This morning we had -11 degrees in our little valley and that's without figuring in the windchill. It was frigid. Tonight, as I type, we have 13 degrees and about 4 inches of new-fallen snow on the ground. Everyone, including myself, has been saying that we've needed this cold snap to kill off the viruses and germs. Well, I think these frigid temps might very well have done the trick on those little varmints. I talked to my girlfriend Arlene and her husband, on Saturday. They are wintering in Sarasota, Florida and they said it was a balmy 72 degrees there. *sigh* I asked Ed when are we going to start wintering in Florida. I haven't gotten an answer yet. *smile* (fingers crossed) Stay warm, everyone and get those covers tucked in tight. Night night!

Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!

We had -6 this morning (Monday) and already tonight we have 1 degree at 8:37pm. So we know that it is going to be even COLDER in the morning than it was this morning and snow is on the way, too!!! What great snuggling weather! *smile* Stay warm everyone!! God Bless!

Last fall I applied for S.S. Disability. I did so with a bit of trepidation because I feel that getting disability sometimes bring with it a bad reputation. I know of people who are on disability and I've questioned whether or not they really need it. (I'm being really honest here, okay?) But when I started having my health problems, I began to think quite differently. I look at people so differently now. There is no way for me to know what they are suffering. There is an old saying: "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes." How very true that statement is. When I've had to use the motorized cart at Walmart or other stores, I've had people give me "the look", that says: "Why are YOU riding on that thing? You're just lazy. You just need to lose some weight. Walking would probably help you to feel better. You just need to exercise more." All of the same thoughts I've had about people I've seen riding the motorized carts. As I said before, I've had such a change of heart and attitude. It has been humbling and made me so much more compassionate and understanding toward others.
Okay...back to the disability. I had applied last fall, was turned down and let my appeal date come and go, thinking I should just forget about it. In the meantime, I applied for a few jobs that I thought I might be able to do, interviewed for a couple of them, but was never offered the positions. Then I heard about the companies offering people jobs at home. Very legitimate companies and I was so excited. But that didn't work out either, as we are not able to get DSL here at home.
I was praying about all of this and told the Lord that if none of these opportunities worked out that I would take it as a sign that I should once again apply for disability. So I made an appointment to go refile. The first time I applied, I did so online, but then my computer went on the blink, so I made an appointment at the S.S. office in Lancaster. You might know it would be on the coldest morning of the year! :-/ I almost called and cancelled but I didn't! So I gathered up all of the necessary forms and info and off Ed and I went. I prayed so fervently that I would get a really nice person to help me, not some old grumpy person who thought I was just looking for a hand-out. Please, Lord. Wellllll, I was directed to one of the nicest ladies I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She was a gem. (Thank you, Lord.) She was so kind and helpful and really encouraged me to pursue getting disability because it will take several months and no doubt, entail going through the appeals process more than once. There is a good possibility that I will not get a monthly check but that I will be eligible for Medicare which would be wonderful.
So after my appointment was over, Ed and I went over to the food court (the Social Security Office is in River Valley Mall) to get some lunch. We had chinese from Mark Pi's and it was delicious. After we finished lunch, we were sitting there watching the people and I said I might as well look at my fortune, so I cracked open my fortune cookie and read it. I couldn't believe it! It said, "Your present plans will be successful." I showed it to Ed and we both just sat there and the tears came. Now don't get me wrong, I don't put my hope in fortune cookies, but I do believe the Lord can use things such as this to speak to us. I had just so dreaded going up there and then to have such a lovely, kind woman assist me. I am so thankful that the Lord went ahead of me and prepared the way and let words of encouragement come to me. He is such an awesome, caring Saviour. I never cease to be amazed at how particularly He cares about the little things in our lives. "He's a wonder, He's a wonder, He's a Mighty God...." Yes, He is. Jesus, My Rock.

Mid-Winter Youth Retreat Pics!

Cool Slideshows

My own weather report

It is always colder here than what is reported on TV or on the web. We have -4 degrees here this morning. I'm not sure what the windchill is.....I don't really care because whether I know what it is or not.....I know it is frigid! *smile* Pastor Martin changed the order of service today, cancelling this morning and tonight and scheduling an afternoon service at two o'clock. Call me a whimp, but I really appreciate him doing this. I could get used to having one service on Sunday. I have been giving little hints at this for quite some time but to no avail. :-/ But already, by having just one service today, the day feels so much better and less "full". I mean, doing music for one service is so much better. Alot of this is probably because I am getting older and because of my physical limitations. BUT......those of you who know me, know that I will keep on keepin' on, no matter how many services we have on Sunday. :-)

What's not to love....

....about this adorable face? *grin* We just love him so much!! Of course, he had come onto the porch out of the pouring snow and wanted some pets and cuddles, which he certainly got after I took this picture. Oh, and he got some treats, too! *smile*

A Doggy Snow Angel and DSL

This is Rocky's version of a Snow Angel. Not very neat and concise, but he had fun making it nonetheless. He is so funny. He puts his nose down in the snow and just goes plowing along. We had so much fun playing with him outside yesterday evening in the snow. Okay, so I didn't do too much romping about but I had fun watching, okay? *grin*

Okay, so my dear husband was standing her behind me just now watching me upload this photo and he was commenting about how long it took.....imagine that.....and he started singing...."Well, this ain't Dallas......this ain't DSL....." Very funny.

The actual country song, which is quite old, goes:

"Well, this ain't Dallas, this ain't Dynasty,

We're a real live two-job-working family,

And I ain't JR and you ain't SueEllen,

We're just man and woman,

Holdin' this thing together."

Okay, concerning DSL.....it isn't available here in the hills of Southeastern Ohio where we just happen to live.....:-( We have exhausted every avenue in trying to get it here. The only other option we might have is to try Hughes Net, so we'll see. In the great scheme of things, I dont' really know if it is necessary. Ohhhhh, but it would be wonderful to have. No more waiting for pictures to load. I could watch the video that all of you put up on your pages. I could post videos to my blog. I have a page on Everyones Connected but I don't go to it very often because it is unbelieveably slow with dial-up. Also, I had inquired about working from home via my computer but the companies that I contacted required DSL via a landline so Hughes Net would not have helped in that endeavor. I had heard about these companies through a segment on Good Morning America. They are legitimate and sounded like something that was right up my alley, because I had been thinking I would love to work part-time again and with my physical limitations, working from home would have been great! But as I said before, DSL was required. *sigh* But you know, I prayed about it and put it in the hands of the Lord and I just believe that He knows what is best for me right now and this must be it. What a comfort it is to be able to trust in Him for everything.

Okay, here are the web addresses for those companies that are hiring people to work from home:

www.alpineaccess.com

www.liveops.com

www.willowcsn.com

www.vipdesk.com

These are reputable companies as warranted by Good Morning America and their website. No selling is required. I believe it is more of a customer service type of job or possibly taking orders for these companies as people call you or perhaps trouble-shooting of some sort. You must have a computer of course and a room in your home where you can work privately and quietly. As I have sat here typing this post, I have thought that perhaps I wasn't meant to get one of these jobs, but perhaps someone else needs this information and the Lord is using me to get it out to them. I am anxious to see and to hear what happens! I'll let you know!

What's for dinner?

This is what we had for dinner yesterday! Spanish Rice! Now I didn't care for the spanish rice that they used to serve us in the cafeteria at school...yuck! Imagine that. :-/ But I've come up with this version which I love, especially on a cold, snowy day in Ohio. Of course, you can serve it with a nice salad and rolls, too. This is a quick dish to fix, which is another thing that I love about it. Ed said I really outdid myself on this yesterday! *smile* So, here's the recipe for those of you who might want to try it:

SPANISH RICE

1 BOX OF RICE-A-RONI SPANISH RICE MIX
1 LB. OF GROUND BEEF
1 CAN OF SLICED STEWED TOMATOES W/JUICE
2-3 CUPS OF WATER
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
CHILI POWDER TO TASTE
1 CUP OF MILD SALSA
BROWN THE GROUND BEEF IN A LARGE SKILLET.
ADD SALT AND PEPPER
ADD CHILI POWDER TO TASTE.
STIR IN THE RICE THOROUGHLY.
ADD THE SEASONING PACKET.
STIR IN THOROUGHLY.
ADD THE TOMATOES WITH JUICE.
YOU MAY WANT TO CUT THE TOMATOES INTO
SMALLER PIECES.
ADD WATER AND THE SALSA.
STIR ALL OF THIS TOGETHER AND LET
EVERYTHING SIMMER UNTIL THE RICE
IS DONE, ADDING WATER AS NEEDED.
I HAVE SERVED THIS IN A PRETTY SERVING DISH
AND LINED THE EDGES WITH TORTILLA CHIPS, THEN
GARNISHED THE MIDDLE WITH CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS,
GRATED CHEESE AND LITTLE DOLLOPS OF SOUR
CREAM.
ENJOY!!

Moving on.....

Ed and I just realized today that we are no longer calling the den "Daniel's room"! *sighhhhh* We're moving on,hm? Daniel has been married to our wonderful daughter-in-law Erin for 1 year and 1 month. We had struggled with what to do with his old bedroom as it was completely decked out in OSU scarlet and gray down to the plaid carpet. At the time, I was in fairly bad shape physically, so we couldn't do much. We decided to leave it in the Ohio State Buckeyes decor and are we ever glad that we did! I don't what we were thinking when we were contemplating changing it. Sheesh!
Anywayyyyy.......we called it Daniel's room for sooooo long after he left. It just didn't seem right not to. He had lived here for 18 years!
BUT......this afternoon, Ed was looking for the book he is presently reading and I asked him if he had looked in the den. We both just kind of stopped in our tracks upon realizing that we were no longer calling it "Daniel's room". A good thing, I believe. Yet, a bit heart-wrenching, as a parent and empty-nester. We're doing okay. Me and this wonderful husband of mine. *little smile*

Thursday Thirteen # 1!

Thirteen of my favorite recipes! 1. Creole Vegetables and Smoked Sausage: I created this when we were on a camping trip. It is so satisfying and is great with cornbread! 2. Pork Chop Noodle Bake: I got this recipe from a former co-worker. It is my pastor's daughter's fave! 3. Hearty Spanish Rice: This is my own concoction and it is tummy-warming! Everyone loves it! 4. Jewel's Baked Beans: I kept experimenting to come up with Baked Beans that "I" like. These are it! 5. Cream Cheese Cookies: Cookies can't be made any quicker or easier than this! My family's favorite, too! 6. Stovetop Tuna Noodle: I kept tweaking recipes until I came up with this one! 7. Fruit Salad-My Way: I got this from a homeschool mom and friend and tweaked it a little. 8. Dutch Potatoes: This recipe came from an Amish cookbook and is Daniel and Erin's favorite dish! 9. Chocolate Trifle: This came from Sis. Webster and it is always gone in a flash at dinners. 10.Cherry Whip: This was my mother's recipe. Now my sister-in-law Cheryl always fixes it for family gatherings. 11.Stir-fry Chicken: I came up with this recipe, too. It is so quick and easy and is better left-over and reheated even! 12.Swiss Steak: Simple, easy and delicious. Just my kind of recipe! 13.Potato Salad: I tweaked this recipe until it "almost" tastes as good as my Mom's. *smile* I think everyone thinks their mom makes the "best" potato salad, hm? (Leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Still Wintering Here

Here are a couple of pics of the weather outside here. It is collllddd. The first is of my back porch now and the other is of my porch in the summer. *sigh*

Of course, the third one is of Rocky, at the back door, waiting to be fed this morning. I fed him, gave him his sweetsy treatsies and cuddles and lovin's. He is the best dog. I call him Wiggles because he just about wiggles his tail off when he sees me. I can honestly say that he is probably happier to see me than anyone else I know! *smile* (Aren't dogs great? *grin*)

I found a some really good quotes about dogs. Enjoy:
"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies."
"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him."

Welcome Home!

I finally have my computer back! Yay! So, after taking my computer to this newly-found computer repair shop in New Lexington, we were able to pick it up this morning. It needed a new power-source which is the gray metal box inside the computer that houses the fan, etc. And do you know how much it cost to have this replaced?!?!?!? I'm not going to tell you. Let's see if any of you can guess,k?

New Lexington is about 20 miles away and it was quite a drive over as the wind is really fierce today and it has been snowing all morning, too. The snow was blowing and drifting across the road in many places and the roads going to New Lex are so curvy and twisting and there are a kazillion hills between here and there but you do get used to driving in it after living here for so long. (all of our lives. *smile*)

The wind is howling outside, while the sun is shining and snow is falling occasionally. It is a good day to be inside enjoying the coziness of home. The windchill is in the single digits....brrrr!!

I am going to a birthday party tonight for a dear saint in our church. She is presently a patient in the skilled nursing unit of our local hospital. Her name is Dana and she received the Holy Ghost at General Conference. It was so awesome! She is in her 70's and is just the sweetest little thing! Dana had double-knee replacement surgery last year and just recently fell and broke her hip. We all feel so badly for her but have tried to be there for her and encourage her and her daughter, with whom she has lived for the past two years. Her daughter, Ruth, tried to bring her home to stay right before Christmas but could not manage her alone and had to take her back to the skilled nursing unit, which just about broke both of their hearts and ours, but I do understand, because I helped care for my mother during the last several years of her life. It can be so heart-wrenching in trying to make the best and wisest decisions where our elderly parents are concerned. I am so thankful that Mom had such a wonderful attitude through all of her health problems. She was always chipper and joking and looking for something to laugh and smile about. Dana is a sweetheart and I am looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her and others from the church.

I try to keep a positive outlook even on the difficult days. My girlfriend Neda told me one day when we were together to straighten and quit walking like I had something stuck up....well, you get the idea. *feeble grin* So I told her, "What??? You think I like walking like this? You think I would CHOOSE to walk like this?? HELLOOOOO!!!! " We had a good laugh about it. *smile* Ed, my dear husband, says I'm "inVALid". *grin* Velly funny. He and Pastor Martin also call me "Fred" occasionally (after Fred Sanford on TV) because of the way I walk sometimes. And then there are those who are really cute and say, "Run, Jewel, Run". Haha. That's a real scream. *grin* I'm so thankful that I can make people laugh and smile and bring such joy to their lives. LOL Even if it is because I walk funny and AM IN PAIN!!! LOL

Okay, I'll stop. *smile*

Yes, you guessed it.......

......I am coming to you from our local library, my former place of employment and what a great job it was. Oh, it wasn't without the usual little nitpicky annoyances that come with any job, but it was the perfect job for me, as I love people and love books. I thought I would be working there for the rest of my life, because I loved it so much, but life has a way of changing, hm? *smile* We just never know how things are really going to go, but I am so thankful that I can trust the Lord to lead me along the right path for my life. I was thinking this morning about where I was and how I was doing physically a year ago and I am happy to tell you that I AM better physically. Last year at this time, I was almost bedridden. I couldn't to the laundry or dishes or run the sweeper. My dear husband was doing all of this, plus his part-time job. (He is retired and now working part-time.) And he never complained. Not once. He only encouraged me and prayed for me and helped me. And now, a year later, I am able to do these things once again. I am still limited. I can't "run with a troop or leap over a wall" but, okay, for real now, are those really necessary? *smile* I thought not.

I have been helping the young people at church get ready for Mid-Winter Youth Retreat: Getting all of the forms together, knowing when to be at the church, knowing how much money they need, how much luggage they can take (it's just one night, for goodness' sake! LOL) They are so excited, of course! I remember when I used to be so excited about Mid-Winter and excited about taking them! This is the second year that they will be going with Nelsonville UPC's youth group. Thank you, Bro. Jeremy and Sis. Melinda Edwards for taking on this responsibility and challenge. Oh, and Bro. Chad, too! I will be at the church tomorrow afternoon when they leave, to bid them farewell and good times!

As for my computer: It is still in the shop. But, you know what? I haven't missed it nearly as much as I thought I would. Hmmmm.....it has really surprised me. But as I get older, I find that I adapt to situations and things that happen so much easier than I used to. I used to get so frustrated when things didn't go a certain way or if something changed from the way it had always been. Life goes on and change does happen and we must learn adapt or be eternally frustrated. "................for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil. 4:11

I was on my way to Lancaster Tuesday afternoon and I was missing the boy (Daniel). *grin* I checked the time and knew that he was in between classes, so I gave him a call just to hear his voice. ( I know, I know. I am really pitiful. Help me out here, mothers. *feeble grin*) Anywayyyy.....he answered and I said hello and he said that he didn't have much time to talk as he was heading to his next and last class of the day. I thought: Well, why couldn't he talk to me on the way? And the answer I came up with was: Because he probably wanted to listen to music instead or just didn't feel like talking or doesn't miss me like I miss him or.......so, once again, I chose to make the adjustment and I let him go and went on with my day.

BUTTTTT.....that night at a few minutes past ten, the phone rang. I was in bed reading, so I didn't get up to answer it and just who do think it was??? Daniel! And he actually left a message, asking me to call him. Of course, I immediately thought he needed something or something must be wrong, but no. Do you know what he wanted? You'll never guess, so I'll tell you. *smile* He wanted to talk about the President's State of the Union Address. Can you believe it? I was so impressed and proud of him! So we talked for about twenty minutes about the address and school and work and how things were going with him and Erin. I was so proud of him for watching the President because I do feel that things like this are important. I can remember us watching and listening to the President before when he was still at home and I would talk to him about politics and take him to the polls with me when I voted and tell him how important it is for him to vote when he becomes old enough and talk about important issues affecting us, our country or the world. After we hung up, I took time to thank the Lord for Daniel calling me. I had wanted to talk to him so much and I can't help but think that the Lord nudged his heart a little in urging him to call me. The Lord does care about the little things....especially a mother's heart, I believe. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7

Well, I need to be on my way so I can finish some errands. Then it is home to put the finishing touches on songs for choir practice tonight and fixing supper!

Ohhhh Nooooo.....

Well....my computer is in the pc hospital. *sigh* I am having withdrawal. Especially considering I have been housebound since Saturday evening. HELP!! I mean, it would have been so nice to play some games or talk on messsenger to Becky or read the news. *sigh* LOL Okay, there are days when I dont' even turn my computer on. Seriously. But now that I don't have it and know that I can't turn it on even if I want to.....well, you get the picture. Thankfully, the place where we took it is very reputable but that just means that it is going to take possibly two weeks before I will get it back because they are so backed up. *sigh*
I will endeavor to come into the library every couple of days and leave a short post. *sigh* I know, I know, I am sighing alot but I do sigh alot in real life. *grin*
I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful winter weather. Well, that is , if you live in the snow belt! *smile*
Talk to you later!!1

I have a sick computer.

Well, just in case any of you were wondering where I have been! *grin* I'm having computer problems at home. *sighhhh* I am posting this from the library, as Ed and I come here weekly to get reading material and movies, so I thought I would hop on here and let you know what's going on. It isn't anything too serious with my pc, so I should be up and running in no time, but it has been a busy week and even if my computer was okay, I probably wouldn't have been on much.

Has winter ever come to Ohio!!! Brrrrr!! I was talking to a very nice young lady when calling Cingular about a cellphone issue. She was located in Florida and I asked her what the temp was there. 70 degrees! I told her that it was 17 degrees at my house at 9:30 in the morning in Ohio and she about flipped! She said that she had complained that morning about it being chilly in Florida at 70 degrees, but that 17 would be an excuse to stay home down there! I told her that excuse would never fly up here! We just laughed and laughed. It is so nice to call customer service, whatever company it might be, and get a really nice person,hm? Anywayyyyy.....we got that problem resolved.

I will post more later if my pc get all better. *fingers crossed*

God's best to each of you and may you have a wonderful weekend!!! :-)

41-14. I wasn't sure that we were going to win, but I sure didn't think we were going to get the trouncing that we got. The Buckeyes just acted lost on the field. In disarray. Well, it's over for another year. Here's a really good article that explains very well what I, too, felt was the reason we lost. I will say one thing: once a fan, always a fan. And I am very proud for the way our players and Coach Tressel conducted themselves. Our fans did a good job of this, too. Daniel had stopped by before the game and "borrowed" my Buckeye necklace, my football that plays the OSU fight song, and my Brutus Buckeye. He was decked out in scarlet and gray and was hyped to the max! Needless to say, his enthusiasm no doubt waned rather quickly last night. It will be interesting to talk to him today and get his take on the game.
************************************************************************************
Upon the suggestion of a friend, I purchased knee braces, in the hopes that they might help with the hip and back pain that I deal with on a daily basis. This friend said that they have helped her tremendously. Although I was a tad leary of them being able to help me, I bought them and wore them for the better part of the day yesterday. I noticed that I was having some added pain in my lower back, so I took the braces off yesterday evening. Whoa, I was really in pain. I had to go to bed, up my pain med some. About 11pm, I asked Ed to pray for me and I was able to go to sleep for a few hours, as long as I stayed on my back, with pillows under my knees. So I got up this morning and was feeling a smidge better, until I went into the den where I plugged in the lights on the ficus tree. As I straightened up, something popped in the lower, right side of my back. Talk about pain! This was at 6am and I had a lady coming at 6:40 to get her hair done! I managed to get seated and turn on the heating pad for a few minutes. Though in much pain, I managed to get her hair done, then I went to bed. But the pain was raw, even laying down. So I got up and ate a little bit of food so I could take pain med. It didn't help, so about an hour later, I took another dose and finally.....finally, the pain decreased to a manageable level. I am feeling pretty good at the present time, thankfully. The chiropractor that I had been going to, told me to be careful when taking the pain med because while masking the pain, I could possibly do more damage to my back. My family doctor prescribed the pain medicine because I felt that I needed something to help me when the pain is really intense, like this morning. Yesterday was a pretty rough day for me, too. And Sunday. Oh, I don't know. Sometimes the days seem to all run together, you know? As I've said before, because we don't have insurance, our options are limited. But as I say that, I am reminded that the Lord's aren't. And He knows right where I am and what I am going through. He knows what is best for me. It can be a bit of a quandry though. I have the faith that He can heal me, for He has so many times before. Yet, is He trying to do a greater work in my life through this? Have I become comfortable with my pain, has it become my companion? Has it altered my life so much that I wouldn't know how to act if He did heal me and I was "normal" again? Or is this just a part of the aging process for me? Have I been so hard on my body over the years that I have brought wear and tear on my back and so on? Do any of you go through these questions and doubts? I have an old cassette recording from Family Camp at Buckeye Lake. Bro. Tenney taught one afternoon on "Why Saints Are Not Always Healed". I "dug" it out and I am going to listen to it this evening. I'll give you some of the high points and my comments tomorrow.

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

It is winter in Ohio!! And when the snow sticks, it is just beautiful. I should have taken some pictures this morning for the flakes were huge and fluffy and coming down so slowly. It was beautiful!! We have a woodburner and the house is so warm and cozy. I appreciate the work that Ed puts into gathering in wood during the summer months so we can enjoy this cozy heat in the winter. Ellie really likes it, too! See???? *smile*

An update on Erin

We finally got a call from Daniel yesterday evening telling us that he and his mother-in-law were taking Erin to the emergency room as she was still in so much pain, so I joined them at the hospital. Ed had already made two trips to Athens and was so weary, so I told him that he could stay home and I would go. When I arrived, poor Erin was in so much pain. I felt so sorry for her. After about four hours, tests and a cat scan, they discovered that she had a kidney stone. She was pretty loopy by this time and feeling PRETTYYY good as they had given her pain medicine. *smile* She was back to her old self when we arrived back at their house at about 10pm and Daniel just had to show me some comedy video that he had downloaded and it was hilarious. I can't remember the young comedian's name, but he is hispanic and his humor is decent....thankfully. I love stand-up comedy but you can seldom find any worth listening to. This young man is a hoot. He can do so many different voices and sounds. We had alot of raucous laughs!! And Erin had pain medication and some other things that the hospital gave her, so she is going to be alright....in Jesus' name!
It was good to spend time talking with Bro. and Sis. Dunnells and Brian, Erin's brother as we waited for results on Erin. I am so thankful for them for they love Daniel like a son and they are so good to include Ed and I in family get-togethers and church activities, though we go to a different church but isn't this how it should be? I've always prayed that when Daniel got married that it would be like this and truly the Lord has been so good to answer just as I prayed. He is so faithful and mindful of us. What a personal, caring God He is!

He's no longer a teenager!

Daniel's 20th birthday was yesterday, January 3rd! I can hardly believe he is twenty years old! How the years have flown by, especially the years between sixteen and now! It

was like once he got his license and that measure of independence the years took off like a flash! We treated Daniel and Erin to lunch on Saturday at our annual New Year's lunch. Yesterday, because of his and Erin's busy schedule, she got him an ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery and I fixed him Dutch Potatoes and Baked Chicken which Ed dropped off to them on his way to Athens yesterday afternoon. They both looooove Dutch Potatoes. I'll have to post the recipe here soon for those of you who would like to try them. We also got him a beautiful card and put a "little something" in it for him. *smile* He called us and thanked us for everything. The Lord has truly blessed us with a good son and daughter.
****************************************************
Daniel and Erin are having a little contest. *grin* Mid-Winter Youth Retreat is the last weekend of this month, so Daniel and Erin are endeavoring to lose a little weight before then. So, the one who loses this contest, only gets to take THREE pairs of shoes to MW. And this is a big deal, because last year, Daniel took EIGHT pairs of shoes to MW. (I told you he is high-maintenace!) I'll let you know who wins!

"Oh What a Night......."

"....late December back in '63" Do you remember that oldie but goodie of a song by Frankie Vallie??? BUT....I am speaking of last night, Jan 3rd. *sigh* We got a call from Daniel about half past midnight, asking us to pray, because Erin had called him from work asking him to come and get her because she was sick and in alot of pain. We immediately went to prayer for Erin. After not hearing from them for quite awhile, I finally phoned Daniel at 2:30am. Erin answered and told me that she had had Daniel bring her home, where he had prayed for her and she was trusting the Lord to touch her. Erin is so pitiful when she is sick. You just want to take her up in your arms and hold her and protect her. She asked us to please continue to pray for her, which we did. I had thought that Daniel was going to take her to O'Bleness right from work, so I was a little surprised to find them at home when I called. But then I remembered that Erin Maree has a very low tolerance level for pain, needles, or anything of the sort, so that is probably why they didn't go to the hospital. I phoned once again this morning, around 7:30am, and Erin said the pain had abated for awhile but flared up once again at about 4am. When I called this morning, the pain had subsided again. She thinks she may have kidney infection because the pain is located in her mid-lower back and she has some other familiar symptoms. Needless to say, she didn't sleep last night and neither did I. Daniel got some sleep and was going to go in to a later class this morning. I'll keep you posted as to how Erin is doing. Your prayers for Erin would be so appreciated. God Bless everyone!

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I am feeling really rough today, what with the lack of sleep last night and the upsurge of pain that I have been dealing with that past few days. I had wanted to accomplish some things today but it looks as though I will have to re-order my day's doings. After catching up here on my blog and blog-reading, I am going to do a few necessary things here at home and then catch up on my bible reading and study. I am still working on my 2004 BREAD program but I am determined to finish it! I had thought of starting this year's prgram anew but concluded that it would be best for me to finish the old one. I've started the BREAD program so many times and have never managed to finish it, so finishing the 2004 program would really be a great accomplishment.

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