My niece

To listen to Faith sing - Scroll down to the bottom of this site and turn off the music.

My niece, Faith George, isn't she adorable?

Day 24...Thanksgiving...

Thankful for the abundance of food and all those that prepared it.  Thankful for those that were part of the cleaning crew.  Thankful for all the George's and those that make the Thanksgiving Feast memorable each year.  Thankful for my dad, sister & family, and brother & family and the quality time that we get to spend each year.  Thankful that my sister is disciplined and got me up at the crack of dawn to go walking at the track with her.  Thankful for the walk to the park after lunch and grateful that the kids are not too grown to play.  Thankful for safety - 47 people traveled to my granny's house today or sometime this week and Heavenly Father watched over each family member.  Many more family members traveled all over the US and they are safe as well.  I'm also thankful for my mom and her family.  Thankful for my granny's health.  She is in her mid-eighty's and still going strong.  Thankful for Buddy, our chocolate lab, and the fun times we have with him.  He loves to play fetch and take rides in the car.  Thankful for health, safety, family, friends, pets, abundance, and CHOCOLATE PIE!  Nuff Said!!!

Faith, Brooke, Kody

Day 23...

I have 12 minutes left of the day to say what I'm grateful for.  I am so thankful for the days that I can spend with my sister.  I enjoyed playing UNO with her, Brooke, and Kody.  I'm thankful for my dad and that he is conveniently always around when I need him and that he is knowledgeable in cars.  He had to replace my power window motor today.  I'm thankful for doctors and nurses that have studied so that they can help others.  I'm especially grateful for Debbie, my Nurse Practicioner, that found out I was low on vitamin D and subscribed me Celebrex.  I have felt so much better these past few days.  We even had a cold front this morning and I was pain free.  That's something to shout about!!!  Thankful for an aunt that I can chat with on the phone.  Today was a good day!

Day 22...

Thankful for a job and a paycheck.  I just ordered Kody's birthday and Christmas present.  He is going to have a GREAT December.  I almost waited too late for his Christmas.  It will arrive between Dec 16 - 21.  I'm so excited.  I can't wait.  Love birthdays!  Today is one of my student's special day.  We are having chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate chips.  He picked it out.  He also picked out Kit Kats and I have a little surprise for him, as well.  Today is a half day and the holidays begin!  What a great day to be ALIVE!  And yes, it's not 5:00 am, yet.  I took Mucinex D last night so I've been up since 3:00 but hey, I'm thankful I can breathe, again.  I'm also thankful that the Vitamin D and Celebrex are working.  My body is not in as much pain as it was two weeks ago.  There is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Day 21...

Thankful for last minute field trips, school suburbans, and great students.  I love my job!  Nuff said...

Day 20...

Thankful for Nyquil, Chloreseptic, and Vicks.  Also, thankful for a niece that loves to watch movies over and over and over again.  We are watching the entire set of Harry Potter.  When was the last time you watched the first Harry Potter?  Thankful for tv dinners when I don't feel like cooking.

Day 19...

I'm thankful for lazy Saturdays, Saturday morning cartoons (they keep Kody occupied), and pancake breakfasts.  I'm also thankful for my sister, someone who has shared a major part of my life, and loves me just the same.  I'm thankful for Brooke and still being young enough not to have a job and other activies so that she can come and visit.  Thankful that Kody adores Kristy and her family and anticipates their visits. I'm thankful that Kristy now works for a school so that she gets the time off to travel down to Texas for the holiday breaks.

Day 18...

Extremely thankful for the guys that pick up our garbage each week.  Like I said in one of my Social Work Classes - I may never need that specialized heart surgeon but I need my garbage man weekly.  Let those city service men know we care about them.

Day 17...

I'm thankful for my cute, little house and my Wonderful landlords that keep it up for me.  They just had the furnace checked out for the winter.  They keep the bugs & rodents away.  They have come out for emergencies when the plumbing was broken.  They mow the grass, trim the bushes, and hall off the broken limbs. They were a blessing during my accident.  They are by far the best landlords I have ever had. 



2-23-2010



Day 16...

I am thankful for the much needed rain that we received yesterday.  I know the ground is soaking it up and the grass, flowers, and trees are drinking it all in.  The storm was a true blessing.  Praying for more.  This is the driest year I believe I have ever witnessed in Texas.



Fairfield Lakes State Park released the burn ban today - 11-17-2010 - Woohoo!



Day 15...

Today I am thankful for all the Special People in my life, mainly kiddos.  I have worked with kiddos from Kindergarten age all the way through High School.  I have had students with the labels of ADHD, ADD, ED, MR/ID, OHI, Autism, you name it.  They are truly a blessing.  I believe each one already has their place set aside in Heaven.  They have taught me so much about life.  How to care, love, and play.  They have taught me humility, kindness, forgiveness, patience, and  how to be appreciative.  Through them I have met some of my closest friends, their parents, caseworkers, and therapists. I am truly blessed.

Day 14...

Thankful for modern appliances.  I'm thankful for my washing machine and dryer.  What would we do without the oven, stove, and microwave?  I'm grateful for my refrigerator and freezer.  I'm thankful for my airconditioning and heating.  And don't forget electricity and lighting.  I'm thankful for running water and plumbing.  I'm thankful for telephones and computers.  And I'm even thankful for games and tv's (okay, at least sometimes).  What would our lives be like without these things?  They make life so much simpler!

Day 13...

Today I'm thankful for friends (my friends, Jessica's friends, and Kody's friends).  Friends are those people that we meet at the right time and the right moment.  Those that we just click with.  They make us smile.  They're a shoulder to cry on or just a listening ear.  Those that share common interests such as working with children, helping those less fortunate, crafting, biking, etc.  I'm thankful for the many friends that I have.  Many are now scattered all over the world but we can stay in contact through the internet (another blessing).  I'm also thankful for those friendships that are face to face (the ones in town, at church, at work, my neighbors, and those I see occasionally when I travel).  I'm thankful for Jessica's friends because they look out for her and take care of her.  I'm also grateful for Kody's buddy, Austin.  He is the first friend that Kody has been able to sleep over his house.  Austin loves Yugi-oh, Beyblades, and Pokemon.  I am very thankful for Kody's and his friendship.  When he's around my ears get to rest.  Yes, today I am Thankful for the friends in our lives.

12th Day of Thanks...

This morning I am thankful for waking up to a beautifully lit Christmas tree.  I'm thankful for the peace and quiet.  I'm thankful for a clean house.  But I'm mostly thankful for my friends and being able to enjoy their company today as we get to make the small Christmas packages.  I am truly blessed.  I'm also thankful for my health and grateful that my bones and joints are feeling much better today.

Make a New American Christmas Tradition

Re-posted from another Facebook friend:
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX…….
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There ...is no longer an excuse that, at gift givi...ng time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

11-11-11 That is so cool and it's Veteran's Day

First, I'm very grateful for all the men who have, who do, and who will put their life on the line every day just for me to have my freedom! 

Second, I'm so thankful for a sidekick, who followed me around all day today and helped me clean the house.  Kody washed dishes while I dried and put away, he scrubbed the bathroom sink and tub while I did the toilet, and he swept and mopped.  Then, he helped me get all the Christmas decorations out of the attic and put the tree up.  Gotta love that boy!

Third, I'm thankful for Bluebell Christmas Cookie Ice Cream - that was a delicious treat at the end of a hard day's work.

11/10/11 Thankful Thoughts

10.  Today I am thankful for Cornerstone Family Care.  I'm thankful that they could see me with such a short notice.  I'm Thankful for Debbie for taking the time to explain to me that I'm not going crazy and that my pain is more than just stress.  I'm thankful that I never feel rushed and that they have the sweetest staff and nurses (Karla, Brandy, and Tobi).  I'm thankful for all the research, labs, doctors, and nurses that have put the time into finding the causes and solutions to ailments.  I'm thankful for being able to take time off of work and being able to rest.  I'm thankful for easy solutions for headaches, and bone and joint pain (ice/heat, rest, exercise, vitamin D, water, and Celebrex).  I'm thankful for having the determination, motivation, and will power to get out of bed even when my whole body aches.  And being able to continue my daily activities with a smile on my face without being a complainer or burden to anyone.  I'm thankful for the few that do have to listen to me complain.  And I'm thankful for a son that is caring and respectful when I ask him to please not touch me and to be extra quiet.  I love that boy!

9th Day of Thanks

Today, I am thankful for exercise.  Even though I dread exercise or the thought of it.  When I'm out on the bike, I feel great.  I begin to remember and be grateful that I have two legs that can move and pedal.  I look around and see the beauty that Heavenly Father created.  I feel and smell the fresh air.  My body enjoys the heart pumping, the muscles moving, and the sweat that it rarely gets.  When I've finished I enjoy the feeling of a great accomplishment and the natural high feeling you get from great exercise.  Yes, I'm even thankful for the dreaded exercise.  LOL!

Favorite Quotes

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~ Lao Tzu

Thursday Night, November 3rd, 2011 - I'm just getting around to posting this. I'm going to try to see if I can upload the video recording.

Kody walking into my room while pinching the tube around his belly - "You think ummm... I start exercising this whole week you think I make this go down a little bit?" Me - "How about we just exercise till summer. It took a lot longer than a week for you to get that belly. It's going to take a lot longer than a week for you to get that belly to go." "I know what I to do." Me - "What?" Kody - "Weigh myself and you know whatever and see how much I lose next week. " Me - "Yep you can do that, too." Kody - "If I want to I do it right now." Me - "Go for it." Kody - "Just I don't have a paper or nothing to write it." It takes him a few minutes to go to the bathroom and pull out the scales. Kody - "Holy Cow!! Wow! I'm chubby!"

8th Day of Thanks

I'm thankful for Buddy, our Chocolate lab. He is adorable. He loves to play fetch and run along side me while we ride our bicycles. He howls at the police, fire truck, and city sirens. He loves to swim. He makes Kody feel protected by sleeping beside his window each night. He's very smart. He knows how to get out of every fence, pen, crate we put him in. He uses his nose to pop up the latch and his teeth to open the gate. I never figured out how he was able to open the crate since I have a hard time opening it. After putting a lock on the pen door, he just bit the bottom of the pen's metal link fencing and pulled it up. Now, there's a big hole that I can't repair. So, we're forced to chain him. Crazy dog! He's definitely the best pet we've ever owned.

From Nov 1 to Thanksgiving - "I'm thankful for..."

‎These are the daily posts that I put on Facebook - I moved them over to Blogspot - You will notice the last one on this list says I'm giving up Facebook. I realized it is too addicting and taking up too much of my time.
1. Thankful for my children. Thankful that I get to listen to Kody's singing each morning. (Today's he's singing ♪♫ Six more weeks till my birthday and then I'll have new games or something to play with. ♪♫) ;0)
2. Thankful for my job and that I'm finally making enough money to get the monthly bills paid. Right after the divorce, it was pretty hectic for a while.
3. Thankful that there are people out there making Kody's Senior year memorable and helping him enjoy his last year.
‎4. Thankful for freedoms...to be able to live where I want...have the career that I chose...have the number of children without worrying what sex they were...having the opportunity to choose my spouse...and the right to divorce when it didn't work out...the right to my own money/spending/saving...the right to speak my mind even when it gets me in trouble...the right to choose my own doctors...the right to vote...and last but not least the right to worship how, when, and where I decide...Thanks to our Heavenly Father, our forefathers, and our military!!!
5. I am thankful for nice, warm, soft pajamas, homemade quilts, jersey sheets, and not having to work on a lazy Saturday.
‎6. I'm thankful for vision and color. I'm so glad that I can see all the beautiful colors that God has provided us with. My life would be dull without color. The greens, reds, oranges, yellows, and browns that our plants and trees provide. The purples, blues, oranges, pinks that shine in the sky. I'm also very thankful for my creative talents and having the physical ability to design and create things.

‎7. I'm thankful for breath - being able to breathe even if it's a little stuffy sometimes. I'm thankful for life. I'm thankful for the nurse that helped me immediately after my wreck even though I don't know her name. I'm thankful for the emergency crew, the doctors, staff, nurses, surgeons. I'm thankful for them putting me back together. I'm thankful for my legs and that they allow me to walk even though I complain when they hurt. With all this said Kody and I are making some lifestyle changes. He is giving up X-Box for the most part and I'm giving up Facebook.