The twins taking a walk home from the playground.

A Few Thoughts

GOD'S GREAT EXCHANGE:

 

I EXCHANGE...

 

My weariness for HIS strength

My weakness for HIS power

My darkness for HIS light

My problems for HIS solutions

My burdens for HIS freedom

My frustrations for HIS peace

My turmoil for HIS calm

My hopes for HIS promises

My afflictions for HIS comfort

My questions for HIS answers

My confusion for HIS knowledge

My doubt for HIS assurance

My nothingness for HIS awesomeness

My temporal for HIS eternal

My immpossible for HIS possible

My needs for His supply

My will for HIS perfect will

My sorrow for HIS joy

My Etsy Shop

Ok, here is the link to my ETSY shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6181078

Hope it works! I guess this is a test!

Edit... it's working fine! It's full of knitted things, a cute snowman pillow, an extremely primitive snowman shelf-sitter, and some painted stuff. Will continue to stuff full for the holidays!

Henry is officially a crawler!

Henry sent us a note - he says "Hi Memaw and Papa"!

Hi Henry!

Smooches!

Congratulations on being able to move away from the cat!, or towards him, either one!

Unsolicited Advice

yeah, I stole this from an email from Jim's cousin, Becky. I think it contains some powerful advice.

Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life!

1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
4.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.
5.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
6.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
7.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
8.) Clear your clutter from your house, car, and desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
9.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
10.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like an algebra class. The lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
11.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a layman and dinner like a beggar.
12.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
13.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
14.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
16.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
17.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no Idea what their journey is all about.
18.) Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented Candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good China and wear fancy clothes now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
19.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
20.) Frame every so-called disaster with these Words: In five years, will this matter?
21.) Forgive everyone for everything.
22.) What other people think of you is none of your business.
23.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
24.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25.) Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
26.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
27.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?!
28.) The best is yet to come.
29.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
30.) Do the right thing!
31.) Call your family often.
32.) Each night before you go to bed complete the Following statements: 'I am thankful for_____________. Today I accomplished _________.
33.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
34.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast ride. LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A gift.... that's why it's called PRESENT! ... UNWRAP IT!

First Snowfall

No, I didn't get a picture... we all know what the snow looks like! Actually, it would snow and melt, then snow and melt. Some has accumulated by now, so it is nice that the leaves in the yard are covered. The weather says it is to be in the 60's by the weekend, so that is good news. I have a bunch of signs I want to paint, so sunny and 60 sounds just about right.

BUT... before it snowed, I got a picture of these snowman pillows.. I listed one on Etsy tonight. Hmm, it would be nice if there was a nice little clickable link right about here... have to learn how to do that someday.

Carol

Yesterday, my cousin Carol passed away. She is the beautiful woman in the picture with our uncle Jimmy. Yes, he's 80 something and he's Uncle Jimmy. Carol was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago after a horrible headache sent her to the emergency room. Surgery took place last week, the tumor had take residence in her brain, they got what they could, and started radiation and possibly chemotherapy. She was in rehab, when Tuesday night, they found her unconscious, her brain was swelling. She remained in a coma until passing away yesterday afternoon.

It doesn't seem quite real, she was a vibrant, caring individual, who has seen more heartbreak than one could bear. Losing her first husband after 5 years of marriage, leaving 2 boys, age 2 and 4. Losing a son at 21 to a motorcycle accident. The death of her second husband 2 years ago to cancer. Now we say goodbye to her on Saturday. I wanted to ask today - what did she do to deserve this, when it hits me, this IS her reward, she is receiving her crowns of glory.

We love you, Carol!