Visits!

Short and sweet tonight. We found out the dates for some of our family to visit today!  That's for sure a blessing!  We are getting so excited to have family visit. It's been a very long time and there is so much fun to be had!

Check-ups, strike outs, and firm mattresses

I can't decide on just one blessing tonight so I'm going to talk about three. To start out today I had a doctors appointment. Simple annual but still worth noting. I'm blessed to be able to go to the doctor regularly and get good care. Then my new bed came!  It's a blessing for my back for sure. And it's several inches higher and I like heights. Then tonight I was blessed to enjoy a winning regionals Carolina game with my mom right behind home plate!  Saw several friends there as well which is always nice. So now it's a little past my bed time and I'm off to enjoy the new bed!

Girls just wanna have fun

Today was a fun day. It was a little rocky for a few minutes this morning but then it just became a fun day. Some of these fun things included going to YogHut with a friend, going to football practice, roughing up with the dogs, and having some fabulous Chicken Alfredo. Yes, I was blessed with a fun day today.  Everybody needs some fun!  

Celebrate!

I'm blessed today that my little glass painting business turned 2!!  And is still growing!  I've said before how great it has been for me to have a little side business. Today, I can say I'm blessed that it is still going strong after 2 years!

Happy media stories... No, really.

It's very easy in this crazy world to listen to all the negativity and become another negative drone. I do it all the time. I hear a negative and share a negative. It's very rare that a major news story is positive. Don't misunderstand, I don't suggest going through life with blinders on riding a unicorn through a magical cotton candy forest. I just mean that the good in the world gets masked and lost in the shuffle and it would be productive to everyone to hear more of the positives. 

Today, I was blessed to learn about two remarkable children. Children that at a young age care about things that matter in this world (not a wedding made famous by people made famous by being famous). 

First, this little third grader made a difference in our state. At such a young age to have such passion for change, even if it be only to have a state fossil, shows a drive and a desire that many of us have lost. I can only imagine the accomplishments she is capable of.  She's a great reminder of what everyone is capable of. She certainly revitalized my belief in dreams and hard work.  Below is the link to the article, it's a good, positive read. 

http://www.wjbf.com/story/25623469/governor-nikki-haley-signs-south-carolina-state-fossil-bill

The second child that struck a chord (literally) with me tonight oddly enough was on America's Got Talent. I rarely watch that show and I really just had it on tonight to have something on.  But then someone grabbed my attention.  This brilliant and talented nine year old that is in eighth grade and going into tenth (skipped five grades) played the piano. No, play is not an accurate description. He spoke through the piano. Although his playing and intelligence were out of this world, what impressed me the most was his wisdom. He said that the world has enough machines, what the world needs more of is emotion.  I think he may be on to something.  You can see his performance here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wGJ4SCuy3Ao

To conclude tonight's blog, I'd like to say that there are many positive, happy, and inspirational people out there. Their stories are important and motivational. I hope to share more of the good and balance out the bad. Maybe setting a positive example and popularizing the good in the world instead of the bad we can make the world just a little bit better. 

Memorial Day

As many of us spend the day on the lake or by the BBQ it is very easy to forget what today is really about.  There are many families with an empty seat at their cookout because their loved one made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country.  These men and women are a blessing to us all.  They are heroes and the ultimate patriots.  Without them, we could not be the home of the free and the brave.  While there is no way to ever thank them or their families to the degree they deserve, we can respect their memories and honor them always.

Today, I saw many social media posts regarding the holiday.  Some I had seen before, some were new.  I'd like to share a couple I found most interesting and poignant.

KNOW YOUR HISTORY: Memorial Day was started by former slaves on May, 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC to honor 257 dead Union Soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp. They dug up the bodies and worked for 2 weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom. They then held a parade of 10,000 people led by 2,800 Black children where they marched, sang and celebrated.

Thanks to Abstrakt Goldsmith for this nugget of history that most of us never learned in school.  


COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONES

While visiting some cemeteries you may notice that headstones marking certain graves have coins on them, left by previous visitors to the grave.

These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in America's military, and these meanings vary depending on the denomination of coin.

A coin left on a headstone or at the grave site is meant as a message to the deceased soldier's family that someone else has visited the grave to pay respect. Leaving a penny at the grave means simply that you visited.

A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together, while a dime means you served with him in some capacity. By leaving a quarter at the grave, you are telling the family that you were with the solider when he was killed.

According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or paying burial costs for indigent veterans.

In the US, this practice became common during the Vietnam war, due to the political divide in the country over the war; leaving a coin was seen as a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the grave than contacting the soldier's family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war.

Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a "down payment" to buy their fallen comrades a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited.

The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 

 

Something borrowed, something blue...

Great night!  We were blessed to watch our wonderful friends get married! Can't imagine any couple more suited for each other.  I couldn't be happier for them.  Tons of fun hanging out with everyone and on the dance floor too! 

Post storm

We had quite the mess after last night's storm.  We were blessed to just have a mess. A house two neighborhoods down from ours had a tree split and barely miss the house (thank God, that was a huge blessing).  Of course there is no way to compare our storm to the terrible hurricanes and tornadoes people deal with. 

While we were out cleaning up the debris we were also blessed to have two neighbors show up with their leaf blowers to help speed up the process. Lots of people were helping out other neighbors today and it was really very nice to see!

Hail to the football

Two for the price of one tonight.  Yesterday I was blessed to attend my first Blondes vs. Brunettes football practice!  This is going to be a fantastic experience for a great cause. 

We had quite the storm this evening. I can't remember the last time I actually saw hail. I am blessed to say that everything at home is okay with the exception on our poor decapitated tomato plant and the plastic pot that hold the petunias. 

Trial run

Running late tonight so this will be a short post. After the odd yesterday, today turned out to be pretty successful (see, reasons for everything!). Today I was blessed to find out that a work project I've been anxious to start was approved (EEEeeee!) and I get to be part of a trial marketing campaign, one of four or five across the country!  I don't think anyone else was really as excited as me but it's a great brain stimulation and I really wanted to try something new!  

Odd can be good

Sign of good weather- ants. They decided to come visit the kitchen before work today. Then I forgot to change my shoes so I wore these to work today:

Go Gamecocks!  At work I finally thought I was scooping the competition and could do something groundbreaking and a big wrench gets thrown in last minute. Of course the power gets temporarily knocked out only in two offices, one of them being mine and then I realize the new computer is flashing a blue screen warning.  It's been an odd day. Not a bad day, an odd day. Oh and Charlie caught a bird. She is very proud of herself. 

The other day I read something I had read before. I got the point the first time but the second time it really sunk in. I thought about this several times today. I think I was blessed by the message I got from it today. It help me put things in perspective and not let the odd turn to bad. Tonight, I would like to share it with you. I don't know where it came from originally so I can't give due credit but whoever wrote it, thank you. 

Me: God, can I ask You a question?

God: Sure

Me: Promise You won’t get mad

God: I promise

Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?

God: What do u mean?

Me: Well, I woke up late

God: Yes

Me: My car took forever to start

God: Okay

Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait

God: Huummm

Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call

God: All right

Me: And on top of it all, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn’t work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?

God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work.

Me (embarrassed): okay

God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I’m Sorry God

God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to Trust Me…. in All things, the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust You.

God: And don’t doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.

Me: I won’t God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.

God: You’re welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children.

What a weekend!

Okay, so this is going to be a blog full!  I was out of town this weekend and very busy so I saved up for tonight! WARNING!  There will be lots of pictures!

First, I would like to start with this wonderful banquet I went to Friday night. One of my nearest and dearest got teacher of the year!  Mom and I were blessed to be able to go to the banquet and be part of such a special night. We couldn't have been more proud to see her except her award. I always knew she was a great teacher, so glad to see her being recognized for her accomishments! 

After the banquet I headed out to Tybee Island, GA to celebrate in a different way. It was bachelorette weekend for another dear friend!  She wanted a bunch of friends and family to get together at the beach and it was a blast!  Hanging out on the beach with a bunch of girls talking and relaxing was great!  As was the hottub. You're never too old to play in the ocean either. It truly was a blessing to meet everyone and come together to celebrate with such a special person.  I'm so excited for the wedding next Sunday!

This brings me to my next blessing.  When you do this all day: 

It's a blessing to have this:

God's natural sunburn cure with a little technology to make it gel. Ahhh, soothing!  Haha, and then you start going out like this:

Finally, I was blessed to come home and discover that some of the mystery plants have bloomed!  I know I've mentioned the plants before and how much Molly and now Charlie enjoy helping in the yard. I don't think I've mentioned that apparently, several years ago, a landscaper came and did a lot of designing and planting. With the house being empty, the yard wasn't really nurtured. We don't know exactly what is out there and some plants that we thought were dead, and cut them back, have started growing again. We have things blooming we didn't know would bloom, I'm loving all these discoveries!!

Eye balls and birthdays

Worked pretty late last night and then lazily laid in bed but, like normal, I'll make up for it tonight. 

Yesterday I went with my mom to the eye doctor.  Normal check up but a lot better to have a driver with dialated eyes.  She now goes to the same place I do. They have recently expanded and added a new doctor.  I was a little nervous about this but we met the new doctor yesterday and I was very impressed. We are very blessed to have found a place where there is not one but two amazing ophthalmologists to treat our eyes. 

4 years ago today I was at a Tim McGraw/ Lady Antebellum concert with a friend in Atlanta. As exciting as that was the best part was when I found out my littlest cousin had been born.  We had a new little boy to love.  What better blessing could you ask for?  He's the cutest and funniest yet, and no doubt growing like a weed!  

What's that smell??

I was up late working on orders last night (yay!) and didn't post. I'll make up for that tonight. Learned last night that the amazing smelling flowers growing on the vine that is engulfing the tall pine tree in our backyard is Jasmine. Let me tell you, if you've never smelled this I suggest you go buy a vine. It may be my new favorite smell.  The petunias on the back porch don't smell too bad either. You know those Febreeze commercials where the people are laying on the carpet inhaling?  Yeah, I'm some version of that now.  I actually have a pretty sensitive nose. Perfumes drive me nuts but natural smells are great. Smelling is in fact, a blessing.  They can trigger emotional responses and memories. Granted there are some foul odors, it's still a blessing to be able to detect them.  Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular too. Even I can relax when I smell lavender. And Jasimne now. Definetely Jasmine. 

I was also blessed to have another team member join my Thirty-One team!  Not only will it help me out business wise but I'll get to meet someone new AND hopefully help her reach whatever goals she has set in her new endeavor. 

Does anybody know what day it is?

Its Mother's Day!  I have mentioned before what a blessing my mom is. But I'm gonna mention it again. :) My mom really is awesome. She's one of the strongest, smartest people I know. It's hasn't always been easy but she has always worked hard to make things good. My entire life she has done what's best for me and I can't appreciate her enough. Love my momma!  

Each mom is special and has a special story. To all the moms out there, happy Mother's Day!  

Possibilities

With a weekend full of graduations and the NFL draft I'm reminded that I have been blessed with the gift of endless possibilities. I'm very lucky to live somewhere where I can reach for the stars no matter what race, sex, or socioeconomic group I belong to. As these young people prepare for the next step in their journey it's important to remember that as long as we are breathing we can always take another step.  Age is meaningless in the pursuit of happiness.  In the words of Les Brown: The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today. 

Playtime

Cut the grass, planted some sunflower seeds, worked on some glasses, picked up a friend at the airport, placed some Thirty-One orders, cleaned and shined the floors, did some laundry, vacuumed the stairs and STILL was blessed to have play time!  You know what they say about all work and no play...

I wish I had a picture of this but I don't. Decided to try and teach the girls to play in the sprinklers today. Charlie was not a fan but Molly had a blast!  It was so much fun playing around with them. 

Then, this evening I got to walk around in a park with a friend. That was actually kind of relaxing and I do have a picture of that. :)

The answer is...cheesecake

Cheesecake. Plain (or not) and simple. Cheesecake, in any form, is a blessing. Aside from the fact that it tastes amazing, it's like the go to munchie for almost anything. Family functions, work functions, NFL draft viewings, and I bet there probably wouldn't have been any Golden Girls without cheesecake. It's a get together food, and anything that brings people together is a blessing. 

It's like having new clothes

Yesterday I put on a shirt I haven't got into in 2 years and today I wore a tennis outfit I've had for a year and couldn't wear. I'd say that is a blessing!  Shedding some extra weight and having the drive and energy to keep going! Yay! 

This is a stick up!

Many people cross our paths during this life. Some will influence us in good ways and others not so much. Some will stick up for us when we least expect it and some will do the least when we expect the most.  Those that will stand up for what's right, whether popular or not, are blessings to me, you, and the rest of the world. 

I learned of a few things today to lead me to this. Locally, I saw someone put themselves in a tough situation to defend another.  It was a very admirable action. In a neighboring state I learned of someone else that stood up for what was right, acted with integrity, and while the outcome may not have been ideal, the journey was, again, admirable.  Then in Virginia an 8 year old boy was killed the other day defending his sister from a rapist. Across the ocean people are standing up for the rights of 200+ kidnapped women and getting worldwide attention and help.  All these people are amazing blessings and I'm grateful to have such strength in the world.  

I've been thinking about this quote all day. I think it applies to so many situations even though it stemmed from a dramatic comedy. In the wise words of Julia Sugarbaker: 

"One of the things that I pray for... is that people with power will get good sense, and that people with good sense will get power... and that the rest of us will be blessed with the patience and the strength to survive...in the meantime!"

Feeling confident for a Monday

Manic Monday?  Actually as far as Mondays go it wasn't bad.  Aside from some very minor technical difficulties it was fairly smooth. I was confident I could fix the problem and I did.  Being blessed with self-confidence can help get through easy and tough situations. Now, I don't mean the vain, conceited type of self-confidence, I mean having faith in oneself.  If I don't believe I can accomplish something why should anyone else?  So I'm going to try and remember that when I get frustrated and irritated with a difficult task. I'm going to try and remember I can do what I set my mind to. 

Imagination and Creativity

Can you imagine how boring this world would be without the blessings of imagination and creativity?  There certainly wouldn't be new technologies so we'd probably be in a cave without a wheel. The arts would be non-existent and what would we read?  A bunch of boring biographies about people who did nothing exciting because there is nothing creative to do?  Of course the pencil probably wouldn't be invented or writing so we wouldn't read. 

It's very sad when imaginative, creative people get picked on or bullied because they look outside the box. Remember, that "nerd" may imagine the tool that saves you life one day!

Veggie Tales

Check this out:

Look at all those blessings!  Fresh fruits and vegetables and they were only $24!  I'm not a huge fruits and veggie person but I actually like most the stuff in this box. We were lucky enough to be turned onto a company that collects produce twice a month from local farmers (which I love to support) and packages all of it together in these nice boxes. Did I mention it's only $24?  We are so lucky to have such good food. 

If you are in the Columbia area I totally suggest checking out the Brown Box Veggies site: https://www.brownboxveggies.com

Compromise

Ah the blessing of compromise. An art some have mastered, some have not, and some (me) are somewhere in between.  Granted the compromises I have to make aren't as large as say, peace between nations or land rights, but it's important to try no matter what the situation.  It's a good sign of character to show empathy for the other side and meet in the middle.  A lesson I hope to remember next time the occasion rises. 

Furry Friends

Okay, about 12 hours late but I'm off on Fridays now so I'll catch up!  We are blessed to have a four legged visitor this weekend. The girls love having friends come play and this will be the first time they get to show off the new yard.  Even cat is excited!