When My Heart Is Overwhelmed

Tonight, a nation sits around with heavy hearts, asking why.

Those of us on the outside cannot even begin to fathom the grief that has struck a small town in Connecticut.

Young parents who have presents waiting under the tree for their precious babies-gifts that they will never see them open.  

Mothers who have lost not only their child, but who have also seen their best friend just lose her child.  

Fathers who can come up with solutions for any family problem, except this one.

Brothers and sisters who just lost their favorite little buddy.

When this world turns up another horrific tragedy, I am so thankful that I am not the biggest thing in my universe, because my heart cannot handle these things on my own.  So often I think of "When my heart is overwhelmed".  Psalms 61:1-4 says (Amplified):

¹ Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

² From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I [yes, a rock that is too high for me].

³ For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.

⁴ I will dwell in Your tabernacle forever; let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings.Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

I don't have all the answers.  I have no great words of wisdom to make everything a little better.  But I can go to the Lord when my heart is hurting, and the heaviness of this world weighs down on me.

This song is one my heart feels.

When you hug your babies, your teenagers, your nieces, nephew, grand-babies and your best friend's children, say a prayer for the families that have lost some of the greatest gifts they've ever had in this life-their babies.  For the little community in Connecticut, and for all families who have had to face the horrible tragedy of losing a child.

And be thankful.  Extra thankful.  Grateful that you got to hug your family today.  That your holidays have not been shattered.  That tomorrow is another day to show your loved ones how much they mean to you.

A Question And 5QF!

Here we are, coming up on the end of another year!  I'm the type who almost always sets goals for the next year, how about you?

If you've read my blog in the past, you've seen that I have written mostly about humorous things that have happened in my life, such as the time I accidentally stole some elderly man's shopping cart.  Or the time my daughter's friend asked if Pennsylvanians hunt with machine guns.  Ah, the good times!

Over time, I ran low on stories, and there was a time I hit major brain block, and felt no inspiration.

And then, life took on some great changes, and my hubby and I and our children (the two who still live at home) moved to a new city and started a Pentecostal church.  I decided to change the theme of my blog, and share more things that are relevant to real life, every day living.  I have a few posts in draft that I plan to start posting in January.

I've found that one of my greatest desires in life is to write.  I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm hoping my fellow bloggers can help me out here because I do have a question:

How do you continue to have fresh ideas? 

This is the fear I face-that I'll begin to blog again, but will quickly run out of ideas.  I started this blog just about four years ago.  At one point, I decided to quit blogging, and took about a year off.  A few months back, I decided to blog again.  Have you had any similar experiences?

I would really love to have some input, and I thank you in advance.

5QF!

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make? I don't normally do any special baking for the holidays, but this year, Amber and I are getting together with friends (a lady and her daughter) to make cookies!  

2. Present giving: Gift bag vs wrapped box?  I usually wrap things. Gift bags are great for those odd shaped things tho!  

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the winter/summer in your house?  In the winter, 72 to 73 is good in this house.  I know that seems just a touch high, but it is most comfortable there, and Dan feels the same, which is unusual.  It's probably has something to do with this house that we are currently renting.  It's an older home, and maybe just doesn't hold the heat in as well.  For summer?  The thermostat is off, and the air conditioners are on.  Not sure what temperature is most comfortable tho.

4. When thinking of your "Christmas to-do list" what percentage "done" are you? Oh.....I'd say I'm about 30% done.  Dan and I will probably go out together someday soon to get our children their gifts.  I do have a few things, but need to finish up.  I'll admit-I'm having a hard time figuring out just what to get for my 14 year old son.  He's not much into video games (thankfully!), and it seems the choices are limited for his age group!  Any ideas for me?  

5. Do you do the "Elf on a Shelf"? If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into?  I am not sure if I had even heard of Elf on a Shelf until this year!  So no, can't say that I do it.  I have seen a few pictures of other people's Elves tho.  Some have been cute.  =)

Well, my friends, thank you for stopping by!  I do appreciate comments, and am really hoping you all will leave some for me with your helpful ideas.  Have a wonderful weekend!

What's YOUR Band Name? and 5QF

This crossed my fb page, and wanted to share with you all! (Skirts count too, y'all!)

Wellll.....my band name is currently Blue Pretzels!!!  If pronounced just right, it can sound like a French Blues band!  If pronounded with no accent, it sounds more like a Teen Pop group! 

What is yours? Please put it in the comments!

We should be moved to our new place next week.  I've been sorting, decluttering, breathing exasperating sighs in my brain over all this STUFF I've accumulated in 3 short years!  When our house burned, I started from nearly SCRATCH!  (Click here to see what I mean!  The pictures show you I'm not exaggerating!)  Pinterest and my addiction to thrift stores have been absolutely no help in keeping my home clutter free!

On to 5QF!

1. Thunder storms- love them or hate them?  The truth be known, they kind of scare me.  Especially when I'm in a car.  And the lightning is fierce.  I do okay if it's a small storm.  Severe storms are my problem. 

2. Do your kids get back to school clothes?  Well, this year they are!  My daughter is looking to dress up her wardrobe a bit, and my son is just growing so much, he needs them!  Exciting for us is that we are moving super close to Target, Ross, the mall, TJ Maxx, and much, much more!  It will be much easier to finish our shopping, instead of living 30-60 minutes from almost all clothing stores, and coming home disappointed because we only had so much time, and barely anything that was tried on fit right!  I can't wait!  =)

3. Do you golf? Do you watch it?  I don't watch golf, and I only putt putt every blue moon. 

4. Showers or baths? Showers. 

5. What's the strangest meal you ever ate?  Hmm....I don't know!  I'm pretty basic, and if it's out of the ordinary, I tend to pass.  I'm thinking I may try chocolate covered bacon someday, even tho that isn't a meal.  =)

Thanks for stopping by, and may you all have a great weekend!  Don't forget to share your band name in the comments section! 



What Happens When You're Sick and Overloaded

It's Fall in beautiful Pennsylvania, but unfortunately, something usually goes along with it for LOTS of us.  Getting sick.

It's incredible how the common cold with a touch of sore throat can make you SOOOOOOO miserable!!!  Not to mention, I am a horrible baby when I get sick!  But I am proud of myself this time.  Why?  Because I didn't tell everyone on my Facebook page!  =)

So!

What has transpired since I've been trying to un-clutter my online commitments?  As I'm working on updating my website, posting on my other blog, and helping my daughter decorate her apartment by making some homemade decorations, I still haven't gotten any new bouquets made to show all of you!  I have a tote full of the things I need to make some cute bouquets, including lots of chocolate.  I'm good at keeping out of it.  If I buy it for my bouquets, it gets used for my bouquets.

Being sick and dieting actually caused me to cave!  I got out my little fun size candy bars and ate them!  Some of them were eaten to just help my throat feel coated, instead of scratchy!

So anyway!  That being said, I will share a chocolate website with you that has a TON of chocolates, and if you are on overload like me, and are looking for a gift for a friend, you will enjoy the selection they have to offer! 

http://www.serenatachocolates.com/christmas-chocolate-gifts

Christmas will be here soon!

http://www.serenatachocolates.com/Chocolate-hampers

These are high quality!

Want to check out some info on chocolate too?

http://www.chocolate.org/

Don't forget!   Most women agree that her best friend's name is Chocolate.  She LOVES to see her best friend during the holidays, and pretty much any other day of the year!

Pinterest And 5QF!

If you follow my other blog at all, you'll know I have a new addiction-Pinterest!

Have you checked it out yet?

If not, let me just show you a little of what you'll find!

Bascially, it's a group of all your own little bulletin boards, where you post whatever "pins" are out there, which are pictures you find all over the web-some of just beautiful things, some of recipes, some of tutorials, and SO MUCH MORE!

What's great is that you can "pin" things to your boards, and go back to them later.  The pin has the link to where your picture came from, so that you can go to it to get the recipes, tutorials, craft ideas, wedding ideas, organizing tips, and more.  You choose what you want to save, and you follow others who have interests similar to yours, so that you can see their pins (they come to your page in a feed), and repin things to your own boards.

I'm horrible at explaining, but if you check it out, you'll see what I mean!  And if you don't like facebook, you will LOVE Pinterest  because it's drama free, and not a place to carry on conversations.

Here are a few finds I've enjoyed:

Perfect Cuteness!!!

More Perfect Cuteness!!!

And Perfect Adorableness!!!

Amazing Wonders of The World!

Lots of Hairstyles!

And some of my favorites, even though I'm already married---wedding pictures!!!

A Crying Groom!

And Another!  Can it get any sweeter than that???

If you haven't already, head on over to Pinterest, and be sure to follow me!!!

Okay!  Now onto the 5QF!

1. Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or in a cone?

For real?  You're gonna make me choose?  Well, if I have to choose, I will say in a bowl because the truth be known, I cannot eat an ice cream cone any better than a 2 year old.  Probably because I always get a soft serve vanilla cone dipped in chocolate.  That right there is enough reason-they've given it a head start in the melting department!  Plus, when I eat them, I'm usually driving.  It's a bad combination, really.

2. What three things do you love the smell of?

Bounce fabric softener sheets, Creme Brule scented oil for the home, and...I think I'll say my next door neighbor's wood burning stove, once they start lighting it in the Fall.  The warm smell works its way to my home, without all the work!  And I would know about all the work--we heated with one-our main source of heat-for 10 years!  I'm SO grateful for a home with a furnace now!

3. Giftcards or no? (In regards to gift giving...)

I think gift cards are fine, and gifts are fine.  Gift cards are nice if you aren't sure what to get, but as someone pointed out to me, an actual gift brings you to mind whenever the receiver used the item you gave them, unlike a gift card.

4. What sports did you play in high school if any and do you still play them?

I only played sports in gym class, and I really liked playing volleyball!

5. Were you in band in high school? What instrument did you play?

I wasn't in band, but in junior high, I was in Orchestra!!!  I played the violin!  I wish I hadn't given it up.  Did anyone else play in Orchestra?

Well that's it for my answers this week!  Here's hoping everyone has a nice weekend!  And don't forget to join me on Pinterest! 



Need A Good Chuckle?

Need a good chuckle for your day?

Well, have I got the thing for you....

Enjoy!

Tips for new parents:



And then.....

And this one is probably my favorite!  Can anyone relate???

Have a great day!!!

Randomness and 5QF!

Something is going on.

In my life.

Or my mind....

You see, either I am losing my memory altogether....

Or actually, not much of anything is going on!

In my life.

I feel like I've hit SUCH a dry spell in posting my mishaps, my lighthearted stuff, my comical life events!  It's not because I'm so heavy hearted!  Maybe I'm just....

Boring!

I mean, I don't think you care all that much that I apparently have a bees' nest in my fireplace, and that Chloe is the best flyswatter I've ever had.

Thankfully Erlich is coming tomorrow to take care of the problem!  Until then, Chloe is great for keeping us updated, and she's on the case when one escapes!

You might not want to know about the Steelers wreaths I've been making, along with a few others...

Or do you???

Trying to sell these babies, to no avail!  How exciting is THAT? 

If you want one, let me know! 

You're probably not real interested that I've wasted several hours lately playing Majong, or that my website still needs updated, along with my bouquets.  Like, real bad!

Well, maybe I'll just have some good answers to the Five Question Friday to share, and you will all be impressed!

Or maybe not.

But thanks for coming by!  I do appreciate your visit, and hope to have more to offer real soon!

On to the 5QF!

1. Dream job...realistic and completely unrealistic.

Hmm....I think my dream job fits both spots!

I want to be a popular, even famous-amongst-bloggers blogger, where my blog is all the rage, and I get a magazine spot, and possibly mentioned on Yahoo news!

I've been working more at my serious blog, www.justjosanne.com lately, and have narrowed it down to a niche! 

So!

Realistic?  Sure!  If I put in many, many, many (and did I say many?) hours of hard work! 

Unrealistic?  Yeah, that too, since I'll need to put in many, many, many (and did I say many?) hours of hard work!

It's not that I'm not willing, but with my family, and along with my low energy level on a regular basis, it's a bit more challenging.  Those who are successful and have fabulous blogs, I am envious (in a non-sinful sort of way, of course!)!  I want to learn all the secrets!

Question #2 has been deleted from my list of questions because I think that is a downright, tacky question, and is very unladylike to talk about! 

That being said, I will just say respect and manners are important no matter how many years you have been married.  Just because you are married doesn't mean you have to be a hog.

3. What's the furthest you've ever traveled from home? How far and where was it?  The furthest I've traveled from home was to San Antonio, Texas, which is nearly 1,600 miles from home.  Hubby and I visited a church there, and hubby preached the services.

4. How do you celebrate birthday for your kids? Family only or friends? ... Alternate for those without kiddos: How did you celebrate birthdays as a kid? 

It's different each year, but we try to do something special.  No chores for the kiddos that day, a cake, and a relaxing day.  I did have a surprise 16th birthday for Amber last year.  Lots of friends came!  As a kid, my mom was always generous in giving to us children, but we didn't have birthday parties.

5. Fave thing about fall? 

The smell!  It's just something in the air!  The fireplaces and woodstoves being started!  The small of hot chocolate and candles!  It's just all so inviting!

Well, that is all for this week's 5QF!  I hope you all have a great weekend, and hope to see you all again!

Me Throughout The Decades--Oh, And Dan Too!

With keeping so busy over the past few months, I've felt like I've hit a major writer's block for this blog.

But, my faithful readers, fear not!  I just laughed until I cried, and I hope you may do the same.

Have you ever wondered what you would have looked like years ago, what styles you would have chosen for fashion, or how you would have fixed your hair?  Maybe you just wonder what you would look like with a new 'do! 

Thanks to www.yearbookyourself.com, you can find the answers to some of these ponderings!  Let me give you an example of Dan and me!

I can see that I would NOT look good with a 1952 short, wavy hair style.

And DEFINITELY NOT a 1954, super short bob!  Adding the fashionable eyewear of the day does NOT make this any better!

Bangs.  Umm...no.  Not for me.  The hair is getting a little better...

Okay, 1964 has the right idea for heigth, but the wrong idea for length...we'll keep trying....

Me, as a blonde?  How do you like my monstrous jaw?  The hair length is getting better....

and bigger and better.....

going the wrong direction again....

Oh mercy....

Can someone say, I'm an 80's girl ALL THE WAY????  Big hair, lots of curl-that's what I'm talking about!  Do any ladies from the 80's actually ever get past loving BIG hair?

Okay, so mine's not quite as poofy now, but I'm still a big hair, 80's girl at heart! ♥

Next!!!

Winners of......

The title-so fitting!  My man looks slightly confused, and a little like George W., don't you think?

Okay, okay, I purposely picked a photo of Dan looking confused.  Either it looks like he's not sure who I am, and how we ended up king and queen, or he's not sure if he's actually standing there with my mother.  (For those of you who know my mother, I'm sure you'll agree this looks a lot like her-which means I look a lot like her!)

And last but not least....

If I come to you looking like this-bad hair, big gaudy earrings, outdated bow, you may want to do your own matchmaking.

This isn't a paid advertisement-just something to have fun with!  If you decide to go to www.yearbookyourself.com and play around, please leave me a comment with your link so I can see how you look over the decades too!

Or just leave me a comment, and tell me which era looks best on me!  =)





Vacation, School, and 5QF!

Another Summer come and gone, but ours ended with a vacation to Florida, and we had a real nice time.  I'm not real thrilled to come home without a TAN--I mean, you'll just have to take my word for it, since I have no EVIDENCE!

In other family news, my oldest daughter turned 22 today!  Just a few short weeks ago, she was a hospital guest for three days, being diagnosed with diabetes.  I am thrilled to be able to say that she is taking good care of herself, following her diet and meds carefully, and her numbers are getting under control!  I can't express how proud I am of her!   

A new chapter has begun in our household--this year, my two kiddos that still live at home started public school for the very first time.  So far, so good! 

Okay, so now onto the 5QF!

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?

I'm not sure what it's called, but it reminds me of jazz or something. 

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?

My favorite memory would probably be of the woman I met in Florida.  My hubby preached at a church in Miami, and as I was talking to the pastor's wife, we learned that we are both from the same city in Ohio.  The more we talked, we realized we knew some of the same people from the church she used to attend before moving away.  I asked her if she knew a woman who was a very special to me.  The lady I asked of was a few years older than me, a role model that helped me in my first several months walking as a new Christian, and the lady that prayed with me, and helped me to pray thru to receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  It turns out, the pastor's wife in Miami was the sister of the dear lady many years ago.  Such a small world!  What a blessing it was that added so much to my vacation in Florida!  I want to add that this beautiful Christian lady is an absolutely beautiful person.  I am honored to have gotten to meet her and spend some time with her. 

3. Paper books or ebooks?

Paper!  I'm a book junkie!  I have a hard time passing up books that are a great price-even tho they usually collect dust forEVER before I actually read them!

4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?

Hmm....I think I would like siding.  Until we have a large chunk of money, we are going to at least work at getting it painted!  Why?  Because it needs it! 

5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?

Hmmm......is my hubby reading this?

I'm not sure!  The first time I fell in love was in 10th grade, but the feeling wasn't mutual.  So does that count? 

Other than that, I'd probably have to say when I was 18. 

Well friends, have a wonderful weekend, and hope to see you again just around the corner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Dan and 5QF!

It's almost the weekend again, friends!  Anyone with special plans?

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say something about my hubby.

Nope!  My computer isn't being hacked!

Nope!  He didn't promise me a shopping spree if I say this!

Nope!  He didn't bribe me with chocolate to blog about him!

I just want to say that I'm blessed.

He's a great man, and I don't ever want to forget to be thankful for having a husband that is so good to me.

That being said, on to the 5QF!

1. Do you have siblings and are you close with them?

Yes, I have a brother I grew up with , and 4 half brothers.  My brother I grew up with is 120 miles away, and even tho we don't see each other very often, we pick up where we left off, and I would consider us close.  I can share things with him, and he's been a good friend to me.

I also consider myself close to one of my half brothers.  We hardly ever see each other, he also living 2 hours away, but when we see each other, it's very, very good!

2. Would you rather be slightly UNDER weight or slightly OVER weight?

Probably slightly overweight, because I could work on it!  Tone up and all that!  

Yes!  

An extra two pounds wouldn't bother me a bit!

3. What's your favorite State Fair food to splurge on?

Okay, I don't think I know the answer to this because I'm not sure if State Fair is a brand, or if it's an event.  If it's an event, and if this is a fair food, I would probably say funnel cake.  It's a  yummy treat, and I've got a sweet tooth!

4. What are your thoughts on your kid(s) going to school in a few weeks?

For me, this is going to be an adventure!!!  Why, you may ask?  Because this is the first year my children will be going to public school!!!  

Well, my 21 year old went to public school for a few years when she was little, but then my church opened a school, and my children went there for many, many years!

Some changes came along, and the school closed, with the possibility of opening again in the future.  Last year my two that are still in school cyber schooled from home.

As much as I LOVED the cyber school-the curriculum, the books, the teachers, the set-up, we decided to have our children go to the public school this year.  My kiddos just needed a bit more structure with their school time.

So!  This year, it will just be me and Dan at home during the day!  

And how do I feel about that?

I think I'm gonna like it!  I've got SO much I want to do, and since a good portion of that consists of spending time with my writing on my computer, the quiet during the day will help tremendously.  I'm scatterbrained, and easily distracted!

5. Pool or Ocean?

Pool!  KIDDIE POOL!!!  With floaters!!!  And a life guard!  And only 12 inches of water!

In case you haven't guessed, water makes me nervous!  Pictures of the ocean are beautiful, but I'm okay living inland, and not seeing the actual thing.  Water I can't see thru makes me nervous!

And those are my answers this week!  Thanks for stopping by, and you all have a great weekend!

Sydney Thinks It's SUSPICIOUS! and 5QF!

Hello friends!

Do you all remember me telling you about Michelle and Sydney moving our way?  Well, the fun has begun! 

Michelle was working, so Amber, Sydney and I went shopping in a far away city.  Okay, it was 50 minutes away, but an area I'm only semi-familiar with.

After we found some great deals, we were hungry!  And!  We wanted to celebrate our successful Goodwill shopping trip.  We decided Chinese sounded great.  We stopped at one, found out the price, and decided to drive down to the next one, thanks to my GPS letting us know all the local Chinese restaurants.

The second restaurant was in a strip of buildings, with a pet store next door.

SYDNEY says, "Isn't it kinda SUSPICIOUS that the PET STORE is right next to the Chinese restaurant???"

Needless to say, Sydney is one funny gal!  We love having her and her mama here with us!  I used to have to drive two hours to be with them, but now it's less than 15 minutes from home!

Speaking of Sydney, her mother Michelle just started a blog!  So far she has one post up, and I'd love to encourage you to visit again while she shares with us an incredible story.  The lovely Sydney was a little girl with leukemia.  Yes, I said was!  =)

Please stop by and see her first post!

Now onto the 5QF!

1. Vow renewal ceremonies-yay or nay?

Hmm....I don't think it matters to me either way.  There was a time when I thought it would be so romantic and so sweet.  Now, my marriage feels stronger than ever, and renewing our vows doesn't really even cross my mind.  Umm....I think that particular idea left me when I realized I'd never fit into my wedding dress again.  Yeah, that was all part of my renewal dream.  =)

2. What sound/s annoy you the most?

Oh goodness-I'm in trouble now!  NOISE just annoys me!!!  I like things quiet.  BUT!  Since that isn't possible with two of my kiddos still in the home, I deal with it.  The one noise that really, really, REALLY can't stand is thumping.  Thumping happens when Dan plays invisible drums, or I'm in bed and someone slams a door.  I HATE thumping!  Drives me crazy!

3. If you had to pick, would you have only all boys, or only all girls for kids?

Oh, now THIS is an unfair question!  I mean, who else can I have as a wonderful little boyfriend?  And what's more enjoyable than spending a day with my son?

But when you are asking if I had to have ALL of one or the other, that means there is more than one child involved.  And since I have three children, I'll assume the question for me is three boys or three girls.

Along with my son being a wonderful companion for a day, he is also a REAL Mr. Fix-it!  If there is anything wrong with it ("it" being ANYTHING), my boy is ON it-like, YESTERDAY!!!
If there is anything not wrong with it, my boy may try to make it better anyway!  Folks, it's scary!

So, that being said (and I'm not one to try to embarrass my kids in my writing-sorry, Kota, but I had to say it this time!), I don't think I could handle three little boyfriends that are all Mr. Fix-its!
Not to mention that three boys brainstorming together can be a dangerous thing!  Do you all remember when Kota's friend spent the night, and they changed all my clocks in the middle of the night?

So give me girls!  I can handle the drama, the sleepovers, the traumatic experience of having 200 articles of clothing in the closet with nothing to wear, probably ANYTHING other than three little Mr. Fix-its!

4. Do you believe in alternative medicine?

Yes, I do.  I don't actually practice it, which makes it sound a bit hypocritical on my part, but let me just explain my feelings.


I believe in doctors, and am not against medicine-I am SO grateful for Claritan D!  


But I am also in favor of trying things that steer away from prescription drugs.  I believe the chiropractor can help a person's overall health, and accupuncture, accupressure, and possibly homemade remedies-after all, before medicine was so readily available, people often had to use homemade remedies, I would think-just not sure of all of them being helpful.  Pumping meds into the body all the time isn't good for the liver, from what I hear, so I am all for other solutions.  


I'm basically a healthy person for the most part, so that is probably why I don't practice alternative medicine.  But if I gain health issues as I age, I wouldn't not refuse the possibility of being helped by a less popular method.

5. Would you take a family members children and raise them if they needed it?


Hmm....it would depend if they were girls or.....BOYS!  =)


Actually, it would depend on the whole situation.  There are many factors to take into consideration.
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Okay peeps!  I need to turn in for the night.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a nice weekend!