My Surviving Thoughts

An Open Message to Police & Military

2011-12-06T15:17:00.000-05:00

2011-09-27T11:32:00.001-04:00

If you have ears to hear...

Teacher Caught In Compromising Postion With A Doll

2011-08-14T19:31:00.001-04:00

not at school, though. But very close...

We Don’t Need Another George W. Bush

2011-08-11T16:17:00.003-04:00

Click Below to read full article...

We Don’t Need Another George W. Bush
By Chuck Baldwin
August 11, 2011

Frankincense Soap

2011-08-01T23:18:00.003-04:00

Do you like homemade bath soap? Looking for a good price or to customize an order? Check out my listing...

Silver, Real Historical News Site, Prepare, Position by Pastor Dowell

2011-07-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

I Love Giveaways!

2011-06-15T13:35:00.012-04:00

Hey Y'all. Ever tried ghee?

The Healthy Home Economist is hosting a giveaway. Check out her link here:
Enter the giveaway here for multiple chances to win!

The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-05:00

Jimbob the patriot puts the record straight - The Iraq War

2010-09-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

Toooo funny...but sad at the same time...

Born into Debt, Fight the Tyranny! Join the BIG GOVERNMENT Resistance!

2010-09-12T22:21:00.000-04:00

Conversations With Grandma-P1.wmv

2010-08-11T23:29:00.000-04:00

Take a look...some of the videos I'm posting on Youtube now...

Wordless Wednesday- Cinnamon Swirl Homemade Soap

2010-07-14T14:43:00.007-04:00

Alot has changed..including my mind

2010-06-05T12:37:00.004-04:00

Wow. It's been over a year since the last time I blogged. I think video blogging might be a better choice for me. I am never without an opinion on something or new information...
I just don't like writing! It wasn't always like that. I used to write, a lot when I was a child and teenager.
I am not sure, but I think blogger .com allows video embedding, so I may start doing that.
Just wanted to check in, and say that I will try to blog more.
As for an update; we have moved, AGAIN! I am a full time homemaker, stay-at-home mom, and home school teacher. Yes, yes Ya'll!...lol. God works out His Will always on time(His time).

Wordless Wednesdays- "My name is not Will, I don't even know tha guy!"

2009-03-18T21:10:00.003-04:00

Okay...One sentence...I lost 7 pounds...but the devil is after them... :)

Ok, here goes...

2008-12-05T12:28:00.008-05:00

Hey Brenda, I can take a hint too.
Compliments of my Big Girl. She watched a commercial for Slimquick,
and she "quickly" discerned that it was for fat women. So um, let's see...any fat women in the room with her? Why yes, the lady whose lap she was resting on.
"Mama, you need some of that!"...sigh. Ok, I can take a hint. I guess it really wasn't a hint...more like the truth in love...haha.
Aaaanyway...I thought about it for a couple of days. I am going to join Brenda's Fitness Friday as a part of my weight loss regimen that i am starting...monday. I had been enjoying reading about the progress and assignments, but I wasn't committed at the time. However, recent events, like my daughters observations, change in seasonal clothing, and wanting to eat healthier, I am ready. So here goes...

I think I have finally decided...

2008-09-10T14:16:00.008-04:00

sigh...can't wait for next year. We will all be happy and friends again. We should throw an internet "post-election" blog party or something :).
James and I have decided, barring any biblical reasons for exclusion, to vote for Chuck Baldwin. We understand that just like us, no one is perfect. But is was a family decision and I am grateful. There were times were we favored two different parties-not fun...lol
Did anyone see Voddie Baucham on CNN the other day. I caught it on Youtube. I was impressed. Even more impressed that the majority, if not all, of the conversation was kept civil. I rarely watch the news anymore, so I was surprised that CNN didn't try to spin, and make the pastor a fall guy or token...cool.
Another CNN youtube that I enjoyed was this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjGrsNb5A-M

While, I don't agree with everything he said 100%, it basically expressed my political sentiments.

We attend a calvary chapel church here in NC, and are studying the book of Galatians. Verse-by-verse. I have been a Christian since 1998, and am ashamed to say, that I have never meditated on these scriptures; just memorized the ones we have made a little cliche, and you enjoy being able to repeat and feel smart...lol...God is really using the letter and the current events to speak to me about his urgency for people to hear and the Gospel. Praise Him.

...happy reading?

2008-09-04T15:11:00.005-04:00

With all the latest political happenings and manueverings(sp, really), I have just about worn myself out reading blogs.
I even forgot to post my Wordless Wednesday picture:
This is where all the magic happens...well all the away from home magic, that is...

I don't think I will lose any sleep if I never here the words Obama/Biden MacCain/Palin again. All the babel still hasn't given me any confidence to vote for them this election.
I have enjoyed listening to mostly worship music this week. Also studying Revelations with study notes from KHouse.org

Wordless Wednesday: We heart IHOP

2008-08-27T00:34:00.007-04:00

Having Patience

2008-05-29T08:20:00.007-04:00

Yesterday while James and I were unpacking and organizing some things, I mentioned to him that I had found my keys. They had gone missing the day before. My five year old was listening(as always) and jumped into the room. She put her hands on her hips and with a child's scowl look on her face said, "Mama! I hid your keys so you wouldn't have to go to work!". Ah, the anguish in my heart. I wonder what she made out of my facial expression, because I had no words at the moment. She was hurt that I found the keys and that is why I left for work the other day(I had used daddy's). So I quickly repremanded her for stealing and hiding things from us and she went back to playing. James was in the room the whole time, but was silent. After 12 years of marriage, he knows me, and I was a water keg about to burst..but I didn't. So when he left the room, I called Big girl in and gave her and baby girl a big hug and kiss, and told them I loved them, and hopefully I will be home soon.

I always make sure my children are not around when I talk to husband about coming home from the workplace, but maybe she has eavesdropped on some of our talks. Either way, she is as desperate for me to stop working outside the home as I am.
I know some would suggest getting her more outside activities to do during the day to distract her and take her mind off of the fact that she misses me, but that is just creepy to me.

So I was feeling sorry for myself and my decision to not put her in government school, when as always, the Lord gives me some encouragement. Here's a portion of an email I received from my aunt. She was replying back to me. I had forgot I have written her.

When it comes to home schooling you really would have to have worked in the public system and the private system to see its value. I have worked public and I have worked private. The only reason I am in the public system is the money. Van still works in the private/public system. #1 priority is to join a home schooling group and a home schooling university. You can find them online. You can find the closest ones in your community.
I don't personally think that is the #1 priority, but it does seem important to do

The best way to set the family at ease is test scores. I am sure you are smart enougn to get the job done. Get as much knowledge as possible before you really start...Remember, while you set-up your system and finalize it, some things you will have to keep to yourself and share only with James.

It might not seem like much, but it was just the thing I needed to remind me of why I am doing what I am doing. So, I am trying to be patient with my situation at work just in case my Big girl is still eavesdropping...

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-27T01:41:00.015-04:00

Remembering our American Soldiers...

I really enjoy having long weekends. They are such a special treat to me. We are still unpacking and organizing rooms. That was what we did most of the time, but I didn't mind not traveling much.
Sunday morning we had a special visitor walk through our back door while I was cooking breakfast.

She escaped her owners. When we got her, she was dirty, hungry and shaking(hunger?). James and the girls fed her, bathed her, and played with her. I knew the kids would get attached. "Princess" seemed well trained, so we knew we wouldn't have her for long. She definately had an owner that put alot of time into training and groaming her. So James let her sleep at teh foot of the bed(along with all the kids), and she was back with her happy owners today.

I also got to my first paint project(ever!). My beautiful buffet table and cabinet I received from a wonderful coworker after the fire last year.
BEFORE

Big girl did the distressing a few months earlier during an episode of disobedience with my keys while she was bored...

EVERYONE HELPED

PUTTING ON SECOND COAT

AFTER

NEXT...

We've moved!

2008-05-27T01:15:00.007-04:00

We were blessed with the provision of a rental house after our fire back in August of '07. Since then, James has decided that we need more space. So we are back in the city we came from. This time renting in a subdivision(something new to me, and a little strange).

Our neighbor is nice and friendly, but you learn quickly, not everyone is. It's like being in a huge mouse maze together with a couple thousand other people. You really get a good feel of the rat race we run everyday. Out to work, back in to our garages, mow our lawns, scoff at the lawns of others, pay our dues, form neighbor qliques, no clothes lines(HOA no-no), small yards, very high fences...sigh..I know I am looking at it from the stand-point of an outsider. I am sure I will assimilate quickly and learn to smile and enjoy all those things I mentioned as quirks before.

Uugggh!

2008-05-15T16:03:00.005-04:00

I am the worst blogger ever...
My intentions were to make this an online diary of sorts of things that I'm concerned about. I think I am barely averaging two posts a month.
I spend so much more time working, taking care of home and reading other blogs, mine just become less and less interesting to me :)
Blogs like hers, and hers and hers was very interesting. And of course those that I frequently read in my short blog list.
So if anyone actually comes here anymore, my apologies for the cob webs. I do have a lot to say, just forget to type it up most of the time. Hang in there with me, and still drop in from time to time. God Bless

Happy Anniversary Dear...

2008-04-16T18:04:00.006-04:00

Yesterday.
James and I celebrated 12 years of marriage yesterday. Yes, on tax day, long story.
I am very grateful for him. I'm sure he would say the same, but I am convinced God knew I needed him for a husband. We have opposite personalities, but similar tastes. He is my teacher, best friend, and confidant. Loooove him!
However, I did forget to buy him something. He remembered(although late in the day). After 12 years, our love is strong, but the shopping gusto isn't there...lol.
Our little secret, I am gonna buy him something this weekend. Shhhh.

Wanna see what he bought me? A card, some of my favorite candy, and beautiful roses.

Oh, and this is why I labeled this post "Keepin' It Real". It is true...I don't have a vase in my house, or in storage. Nothing to put those beautiful flowers in...except,

yeah, one of James' frosted glass mugs. That thing is huge. Perfect fit. I should have waited until the frost evaporated though...
After 12 years you would think I would know who is my husband, but he still insists on signing his whole name on the cards he gives me...so cute...

Keepin' it real, huh?

2008-03-18T00:12:00.014-04:00

Well, I tried. I made the effort to find areas of my pristine home that were, how do you say?, "unkept". But ya know, I just couldn't find any "keepin' it real moments" in my bathroom.

Nah, It's clean as a whistle.

So I tried my living room. Nope....spotless.

Not trying to brag or anything.

I even attempted to see if my yard offered anything I could divulge on this post. Nada...

I understand most moms aren't superwomen like I am. They should be applauded for the effort to keep a spotless home as I do.
Sorry Brenda, maybe next time.
*wispering to my son* "You think they are buying this?"

Not a chance

Coming out of the home school closet to my family...slowly

2008-03-07T09:51:00.004-05:00

My Aunt( 3 states away) has known about my desire to home school for a year or so now. She is a teacher and doesn't have much good to say about public school. She hates "No Child Left Behind" even more. It was a comfort that she thought home schooling my children was a good idea if I wanted to do it. While we differ on some issues that I feel border on socialist, she has been a confidant lately while I struggle with my decision and wait for my husband's decision.

My mom has dropped in on a couple of conversations we've had about public school "reform" and home schooling, so I knew it was about time for her to start some intervening. So lately I have been dropping more hints to my mother and my sister, both opposed to home school(for the sake of the child of course). Our convos have usually gone like this:

sis: Soooo, BigGirl is going to kindergarten next year!
me: Well,(cough)...no, we think we'll keep her home for a couple more years while we decide if we want to home school.
sis: (wide eyed)Oh?
me: You know, in NC a child doesn't have to begin school until they are 7.
sis: Really? So what grade will she go into at 7?
me: First, maybe Second.
sis: For real? She doesn't have to go to kindergarten?
me: No...

As for my mother, she doesn't ask directly if I am keeping the kids home. She more so fishes for it by adding in school commentary to a normal conversation.

me: Goodness! BigGirl just gets going and sometimes it hard to calm her down. She's so hyper.
mama: Oh, that will all straighten out when she starts school next year.

Uh, school will calm her down? Straighten her out?
********************************************************************************************************************************************

I'm back...

2008-01-14T00:47:00.000-05:00

But just for a minute.
1) Asia, I love you sis. I have been to your blog, but haven't commented yet. I haven't forgot.
2) Service was great Sunday. Galatians 1:1-10 baby! Verse by verse
3) MLK day is coming up. Check this out: click here

be back soon...

The new "Tee-Vree"(my daughter's pronunciation)

2007-10-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Ladies, do you have one of these monstrosities in your home? Chances are if you have a husband under 45, you do. While I admit my hypocrisy in loathing a big screen during the NBA playoffs, during my husbands ESPN time, and loving it when my favorite HGTV shows are on, it is still what it is- big!...The day it arrived, it was brought from 2 states on a moving truck because the regular carriers couldn't bring it. The kids were watching the poor delivery guy unload it like they were watching a favorite cartoon. I wanted to capture the size of it before it was put up by DH. What better way than to have the girls(ages 4, and 3) stand in front.

Now before I join the "Learning how to decorate around a big screen TV that flashes mood lighting around it" class, I have to acknowledge the suffering of others - I have a sister and a friend who have recently dealt with the 50 plus inch TV delima, so don't cry for me. I have learned to just pop popcorn and make a movie night out of the situation and save money.

Things that make me smile...

2007-10-08T13:31:00.000-04:00

"...I am tagging Lisa @ My Surviving Thoughts. Maybe that will get her to post more than twice a month. (I mean, what does she have to do besides raise kids, keep house, go to work, and get settled in her new house? Sheesh!)..."
Haha, thanks for the tag Brenda

Here is my list, in no specific order:

Receiving emails from my sis during work hours
My husband's smile
The thought of finally getting to fill out the NC intent to home school form
Thoughts on the kindness of friends and strangers we've encountered
Hearing my children sing throughout the house(even my 1yr old grunts out a tune now and then)
Watching my baby boy run. It's the cutest thing watching those little legs scuttle.
The part in the story of Joseph where he reveals his identity to his brothers(classic)
Banana Pudding(shivers)
Autum colors on tree leaves
Listening to my girls play and use there imaginations( someone is either a princess, a baby, a dragon, or a mommie, oh and sometimes Ms. Hannagan from Annie if they pull me into it)

I am tagging Ms. Asia, who is very busy also(with college). We are praying for you sis.

Why I changed my mind and will vote come Nov 2008...

2007-09-26T10:27:00.000-04:00

I am hoping that the Lord calls me home-home to homemaking that is, before 2008 or 2009. However, if He tarries with this blessed event, I would like to know that I am not giving 25% of my check to pay off US Gov't debt(foreign and domestic)with income taxes. I was pleased to find out about this gentleman from Texas running for President. I know it pains some to see people jumping off the Huckabee and Keyes bandwagon for this man, but I simply am tired of supporting preemptive war, and being a slave to wasteful US debt.
"...a laudable goal, but they don't see how it would be possible."(EA)
Read for yourself. The neat thing about him is, if you don't agree, it's okay.

I'm all late...

2007-09-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

With a picture of my living room. Brenda asked a while ago to see. Notice that big square table. It has been a very instrumental tool in training this past week. Lesson: Teaching Children to Resist the Urge to slide, jump, or breakdance on the new table.

I heart the beach...

2007-08-28T11:57:00.000-04:00

Yes, she brought that HOT blanket to the beach

This past weekend. We had the pleasure of my sister and her family's company at Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Let me tell you. I love going to the beach.
My first trip was in 2001 on a whim with James to Kure Beach, NC. Well, unless you count the time in '84 when my dad took us to Coney Island, but my mother made sure we didn't go anywhere near the sand or water(yuck).
Anyway, this annual trip is now a tradition. Hope to add more family next year.

One of the reasons James liked coming to Ocean Isle this year(usually, it's Myrtle Beach, SC), is that there is a church service right on the beach Sunday mornings. I was a little reluctant to go because I wanted to sleep more. However James was insistent- (insert Stern/yet loving man voice here)church doesn't stop just because you go on vacation. I agree, and it was a great service. The Gospel was preached. I pray that the Holy Spirit opened some one's eyes to the Cross of Christ, the Good News.

So just pondering now the things I want to accomplish or have in place by the end of this year:

Pray more. More quiet time for prayer

Read Bible. The Gospels

Read Barclay's(sp) book on The Letter to the Romans

Organize the new house better. We will only be there 6-8 months, but it will help

Organize our finances, bills, and budget better

Last but not least. Ad nauseum...Eat healthier.

Were settling in...

2007-08-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

...little ones enjoying breakfast on the deck(yes baby girl has on the blue cinderella dress)

...my big girl giving an encore to her stunning rendition of the "veggie tales" intro.

Home that a dear brother and sister in the Lord provided. We are so grateful.
God is Good . He is Faihful. Praise and Glory to Him forever!
On July 27th we had a fire in the home we rented. We were homeless by 9am. God took such good care of my children. No one was hurt. James and I were both at work when the sitter became distracted and forgot she was frying on the stove. Pray for her. She has been dealing with so much guilt. But we love her and value her service. How many times have I been distracted by one of my children- it happens!
So, The Lord provided and I mean overflowing. It's August 18 and I was still saying thankyou to gifts and clothing a couple of days ago. We can't even hold all the provision that He has provided.
But more than material things, He has given us His Peace in this ordeal. Praise Him. People ask me have I broke down or cried over the loss, and I haven't. I can't explain it. I am not much of a crier anymore, but this has been overwhelming at times-but no tears. Just Joy.
We have had our frustrations and tense moments, but never were we without His Peace of mind. Thank You Jesus.
So we are in a new city. With new things. Some things were given to us, some bought new by others. It's all new to us!
I am not doing justice to my feelings because they are inexpressible still- even weeks after. I'm sure I will write more later.

I've been 'a surfin'...

2007-07-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

Oops! Been a few days since I checked in.

Not much going on though. I have been reading alot on home schooling. It's a very diverse crowd out here in cyberland.
I ran into lots of black home school support groups. Alot of sectarian homeschool blogs, and mixed bag of evolutionist, liberal, and athiest home school sites - for which I am all grateful for at least one reason, parent owned education. I will add links later If I am moved to do so.
My feelings were turned off by some of the anti- homeschooling opinions I read, but I have resolved myself to use those feelings as a touchstone of my commitment to home school. You know- can I handle the heat?...

So...in light of my determination to research as much on home education as I can, I received a small(very small) boost the other day. James came out of nowhere with a comment about being able to bring me home soon if certain things(that are going well) stay on the same path. Yay!...Pray for us, please.

I have been staying away from my usual Christian debate forums for a minute. They have me feeling a little grieved. Alot of infighting along with my intense research online for the past few days has made me plain sad. So one of my fav forums is off limits for a few more days. Not too long-love those guys! (read more... )

Stupid(Webster "ain't neva lied")....
Did anyone catch the Dateline NBC show "To Catch a Predator" lastnight? ...shaking my head... it was sad to watch. I was surprised to find out that those predators didn't actually have to touch the "child" in order to warrant an arrest! Yay! It was a terrible display of the result of "online grooming", but a couple of those catches had James and I rolling with laughter. Stupid!

I was curious about when they were gonna have some set up for female predators. It may not be enough of them out there to get a hit- oh wait- they are doing it in the public schools instead. Oops, wont be able to catch 'em on dateline! ( end sarcasm)...

missing you...

2007-07-13T09:08:00.000-04:00

Any working moms out there?....sigh

I hate leaving my kids every morning to go to work. I usually sneak out to avoid looking at them sleep because that is my reason, most of the time, for calling in and staying home. I caught a glimpse of my big girl(4yrs) sleeping and I almost called in.

They would be up soon and the house would be filled with their playful yells and cries and the usual food demands(lol). That might seem boring to most, but not to me.

Anybody who knows me, or has talked with me online has heard this sad song many a time. I try not to complain because I know the Lord knows my desire to be home, and only He can shape our situation to make that possible, so I am waiting and trusting in Him for wisdom and help.

But in the meantime, I am surely missing my crew.

So, I'm blogging now...

2007-07-12T17:08:00.000-04:00

My friend Asia, who I met online has a blog. So when I asked her if it was an easy thing to setup, she assured me that blogging was easy. So here i am.

Hope everyone had a great 4th. We spent time with family.
Unfortunately, we lost our dog that night. She broke away when the fireworks started. If someone has her, I hope they are taking good care of her.

I will forewarn everyone that the theme of most of my blogging will be my kids, husband, family...They are very consuming of my life(in the very best of ways) only second to my Savior.
I am more of a blog reader, than writer, so I will be challenged to step it up with every post. Hopefully any readers I get will benefit.
God Bless.