Words to live by...

Love with no need to pre-empt grievance.

Open letter to my heart-adopted son...

Hey Baby Boy!

I am glad to hear from you:). I know what it is like to be somewhere where everyone I love is at work and I am at home......sucks big time. I also know you are one tough cookie and will make it through this. Always remember: This, too, shall pass.

Please tell Navy Man that I love and miss him...and Hev-G, too. And, please kiss Layla for me and tell her Mama to send me some photos.

Same ole shit around here...got screwed out of $250.00 on the first...now, imagine that!!!

Fif got her place so I have been going over there to hang out. Ummm....there is this maintenance man there...with eyes I could drown in...rotf.

Lij and Jen went to Homecoming...and looked awesome...they had a wonderful time. He got a job and should start soon. He is the perfect hire for a video store:).

We took Fif out for her birthday and had a great time...now I know why you kids like Lemon Drops. I was all puckered up and said, "Wow! This is delicious!" We drank, we danced, we hugged, and we giggled...all in all, we had a great time.

Alana painted one of the walls in the living room teal and, buddy, its gorgeous. I smile everytime I look at it.

I am okay, so do not panic when you read the next line. Somehow I managed to fall down the stairs yesterday. Even though I landed on my feet, I slammed into the wall at the bottom. It scared me more than anything. I was so shook up, I called Fif and she came to pick me up and we went to her place. How's this for timing? The maintenance guy came over to fix the shower while I was there. I told him we had to stop meeting like that:). Today I am so stiff I look like the Tin Man in dire need of some oil.

I am thrilled to know that you are using the book! You know, Kiddo, God doesn't care how He blesses us and that book is definately a blessing for you. Finding a safe place to go when we need to escape the daily grind is such a fantastic tool for you! Keep me posted on your progress and, please, keep writing to me.

Carry this little tidbit in your pocket and pull it out any time you need some encouragement: I love you very much and I am immensely proud of you!

Love and hugs,

Momma

She wept...

As a parent, I can assure you that there are few things worse than knowing your child's heart is breaking and that you can do nothing to take away the inevitable pain.

Last night my daughter wept and I held her. I listened and allowed my heart to break also in an effort to shoulder some of her burden. And inwardly, I wept, too.

She asked so many poignant questions...I could offer no answers...only promise that we will get through this together with the strength given to each of us from God Almighty Himself.

I have prayed for my children since I was only ten years old. There were things I did not want them to have to suffer...things that had been horrible for me. I always knew I would be a mother...it was just a matter of when.

In my own self-discovery, I once read a in the book, My Mother, Myself that mothers will often distance themselves from their daughters in an effort to shield themselves from reliving the horrors of their own childhoods. That line put my own mother and my childhood into perspective immediately. It also changed me forever. I chose to be emotionally available to my children. For the most part, I have done so and done well.

I do, however, understand how a mother could be driven to detach from her children...a mother who has not yet healed the gaping wounds left in her soul by the ravages of her own childhood. It is not easy to share the weight of another's burden, but God in His infinate grace and mercy has prepared me for such a time as this.

I have often said that each decision we make causes ripples and affects those around us. The difference in our making a good decision...not a wrong or right one...is our intent. A decision one makes in an effort to better one's own life is a good decision provided that is the true intent. The decision causes change to our loved ones and change is often not an easy thing to do. It causes pain. And pain, well, it hurts.

Even though my heart wants to tuck my baby girl into a blankie and carry her, my head knows this is a part of her journey that she must complete. I also know that I will be there right beside her, along with Our Heavenly Father, to do in the physical realm what He would have me do. I will hold her when she collapses, steady her when she is weak, listen when she needs to talk, and soothe her when she feels she is drowning. Above all, I will laugh when she laughs and weep when she weeps.

I am Momma...hear me roar.

The Wedding Was Wonderful!

Here are a few pics of the wedding. I will post more as they are available!!

The bride & groom:
















Phylicia, Alana, Roger, Jen, Marshall, and me:
















Groom and Chris:






















Best Man, Father of the Groom, Navy Man:

Meme Monday #8

Wanna join in the fun? Click the graphic!

FOR THE WEEK OF:5/18-5/24 2008

The names of the individual memes are linked to their home-blog. I would love it if you checked them out and even decided to join one or a dozen! If you do, lemme know:).

MONDAY:

FUN MONDAY: Show off your collection(s). Hmmm...over the years I have collected many things...geese, ladybugs, beads, children, flip flops, and now fabric. The photo you see is just a small portion of my current obsession collection. I collect fabric because it makes me smile and the possiblities of new creations is unlimited! Of all my collections, I do like my children best. Well, on most days anyway:).













TUESDAY:

HEADS OR TAILS:

The immediate thought I had upon reading this week's prompt of Peace or Piece was this:

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

This very scripture has kept me in peace throughout the most difficult times in my life.
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WEDNESDAY:

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY: I found a new and wonderful meme!






Here is my first entry. I snagged this one as I had surgery today and am taking life easy.

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Wordless Wednesday.








And...Nooooo...this in NOT me. I just love this dress! I am having surgery today(5/21/08)...so I took the easy way to post:).

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THURSDAY:
My Thursday Thirteen brought to you by the letter:


1. Geeezzzz....the letter G...finally:).
2. God is definately my absolute favorite G word!
3. Google is where I get my email and who hosts my blog.
4. All things work together for Good to them that love the Lord.
5. Girly is not a word I would use to describe me.
6. Go...I do love to Go places...especially if they have historical significance.
7. Giggling is my favorite past time:).
8. Being Goofy is partnered with Giggling.
9. My Beloved says, "Hello, Gorgeous!" when he calls me.
10. Gratitude has changed my life.
11. Green beans with onion and bacon are delicious.
12. Good friends are the family we Get to choose.
13. GRACE...where would we be without it?
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FRIDAY:
Fridays Feast.
The chef is on vacation! Check the link to see for your self...lol.
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SATURDAY:
Share A Site SaturdaY: I host this one! Because I am featuring links to a special blogging friend, my post for this week is here & here. To learn how to play along go here:).

1. Livin’ Life SandyStyle-Her Main Blog
There are photos, challenges, memes, fun, how-tos, freebies, and more!

2. Recipes
Recipes, Deals, Giveaways, Cookbooks, Reviews...OMG~ Check out the Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole!

3. Celebrating Life One Day A Time~
I LOVE this blog~ We can always use an excuse to celebrate!

4. Sandy's Stories Find stories of today and days gone by... of another time... a happy life... using prompts, photos, and memories.

5. Daily Blog and Product Reviews
She reviewed Scrappynhappy in Ohio here! Wow!

6. Making Money SandyStyl
Her journey to making money online.

Please stop by and see Sandy...I am sure she has something for everyone and I promise you will be glad that you did!

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SUNDAY:

Updated my Big Bang list of participates. It is here.


Did the Links Around The World Meme. It is here.

Blog Your Blessings.

Mine is here.

My gifts...

A tribute to me from my daughter!

I have to share this...I am sitting here flabbergasted, overwhelmed, and grateful for the little critter who first made me a mommy...the original post is at her blog.

Momma-

For your special day I wanted to write you a poem to tell you exactly all the amazing things you've ever done that make me so happy to be your daughter... Unfortunately I'm not as good at it as you'd have me believe. How can i describe 23 years of unquestionable support and love, not to mention still tie in just how amazing you are in general? I can't...

Without you I would not exist. How trite must the words sound when i go on about when you taught me to talk, or walk, or anything... You gave me life woman! You showed me right from wrong, stood by me when there was no-one else, even protected me from myself a time or two. You have cleanned and kissed booboos, held me while i cried even when it was a stupid reason. You helped me decide who i wanted to be and i never wondered if you were proud of me or if you wished i had done differently. You let me be me more than anyone else I know and I know sometimes you wish there was more you could cram in my head, but from the earliest you showed me security, love, a pride that was not sinful, friendship. You've been with me through heart ache and physical pain and even the times it was both at once. I can only hope to one day be as good a mom for my kids as you are to me.

I may have taught you how to pout but you taught me how to smile and I hope today is full of smiles for you! Not only today but everyday I love you and am thankful god gave me an angel when I was supposed to get a mother! Happy Mother's Day Mom!




OMG!!! I almost forgot my favorite part of any holiday: PRESENTS!!! Aside from a home made dinner by yours truly you will be receiving a shopping trip to the store of your choice at the value of fifty dollars!!! And what does a shopping trip need other than two crazy chicas like us??? COUPONS OF COURSE!!!!


There are five coupons! They read as follows:

Each star entitles The Worlds' Best Mom(aka Mine) to:
1. One free chore completed without whining or questions.
2. One free card game without promising to let you win.
3. One free venting session...despite anything else.
4. One free massage, pedicure, or any other deserved pampering.
5. One complaint-free fabric emergency.

'My mommy loves me more than anybody! You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' -kids on love email-

Note from Phyl...
Ok...if I do my math correctly, that is a total of 30 blessings...which if I play it right comes out to about one every two weeks and, um...that's almost a years worth...lol.

Shipped off yesterday...

The following items are now enroute to their rightful owners:

This is for Maverick...Ohio's Littlest Farmer:).


"Baby" Blankie...um...for a friend. It is only 36" x 36", so it is more of a couch back decoration, but should work nicely with the porcelain eagle collection.

This is the back:).


This is for a precious newborn baby girl:).


This is for my Mom, Betty, for Mother's Day:).


And...this is what I look like this morning...

Ok....you caught me...I am stealing content~

The precious oldest 'fruit of my loins' also has a blog. I found this post this morning. I have to share it with you:).

So I have a feeling this is one of those posts I might get into trouble for... That being said, I still feel the need to share this...

My mother is the type of woman who reminds me that we need fulfilment in our daily lives. She is always doing something to make the most out of her clear moments. Truly an inspiration to me even on the days I feel she is a pain in my @$$. She is a kind woman, an 'i don't care what they think' woman, and an all around blast to be around. However as amazing as she is, she is also the kind of woman who just can't seem to pick the right guy. Several of her past relationships seem to end in this amazing sense of emptyness and it's obvious she needs something to soothe this part of her that calls out, "Love me!"

This morning after several days of depression (sorry to put your business out there but this is vital to my point momma) this woman blares some praise and worship music. She is slightly less agitated than I've seen her. Truly healing music.

A couple different songs in particular had several lines that keyed me into this startling revelation I may have been ignoring previously. My mother believes in a religion where God is a loving creature with this amazing power to heal these pains in her heart. "How amazing is Your love?" Answer: The Power to fulfill her need to be loved unfaillingly.

These songs were singing not only to this amazing being but the part in her that needed to believe in this being. Now I am not particularly religious but I do believe in God. These "theories" as they are labeled by people who are not religious or spiritual are simply amazing paths to feeling more at peace. What does it matter what name you give this being? If we saw religion as the beneficial thing it is, could we condemn any religion that starts the belief in something outside of yourself, a deeper sense of oneness with the universe at large? How can that be bad? I saw the benefits of this today.

Now understand i'm not talking about any religion that calls on sacrificing children or killing ones self but I just can't for the life of me see why we can't just view religion as something slightly simpler and good. even if it isn't our exact view point...

Alana: First of all, expressing your honest emotions will never get you in trouble with me, Missy:). Second of all, I love you, too!

I am always touched when I read other people's "take" on me...I find it enlightening. It's all about figuring out who we are and how we feel about it. I am actually happier than I have ever been in my life...contentment is a wonderfully strange thing! God is sooo good!

I am grateful to HIM for giving you to me.

Hugs...

Bittersweet

My Navy Man just left to report to his new duty station(New Orleans) after 2 weeks leave:(. He is going to be 1,052 miles away from me! I am so very proud of him and I hugged him extra long. I wish I could tell you that he did not see me crying when I went out on the porch to salute him as he drove away. Being a parent is such a bittersweet thing. How can my heart be breaking and swelling with pride at the same time?

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Edited to add: ROTF~ I knew those pics would spark curiosity. Those 2 critters are 2 of my 4 GROWN(and I use the word lightly) children having a confectioner's sugar fight in MY LIVING ROOM~ Lucky for them they are cute...or I would not keep them...lol.

Fun for you and your kids!

My kids (who are all grown now) and I have played at this site since it first came on the Internet! If you are looking for something fun then you may wanna check out Neopets.

This site is great because you can adopt or make your own Virtual Pet(s) that need fed and played with. I always thought it would be an awesome alternative for Home Ec. or Life Skill students in place of carrying around an egg to learn how to take care of things! There are games that you can play, an economy complete with a bank that pays interest on your balance, a pound for abandoned pets that can be adopted, a soup kitchen for those who have not earned enough NeoPoints(NP) to feed their new pet, and so much more. This would make an ideal home schooling tool...and it's fun, too.

I am there...as scrappynhappy18 and my Neopet is a Peophin and her name is Phoebe18.
This is her:
Isn't she adorable? If you and your kids join, add me as a friend. My daughter and I would both be happy to help you out!

Have fun!

My Family

Happy Valentine's Day to my children~

To my children: Alana, Phylicia, Martail, Alijah, Joyce, Ashley, Roger, Chris, Heather, Jen, and Leslie,

I love all of you with all of my heart. You are the light in my life, the perk in my step, the twinkle in my eye, and the joy in each day.

If I birthed you, I thank God for giving me the pleasure of watching you grow into the wonderful person that you are.

If you are heart-adopted, I thank God that in all His wisdom He saw fit to bless me with your presence in my life.

I count all of you among the many blessings in my life! I hope your day is filled with loads of chocolate and lots of love!

With much love, many hugs, and tons of gratitude,

Momma/Madre/Min/other mother