You & Miss You So Much.

Chapter 2 - Read With Us

My comment for this chapter it brought alot of tears to my eyes but I really am in love with this book. It really has helped me understand some of the feelings I felt when it seemed like I had no one to talk to but the Lord.

Do you have a funny experience to share ? What are some of the silly or stupid things you did ?

.

Wow one I can recall just like yesterday was giving my son a bath. He was 3 wks & I just loved doing everything since Dr's had always told me I could never carry a child. I got everything out well I thought & here I forgot the towel the main thing. It wasn't a total mess because we were in the kitchen using the sink & so I used a couple kitchen towels. It was just so funny, I can remember telling my sister & thinking I was so stupid. I used to baby-sit for people all the time & I had watched children from all ages so when I was a Mommy most things just fell into place when they needed to happen. Still when you have your own it's different & I just love being a MOM.

Has there been a time in your life that you felt the world was falling apart ?

Many times I had things tough so much w/ my older children's father. We weren't married but he was very controlling & for awhile my son & daughter & I lived in a domestic sheltar. Also with my husband now we have had 2 miscarragies & that was tough.

Has God ever worked a miracle in your life or in the life of somone you know ?

Yes I would have to say with my "Surprise" Birth of my oldest. No Dr visits & everything I was doing working 60 hrs at a new job the last month I would have been pregnant & heavy lifting & for my son Ridge to come out fine. It was AWESOME & still to this day I wonder how it all happened & he was fine. I know it had to be the Lord watching over us. Still alot to take in.

How has the difficult times affected your marriage ?

With us having 2 miscarriages in a row it has brought us closer. Paul is a great husband & best friend & I thank God everyday that he is the father of my children. My older 2 by blood are not ours together but the love he has for them is so great. Knowing what my children went through before, we are all so very close.

What fears have you struggled with?

I have had a couple terrible ones. My older children's father & always telling me that one day he would take Ridge & Marie & never bring them back cause I was a bad MOM. He is considered a junkie or my favorite name a drug dealer. He doesn't pay me support but he was able to get visitation. It always scared me to let them go see him. I still have nightmares & wake up screaming that he took them from me. This past pregnancy was fearful since I had 2 miscarriages before. I cried when I found out I was having a baby again cause I was afraid I would lose it again & didn't want that to happen.

Do you feel that God has a plan for your life ?

Yes I do , I feel that with everything we have went through is just to make us stronger & know that he is there.

What has been the hardest moment of your life so far ?

I would have to say when I had my first miscarriage & 2 days before that, My Ridge had been stabbed by his Father. It was a very stressful time for me. I was worried for my son even though he was home but at the same time I was losing another little boy. I also had never had surgery before & now I have to have a D & C because I miscarried. I prayed alot but it was so hard. I can remember crying for days & trying to hide it from my other children. It was alot to go though all at once.

Totally RaNdOm TUESDAY !!! Crayons

Basic colors u can always find

Wow they sure make lots of shades of crayons

And I just thought this saying was soooooooooooooo cute. It is all so true.

I picked this RaNdOm subject since my kidders went back to school yesterday & while looking at all the school stuff at Wal Mart boy do they make lots of different shades & styles of crayons.

I guess this is sorta telling my age but I can remember just the simple eight or maybe the 24's or 48's & I still had a hard time picking a color.

Crayons are great they can make a child so happy & make them quiet for hrs unless they color on your wall. Which mine have all tried, LOL. Just a part of growing up but none of my children have ever tried to eat them. I know that now they do make crayons that smell like different fruits.

Well this my item for today & just thought I would tie it into our Back to School Week. Have a Happy TUESDAY !!!!!!

A School Update

Wow I finally made it on the computer. Had lots of forms to fill out so I decided to wait til they were all in bed. Just easier that way. Well they all had a great day. Meeting new friends & new teachers my older two seemed really pleased. I love being the one that picks them up cause I get to hear all the news first, Good or Bad.


Well Jennifer had a good time. She goes in the afternoon so for her school starts at 12:15 & gets out at 3:00. This was so funny when we walked up to the Kindergarden gate today, Jennifer said to me it's ok Mom I'm going to be ok & I know you will be here at 3:00. I hadn't said alot too her but I think she knew Mommy might cry but the only thing I had said is that they are happy tears. I did better than I thought & today when I picked her up there was that smile & I heard her tell the teacher my MOMMY is here. Just to see that smile was great. She talked all the way home. So glad things went well.

Just wanted to share a little bit about the school they attend. There school is a yr round school.Which actually when we first moved here I wasn't to sure about. They go to school 9 wks & off 3 wks. It's really nice cause they learn better I think cause they aren't away from class that long, especially while there young. They have 4 quarters & at the end of that they usually get 6 wks off in the summer. This yr they only got 4 wks for summer but the school says it will all fair out in the school yr. It didn't matter my gang was so ready to go back. I really like it cause you don't have the summer to have to keep finding things to do. Also at Christmas & Easter they have a longer break time so if you wanta go out of town you have the x-tra time. It's neat & I like it alot. I think the kids like school better too.

Well again Jennifer had a great time & everyone else. Still hard to believe that time goes by so fast. HUGS :)

JENNIFER'S BIG DAY

Jennifer loves to play

And pretend to be a MOMMY

Or just have fun w/ Mom while shopping

And I love to smile

This litttle girl is taking a BIG STEP TODAY !!!!!! I'm going to school & being a BIG GIRL.

It's so hard to believe that the time has come to go to school. We wait for our children to do all those first little things like sitting up, crawling, walking & talking & then before long the yrs pass so quick. Here we are at today another Big Step in LIFE. I have been doing alot of praying this past weekend & I ran across this verse. It seemed very fitting with the children returning to school.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

We as parents can't be everywhere with our children but the Lord is with them always. So today is tough for me just one of the ways of a little letting go until my children grow up to be adults. Time goes by so quick so enjoy those little moments in life cause one day they will be gone.

Jennifer, Mommy wishes you a very happy day & everyday in Kindergarden.

A Little Late 4 Sunday

Wow it is late for a post on Sunday but it has been such a busy weekend. Really not just the weekend but the days leading up to that. Our children start school tomorrow which is good & sad at the same time, but I plan on sharing more about that in tomorrows post. Thursday I talked to my Mom & my brother is having some medical issues & I just hope that things turn out ok for him. Also a friend from back home lost her child at 5 days old & broke my heart. Also we have been having some problems with my stepson who is 19 & doing things we don't allow. Been doing alot of praying the past few days. So I was sorta messing around online & changed my blog backgound. It sorta seemed to fit the past few days. So I found this neat cluster of verses & they all seemed to fit most of the things we were going though. I'm so glad that I know God and that no matter what he is always there for us.

Thought for Today

Life has been pretty emotional the past few days at our home. Lots going on I found this verse & thought I would share it. No one knows what the day holds for us accept the Lord, but in him he gives us strength. Hoping you have a great day !!

Totally RaNdOm Tuesday - Ice Cream

Just a plain vanilla !!!!!!!!!!

Or a Twist

Or any other style of ice cream !!!!!!!

This is my random thought for today !!!!!! I love ice cream anytime , especially in the summer & with children it's always so much FUN !!!!!!!!

I can remember when my son got his first cone & oh how messy it was but how cute he looked at the same time. My daughter Marie is 7 & she still gets to be a mess. I just love ice cream !!!!!!!!!! Have a Happy Tuesday !!!!!!! :0)

Read With Us

If you are married, what was your marriage like in the beginning ?

I wasn't married when I had my older 2 children, just living together. I have been married since 2006 and it is great. I have a wonderful husband who is terrific. He loves my older 2 children has if they were his own. We have our ups & downs but I think that's normal. We are very happy together. We were together 3 yrs before marriage & we even worked together. I do not work since we moved to Nevada. He feels it's better I'm home with our children.

When did you first decide you wanted children ? Was it planned or unplanned ?

I had always wanted a child forever since I was a little girl. When I started my teen yrs I had lots of female problems & doctors told me I would never have a child. It broke my heart & I used to babysit so much cause I thought I would never have a child. No my children weren't planned but we love them all so much. It has to be the greatest gift in the world. My husband Paul loves children so much & I was so afraid this past pregnancy . After my 3rd child Jennifer, In Feb 2006 & Dec 2007 I had 2 miscarriages. I found out I was pregnant in August of 2008 & the fear of losing another child was terrible for us. We just prayed alot and whatever the Lord decided we would deal with.

What feelings did you have for your child when you first found out you were pregnant ?

Well with my first child it was a total surprise and alot of people have a hard time believing it. I didn't know anything I went to the E.R. for a terrible backache & in 2 hrs after being there I had a wonderful baby boy. He weighted 8lbs & was healthy. When I found out there was a child inside me it was scarey & happy all at the same time. His Dad & me had split up so I did it alone/ with only the Lord. Lots of Love & prayed for them to be healthy.

I didn't call my family til it was over because I was afraid there would be something wrong with my child since I had never been to the doctor.

At what point did you start searching for God ?

I had always been raised going to church but at the time I had my first I had gotta away from church. When I had my son I knew that I needed to get things together because it wasn't just me anymore I had someone to take care of and if we were both going to get though this we needed the Lord. After I had my miscarriages I had a lot of questions Like why the Lord would give us 3 children & now I can't carry these. I knew better but I was upset & I prayed that if I was to get pregnant again that I would be able to carry the baby. The move to Nevada has been stressful for me, I miss my family & friends. One day on Cafe Mom I ran across Holly in our group & she was from Ohio. I became her friend on there and I found out about Carleigh. I was so moved by how strong Holly was & it helped me though my lastest pregnancy. It has changed my life so much & brought me back closer to the Lord. I pray for Holly daily & all the other Mom's Blog's I have started following. They all have helped me get closer to the Lord.

Has there been a time in your life that God provided ?

Yes when I had my son, I wasn't prepared for a child & he helped then. When I was younger & my Father had cancer he was there for us.I know that the Lord is with me & You always & ready to help.

THREE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME

This week, on TUESDAY, 7/14/09, the theme is THREE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME (or US). You can express this with photos, writing or a combination. Here is a sample I did: http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/mcklinky-photo-blog-for-july-14-2009-3.html ... Do not change any part of this code except for text that falls between (and includes) the opening and closing asterisks. Between the asterisks is where you place your content. DO NOT CREATE A NEW MCKLINKY LIST. WE ALL USE THE SAME LIST. DO NOT CHANGE THE LIST ID BELOW. Be sure to enter your own link to your own blog post as soon as the blog hop starts! Link directly to your blog post, not just your blog.***

Well 3 things you probably didn't know about me are :

1. I play Fantasy Baseball - Beat the Streak on MLB.com. I love baseball & it's really alot of fun.


2. My name is Caroline & yes I was named after John F Kennedy's daughter. My parents were married on Nov 30, 1963 right after he was killed. My Dad thought that little girl was so cute & that's how I got my name. I was born in September of 1964.


3. I love to make crafts but right now I don't have much time for it. I would rather make something for someone than buy it.

Not Me Monday

Now why would I know all well and good my children go back to school July 20 ( next Monday ) and almost forget about it, " NO NOT ME "

When I told my dear, sweet husband Paul that I had called my prescription in and he was sent home from work early that day, did I give him one of those looks like all I do for everyone and you didn't go get it for me. " NO NOT ME "

I went through everyplace I could think of to try to find my car keys and here they were in the trunk ( key hole ) the whole time , " NO NOT ME "

I worked on trying to change our living room and dining room around all morning and then ended up not changing a thing , " NO NOT ME "

Well hoping everyone has a AWESOME MONDAY !!!!! :0)

Friends who Pray Together Stay Together.

Please take a moment to relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on Christ. Allow God to be the only person on your mind while you read this prayer. A Dear Friend of mine on Facebook sent it to me on Friday and I just loved it & wanted to share it with my friends.

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank you for being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask you now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth of my wrongdoing, and recieve forgiveness.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example - to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You will listen with your heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find there way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that You change people and You change things for good reasons. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every one of my family members and friends and there families. I pray for peace, love and joy in the homes that are out of debt and that all there needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than You. Every battle is in your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be recieved into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth confesses them willingly .....

This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I hope that all that reads this enjoys it because it is all so true. I'm so proud to say that I know the Lord & he is with me everyday through the good and the bad. He is there for all of us and He loves You and Me so much. Hoping you are having a great SUNDAY !!!

What Makes YOU Happy

What makes You happy ??

Wow that's a tough question sometimes .............

Yesterday I was on Facebook & one of my friends was having a rough day. I added a comment & so we chatted for a little. Later on after all the kids & Dad went to bed I get my what I call my Mommy time w/out all the chatter & someone always wanting something , LOL. I wanted to write something on my blog but was just to tired. I ended up staying up like usual until midnite. My little Jennifer was coughing so I ended up putting her on the couch & gave her medicine. I usually watch General Hospital on Soapnet at 10pm & then play on the computer. Anyway I got thinking about the chat from the afternoon , What makes you happy ????

Well when I was a Kid it was candy & toys & staying w/my grandparents in the summertime. You know when you were young it didn't take much.

When I was in High school it was going to the mall or hanging out w/friends, parties etc..........

Well now that I have grown up it seems like the things I thought really made me happy don't matter that much anymore like shopping & always doing something I loved. Now I'm a wife & a Mom & just being w/family makes me happy. I would have to also say that GOD makes me happy. I thought of a couple verses from the Bible too.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances Philippians 4 : 11

He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD happy is he. Proverbs 16 : 20

You know whatever the day brings I try to be happy cause everything comes from the LORD. So just knowing the LORD & being thankful for all he has blessed my life with makes me happy. Yes I have had my share of sad times but I know that happiness is just a journey not a destination.

Hoping you have a great day . HUGS :)

Wednesday's Walk - Remembering Dad

This is my first time doing the Wednesday Walk but I thought it was really neat. My memory that I would like to share goes back to August 28, 1986. This is the day my father passed away. He had cancer & in July 1983 he was told he only had 6 months to live. I can remember how I reacted to it. Not my Dad ????? Why would God want to take my father ? I think I cried all night & didn't know what to say to my Dad

My Dad was upset & for the first day I think now he was numb or didn't want to believe it. Well he went & had surgery & things were ok for awhile. My Dad was strong & tough. He told all of us this wasn't going to stop him. He said he had God on his side & he would beat this. My Dad & I were really close & this was tough on me. I used to cry when I knew Dad wasn't at home or sleeping. I prayed everyday that God please just don't take my father. Well it had been 2 yrs & Dad was still ok but now he finally had to quit his job it was just getting hard for him to do his job. He disliked that so much but he found things to do to keep him busy. I remember thinking to myself if that was me I don't think I could be that strong. He always said I'm going to heaven someday but I'm going to have a goodtime until the Lord decides to take me.

In March of 1986 I was in a terrible ATV accident. I went though a barb-wire fence & had to have over 200 stitches. I had 2 holes in my neck & really thought I was going to die. My Dad had been in bed alot so all he seen that night of the accident was me running to the bathroom covered in blood. My Mom calmed him down & I went to the hospital. I know he was worried & I was scared this would make something bad happen to him. Well I didn't have insurance so the hospital sent me home but everyday I had to go back to get my bandages changed. That was really a pain cause my Mom didn't drive & my brother had just started a new job. So guess what my Dad who was sick & dying drove me to the hospital which was a half hour away everyday. Finally about 5 days after the accident our family doctor asked me how my Dad was ? I said he is outside in the car waiting for me. The dr couldn't believe it he knew how sick my Dad was. I told him what my Dad told me that was you are still my kid & I'm going to take care of you til that day comes when I'm not here anymore. I finally got better but Wow how much my Dad loved me.

Well in June of that same yr , We had to put him in a nursing home. We tried so hard to take care of him but it was more than we could handle. I hated it but I went to see him everyday. Finally the time was getting near & I could see my Dad slipping away. My Mom didn't want to believe it inside I knew she knew this was it. My Dad had asked for no life support when it is time it is time. Well the evening of August 27,1986 we went to see Dad & this would be the last time to see him alive. He was laughing & joking with us but then we were getting ready to leave & he told me come here I wanta see just YOU. He told me this is it & I won't be here tomorrow it's time to go home. I cried & he said promise me you will take care of your Mom & make sure your little sister finishes school. She was in the 10th grade & I knew she would finish she was the baby & the only one he wouldn't see graduate. Well we all said goodbye & we were only home a hr & the hospital called & said he was starting to go. Dad didn't want to remember us sitting there waiting for the moment to come. He wanted to remember us all having a good time & he said I'm not alone in this God is right here. I always try to remember how strong he was. Well Dad didn't leave til August 28, 1986 at 6 am.

The part that amazes me the most is how strong my Dad was & how much he trusted the Lord. Also how much love he had for all of us but when my accident happened he was still there for me. Now that I'm a parent I can understand that love alot better. I just wanta say Dad I Love You & I Miss You so much. Someday soon I know I will see you again.

Well this was my memory & I have been thinking about him alot since Father's Day has just passed. It's always so hard that he isn't here but I know my Dad is up just waiting on us. HUGS DAD :)

Read With Us

Have there been times in your life when that God has shown you that He cares or that He is near ?

Yes there has been many times that God has been there for me & I'm so glad.

The first time was when I was in high school & I lost my boyfriend in a terrible car accident. When my Dad found out he had cancer & only had 6 months to live. When my son was stabbed by his father & the next day I lost my baby at 12 wks. I had a second miscarriage in 2007 at 8 wks. There are probably more than that but that is some of the times that I remember the most.

I know that when my son was hurt by his Father & at the same time I lost another son. He was there so much. I went though my own loss & had to put up w/ my son's father & how bad he talked to me thoughout the wks after everything. My Ridge made it & was ok but it took me wks to get over the loss of the baby. Without God I don't know how I would have made it. I know that everyday that God is always there. I also know that this reading group is really helping me deal with alot of unanswered questions I had with my miscarriages

Totally RaNdOm Tuesday - Crocs

They come in all COLORS !!!!!!!!

They even make them 4 KIDS !!!!!

I just love my Crocs if I could I would have a pair in every color. My kids all have them & they are so comfy. I remember the first time I seen them I thought those things are the craziest things I have ever seen. I got a pair 4 free from a friend & WOW I really loved them.

Just 4 some crazy reason I can't get my husband to try them , LOL.

So this my RaNdOm item 4 today. They may look funny but I just love my Crocs.

Have a Happy Tuesday & Thanx 4 stopping by ................ :)

Caroline

Friend Makin Monday

Well this is something new 4 me. I picked up a new follower & thought I would give this a try. I like to try new things & this was a interesting post.

___________________________________________________________________

This weeks assignment is to tell about your BFF
Well here I go ...................

I don't have just one BFF. I have lots of friends & I treasure all of them soooooooo much. I once had someone tell me you have too many friends but I don't feel that way. So let me tell you about some of my friends.......

Vickie - This is my friend & neighbor while growing up. She is one yr older than me & we used to do everything together. We started playing together when I was 4 & we have been there for each other though alot. I live in Nevada now since 2007 so we don't see each other but we stay in contact over the internet. Her parents still live next door to my Mom & at one time we all used to plant garden in the summer together. She is a very sweet person & we have lots of memories to share for a lifetime.


Colleen - She is my only sister & she is 5 yrs younger than me. I don't get to see her now since the move but we talk once a wk. There was a time when we weren't very close but I think all sisters might go though that, LOL. I wouldn't know what to do with out her. She is a christian woman & does puppets w/her church & involved in Scouts & Relay for Life chairperson. She is a wonderful Mom & I just miss her so much.


Jennifer - She was my boss at my job before moving. We worked at the local newspaper & I just loved that job. I love the news anyway & I'm a big fan of CNN or Headline News. We just got along so well & I felt like I had knew her 4ever. We used to go shopping when we got off of work at 4am in the morning. It was Walmart here we come & it was great cause it wasn't crowded. We printed the paper that's why we got off so early in the morning & she also made work so much fun as long as you did your job.

I could go on forever I have so many friends & I'm so thankful that the Lord has blessed me w/ so many. I would also like to remember all my online friends that I have You all our so special to me & being away from Ohio it just means so much to have you there.

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy & Safe 4th of July. We don't have any real big plans just hangin out together as a family & having a good day together. We are so lucky they set the fireworks off right across from our Apartment complex so we don't have to fight all that traffic. They also have a small fair at the park next door beside us. Even with all the cookouts & whatever let's not forget the meaning of the day HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA !!!!!!! May God keep all of you safe in whatever you may do. Happy 4th of July !!!!!!! HUGS :)

Caroline

MckLinky

I'm participating in the Blog Hop & What is my blog about ?

My blog is just a family blog to keep friends & family updated on us. Just a way of sharing with others. It's alot of fun for all of us.

***Replace this line with your paragraph of content. This week the theme is INTRODUCE YOUR BLOG. Write one paragraph that introduces your blog to the blog hop participants. Do not change any part of this snippet of code except for this paragraph only.... replace the text that falls between (and includes) the opening and closing asterisks. Be sure to enter your own link to your own blog hop post as soon as the blog hop starts!***

Today was a GOOD DAY :)

Well this is going to be short but I was super busy today. I had some cleaning that I wanted to get done & since Paul my husband was off work, I thought this would be a great time to do it. About 3 wks ago we had a bad leak right in the middle of our Living Room. Well it finally got fixed & they really made a mess. Just lots of dust on my pictures & stuff. I cleaned up after they were done but had decided to wait & do the extra stuff while he was off. Anyway I was pleased got most of it done , all I have left is to go through our closet in our room. I save to much stuff but I hate to throw anything the kids do from school cause it is all special to me. I think I got this part of me from my Grandma. She saved everything at least it seemed like it,LOL.

Also today was my step-son Justin's Birthday. He turned 21 wow so hard to believe. When I started seeing his Dad my hubby now he was a freshman in High School. He attends college at Mount Vernon Nazarene. He stays at home w/his Mom in Wooster, Ohio, when not in school. Hoping that maybe soon he can come out for a visit. Anyway Happy Birthday JUSTIN !!!!!!

Also my step-daughter Jessica made it home safe from her LA Mission Trip. We haven't talked to her but I know she had a blast.
Better run for now HUGS :)

Wedesday

Well I was going to do something different for my Wedesday Post but this week, I'm not sure why has just been trying. I had to deal w/ my Allergies all last wk & felt so yucky. My husband's job made them take a wk off so in order to get paid they have to take vacation or personal time. It's nice having him home but I guess I worry to much. We will make it always do. I ran across this today & thought w/the kind of day I was having it fit perfectly. Carly is trying to get a tooth plus a stuffy nose & seems like all the rest of the kids just don't wanta listen. So it is nice Dad is home. I don't know just today I got the blues so bad not sure why just been keeping alot of stuff all bottled up inside. I'm like that sometimes so tonite I just sat & had a good cry. So I thought about this & decided I would use it for my Wedesday post. Remember that God is always there for all of us.