Wordless Wednesday: My cowboy

The Shack by WM. Paul Young

From the jacket: Mackenzie Allen Philips's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.
Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question: Where is God in the a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.

My thoughts: First of all, I have to THANK YOU to my Aunt Kim for telling about this book and telling me I needed to read it. Having just finished it, I am not sure I have the words yet to justify the intensity of this book. Wow! The first day of reading, I had to just put it down and let some things soak in. The second day of reading, I just cried. I am sure we have all asked ourselves when horrible things happen, why did God let it happen? This book gives some insight and really gets you to thinking about things. I am sure that it will affect different people differently depending on your life. I am not one to read a book twice, but this is one that I almost want to read a second time to make sure I didn't miss anything! Awesome!!

Priorities...

This blog has been temporarily interrupted for a FULL DAY OF SCRAPBOOKING with my scrappin' peeps!!! So...the way I see it, that gives you time to read the post below and vote!!!

til tomorrow....

Opinions Please!!

And folks, that means you can't just read it, you have to actually leave a comment with your opinion!! If you are really comment challenged, then shot me an email. Indulge me people!

Ok - this is a fun topic...well, fun to some I guess! Kevin and I have been talking about our wedding lately (gasp - what?!? Did she say wedding? Yes, she did! Now, before the gossip really kicks up, let me say this - we are not officially engaged or anything. We are kind of like that Dixie Chicks song "I shouldn't be wearing white and you can't afford no ring." LOL!) Ok - seriously, it is not a matter of if we get married but when. I mean really do you think we we've been through all this and stuck by each other for nothing? :-) Our love has done nothing but grow stronger with each trial that has come our way.

So...here's where your opinion matters (sort of - I mean you know we'll do what we want anyway! Ha!). What kind of wedding should we have? After all, it is a second marriage for both of us. But, then you gotta look at our history and all we've been through together over just the past 2 1/2 years...that doesn't even count us breaking each others hearts when we were 15 years old. He will, of course, tell you that I broke HIS...But, I am getting off topic...

Here are the wedding options we have come up with:

Option 1 ~ (Kevin's idea & a sweet one at that) We could get married in Newport at the church where we met & grew up in as little kids by the preacher we both loved as kids. Small, simple, very casual ceremony with close friends and family.

Option 2 ~ (my idea) We could take our parents on a trip and just get married on a beach somewhere barefoot in the sand...no stressful planning.

Option 3 ~ (Director at John 3:16 idea) We could get married at the chapel at John 3:16. Again, small, simple, very casual with close friends and family. No one that has gotten married there has gotten a divorce. (just a side note - ha).

**Note: When I say close friends and family, both our families are big. A family gathering with my family alone is 45 people and his family is about the same...I don't want big...how to do you make cuts? There are so many people who have supported us and I wouldn't want them left out. This is when option 2 looks good to me! :-)

Now...let's hear it. You have to choose 1, 2, or 3 unless you have a really cool idea. Oh, if there are any negative nellies out there who don't think we should get married, well, your vote doesn't count! hee-hee

Back again!

I am finally home again after burning up the Arkansas highways some more for the holidays! I am tired of being in the car for sure!! I took Kevin back to camp today after getting to be with him for 2 days, and I'm not going to lie to you. It was a little bit hard to leave him. I cried...a few times! :-) But, it's all for the best...luckily, we were never sad at the same time, so the other one could hold the sad one up! Funny how that works...anyway, we know how blessed we were to be together and with our families for Christmas.

On a cheerful note (cause you know I don't like to be sad for long...I'm about to take it out on this house and give it a good scrubbin', then I'll be fine! ha!), here are some of our Christmas favorites this year.

Kevin's favorite moments were our car rides together because it was just the two of us (isn't he a sweet one! hee-hee!).

My favorite moments were playing guitar hero with his nephews. That was FUN! I want one of those games!! I went from 21% on my first try to 70% by the end of the day!! Pretty good progress. Although, I am horrible!!! ha!

My other favorite moments were out riding the horses on Christmas day with my nieces. You knew we'd have to get horses in sometime!! :-) It was so COLD, but I still loved it! My feet stayed on the ground, and I took pictures. But, Autumn just had to dare Kevin to ride and call him a chicken. So...he can't resist a dare and rode Shena! She's not always nice, but he didn't get thrown! ha!
Favorite presents...

My favorite presents were my Dr. Pepper PJ pants (How AWESOME!! You know how much I love DP!!!), my Christmas money, and a book from Mom called Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Of course, after 2 sentences, I cried! Kevin's favorite presents were his BB gun (he was like a little kid and wanted to immediately go outside and start shooting things!!) and his Christmas money. Can't wait to hear about everyone else's holidays!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

From the whole clan...even the cats! :-)

Cross Country By James Patterson

From the jacket: Detective Alex Cross is called to the worst murder scene he has encountered in all his years on the force. Someone with less than zero regard for human life has slaughtered a family - and then more killings, each one more ruthless than the last, quickly follow. One of these deaths comes terrifyingly close to home, and Alex realizes that he is chasing a horrible new breed of killer.

As Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, dig deeper into the case, they become entangled in the deadly African underworld of Washington DC. What they discover there is so shocking that they can barely comprehend it: a strongly organized gang of teenage thugs headed by a diabolical warlord known only as the Tiger. When the elusive killer's trail turns up in Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone.

My thoughts: The Alex Cross series is my absolute favorite mystery series to read and this one does NOT disappoint. I started it last night and finished it today. So - to my other Cross fans (Peggy and Christie), this is a MUST read!!

Griswold Kind of Christmas

Dad had the great idea to drive us all (me, my bubby, his wife, their two girls, Mom and Dad) to Granny's for Christmas on Saturday. We had all spent the night at Mom & Dad's the night before & it made more sense than taking 3 cars AND a lot more fun!

All aboard the Griswold RV Christmas train!!!!

Now, there are many fun moments that need to be written down and remembered about this trip. But, first you should all know that we cheered and clapped when we made it to Granny's driveway. On this 2 hour drive, we had no heat and it was COLD. We were all covered in blankets...except Dad...the driver in the front had heat. Ours was escaping through the vent that we very quickly discovered was missing a screw and wouldn't crank down! ha!

When we were within 45 minutes or so of our destination, we noticed we were losing speed...hmmm? Not going over 45 mph and cars passing us left and right. The adults noticed a puttering kind of feel to the RV. Many "think we are going to make it" looks passed between the adults!!! But we made it & after we opened gifts, Dad left with Uncle Terry to work on the RV, so we could make it home safely. So, imagine being 2 hours away and 6 of us at Granny's house wondering if our ride was going to be repaired or if we were stuck....stuck in itty, bitty Piggott!! Dad fixed it and we were all saved...saved to ride home in the even colder weather with no heat! :-) But it was FUN! I vote we take the RV every year.

My favorite moment was when a car blocked dad from making his turn and we all asked where he was going he said, "Some *#*hole cut me off & I missed my turn!" Autumn whipped around QUICK and pointed her finger at him and said, "I can't believe you just said that!" You probably had to be there, but we were all rolling!!

Thanks Dad for getting there and back safely! I loved having a Griswold kind of Christmas!

It's Santa!

I've been traveling Arkansas again since Friday, so I'm going to backtrack and tell you about Friday first! :-)

Friday was a good day!! I had my most successful school Christmas party in 11 years of teaching - awesome room mom this year!! AWESOME! We had a craft station, a game station, and a food station. They rotated through in small groups and PARENTS ran each station - fabulous!! Plus, I got some really good teacher gifts! ha!

At 2:25, I breathed a sigh of relief that I had finally made it to Christmas Break! Woo-hoo! Two weeks off!! I loaded up all my loot and headed out of town. Stop 1 was the Christmas program at John 3:16 Ministries....and guess who was Santa for the kids???

Recognize that face? hee-hee! Kevin made a great Santa!! One kid was in such awe that he just stood in the aisle jumping up and down! ha! It was a great program and a good start to a holiday filled weekend.

After the program, I headed to Mom & Dad's to spend the night...tune in tomorrow to see pics of our Christmas Adventure...and an adventure it was!

Let the fun begin...

Got this from Vader's Mom and and the rule is if you read it, you were supposed to play. So sure - why not!?! I needed a post! :-)

1.Do you like cheese? Of course. It makes everything better!
2.Have you ever smoked? yes for years...but not for the past two! woo-hoo!
3. Do you own a gun? You bet I do! Dad just gave me a new one!
4. Do you like listening to Christmas music? Sometimes. I have to be in the mood.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? not really
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like them at ballgames or when I'm camping!
7. Favorite Christmas song for all time? Silent Night
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Dr. Pepper
9. Can you do push ups? very doubtful!!
10. Who is your favorite Grey’s Anatomy Character? Was Izzy but she's weird right now!
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? a watch - can't be without it
12. Favorite hobby? scrapbooking, reading, blogging...
13. Do you eat “exotic” foods? I try not to unless Kevin makes me try it!
14. Do you have A.D.D.? Not officially - sometimes I behave like I do
15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? you all know I hate my freckles
16. Middle Name? Dawn
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? "My name is so country" "I am sleepy" "I am ready for it to be tomorrow at 2:30"
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? dinner at TaMolly's, stamps, ink cartridge
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper
20. Current worry right now? I worry b/c Jax is getting so old...
21. Current hate? overbearing parents (at school - not mine or Kevin's -ha!)
22. Favorite place to be? camping with Kevin
23. How will you bring in the New Year? luckily, with Kevin!! :-)
24. Where would you like to go? Alaskan cruise
25. Name three people who will complete this? I don't know - surprise me!
26. Do you own flip flops? Of course - several!!!
27. What shirt are you wearing? brown sweater
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Don't think I've ever tried but I like warm sheets
29. Can you whistle? yes but not well
30. Favorite color? green
31. Would you be a pirate? No - I couldn't be mean (at least not for long! ha!)
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I am too grouchy in the morning to sing anything!
33. Favorite girl’s name? not sure...
34. Favorite boy’s name? these aren't fair questions for a teacher with hyper kids right now!
35. What’s in your pocket right now? nothing
36. Last thing that made you laugh? New Adventures of Old Christine
37. Bed sheets as a child? Not sure but probably strawberry shortcake!
38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? that I remember - getting thrown from a horse
39. Do you love where you live? Yes!
40. How many TV’s do you have in your house? Two
41. Who is your loudest friend? Holly (although Kevin doesn't have an inside voice either)
42. How many dogs do you have? Just Jax!
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Kevin does since he was 15...heehee!
44. Do you get embarrassed easily? yep
45. What is your favorite book? Too many to pick...love classics and James Patterson!
46. What is your favorite candy? Nerds
47. Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince theme song? just some...
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Something cheerful I guess?
49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I gotta pee!

Under Construction...

Yes - you are at the right place - if you are looking for Lori's blog, These are the days....

Patience - I am trying to make changes without bugging Lindsay who usually does it for me! (Although, I did buy the template from her - go to her website - she has some cool ones!)

I have NO clue what I'm doing....so bare with me!

I love snowmen so thought it would be a cute winter look...I may regret it! ha!

Lazy Day

This picture of Jax NOT wanting to get out of bed pretty much sums up our day! ha! Note how he lays ACROSS the bed and leaves me with NO room and how he doesn't lay on the blanket I put on the bed for him. I get no respect! LOL!

We didn't get snow - just yucky ice. So, I stayed in all day. In between reading a book that I could not put down (review below), I did get all my Christmas presents wrapped and some ironing done. However, I never managed to shower, dress, or leave the house! Ha! I love days like today!!

Keeper of the Keys by Perri O'Shaughnessy

**Finally, a good book! woo-hoo! It's been a few reads for me. And, you know I started keeping track of what I read on here this year because of my New Year's Resolution to read more. I think this made book 12 this year, so one a month....not bad for a girl working on her master's. Patting myself on the back!

From the jacket: For ambitious, troubled architect Ray Jackson, the nightmare begins one sultry California night when his wife disappears. No phone call, no ransom note, no body, reveals whether Leigh is dead or alive.
Then suddenly, a woman shows up on Ray's doorstep demanding answers: Kathleen, an old friend of Leigh's. Ray wants answers too, but his questions seem strange and shady to Kat. Suspected by his wife's friend and the police, Ray launches a desperate and alarming search of his own. Using a collection of keys he has held on to since he was a boy - keys to homes he and his mother once lived in - Ray quietly yet boldly enters each house, one by one, hoping to unlock the secrets of his past. As past and present collide, as a chilling mystery begins to unravel, Ray is suddenly confronted with the most agonizing decision of his life - to face his own violence-laden past, acting to prevent another horrendous act of violence, or not. His choice will leave nothing and no one the same.

What I thought: I loved it! I kept changing my mind about what I thought happened to his wife through the entire book. I wanted to read more and find out what happened...couldn't put it down! If you love a good mystery, this is a good read. It also made me want to change all the locks on my house! ha!

What? A free day???

The weather is looking like I may get a free day off tomorrow!!
Not snow though, just ice - bummer! But still, a free day off!
Everyone cross your fingers and toes!! hee-hee!
*updates tomorrow....

My Praise Report

Every Sunday at John 3:16, the residents and graduates stand up and give their individual praise reports for what they are grateful for that week. So, in honor of them, here is mine:

This week I am grateful that Kevin has made it to the half-way point in his stay at John 3:16 and the positive changes I see him. I am grateful that Kevin had his court date this week and got that behind us. That is the closing of a chapter in Kevin's life. It was good to be reminded of how bad things had gotten, so we could truly appreciate how far he has come in the past three months.

I am grateful that John 3:16 came into our lives, because it reaches far beyond just Kevin and his addiction. I have benefited and grown from this experience too. John 3:16 has been an inspiration for me and has shown me how to live for God and with God in my life. Before this, I just went to church on Sunday, but I didn't live it. Now, I not only read my Bible nightly but I reflect on what I've read and ask how it pertains to me and my life. I seek out more material to read. I am not afraid to talk about God to other people. I have started going to a Bible Study. And, this is just the beginning of what John 3:16 has done for me. So, maybe you can see why when I say we may move to Batesville, it isn't ALL for Kevin. I feel a pull to be near this place that brought so much peace into both our lives. I praise God daily for John 3:16 and answered prayers!

Cranky

I am in a funk...a cranky funk...and I am going to let it carry over into tomorrow so I can be a "mean teacher" because my kids were horrible for the sub today! Why am I cranky you ask? Oh, let me count the ways...

1. I suck at crafts. How do people wrap presents with all those cool bows and ribbon? I thought I would try it today. It looks like a 10 year old wrapped my presents!

2. Christmas planning...urgh! It stresses me to even think about it. Usually it isn't such a big ordeal but with Kevin getting to come home for two days (but with restrictions) and me wanting to be where he is, well, it complicates things. Of course, there is the big question of what to do with the dog...you know, my spoiled, rotten, high-maintenance, dog aggressive, separation anxiety, scared of storms dog? Yep, gotta figure out what to do with him....jeez! I know there are those of you that are saying he is just a dog - board him or have someone come over and throw some food his way, but I refer you back to separation anxiety dog. Plus the fact that he is not just a dog to me. He is my only companion in life that has never, ever let me down. So, I try to return the favor.

3. Then, there is my class. I got a 2 1/2 page email from the sub today. The sub that I made special arrangements to have so they could have a nice day. I should've just left it to the system and let them have any old sub. This sub is a parent of one of my kids and was mortified at their behavior. They were so disrespectful. Oh....they will regret coming to school tomorrow, I promise you that! I can't believe how they acted.

4. And, lastly, let's just be honest for a minute. I didn't play hookie from school today to go Christmas shopping. Today was Kevin's court date for his DWI. I mean, I didn't come out and say to everyone (some knew) that he got arrested for drinking and driving, but I hinted at it. And, you had to know something serious went down for me to finally give him the ultimatum of 'moving out and it's over' or 'going to rehab'. So, today was my first time in a courtroom. I didn't like it and don't ever want to go back. He got a hefty fine, a choice between 10 days in jail or 20 days of community service, a 10 hour class on alcohol and self-help, and 2 year suspended license. Good times! You know I HATE drinking and driving, H.A.T.E. it! And, I am all for consequences for your actions. But my palms were still sweating and I was still nervous for him because I love him. Do I love him enough to drive him around for 2 years? Well, yes, of course I do. As long as he also rides a bike some and walks some! :-) Live and learn.... It could have been so much worse. He could've killed someone that night. That is something he couldn't live with and neither could I.

So there you have it, my very solid reasons to be in a cranky mood. Don't tell me to cheer up...I will tomorrow at 2:25!!

Randomness...

*Got my Christmas cards finished tonight and will have them in the mail tomorrow! Yay! The mail is so exciting this time of year!!

*For some odd reason as Jax has gotten older he has become afraid of thunderstorms. And this is really strange - months ago, a tornado hit close to our house and me, Jax, and the cats all hid in the closet ...well, every since then, when it storms, Jax hides in my closet! An 80 pound dog!! ha! Today, it stormed while I was at work and he drug all the clothes that were in the floor of my closet out and had them all over the bedroom. I had to laugh because I bet he spent most of his day in my closet! He's such a big baby!

*And, to keep with the random theme - here is my new favorite saying : Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain.

*Oh, here's one more - Sandy, one of my bff's, saw this today and thought of me and Kevin - Loved you once, Love you still, Always have Always will - Awwww!

*One more thing - I just realized it has been 2 years since I last smoked!!
WOO-HOO!

Told you it was random....

Christmas Chores

This is Jax telling me to STOP making Christmas presents that take hours on the computer (I'll explain later - remember, family reads), STOP addressing Christmas cards, and STOP putting Christmas stuff out and just pay attention to him! So, that's what I'm about to do!! (after blogging of course!) :-)

You will be relieved to know, I brought the Christmas tree in from the garage tonight and a few other things but not an ALL-OUT decorating fest like I normally do!

Here's the proof and yes, she is leaning. I'll deal with that later! ha!

And I need to puff her up a bit, but I refer you back to Jax's sad face. I gotta hurry and get to the couch with him! ha! It will wait!

My favorite new item this year is a gift from one of my student's last year.
I love it:

Pros & Cons

Well, the cat is out of the bag that Kevin & I are discussing a possible move to be closer to John 3:16. For those of you that don't know, John 3:16 is a 2 hour drive from where we live now. We decided to look into a few things this week and make a pro/con list of relocating. Basically, this is our list....(what is funny is that our lists were almost identical!)

Pros:
1. The biggest pro was being closer to John 3:16 (I gave this one a weight of counting as 3 pro's in one). By being closer a) Kevin has more support in his addiction b) we will both be able to give back to a place that has given us both so much c) John 3:16 is like an extended family
2. We would be an hour closer to our families. (As in, my Mom would be 45 minutes away and when kids come into the picture, I can easily call for help!)
3. small town atmosphere (We are both originally from a small town - actually the football rivals of the one we are debating moving to....hmmm?)
4. Cost of living is lower.
5. Crime level is lower. (Kevin argued this point, but crime has been on my mind lately.)
6. Dry county with a much longer drive to the nearest liquor store. We live in a dry county now but the liquor store is 2 miles down the road at the county line.
7. Job opportunities are better for Kevin because that community is SO supportive of the graduates at John 3:16. He already has job offers.
8. Kevin would have access to the concessions trailer at John 3:16, and we all know his dream is to cater and run concessions. (and I want to help him sling BBQ someday!)
9. We could have a fresh start!

Cons:
1. I would miss my friends BAD! (that includes family friends, work friends, scrap friends - everybody!)
2. I would take a BIG pay cut! (Anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000)
3. Selling my house (not a sellers market right now and I would miss my house).
4. Small town (yes, this is a pro and a con - you get it if you've ever lived in a small town)....no good restaurants, decent movie theatre, not sure if they even have Wal-Mart!
5. Quality of the school district isn't as good as where we are now.

So, there you have it! And, yes, Kevin did say today that I would be the one making all the sacrifices if we moved, and that he didn't feel that was fair. It would be easy for him to move, because the only thing keeping him here is me. That being said, I am the one who brought up moving, not him, because I feel a pull to give back to John 3:16. But, maybe we can do that without moving...no decisions are being made lightly or without thought and prayer.

Any thoughts? Be honest!

Christmas Spirit

That's what I'm missing this year...where is it? It is December 4th - I usually decorate the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas. Haven't yet this year and am actually contemplating NOT decorating this year! GASP! I have always decorated...what the heck is going on? You know what is really sad about it? My tree is wrapped in plastic in the garage completely decorated!!! All I have to do is carry it in, unwrap it, and plug it in. Presto! But, I just plain don't feel like it. I'm not sad. I'm not having a pity party that Kevin isn't here for Christmas. I just don't have that excitement that it is almost Christmas. Maybe it's money? I am bummed that after not charging anything for over a year and a half, I've had to charge. That sucks. But would that zap my Christmas spirit? Come on folks! Help a girl out....tell me something, anything to do to put me in the mood for the season!!! (Anything but Christmas music...I'm not one that can listen to Christmas carols! Bah-hum-bug! huh?) HELP!

More Wordless Wednesday : Turkey Day Slideshow

Wordless Wednesday

*Me and Kevin at High School Graduation (hee-hee!)

Sunday at Tiffany's by James Patterson

*I am a reading fool these days! Hee-hee! I love it! I just hope my next selection is better!!!

From the jacket: Jane Margaux is a lonely little girl. Her mother, a powerful Broadway producer, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever though. On Jane's ninth birthday he leaves, promising her that she'll forget him soon. He was there to help her until she was old enough to manage on her own, and now there are other children who need his help.

Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And, despite her own success as a playwright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets a man, a handsome, comforting, funny man. He's perfect -

What I thought: You all know James Patterson is my favorite author. That is the ONLY reason I read or even finished this book. He needs to stick to his mysteries - Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club series. I just couldn't swallow a love story with an imaginary friend from childhood that is suddenly becoming humanized. What!?!? So, Christie and Peggy - skip this one! I know you are Patterson fans too, but trust me on this one!