LOVE ~

It's going to be so hard to split these two boys up.

I really do hate the thought of saying our goodbyes Friday, it's going to be a very tough day for all of us!

HaPpY BiRthDaY JaCe

I can't believe my sweet Jace is 4 years old! It seems like only yesterday that I held him in my arms for the first time.

Now look at him!!

LOVE YOU MY SWEET LITTLE  BIG BOY!!

The Magic of Christmas

I have really enjoyed doing a themed series of posts the past couple of months.

Sooooooo...

I have decided to do a new series for Christmas!

The new series will be

The Magic of Christmas

I am thinking that it will be a Forrest Gump kind of series (Ya never know what yer gonna get) hehehe

I am going to start it on December 1st and try my best to have a daily post right up to Christmas day. I hope you will join me on this magical and hopefully inspiring journey!

Make your Holiday Season

MAGICAL!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 24

As this 24 Days of Gratitude series comes to an end I find myself a little relieved but, I also find myself a bit sad to see it end.

Sometimes life gets in the way and it's easy to take all those beautiful blessings for granted. This series of posts has brought gratitude to the front of my mind and has not only lifted my spirits at times but it has helped me realize just how much I have to be grateful for.

 Life is a glorious gift that we have been given, we should cherish each and every moment!

I am Grateful to have the life I have. I wouldn't want another.
Things are not always easy and I have had my share of hard times but when I think about the good times I realize just how much I have been blessed!

I hope that my family knows how much I appreciate having them in my life. They are my world, my heart and my soul.

God Bless each and every one of you!!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
full of Love, Laughter, Joy and
GRATITUDE!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 23

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it will be my last post for this series. I have been soul searching to try and come up with something extra special for today's post. Well I decided to go with something that has become extra special to me this year.

Today I am grateful for tears.

huh? you may think that being grateful for tears is a bit silly but, to me they are an incredible release of so many different emotions.

I absolutely LOVE a good cry now and then...The relief it gives the heart and soul is absolutely priceless.

I have been on an emotional roller coaster this year and have shed many tears. Tears of joy, tears of sadness,  tears of remorse, tears of happiness, Oh my, I could go on forever. I cry at the drop of a hat these days. Songs can trigger it, movies, a phone call, a soft loving touch, a smile from someone dear...It doesn't take much to trigger those tears in me, some commercials even do it to me. My dad would have told me "My badder was right behind my eyeballs" LOL ... See, even the memory of my dad saying something silly like that to me brought tears to my eyes. 

My wish for you today is that you may release any pent up emotions you may have and enjoy a 

WONDERFUL, REFRESHING, OVERWHELMING, INCREDIBLE CRY!!! 

Cry your eyes out!!

Love and Light to all!! 

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 22

I have been thinking of my mom and dad a lot lately, and as I have been reflecting on their lives, I found myself trying to search out the ONE quality they had that inspires me each day of my life even though they are gone. There were so many and I couldn't narrow it down to just one so I just sat back hoping something would pop into my head....well....IT DID!

My parents were very compassionate people, they would help someone in need in anyway they could. Whether it was going to the store and buying a few bags of groceries to give the the person sitting on the corner holding a sign saying "Will work for food" or helping one of their kids. They showed compassion regardless of who you were, where you came from, or if you were related. I have always admired them for that and wish I was more like them in that area of my life. I am one that will help out family in need if I can but when I see those people on the corner, I usually look the other way. I am a little bit ashamed of that.

When my dad was so sick and Hospice had finally been brought in, I witnessed compassion on an entirely different level. The people that are involved with hospice are some of the most compassionate people I have ever met. The way they come in and just take care of everyone is incredible.

I am grateful for compassionate people out there in the world today and I am going to strive to be more like them.

During this holiday season, I pray that everyone will take the time for at least one compassionate act. Times are hard and there are so many out there that are in need.  

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 21

Gratitude... hmm...Sometimes when you are looking for the things that you're grateful for in your life, things blow up in your face. While I am truly grateful for everything I have mentioned in the past posts, some days you just wish you would of stayed in bed with the covers pulled over your head. 

Yesterday was one of those days...I tried to find something to be grateful for as I muddled through the day. Although it has not been easy I came up with something and I think it is fitting, considering the day I had. 

I am grateful for Hope.

Hope for happier days, Hope for contentment, Hope for harmony. Hope for smiles and giggles. Hope for future days full of Love.

I have a tremendous amount of hope today 

Hopeful Gratitude is my wish for all today.

Have a Lovely day!!

Just a couple of pictures

Had to share a couple of picture of my boys. The girls went and took some pictures for Jace's 4th Birthday

LOVE THESE TWO!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 20

I have been through a lot in my life. Some really great moments and some things that I could only describe as a nightmare. 

For a long time I didn't really know who the "REAL" me was. I had a bad habit of trying to be who I thought the people around me wanted or needed me to be. I think I lost myself for awhile. Now that I am older I feel that I have a pretty good grip on who I am, what I want and what's important to me.

Who I believe I am

I am a woman with a love for my family that is at the core of everything I do. Material things are not important to me at all. I am not a religious person but have a strong belief in God and I know without a doubt how powerful prayer can be. I think I have a good heart and I try my best to treat others with kindness. I am far from perfect and I have made and still make a lot of mistakes.

Overall, I think I am good person with good values.

What I want and What's important to me

I want to feel loved, wanted and needed by my family

That is the most important thing to me. When I am surrounded by family and close friends I feel like I'm the richest woman alive!!

I am grateful today for each moment in my life. From the great ones to the nightmares. Those precious moments have made me who I am today and I actually like the person I have grown to be.

Love who you are and be grateful for all those moments in your life!!

Love to all!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 19

Today we are going to celebrate Jace's 4th Birthday. He will be with his daddy on his actual birthday so we decided we would celebrate with him early.

I am so very grateful to have this little man in my life.

I can't believe it has been 4 years already! I remember the excitement and anticipation as we waited for our first grandchild to arrive. We were also a bit worried because our little mama Carson had toxemia and was in and out of the hospital as they were trying to keep the little one in there as long as possible. They ended up having to take him c-section about 3 weeks early. He still weighed in at 7 lbs.

 ...Oh My!! he would have been one big baby had he gone full term! He was such an adorable baby but he was sick...He was struggling to breath and when the doctor got there to check him out determined that he had pneumonia...The poor little guy!! He spent 10 days in the hospital before he got to go home with his mommy!!

You would NEVER know it now!! He has grown into a rough and tough little man!!

I just want to let my sweet Jace know how special he is to me. I Love him so much and cherish every little memory I share with him!!

HaPpY BiRtHDaY JACE!!

Grammas Big Boy!!

I'm sure I will have to put some pictures up of the little celebration but I wanted to make sure I got this post done!!

Have a spectacular day!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 18

I have had my family all back with me for quite some time now and for the most part have LOVED it!! The sound of giggling and squealing kids running around has been heaven! (most of the time)

I do sometimes miss the quiet peaceful evenings relaxing with a hot cup of coffee talking to my honey about our day but, for now I'm enjoying the chaos!

Well, sadly one of my sweet girls and one of my adorable grandsons is leaving me soon. Aubrey is all done with her appointments (for now) and her and Dylan are heading home. I'm very excited that they will be here for Thanksgiving this year, we hadn't thought they would be. They are leaving on December 2nd. It will be good for them to get back to their life at least for awhile but, I'm sure going to miss them TONS!! They have to come back in late January or early February for a few more follow-ups with doctors so I'm hoping it won't be too hard for me.

Today I am so grateful that I got to have them here for so long and that they were both able to get most of their medical issues taken care of.

I sure do look forward to the day that they can all move here permanently!!

Time spent with family is so precious...Don't ever let yourself take that for granted. In the end, that's all that really matters anyway!

Have a beautiful day! Sending Love and Light to all!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 17

Today I am grateful...that my basic needs are being met.

I was watching a show about people that have lost everything because of some kind of natural disaster and it made me stop and think about how I take all those things for granted. 

Like a roof over my head, running water, a warm bed, food for my family and many other basic items.

 I got thinking about what I would do if something happened here. 

Would I be prepared? 

The answer is NO...I think it's time I start getting prepared. I am going to start working on it NOW!

I'm going to leave you with this quote

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"  

~Dr. Seuss

Wishing you a glorious day!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 16

Wow, I can't believe it's already day 16 in this series. The days seem to fly by lately.

I have been trying to put a lot of thought into each of these posts so that when I go back and read post from the past they will truly mean something to me. I know that very few even read my ramblings here, which is fine with me because the main reason I have done this blog is to use it as a journal of sorts.

About a year before my dad passed away, we all started hounding him about writing down his stories so that they would continue on long after he was gone. He wasn't much for that idea so, my sister spent a few visits and did a video of him telling all those wonderful stories and gave each of us a copy...It was the best gift I have ever received.

I have started looking into getting my blog printed into a book for each year so that I have a printed copy of this journal of mine and, maybe one day it will be something special for my kids.

Today I am grateful to have somewhere like Blogger,  where I can put my thoughts down and look back over them at a later time.

When I'm having a bad day, I Love reading back over past entries and having those memories warm my heart!! I almost always feel a bit happier when I do that.

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 15

UPDATE 2
Well...My heart is good...they took some blood to check on a few other things and are making me get a mammogram...hmmm I guess it's time, I have never had one and it's WAY past time to start having them...Not really looking forward to it though.

UPDATE 1
Well, I didn't really find out anything, I have to go back tomorrow for a resting test and then I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon with the Doctor to find out...They did tell me that things looked pretty good at first glance and didn't think I would have to go back tomorrow but....They called and I do have to go in so I don't know what to think of that....I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens then.

 I hate waiting



When I had some pretty odd symptoms last Thursday, I tried to make myself think of something else thinking that the odd aches would go away. They persisted so I called Barney and asked him to call the doctor and see if I could get an appointment after I got off work. When he told them how I was feeling they said I needed to get in there NOW! .....WHAT?

I left work and we headed that way. They could only run a few tests because I had eaten lunch but were a little concerned because every thing I described sounded like a heart issue. I had not thought of that because it was just a bad ache....I should have just stayed at work, because now I have to go get a stress test done this morning and I HATE those damn things.

I am sure everything is going to be just fine and that there will be nothing to worry about in the results. I'm going to try not to think about it to much...but...If there is anything to update on, I will do it on this post.

Anyway.....

I am grateful today that I have one of the best doctors around. I know that no matter what these tests show I will be in good hands.

Wishing everyone a wonderful stress free day!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 14

Today I want to let my sweet hubbs know just how grateful I am that he chose to share his life with me. I am still head over heels in love with him after 28 years together. 

We have been through Heaven and Hell together and the bond we have has grown stronger with each passing day. . I can't imagine my life without him in it and wouldn't even want to try.

I LOVE YOU BARNEY!! 

You are my soul mate and I thank God for you every day!!

Just had to share

I have always LOVED snowmen and last year did my tree in them...we have had a star or bow for our tree topper for as long as I can remember and wanted to incorporate the snowman theme this year. I decided I would make my own. 

soooo I found some fuzzy yarn, started to crochet and this is what I came up with.

I LOVE IT!! 

and I can't wait to put my tree up so we can place him on top. 

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 13

When I think about the upcoming Holiday season, I always get such a warm and fuzzy feeling. This is my favorite time of year without a doubt. I Love everything about it. Everywhere you go people just seem to be happier and more tolerant.

I will ALWAYS believe!!
My daughters asked me once several years ago how I could believe still...I tried to explain to the that what I believe in is the Spirit of the holiday season. When they were little and times were hard, I always worried that we weren't going to be able to afford presents...Yet...Somehow there was always enough and we were able to come up with a wonderful Christmas that was better than the one before.
You don't have to spend a load of cash to have a beautiful, wonderful, magical Holiday...all you really need is the warmth of a smile, a tender touch and gifts that truly come from the heart. Time spent with family and close friends that surround you with love....Warm cozy snowy nights full of magic!!

OH MY I REALLY LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!

I am grateful today for the magical, wonderful, warm Spirit of the Holiday Season!!

Make this year your best Holiday EVER!!

Sending Love and Light to all!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 12

Today I am thankful for laughter.

Life is funny and if you sit back to take a deep breath and look around you I am sure you will find something that makes you chuckle, snicker, giggle, or just roll on the ground laughing.

Try it..

I was sitting on the porch enjoying a cup of coffee and the quiet before everyone woke up and the chaos and confusion began. 

When it's quiet like that, my mind seems to wander and sometimes random thoughts or memories just POP in.

I really do LOVE that. 

ANYWAY.... the random memory that popped in unexpectedly was of another time...A friend and myself were driving around in my WAY cool car (a lime green Datsun 510...a square box of a car)

This is not my car, but it looks the same...........LOL

Anyway...We were jabbering about nothing when out of the driveway of a house we were passing a motorcycle blasts out and hits my car. The driver rolled across my hood and landed on the other side...It scared the hell out of me!!!...but...Once we found out he was OK...a little scraped up but fine otherwise, it became hilarious!

Now why after more than 25 years would that pop into my mind?? 

I found myself sitting on my front porch (by myself) laughing so hard I almost peed my pants!

Have a terrific day full of laughter!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 11

Today it seems fitting that we all give a heart felt THANK YOU to our Veterans! Can you imagine where our great country would be right now if it weren't for those men and women who dedicate their lives to protect all of us?

GOD BLESS them today and every day!!

I for one am incredibly grateful for their service!

I know many Veterans and in fact have several in my family but, I decided to dedicate this post to my dad...He was a World War II Veteran and I am so very proud of that fact! I remember as a young girl listening to all his stories. Love him and miss him so very much!

The Noble and the Brave: A Veteran's Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,

These brave ones raised a hand;

No hesitation held them back;

They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;

They gave up normal life;

To serve their country and their God,

They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace

On strange and foreign shores;

Some lost new friends; some lost their lives

In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call

To support the ones who fought;

Their country had requirements for

The essential skills they brought.

We salute every one of them,

The noble and the brave,

The ones still with us here today,

And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;

They’re a cut above the rest;

Let’s give the honor that is due

To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 10

I am feeling a little sentimental because of these posts. My sweet little grandson Jace came into the living room last night lugging my HUGE scrapbook and asked me to read it to him. As we flipped through the pages and he named those he knew and asked who the others were, I felt my eyes fill with tears as the memories started making their way into my heart.

I absolutely LOVE looking back at those old photographs. Each is a snippet of my life and they bring back such wonderful memories of another time and another place.

They are truly a priceless treasure that can never be replaced.

Soooo...

Today I am grateful to have those wonderful photos that reflect my life.

Hope you all have a beautiful day full of everything you hold dear!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 9

I have a question for ya...

Have you ever thought about how living a life of gratitude affects our day to day life? Is it really possible to find something to be grateful for EVERY day?

I am a researcher...when I get something in my head I tend to search out the answers to my questions. Some times I am surprised by what I find and other times I find that I knew the answers all the time. Well, this series of posts is no different. I have been doing a bit of research on the affects of living a life of gratitude. I have found a few interesting facts I'd like to share with you.

What do you think would happen if instead of showing gratitude once a year you made it a daily routine?

You would be rewarded with better health!!

Research has revealed a connection between gratitude and good health. Stress is responsible for 90% of all doctor visits. Can you imagine the costs associated with stress related illnesses? The best medicine for stress is gratitude, it calms our minds and lowers our blood pressure. Gratitude makes us feel optimistic and boosts our immune systems.



Sooo...
Be grateful you don't have everything your heart desires or you wouldn't have anything to look forward to.
Be grateful for the difficult people in your life, they help improve your patience and tolerance.
Be grateful that you don't know EVERYTHING, it gives you a chance to learn.
Be grateful when you experience tough times, it makes it possible for you to appreciate joy and happiness.

Choose to be grateful today and every day!!
Gratitude will fill your heart with contentment
and
IT'S TOTALLY
FREE
in any amount you desire!!

I am choosing to live a life of gratitude, Will join me?
I am starting a Gratitude Journal and every week I am going to write down all that I have to be thankful for that week. Research shows that people that keep a Gratitude Journal on a weekly basis, feel better about their lives , exercise more regularly and report fewer physical illnesses

Wish you all Love, Laughter and happiness today and every day to follow!!
God Bless!!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 8

When I first got married I couldn't wait to start my family. All I ever wanted was to be a mom. I had some problems and had several miscarriages before I finally got to hold my first baby girl in my arms. I have LOVED being a mom! There have been some pretty tough times as my girls have grown and I have made a lot of mistakes but, I hope each one of them knows just how important they are to me.

 I have some AWESOME kids!!
They have all grown into beautiful women and I totally enjoy each one of them. They are all Uniquely different and have different strengths and weaknesses. Looking at them through a mother's eyes they are absolutely beautiful inside and out. I am sure I'm a bit biased but that is how I see them.

I thank God every day for giving me incredible kids to love!

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 7

My heart is starting to fill with gratitude as I'm making these posts. We sometimes forget to appreciate all the wonderful blessings we have in our lives and what REALLY matters most.

I know I tend to forget quite often. The little things that we take for granted that we are blessed with all the time.

Today I am grateful for Life's Simple Pleasures

What are your simple pleasures?

Here are some of my favorites

1. Every morning when my hubbs wakes me with a steaming cup of coffee fixed up just how I Like it and all my pills I have to take.

2. When my grandsons greet  me with squeals, hugs and kisses after a long day at work
3. cuddling on the couch and watching....well, watching anything on TV
4. Soft and comfy jammies...LOVE!!

5. Being important in someone else's eyes

6. The comfortable silence between me and my hubbs

7. Laughing til I cry

8. Walking down memory lane...looking at old pictures and talking about fond memories

9. The smell of rain

10. sitting on the porch with a hot cup of coffee watching a lightning storm

11. Hot Baths

12. Seeing the look in a child's eyes while they are experiencing something for the first time.

13. holding the hand of the man I love

14. Knowing you have found your soul mate

15. When a song comes on the radio that triggers a special memory

16. Campfires and family...LOVE our little trips to the mountains

17. Quiet early mornings spent with my hubbs talking about nothing

18. holding your precious child in your arms for the first time..(grandchildren are X2)
19. getting that kiss hello when my hubbs gets home from work each day...even after 28 years of marriage
20. being married to your best friend!!

I think I could go on and on and on...I'm going to try very hard not to take them for granted.

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 6

Today I am grateful for my 2 wonderful grandsons.

These two little boys bring me such joy and happiness...I could never explain it in words. When they smile it warms my heart, when they laugh it is contagious and I find myself laughing too, when they give me a hug and kiss I get a feeling of love that reaches deep into my soul. When they look at me and tell me they love me I totally melt!!

They are the Best of Friends

They are my heart and soul. I just don't know what I ever did without them in my life.

My Jace is 100% all American boy. He is rough and tough and plays hard He loves all sports and seems to have a lot of natural talent but, at the same time he has such a sweet spirit!!

My Dylan is soft and sweet..while he does enjoy playing hard, he also likes to do quiet activities like listening to stories, learning his numbers and letters. He is so sweet!!

My Oh My  I ADORE My Boys!!!

Jace

 

 

 

 

 

Dylan

 

 

 

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 5

Some days I find myself reading back through some of my old posts. I was doing that and came across this post that I felt was worth reposting..This explains what I'm thankful for today.


original post date
Tuesday, January 6, 2009


Thinking Back



I've been thinking back to years past a lot lately for some reason.

I never dreamed my life would turn out the way it did. There have been ups and there have been downs, but I don't think I would trade it for anything. With every struggle Barney and I have been through (and there have been a lot), it seems our love and commitment to each other has grown stronger.

I have lost people that were very close to me and felt the agonizing grief of trying to make it through and in the end been able to find joy in the memories I hold in my heart.

My mom once told me that God never gives you more than you can handle. There have been times in my life when I truly thought my mom was soooooooooooo wrong about that yet, here I am still moving forward (I guess she was right after all)

Someone else told me once that no matter what life brings and no matter how dark the tunnel seems at times, keep going because sooner or later you WILL see the light at the end. Sometimes I have felt like I will never see that light, but that's just not true. I know that now and wow!! what a relief! All I have to do is look at my kids and my grandkids and there is the light leading me in the right direction.

I have so much to be thankful for in my life and yet I still find myself letting the little things that bother me get me down. I've decided to try to plant a smile on my face every morning and remember all the wonderful things going on in my life instead of focusing in on the dumb little things that drive me crazy. My girls asked me if I'm starting to go through menopause because I'm so moody(laughing one minute and crying the next) What the heck is that all about.

I want my family to know that I love them very very much and appreciate them (most of the time anyway)

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year filled with Health, Love and Happiness.

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 4

OK I am going to share a story here. It's a bit embarrassing for me but I would hate to see this happen to anyone else and maybe if enough people are aware, this type of scam can be stopped or at least slow it down.

YEP~~~ I GOT SCAMMED!

I received a phone call at work a few weeks ago from a company that informed me that I was going to be arrested and charged with check fraud. He said it stemmed from an online payday loan that I had defaulted on in 2007?

Now, if I had NEVER been dumb enough to get a payday loan He wouldn't have got me but *sigh* I was dumb enough and it was right around the 2007 time frame. Now as far as I know it had been paid off. I have never heard anything from them before now but, when he started throwing out all kinds of personal information....I was TOTALLY freaked out!! All I could think was I must not have paid it...how else would this guy have my info.
He told me that his client might be willing to settle this if I was willing and that it would keep me from being charged with check fraud.
I didn't think I had any choice so I agreed to it. I gave them my bank info on Monday (STUPID!!! I KNOW... I KNOW!!) They said the electronic transfer would not come out until Thursday or Friday.
I had a knot in my stomach over all of this and have been worried sick that I was going to be arrested.Wednesday early in the morning I looked at my bank account and OMFG they had tried to take money Tuesday!! Luckily the money was not there and they got nothing! I got online and did a search for this company...NOTHING came up. I then did a search on the address they provided...it came up as a UPS Store in New York. Then I did a search on the phone number and this forum came up talking about this Payday Loan Collection scam!! My heart sank! I had been scammed?? and they had all my information??? I was sick...I started searching for more information on this scam and found quite a bit. First thing when my bank opened I was there to find out what I could do. I ended up having to close my account and open a new one. When I got home I didn't know what to do next so I called my company's employee assistance company and talked to an attorney. He confirmed that it HAD to be a scam and gave me a list of things to do. I have begun that process and just thank God they they didn't get my money!! I am still being harassed and they have even threatened to call my employers HR department (I don't know if they have but, I called them to give them a heads up) they also knew my supervisor's name and said they were going to call her too. I am still a little nervous that maybe....just maybe it's a valid debt but the attorney I talked to said even if it is I can sue their asses off (his words not mine) for violating my rights according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Sooo for today I am grateful that I was able to stop this scam before I was out a lot of money!!

Now just some info about this scam that might be helpful if any of you get contacted by these crooks!!

Consumers are receiving collection calls from fake law firms or fake agencies telling them they owe money to a payday loan company and threatening them with legal action

Victims are told they'll be arrested if they don't wire a payment or provide bank account or credit card numbers.

Consumers are duped because the scammers use official sounding company names and they know a lot of personal information about the victims, like their social security numbers, driver's license numbers and old bank account numbers. They sometimes refer to the victim's employer and even mention the names of personal friends, family and professional colleagues.
 
No law allows you to be arrested for failing to pay a payday loan or other type of loan. In fact, there's a law making it unlawful for bill collectors to threaten you with arrest.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act doesn't allow bill collectors to:
Threaten to have you arrested if you don't pay
Repeatedly telephone to harass or annoy you
Threaten you with violence or harm
Falsely claim to be attorneys
Falsely claim that you committed a crime

Don't Give In to Scare Tactics

Don't be fooled into paying out money or giving personal information to these scammers. If you receive a suspicious phone call about a debt:
Ask the caller to send the loan information to you in writing
Refuse to verify any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone
Report any telephone harassment or threats to the Federal Trade Commission. This is the agency that enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
File an online Better Business Bureau complaint to help let others know about the scam
Contact your state Attorney Generals office to find out about state debt collection and consumer protection laws that might apply

24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 3

Today as I was getting my hubs off to work, I was thinking about what I would post today, it hit me... I have so much to be thankful for.

I have endured an extremely tough year this year and at times I found myself having a private little pity party. Some days I feel great sorrow when I think about what I have lost this year...I lost relationships with people that I have always held very close to my heart. I think when that happens you have to go through a mourning process even though those lost are alive and well. I have struggled with it for a very long time but am starting to emerge into the acceptance stage now and the sadness and devastation is beginning to ease. I'm sure I will think of them often as I always have but, I can now smile at the good memories and move on through my day. I wish things were different but they aren't and it is what it is...They say time heals all wounds and I do believe it's true.

So....Today I am grateful for acceptance.

Have a glorious day full of acceptance.



24 Days of Gratitude ~ Day 2

Today I want to let my brothers and sisters know how thankful I am to have them in my life.

Coming from a very large family has it's pros and cons. In my opinion the pros far out weigh the cons.

My parents had 9 children, 4 sons and 5 daughters. We are all very different but, at the end of the day we are family and I love them all with all my heart. I am so thankful for each one and the way they enhance my life just by being in it.

7 out of 9 made it to this years Family Reunion

Randy and Jeanette~~you were missed

Larry

 The oldest is like the rock. Even though he lives in Texas, we all look to him as the head of the family now that my parents are gone.

Richard

The next in line. He has the biggest heart. He would truly do anything he could possibly do to help you out. I am so glad he has found someone to share his life with and to love like only he can.

Randy

He has had more than his share of struggles yet still seems to stay positive. He has a quick whit and smile. I haven't seen him in a very long time but think of him often and send Love and Light his way.

Mitch

He is the youngest son. He beat the odds after battling leukemia then enduring a Stem Cell Transplant 2 years ago. He is here and healthy and I am more grateful for that than I could ever express!! He is our family clown, He can make you laugh without even trying and is always the life of the party!!

Jeanette

My oldest sister. Sadly she lost her battle with leukemia and passed away at the young age of 38. I miss her so much and wish she was here to see all that her kids have accomplished. She had 10 beautiful children and was a wonderful mom. I think about her a lot and when I am around her kids I see a glimpse of her in each one. They all carry a piece of her with them.

Shelly

She is the healer in my opinion. She is always there with a hug and a shoulder when you need it. There is not much she wouldn't do for family. She is also our historian of sorts. She knows how everyone is and where they are in their lives. She has a HUGE heart full of love for everyone in this family!!

Norma

Hmmm.... What do I say about my sister that is just older than me. In school I had a lot of resentment towards her, not because of how she treated me (she was always very nice to me) I hated being asked everywhere I went "OH!! are you Norma's sister?" She was the popular cheerleader and EVERYONE knew her. Now that we are grown we have become much closer and I enjoy our visits a lot! She has a kind spirit and has the caretaker role in my family.

Then there is me.....The black sheep....LOL 'nuff said

Kari

Kari was the typical spoiled rotten brat youngest child. Most of the time when we were growing up I wanted to just smack her.........LOL Now however, I love her to pieces and don't know what I would do without her. I think I'm closest to her. She has a big heart and would go without taking care of her needs to help someone else in need. She is a wonderful mom and the best sister I could ever ask for!!

Hello Sweet November

I know....I know...Two posts in one day is a bit excessive...but...well...I have to!

For me, November is a time of reflection...I find myself thinking back and picking out those snippets in time that fill me with gratitude.

This is going to be my 24 days of gratitude

From today until Thanksgiving Day I'm going to share something in my life I am grateful for.

Day 1

It seems appropriate to me to start this with my Parents.

I am so grateful that I had MY parents.

They were both so giving and loving. I could not have asked for anything better. I miss them so very much and even after all this time I find myself shedding a few tears when I start thinking about them but, they are a mixture of tears of Joy and tears of sadness. The memories I have are totally packed with Love and I cherish each and every one of them.

God Bless

Proud Mom

Yesterday was a really fun day. I got off work a little early so I could go to my Kelly's school competition. They had to do a head to toe fantasy make over and the theme was The Circus.

Kelly spent the past several weeks trying to decide what she was going to do. She started out with the Ring Master then a Clown and a Mime...Then all of a sudden her idea changed to

Cotton Candy....GREAT idea!!

She had her cousin Annalie as her model and when all was said and done she took 2nd place!! WOOT WOOT!! Congrats to my Kelly!!

Here are some of the creations

The Lion...1st Place

Cotton Candy (Kelly's Creation) 2nd Place

Ring Master tied for 3rd Place

Swamp Thing  tied for 3rd Place

Mime

Clown

Kelly and Annalie after the competition

I am so proud of my Kell Bell

AWESOME JOB!!

I was sad that we didn't get to have Jace for trick or treating this year but, he did have fun with his daddy. He was a cowboy this year and was so stinkin cute.

 

Dylan was our little Hobo

Aunt Kelly and Aunt Carson dressed up too.

Kelly was a cowgirl and Carson was a Flapper Girl

We had a great time making the rounds.

I do have to tell you about going to Granny's house. While we were there and visiting last night she had an unusual guest that kind of creeped us all out. The Grim Reaper...he came on in, sat on her couch and said NOTHING for the longest time. When asked questions he would nod his head but not speak...LOL after awhile he unmasked himself. It was one of her friends that lives in the condo's.

He really had us all going.

I hope you all had a spooky wonderful time!!