A Night Turned Special

You can't deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants.  ~Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis

This past Friday was Michael’s birthday.  He had to work Friday and Saturday, trying planning anything was not really possible.  He works twelve hour shifts.  We usually go out to eat with my sweet brother & sister-in-law about once a month.  We are so fortunate that Mandy and Ronny can usually meet us. 

Anyway, after a long day at work Michael decided he wasn't too tired to go out to dinner.  We were going out for our routine dinner with these wonderful people.  Sweet Haley joined us this time...she is so cute.  We went to one of our favorite places.  We went to eat Habachi style.

Someone told the Hibachi Chef –Chef Donnie it was Michael's birthday….everything took off.  We all laughed so much.  No one brought a camera, because it was suppose to be just another routine dinner with family.  This picture was taken by Mandy using her phone. 

I had tried to work something for Sunday with family, but there was scheduling conflicts.  So, the impromptu Saturday night created an unexpected celebration.  Who would have thought a routine night out would have turned into so much laughter?  I know what you are thinking…must have been alcohol involved….FYI…NO alcoholic beverages were served all night.  It was just fun with a wonderful group of people. 

Mandy, Ronny, Monty, Tammy and Haley thank you for meeting us for dinner. Thank you for all the laughter and love. Thank you for making Michael’s birthday a little extra special.  It started out as a routine dinner and it was anything but routine.  THANK YOU!!!! 

Hopefully, I will have Cali’s birthday pictures here soon. The pictures of the adults sliding down the inflatable slides are great. Good time and Great Memories.

"Why is God punishing me?"

When we put our cares in His hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.
~Author Unknown

"Why is God punishing me?"

Have you ever heard someone say those words? Have you ever said those words or thought them? It breaks my heart to hear those words from anyone (even when I accidentally over hear them). I don’t believe God punishes us. I believe He is a just God.

I believe most of our situations/circumstances are man made. We make bad choice(s) or someone else makes a choice that affects us negatively. That is not God’s will. That is “man’s” will…his free choice. (FYI…I don’t believe God punishes us with illness either.)

I believe that regardless of the situation/circumstances we may find ourselves in…God will see us through it. God will see you through it in His time.

God is there to comfort and guide us. BUT it is up to you.  Pray for comfort, peace and guidance.  Do you turn it over to Him? Do you give Him your pain, anger and disappointment? OR Do you complain about it?

Humble yourself! Do not block your comfort/guidance by complaining. Keep your heart open to Him. Changes will come.

Believing God is my first and only thought.

OH, Really?

Let there be more joy and laughter in your living.
                                   ~Eileen Caddy

Have you ever just sat back and went “Really?” I am talking a sarcastic “Really?” I am talking about the kind of “Really” that says “you really (that word again) must think I was born yesterday or fell off that turnip truck.” The kind of really that says it all. (without attitude or acting hateful.) 

I am talking about all the different tones and facial expressions that can change the meaning of the word “Really”… “Awe, Really?” with a sad look shows sympathy. “Really?” with a huge smile and/or outburst says “OH MY HOW FUNNY”…..A sharp quick “Really?” is excitement. The slow lingering “Ohhhh Reeeaalllyy?” is pushing sarcasm. I say Really a lot…but usually not out of sarcasm…it is usually out of shocking disbelief of something real happening (happiness majority of the time)…But the last week or so I found myself saying it with sarcasm. I thought about it today…”they must think I was born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck this afternoon.”


The kind of Really that says “wow…they think I was born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck this afternoon.” Then I laugh and say OHHHH MY HOW FUNNY…..

All we can do is reach out, smile and continue our walk.

I love life and everything it has to offer….LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH says it all.

Please visit Prayers Praise and Photographs  for a peek at pictures.

Just a Quote

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~Mark Twain


Have a blessed day and bless others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.
                                                                                                                     ~ St. Therese of Liseux

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Yesterday was my big brother’s birthday. Bobby is the perfect big brother. We will not discuss his age out of respect for the elderly. I am just kidding. I love teasing him. He has a great sense of humor. He comes by it naturally. He was my protector growing up and still is today. He has always watched over me my whole life. He does not like to be in the lime-light. He is happy being the one in the back ground making others happy.

Thanks to my big brother I have received VIP treatment. He has sent a limo to pick our mother, myself and a few other ladies up to see George Strait in concert (compliments of him). That was a fun time. Mom got to meet George Strait up close and personal. He is her favorite singer. We got to visit with Terry Bradshaw (over an hour) while waiting on our limo to take us home. Good Times & Great Memories! My mother and I received royal treatment at a Gretchen Wilson concert (compliments of him). He has always seen to it that our mom and I are treated like royalty. Michael, Monty, Tammy and I were treated like VIPs at the recent NASCAR races. We had the times of our lives. We needed a mini vacation and it was perfect….even with all the rain. I will always cherish these experiences, because without his hand I would have missed out. I love the memories. Thank you Bobby.

I want to tell you my fondest memory of my big brother. He will not acknowledge this happened, but I give you word it did. It meant so much to me as a young child that it is forever etched in my brain. When he and I were little (he may have been in 2nd me in 1st) we would walk to school. We always walked together. He always made sure I crossed the street properly and was protected. One school day we decided to cross through the creek instead of walking down to the bridge. The creek edge that leads to the bottom was steep. But with his help I managed to get down to the creek bottom. When I tried to cross the water I slipped on the rock I was using as my path. Down I went into the water, losing my lunch and scratching up my hands and knees. I was crying and he was comforting me. When we got to school he made sure I was okay and as clean as I could possibly be. He gave me his lunch that day and he did without. He checked on me when he could. I will never forget how he took care of me and comforted me that day. He has repeated acts of kindness all his life. He is the same good guy today.

So…..to my big brother on this very special day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Thank you for being the best big brother any sister could ask for. Thank you for each smile and hug you send my way. I can always hear you smile through the phone….even the text messages. My girls adore you. May this day and the rest of your life be filled with blessings, wonderful memories and a lifetime of peace.  I LOVE YOU BIG BROTHER!!

I owe my Mom and Dad special thanks. This is their day too. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!! You guys gave me the best big brother a little sister could ask for.

I am very blessed to have my family. Blessed that no matter what is going on they stick beside each other. They do not disown you, nor do they work against you like you are the enemy. We are respectful towards each other. My siblings and I know that we are bonded together. We can laugh, cry, vent and most of all just be together through it all. We may not speak every day, but there is that bond of closeness because we are family. I know that if I need anything my family will be there for me. I will be there for them. I guess when you lose a sibling you make a decision about what is important. We made ours without saying a word. Family is important. Don you are missed everyday.

Father, please continue to bless our family. Watch over each of us as only you can do. I pray for healing for those that are ill. I pray for the healing of broken hearts and those that are discouraged. I pray for those who are struggling with mean spirited individuals. I pray for those mean spirited individuals; that you can help release the anger from their heart. Father, please be with my brother in his travels.  Thank you for being a beautiful light in our life. I will see you in heaven. AMEN!

See recent memories in pictures  Prayers, Praise and Photographs