Happy Halloween, everyone! Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the candy!
1 month ago
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Daddy's Girl is 11 Today!
Hard to believe, but our "baby" girl is 11 years old today! (Her birthday party was last weekend, but the "official" birthday is today....)Can't believe 11 years have gone past since I was "with child" (I always get so reminiscent when my children's birthdays come 'round.....) :-)
She's getting so grown up.
Here she is, giving her handsome Daddy (a/k/a "Hubster") a big hug.
(Wrapped around her finger, he is....)
Happy birthday, Baby Girl - we love you!
Lest We Forget How Good We Have It In the USA....
Blogger Buddies,
A fellow blogger buddy (props to my home girl - the Ever Fabulous, Beautiful, Intelligent, and always Thought-Provoking D'Arcy) forwarded the below email to me. It really resonated with me.
No matter WHO you're voting for, take a moment to be thankful what a great country we live in and take a moment to be thankful for all the things, as Americans, that we take for granted!
As an immigrant to this country I envy that you all have the ability next Tuesday to vote. I received a phone call today from my brother, who lives in South Africa. Last night people attempted to break into their home. Let me set the picture for you. My brother's home is behind an eight foot fence with electronic gates, there are gates leading to all the doors and then safety gates on the doors, the windows have bars on them, it really does look like Fort Knox. A while back I bought my brother a trellis gate for their back door, this is the gate that I feel saved their lives, they could not open the gate. In South Africa if you are burgaled, or car jacked, they kill you, they don't just tie you up. In this country I don't think people truly know what fear is, fear to walk outside, get in your car, go to the grocery store, fear for your children and their safety. I look across the parking lot and know that if I choose, I can walk to Target and not even second guess my safety. Freedom to me is watching your children play in the yard or at the park, taking a walk in your neighborhood at the end of a long day, taking a bicycle ride to the Nature Conservancy and letting your child walk to a friends home. I know that right now the economy is on everyone's mind, but we can have all the money in the world and not be free. When you cast your vote on Tuesday, think of me, my family and the so many other out there that don't enjoy what you have in this great country. On a side note, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this country, to be a part of your freedom and for giving me the opportunity to raise my son as an American.
A fellow blogger buddy (props to my home girl - the Ever Fabulous, Beautiful, Intelligent, and always Thought-Provoking D'Arcy) forwarded the below email to me. It really resonated with me.
No matter WHO you're voting for, take a moment to be thankful what a great country we live in and take a moment to be thankful for all the things, as Americans, that we take for granted!
As an immigrant to this country I envy that you all have the ability next Tuesday to vote. I received a phone call today from my brother, who lives in South Africa. Last night people attempted to break into their home. Let me set the picture for you. My brother's home is behind an eight foot fence with electronic gates, there are gates leading to all the doors and then safety gates on the doors, the windows have bars on them, it really does look like Fort Knox. A while back I bought my brother a trellis gate for their back door, this is the gate that I feel saved their lives, they could not open the gate. In South Africa if you are burgaled, or car jacked, they kill you, they don't just tie you up. In this country I don't think people truly know what fear is, fear to walk outside, get in your car, go to the grocery store, fear for your children and their safety. I look across the parking lot and know that if I choose, I can walk to Target and not even second guess my safety. Freedom to me is watching your children play in the yard or at the park, taking a walk in your neighborhood at the end of a long day, taking a bicycle ride to the Nature Conservancy and letting your child walk to a friends home. I know that right now the economy is on everyone's mind, but we can have all the money in the world and not be free. When you cast your vote on Tuesday, think of me, my family and the so many other out there that don't enjoy what you have in this great country. On a side note, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this country, to be a part of your freedom and for giving me the opportunity to raise my son as an American.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Good Words
"When we have been wounded by the Church, our temptation is to reject it. But when we reject the Church it becomes very hard for us to keep in touch with the living Christ. When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the Church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too.
The challenge is to forgive the Church.
This challenge is especially great because the Church seldom asks us for forgiveness, at least not officially. But the Church as an often fallible human organization needs our forgiveness, while the Church as the living Christ among us continues to offer us forgiveness.
It is important to think about the Church not as "over there" but as a community of struggling, weak people of whom we are part, and in whom we meet our Lord and Redeemer."
-Henri Nouwen
The challenge is to forgive the Church.
This challenge is especially great because the Church seldom asks us for forgiveness, at least not officially. But the Church as an often fallible human organization needs our forgiveness, while the Church as the living Christ among us continues to offer us forgiveness.
It is important to think about the Church not as "over there" but as a community of struggling, weak people of whom we are part, and in whom we meet our Lord and Redeemer."
-Henri Nouwen
NBA Player Devin Harris vs. Some British Bloke
I love this video.... (and I'm not even that big of a basketball fan).
This was just an impromptu game of one-on-one.... amazing.
This was just an impromptu game of one-on-one.... amazing.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
All Done, Thank You
I voted early today.
In fact, I was at the location that CNN has been showing on their broadcasts when they show the Really Long Lines in suburban Atlanta. Yes, I was one of the Frozen Masses waiting today in line.
Actually, it wasn't that bad. I brought a book but wound up striking up a conversation with the two funny ladies standing in line next to me (one was a lawyer, and one was an I.T. person).
The poll workers did a GREAT job. I made sure to thank them. I'm sure they get paid next to nothing and have to deal with scowling, grouchy people all day long, so I told each one how much I appreciated what they were doing.
And (just like Bob Schieffer said) when I was all done voting I felt "big and strong".
A good day. :-)
In fact, I was at the location that CNN has been showing on their broadcasts when they show the Really Long Lines in suburban Atlanta. Yes, I was one of the Frozen Masses waiting today in line.
Actually, it wasn't that bad. I brought a book but wound up striking up a conversation with the two funny ladies standing in line next to me (one was a lawyer, and one was an I.T. person).
The poll workers did a GREAT job. I made sure to thank them. I'm sure they get paid next to nothing and have to deal with scowling, grouchy people all day long, so I told each one how much I appreciated what they were doing.
And (just like Bob Schieffer said) when I was all done voting I felt "big and strong".
A good day. :-)
Just for Laurie Keller... :-)
(....and any others who have an "appreciative eye" for the latest 007...) :-)
Laurie, something tells me you need a little "eye candy" today. :-)
Laurie, something tells me you need a little "eye candy" today. :-)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Heard from the Backseat...
So this evening, I took my kids for an "emergency trip " to Target (it got REALLY cold here, all of a sudden.... and of course all of last Winter's sweaters are too small for my kids...)
Anyway, my 6th grade son said something in the back seat to my daughter about PLAGIARISM.
My 5th grade daughter responded "What's plagiarism?"
He responded "Oh, it's REALLY bad. If you plagiarize, you STEAL someone's idea without giving them due credit and you could go to JAIL."
:-)
I just love being a mom and hearing this stuff.
So darn cute.
(Needless to say, I interjected and corrected the "inaccuracies" being put out there, but did let them know that plagiarism IS a big deal.... but the police wouldn't come screeching to a halt outside our door, sirens blaring and blue lights flashing....)
Anyway, my 6th grade son said something in the back seat to my daughter about PLAGIARISM.
My 5th grade daughter responded "What's plagiarism?"
He responded "Oh, it's REALLY bad. If you plagiarize, you STEAL someone's idea without giving them due credit and you could go to JAIL."
:-)
I just love being a mom and hearing this stuff.
So darn cute.
(Needless to say, I interjected and corrected the "inaccuracies" being put out there, but did let them know that plagiarism IS a big deal.... but the police wouldn't come screeching to a halt outside our door, sirens blaring and blue lights flashing....)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Grocery Game.... (any users out there?)
Hey blogger buds.... do any of y'all use the "Grocery Game" system?
I had heard about it somewhere before out in the Blogistan (but can't for the LIFE of me remember where....)
I stumbled upon the website for it, and it looks like a good deal to me. Apparently you can save around 40% - 80% on your weekly grocery bill.
Anyway, let me know if any of you use it, and if so, has it been successful for you?
I'd be very interested in hearing your comments, and will share them with everyone... after all we're all in this 'shaky economy' together, and I know we ALL want to minimize our expenditures as much as possible!
Thanks, guys!
I had heard about it somewhere before out in the Blogistan (but can't for the LIFE of me remember where....)
I stumbled upon the website for it, and it looks like a good deal to me. Apparently you can save around 40% - 80% on your weekly grocery bill.
Anyway, let me know if any of you use it, and if so, has it been successful for you?
I'd be very interested in hearing your comments, and will share them with everyone... after all we're all in this 'shaky economy' together, and I know we ALL want to minimize our expenditures as much as possible!
Thanks, guys!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Richie Cunningham Has Spoken!
As a child of the 70's (and a teen of the 80's) I am fond of Ron Howard, and the characters in the shows he acted in.
So, as you can imagine, this video turned my head. I only saw a small clip of it on TV earlier today but watched the whole thing on YouTube earlier this evening. I liked what he had to say.
You may agree with him (like I do), or you may completely disagree - either way is certainly fine. Here's the video.
So, as you can imagine, this video turned my head. I only saw a small clip of it on TV earlier today but watched the whole thing on YouTube earlier this evening. I liked what he had to say.
You may agree with him (like I do), or you may completely disagree - either way is certainly fine. Here's the video.
Sowing Good Seeds... (from MountainWings.com)
In Charge
1. GOD is in charge.
2. GOD is at large.
3. Nothing gets by Him.
~Winston Kole~
NOTHING gets by Him.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)
1. GOD is in charge.
2. GOD is at large.
3. Nothing gets by Him.
~Winston Kole~
NOTHING gets by Him.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)
A Book Suggestion... just for RH... :-)
Second Guessing God: Hanging On When You Don't See His Plan
It's a great book. Go to the library and check out a copy.
(OR, email me your mailing address and I'll send you one.... gratis....)
I know the leaves in Virginia are probably beautiful right about now.
And you are in my prayers. :-)
It's a great book. Go to the library and check out a copy.
(OR, email me your mailing address and I'll send you one.... gratis....)
I know the leaves in Virginia are probably beautiful right about now.
And you are in my prayers. :-)
Wish You Were Here, Tim.... Wish You Were Here...
You know who I really miss?
Tim Russert. I miss the twinkle in his eye, his big wonderful grin, his fierce intelligence, his excitement, and his respect for both parties.... which is so clearly lacking in today's pathetic excuse for the "news media" we have (I laughed out loud the other night when I heard Brian Williams blatantly self-congratulatory remarks about quality journalism ....). PLEASE, Brian.... your arrogance is almost visible these days....
Anyway. Tim Russert would have really enjoyed this presidential race.
Rest in peace, Tim.
You are definitely missed.
Tim Russert. I miss the twinkle in his eye, his big wonderful grin, his fierce intelligence, his excitement, and his respect for both parties.... which is so clearly lacking in today's pathetic excuse for the "news media" we have (I laughed out loud the other night when I heard Brian Williams blatantly self-congratulatory remarks about quality journalism ....). PLEASE, Brian.... your arrogance is almost visible these days....
Anyway. Tim Russert would have really enjoyed this presidential race.
Rest in peace, Tim.
You are definitely missed.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Playful Puppies....
Make sure you go to my sister blog and check out the new video of our two wild pooches.
(It's been FOREVER since I've updated that blog, but now that KBL is back in the Blogistan - HOORAY!! - I felt the need to update!)
Welcome back KBL! :-)
(It's been FOREVER since I've updated that blog, but now that KBL is back in the Blogistan - HOORAY!! - I felt the need to update!)
Welcome back KBL! :-)
October SunBathing Beauty
A HappyWife original.
Actually, the flower is a Hubster original, considering I have a brown thumb. (We have a joke in our house.... whenever I bring home a new houseplant, my husband looks at it and says "Welcome to death row".... unfortunately, that's almost always the case unless HE takes care of it. I have a knack for killing plants.)
However, he grew some lovely sunflowers over the past month or so and I snapped the above photo in the late afternoon. The sun was hitting the petals in such a way that it truly looks like it was painted. It's not retouched at all.... this is just the way the flower looks. Pretty cool, huh?
Monday, October 20, 2008
"Awake O'Sleeper"
Most of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time know I belong to an amazing church - 12Stone - that is overrun with 'creativity', shall we say.
The above song and video was created by our Redemptive Arts team to accompany the message from September 21st entitled "The Warrior Awakening".
Watch the above, and remind yourself that the awesome power of God can break whatever chains hold you captive.... remember God is the Author of new beginnings, and He is the Master chain-breaker.
If you're interested in hearing the message, it can be found here. ("The Warrior Awakening" on 9/21/08.)
Happy Birthday Viggo!
All together now:
"Happy Birthday, to Viggo
Happy Birthday, to Viggo
Happy Birthday, to a fabulous actor (who is also easy on the eyes) ... :-)
Happy Birthday, to Viggo!"
Hope it's a FABULOUS day, Viggo!
btw: Viggo, my friend, I'm still (patiently) waiting for you to accept my friend request on FaceBook. (hint, hint...) :-)
Really, I'm not a stalker. Just an admiring, adoring fan (who thinks you're the cat's meow).
btw: Viggo, my friend, I'm still (patiently) waiting for you to accept my friend request on FaceBook. (hint, hint...) :-)
Really, I'm not a stalker. Just an admiring, adoring fan (who thinks you're the cat's meow).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Trunk Monkey.... Making Life Easier for All!
Worried about car theft in your area? The trunk monkey has the answer....
Or have a teenage daughter who is starting to date? (Suz and Coach, this one goes out to YOU!) Perhaps you should install a trunk money in YOUR car....
Or have a teenage daughter who is starting to date? (Suz and Coach, this one goes out to YOU!) Perhaps you should install a trunk money in YOUR car....
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Beautiful Braewyn
To take a cue from D'Arcy, we can all appreciate an adorable puppy.
So here is a link to the Daily Puppy (one of my favorite sites when I'm feeling 'less than Happy'...) . Today's puppy is Braewyn, the Bassett Hound, and in this lovely photo, she's admiring some daffodils.
Thank you, Braewyn for reminding us humans to stop and enjoy the flowers. :-)
So here is a link to the Daily Puppy (one of my favorite sites when I'm feeling 'less than Happy'...) . Today's puppy is Braewyn, the Bassett Hound, and in this lovely photo, she's admiring some daffodils.
Thank you, Braewyn for reminding us humans to stop and enjoy the flowers. :-)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Why I'll Never Run for President
UPDATE: I'm sure this goes without saying, but in no way should the below post be construed as me making fun of (or condoning how our mainstream media makes fun of) John McCain. I think our current news system is anything BUT fair and balanced, and I also think they take glee in reporting on what garners RATINGS, instead of what is truly newsworthy.
I merely am making a point that I would not want to live in the fishbowl that presidential candidates have to live in... that's all....
No thanks. I'll pass.
And there are about 476 other reasons why I would never consider running for President as well, but this Nosferatu-looking photo tops the list for today.
I merely am making a point that I would not want to live in the fishbowl that presidential candidates have to live in... that's all....
Can you imagine having a photograph that is this unflattering yourself on the front page of a major European newspaper? (This was on the front page of The Irish Times on Thursday, October 16th.)
No thanks. I'll pass.
And there are about 476 other reasons why I would never consider running for President as well, but this Nosferatu-looking photo tops the list for today.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
"Snowden".... my current favorite song
This isn't a "new" song... and it definitely doesn't get much radio play, but I'm completely obsessed with it.
I love to close my eyes and listen to it and imagine I'm floating above the trees on a beautiful Fall day, up in the blue blue sky..... with not a care in the world.....
I love to close my eyes and listen to it and imagine I'm floating above the trees on a beautiful Fall day, up in the blue blue sky..... with not a care in the world.....
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fear? Anxiety? Worry?
Yup, me too. We're in some tough times these days. Watching the news makes it worse (so, turn it off). I realize the news tends to "bleed in" to our lives, even if we try to keep it out. Not only do we have our own personal stressors, it seems we have national and global stressors pressing in. It's enough to crush us, if we let it.
Kevin talked about dealing with fear/anxiety/worry today. The message was wonderful.
It should be posted up on the website later today, if you'd like to take a listen.
If the above link doesn't work - go to www.12stone.com - click on Resources, Messages, Hwy 20, then today's date (10/12/08).
Kevin talked about dealing with fear/anxiety/worry today. The message was wonderful.
It should be posted up on the website later today, if you'd like to take a listen.
If the above link doesn't work - go to www.12stone.com - click on Resources, Messages, Hwy 20, then today's date (10/12/08).
Friday, October 10, 2008
"Too Late for Biggie Fries"
The ever-clever guys from our church band did this (very tongue-in-cheek) video recently.... our pastor was giving a message about taking care of your body physically...(you know.... good nutrition, exercise); and they couldn't RESIST making a funny video to tie in to Kevin's message. :-)
Prepare to laugh. :-)
Prepare to laugh. :-)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Game of Tag
The lovely, deep-thinking, wonderful Karen has tagged me.
I'm supposed to come up with 7 scintillating things about me..... hmmmm....
OK, here goes:
1. I have a degree in History, which I absolutely never use (unless I happen to be playing Trivial Pursuit).
2. I am not afraid of most creatures, except for maggots. I have an irrational fear of maggots.
3. I'm licensed to sell insurance products in the State of Georgia (fascinating, I know.)
4. There's a height difference of almost a foot and a half between me and my husband (I'm 5'1" and he's 6'5")
5. I lived in Portugal (the Azores) for 3 years.
6. Fresh blueberries are my absolute, all time favorite food.
7. I am double jointed and can do certain things that, for most people, would cause extreme pain.
I'm supposed to come up with 7 scintillating things about me..... hmmmm....
OK, here goes:
1. I have a degree in History, which I absolutely never use (unless I happen to be playing Trivial Pursuit).
2. I am not afraid of most creatures, except for maggots. I have an irrational fear of maggots.
3. I'm licensed to sell insurance products in the State of Georgia (fascinating, I know.)
4. There's a height difference of almost a foot and a half between me and my husband (I'm 5'1" and he's 6'5")
5. I lived in Portugal (the Azores) for 3 years.
6. Fresh blueberries are my absolute, all time favorite food.
7. I am double jointed and can do certain things that, for most people, would cause extreme pain.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Awakening
My church, 12Stone, actively supports the arts.
We recently commissioned an Israeli artist to do a massive original work for us which now fills our lobby. It's absolutely magnificent and one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and I wanted to share it with you.
It's called "The Awakening". I met the artist several weeks ago, late one evening when I was doing some work at the church, and while he was working on the piece. He's a fascinating individual and lives with his wife in the Judaean Wilderness. (Obviously, he spent a substantial amount of time here in Atlanta to do this piece for our church.)
The Awakening is based on the story of Gideon in the Old Testament (a wonderful story which underscores how God's strength makes the impossible..... POSSIBLE...)
Below is a YouTube clip on the piece, narrated by the artist himself. Enjoy.
We recently commissioned an Israeli artist to do a massive original work for us which now fills our lobby. It's absolutely magnificent and one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and I wanted to share it with you.
It's called "The Awakening". I met the artist several weeks ago, late one evening when I was doing some work at the church, and while he was working on the piece. He's a fascinating individual and lives with his wife in the Judaean Wilderness. (Obviously, he spent a substantial amount of time here in Atlanta to do this piece for our church.)
The Awakening is based on the story of Gideon in the Old Testament (a wonderful story which underscores how God's strength makes the impossible..... POSSIBLE...)
Below is a YouTube clip on the piece, narrated by the artist himself. Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Just For You..... Just Because....
Because there's SO much stress and negativity and FEAR in the world right now, these are just for YOU.
So take them, place them in your heart, put a smile on your face, and go enjoy the day.
OK? OK. :-)
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