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Friday, March 25, 2011

Taking a Walk...

...down memory lane.

For some reason, I have become nostalgic recently. (I'm blaming it on a movie I watched about a child growing up...yeah that's it, I'm blaming it on that!)

I went to Writer Daughter's (now aka Cos Daughter) first blog and went all the way back to her first posts. Talk about a walk down memory lane!

As I started from the bottom (her first ever post) and scrolled up, it was like I was living in the past. I remember walking with her through those times. I remember her getting overwhelmed with everything that was starting to happen with her writing. Praying for her as she attended her first writers' conference all by herself. Then listening to her excitement on the way home. She learned so much and She Speaks was such a wonderful experience for her.

I, also, read parts of stories she posted on her blog. Parts of Christian Writers' Guild assignments, a writing from one night out at the campfire and so much more! I'm sorry if this seems I'm bragging or going on and on...

Point is, she had a big, God-size dream. She was working toward a goal and a dream. Everything was falling into place. But reality strikes now and then. One really can't make a living off of just writing. Some do and that is great and admirable. But the majority...nope.

Another passion God placed into her life was cosmetology. She wants people to see their beauty on the inside and outside. She is in cosmetology school right now working toward that goal.

One of her biggest fears was not having the time to write. It came true this year. The school she attends is intense. I compare it to having a full time job then coming home to study and finish homework. And where does that leave her other passion, writing?

I had a dream once. But I never "went for it". As parents, we want the world for our children. I just don't want her to give up on her dream if it is still her dream (which from what she says, is). Writer Daughter was told by a published author, who took time off from writing, that God used that time to grow her. I was also reminded by Bonita in this post sometimes there is a season of "wait" when there isn't time to write. I know there is growth in waiting. Why do I fret?

Why do I 'worry' that she'll give up on her dream? I don't know either. I mean really...it is between her and God. But, then that mom thing happens to me....I just want her to fly and soar to her fullest potential. You know what? She is. She has grown during cosmetology school. She makes me feel beautiful when she "does" my hair. She tells of clients who really like her and rebook with her even though she is still learning. But, most importantly, she is following God's leading in her life.

God's timing is not my timing or my daughter's timing. It is HIS timing. I'm *cough, cough* years old and still learning that God knows best.

Sigh, why am I such a slow learner?! ☺

Monday, March 21, 2011

What. A. Week.

Phew. I made it through last week! Yay!

It certainly didn't start off "bad" but ended under a certain amount of stress.

Did you know if your teeth hurt for a few days you should probably go to your dentist? Yes, I did know this but I had a case of denial going on so why not go with the flow and just deny, deny, deny. Well, one almost sleepless night is what you'll get yourself. Yup. It.was.great. Not.

Call dentist first thing in the morning. Infected tooth. Fun. Antibiotic and pain killers...I'm in love. Have said tooth ripped yanked torn out extracted next week by oral surgeon~yup, that bad. Ugh.

Have son over toilet with the stomach flu that same morning. Joy.

Husband picking up 11 mo old puppy that SAME night. How exciting. (can you hear the sarcasm?)

All in all, even though the timing could not have been worse, it wasn't THAT bad. I'm still recovering from the infection but at least it was the weekend and I could take naps in between the dog/puppy training. He is a really cute dog/puppy. See....?


Although, I'm wondering if his tongue is too big for his mouth. But that is another story for another time.
And, since reading One Thousand Gifts, I have practiced trying to see the thankfulness for each situation. I have to admit, it is pretty hard when one is overwhelmed and nothing seems to be going "right". But here is what I decided:

  • I am thankful for teeth to chew, to smile with....and even though they hurt, I still have teeth.
  • I am thankful for my son...even though he was sick, I still have him.
  • I am thankful for the dog...even though not the world's greatest timing, he was a really great deal.
  • And even though there is a lot of work involved with the said pup, he makes our children happy.
Things can always be worse than our worse days, weeks, months or years. I didn't loose a loved one. I don't have cancer. I have children who love God and aren't rebelling against Him. Perspective is a gift we can all use.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Upon Questioning My Sanity

Toby
Our beloved dog, Toby, of eleven faithful years had to be put down one month ago. Cancer. Bone cancer. It was an awful thing to watch and once we found out it was cancer, we couldn't let him suffer.

I knew it would be hard on our children. But I didn't realize how hard it would be on me (and hubs too). Eleven years is a long time. He basically grew up with our children. Our youngest was 2, going on 3, when Toby came into our family.

Guess what is happening in a few short days. We will be adding a ten month old yellow lab puppy into our lives. I'm really starting to question my sanity at the moment. I'm really going to be doing the majority of training. Yikes! It is like having a baby again. My baby is 13, soon to be 14. Did I say, "Yikes"?

It was a difficult decision to make. We called multiple family meetings. Discovered the older two children are too busy and want nothing to do with the training process. But our son is still young enough to want a buddy to play with in the yard. Toss a chew toy or two. Run and play with the puppy. BUT he is in baseball now and again in the summer. Again, I am questioning my sanity.

Chewing, digging, messes on the floor, trying to train so no messes on the floor (he'll be allowed in the basement during inclement weather), training with the underground dog fence, chewing, digging, being a puppy kind of things......I think I'll go pull my hair out right now and get it over with!

But puppies/dogs can bring such joy into our lives. (and some....well, that is another story) They are so much fun at time. And how can you say no to a boy and his dog?

Anyone have any training tips or "do's" and "don'ts"? I'm all ears and am standing by for your great comments and advice!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

He Is & He Will


“The LORD your God is with you,


He is mighty to save.


He will take great delight in you,


He will quiet you with His love,


He will rejoice over you with singing.”

~ Zephaniah 3:17

Monday, March 7, 2011

And the winner is.......

......Allison (simplynorwex)!!!!
Congratulations! You are going to enjoy this book, I just know it. Except do not blame me when you cannot put the book down because it is so good!

Check your email inbox and reply with your address, please.

Thanks to everyone who read the interview. And thanks to those of you who entered the contest and made my first giveaway fun!

The Preacher's Bride is available at bookstores and online now. And don't forget Jody's second book, The Doctor's Lady available in September!

Again, congrats, Allison!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just a reminder....dancer/photo daughter has an Etsy store....I think you'll love her stuff! ☺
Thanks!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Win, Win.

Everyone likes winning, right?!

So, head on over to this post (or scroll down one post).
Read the interview, leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Preacher's Bride.

I know you really want the book.
An autographed book.
Great read.
Great reviews.
It is a five, count them, five start review on amazon.com.

Don't be shy. We are all *friends* here. No one will judge.

Hurry, you only have until March 6th at 11 PM EST to enter!!!

One winner will have an autographed book.
And everyone will benefit from learning more about this super-nice author.

It's a win, win situation!

Now, go comment on the post below!!! [pretty please with sugar on top?!]