Yes, it is Friday.

It is Friday,  a couple of days off to enjoy the cooler (hopefully) weather, get some things done and worship at Southern Hills on Sunday.   Southern Hills is an awesome place.  And the "most bestest" people ever!!
For our Summer Series we have had a meal before church each Wednesday night --- I have loved these, the people are wonderful, getting to know some a little better, and, oh yeah, the food is good, too.   I have missed a couple of them, however. Chris Graham had an amazing lession this week -- 10 ways to get along with people.  With some things happening recently this had so much meaning for me.  BUT,  my toes sure are sore.  Some people, different people at different times for different reasons just seem to know when you need something --- whether it just be a pat on the leg or arm, just a smile,  a coupon for Bar B Cutie, a gift card --man, I have loved getting me some fresh vegetables and fruits, and sometimes when you need some gas and it is not quite pay day-  you remember someone special and what they did for you and you pass it on in one way or another. 

Walt, Jeanna, Caleb, Zach, Kelsey and Jake have moved to Jackson, TN --- I will soooooooooo miss them.  The first time I babysat for Caleb and Zach they were about three months old, I think.   Alternating spoons of food can keep you busy at feeding time.  And then the move to the small rental house in College Grove where they brought Kelsey and Jake home to after they were born.   Hey, I wonder if that little house is for rent --- check that out.  

In six months (less if I can find something CHEAP), I am going to start looking for somewhere to move back to Franklin.     Wish I could find somewhere that somebody would rent about $800 or less just to have someone nice (me) move into it!!!  I can dream can't I?  

Emily has started a new job teaching health occupations at  LaVergne High School and also continues to be an atheletic trainer in Rutherford County now.   Chapel Hill sure does miss her --- everywhere I go people will ask about her.

Two weeks before my knee surgery.    Dr. Thomas said off work for 3 weeks, I said he would have to sedate me to keep me off that long.  I am not worried about my job, it is just I get bored!!!! So, we agreed on possibly two weeks.   We will see.   If I had internet service at home it would make a difference, I could keep up with everyone. 

Until next time. . . . .

Friday's Finals

I am already for the weekend --- heading to Gatlinburg for a quick trip with three (maybe four) of my favorite people.   New some new Adidas or New Balance and just away!    Leaving early tomorrow morning and head home Sunday afternoon.   If it is four of us -- Liz, Emily, Susan and myself,  this will be our first trip together since Gulf Shores four years ago.   If it is five of us - Laff -- then if history repeats itself - he will end up with more purchases than the rest of us.    Either way --- I am ready.    The sad part is missing Southern Hills on Sunday.   
I have had a good week.  Lots of prayers answered for me and also on behalf of others.   We certainly hae an awesome Father.  

Thinking on a Thursday . . .

Well, it certainly has been a long time and things are great.   I really meant to post on this weeeks ago, but just haven't had time.  
There are some pretty amazing special people around each of us.   We see them -- maybe daily, perhaps weekly, sometimes monthly and often just once or twice a year.   Well, recently some did something for me that was totally unexpected, totally appreciated and came at the perfect time. They did it just because they are the caring, loving friends that they are.  As I sat at home looking at the card all I could think was "God is so good to me".   And he is.
After a very trying day yesterday I had to think this again and again because I am so blessed in so many ways.    I can only control what I do or not do; not what others are doing or not doing.  
Work has interfered (only because I let it) with attending church on Wednesday nights some, but no more.   I need that Southern Hills family as much as I need my sister, brother, nieces, nephews, etc.  
I feel much better.

On another note,   Liz, Laff and Emily just returned yesterday from New Orleans and tomorrow Liz, Laff and Susan leave for Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa.   Three more states off Susan's list.    Her last state will be Hawaii in December 2012 and I certainly plan on being with her. 

Would still like to move back to Franklin, but can't beat the rent in Chapel Hill even if the drive is longer and gas more. 

Until next time . . . . .  .  .Laughter dulls the sharpest pain and flattens out the greatest stress.   To share it is to give a gift of health because as someone pointed out, "ulcers can't grow while you're laughing."

Saturday's summons

First, let me back up a bit ---- trip to Pigeon Forge to the Quiltfest was ... well, amazing.   We had a terrific time and are planning to go again next year.   

I am working at the walk in clinic today and things are a little slow; therefore, I can catch up on blogging. 
Not much happening with me -- working, sewing, driving and counting my blessings over and over.  

Pam and her family plan to visit over Easter and I am glad because I was sick at Christmas when they were here and really only saw them about two hours.  

Evaluations are due at work and why do I always always dread them.   You never know what someone else may have commented about you --- people perceive things so differently that someone soemtimes gets hurt. 

Missed services at Southern Hills Wednesday night due to a migraine, but will be back tomorrow -- unless I go to Centerville with Emily in the morning.   But tomorrow night is edification team meeting and I love those and unfortunately have missed the last two.   Can't wait until tomorrow night.

Wednesday's Wisdom and away I go!

Watching the clock now for just about another hour until I embark on a really, really fun and exciting weekend.   Heading to Pigeon Forge for the Quiltfest with an amazing group of women who inspire me so much.  I love all of these gals as if they were family.  Well, let's be honest they are family --- one sister and three cousins!!!!  But the best part is they are best friends also. 
I have a special conversation topic for one night or two.   I often get side tracked during my prayers and I need help to over come that.  Sometimes at night or early morning during those prayers I might doze off and wake up and think "Did I say "Amen"?   Any suggestions?  
Also I have a hard time letting go of grudges. And this is only hurting me when I can't.   I can forgive, but sometimes I don't forget.   I can forgive and forget a lot that has happened to me personally, but when it comes to my family and friends I find it very hard --even harder when it is family about family.   I found a great link at mayoclinic.com about this and I have not read it yet --- will on the way since I will not be driving, and then get four more views on it.   What is your view?  
If we can slow down enough and get pictures where we don't look totally ridiculous laughing so hard I will post them soon.  
I am soooooooooo excited.  

Until next time  .. . . . . .  count your blessings again.   I am so truly blessed to have frineds that are like family and certainly family that I considered my best friends.   

Finally Friday

Chirstmas Day 2010

Christmas Day 2010

Garrett --- one "great" nephew

Kyle --- the oldest "great" nephew

Wonderful nieces and nephew

                                                                   Brothers


Christmas was good .... even with the snow.   With more of us living in Chapel Hill now Penny and Chris hosted the family this year.   Pam, Troy, Kyle and Garrett were here from Columbus, OH on their way to spend New Year's in Louisiana.   The Spears family had been to PCB, FL that week and were back. 
Norman Jr.  brought a special friend and her daughter.   A good time was had by all.   
More to follow.    

Monday, yes Monday

Not much going on with me these days, just haning in there and being very thankful and blessed.  Everytime I think about why I had to move to Chapel Hill, why I did not get to go to New York, why I am not buying any Christmas gifts, why I eat everything in my frig and pantry before I go to the grocery, why I never eat out anymore --- I stop myself, bow my head (unless I am driving) and stop to be thankful.  Thankful I have a roof over my head, thankful I can walk, thankful I have wonderful family and friends who care about me as much as I care about them, thankful for a job and a car to get me there.  Even though I have been sick recently with fluid in one ear, bronchitis, possible strep and sinusitis, I have insurance.   Even through a mini breakdown (as I call it --- not pretty) I knew I was blessed by the best --HIM. And during that time of turning it all over to the ONE who loves me no matter what, I know with faith and hard work that HE will help me through this financial crisis.   I really have learned through prayer that it will take awhile (I don't say long time anymore), but it will happen.    When you don't have cable,  you read and sew more.   You look around and think of all the things that are wonderful.   When you have a longer drive to work, you notice the simple things in life and what is raelly important.   Without my family and friends and HIM, I am nothing.  My Southern Hills family mean so much to me, I love being with them.  
Last week I thought I had a flat tire, sat down and cried while I waited for my brother to come.  Then I remembered, wipe away the tears, I have a brother who will come out at 5:45 in 18 degree weather to see if I have a flat tire.   No more tears.   Yes, I was sick, but I am much better now.   No cable, go to a free craft fair, read, do some sewing, take a nap (I was sick).  The one thing I kept thinking was soon it will be Sunday and I will be with family at Southern Hills,  to worhip HIM, sing praises to HIM and get ready for another week.   Yes, today is Monday and I am at work, on my lunch break,  because I have a job.  
I am truly blessed.    Count your blessings.