FUN WITH CHOCOLATE

Is there any more perfect food than rich, creamy chocolate? Personally, I think it is THE perfect food. But, it's much more than that!

Of course, it is divine to EAT. Nothing tastes better!

Have you ever had one of these molten lava cakes? To die for!

Mama said not to PLAY with my food...but in the case of chocolate dominos...I'd be tempted to play first...then eat!

And, this does not seem like a bad idea either...BATHE in it!

And, with this calculator...you could actually WORK with it!


And, now, thanks to my DIL, Suzanne, we are going to play a little math game. I generally try to stay away from any thing that causes me to have to 'borrow and carry or multiply and divide'...but, in this case, since she called it CHOCOLATE MATH, I'll give it a try!

WARNING!!!!!Don't cheat by scrolling down to the end. This will only take a few seconds....and it's fun! Since I teach preschool, and we only count as high as the number of fingers we have...I needed to use a calculator...but, you'll probably be fine without one...Here goes...Now work it out as you go along...

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to
have chocolate (more than once but fewer than 10)


2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)


3. Add 5


4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator...it's ok.


5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1759 ...
If you haven't, add 1758..


6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.


You should have a three digit number






The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).





The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2009) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND
WHILE IT LASTS.

This 'yummy' diversion was brought to you by:
and her DIL.

THIS AND THAT

Thought I would share a little of my Easter decor with you. Here is that cute Lila Bunny who followed me home from Moutrie, and you can see the garland that we had to work hard to get! But, it was worth it! I love it all put together. This is on the foyer table coming in my front door.






The weather here was yucky today. It was pretty bad this morning with tornados and severe thunderstorms all around us. The weather folks say it will be the same for the next few days. Not my first choice of weather for the end of my Spring Break! However, since there are a few projects I want to complete inside...maybe it is a good thing after all...as long as there is NO lightning! That would totally distract me.

I also found out a childhood friend of mine was buried today. I do not have any of the details. I spent many nights at her home...we grew up together...and played together...and went to school together. I wish I had known earlier so I could be at her funeral.

SPRING BREAK

Oh! Yeah! I'm really getting into this Spring Break! I am here to declare that I intend to stay 'on break' until Sunday! Just so you know...

Come on, join me! Everything you HAVE to do will wait...or someone else will do it. RELAX...READ A BOOK...EAT SOME ICE CREAM...from the carton even! You deserve a break!

TRAIN UP A CHILD...

During my friend, Tina's birthday party, one of the gifts she recieved was a plate with a portion of scripture on it. My friend, Rhonda, asked if anyone knew the rest of the verse. Several of us chimed in and finished out the rest of the words. Somehow the conversation got around to waaaaaay back when we were in GA's. For those of you that are not of the Southern Baptist persuasion, GA's stood for Girl's Auxillary...later to become Girls in Action. This was a girl's missions group that met every week. We would learn about missionaries and their work all over the world. At one point way, way back...you could achieve different levels in the group depending on the steps you completed. There was a watchword and several different verses that we repeated every week. That, for me, was at least 45 years ago. 45!!! But, when Rhonda said, "Can you remember the rest of this one?"....I could. And, I have not thought of that verse in ...well...45 years! "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. Those words just poured out of my mouth. And, we went on and repeated the Aim and the Watchword, and the other things we had learned so many years ago. And for the most part...both of us remembered almost all the words. Our pastor and his wife were at the party and they had brought their 2 children...grade school age. Our friend Ron, who teaches children in our church, looked at them and said, "See, you'll remember the things you are learning now, just like that, when you are old!"

Well, I don't know about the 'old' part...but, I'm here to say this: the things you learn and forget you ever knew, are still locked away in there. There is no telling what will cause you to bring it to the forefront of your memory...but, if you need it ... it will be there. I am so happy to know that I still remembered those verses. And, it causes me to think of all the verses my children have memorized over the years. Those things will be with them forever, too.

Parents, be sure the things you put into your children's memory bank are worthy of recalling 40 or 50 years later. Let them be sweet memories...stories of Jesus...words that will heal and help...verses to remind them of early days spent learning of Him.

FUN & FRIVOLITY with FRIENDS & FAMILY

Tina and I set off on a day trip to Moultrie with Tina's daughter, sweet Amy, as our companion and driver. Only on the rural roads in Alabama and Georgia would you be held up by such as this. We must have passed 3 or 4 during our trip. We also saw a deer or 2 run cross our path, and a good 'ole boy State Trooper who, thank goodness, was not in the mood to give out tickets! Of course, the prayers from the passengers and the driver could have had something to do with it, too!
Here is our P.I.T. crew...Amy, Jolie, and Jayna. J and J are Shirley's daughters. But, I claim all 3, too! Our mission for the day was a local craft show, some junking, and lunch and shopping downtown. And, we accomplished it all!
On the streets of Moultrie. I do not know what that looks like in my hands...kind of like a green tumbleweed. But, it is 2 strands of garland we bought off the wall from a lady who didn't own the store, and didn't know the price and didn't really know if she should sell it. But, she did...I mean, really now, she didn't stand a chance up against the likes of the 6 of us. We were not going to leave without the garland...and she really wanted to get back to her beauty shop next door. And, I paid for it in the restaurant. I know it sounds confusing...but, I promise...it was all legal. And the garland looks extremely nice in the Creek House, thank-you very much! FYI: Really...don't try to figure it out.
Now, would you just look at this sweet rabbit that jumped up in my lap to have her picture made with us! Her name was Lila...and she wanted very much to live in Dothan. So, we obliged!

We had a wonderful day, as we always do when we are together! Went back by Shirl's house to see the rest of the family. Learned to do the Hippity Hoppity Dance from Little Gabby, and almost got to read a book with her! We headed home...slower...and made it here by dark! Great day! Hope you feel better, Shirl!

Today, we went to church. And afterward went out to eat with Tina, Buddy, Jim and Jan. Since today was Tina's official birthday, we managed to make her a spectacle in Applebee's by telling them it was her birthday. Don't ya just hate it when they start all that clapping and singing? The free desert is nice, though!

Then, this afternoon was a special time for my niece, Lori. Joy's youngest daughter is getting married in May, and our dear friend, Patty, headed up a shower for her, assisted by the girl's in their Sunday School class.

Here is beautiful Lori. She is a psychologist here in Dothan.
Lori enjoyed opening her wonderful gifts. Next to her are Joy and Mom. Sorry, Tara, I didn't get you in the pic. OOPS.
Patty and I being silly around the food table. Lori loves lemons, so there was lemonade, lemon cake, lemon squares, etc. All yummy!
The 2 prettiest girls there...Lori and her Granny!

Whew! I think I need to put my feet up and rest! Good thing next week is spring break!

FIRST DAY OF SPRING

"LOOK!" The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the sound of the singing of birds
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance."
Song of Songs 2:11-13a

AWARD TIME

"The blogs that receive this award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."
Thank you, Sharon, for this award. I pray that I am worthy of it. My prayer is that I always shine His light in all I do.

If you are not a reader of "God's Child", Sharon's blog, please know that there you will find God's word and wonderful inspiration for daily living. She blesses me so often with her writings.




This award is for blogs that show kindness and sweetness in their entries.

A big thanks to Jennifer for passing on this award to me. I so enjoy reading about the adventures of her family in Michigan. She is a dedicated Christian, and shares Christ through her blog.

CREEK HOUSE ADDITIONS

Since Don hung this Chinese window screen for me, I have been looking for the perfect piece to go underneath it. I have searched the stores here and online, but could not find anything that struck my fancy. Because we were entertaining last weekend, I renewed my search. I had just about given up, when I made a stop at one last place. Walking through the extremely crowded furniture store, it is easy to miss something. So, I went through twice and, on my second pass, I spotted this chest...or rather, I spotted the corner of it. There were 2 chairs and another table in front of it, so it was hard to get a good look at it. It was originally $680...and marked down to $339. Good deal, but, I still wasn't sure. I had not planned to get anything with a design on it...I wanted just a plain chest. So, I left, and got in my car...then I got right back out and went in and bought it! To my surprise, the clerk told me, that there was a sale going on and it was reduced another $100! I had them wrap it up and put it in my car.

It is very heavy, even though it is small. I was so anxious to see it in the house, to see if I had made a good choice or not. I knew that I was going to have to call Adam or Ian to come and get it out for me. But, when I got home, the son of a dear friend of mine happened to be at my house picking up some box springs to deliver to my niece. Now, he is a strong young man...and one of the nicest guys you'll ever want to meet. He and Ian grew up together in church. Justin is married and has the cutest little girl. Anyway...I asked him to help, and he carried it in for me. I unwrapped it and I LOVED IT! It looks as if it was just made for this wall.
Things with designs on them puzzle me sometimes, because I do not want there to be too much going on. But, this looks perfect to me! Here is a close-up of the painting on the front.A small portion of the design is repeated on the sides also. I added a portion of my bird collection to the top to coordinate with the design.

Don't you just love it when you make a purchase and it turns out to be just exactly what you wanted...even if you weren't sure exactly what it was you wanted?
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I had a painting that I bought to go on this wall that I really loved...and still do. My DH, however, did not share my appreciation of this fine piece of art. I began looking for something else to hang there, and this is a painting that I found. It is by Matthew Mertzer and is a layering process of colors upon colors. I really love it. And it has all the colors we are using in our home.It is hanging above an antique Chinese desk that came from the Mongolian area of China...appr.300 years old.


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I FINALLY got the picture I brought back from Savannah last year hung in the foyer. Remember...it is the one I carried on my head all the way home! Yes, I know you can see my lovely reflection in the full shot, but, I wanted you to see it over the Chinese butcher's table. You can get a better idea of the colors in the next pic.


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This is a photograph on canvas Don and I purchased on our trip to Maui last October. We had it stretched onto canvas, and Don has it hanging in his office. Aren't the colors magnificent?

Nothing like a party to get little details finished up!

THE SURPRISE PARTY

A few weeks ago the daughter of one of my best friends, Amy, called and asked if I would help her with her Mom's 60th birthday party. I said that I would love to and the next question was if I could have it at the Creek House. A wonderful excuse to have our first party in our new home. So, we have been working on plans, and meeting secretly to get everything ready And, yesterday was the day! And what a day it was!
This screen was beside my front door. We cut out her initials and hung them there.

This is a view coming up my front walkway.

Myself and Tina. She was very surprised!

And this is her beautiful daughter Amy. How sweet of her to want to make her Mom's day special.

This is the 'Oh so elegant' cake. Bottom layer-buttercream...middle layer-strawberry...top layer-key lime. All-yummy!!!

Mantle decorations...I covered the letters of her name with moss. I used some of my mercury glass, red roses in black vases, and white candles.

One of the table floral arrangements...I think they turned out very well...I'm not the best at flower arrangements.

These are 2 more of our friends. Jan on left, and Shirley, our bestest Moultrie buddy, on the right. Shirley drove over from Moultrie, GA. yesterday morning, and spent the night with me. Jan lives here and came over, too, to help us get ready. Jan coordinated all the food. Thank goodness that was not my job! Amy wanted balloons...lots of balloons...150 to be exact. Several of us took turns blowing them up with a helium tank. They were everywhere...but surely added to the festivities! Don and Buddy had to pop them all when the party was over! Jan and Shirley did some potting and decorating outside. They pulled together a great outside mantle display. And, Shirley helped me put some finishing touches on the house. She can do the most in the least amount of time! Thanks, Shirl and Jan!

Yes! Don't pass out! It's ME---COOKING! See, I can do it if I need to! :) Actually, I am preparing the chocolate for the fruit fondue! Kiwi, strawberries, and marshmallows...and wonderful, rich, dark chocolate to dip them in! To die for!

Don got in on the preparations, too. There are LOTS of leaves falling around this yard! And, into the pool!!!

And, this is our lovely table! Isn't it festive looking? Chicken salad, congealed salad, grape salad, Texas Caviar, 3 kinds of sandwiches, 7 layer salad, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, fruit, and cake...all delicious!

Fun around the outside table in the covered porch. Very cozy, even though it was raining!

And this is the Davis family...Amy, Tina, and Buddy. Wonderful people...terrific friends...a joy to know and call 'friends'.

Buddy took Tina home after church today, and then blindfolded her, and put her in the car...telling her to ask no questions. The rest of the guests came over immediately after church.We were all gathered at the front door when Buddy brought her up the steps...still blindfolded. We all burst into a rousing version of "Happy Birthday"...and she yanked off the blindfold. Many of her dearest friends were here, and her brother, Tim, and his wife, Becky drove over from Fitzgerald, Ga. That was an extra special treat for her. Total we had 28 friends here. There were
4 other couples who were invited that could not attend due to sickness. We missed having them with us, but we partied on anyway.

Tina, Happy Birthday to you, my sweet friend! I am a better person because you are in my life. You are an inspiration to the many people who know you and call you friend. We can count on you to give sage advice, to uplift us with your kindness, and to always be there with a helping hand when needed.

Amy, your gift to your Mom is much more than this party. You have shown her the respect and devotion she deserves. You have given her the gift that counts most of all...your understanding of the role she has played in your life. You have filled her heart with joy. I'm proud of you...and I know she is as well. Way to go, girl!
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Adam was there to make photos of the event. He just added a link to all the pics at the top of my side bar. Just click on the pic and it will take you to the reswt of the pictures. Thanks Adam!

THESE ARE THE PLANS...

I am going to be very busy over the next 2 days doing something very important...and fun. It is going to involve some people. It is going to be somewhere. There is going to be something to eat. The people are going to be doing something. There could be laughing and/or crying. It is going to be at someone's house. It is a surprise. So, please, don't tell anyone anything about it.

I'll return on Monday with details. Have a nice weekend.

A LESS THAN PERFECT DAY

Today. I am glad it is almost over. I really do thank God for every day that He gives me...but, today, was not my most favorite.

I woke up this morning about 4:00 with a killer migraine. I hate when that happens. Usually the ones that wake me up in the early morning are the worst. I took some meds, but not too much, because I needed to be at school today. I got dressed and tried to go, but, I could tell it was just not going to happen. So, I called in sick. Then I took some stronger meds, went back to bed and got up again around 10. I felt a little better. But, those meds make you feel yucky.

This afternoon we went to see the vet to discuss the plans for our sweet dog, Scooter. Boy, was that a hard thing. He told us that his cancer was well advanced and in all the lymph nodes. With chemo, he may have 6 months to a year...but probably most of that time he would be quite ill from the effects of the treatment. Without it, he may have 4-6 months. Alex, made the decision not do the chemo. And, we agreed, and the vet, that this was the best decision. He is going to treat him with steroids, which will probably shrink the lymph nodes and that will be good. He has one that is pressing on his trachea and causing him to cough a lot. This should help that. Surprisingly, other than the cough, he still acts as happy and healthy as always. He is not eating a lot, but he has gone through spells of that before, too.

Alex told the vet, through tears, that he had had Scooter almost the whole time he has been sick. This dog has been through it all with him. So, we are all sad tonight. I am sure we will learn tough lessons through this, which, hopefully, we can use to be a help to others who may go through the same thing.

TODAY'S POST BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER 'F'.

Jill played this game on her blog, and offered to provide us a letter if we wanted to play along. (Of course, that was back in February...but, I just get to things when I can...you understand.) I did, and she chose the letter 'F'. So, here 10 things I love that start with the letter 'F'.
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1.FAMILY...there is no greater earthly blessing than a family who loves and cares for one another. I am blessed beyond measure by each member. My husband, my Mom and Pop...my sister, Joy and husband, Tommy...their daughters, Tara and Lori and husbands, Will,and in May, Ben. My boys and DIL, Suzanne. My husband's family...his parents live with Jesus...and his sisters, Beth and June. And, of course the 4 legged member...Scooter.

2.FRIENDS...oh how blessed I am with friends. I can honestly say that there are people I know who I could call on for anything at any time for any reason. It would be taken care of...no questions asked. My friends show me unconditional love...the truest kind.

3.FUN...I do not think you ever get too old to have fun! And fun, and joy is contagious! One of my favorite quotes is: "ACT OLD LATER".

4. FALL...one of the most beautiful times of the year. I love the colors of fall, the smell of fall, the foods of fall, the activities of fall, the clothes of fall.

5. FLOWERS...OH, MY! Is there anything as lovely as a flower growing in soil? Whether it is in a formal garden, or in an open meadow, in a huge container garden, or just a single bloom in a simple clay pot. Big or little. One bloom or many. Spectacular prize roses, elegant calla lilies. or the humble daisy. The intricacies it took to create each flower so different in looks, and in fragrance, speaks to the great art of God. Even the weeds that produce little yellow flowers almost overnight in an open area around our school...are most special when presented to the teacher by a grubby little hand. Take time to see them...and smell them...and be thankful for them.

6. FOOD..."O, taste and see that the Lord is good..." Psalms 34:8. In my opinion, though, He did some of his best work with chocolate and fruits. And, I think the world would be just as well off without turnips, beets, or asparagus. I'm just saying...

7. FASHION...Now, there have been times in my life when I have cared more about fashion than I do right at this time. I think it has something to do with the fact that my new closet has caused all my clothes to shrink.!!! But, I love to watch the fashion shows, and see the newest collections. Not that I would ever wear them, But it is interesting to see how the trends play out when they make it down to us 'real folk'. I especially love fashion accessories...shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. Even, if your clothes have shrunk...these can give you quite a lift.

8. FABRIC...I'm not a 'sewer'...that looks like 'sewer'...but it is supposed to be 'sew-er'...as in 'one who sews'...I'm not that, nor am I a sewer..and obviously, not a very good speller. ANYWAY...
I love fabric and use it a lot. One of my favorite things to design is tablescapes. And I like to use fabric for this, as a bottom layer. I also use fabric to tie around almost everything. I use it in place of ribbon. When, I see a beautiful piece of fabric, it can start my imagination running wild. I just like to take my stash out and look at it. Actually, I do have a sewing machine. I got it several years ago. I got pretty good on those straight stitch seams. Made a whole bunch of cloth napkins...a whole bunch! But, the bobbin thing is just a nuisance...and frustrating...and hard. And the threading the little loops through the maze at the top and down to the needle just seems an unnecessary bother. If someone made a machine that just did that automatically...with very little input from me...I think I could probably be a pretty good sewer...I mean seamstress!

9. FREEDOM...I am so thankful, and so blessed to live in America. I am blessed to live where I can be what I want, say what I want, live like I want. Even with all the discontent and uneasiness in the government right now...I still believe America is the greatest country in the world. We know that with the financial situation like it is...as bad as it is...will not last forever. We are Americans! I say that with pride. I also know that freedom did not come cheap. It has been bought with blood...the blood of many young lives who also loved this country. Loved it enough to fight for it...and die for it. "God bless all our fighting forces. Give them wisdom and protection and bring them home safely. Give them rest and food and proper equipment. Clear the paths in front of them as they travel. Put your army of angels around our army to keep them safe. AMEN". AMERICA...Home of the free...BECAUSE of the brave.

10.FOREIGN SOIL...I love to travel. And, it is wonderful to visit far away lands and different cultures. There is so much to learn from others...and so much to see that is different from what we know. We have been fortunate to do much travelling in the US...but we have spent several vacations in Mexico...and not always in the touristy spots. We have also travelled to Japan twice. What a place. Fascinating. I think they could teach us much about many things. The people were open and friendly and very helpful. But, even there, with all the history and beauty...there is still no place like home.
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This was fun. And, it really made me think. If you would like to play along...let me know and I will send you a letter, too. And, it's just fine with me if you take a month or two to get around to playing. :)

KID TALK

The director of our school, BW, is a beautiful, godly woman. She has such a heart for our children and has amassed years of experience and wisdom is dealing with them. Not that she's 'old' enough to have amassed years of wisdom or anything...she's younger than I. But, she has worked with children for many years...and I'd better stop right there before I get myself in trouble.

On Fridays, our school has a chapel program for all the children. BW does all the teaching, and I do the music. We privately call it the B and Tonja show. :) And yes, we stand in front of all the children and 20 teachers and dance and sing just like we were professionals. It's not always pretty, but it is always fun! Then BW tells the Bible story and we sing some more and they leave to go back to their classes.

Last week, we began a series of teaching about the parables that Jesus taught. Now, you and I know that Jesus told stories to illustrate a lesson He wanted to teach. In fact, the song we teach the children about parables, states, "...a parable is a story that show God's ways to you." But, when you are explaining to a preschooler about parables, it must be explained very carefully. They are beginning to learn that 'telling a story' could mean a lie. And telling a lie is wrong. Of course, we can understand this, but to a 3 or a 4 or a 5 or a 6, it could be a different matter. Preschoolers are literal minded. They have not learned all the ways teaching takes place. BW is very aware of this and is extremely careful in all the things she says to be sure there is no misunderstanding. And, as she taught yesterday about the parable of the sower, she explained carefully that Jesus was trying to help the people understand his lesson.

After school, another teacher gathered some of us together to tell us about a conversation that took place in her room at the end of the day.

Mary: (whining)..."Teacher, Jim says he doesn't want to marry me and have children."

Teacher: "That's OK, Mary, you'll meet lots of other boys before it is time to think about things like that."

Mary: (still whining)... "Well, Emily says he is in love with her and going to marry her. But, that's just a lie...or a parable." :)

SAD NEWS

I've often heard it said, "there is no rest for the weary." I feel that way today. I'm weary. Weary of illness. Weary of sickness. Weary of pain. Weary of those I love and myself as well, continually going from one illness to another.

Now, I know that God has all of this in His control...and I do rest in that. But, sometimes, it seems that He has just chosen our family to have one medical issue after another. And, sisters, we do it up right!

My brother in law is having some serious health problems, my sister needs to have some tests run, too. Their oldest daughter and her hubby are going through some testing, and, their youngest is getting married in 2 months.

Mom and Pop have gone from a ruptured colon with colostomy-him to a severe colon problem-her, to colostomy repair-him, to another surgery-her, to hernia surgery-him, to her current female and stomach issues.

My health has been pretty bad for the last few months...I have arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia...along with a little lupus thrown in for good measure. Many days all I can do is rest. Ian had surgery to enlarge his sinus cavities which never formed correctly, a month ago, and he had lasik procedure on his eyes Friday. He has another operation scheduled on his palate in the next few months.

Alex continues to be a very sick young man. He has had some very bad days lately, with little relief from his pain. It takes all he can do to just make it through. He suffers greatly.

And, now...on top of all of this...Scooter, his companion...his best friend...his lifeline...his sleeping buddy...has cancer. He is devastated. We all are. This dog has been like an angel so many times. He has always been a very high strung, active dog. And, he still is. But, when Alex has needed him, he calms down and becomes a warm, comforting blanket for his boy. And, now he is very sick.

Our vet called today with the results of the biopsy. The type he has responds well to treatment, and sometimes goes into remission. We have made no decisions yet, and we are going to meet with the vet on Thursday. These decisions will be Alex's to make.


So, I am going to ask you again for your prayer support. Alex is so sick himself, it really takes all his willpower to deal with the pain he faces constantly. And, now his best bud is dying. He is going to have to pull the strength from somewhere to deal with this. Alex loves the Lord, and knows He will guide him.

Honestly, I am feeling really bummed out. I am feeling angry. I am feeling sad. I am feeling that this is so not fair. I am just wanting not to have to feel this at all. It seems to me that in the grand scheme of things...would it be too much to ask for my boy to just have his dog and be able to get what pleasure he can from him? I know people are sick everywhere with much worse things than our troubles...but, sometimes it is overwhelming!

Without a doubt, the Lord sent this dog to Alex. We have seen evidence of this time and time again. I also know that God is the creator of the animals we love and adopt into our lives as family members. I believe that it saddens Him that Scooter is sick...and I believe that it saddens Him more that this is causing Alex such grief. So, I will ask Him to spare Scooter's life. Or at least to allow the treatments to give him some quality of life for a while. I will ask that He give Alex the strength to make wise decisions...and to be able to live in peace with those decisions.

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"Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both. As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animals. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth? Ecclesiastes 3: 19-21.

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry."
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34: 15, 16.

"How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom, you made them all,the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

TRIP REPORT

We returned from Birmingham late Wednesday evening. The Lord blessed us with great weather. It would have been hard to believe it had snowed there on Sunday, if we had not seen a few piles of the white stuff scattered around town. It was sunny and in the 60s. Just beautiful!

We went straight to the doctor when we arrived on Tuesday. We were very pleased with his report. The surgery that was done last year is still working well. He was very thorough. Mom has had some severe infections and they have left her with some nerve damage. The infection has completely cleared up and he thinks he can help her with the nerve pain she is having. He prescribed some medication which may take up to 2 weeks to start working. But, it should be a big help. So, we are happy that we have something to try. We are believing that this will be an answer to some of her discomfort. We are trusting God to work all this out in her body and heal her. She deserves nothing less.

SO...then Mom was really tired from the trip up and the doctor visit...and we took her to the motel to rest. Since Joy and I wanted her to get the best rest possible, we decided to vacate the premises...so she could rest better. We got in the car to drive around, and do you know what we discovered?!? We 'just happened' to be in a motel located right next to the Summit!!!!(That's the best outdoor shopping mall in B'ham, for those of you not from the South). Can you believe our luck??? And, since we did not have any place to be for the next few hours (since we wanted Mom to get some good rest), we just drove up there to 'look around'. It was such a pretty day, we got out of the car to walk around and enjoy the beautiful flowers and statues. We may have walked into a few of the stores here and there, I forget. But, I do seem to remember trying on some clothes, so I'm sure we must have gone inside somewhere! We were able to while away a few hours there...then (as luck would have it) there happened to be a PFChang's...right there in the shopping center. There was also a Cheesecake Factory...but, Joy was just whining for some Chinese food. Being the kind-hearted sister, that I am...I gave in to her wishes. That...and SHE was the one driving...and she said the car would not go in the direction of TCF. We went in and ordered TONS of food...to go. Because it would not have looked too ladylike to try to eat all that in public!!! And, we wanted to eat with Mom. When we got back to the motel, Mom was waking up. So, here's a picture of our feast! I won't show you the one I made of 'someone' eating chocolate cake after the chicken fried rice, and egg rolls, and sweet and sour chicken.

We all had a good night's sleep, and leisurely got ready for the day. We packed up and loaded the car, and headed out in search of breakfast. Here are Mom and Joy, ready to go!

Mom looked so pretty, I just wanted to give her a hug and a kiss. Well...she was having none of that! She always did like Joy best.

Finally! She knew if she didn't act right we would not be going to Talbot's for her dress!

We went to Panera Bread for breakfast. ATTENTION 'B' CLUB GIRLS....the same one we all met in...I thought of y'all! Then to Talbot's. While in the dressing room, Joy noticed her diamond earring was missing! So (being the good, kind, and loving servant of a sister that I am, Mom and I went back to the motel to search the room, since she UNWISELY laid them on the bench at the end of the bed!!! I searched on my hands and knees...but no earring. She had stayed at Talbot's to finish her shopping...and called me as I was walking out of the door of the motel...she found it in the garbage can in the dressing room!! Oh, she's so lucky to have me! We then went into Pottery Barn and another store or 2, and decided to head home! We all wanted to make one more stop at a place (Sikes and Kohns) full of jeans and shoes, and lots of other things we needed. Here, Joy and I are leaving with our treasures. 3 pairs of shoes don't take up nearly as much room...or look so suspicious... if you leave the boxes in the store...I'm just saying! We made it back to Dothan before dark, unpacked the car, and went to bed early.

We always have so much fun when we are together. And, this time was no exception...other than the fact that Mom wasn't feeling quite as perky as usual. We laughed and talked and laughed and played and talked and sang and laughed some more. One of the things we discussed was how blessed we are to have the relationship we do. I know there are some families that do not get along with one another. Things go wrong and bad feelings are harbored, and there is no forgiveness. Years pass and things go unsaid, and those precious times are lost. There is never a way to get those missed times back. Thankfully, we have forgiven each other when necessary, and forgotten things that may have caused us upsets, and just ignored others. Few things are as important of enjoying your family. As Pop says, "we squeeze every moment to get all the good out of it we can!" I am so thankful that we 3 had these 2 days together. In the midst of our fun, we made plans for our next trip together. And, that's the way it should be...enjoying the good times we have with one another...helping each other when needed...going the extra mile if necessary...and looking forward to doing it all over again! (I'm not sure that leaving the shopping center to go search for your sister's earring while she stays there shopping her heart out...while you are on your hands and knees on a yuck carpeted motel floor exactly qualifies as one of these times...Maybe I just need to let that experience 'slip my mind'!:))

Thank-you for all your comments and prayers for Mom. Please continue to remember her when you pray! You bloggy friends are the best!
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NOTE: I am VERY behind on my blog reading, but will try to catch up this weekend!

SEEKING

On Tuesday morning, Joy and I will be leaving to take Mom to the doctor in Birmingham. We are so in hopes that he will be able to give us some insight into why Mom is feeling so bad and in so much pain. If not, maybe he can point us in the direction of who can help her. I love my Mama and just want her to feel good.

I checked the weather, since there is snow on the ground there now! Freaky weather! But, it is supposed to be sunny and in the 50's and 60's there, so that will not be so bad on her. She wants to try to get to Talbot's and find a new dress...so that is also on our list. A new frock will always make a body feel better, don't you agree?

We covet your prayers for travelling safety and for medical wisdom.

SLIP THESE ON

Product Description
Just slip on Slipper Genie and they will do the cleaning on hardwood, linoleum and tile flooring. Chenille soles provide an extra soft dusting and polishing material and are removable for cleaning in the washing machine. Fits women's sizes 6 to 9 and men's size 4 1/2 to 7 1/2.
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Just ran across these on Amazon and thought they were a hoot! All the product reviews say they really work and do a great job of picking up things off the floor. I can just imagine those of you with younger children getting them a pair and having them dust as they slide across the floor. They wouldn't even have to know they were working. I don't think that would work around here...I'd end up with a broken neck or leg or something. And poor Scooter would have an 'episode' if he were to see such a thing!