Shop til you Drop

Hello there girls!

Today, Joe and I took a little road trip north. We drove 2.5 hours to Springfield, Missouri to meet a friend. I'm really not much of a shopper, but I gotta tell ya, I had a blast today. They have a GREAT--no AWESOME mall! I kept thinking that it couldn't get better, but we'd turn the corner and voila! Macy's, Ethan Allen, Dillard's and on and on...Dillard's was having an incredible sale. 30% off the already discounted prices. I had to catch myself from drooling on the jewelry!
The mother of Joe's friend (who lives in Springfield) and I walked around for 4 hours and shopped until we dropped while our teens did the same--without us of course!

We were in one store, trying on costume jewelry (rings) and were laughing so hard at ourselves that a security guard soon showed up and positioned himself close to us! We just kept on trying on hats and rings. I'm sure someone probably whispered "TWO NUTS IN COSTUME JEWELRY...POTENTIAL PROBLEM" in his earpiece because he kept pushing it in his ear and looking our way.

I actually bought one of the rings. (at 30% off, why not?) But what makes the story so funny, is that I have really fat fingers. Seriously, there's nothing dainty about them. Arthritis has claimed my joints and my ring size varies between an 8 and a 9. So, I was telling this friend about how I have a big head and big fingers and what sizes to look for in rings and sunhats. We were howling looking for these big rings! And lo and behold, I saw the security guard checking his fingers!!! It was a hoot.

Tomorrow, I will post a pic of my new size 81/2 ring...I'm too tired from shopping and driving all day. We stopped at Blockbuster for a movie and in the new selections, they had The Ghost and Mr. Chicken with Don Knotts:) Of course I grabbed it right up! I remember my sister and I watching it in the late sixties and being scared to death. Is that a hoot??? It's not scary at all, but we thought it was...I guess it was the organ music.

Oh well. What a blessed day with my teenage son (he's my baby even if he is 15..) There won't be too many more days like today.

Until tomorrow,
Jan

Ah...Summertime

Are these not the cutest pictures you've ever seen? Kenneth snapped the one on the left when Joe was coaxing Ozzie into the pool. He's actually sitting on the first step. We've put Oz in the water a few times so he could find the steps in case he ever fell in the pool.

He is the funniest dog, ever. He runs around the pool while I swim laps each morning. Then licks my feet and legs while I try to towel off. At night, he waits patiently on Joe to go to bed. Since it's summertime, Joe is the last to sleep and the last to get up in the morning...ah...the lazy, hazy days of summer.

Looking at my calender last night, I counted the number of days till Bill moves into the dormitory--20! I still can't believe it. And 22 days till Joe starts school. It's going to be mighty quiet around here during the day time...But I hope to put the finishing touches on my novel that I've been writing for four years. I've probably worked on it more this week than any other time this summer. Bill works nights and Joe works late afternoon (yard man) so the mornings are free to write. I'll let you know when I finish!

Yesterday, I blasted the neighbors with Travis Cottrell's praise and worship cd while I worked in the yard. I think that particular cd draws me in to worship more than any other cd I've ever owned. I just lift my hands in praise then dig up another weed! Someday, there won't be any weeds to dig and we'll get to worship for eternity:) Won't that be fabulous!!!

Well, I am off to the laundry room. I am soooooo far behind on my ironing that Kenneth is going to be wearing his pjs to the office if I don't get busy. So until tomorrow, have a great day!

Blessings,

Jan

I've been tagged

Good afternoon girls! I am so excited to have been tagged for a meme. I kept seeing this on other people's posts and didn't really understand what it was until I was tagged! I am supposed to write five things I love about Jesus and tag five others. Thank you, Kim , at connorcolesmom for the tag. So, here it goes!

Five things I love about JESUS

• I love the fact that he loves me. Really REALLY loves me. I can't imagine giving my life for another person, but He did that for me :)



• He is all knowing. I love that He already knows my future and my family's future. What peace that brings.



• He sees me as a princess. Yes, you read that right...how else would you view someone who you love unconditionally. (my tiara is in my closet)



• His name alone is the most powerful name in all of history. Of Time. Of Eternity. And when God looks at me, He sees that name.



• He hung out with normal, unassuming, regular folks. But His salvation story crosses all cultures. I love that He was so inclusive of women.

So...there you have it. My top five. I am tagging the following five blogging sistas: Facedown,SouthernSomedays, DomesticBliss, thouartloosed, and HeatherBug.

Blessings!

Jan

quiltgirl

Why is your email Quiltgirl?

I added a couple photos to my blog tonight. I am pretty excited about the fact that I actually loaded the memory card and figured out how to post them online.
Just don't ask how long it took me to find them once they were downloaded :)

One picture is of my favorite quilt that I made several years ago. We were vacationing in Colorado three summers ago and wandered into a quilt store in Estes Park. Lo and behold they had all the block patterns to a quilt I had seen in magazine and absolutely fell in love with! Being the queen of cheap that I am, I was going to buy only a few...but my sweet husband insisted that I purchase all of them. Hot diggity dog, four years later I had myself a new wall hanging.
I wish I could remember the designer's name...but it is 12:13 am and my brain cells are almost asleep.

I also posted a picture of our dog, Ozzie the golden retriever mix who refuses to drink from a bowl unless I hold it for him. He will drink from a coffee cup...but not a bowl. He is the oddest dog we have ever owned. He has the most beautiful blue and brown eyes. When we saw those eyes looking up at us from the cage at the animal shelter, it was love at first sight.

Okay, my entire body is now tired. Ozzie is lying at my feet on the cool tile...snoring like a freight train!

Happy evening to all and to all a goodnight.

Blessings,
Jan
aka: Quiltgirl

Getting Ready for the Dormitory

Well, the time has come--the time to prepare my firstborn for college. I knew it would get here--eventually. I just didn't think it would be quite this soon!

I must admit though...I had a blast shopping for all the goods and reliving my college days! Of course, there was no Bed Bath and Beyond when I was in school. (ahem....was it that long ago? ) Only Ben Franklin's Five and Dime and a NEW Wal-Mart. And I live in Wal-Mart country. Really...the world headquarters is just up the road a bit.

I couldn't believe all the cool stuff they make just for dorm rooms! You can "loft" your bed and put a chair and a desk under it. You can buy the neatest small plastic shelf to fit on a dorm bed. It's just the perfect place for a small lamp, alarm clock, etc. And they're in the cutest colors!

I told my son about how we carried real mop buckets to the showers with our shampoo etc. Now they make shower totes that come in every shape, size and color. And they coordinate with towels, bath wraps and every possible toiletry imaginable. Of course, my 18 year old son has informed me that he WILL NOT be carrying a shower tote this fall. Okay, so I emailed my best friend who is buying dorm goodies for her daughter.

On to other news:
My three guys just left for a popular steakhouse right off campus. I opted to stay home and do my nails :) There's just something about a ordering a steak the size of my Thanksgiving turkey platter...not very ladylike...although I DID remind them to bring any and all leftovers home to me.

So, while they are out eating the "hunter/gatherer" meal, I am going to put Doris Day in the dvd player and change my nail color from Texas orange to pink.

Have a great day.

Blessings,
Jan
quiltgirl

Can I Drive?

Well, the day finally came.

I took Joe (15) to get his driver's permit. We drove to the state troopers office ,(where they told us we were in the wrong place) and found the NEW building allocated for teenage drivers. It's amazing how quickly you forget everything you need for a permit. I just did this three years ago with Bill!

Joe made a 96% on his test and asked if he could drive home. "N.O. No!" I answered. "Let's drive around our neighborhood first."

So we did.

And, yes, we are still alive.

Actually, he drives quite well for the first time out of the gate. "The brakes are your new BEST FRIENDS!" I tell him. "When in doubt, slam on the brakes!"
We drove around the neighborhood practicing left turns, then right turns, then up and down hills. We only had one close call when four mailboxes jumped out in the road on my side. (just kidding)

All in all, my baby is now driving. He and his dad are out right now practicing...and I'm at home praying....

I'll keep you posted.

Blessings,
Jan

Three Special GIRLS

Today was a very special day for me.

Sixteen years ago, a young college girl answered an ad I posted at my college sorority house for a babysitter. At the time, I had a two year old and one on the way. She was THE BEST sitter we ever had. She was so special to us, that we have kept up with her all these years. Imagine the shock when she asked me to be her matron of honor three years ago. Yes, girls... at 42, I donned a blue taffeta dress and proudly marched down the aisle with the other young gals! What a day!

And now, I get to be "Aunt Jan" to two precious little girls.

I love to watch how God brings people together. Who could have dreamed that the cute little sorority girl would become such an important part of my life? Last year, Joe (15) and I flew to Texas to help with the birth of her second child. And now...I will fly back during the holidays to help with the new baby!

The Lord brings people in and out of our lives for a reason and for a season. As I write this, my feet are propped up on a chair because my "dogs" are barking. We helped host a party for my very best friend who is moving to Kansas. (I told her Dorothy really wasn't happy there...she preferred Arkansas...) But I will write more on that tomorrow!

I included a picture of the older girl (2 1/2) playing with my dog, Ozzie. Isn't she precious? The picture is at the bottom of my blog. I hope to have more pics tomorrow! Hopefully from the party last night!

Blessings,
Jan

I'm Published!

Well ladies...one of my dreams has come true! I can say that I have been published!

My biggest dream has always been to write a book and actually have people purchase it...and like it! I've taken the first step. Here's how it's played out so far.

When my mom was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, my two older brothers and I became her caretakers. She and my daddy live five hours from each of us. My brothers live in Texas and Mississippi. I live in Arkansas.

After Momma went to be with the Lord, I sat down and wrote her eulogy. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I was determined that those who attended her funeral know what a servant's heart she had. After the service, many people told me that they thought I had a knack for writing. I didn't think much about it at the time. (I thought they were being extremely polite in a funeral setting :))

Months passed and I found that I needed an outlet for my grief other than my husband and prayer. God prompted me to put my feelings down on paper. After a while, the musings turned into stories of wacky relatives, family memories and growing up in the south. (My Yankee friends love to hear stories about what we did in east Texas to pass the time)

So...four years later, I have a manuscript that is almost complete. I am finishing the ending as we speak. When I began this adventure at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I asked the Lord to please let my words be honoring to Him. More than anything, I want to write Christian fiction that is funny, southern and uplifting. As my husband says: Chick lit.......

My former pastor's wife encouraged me to send in a story to HomeLife magazine. We receive this magazine at our church. I did and lo and behold they printed it in the June issue!!! Not only that, but I will be in the September issue as well.

Girls, this is God's sweet gift to a stay at home mom who is about to lose her oldest child to college. I can't tell you how humbling it is when someone actually pays good money (an expression my mom always used...is there such a thing as bad money I wonder?) for an article!

So... if any of you siestas (you know who you are) out there in blog land happen to take HomeLife, look me up. Because I'm finally published!!!!

Your blogging friend,
Jan
aka quiltgirl60

One garden

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to spend most of my time in my backyard piddling in the dirt. I don't know what it is about flowers and dirt, but it lures me in like a fly in molasses. A month ago, I was bemoaning the fact that my hydrangea and rose of sharon bushes probably would not bloom. We were zapped so hard by the 19 degree temperatures in April that the buds froze and fell off. But lo and behold all perennials are in perfect working order and blooming their little hearts out.

I planted a blue hydrangea the spring after Bill was born. It is officially 18 years old. It must love the soil where it lives because I really don't do much to it. This year was the first year that I really cut it back because of the damage. I love to give friends and neighbors cuttings of that bush! There is a remarkable bond between gardening friends, is there not?

I have four o'clocks that have seeded beds as far away as Big Sandy, Texas and southeastern Arkansas. My aunt tells me she thinks of me when her four o'clocks open. My mom used to call me her morning glory--even though she didn't care for gardening--she never wanted to get dirt under her nails!

As I plucked, pruned and planted yesterday I was gently reminded by the Holy Spirit that pruning is essential to the spirit filled life. God has pruned me up one side and down the other this last month! I thought a lot about conversations, my speech and thought patterns every time I ripped out a stubborn weed. My, my how they grow if not tended to!

And as I gently pruned my summer companion, the blue hydangea, I thanked God for the reminder that He loves me enough to cut away the old, dead branches to make way for new foliage that grows more beautiful with time. I will try to scan some photos of my small flower beds if I can figure out how to do it without breaking the laptop!

If I can coax Bill or Joe into taking some pics with the digital camera today, I will post them later. Until then, have a blessed Fourth of July!

Blessings,
Jan (quiltgirl)

One Husband and Wife

Last night my main man and I attempted to watch a movie. A friend (who shall remain nameless but his initials are TT) recommended this 1980s flick. Halfway through, I got up and perused the new stack of used books I purchased at the bookstore. "I need chocolate!" I yell. "Me too!" my 51 year old hubby replies.
We had to stop by our office and put the trash in the dumpster since Monday is trash day. So, after out usual Sunday night task, we pulled into the local Walgreen's. We both know exactly where the candy aisle is located. Years back, I could blame it on the kids--but now I blame it on hormones. I don't know what my man blames it on except that he is a prince of a fellow who stops by and picks up candy for his wife on occasion.

So.....there we are at the checkout counter: two 40+ somethin's in old shorts and tee shirts. I am armed with a Dove Creamy milk chocolate bar and Kenneth is armed with a Heath bar. (does it get better than this, ladies?) There is a woman ahead of us in line (about our age) and she looks at us and starts laughing. Yes, you read that right: l-a-u-g-h-i-n-g. Then she has the gall to say," Big night for you two? Nine o'clock at Walgreen's buying candy?"

I'm so stunned that I just kind of look at her. Kenneth, being the razor sharp legal minded man he is said, "I wouldn't say much if I were you. Two bags of Frito's and Salsa?" Then we all start laughing. By this time I was down right giddy. "It's kind of sad isn't it?" she said, "when a trip to Walgreen's is a big night out? Hey, at least I am buying my supper!" She pays and leaves. Kenneth looked at me and said, "At least we remembered our dessert."

Of course, by the time we got home, Bill and Joe were home and asked where their candy was. I rubbed my belly...Kenneth shared his Heath bar. I am so thankful that God gave us a sense of humor, aren't you? Being able to laugh at the little things in life with your soul mate is priceless...

Blessings,
Jan (quiltgirl)

One Man One Woman

Well, as they say, "the best laid plans..." This was true for me today. I had planned (and prayed) that I would be able to attend Sunday School and church. I have been the lucky recipient of a virus (courtesy of my husband, Kenneth) for the last few days and was still too sick to get out of bed. Staying awake until 3:00 a.m. didn't exactly help anything either. My precious doctor, who just happens to be my hubby's best bud and golf partner, was sweet enough to see me yesterday after he and Kenneth finished their rounds in our annual Fourth of July tournament. (My man shot even par, by the way:))

It was not a pretty. Picture this:

• I am wearing the same tee shirt and shorts that I slept in
• I have serious bed head
• No make-up (at 46, that's never a pretty picture)
• He is looking at my throat with his wife's flashlight
• He makes an "ew" sound. (I think he would probably deny that... being a professional and all)
• He says, "That's a lot of white stuff on your throat alright; but it's not strep."

All of this while his sweet wife shows Kenneth the new granite countertops they installed in their kitchen. Somehow, even new granite just ain't doin' it for me...

So...off to Wal-Mart armed with a new prescription to add to the eight prescriptions I already consume for various ailments. Ain't life grand?

Kenneth suggests a chocolate malt for the poor sick girl. Yippee! Everything is better with chocolate, right? After attracting about ten flies inside his truck (courtesy of Sonic) we head home.

As of today, I missed an engagement party for two of our former university Sunday School students, a Saturday afternoon wedding for two other university SS students, and the big Fourth of July music worship service at church. But...I did get to spend time with Abbie, my former university SS student who spent the weekend in and out of our home; as she was a bridesmaid in the Saturday wedding. God is faithful!

Tomorrow, I hope to post pics of my three men, Ozzie and Gracie, and perhaps me. Although I really don't do photos anymore!

Blessings,

Jan