Prom Time

Oh my stars! It's prom time at our house. Being the mom of two boys I never got to shop for the

all important prom dress. But...I always make the corsages and boutonnieres. I have more fun! I get my prom time fix with flowers. What can I say? My family owned a flower shop when I was little. I HATED WORKING THERE. Everyday after school I had to change the water in the cooler. Buckets and buckets and buckets of ice cold water. That, however, is another story for another time.

I had to meet the exterminator at the office this morning at 8:00. (today is my day off) I always sleep in 'til 7:00 on this day. I literally threw on my jeans and a tee shirt, brushed my pearly whites, put on my faithful flip flops and was in the car by 7:20. (this is important later in the story) and got there by 8:00. After he assured me that the ants from Sheol would die very soon I got back on the freeway and headed to Sam's to buy the roses. NO MAKE UP, NO HAIR...you get the picture. As soon as I stepped out of my car, one of the teachers greets me. Cute hair, make up, darlin' outfit etc. Did I mention that I stepped out of bed and into my clothes???

After a few pleasantries we both walked in Sam's. She headed to the back to buy the centerpieces for the prom tables. I saw a mountain of shoeboxes stacked by the swimsuits and turned left. Here's what I found for $9.00.

Aren't these adorable? And they had them in my size (5-6). I just luv me a bargain. And Tommy Hilfiger at that! So, even though my hair and face were not up my usual standards--my feet are! My faithful black flipflops are resting comfortably in the floorboard. And to think I'd never gotten them if I hadn't gone to buy the flowers to save money on a corsage .

Go figure.

Jan

Easter 2009

Yes, even at 20 and 17, I still make Easter baskets.

Ozzie tries to stare Joe down for food.

I break out the "Juliet" china every Easter


The centerpiece for dinner. The rabbits belonged to my sweet mother.

Homemade (yes you read that correctly) blackberry cobbler--Bill's favorite.

Rice Krispie bird nests

Eggs that I've painted over the years

Hobby Lobby's finest



I love this! It's kind of cheesy but how often do you find resurrection goodies?

I bought this at a local gift shop years ago. He rocks.


What you say? That's a Christmas tree? Yes it is.

I hang all my egg ornaments on it.

My guys give me enormous grief.

But I don't care.

It's me!

Real Moms

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;

They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils

Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,

Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough

Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what

The vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'

And get their answer when a littleVoice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth

Is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

I saw this on my friend's blog and simply had to copy and paste. Thank you KIM. Even though I am only sixteen months away from being a real EMPTY NESTER (I can't let my mind go there) I think this is perfect for the stay at home moms who never get a paycheck, never get any woman of the year awards, but get sloppy wet kisses and crayon drawings on a regular basis.

I loved that part of my life and wouldn't trade any of it! Not even having two preemies...I have decided that I totally agree with the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I used to think that was just something people liked to hang on their walls. But I've decided it really is true. When I look back at the 25 years Hubs and I have been married I KNOW we're stronger and closer than most because of all the things we've been through.

I read about Gideon this morning. I love how God took a guy from the weakest tribe and returned him to full warrior status. God was there all along--the Israelites simply chose to go their own way and worship other Gods. Hmm....who does that sound like? Us perhaps? I love that God never gives up on us. That He uses people like us to do mighty, warrior things.

Most days I feel like a tired, 48 year old who needs to have her roots done, her thighs liposuctioned and her eyes lifted! Yet, God has other plans...

I am loving my new job. LOVING IT GIRLFRIENDS. I hope to have some pictures from our open house soon. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Jan

Please View

Joe's Home

Yes!

Joe is home from Kentucky. He's been gone a week and it has been so quiet! He had a great time and we had quiet time. But, I must say that Hubs and I enjoyed our time together. Bill stopped by a couple of times and we got to spend time with him. I worked without worrying about what we would eat for dinner or what time I would be at home.

Unfortunately, I had the sinus infection from Sheol last week. I am still suffering--bless my little heart. I actually slept in this morning (7:00) and promptly went back to sleep after a bowl of cereal. Ozzie and I were piled up in the bed until 10:30. So very not me...but hey, it was SNOWING for crying out loud. It was 60 degrees yesterday and 35 today. Lord help us.

That's about all for now. Hubs has been napping off and on today. We've watched basketball, golf and one movie. I thought I would be hanging out with Joe, but he opted to go to his brother's house to hang out. What can I say? I'm just the mom. :0

Have a great Sunday!

Jan

As usual, it's been a while since I posted. Facebook has taken over my computer life. We've had an incredible couple of weeks at our house. Hubs just continues to improve beyond anyone's expectations. He was back at the office last week for half days. I am so thankful to Jesus because I know it is answered prayer.

Bill was home last week for Spring Break. I love waking early in the morning and creeping by the boys' rooms when their doors are shut--it means they're in their own beds. Sleeping. Snuggled up with Ozzie. Safe at home.

Joe's spring break is this week. I have a huge bone to pick with the University about scheduling their spring break on a different week than every other stinkin' school in Northwest Arkansas but I won't go there. No, I WON'T GO THERE. Because, well, this is a happy blog.

Joe went to Kentucky with a friend for the week which means that Hubs and I have the house to ourselves. It's going to be extremely quiet around here. Probably too quiet-- but I have a lot of little things to catch up on around here so I shall use my time wisely, I hope.

Which brings me to a verse that I read this morning. "As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you still share in his divine nature." 2 Peter 1:3-4

I don't know about you but I took great comfort in that verse this morning. Just knowing that Jesus gives us EVERYTHING we need is a huge comfort--especially in this depraved world. I especially honed in on the last part of that verse which reads ...you still share in his divine nature. How many times have I forgotten that? Gotten so bogged down in the everyday worries of my life that I lose sight of who I am? In Christ?

All the promises that Jesus spoke of are mine. Mine. MINE! Oh that I would live like that. Hubs and I have talked alot about scripture since his surgery. We agreed that we take our blessings for granted far too often and that we don't claim the promises that Jesus has given us--free of charge! (that's something this thrifty gal can get her head around)

All of this to say that I hope you have a wonderful week. Bask in God's goodness--his name is Jesus. Grin.

Blessings,
Jan

Update

Hey there!

Hubs is doing so well. He's sitting here beside me and suggested that I ask for donations...sense of humor intact...what can I say?

We've been so blessed by all of you who have called, sent cards and brought food. I have put on 6 pounds--so don't be bringing over any more desserts. The pan of brownies went FAST and guess who consumed most of them? Yes, you are correct. The woman who is up 6 pounds.

Went to the grocery store today and bought out the place. I even bought those spiffy 50 cent reusable Wal-Mart bags. I felt so green. The check out guy smirked at me. Really ticked me off. I asked him if wasn't in favor of the bags. He said he really didn't care one way or another. He was just ready for his break. So I began to think about how many times we assume we know what someone else is thinking or what we think they should be thinking. Man, how prideful is that? It's not about us all the time is it? Imagine that...

So, that's my random thought for the day. I've been memorizing two scriptures a month and my favorite one is this: No matter how deep the stain of your sin I can remove it. I can make you as white as the freshly fallen snow. Even if you're stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool. Isaiah 1:18

I am so thankful to the Lord for his forgiveness. I am so glad that I never have to wonder what I believe or WHO I believe. I KNOW him. I love him and he loves me.

Have a good weekend gals! Keep praying for my sweet husband.

Jan