Lovin' Every Minute Of It!!

Graduation Day

2009-06-02T18:03:00.006-05:00

They say that one "ending" is just another "beginning".

My baby, well.....ok...my son, Jordan, graduated from high school this past Saturday night.

Was it sad? Yes, in more than just one way. It was the end of Jordan's high school years. This was the last graduating class from his high school, as next shool year, our two high schools will merge into one. It was also sad because two of their classmates weren't there. They had been killed in seperate car accidents.

Was it exciting? Yes!! Since I was taking photos for the newspaper, I got to hang out with all the seniors as they walked around, gathered in the library and then watched them line up for the ceremony.

Was it tiring? YES!! I'm beat.

Jordan, and the rest for that matter, have no idea how easy things have been for the past 12 years. The "Real Life" is knocking on their door and they better be ready. Jordan has already been accepted into a community college, he is getting ready to work a summer job as a photographer/videographer plus, he is on "hurricane watch", ready to run out the door to travel with First Response Group out of Louisville, KY.

Was I ready for Jordan to graduate? Yes. Did I cry at the ceremony? No. And I don't know why. I think I was just glad he was sitting there in his blue gown, wearing his nice black dress pants and dress shirt, that he hated. I was just thankful that he was there, enjoying this milestone in his life.

Is Jordan ready for the real world? Probably not. Is the real world ready for Jordan? Definately not. Were any of us ready at this age? No.

We live, we grow, we learn, we fall, we get up and hopefully, we keep trying.

I'm In Love.....

2009-04-02T17:01:00.005-05:00

I am totally in love. I know I am. But he doesn't.

I'm in love with Adam Lambert. He is the 26 year old rocker from Hollywood, CA that is taking American Idol by storm.

He is so cute and those eyes.....they are killers. And what a voice. I picked him out as my favorite from the first time I saw him. He has a background in theater and he knows how to work the audience.

He has a way of taking a song and making it his own, making it sound new for the times....which is just what the judges say they want to hear.

His list of songs include--

Black & White

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Ring Of Fire

Tracks of My Tears

Play That Funky Music

Missing My Precious & Kenzie

2009-04-01T18:26:00.007-05:00

I had been thinking about downsizing my kennel but trying to make the decision of who to keep and who to rehome has been a heartbreaking decision. I love all my dogs, they are my babies. I knew there were a few babies that I could never part with and then there were those that, although I don't want to lose them, if I found them wonderful homes, I would be ok. I had decided to find Kenzie and Bitsy new homes.

Kenzie was one of my larger female Shih-Tzus, weighing in at about 15 lbs. I had rehomed her twin sister to a friend in Bowling Green about a year ago and now, it was time to find Kenzie a new home. A lady I know wanted Kenzie and I knew she was going to a great home. I'm glad to know that she is getting all the love and attention she deserves. I am so happy for Kenzie and her new family.

Bitsy was my next girl to try to find a home. A lady called me, saying that my vet had told her about me needing to rehome a few of my adult dogs. After talking about Bitsy, she said she wanted her. When she arrives here to get Bitsy, she meets Precious and falls in love with her. Now Precious is a "special" dog. I call her (with nothing but love), my ADHD dog, my Mentally Challenged Dog and my Special Dog. I had never thought that anyone would want her as she needs lots of special attention. The lady explained that they had a 3-legged dog, a blind dog and anytime they picked out a dog, they were always drawn to the "special needs" dogs. I really hadn't prepared myself for letting my little Precious leave. I was prepared for Bitsy to leave but not Precious. We were close, we were tight. She struggled everyday when I would leave to go to work. She had abandonment issues. When I came home, she was so excited, she would jump and run around like she so happy. How would she handle the transition of going to a new home. Would she think I didn't love her anymore? Think that I didn't want her? Could she move on with her life without me? Then I started thinking......could I live without her? I know that God answers prayers, even about the life of a little doggie. I knew it was going to take a very special person to take Precious. And God sent me that special person.

I miss you Precious.

Ice Storm 2009 aka-The Ice Storm of the Century!!

2009-02-04T12:55:00.002-06:00

Ok.....it's been 9 days since we woke up thinking we were back in the "Ice Age"....ice was everywhere and nothing was left untouched. We knew it was coming...but little did we know how crippling it would be to our community. I washed up the lanudry, swept and mopped the kitchen floor, ran the vaccuum, washed the dishes, showered and shampooed my hair, drug out the kerosene heater and filled up the kerosene jug......"Just in case" we couldn't do those things for awhile. I never dreamed it would be this long and still no power. Thankfully, we never lost water, only lost the home phone for 2 days, cell phones work-most of the time and thank the Lord Above that I had plenty of cash on me. Of course, cash didn't do much good when no one had any power to allow for purchases of anything. But it would take days before it would thaw enough to allow for travel.

Thank God for good friends that helped us gather kerosene, gasoline, use their showers and kept up with how we were doing. I don't know what we would have done without them.

Funny, you think you can't live without the modern day conveniences....but when it's taken away...you do what you have to do to survive. It's been choas, destruction, devastation, stressful. I think this is just a very, very small preview of what this world will be like the moment my Jesus splits that eastern sky and takes us all home. To those left behind.....it's time to prepare. And we KNOW....that day will come.

He's No Longer My Baby.......

2009-01-20T12:21:00.006-06:00

Today....my baby is no longer my baby. He is now 18.

Where did it go? And why did it go so fast? Why didn't I do so many things that I now wish I had done? Why didn't people tell me this day and these feelings would come. Would I have listened? Would I have thought I had plenty of time? I'm sure I would have.

They tell you that when they start school....they do not belong to you any more. They belong to the world. How true that statement is. I just hope that all the good things that I have done as a mother will make him a good man. And I hope all the bad things I have done, will make him a better person than I was and he will learn from my mistakes.

You hold them in your arms when they are born......and then you blink.

Happy Birthday Jordan.......

You will always be my baby.

Love, Mom.

Jordan's Surprise Birthday Party Pics

Christmas at GRC

2009-01-02T18:25:00.003-06:00

Puppies For Sale

2008-11-15T11:20:00.004-06:00

We have 2 litters of puppies that will soon be ready for their forever homes. They were born on October 8 & 9, 7 boys and 4 girls. Parents are on site and these pups were born in our home, not in a kennel.

There is 1 black/white male, 1 gold/white male and the rest are gold with either a splash of white on the forehead or a black mask. These puppies are just adorable.

Contact me if you or someone you know is interested in a puppy just in time for Christmas!!

2008 MNHS Soccer Awards Banquet

2008-11-14T12:57:00.015-06:00

Last Tuesday night, we held the 2008 Soccer Awards Banquet. The "Senior Moms" (that'd be me) decorated a table dedicated to their player.

Each Senior received their "Senior" Award and there were some fun awards that the coaches made up to give out. Jordan received the "Crystal Slider" Award because he loved to slide to kick the ball. Jordan received a nice surprise when he was presented with the "Most Improved Defense Player" Award.

Jordan made a video that was shown during the dinner. He had video clips from the North-Grayson Co game. This was the game that went into double OT, with North winning 4-3, putting them into the District Finals. There were lots of pics of the players and special pics of each senior that was taken on Senior Night.

Our boys had a great year and I think I enjoyed this year more than any other. Too bad it was our last year.

Note-Pics aren't the best due to the lighting in the gym.

Jordan at his "Senior Table"

Pics on Jordan's Senior Table

Jordan preparing to show his video.

Awards Table

Receiving the "Most Improved Defense Player" Award.

Jordan with the coaches, Eric & Grant

Award Recepients

Soccer Seniors

Silly Seniors

What's Been Going On???

2008-10-13T12:55:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted anything since Labor Day Weekend. Not that there hasn't been anything going on, actually, just the opposite. Too much has been going on and I've not had time to sit still long enough to write about it.

Since the middle of August, we have been either practicing, playing or refereeing soccer games. Jordan is a senior this year and I think he has done something with soccer 4, 5 and sometimes 6 days each week. When he's not at practice or at a game, he referees games at the elementary school.

I've been really getting into my photography. I have been taking lots of soccer pics, I did Jordan's Senior Pictures, took pics of a 1 year old girl, took fall pictures of a family, took pics of a brother & sister and a teenage friend of mine. I'm really enjoying my new hobby and even took a class to learn more about it. I'm meeting lots of photography friends and I'm amazed at how helpful so many of them are. Most are very generous in offering advice, although there are a few that want to keep their knowledge to themselves. I figure they know some really good stuff.

I've posted some of my pics on my "Photos by Leigh" blog. Here are a few of my favorites.

Labor Day 2008 Cruise-In

2008-08-31T05:41:00.004-05:00

Cruise-In 2008 is being held this Labor Day weekend. I went on Friday night to watch all the happening. One of the most interesting things I found was the Hula Hoop contest. There were many food booths, vendors and lots and lots of people.

Looking up Broad Street

Hula Hoop Contest

The "Purse Lady" with her Shih Tzu

Jack & Donna's Bike

Jack & Donna

Senior Soccer

2008-08-22T07:28:00.006-05:00

Muhlenberg North Soccer season is in full gear with the Stars starting off the season at 0 for 2. Oh well...it's still early. This is Jordan's last year to play soccer and he's really enjoying it. These pics were at their first home game against Barren County, who won the game 4-1. This was also my first attempt at taking some action shots. Pretty good for a beginner, huh?

"Backyard Guest" aka "Backyard Pest"

2008-08-19T06:54:00.004-05:00

When we first moved here, we found that there was a family of groundhogs living under the outbuilding. We haven't seen any of them for years, but recently found that one had moved in. This groundhog, now named George, comes out the eat the pears on the ground and creates such a commotion with my dogs, you've never heard such barking. I've not been able to get a pic of him because everytime I go out the back door, he runs back to the building. I took this first pic through the glass of the back door and as soon as I opened the door, he took off. When I let the dogs run, they ran right to the building to try to find George.

GRC Kiddos

2008-08-18T07:12:00.012-05:00

I had the pleasure of "kiddo-sitting" on Sunday night during the evening worship service. We were hanging out at the new playground when I decided to bring out the camera. I caught some wonderful shots as well as some "priceless moments".

Carter in Blue

Cody in the trunk of my car!!

Tyler entertaining the kiddos.

Playing on the new playground.

The Three Amigos--Nick, Anna Beth & Rachael.

Playing Ninja Tag

Paradise Park in Muhlenberg County

2008-08-15T08:40:00.006-05:00

I recently visited Paradise Park in Powderly, Ky, right off the Highway 189 Bypass. I don't think a lot of people know just how beautiful this park is.

There is an old log cabin, a Coal Mines Shotgun House, the Old Springridge School House, old outhouses, an old jail cell and Merle Travis' birth place. Merle Travis was born in Rosewood, Ky in Muhlenberg County and is well known for his "thumb picking" style of guitar playing.

You can go into all these buildings with the exception of the Merle Travis home, which is only opened for special events.

There is also a play ground, a bandstand area and a pavilion with picnic tables & grills. There are lots of trees making for a nice place to go on a hot sunny day. You can drive through the park or park outside the fence and walk in.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see a slide show of pictures of Paradise Park.

Bill Smothers Park, Owensboro, Ky

2008-08-14T12:10:00.010-05:00

I recently was in Owensboro and went to the Ohio River to take pictures of the bridge and some boats. I knew about the Shelton Memorial, but I had never visited it. This memorial to Colonel Charles Shelton, who was shot down over Laos on his 33rd birhtday in April 1965, was absolutely beautiful and very moving. Because of Colonel Shelton's resistance to his captors & his legandary attempts to escape and because his wife, Marian, refused to allow her husband to be listed as dead until the government proved he was not alive, Shelton became known as "the last P.O.W." This memorial to his life and his family was erected at Smothers Park in 1999.
To read more about Colonel Shelton, click to go to the offical Arlington National Cemetery Website at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/charlese.htm

Bridge over the Ohio River connecting Kentucky & Indiana

Plaque about the Flood of 1937

KiKi

2008-08-14T09:57:00.006-05:00

We share a cat with our neighbors. Wendell and Barbara live in Lousiville but come here to her "home place" a few times each month. When they are in, the white & gray cat I call Rachael stays at their house. When they go back to Lousiville, Rachael comes back here. About a month ago, Wendell told me that he found a kitten in his garage and wondered what would happen to the kitten when they left. I knew what would happen, they would travel across the road to my house. I was right. Rachael is a beautiful, long, sleek cat. She has a very unusual quality about her. She has 6 toes on her front feet, making her feet looks extremely big. She passed that quality onto her kitten, which we call KiKi.

(Wendell & Barbara are in for the week, but Rachael & KiKi are still on my front porch!)

Mommie Cat Rachael

Notice the 6 toes?

My Destanee

2008-08-06T15:59:00.012-05:00

This is my friend Destanee. I asked her if I could practice taking some pics of her and she jumped at the chance. She loves having her picture taken and she was a great model. I'm enjoying working with my editing program, don't know how good I am, but I'm getting there. Destanee loved them!! Thanks for letting me snap you!!

My Favorite!!

Friend Of The Week

2008-08-03T05:50:00.001-05:00

This week's "Friend Of The Week" honor

goes to

My "Bestest Little Friend"

d Holly Flener d

Holly is 11 years old and goes to my church with her dad and older sister. One Sunday morning back in February, Holly came home with me after church and she has been visiting with me nearly every Sunday since. We always hit up McDonald's before coming home. Holly always gets everything plain-plain hamburger, nuggets with no sauce (yuck!). She says "I'm just a plain little girl". Sometimes we just hang out and watch tv, play on the computer or swim in the pool. Sometimes she and Jordan play video games or pick on each other just like they are brother/sister. Holly loves to play with the dogs and puppies and is usually found packing one around the whole afternoon.

Holly brightens up my day with her sweet little smile. I'm so thankful that Holly is a part of my life. Love ya, Little Girl!!

"Friends are angels following you through life."

Yard Sale Finds

2008-08-02T18:32:00.011-05:00

I was "up and at 'em" early this morning to hit the yard sales before the temps got too hot.....too bad I didn't make it. The heat was just horrible.

I hit a few sales where I didn't find a thing. Then I hit one that had several Christian books that I bought, but then, I hit the jackpot on books. I went to a sale of a lady from church who had lots of books. She asked if I read books and when I told her I did, she handed me a sack and said to take what I wanted, she just wanted to get rid of them. She had lots of Christian books and devotional books. I ended up with 25 Heartsong books and 21 Love Inspired books. I also bought a Compaq printer, small photo album and a matching blank book/scrapbook.

So, it was "Book Day" at the yard sales. It was also "Hot Day" at the yard sales. Maybe next week will be cooler.

Love Inspired and Heartsong Books

Devotional Books

Christian Books

Scrapbook/Blank Book, Photo Album & Compaq Printer

"Anyone Can Be A Hero"

2008-07-31T07:24:00.010-05:00

While at church camp in June, my son, Jordan, surrendered to the ministry. God had been working with him since last December but Jordan needed time for prayer and counseling from other youth ministers and camp counselors. He announced his calling to the church and has received much support from our friends and others in ministry.

Jordan had been working on a devotional but said he didn't know when/where he would get to speak but he knew that God would provide the time and place. He did. Last night at Youth Group, he got to present his message on "Anyone Can Be A Hero." Jordan started out asking what the word "Hero" meant. He talked about how each of us can be a hero to someone and the way we conduct ourselves tells a lot about us as a person. He shared all the different names that God refers to Himself-The Almighty, Holy One, just to name a few. Then he showed the video "What About Now?" by Chris Daugherty. This is a very powerful and sad video. Jordan then asked each person in the room if they thought they were a good person. He had a few people come up to read a card telling them they we are not good, but forgiven through Jesus Christ our Savior.

The Youth Group surrounded Jordan in prayer before the devotional.

Jordan giving his first devotional.

Reading the "Are You A Good Person?" card.

"Friend Of The Week"

2008-07-30T06:15:00.004-05:00

This week's honor of "My Friend Of The Week"

goes to

~SHARON MARTIN~

I have known Sharon for many, many years but we had lost contact with each other. About the time my close friend/mentor Donna Maley (See first "Friend Of The Week") was getting ready to move to Ohio, Sharon mysteriously popped back into my life. Coincidence? Nah. God's plan? Yes! God knew that I was needing a "teacher" in my life and with Donna leaving, He pretty well dropped Sharon right back into my life. Why am I always in awe of His amazing timing?

Sharon is such a woman of God, such an intercessor and prayer warrior. She has taught me so much in what little time we have spent together, she amazes me. Sharon is currently teaching our Group Book Study on "The Shack" and she is bringing out so many things that she has found while researching the book as well as reaching "The Book". I've not found anything that I can ask her about that she cannot tell me what the scripture says about it.

I'm not saying all these things about Sharon to put her on a pedestal, only to say that God has blessed her in the most wonderful ways of allowing her to be a disciple to Him. She is one of the most humble people I know as well as one of the wisest people I know.

I love you, Sharon!!!

Saturday's Yard Sales

2008-07-27T14:07:00.011-05:00

I had some great finds at some yard sales yesterday. I didn't get to hit a lot of sales, but the ones I did go to I made some exciting finds.

This is a brand new "Couples' Bible" that I found for $1.00.
Also found my son's favorite movie, "A Walk To Remember" for $1.00.

Found this beautiful Angel Musical Snow Globe for $1.00.

Bought this cute stuffed doggie for 25 cents.

At this one sale, the man said I could put whatever I wanted into a bag for 50 cents. I put these three pairs of sandles, all "like new" along with the following denim jacket.

"Wild Cherry" Denim Jacket

~DEAL OF THE DAY~

But this was my "Find Of The Day"...an electric log insert for my fireplace. You plug it up, turn on the switch for the light and it looks like the logs are burning. Then there is another switch for a heater!! Cool, huh? Best $3.00 of the day!!

"The Shack" is Discussed.....

2008-07-25T07:07:00.003-05:00

We had our first group book discussion on "The Shack" last night. There were 10 people in attendance and we had a great time. Sharon started out the evening by discussion the syllabus and a few "housekeeping duties". We received a handout with some unusual words, showing their definitions, synonyms and where you can find them in the book. We were able to cover Chapters 1-4 and will try to cover 2 chapters each night from here on. Several people brought out some very good points and observations at different places in the book. I enjoyed listening to how others intrepret what they have read and what it means to them.

Our Teacher-Sharon Martin

It's a Girl, Girl, Girl, Girl!!!

2008-07-24T06:31:00.005-05:00

We have Panda Puppies!!! Last night, the first girl was born at 7:30pm and the fourth girl was born at 10:15. They are smaller than a "Twinkie" and weighed about 1 ounce. They were all white/black or white/dark brown, but I'm sure they will end up being white/blue.

This was Panda's first litter, so I was very concerned with how she would do, but she did awesome. This was the first litter for Dusty to sire. 4 girls? Dusty, Good Dog!!

Spotlight on My "Friend Of The Week"

2008-07-21T15:16:00.005-05:00

My next "Friend of the Week" Honor goes to

.....my friend.....

!! Donna Wylie !!

I've known Donna Wylie for about 6 years. We got to be really good friends after someone told me a lie saying that Donna didn't want us to be friends. After that, our friendship became stronger than ever.

(So....P~, that's what you get for lying! You know who you are!)

Donna helped me through one of the roughest times of my life, always telling me that I'd be fine and that I'd come out on top. Man, was she ever right!! I remember the day when my "crappy life" was FINALLY over. I was looking at a calender, an empty calender at that and I asked Donna, "What am I going to do now?" She said, "God will fill that empty calendar if you will let Him." And man, did He. Donna always has words of encouragement for me, when I'm down, she helps lift me up, when I'm excited about something, she's always there to rejoice with me. Donna and her husband Terry have been wonderful friends to me and have been like parents to Jordan.

I love you Donna!!

Friendship Comments

"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends."
~from "It's A Wonderful Life"

My Babies

2008-07-16T16:34:00.001-05:00

My First "Friend Of The Week"

2008-07-16T13:07:00.018-05:00

I'm going to start a new "Spotlight Blog" on my friends. I'm going to chose a new friend each week to honor and share what they mean to me.

***********************************

So.......

(Drumroll please)

.........my "First Friend Of The Week" ..........

DONNA MALEY!

( Me & Donna at the Casting Crowns conert)

I miss my friend Donna so much. As you know, she and her family moved back to Ohio to answer God's calling for Lonnie to become the youth pastor at Rolling Plains United Methodist Church. http://www.rollingplainsumc.com/

Donna tucked me under her "Momma-Wing" when I was in transition from "Crappy Life" back to my Christian walk. She never judged me, she never pointed her finger at me, she never cut me down. She loved me and accepted me, flaws and all. She showed me that I was worthy of God's love, even when I didn't feel worthy. She helped to laugh again. She helped me to trust again. She showed me that no matter what I had done, I was only one step away from getting back to God. And when I made that step back and asked for forgiveness for all my crap, God said, "What crap? I don't know what you are talking about." How amazing is that? Donna took my hand and helped me climb the ladder back to God's Grace.

When they were getting ready to move, I asked Donna who was going to take my hand now? Who was going to help me continue my journey? She told me that she wouldn't be here to physically take my hand but she would always be there for me. And she also said that I was ready to help someone else climb their ladder for a closer relationship with God.

Donna and I had a lot of serious talks but we also had a lot of fun times. I called her "Willie Nelson" because she was always "on the road again". One time, we lost a bowl of caramel and couldn't find it anywhere. We just knew there was a "Caramel Thief" amongst us! But I found it. In my 'fridgerator. Who'd a-thunk?

d Love ya Donna! d

Friendship with oneself is all important because without it one cannot be friends with anybody else in the world. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Friendship Comments

A Pregnant Panda

2008-07-14T07:46:00.005-05:00

This is my little Panda, aka Princess Pandamonium. She is pregnant with her first litter of pups, and is due on July 23. Panda weighs 7 lbs and Dusty, the sire, weighs 6 lbs. I am so excited about this litter, it is the first breeding for both.

No Partridges In My Pear Tree

2008-07-13T18:52:00.006-05:00

I was looking at my pear tree and it is full of pears. Right now, they are bigger than a golf ball and will be ready for picking in late August. For the past 2 years, I've lost every pear to a late, hard frost, so this will be the first pickings in several years. Good little pears coming from a good little tree.

"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matthew 7:17

Return From Washington DC

2008-07-12T10:06:00.014-05:00

The White House

Supreme Court Building

Arlington National Cemetery

Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery

Lincoln Memorial Statue

House Where Lincoln Died

National Air & Space Museum

Jordan

Tom Petty's Guitar At The Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe

Jordan's Friend Josh

Jordan & Daniel Getting Eaten by a Triceratops

****************************************

Jordan got home from Washington DC on Friday afternoon. He came back to terrible heat & humidity and said that it wasn't this hot in Washington. He had a wonderful time. One of his favorite places was at the Holocaust Museum and when he got to see the Constitution of The United States.

Introducing PK---And I'm not talking "Preacher's Kid"!

2008-07-11T09:01:00.005-05:00

Puppy-Kitty
Puppy-Kitty

PK nursing on Precious

Lilly (aka Satan)

***************************************

We added another pet to our menagerie!! We've adopted a little male kitten and he has made himself right at home. I call him PK (Puppy-Kitty) because he thinks he's a puppy. All the dogs think he's a puppy also. Molly licks him to death and Precious lets him nurse on her. PK is the sweetest little thing, he loves to romp around and gives the dogs a really hard way to go!! Ok...his real name isn't PK....Jordan named him Isiah. We also have this other cat, a blue Himalayan, named Lilly (Jordan calls her Satan). She's been with us for over a month and just recently came out of the closet. She hates the dogs and tries to get to the highest point so she can glare down at them more easily.

Horses & Ducks

2008-07-08T12:10:00.010-05:00

Pat
Neal & Stacy

Lighthouse on Bryan Lake

Duck

**********************************

This past Saturday, Jordan and I took off on an afternoon drive. We went through some old mine roads and ended up in Graham. So we went to Bryan Lake to check out the horse riders and the lake and to visit with my friends Pat & Gene and their daughter and son-in-law, Stacy & Neal. Here are pics of them and the horses and of the lake.

"The Shack"

2008-07-05T18:49:00.010-05:00

After two friends recommended that I read this book, I just had to go get it. It has forever changed the way I think about God, my relationship with Him and about forgiveness.Many times throughout the book, I had those "Ah-ha" moments, you know, those moments when the light bulb comes on? It showed me a different way of seeing things-not just through my own eyes, but through God's eyes.

There were some parts of the book that I had to read and re-read several times. I finally gave up and pulled out a notebook and started taking notes. There were times when I just had to close the book because I couldn't comprehend it. It is very deep at times, but as I continued on, I would begin to understand those parts that were so deep.

Now that I'm done with this book, I'm going to share it with my friend Regina. I would recommend that others get a copy of this book and read it. Trust me, it won't take you long to finish it. It's incredible!

*NOTE* We will be having a book discussion on "The Shack". Sharon Martin has graciously agreed to lead the group. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 6pm - ?, beginning on July 24 at the GRC Fellowship Hall. Plan to join us for 5-6 weeks of deep conversations. So, get the book, experience it and sign up for the group discussion!!!

Look Out Washington DC!!!

2008-07-03T11:18:00.006-05:00

Jordan passed all his tests in his Upward Bound Summer program....so Monday he and about 100 others will head out to Washington DC for a week.

They will be going to the Washington Mall, Arlington Cemetary and the Smithsonian, just to name a few places.

We'll have pics when he returns!!

Camp Cedarmore Pics

2008-06-30T10:13:00.010-05:00

Destanee

Lining up for "The Blob".

Jordan flying off "The Blob".

Cody on "The Blob".

Madison on "The Blob".

Justin on "The Blob".

The Look On Their Faces?.......PRICELESS!!

2008-06-27T05:54:00.004-05:00

Regina Nannie and I made a "road trip" yesterday to Bagdad, Ky. We wanted to surprise the youth group and especially our sons, Justin and Jordan. Unfortunately, neither were very surprised to see Mom show up at church camp, as the looks on their faces made that very plain. But they soon warmed up to the idea, especially after we gave them money to buy extra t-shirts! But there were a few kids there that made us feel so welcome, even some that wanted us to stay over night.

We took sandels to keep our feet cool and tennis shoes for all that walking. We drove the car all over the place, so tennis shoes not needed. (Why is it that most camps and colleges are built on hills?) We forgot the sunscreen, but there was plenty there. Obviously the kids weren't using it based on all the lobster-colored skin they had. I took the new digital camera, took hundreds of pics, too bad I don't know how to edit them yet! I forgot my "Minnie-Pearl-floppy hat" but ended up not needing it, especially when those darks clouds hung around most of the day and eventually brought a cooling rain.

We felt like we came into the middle of something wonderful and when it was time for us to leave, we knew that we were leaving an awesome experience that we were able to just get a small glimpse of. Our youth group is a very close knit group of kids and it seems like after every camp, they are even closer. We can see them getting closer to each other and closer in their walk with God.

We didn't want to leave, but due to the time, we had to. We left at a time when the Holy Spirit was moving very strongly in the Checkpoint room. We arrived safely back home at 2:00am. Now, I'm going to greet the day. On 3 hours of sleep. And of heart full of love for the GRC Youth. And a walk that is a bit closer to God.

Going To Bagdad For Jesus!!

2008-06-24T14:23:00.004-05:00

The GRC Youth left yesterday for a week-long church camp at Camp Cedarmore in Bagdad, Ky. They left in camo t-shirts that said "Going To Bagdad For Jesus!" Everyone was so excited, especially those that went last year because they know what is in store for the week. I wish I could have went with them, but someone has to take care of the dogs. Maybe next year!

You can check in on the camp to see what is going on. Go to http://www.crossingscamps.org/, click on Parent Point, enter your email (or just use mine to get in), go to Camp Cedarmore-week of June 23-27. You should be able to see pics and videos that are updated daily.

My New Toy

2008-06-17T05:00:00.021-05:00

My mouth has been watering for a new digital camera. After some researching and talking to other people that have digital cameras, I decided to take the plunge. So, last night, Jordan and I made a fast trip to Best Buys and upon checking out, decided I cannot go back to that store until at least the year 2009!! I got a Canon Rebel XSi and an EF 75-300 Zoom Lens. I also ordered the Rebel bag which will be shipped to me in about a week. I was so tired when I got home, I went to bed, didn't even look at my new toy, so I'll be checking it out today.

On the way to get my new camera, I was thinking how blessed I am. I have a good job, pretty decent pay for this area and thankful that I can purchase something new if I want to. I love taking pictures and take a lot of the GRC Youth Group and my dogs. I prayed and thanked God for my blessings and asked him to bless this camera and prayed that I will be able to use it for the upbuilding of His kingdom. Funny that I can take something as simple as a new camera to my God, but I'm sure he was glad I did.

So....to all you photographers out there, I may be seeking your expertise!!!

Happy Father's Day To My Little Daddy

2008-06-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day. This will be the third Father's Day without My Little Daddy. I miss him so much.

I wish he could see how well I'm doing and how Jordan is growing. I wish he could help me prepare for Jordan's upcoming graduation. I wish he could see my new car and Jordan's new little Mustang. I wish he could see all my little doggies, he would love the Cavaliers. I wish he could see Jordan working at McDonald's. I wish he could see the Youth Choir and hear how good they are. I wish he could have been at the car wash helping the guys wash the cars. I wish he could come with me to Celebrate Recovery. I wish he could have eaten hot dogs with me a total of 4 times last week!

But he can't.

I wish I could see what he's seeing. I wish I could walk with him on those streets of gold. I wish I could hold his hand and stare in awe at the pearly gates. I wish I could see his mansion. I wish I could stand with him in the throne room of God and sing praises to Him.

I wish I could tell him, just one more time, "I love you My Little Daddy."

I'm Just A Beginner

2008-06-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

I am new to this, so bear with me. I have a few friends that I enjoy reading their blogs but I didnt know if I would have anything interesting to say. Or at least anything that anyone else would want to read about.

Ok....so.....I am a state employee with over 18 years of experience but I've recently found out that my "real job" is starting to get in the way of my hobbies. But, gotta pay the bills, so I'll continue working and counting down until I can retire and do all those fun things that I'm wanting to do--8 years and 8 months to go!!
I raise Shih Tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I am truly in love with my babies. It's so nice to come home to the unconditional love that they provide me. Let's see....the Shih Tzus are-Panda, Precious, Molly, Dusty, Charlie, Baby, Dancy, Bitsy, Kenzie and Elliott. The Cavaliers are-Alisha, Alexis, Briley and Brady. Oh, then I have this Himelayen cat, Lilly. I recently acquired her from a friend, but I've only seen her about three times. I don't think she likes us.

My son Jordan is 17 years old and will be a big Senior this year. Hard to believe, seems like just yesterday, he was a toddler running around the house. And then I blinked.

I was born and raised in Green River Chapel Church, most of my family on my mother's side was members of this church. About a year and a half ago, I got my life back in order, got back in church and have been going strong ever since. I am very active with the youth group, I lead the youth choir and do a lot of event planning for activities and fund raisers.

I've recently started leading the Praise & Worship program at Celebrate Recovery. This program has taught me a lot about my "hurts, habits and hang ups". We all have them and only through Jesus Christ, can we overcome them.