A Vet Visit + A Doctors Visit = Unhappy Peeps

Wow, what a day, today has turned out to be!  Last night, the ever MAN-tastic Higgins started coughing and not feeling well.  When he woke up this morning, he was wheezing, coughing and just not feeling well at all.  I thought he had pneumonia.  So off to the vet he goes.  Turns out that he is having an allergic reaction to something.  He got a steroid shot and a steroid pill at the vet and will be on prednisone for five days.

As I was getting Higgins stuff together for the vet this morning, Joey tells me that his left ear is infected and needs to go to the doctor.  When Joey finally feels an earache, it usually means a full blown infection.  He has a very high tolerance to pain and will not feel an ear infection until it’s really bad.  So I made him an appointment for this afternoon.  Already I knew the day would be heading down hill fast with a vet appointment and a doctor appointment all in one day.

Our pediatrician was not in the office today so we saw another one and when she checked Joey’s ear that was not hurting him first, it had a full blown infection.  She asked him if it hurt and he said no.  I told her that he does not feel them until they are bad, and she told me well he should be feeling this one cause it is, indeed pretty bad.  When she checked his other ear, she made a “oh no” and I was like “WHAT?”  She looks again and said, it’s really bad, so bad, in fact that it has a huge perforation in the ear drum.  Of course, that scared me a tad.  She said that he should be in so much pain and was shocked that he wasn’t.  Trust me, I hate that it’s that bad, but I am thrilled that he is not in a lot of pain.  So a strong antibiotic is prescribed and a re-check is made and we are heading home, finally!! 

What do you get with a child that is really not feeling that bad, but is a little on the grumpy side, and a dog that has been on steroids for about 8 hours??  Trust me words can not describe it.  I have yelled at both of them and both of them are mad at me!  Higgins has attacked the cat, the other dog and his bone.  Joey is sitting in the living room yelling at Higgins for growling and attacking his cat. 

Higgins's is so mad at me for getting on to him that he pee’d on me.  Joey laughed.  Trust me I am pretty well a grump myself now!!  Higgins looks like this dog….

I look like this…..

It has been a loooooong day!  Hopefully both Joey and Higgins will be feeling better tomorrow and not so much on the grumpy side!  Hopefully, or I will need a pill!

The Post In Which I Eat Crow

Remember this post in which I wanted to choke a Sonic carhop?  Yea, I was pretty upset that day and more upset that I complained and they didn’t even seem that interested in my opinion.  I thought  they should of offered me something since my buy one get one burger coupon was taken and my order was terribly messed up…..

Well, buried in the mail that I was just going through tonight, lay this wonderful postcard from Sonic.  It reads….

Thank you for your recent contact with Sonic, America’s Drive-in.  We sincerely appreciate your feedback and look forward to making every effort possible to make your next visit a pleasurable one.  Please accept this postcard for a free sandwich of your choice on your next visit to Sonic.  

Yea, I guess maybe I was a tad hasty in my judgment of Sonic.  Trust me I am thrilled that they contacted me, because I have had to really punish them twice since that faithful day I wanted to do a carhop some bodily harm and not swing in there for a Cherry Coke.  Although I still do not condone such behavior, I do have a forgiving heart, so I must visit again, you know to at least to cash in on a free sandwich!!

A Poem About My Boys - Writers Workshop

I’m a newbie that has wanted to participate in Mama’a Losin’ It, Writer’s Workshop for a while now, but simply forgot every week to do it and each and every week that I forgot I would say I would do it the next, so finally, I did it!

I choose #3 and wrote a poem for the little boy in my life, actually I wrote it about all the boys in my life! Enjoy…

My life of boys began with just one
The perfect love that was second to none
The day we married our young life begun
By saying our vows under the mid day sun

Life that began as two soon became three
God would bless us with our first son to be
So tiny and small with the cutest knobby knees
He was perfect in everyway we both agreed

Our life of three would soon be a life of four
A second son on the way how our hearts soared
Quickly he came and we simply couldn’t ignore
Another perfect son that we so adored

Life was great and as busy as it could get
Oh no, WHAT, I think I need to sit
Our life of four I soon will forget
Another son is coming, I hope we make it

Our third son arrived, so cute and so small
A perfect preemie we would say to all
A tiny baby that could loudly squall
Quickly the sounds turned into crawls

How quickly we turned into a family of five
Day by day I prayed we’d survive
I begged and pleaded and loudly I cried
The writings on the wall, the day it arrived

All smiles I was, not able to contain my joy
My hubby growled at me, he was very annoyed
It was a day I look forward to and enjoyed
A vasectomy would ensure no more boys

If you want to join in, pick a prompt and check out Mama’s Losin’ It’s blog!

The Prompts:
1.) Interview a child.
(inspired by Quilao Triplets)
2.) How do you stave off boredom?
(inspired by Jenn's Pen)
3.) Write a poem for the little boy in your life.
(inspired by Life With Kaishon)
4.) Describe a memorable interview or talk about your experience trying to find a job amidst this recession.
(inspired by Lacey)
5.) Create a Help Wanted Ad.
(inspired by Jenners)

Jon & Kate + 8 = Jon and/or Kate + 8

I am so upset with last nights show of Jon & Kate + 8.  This show started out as something we loved to watch.  We liked watching the kid, the way they juggled all the kids during meals, bath time, diaper changes and rejoiced when they had them all to sleep at the same time.

I read Kate’s book and felt up-lifted, especially reading the Bible verses she had scattered through it.  I was like wow, here is a couple that really has it together.  Now I am just plain mad!

What happened to the sanctity of marriage and raising your kids?  Step back from the spotlight and WORK ON YOUR MARRIAGE!  I am trying so hard not to judge here, but has most of this show been a fraud?  Who really is taking care of these children?  Did fame go to their heads?  I feel this show is only showing the good parts and we have been hood-winked by the majority of it.

I for one am done!  No longer the days of watching, Jon & Kate + 8.  I choose not to follow this train wreak anymore and hopefully ratings will drop and TLC will be forced to cancel the show, and Jon & Kate will be forced to live a normal life, out of the public eye, and focus on what is the most important thing, the 8 kids they brought into this world!!

I Choose…

I CHOOSE LOVE…

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness, I choose love.  Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.  I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…

I will live forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  Instead of cursing the one who takes my place.  I’ll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist at a new assignment, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  Kind to the rich, for they are afraid.  And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…

Today I will keep my promises.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  My associates will not question my word.  My husband will not question my love.  And my children will never fear that their mother will not come come.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…

Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice may it only be in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.  If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL…

I am a spiritual being…After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.  I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.  I choose self-control.  I will be drunk only by joy.  I will be impassioned only by my faith.  I will be influenced only by God.  I will be taught only by Christ.  I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  To these I commit my day.  If I succeed, I will give thanks.  If I fail, I will seek His grace.  And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Today I picked up an inspirational devotions for each day of the year, it is called Grace For The Moment, by Max Lucado.

As I was flipping through the pages, I came across this towards the beginning of the book, and It has been with me all day.  The words were so powerful, so thought provoking, that I choose to live the Fruits of the Spirit.  I choose to start today.

No matter what, no matter who, I will live to please God.  I can not change the hearts of others, I can not make those that have bitterness and hatred towards me, love me, I can not change the past or the hurt that lies within, but I can change how I deal with it.  Though I may hurt and feel disillusioned by those who choose to live in the past, for those who choose to let their bitterness, their hatred control them, I choose to pray for them.  I choose to not live by my hatred, my bitterness that I have allowed to grow for them.  I choose to forgive them, even though they can not forgive.  I choose to forget the past, even though they can not.

I have struggled lately, struggled to maintain self control, when my flesh screams to confront those who I feel have wronged me, wronged my family.  Struggled to maintain my self-control when all I want to do is accuse and point fingers, and say look at what you have done.

God laid this book in my path today, because I will not let those thoughts in my head, to prevail.  I choose to look forward, not back.  I choose to be me, the imperfect, forgiven, all special, one of a kind, me! I choose to trust God, to have faith that though I may not understand why, He is fully in control.   I choose to be free, free from bondage of what I can not control.  

Dad-ism’s

A few Dad-ism’s to celebrate Father’s Day!  You know those ever so stern, sometimes sound advice, but usually totally sarcastic lines dad like to use with their kids…we all know some and I think we all had dad’s that like to use Dad-ism’s!  Here are a few…

Because I'm the Dad, that's why!

Go ask your mother.....

I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!

I'm a Dad, I know everything.

The sooner you learn to stand on your own two feet, the better off you'll be.

That's just the way life is, son.

You make a better door than a window!

Were you born In a Barn?

Do you think money grows on trees?

I haven’t developed gray hairs for nothing!

You are too young to understand this.  

eat that, It'll put hair on your chest.

You ain't to old for your "wants" to hurt you.

If you think it’s cold in here, go outside then come back in, it’s warmer than you think!

Those are just a few, if you have more, share them!!

Came This Close To Choking A Sonic Carhop

Oh how badly I wanted to choke a Sonic Carhop today, and the manager and the telephone operator to the 800 line to Sonic, geeze, and all for the love of a  Mocha Java Chiller! 

First, I have teenagers and I know first hand that teenagers can have attitude at times, so in no way am I trying to attach a halo onto my own kids, but let me tell you, if my teenager would of done what this girl did today, at a place they worked at, we would of had a come to Jesus talk, right quick, in the parking lot!

We love Sonic, always have, even though we have to mortgage the farm to eat there, we still love Sonic.  After today, I might have to re-think going there so often.  (insert uncontrollable sobs!)

Long story short, they screwed up our order, but before we discovered that our order was messed up, we asked the carhop for some honey mustard and that little girl decided that she was going to roll her eyes at me.  Oh, bad idea.  I did let that one slip, but when she came back with a major chip on her shoulder with ONE honey mustard, when we were needing two, and proceeds to roll her eyes a second time, oh good gracious it took all I had not to jump through the window to snatch her up. 

Second, Honey mustard delivered, and third eye roll later, we discovered our order was wrong.  Long, long story really short, the manager had to say that we didn't order a combo, when we clearing did, a voided order later, and another order placed just to get one thing they left off the order, a tree was killed in the process, and instead of one receipt, I am sitting here with six receipts now!  Yea, I was not the happy camper!

So to end this horrible ordeal and to keep my husband from having a massive coronary in the parking lot of the local Sonic, I told him, just leave and I will call the 800 number to complain……..

………….WE INTERUPT THIS BLOG POST FOR A WOODBURY LOCAL NEWS REPORT……..

Local man has massive coronary in the parking lot of local Sonic.  This heart attack occurred because of an eye rolling teenager, a manager insisted in killing a tree to print off mass receipts for order of fries and a lost in transit buy one get one free Sonic Burger coupon.  This sad tragic medical emergency could of been avoided by just giving the customer an order of fries and a free burger,  More at Six.

Ahem, back to my post….so is there a 800 number anywhere on the six receipts I have?  No, so I had to look up the number at home on the internet!  Another irritation!  So I complained to the poor fella phone operator and he took all my information and what happened was……the call ended…..hello, what about my coupon?  What about the girl that rolled her eyes at me?? What about the aggravation of my visit??  I would of thought, maybe an apology??  A little one, maybe, you know, hey were are sorry for the inconvenience, how about a free Mocha Java Chiller on us???  What happened??  NOTHING!!  UGGHHHHHHHH!!

Yeah, I’m disappointed a little, well maybe a lot!  It takes a lot for me to complain to a place of business, (granted I will complain endlessly to anyone who will listen) but good grief, this was a bad transaction all the way around!

Oh well, enough of my ranting, I must get over this and in a hurry, I’m dying for a Sonic Cherry Coke!  HA!

Oh, How I Hate To DEET!

It’s 22 days before we leave for our mission trip, so I have began getting things that we will need while we are there. 

Of course, one the must haves for the trip, is bug repellent.  We were told to take something with over 50% DEET to protect ourselves from bug bites.  Last year I used Repel 100% Deet, well because I am so sweet that bugs just can not resist themselves against my over so scrumptious blood!  Yea! 

Anyhoo, last year I did not take any chances and wanted the max in bug deterrent so that’s why I choose 100% DEET and others that have gone years before me, said that was what I needed.    If you  have never experienced the wonderful world of 100% DEET, be very thankful, because it stings and burns so very badly.  Did I still get bug bites, yes, I still have scars on my legs to prove it.  The DEET burned so badly so I thought I would try putting it on my clothes one day to see if it would work as well as applying it directly to my skin, it didn’t!

I was also told last year to try Bath & Body Works, Eucalyptus & Spearmint body wash and lotion.  (Trust me, those who market anything out there, tell me to use it, because I usually will!) 

               

To my surprise it worked very well.  I would use this at night after my shower so I did not have to endure the long night of hard sleep burning to death from the DEET.  Even though we had mosquito nets, those pesky little bugs were good!  It does not protect completely on it own without the use of DEET, but it held its own.

So yesterday during my little shopping adventure, I picked up some more, ready to conquer some bugs!! 

My theory is if I start using this one week before I leave, I can build up some kind of barrier for these bugs, did I tell you last year I was bit by something stepping off the plane…pleasant way to start the trip!  I am so hoping that I will have to use minimal DEET by applying loads of this lotion.  We will see!

Any advice on what y’all use to keep bugs at bay?

It's National Splurge Day, oh Yeah!

Okay, I could not find any documentation confirming this to be a "National" day, but it is an official day, so that was enough for me!

I was having a pity-party for one today.  I woke up with just being extremely sad over something that did not happen over the past few days, so I cried all though my shower this morning.  I woke up my dear sweet, ever so sleepy hubby this morning to cry to him as well.  In between my sobs and his snores, I don’t think either of us were too happy with each other!  So I kissed him goodbye and told him that I would not be home before he left for work, so he would have to fend for himself and the boys today!

My friend picked me from work at noon and we went to a sandwich shop where I had the most fantastic chipotle chicken salad wrap & potato salad!  Oh yeah, nothing like good ‘ol southern food to make a girl feel better!  Then it was off to a pedicure!  It felt so good, that I could of fell asleep!

After that, off to the mall, and to my utter and complete surprise, Bath & Body Works has back in stock (for a short time) my all time fav smell, White Tea & Ginger!  Not only did I get me some, for a long and yummy bubble bath tonight, I also had a $10 off coupon and got buy one get one free!!  Yea!

I picked up a few other things as well for our mission trip at the mall today (all sales of course!!), and a father’s day gift for my Hubby, sweet of me to splurge on him as well, even though he was semi-coherent through my mini melt down this morning. 

I am still a little sad, but with a great lunch, pretty toes and  marvelous sales today, I will live another day!!

Blessings Abound & A little Less Wise

Praise the Lord!!  Woo hoo, we have raised the funds for our trip!!  Actually, after I write a $20 check tomorrow, the funds are met!  The Lord is Good, and so are those who have helped us reach our goal!!  The next 26 days that are left before we leave will be spent getting ready and prepared for our trip, mentally, physically & spiritually.

Today, DJ, our oldest had his wisdom teeth out.  You know, being 16, and ever so wise, he thought that he could basically do whatever when he got home.  So home he came, after a very successful extraction of his 4 wisdom teeth.  A quick nap was took, until the meds wore off, then it was on the computer.  Of course being the spastic sympathetic mom that I am, I warned him not to be up and to take an easy or he will crash.  It happened, he crashed, and all of the sudden he could not move and barely made it to the couch before he was totally out!  Awww, poor baby, told you so, I mean, you should always listen to your mom!!

Hopefully he will be back to himself soon, a little less wise since there are four less wisdom teeth, but back to his old self!  HA!

Slip-N-Slide + Condiments=FUN!

Today concluded our VBS.  We did Lifeway’s Boomerang Express, and it was a blast!  All week our kids have had a mission contest, like every year, and this contest is between the boys & girls to raise money for missions.  The deal is if the boys raise the most money the ladies on staff have to do a not so fun task, and vice versa.  This year the boys won, but all in good fun the entire staff participates, like every year, so it’s a win win for everyone!

Our Children’s Ministry Director, April (aka, my ‘cuz) was wanting a dunking booth, but we could not get one in short notice, so yesterday the plan was a Slip-N-Slide with ketchup & mustard!  I think we were all a little like, “she flipped off the deep end with all the work she did this week”, so not to upset her, we were in!!  HA!

I will have to say it was a blast!!  Here is a picture of us all right before the big plunge, I think we were all just a wee bit nervous!!  See, we are huddled together!!

   Here is April, gearing up for the first plunge…..

And check out that form, I give her a “9”. yep, a little crooked on the landing!!

Here she is doing a little victory Woo Hoo!

The ever Man-tastic, Mike wiping the ketchup out of his eyes!

The Worship Pastor, Brent & his wife Cindy, ready for their run….

Check out their form…in the synchronized portion of the Condiment slide, they received a “10”!!

Wes, our tech guy praying before his run….

I think the dismount was a little shaky…..

      But check out his landing…..

Oh look it’s me beside him, I gave myself a “10” for sure!!     

VICTORY!!!

Let’s not forget Julie, the last of the participants…..I wish I would of got her landing, tough landing I mean…he he!!

All in a days work for VBS and Missions!!  Great job April for a great VBS this year!

Blogcation

I have been on a little blogcation for the past week and boy, have I ever missed y’all!!  Blogcations are never as much fun as vacations, but sometimes a necessary thing that must happen, to get things done that do not have anything to do with a computer!!

So what has been keeping me so busy, you ask?  We had Vacation Bible School at our church Sunday thru Wednesday.  Then it was catch up from that on Thursday & Friday.  I work half days at our church everyday and this week I went in, in the afternoon to keep from driving to church twice everyday since our VBS was in the evenings.  Of course I am a night time blogger and it totally through me off schedule!!  Hubby being home with me each morning didn’t help either!!

Tomorrow morning is the finale of our VBS so hopefully I will catch a few picture to show you, because I didn’t get any pictures this week. 

The kids were raising money for missions this week also.  each year our church holds a contest between the boys and the girls.  If the boys bring the most money, the ladies on staff have to do something oh not so fun and vise versa.  Each year the girls win, but this year the tides have changed.

As of last count on Wednesday evening the boys were ahead about $150, but hopefully the girls will redeem themselves tomorrow before the big finale.  If the boys win this year the ladies on staff will have to Slip-n-Slide through ketchup and mustard.  Should be a lovely experience!

Just wanted to do a quick catch up on my week.  I am off to check your blogs to see what exciting things have happened while I have been on my blogcation!!

MM&M's

I’m in!! I am doing this…

Rachael @ Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife is hosting this fun little thing where we talk or write about our love story!! Woo hoo!! Actually, some might look at me in a different light when they read about the memories of my courtship with my hubby!! Although it does make Jeremy happy for those to say, awwww poor thing, which he really enjoys, it is the beginning our our love story!!

I can’t wait to tell you about our story!!

Unbelievable!!

Unbelievable, is my word for the day. Actually, let me get another word in here, thud! Yep, my jaw hitting the floor, that’s the sound that makes. Wait a minute, indulge me here for a moment and allow another word that just popped into my mind, finished. You know the feeling, when you just give up, yep, I’m done!

Been one of those days, where you know who, is going to use every weapon he has to get me down! Woke up to a great morning and it’s gone downhill since. One thing after another, one action, one one jaw dropping moment, inconsiderate people, one kid projectile vomiting all over my jeep and all the occupants in it (That was the icing on the cake), hard work not appreciated, piles of laundry, kind of day!

The unbelievable, thud, finished kinda day! We all have had them.

Wait a minute….

Another word, if you will. Loved, actually I can’t stop at one, so let me start over. Loved, appreciated, forgiven, special, unique, one of a kind, mom, wife, best friend, talented, piles of laundry and a dirty house!

That is who I am….I am loved by my hubby, my kids, my cat, my dog! Appreciated for the special person that I am, for my uniqueness, my creativity, my one of a kind talents. Forgiven by The One that matters most. Piles of laundry on the floor and an unclean house to prove that our family lives here, thriving opposition, not matter what is thrown our way. Overcoming challenges and being there when one is down and upset! Yep, I am blessed, unbelievably blessed beyond my ability to fathom the extend of it all.

I’m proud to be me and all that comes with it! Big shoulders there today making me feel better, ears to listen and the most important thing is, knowing that my family loves me! My word of the day is different from the beginning of this post, my new word is lucky! I am so lucky to be me!! Wow, I feel better, I guess when you list the pros and cons of today, the pros so win!! Actually the pros of my life wins everyday!!

Hug Your Cat Day, YAY!

I know I talk a lot about Higgins on this blog, but not today!  Kind of, not today, since I just mentioned him….not anymore, at least for today!

Today I will talk about the other furry love of my life…..My Abbey-Baby!!  She is the most precious cat that I have ever owned and I will admit the most spoiled rotten kitty this side of the Mississippi! 

I am her love, her life and the only thing she loves more than me, is well, FOOD!  She loves her food!  As I made it a rule never to discuss her weight, I will say she is a tad on the fluffy side, ahem!  Of course beside her profound love for food, she loves her momma, her 3rd love, is sleep!

Abbey was born on May 1, 1995, and officially she turned 67 years old in cat years this year!  Here are a few pictures of her…keep in mind, the camera does add extra poundage!!

   

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to go and give your cat a big ‘ol hug today!! 

“When God created the cat, He didn’t do anything else that day but smile!”

DR Raffle Winners

I have the list of winners for our DR raffle!!  YAY!!  I want to thank each and everyone of you that donated to our Mission Trip, we are thrilled at the outcome.  Through this raffle we raised……..$277.14!!  That’s a BIG Woo to the Hoo!!  We are completely thrilled!!  Thanks for your help!

Okay, drum roll please………

The winner of the Avon Perfume & Cologne is….

Pam Reddell

The Winner of the $50 Mary Kay Gift Certificate is….

Jeanette @ Our crazy kids... I mean life!

The Winner of the $100.00 Uppercase Living Gift Certificate is….

Julie @ Blessed With Five

The Winner of a Blog Design by me is….

Robin @ Be Still and Know

The Winner of the Flower Package is…

Jenny @ Flutterbye Chronicles

Congratulations on winning and please e-mail me at jpdbj@dishmail.net and I will give you the information you need to collect your prizes.

Thanks again for your help!!

The Last Day...

Today is the last day for our mission raffle. As of right now when I hit publish I will have raised $80 more dollars to go towards our mission trip. Yesterday I was asked how much we lacked and again as of right now, we need to raise $920.00. Please consider making a donation, you have a great chance of winning a great prize!! If you do make a donation, please leave a comment on this post to be a part of the drawing!!

One last time, thanks for all the support, from those who donated money, gifts for the raffle and of course those who have really promoted this on your blogs....I could of not done it with out you!!

Secret Sneaky Friend & DR Raffle

Hey y’all, today I am Sneaky Momma’s Secret Sneaky Friend!! Pop on over to her site and read all about me!!

Also don’t forget my DR raffle!! Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell your family and while your at it tell a stranger to come on over and purchase a raffle ticket!! You and they can win something wonderful and while you have a chance of winning, you are helping me and my hubby reach our goal!!

**********UPDATE ON MISSION FUNDS NEEDED**********

I was asked how much fundage we have left to raise and right now at this point we need $955.00.