A visit home... Sunday 05/18/08

The Massey Family has attended Frenchport Community Church for 13 yrs. My grandparents have devoted many hours and days of service to this church and community. Grandpa Massey became a deacon 12 yrs ago and loves serving the Lord through this ministry. The Lord has blessed him and our family in so many ways and you can see that in the love and service that my family returns to church.

On Sunday, the church presented grandpa with a Deacon Lifetime Achievement Award. When the award was presented, the whole family was in attendance. He was speechless, as this was a surprise to him.

Not everyone understands the meaning of a Deacon and their importance in the church.

Ministry

Deacons are those who respond to God’s call to lead in service and to equip others for this ministry through teaching, proclamation, and worship.

Ordained to Word and Service

Deacons are persons called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a minister to a lifetime ministry of Word and Service to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two. They exemplify Christian discipleship, create opportunities for others to enter into discipleship, and connect the needs and hurts of the people with the church.

Grandpa,

You always give so much of yourself

To the people that are around you

Adding a richness to their lives

By all the things you do

You have a special heart

One that is full of caring

Your heart is filled with genuine love

A love that you're always sharing

I'm so thankful to have someone in my life who has a heart so true

Very few people are as loving as you.

A visit home... Saturday 05/17/08

Excited as I could be, I left work on 05/15 headed home, Camden AR. Dance recital's, Deacon Lifetime Achievement Awards, DADDY from Virginia, high school and sixth grade graduation's, and a week filled with family, food and good times were in my future.

Saturday, 05/16 was Kylee Kay's first dance recital. To say the least, we were a little excited! No one was as proud as her momma though. Angie (kk's mom) has clogged her whole life and now teaches clogging at KK's dance school. This was a BIG day for her!

So the story goes...
KK's 2 and 3 yr old class had to dance first. They didn't know what to expect and were so scared and didnt move.

KK spotted Gail and I on the front row immediately. She ran to the edge of the stage and held out her arms saying "Auntie, Auntie". Of course this made my heart sad but I had to say "NO baby, go dance. You have to go dance KK!" She turned and got back in line with the other girls. The next group's performed their first routine and then it was back to KK's group. By now, her class has figured out what their suppose to do when they hit the stage. That sassy little group marched back out on that stage and lit it up!!! They had the crowd rolling :) So cute! Kylee Kay was dancing, laughing, jumping, and running all over that stage!


The more people laughed and clapped, the more she hammed it up! On the 3rd dance, she realized she hadn't seen her daddy. She marched up to the edge of the stage, pointed to the crowd and yelled "Daddy, you out there daddy? I cant see you daddy. DADDY! Are you out there daddy?" Because Angie teaches dance at this school and Jimmy is one of three barbers in town, everyone knows them and the crowd was loving it!!! I was laughing so hard my side was hurting and crying uncontrollably! She finally decided to give up on finding daddy and continue dancing.

At the end of the recital, Jimmy made his way to the stage with flowers in hand. When KK saw him her face lit up. She said "Daddy, was you watchin' me?" He told her he was and that she was the best and prettiest dancer on the stage! (of course no other little girls could hear him) He gave her the flowers and he got this in return...

Awards were given out to ALL of the children who performed in the recital. The studio owner gave out these awards and wrote down the names of the awards during the performances (very creative award title's I might add). KK won the "Coming out of her shell" award. As you can see, she was very happy to receive the award and what she called "daddy's flowers"!

Mom 14 years ago...

I know this post is a little late but it took a while to find the poem.

Our family split when I was 12, my brother 8. At that time, Rose was a stay at home mom who babysit during the day and had never worked outside the home a day in her life. Within a week and she had 2 jobs and a plan. A plan for her and her 2 children.

There were two things that changed in my life at that time, I had a new home and I learned how to deal with a broken heart. She made sure it was no more than I could bare.

She was a single mom working 2 jobs to support her family. She would wake at 5:30 every morning, work 7a-4p, then second job 5p-10p. Rose did this almost everyday for 8 years. She made sure that she didn't quit and that we were taken care of. No matter what, I always knew and still know that we were loved and are still loved more than anything in the world.

My mom framed this poem for me as a gift.
May 21,1994 / High School Graduation

Their not her words but they are to me...

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When she might have won had she stuck it out;
Don’t give up thought the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worst
That you must not quit.

Mom, Thank You and I Love You!

Letter from Austin TX

I cant help but share... :) This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak Guard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of
running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from the curse? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullshit. And that's a promise I will keep.



Always. . .

Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood

Though it's one of the greatest times of the year, spring can be a little unnerving when you realize that parts of your body that haven't seen the light of day since October are going to be on display for all the world to see.

With that in mind, Kelleigh and I had a lunch date last week. We went and had our first of MANY pedi's for the next 4-5 months. If you haven't had a pedicure since the frost and snow started, go get one and remember...

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, you pledge to follow the rules when you
wear sandals and other open toe shoes:
I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch

the ground, nor will my heels spill over the back. The sides and tops of my

feet will not pudge out between the straps.
I will go polish free or vow to keep polish fresh and chip free.
I will not cheat and just touch up the big toes.
I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
I will shave the hairs off my big toes.
I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, co-worker, mother
or sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
If a strap breaks, I won't duct tape, pin, glue, or tuck it into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
I will not live in corn denial, rather I will lean on my good friend DR Scholl's if my feet need him.
I will not wear a toe ring!
I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend, co-worker, mother or sister
when she asks me if her feet are to ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell
her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal can make her feet look good.
I will promise if I wear flip flops that they will actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking. I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
I will promise to get a professional pedicure at least once per season.

Mirror notes

As I stumble into the bathroom at 5:40AM Friday morning, I quickly wonder why Brad Pitt is staring at me. This is what I see...

1) Turn off straightener --- That's from me to Aaron. I have been battling with him all week about turning off the straightener before leaving for school. He left it on ALL DAY twice this week. I made a note and taped it to the mirror in his bathroom.
2) Put on choir t-shirt Saturday morning --- That's from Aaron to Aaron. Aaron was selected for the Select Men's Choir Ensemble at the beginning of the year and has thoroughly enjoyed it, just as we have. Aaron attends Lincoln Jr High and had to try out to be in the regular school choir. The choir teachers then make their decision and listen to the recordings again and decide who is in the 'select' choirs. About a month ago he had a choir contest and it was held here in Bentonville (Jody and I attended b/c were dorks like that). The Select Men's Choir made straight 1's, even a 1 in sight reading. Not bad for 7th and 8th graders :) The choir teacher (what a brave woman) took all of the students to Silver Dollar City today as a reward. This was his note to remind himself he had to wear his choir t-shirt.
3) Brad Pitt --- What is he doing taped to my mirror? (reminder, it's 5:40am)

I stand there and my mind starts going in a direction that worries me. #1 - Turn off your straightener. #2 - Select Men's Choir Ensemble. #3 - Picture of Brad Pitt taped to his mirror...

I head right back in to the bedroom, tap on Jody's shoulder and say "Hey, get up, we need to talk." "HUH? What is it?" he says. Me, "I think we have a problem. Jody, why does Aaron have a picture of Brad Pitt taped to his bathroom mirror?" I get the 'are you serious' look because he doesn't have to wake up for another hour and a half. He says "I don't know and if it's not important, can we talk later?" I stand there a minute and start to think to myself that I am over reacting and he finally says "Oh, I forgot to tell you that I am taking Aaron to get his haircut at 4:30 today. He has decided he wants it all cut off (he has shaggy hair). He wants it to look like a picture he saw of Brad Pitt." The knot in my stomach released and I left the room.

As I made my way back to the bathroom, I decided to step in the office and grab my camera. Before I knew it, I was laughing so hard it was hard to keep my hands steady to take the picture...

The things we worry about as parents - mirror notes

Every Woman

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…..
One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come ~ A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family ~ Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour ~ A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying ~ A youth you’re content to move beyond ~ A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age ~ The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it ~ An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account, all of which nobody has access to but you ~ A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded ~ One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry ~ A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra ~ Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it ~ The belief that you deserve it ~ A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30 ~ A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better ~ Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to ~ Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored ~ A feeling of control over her destiny ~ How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship ~ Where to go be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming Inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing ~ How to fall in love without losing herself ~ What she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…..
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship ~ When to try harder and when to walk away ~ The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town ~ How to live alone, even if you don’t like to ~ How to take control of your own birthday ~ That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents ~ That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over ~ What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love ~ That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long ~ Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally ~ Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault ~ When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye ~ Never laugh at anyone's dreams, people who don't have dreams don't have much ~ Talk slowly but think quickly ~ When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" ~ When you lose, don't lose the lesson ~ When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it ~ Spend some time alone ~ How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next ~ How to fall in love without losing yourself ~ Believe in love at first sight ~ Love deeply and passionately, you might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely ~ Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk ~ Learn the difference between when he says; I LOVE YOU to get into your bed, or I LOVE YOU to get into your life!

Author ~ Pamela Redmond Satran

My Accomplishment

Let me start by saying this post has been a LONG time coming. It is a very personal and emotional post for me so bare with me as I stumble through... And also keep in mind that 'fat girls' never have a body shot to share :)

The photo above was taken April 2007 in Mountain Home, AR at one of the many music festivals that we attended that year. After down loading these pictures, I started browsing and came across this picture. I remember my exact thought when it came up on the screen. I will not share that thought because it is quite embarrasing and painful. I then realized 'somethings gotta give'. After years and years of failed attempts to diet and exercise, I finally went to a nutritionist. I set a goal to lose 60 lbs by April of this year.

My friends, today is April 8, 2008 and I have lost 67 lbs!!! Look at me now...


Am I bragging? Just a little. Does it feel good? Well, heck yes it does. Did I deserve what I bought myself for hitting my goal? I sure did!!!!

Now all of this shopping leads me to something different... You see, Ive always had a shopping problem, at least thats what my friends call it. I've never looked at it that way until this weekend. Well maybe I didnt look at it as being a problem but more of a lifestyle. What has changed my way of thinking? Well, for all you PLUS size women out there, you will understand this.... I've never really had a problem with shopping the the PLUS size section of the dept store. Just a fact of life for some :) But this weekend, I had to go to the 'other side' of the store to find something that fit!!! You talk about excited, I cant remember how long it's been since I shopped "over there"! So what's the problem you ask? The problem is, I couldn't quit trying on clothes and buying them. Now, Houston we have a problem!!

I'm starting to look at like this... Some people collect stamps, others spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on real-estate. You cant wear a house! Well, for me, I collect anything that comes from a boutique, the mall or a world-renowned fashion designer (i wish for more of this). Call me superficial but clothes and accessories are one of my hobbies. I bought lots of cute things this past weekend but these are a couple of my favorites...

My little Tree Hugger

How creative can you get when trying to get a two year old to take a picture? I tried everything to capture this photo last week. Guess who made it happen? A five year, my niece Lauren!!! We ,3 of my nieces and I, were outside playing-swinging when I noticed Kylee Kay leaning on the tree and "bwasting off", which is the cutest thing ever. I ran over and tried to get her to lean up against the tree for a picture. She quickly retreated screaming "No auntie, tired of pictues", and yes I know I left the 'R' out of pictures, and yes I do have the camera in her face the whole time I'm with her. But thats how she said it and I can still hear it :) such a cutie, so... The whole Bwast Off thing comes from them playing Hide and Seek and she's counting with her face in her hands, very quitely, 1-2-tree-foo-seben-weven-foorteeeen-twentee--- BWAST OFF!!! And there she goes... The next time she came to the tree I tried to get a picture and she was very persistant in her NO! Lauren had a great idea, she said "Auntie, take a picture of me loving the tree. Aww, what a sweet tree" she said to KK. Lauren started hugging the tree :) Well, Miss Kylee Kay couldn't stand it and the next thing I knew, I was in the middle of a photo shoot!!!

Amazing.

My friend shares Faith

A friend knew what I needed today. I received the entry below in an email this morning.
Did she know or was it someone else??

Today's Scripture
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Today's Word
What are you hoping for in your life today? The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. Notice this verse starts by saying, “Now faith…” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to believe that God is working behind the scenes right now. Faith is simply believing that God is a good and faithful God—that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today?
Do you believe He can provide for your need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationships, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today? Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf. Stand strong and declare that victory is already yours. As you face each day with faith and expectancy, you’ll increase in strength and see God’s hand in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that you are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that you have a good plan for me and that you are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today and everyday.

Daffodils

Although it may seem like a pretty standard flower that seems to bloom anywhere and everywhere, with or without assistance, the Daffodil is a little special to me. It is one of the brightest signs of spring.

Daffodils signal hope. Hope that the winter is over--no more bundling up, paying high heating bills and swearing under your breath everytime you skid across the ice to go and warm up your car. Daffodils mean summer's just around the corner: swimming, warm sunshine, and family cookouts!

My Toilsome Tuesday still lingering...

Bro Gary, once again, has been watching our home video from the hidden camera he has installed in our home...

The message this Sunday was on Passion. What is your passion? Are you living life to the fullest and doing what God has planned for you to do? He has set this plan in place for a reason. Are we following that plan, or working towards it?

So I ask myself:
1. What do I really enjoy doing?
2. How can I make what I truly enjoy my life's passion?
3. Where do I want to be in 5 years? 10 years?
4. Am I on the right path to achieve my goal?

And my answers find that I WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHER! I am enthusiastic, I have ambition, I believe in myself, I have hope, I am passionate, and I take some pretty awesome pictures!

I've thought about it and recently found that I can develop my passion by surrounding myself with people who were like-minded and are often better than me. The enthusiasm that others have will rub off on me and, before you know it, you will be calling me for appointment's!

“To venture causes anxiety. Not to venture is to lose oneself.”
- Kierkegaard

Maybe's

Medicine of my smile
Originally uploaded by tearoom

Maybe . . we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.

Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Maybe . . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Maybe . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.

Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

Maybe . . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child, your girlfriend/boyfriend -- -- so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once they are around you appreciate them more.

Maybe . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.

Maybe . . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone.

Maybe . . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.

Maybe . . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.

Maybe . . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who makes your heart smile.

Maybe . . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

Maybe . . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling, but when you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Maybe . . you could tell those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to know that you appreciate them and their friendship...

I love you. I appreciate you. You mean everything to me!
Angela

Toilsome Tuesday makes me wonder...

What am I doing with my passion?

Passion -- a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything.

It tells who we are and makes the mind open to new ideas and challenges. It is connecting your head to your heart. Passion is yours to experience. Beware; it may cause you to scrape your knees. It's been known to break hearts, make you angry, even tearful. But it change's in a split second leaving you excited, inspired or anxious.

Passion is within you. It is there for your discovery.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Take up his cross daily

Belsen Cross 2 b&w
Originally uploaded by Jasmic

Bro. Gary Thomas delivered a wonderful sermon at church this morning, no better than any other, just one of those I have to share. Bro. Gary is a phenomenal preacher and 'teaches' every Sunday. He has the gift of grabbing my attention right from the beginning and holds me there, on the edge of the cliff through the whole thing. Closer to the end, he brings me down gradually, just enough time to soak it all in. I know this man has put a hidden camera in my house because he preaches to ME every Sunday!

Take up his cross daily.
The sermon today was from the book of Luke, chapter 9, verses 23-24. And yes, go get your bible... These words are from JESUS. I personally recommend you read 23-27.

During the sermon, Bro Gary read the poem below

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

by Carroll Wimmer

Carol Wimmer has devoted her life to ministry through the arts. In addition to poetry, she also writes musicals, plays and scripture memory songs for children of all ages published by Sheep School Press. Married for thirty-two years and the mother of two grown children, Carol is currently a full time author.

http://www.carolwimmer.com/

Choco Love

Ummm good!!!

Kylee Kay loves staying with Auntie Ang. I would like to think it’s because... we have such a good time together, she can’t get enough of me, I’m her favorite aunt, she loves play time, but the truth is… it's the chocolate. I LOVE chocolate and always have plenty for Kylee Kay. The one thing I have given her over the last year is the same love, the love of chocolate.

I rarely get a chance to spoil her, but when I do, Chocolate is at the top of our list!

Princess Kayla, 19 today!

Kayla,
I've had the pleasure of being your step-mom for 8 years and every minute has been a joy. I can hardly imagine loving any child more than I do you.

You are the sun on my cloudy day. I love your goofy faces and huge, silly laugh. Our pictures. Our jokes. Being able to look at you and know exactly what your thinking. Never a dull moment when the two of us are together.

You were a wonderful child and have grown into a beautiful young lady. You deserve all of the respect and love I feel for you. You truly are a gift from God! I pray for you every day and ask that God protect you, speak to you and make himself known to you.

Never forget, You are mine.
Happy Birthday!

A little birthday history for you...

1989
Cold War comes to an end.
The fall of the Berlin wall
Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound. The tanker spilled 240,000 barrels (11 million gallons) of oil after running aground.
Hurricane Hugo makes landfall in South Carolina, causing $7 billion in damage.

Lucille Ball dies April 26th.
Top TV Show: Rosanne
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are overnight sensation.
Milli Vanilli won best new artist of 1989, but were stripped of their Grammy in 1990 when it’s discovered they were lip-syncing.
Top Song of the Year: Another Day In Paradise - Phil Collins
Top Grossing Movie Of Year --- Batman
Mikhail Gorbachev named Time Magazine’s Man of the Decade.
Record of the Year: "Don't Worry Be Happy," Bobby McFerrin
Album of the Year: Faith, George Michael
Song of the Year: "Don't Worry Be Happy"
Miss America: Gretchen Elizabeth Carlson (MN)
The television show Seinfeld premiered.
The first full length episode of The Simpsons premiered on FOX.
President: George BushVice President: J. Danforth QuaylePopulation: 246,819,230Life expectancy: 75.1 years

Super Bowl -- San Francisco d. Cincinnati (20-16)
World Series -- Oakland A's d. SF Giants (4-0)
NBA Championship -- Detroit Pistons d. LA Lakers (4-0)
Stanley Cup -- Calgary d. Montreal (4-2)
Wimbledon -- Women: Steffi Graf / Men: Boris Becker
Kentucky Derby Champion -- Sunday Silence
NCAA Basketball Championship -- Michigan d. Seton Hall (80-79)
NCAA Football Champions -- Miami-FL (11-1-0)

This is the story of us all

The thoughts, rants, findings, and news from... Pictures of You, Pictures of Me.

This is the clock up on the wall
This is the story of us all
This is the first sound of a new born child before he starts to crawl
This is the war that's never won
This is the soldier and his gun
This is the mother waiting by the phone praying for her son
This is whatever you want it to be
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Hung up on MY wall for the world to see... Pictures of you, Pictures of me

The caliber of the blogs I read make me feel like I'm sitting in a class room full of students, college students, working on their Master's Degree in Creative Writing! I've procrastinated on the start of a blog because I've wondered if I really have thoughts or photos worth posting. Or if either were worth anyone's time. I've convinced myself the answer to those two questions could be yes.

If your reading this, it probably means one of two things: 1.) You have found this blog in it's beginning, either by accident or by some referrer. 2.) You're my friend or relative, and seem to remember me telling you something about a 'block'?

Either way I'm glad your here, welcome.