This week SITS is hosting a Back to Blogging campaign to get everyone back in a blogging and commenting routine. I've not really been in a routine so I'm going to use this as a starting point for a routine. My first post was memories of my Dad and I'm going to share it again, even though it's only 6 months old. Here is that post...
My Dad use to call me his l'il pea picker, hence the name of this blog. He has been gone for 24 years but over the past several months I have been thinking about him and remembering the good times. You know, the times when he hugged me or kissed me on the cheek when I was sleeping. Those times. You see, my dad was an alcoholic . That was a difficult thing for me to admit. I was at college and we were studying alcoholism when I had to face the fact - it was hard and for more years than I can remember, all I thought about were the bad times, so I'm grateful to be thinking of these good times because times were not always bad.
He use to hug and kiss us and would rub his new growth of stubble into our cheeks just to hear us squeal! We would watch the Sunday afternoon movie together, there were only three channels back then. He was proud to walk my sister and I down the aisle, even if it meant wearing a "monkey suit" - which he secretly loved. He loved his grandsons, he had three within a seven month period. The youngest of these was only 16 months old when Dad died.
When we were little, there were 4 of us, 2 girls and 2 boys, Dad worked away during the week and was home on the weekends. Sunday evenings we would all get in the car and take a drive. He would need to pickup his check, then we would drive and often end up spotting deer - I don't think it was illegal back then.
Dad was always very patriotic and served our country during the Korean war. He belonged to the American Legion and the V.F.W. He was proud to be an American and instilled that patriotism in us. I get tears in my eyes every time I hear the national anthem. Memorial day he was generally involved in the arrangements for making sure the veteran's graves received new flags and for honoring those vets.
He remained active in the Army Reserves, serving one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. When he would come home from summer camp, he would bring us something special. We have pictures where my brothers are wearing the gun holsters they got and my sister and I got Barbies! Another time we each got fishing rods!
These are special memories because we did not get gifts except at birthdays, Christmas, and when Dad came home from summer camp! My son received little gifts frequently, I think my Mom thought we were spoiling him - we probably were! The gifts from Dad were special!
I'm surprised at all the memories that are coming to mind - this has been a good thing or me to do! Other memories include, fishing, Storybook Forest, and Sea World, but I've save those for another time.
Sometimes I wondered if he loved us but now I know he did and that I loved him.
Linda <3
Thanks to the SITS girls for this challenge this week and thanks to the SITS Back to Blogging sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Mobile Once Again!
Praise the Lord, for He is good! Last Tuesday we finally got new plates for our van and once again are mobile! It feels so good to be able to go to the store when I want/need to. We certainly are blessed with family who were willing and able to help us during this trial. I don’t know what we would have done without them!
When things happen I have a tendency to try and figure out what the Lord is trying to show/teach me-is this good or bad, I’m not sure! So I’ve decided to make a list of what happened because of all this trouble.
Til next time!
Linda <3
When things happen I have a tendency to try and figure out what the Lord is trying to show/teach me-is this good or bad, I’m not sure! So I’ve decided to make a list of what happened because of all this trouble.
- I am blessed by having family to help. The time I spent in the car with my sister-in-law; niece and aunt was precious, quality time. I’ve reconnected with each and that has been a true blessing.
- To complete tasks in a timely manner and keep record of those tasks. This is something I have a problem with. I tend to procrastinate – not a good quality. As for keeping records, sometimes I do and other times I do not. I need to be more consistent in this area.
- I reconnected with a friend from high school. Emily and I “found” each other on face book this past year and have “talked” a little but when I mentioned our predicament, she came up with the idea of contacting our state representative for help. We then had the opportunity to discuss God and prayer. What a joy! She now lives fairly close and since I’m mobile I plan to visit and nurture this renewed friendship! I’ll be in touch Emily!
- God is in control and asks that we allow Him to be. God promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19)– not our wants but our needs and he does, we just have to trust him to do so. We had food to eat, water to drink, and hubby had a way to and from work! God is good and does supply our needs. Too many times we think our wants are needs and we must be reminded of the difference.
Til next time!
Linda <3
I Am Truly Blessed - (long)
This past week my faith was tested. I experienced a trial – was I going to trust God to take care of the situation or was I going to try and fix it myself.
It goes back to November 2009 when we changed car insurance companies; apparently when you drop car insurance that company has to notify the Dept of Transportation making them aware of the situation. We received a letter from the DOT requiring proof of insurance or we were to mail the license plate to them.
Fast forward to last Monday when the hubby was stopped by the police on his way to work for an expired registration sticker. When hubby told me this, my first thought was that we had not received a notice of renewal for the registration. He agreed then went on to say the police actually took the plates off the van because we didn’t have insurance. Right away I knew this was related to the changing of the insurance last fall. I also realized that is why we did not receive a notice for renewing the registration…according to PENN DOT the registration was suspended! Apparently they never received the proof of insurance from the November change. Our van was sitting in a church parking lot without plates and we were unable to drive it at all!
As soon as I hung up the phone, I started praying for God to help me with this situation. It is amazing the peace I felt after saying that prayer. That evening I prayed about the situation many times.
It took until Thursday late afternoon to get the insurance straightened out. I had to take proof of insurance to the state representative’s office and they called PENN DOT. They also helped me complete the new registration form and mailed it for me. The new plates should be here in a week (this Wednesday prayerfully).
I praised God for His help and guidance and also for my sister-in-law who chauffeured me to the office, the store, and back home after a full day of work. Thursday evening I publicly thanked the Lord for answered prayer by posting on facebook.
Friday the mail brought citations related to the incident – a total of almost $450.00 in fines. When hubby told me by first reaction was to pray. The largest fine was for “operation following suspension of Registration”. I asked God for guidance because I certainly do not think we should have to pay this because there was no lapse in insurance coverage. I called the state reps office and they said to bring the letter in. Now this office is 8 miles from home and I have no plates so can’t drive my van to get there. We are a one car family, so what to do.
Long story short - (is that possible at this point?!) – my aunt is going to take me this afternoon. My sis-in-law would have a total of 32 miles involved for her to take me. My aunt lives in the same town as me, so less travelling to do.
Please say a prayer we will be able to get this straightened out so we don’t have such a huge fine to pay.
All of this got me thinking, what kind of person am I? Am I someone others could call and ask help of? I haven’t always been the person I want to be so am going to be working on that.
So as for the question – how did I do? Well, it’s a split answer, although I prayed for God to take care of this and I trusted him to do so, I also allowed it to get me down some. I missed church on Wednesday when I am sure I could have made arrangements to get there but felt kinda sorry for myself instead.
So why am I blessed? Because I have people in my life that are willing to help without judging me; what more could a person ask for?
Til next time,
Linda
It goes back to November 2009 when we changed car insurance companies; apparently when you drop car insurance that company has to notify the Dept of Transportation making them aware of the situation. We received a letter from the DOT requiring proof of insurance or we were to mail the license plate to them.
Fast forward to last Monday when the hubby was stopped by the police on his way to work for an expired registration sticker. When hubby told me this, my first thought was that we had not received a notice of renewal for the registration. He agreed then went on to say the police actually took the plates off the van because we didn’t have insurance. Right away I knew this was related to the changing of the insurance last fall. I also realized that is why we did not receive a notice for renewing the registration…according to PENN DOT the registration was suspended! Apparently they never received the proof of insurance from the November change. Our van was sitting in a church parking lot without plates and we were unable to drive it at all!
As soon as I hung up the phone, I started praying for God to help me with this situation. It is amazing the peace I felt after saying that prayer. That evening I prayed about the situation many times.
It took until Thursday late afternoon to get the insurance straightened out. I had to take proof of insurance to the state representative’s office and they called PENN DOT. They also helped me complete the new registration form and mailed it for me. The new plates should be here in a week (this Wednesday prayerfully).
I praised God for His help and guidance and also for my sister-in-law who chauffeured me to the office, the store, and back home after a full day of work. Thursday evening I publicly thanked the Lord for answered prayer by posting on facebook.
Friday the mail brought citations related to the incident – a total of almost $450.00 in fines. When hubby told me by first reaction was to pray. The largest fine was for “operation following suspension of Registration”. I asked God for guidance because I certainly do not think we should have to pay this because there was no lapse in insurance coverage. I called the state reps office and they said to bring the letter in. Now this office is 8 miles from home and I have no plates so can’t drive my van to get there. We are a one car family, so what to do.
Long story short - (is that possible at this point?!) – my aunt is going to take me this afternoon. My sis-in-law would have a total of 32 miles involved for her to take me. My aunt lives in the same town as me, so less travelling to do.
Please say a prayer we will be able to get this straightened out so we don’t have such a huge fine to pay.
All of this got me thinking, what kind of person am I? Am I someone others could call and ask help of? I haven’t always been the person I want to be so am going to be working on that.
So as for the question – how did I do? Well, it’s a split answer, although I prayed for God to take care of this and I trusted him to do so, I also allowed it to get me down some. I missed church on Wednesday when I am sure I could have made arrangements to get there but felt kinda sorry for myself instead.
So why am I blessed? Because I have people in my life that are willing to help without judging me; what more could a person ask for?
Til next time,
Linda
Celebrating the 4th!
Saturday the hubby and I celebrated the 4th. I guess that’s what you would call it. We had a picnic at Shawnee Park. Why I hesitate to call it a celebration is because it was just the 2 of us. You see, this is the first time we haven’t been with at least some family for a picnic for the 4th of July…since we started dating 30 years ago. Hubby’s aunt always had a picnic with lots of family until 3 years ago and we always looked forwards to going and getting to sit and talk with everyone. The past two years we were with at least some family but not this year.
Is it a bad thing to have spent the day together – just the two of us? No I’m not saying that, it was just different. Of course, if we lived closer to our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, I’m sure it would have been different, but we aren’t able to change that situation at this time and besides things are in God’s hands.
I don’t mean to sound a little day about it all; guess I’m just missing family. The past few months I’ve wanted to reunite with family. I think God has been speaking to me about the importance of family. Unfortunately, due to my mental and physical health, our relationship with family has suffered somewhat. Also as nieces and nephews grow, everyone seems to be busier.
We are living a somewhat simpler life these days and I like it. It puts things in perspective and you really start to see that money and things aren’t important. Love and family are!
Til next time!
Linda
PS Discussion: What did you do to celebrate the 4th?
Is it a bad thing to have spent the day together – just the two of us? No I’m not saying that, it was just different. Of course, if we lived closer to our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, I’m sure it would have been different, but we aren’t able to change that situation at this time and besides things are in God’s hands.
I don’t mean to sound a little day about it all; guess I’m just missing family. The past few months I’ve wanted to reunite with family. I think God has been speaking to me about the importance of family. Unfortunately, due to my mental and physical health, our relationship with family has suffered somewhat. Also as nieces and nephews grow, everyone seems to be busier.
We are living a somewhat simpler life these days and I like it. It puts things in perspective and you really start to see that money and things aren’t important. Love and family are!
Til next time!
Linda
PS Discussion: What did you do to celebrate the 4th?
Depending on God
Had a great time Saturday; went to a family reunion and a grad party for my niece. She just graduated from Slippery Rock University. Congrats Beth! We love you!
The family reunion was for my mom’s side of the family. It was so good to see aunts, uncles and cousins that I haven’t seen in a few years. (We hadn’t been to a reunion in a few years due to one reason or another.) I was fortunate to have some great conversations with some cousins.
One was especially meaningful to me. My cousin J was telling me how he came about getting his current job.
He had placed an application with one company and really wanted the job. It was a better job, more money and better hours. He had prayed about it but didn’t get the job. This made him angry with God and he told God he was upset. God then turned it around so that J could see it from God’s point of view (I’m paraphrasing here). All of this made J realize he needed to keep trusting and depending on God to provide what J needed. A year or so later, J applied for the same job with a different company. He had an interview and was told he would hear something by Friday. Monday came and he still hadn’t heard anything yet. He said he had made up his mind to trust God and if God didn’t want this job for him, that was okay with him.
Turns out he got the job… he said he felt God was testing him to see if he would really trust God. He also stated if he had gotten the original job, he would have been out of a job a year later. God knows what is best for us.
This got me to thinking about my situation; no job even though I have applied and had interviews. Maybe God wants me to learn to wait on Him and depend fully on Him. He does promise in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Sometimes what we consider a need is really a want and that is why we never get it.
I’m going to work hard on depending on God for my needs. It’s not going to be easy; I tend to be too independent-as my hubby puts it-I give things to the Lord then take them back. I need to break the habit
I have an Aunt who once told me that she prays about everything – even something as simple as what to have for lunch and super each day. That is total trust and faith in God. I pray to reach that point one day; I’m going to start now…won’t you come along on my journey?
Til next time!
Linda
P.S. Discussion time: Do you depend on God for your needs? Comment below…
The family reunion was for my mom’s side of the family. It was so good to see aunts, uncles and cousins that I haven’t seen in a few years. (We hadn’t been to a reunion in a few years due to one reason or another.) I was fortunate to have some great conversations with some cousins.
One was especially meaningful to me. My cousin J was telling me how he came about getting his current job.
He had placed an application with one company and really wanted the job. It was a better job, more money and better hours. He had prayed about it but didn’t get the job. This made him angry with God and he told God he was upset. God then turned it around so that J could see it from God’s point of view (I’m paraphrasing here). All of this made J realize he needed to keep trusting and depending on God to provide what J needed. A year or so later, J applied for the same job with a different company. He had an interview and was told he would hear something by Friday. Monday came and he still hadn’t heard anything yet. He said he had made up his mind to trust God and if God didn’t want this job for him, that was okay with him.
Turns out he got the job… he said he felt God was testing him to see if he would really trust God. He also stated if he had gotten the original job, he would have been out of a job a year later. God knows what is best for us.
This got me to thinking about my situation; no job even though I have applied and had interviews. Maybe God wants me to learn to wait on Him and depend fully on Him. He does promise in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Sometimes what we consider a need is really a want and that is why we never get it.
I’m going to work hard on depending on God for my needs. It’s not going to be easy; I tend to be too independent-as my hubby puts it-I give things to the Lord then take them back. I need to break the habit
I have an Aunt who once told me that she prays about everything – even something as simple as what to have for lunch and super each day. That is total trust and faith in God. I pray to reach that point one day; I’m going to start now…won’t you come along on my journey?
Til next time!
Linda
P.S. Discussion time: Do you depend on God for your needs? Comment below…
Family Reunion and Sleep
Last week I posted about how much I was sleeping but the past few days have seen a change in this. Thursday night I slept 8 hours and felt fairly good upon rising for the day and was able to stay awake till about 10:45 pm then I dozed for 20 minutes and thankfully that was all because I had to go pick up hubby from work, he gets off at 11:30 pm. I stayed up till about 1:00 am then fell asleep around 2.
Saturday we had a family reunion to attend; it was with my Dad’s family. Most of them I only see once a year but last year our nephew got married on the same day as the reunion so it’s been two years. These are my cousins whom I played with growing up and some are the ones I babysat for years. Yes that means you Jeff and Sandy!
I got up at 9:00 am because I had to finish my food preparation. It was good to see aunts, uncles, cousins, and their kids and grandkids. There are so many little ones that I don’t know their names nor who they belong to but it was fun to watch them. I even got to hold one of the three babies there and I thoroughly enjoyed that! I’m glad we were able to go and have marked the date for next year already.
Back to my sleep situation; as soon as I got home, sat down in my comfy chair and relaxed I fell asleep, it was around 8:00 pm! I kept trying to wake up because I had homework to do but I could not keep my eyes open. Finally some time after midnight I got awake enough that I could get on the computer and complete my homework. It had to be posted before 5:00 am EST in order to be considered on time and not have points deducted for being late. I have been able to maintain an A average in all my classes so far and didn’t want to risk losing that.
I finally got to bed and to sleep around 4:00 am, the bad part was that meant I couldn’t wake up enough for getting to church this morning. That frustrates me. This hypothyroidism is the pits sometimes. Or I just haven’t figured out how to make it work for me. I guess I will have to keep working on that!
Til next time!
Linda <3
Saturday we had a family reunion to attend; it was with my Dad’s family. Most of them I only see once a year but last year our nephew got married on the same day as the reunion so it’s been two years. These are my cousins whom I played with growing up and some are the ones I babysat for years. Yes that means you Jeff and Sandy!
I got up at 9:00 am because I had to finish my food preparation. It was good to see aunts, uncles, cousins, and their kids and grandkids. There are so many little ones that I don’t know their names nor who they belong to but it was fun to watch them. I even got to hold one of the three babies there and I thoroughly enjoyed that! I’m glad we were able to go and have marked the date for next year already.
Back to my sleep situation; as soon as I got home, sat down in my comfy chair and relaxed I fell asleep, it was around 8:00 pm! I kept trying to wake up because I had homework to do but I could not keep my eyes open. Finally some time after midnight I got awake enough that I could get on the computer and complete my homework. It had to be posted before 5:00 am EST in order to be considered on time and not have points deducted for being late. I have been able to maintain an A average in all my classes so far and didn’t want to risk losing that.
I finally got to bed and to sleep around 4:00 am, the bad part was that meant I couldn’t wake up enough for getting to church this morning. That frustrates me. This hypothyroidism is the pits sometimes. Or I just haven’t figured out how to make it work for me. I guess I will have to keep working on that!
Til next time!
Linda <3
How was your Mother's Day?
Mine was great! Hubby took me out to dinner, something we do not do very often these days. It was a good time with good food that I didn’t have to prepare.
My son called from Florida and we had a nice conversation and I got to “talk” to my grandson briefly, he’s only 13 ½ months old so isn’t really into the talking thing much yet. I found out how they celebrated the day to make his wife feel special.
The best part of the day was being in church. We have not been attending faithfully for quite some time. When I was working, I spent much of the weekend sleeping and well, that has continued since being off. I know I’ve missed many blessings by not being there and I cannot change that but I can go o from here. It was such a blessing to hear Pastor preach about Hannah and her son Samuel.
Hannah was a godly mother and raised Samuel to fear and love the Lord God. Pastor pointed out how Samuel came to be a godly man even though he lived most of his life in a home where much ungodliness was happening. You see Hannah promised God that if He gave her a child she would give that child back to Him. She only raised Samuel to the age of 4 or 5 then he lived in the temple with the priest whose sons were wicked. How did Samuel become so godly in this ungodly environment? It was because of his upbringing and the things in him by his mother in those few short years; read I Samuel chapters 1 & 2.
What can we take away from this? Those first years of a child’s life are so important and impact their entire future. As Moms we need to be sure we are teaching them the ways of God during that time. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Pastor did point out that if we did not do this then we need to start now.
I am thankful that even though we have not been faithfully attending church now, when Jacob was little we did go and he was trained in the things of the Lord.
Til next time,
Linda <3
My son called from Florida and we had a nice conversation and I got to “talk” to my grandson briefly, he’s only 13 ½ months old so isn’t really into the talking thing much yet. I found out how they celebrated the day to make his wife feel special.
The best part of the day was being in church. We have not been attending faithfully for quite some time. When I was working, I spent much of the weekend sleeping and well, that has continued since being off. I know I’ve missed many blessings by not being there and I cannot change that but I can go o from here. It was such a blessing to hear Pastor preach about Hannah and her son Samuel.
Hannah was a godly mother and raised Samuel to fear and love the Lord God. Pastor pointed out how Samuel came to be a godly man even though he lived most of his life in a home where much ungodliness was happening. You see Hannah promised God that if He gave her a child she would give that child back to Him. She only raised Samuel to the age of 4 or 5 then he lived in the temple with the priest whose sons were wicked. How did Samuel become so godly in this ungodly environment? It was because of his upbringing and the things in him by his mother in those few short years; read I Samuel chapters 1 & 2.
What can we take away from this? Those first years of a child’s life are so important and impact their entire future. As Moms we need to be sure we are teaching them the ways of God during that time. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Pastor did point out that if we did not do this then we need to start now.
I am thankful that even though we have not been faithfully attending church now, when Jacob was little we did go and he was trained in the things of the Lord.
Til next time,
Linda <3
Mother's Day Card
I enjoy making things and many years ago started making cards for holidays and birthdays. Back then I made them using rubber stamps but now I like using my computer and so here is the card I designed for Mother's day this year.
and
I changed the picture using Adobe Photoshop software. I am enjoying my classes at the Art Institute and am learning so much. I really hope to have my own business someday.
Til next time...
Linda <3
- This is the finished card front.
- This is the original ad that I used.
Til next time...
Linda <3
Mother's Day Memories II
As I was thinking about my previous post on Mother’s Day Memories, I realized that I don’t recall doing anything special for my Mom on Mother’s Day as I was growing up. I remember celebrating after I was through college and working on my own but not before that.
I realize Mother’s Day has become much more commercialized in the last 30 some years but when was it first celebrated? I decided to do an internet search and here’s what I found…
Apparently it was first celebrated in ancient Greece and in the 17th century “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated in England.
Julia Ward Howe suggested it in 1872 in the U.S. She wrote the words for the Battle Hymn of the Republic, but the first known observance was in Michigan in 1877 on the second Sunday in May.
In 1914 it was declared a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson. There is a lot more interesting history that you can read here if you would like, but for my purposes this is what I wanted to know.
When I was growing up people ate at home, in fact businesses were closed on Sundays ( Sunday Blue laws), so there was no taking Mom out to eat after church. This meant Mom cooked her own celebration meal in our house.
I guess what matters most is that I love and respect my Mom. One of my fondest memories of her is that of her sitting at the back of the living room with her Bible open on her lap. She is a godly woman of great faith and one day I hope to have as great a faith. She saw to it that my siblings and I got to Sunday school and church each week. I am sure it is because of her and her faith that I found Christ as my Lord and Savior.
What better legacy can a person have? She is always available when I need something and helps me as much today as she did when I was growing up.
I love you Mom!
Linda <3
I realize Mother’s Day has become much more commercialized in the last 30 some years but when was it first celebrated? I decided to do an internet search and here’s what I found…
Apparently it was first celebrated in ancient Greece and in the 17th century “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated in England.
Julia Ward Howe suggested it in 1872 in the U.S. She wrote the words for the Battle Hymn of the Republic, but the first known observance was in Michigan in 1877 on the second Sunday in May.
In 1914 it was declared a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson. There is a lot more interesting history that you can read here if you would like, but for my purposes this is what I wanted to know.
When I was growing up people ate at home, in fact businesses were closed on Sundays ( Sunday Blue laws), so there was no taking Mom out to eat after church. This meant Mom cooked her own celebration meal in our house.
I guess what matters most is that I love and respect my Mom. One of my fondest memories of her is that of her sitting at the back of the living room with her Bible open on her lap. She is a godly woman of great faith and one day I hope to have as great a faith. She saw to it that my siblings and I got to Sunday school and church each week. I am sure it is because of her and her faith that I found Christ as my Lord and Savior.
What better legacy can a person have? She is always available when I need something and helps me as much today as she did when I was growing up.
I love you Mom!
Linda <3
Mother's Day Memories
My favorite Mother’s Day was when my son was 5 or 6 years old (it upsets me that I can’t remember for sure – that is why keeping a journal would be a great idea!). The guys in my hubby’s family decided to take all the wives out to dinner on the Saturday before. It was a surprise as to where they were taking us and Jacob was helping to keep that surprise.
That morning I needed to go to the local department and grocery stores and Jacob went along. The department store was the first stop and I have absolutely no idea what I needed to buy but Jacob always wanted to look at the toys. He found a little green John Deere tractor that he wanted and a plastic cow. Well, as usual I gave in and said he could get them both. When we got to the check-out, he noticed a display of books and asked if he could get one. I told him he could only get two things and if he wanted the book, he would have to put back the cow or tractor. I kinda encouraged the cow because after all it was just plastic. He decided not to get the book.
Our next stop was the grocery store and as we were walking in, Jacob asked me how you wrap something for someone. It hit me like a ton of bricks that my little boy decided to keep the cow not for himself but for me. You see, my kitchen was decorated in most things cows – he wanted the little plastic cow for me. I told him the easiest way to wrap a present was to use a gift bag so we went to the gift wrap and bought tissue paper and a gift bag.
When we got home I explained to hubby what had happened and he helped Jacob wrap his gift. I can still see him carrying the bag out to the car and into the restaurant. My heart was filled with pride and so much love for my son.
I still have that cow and it is one of my most prized possessions.
Till next time,
Linda <3
That morning I needed to go to the local department and grocery stores and Jacob went along. The department store was the first stop and I have absolutely no idea what I needed to buy but Jacob always wanted to look at the toys. He found a little green John Deere tractor that he wanted and a plastic cow. Well, as usual I gave in and said he could get them both. When we got to the check-out, he noticed a display of books and asked if he could get one. I told him he could only get two things and if he wanted the book, he would have to put back the cow or tractor. I kinda encouraged the cow because after all it was just plastic. He decided not to get the book.
Our next stop was the grocery store and as we were walking in, Jacob asked me how you wrap something for someone. It hit me like a ton of bricks that my little boy decided to keep the cow not for himself but for me. You see, my kitchen was decorated in most things cows – he wanted the little plastic cow for me. I told him the easiest way to wrap a present was to use a gift bag so we went to the gift wrap and bought tissue paper and a gift bag.
When we got home I explained to hubby what had happened and he helped Jacob wrap his gift. I can still see him carrying the bag out to the car and into the restaurant. My heart was filled with pride and so much love for my son.
I still have that cow and it is one of my most prized possessions.
Till next time,
Linda <3
Smart shopping...
My daughter-in-law took a couponing class and has become serious about saving money on her grocery bill. You can read more about it here at her blog. She has inspired me to get into smart shopping. I tried to start this past Saturday during our trip to Walgreens. I’m happy with how I did; I spent $51.00 but save $67.00, so I would say that was a good shopping trip.
So I hear you asking “how do did I do that?” Well…let me tell you!
Here’s what I bought:
BIG SAVERS
Ziploc bags 2 boxes 2/$5.00
Manufacturer Coupon for Buy one get one free
Total cost –FREE
Saved - $5.00
Revlon Hair Color 4 boxes 3.99 each
Store Coupon $1.99 each
Manufacturer Coupons $1.00 off 2 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons – $1.49 each - $5.96
Saved - $8.00 Total
Dove Deodorant $2.99 each
Store Coupon $2.49 each
Manufacturer Coupons $2.00 off 1 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons - $.49 each - $1.50
Saved - $7.50
Colgate Toothpaste $3.49
Store Coupon $1.99 each
Manufacturer Coupons $.75 off 1 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons - $1.24 each - $2.28
Saved - $4.50
Phillips Colon Health - $11.99
Manufacturer Coupon - $1.00 off 1
Total Cost after coupon - $10.99
Saved $1.00
Osteo Biflex 2 bottles - $19.99 each
On sale buy one get one free
Manufacturer Coupons $5.00 off 1 (2 used)
Total Cost after coupons - $10.00 for 2
Saved $29.99
ALSO BOUGHT
Household gloves on sale at $.50 each
Irish Spring Soap $4.99
Paper towels $5.00
Trash Bags $5.99
It’s a start but it does take time to get it all together. Fortunately there are many web sites out there to help or I would never have done this well. How do you save money at the store?
Thanks for stopping by!
Linda <3
So I hear you asking “how do did I do that?” Well…let me tell you!
Here’s what I bought:
BIG SAVERS
Ziploc bags 2 boxes 2/$5.00
Manufacturer Coupon for Buy one get one free
Total cost –FREE
Saved - $5.00
Revlon Hair Color 4 boxes 3.99 each
Store Coupon $1.99 each
Manufacturer Coupons $1.00 off 2 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons – $1.49 each - $5.96
Saved - $8.00 Total
Dove Deodorant $2.99 each
Store Coupon $2.49 each
Manufacturer Coupons $2.00 off 1 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons - $.49 each - $1.50
Saved - $7.50
Colgate Toothpaste $3.49
Store Coupon $1.99 each
Manufacturer Coupons $.75 off 1 (2 used)
Total cost after coupons - $1.24 each - $2.28
Saved - $4.50
Phillips Colon Health - $11.99
Manufacturer Coupon - $1.00 off 1
Total Cost after coupon - $10.99
Saved $1.00
Osteo Biflex 2 bottles - $19.99 each
On sale buy one get one free
Manufacturer Coupons $5.00 off 1 (2 used)
Total Cost after coupons - $10.00 for 2
Saved $29.99
ALSO BOUGHT
Household gloves on sale at $.50 each
Irish Spring Soap $4.99
Paper towels $5.00
Trash Bags $5.99
It’s a start but it does take time to get it all together. Fortunately there are many web sites out there to help or I would never have done this well. How do you save money at the store?
Thanks for stopping by!
Linda <3
Withdrawal
During the years of my treatment for depression, I have been on 4 different antidepressants. In May/June of 2009, I decided to wean off of my Welbutrin and did so without difficulty as I was still taking Effexor XR. I did not notice any changes in how I felt and was pleased.
In November 2009, I decided to also wean off the Effexor XR and weaned the dose down to 75mg and then took that every other day for a couple of weeks then stopped. It was only a couple of days until I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Those included…irritability, moodiness, crying for any reason at all, inability to concentrate, muscle aches, joint pains, hot flashes, and just felt miserable all over. I did some investigation on the internet and was somewhat surprised to learn that all these things were reported withdrawal symptoms for the Effexor XR. I stayed off of it for 2 weeks, thinking these things would get better but they kept getting worse and so I gave in and went back on the Effexor at a dose of 150 mg daily. I was amazed that the withdrawal symptoms went away after only two doses of the Effexor XR.
This got me to thinking how people on narcotics and illegal drugs must feel when they need a fix; it must be similar to what I was feeling. I do not like being physically dependent on any medication that affects me emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is scary that one medication can do this to a person.
With the advice of some wonderful family members, I talked to my doctor about getting off the Effexor XR and so started weaning the dosage down much slower than before. I stayed on the 150mg daily for 2 months, and then decreased to 75mg daily for a month and lastly 37.5mg daily for another month. I completed the month at 37.5 mg on Thursday, April 8th but by Tuesday, April 13th I was having all the withdrawal symptoms again. It is so frustrating and a part of me wants to go back on it just to stop the withdrawal pain but so far I have refrained from doing that. I hope to see my doctor soon and get his ideas on how I can get through this.
All prayers are appreciated!
Till next time!
Linda <3
In November 2009, I decided to also wean off the Effexor XR and weaned the dose down to 75mg and then took that every other day for a couple of weeks then stopped. It was only a couple of days until I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Those included…irritability, moodiness, crying for any reason at all, inability to concentrate, muscle aches, joint pains, hot flashes, and just felt miserable all over. I did some investigation on the internet and was somewhat surprised to learn that all these things were reported withdrawal symptoms for the Effexor XR. I stayed off of it for 2 weeks, thinking these things would get better but they kept getting worse and so I gave in and went back on the Effexor at a dose of 150 mg daily. I was amazed that the withdrawal symptoms went away after only two doses of the Effexor XR.
This got me to thinking how people on narcotics and illegal drugs must feel when they need a fix; it must be similar to what I was feeling. I do not like being physically dependent on any medication that affects me emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is scary that one medication can do this to a person.
With the advice of some wonderful family members, I talked to my doctor about getting off the Effexor XR and so started weaning the dosage down much slower than before. I stayed on the 150mg daily for 2 months, and then decreased to 75mg daily for a month and lastly 37.5mg daily for another month. I completed the month at 37.5 mg on Thursday, April 8th but by Tuesday, April 13th I was having all the withdrawal symptoms again. It is so frustrating and a part of me wants to go back on it just to stop the withdrawal pain but so far I have refrained from doing that. I hope to see my doctor soon and get his ideas on how I can get through this.
All prayers are appreciated!
Till next time!
Linda <3
Depression VS Hypothyroidism
In 1991, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, due to uterine cancer, which meant I went through menopause at the age of 33. In the months following the surgery, I noticed some changes in me one of which was that I did not want to go to family activities. Now you must understand that one of the things I love about my husband is his family. Those of you, who know them, know they are very special and I fell in love with that so when I did not want to attend activities, I knew something was wrong with me. I could go to work and be fine but if I saw someone I knew at the mall, I would do everything I could to not have to see them face to face.
When I told my doctor about these things, he felt I was suffering from depression related to the hormonal changes from the hysterectomy. (I was not able to take estrogen for five years because of the cancer.) I wasn’t sure what was going on and what he was saying made sense so I have been taking antidepressants since 1992.
Since my diagnosis of hypothyroidism, I have been doing some reading on the subject, especially the book “Living Well with Hypothyroidism” by Mary J. Shomon and have learned so much about how the thyroid hormones affect our bodies. One of the things I have learned is that there is a belief that depression may be related to the hypothyroidism which means that I would not get better by taking antidepressants but rather need to get the thyroid hormone levels in the proper range for me. This is good news because I hate taking so many medications.
Next time, my experience with weaning myself off the antidepressant Effexor XR…you won’t believe it!
Till next time,
Linda <3
When I told my doctor about these things, he felt I was suffering from depression related to the hormonal changes from the hysterectomy. (I was not able to take estrogen for five years because of the cancer.) I wasn’t sure what was going on and what he was saying made sense so I have been taking antidepressants since 1992.
Since my diagnosis of hypothyroidism, I have been doing some reading on the subject, especially the book “Living Well with Hypothyroidism” by Mary J. Shomon and have learned so much about how the thyroid hormones affect our bodies. One of the things I have learned is that there is a belief that depression may be related to the hypothyroidism which means that I would not get better by taking antidepressants but rather need to get the thyroid hormone levels in the proper range for me. This is good news because I hate taking so many medications.
Next time, my experience with weaning myself off the antidepressant Effexor XR…you won’t believe it!
Till next time,
Linda <3
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