It's awful...but it got better!

It's awful I tell ya. It is terrible.

How could they?

Why me?

T and his buddies went to the show yesterday and went to Freightliner - and NO KASEY KAHNE.

What the world? (T just looked over my shoulder and said, "Boy, that's a PA Dutch phrase)

Last year, they not only brought in Kasey Kahne and his #9 car, but they had the #20 (Tony Stewart) car and Richard Petty was here - A NASCAR legend. (Listen to me talk about nascar like I really know my stuff - BAH!)

So, anyway - looks like no pictures of me and Kasey. But that is okay. I'm really not upset. Really, I'm not. But once I get home, I'm canceling my membership in his fan club! HA!

I'm trying to keep positive and think about things like how great my shoes look on my feet and how comfortable my shoes are! Oh, and what great hair days I'm having that I would have looked so good in a picture with Kasey.

But it was not meant to be.

BUT...

I was so blessed yesterday.

In coming to KY, I knew I was a little closer to my friend, Tracy.

We both did some driving (there's nothing quite like driving on unfamiliar roads in POURING rain) and met up at Cracker Barrel. I knew it was her as soon as she stepped in the door!

We had such a wonderful time chatting. We talked about so many different things and shared so many laughs. It was like we've done it so many times before.

Tracy has such a sweet spirit and she totally impresses me with her strong faith in God and the desire to hold on to her convictions! It was such a pleasure to meet you in person Tracy! (Even if ya ribbed me on your blog about drinking coke! haha)

Well, I'm off to go see me some trucks! And yes, Ginger, I'll get some pictures in them for you! YEEHAW!!!!

We're here!!

We had a delay with our flight and finally arrived late afternoon yesterday.

Guess what? There are a lot of trucks here!! :)

Actually, I say it all in good fun! I've got great traveling companions! Two guys that drive dump truck with T are along!

I think I'm doing good knowing the difference between a Mac, a Peterbilt and so on. But these guys know the engines in them and everything! I enjoy seeing their passion and it is fun to have them along!

I'm off for some of my own traveling today and hope to get into the show later this afternoon.

T and the other two men will be heading to the show this morning. They are hoping to test drive some trucks, but it is raining, so we're not sure what they'll do yet. (Aren't you all sitting on the edges of your seats?)

Packing and Shoes

Its not that I don't like packing, its that I just. don't. like. packing. OK, there I said it. I do not like packing. I do not like it Sam I am! (Guess what we've been watching/reading around here?)

Sigh, but it must be done. Its almost 4:30 now, and T and I are flying out of Baltimore in less than 24 hours.

I think maybe it would be easier if I could just pack for T and me. But I'm pretty sure the grandparents want me to pack things for the kids.

Did I hear someone ask where we are going? I did, didn't I? ;-)

Kentucky - I've never been to Kentucky. I hope its warm!

What's in Kentucky? The 2008 Mid-America Trucking Show! It was the largest industry event of 2007 and remains the undisputed champion among trucking trade shows. But, you already knew that, right?

T has gone the past several years and it is here...at this truck show...that he met and had his picture taken with Kasey Kahne. NO!! I did not just hear you ask "Who is Kasey Kahne?" UNBELIEVABLE!! And you call yourself a reader? For those of you, for whatever unknown reason, aren't glued to your television on Sunday afternoons watching the race, Kasey, drives the #9 car in NASCAR.

Need a refresher? (that would be Kasey on the left and my dear sweet hubby who loves me more than anything on the right!)

The opportunity came along to go this year and I jumped at the chance to have my picture taken with Kasey join my hubby on this trip. What would you have said? ;-)

I mean if a husband is willing to stand in line to get a picture taken with a guy his wife has a silly crush on, then she's just as willing to walk around a truck show and look at....uh...truck...uh...stuff!?!

So, back to packing. I've gotta pack up the kiddos to go stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a few days. That's easy....But I find myself asking many questions, like: What does one wear to a truck show?

Slacks? Jeans? I think my cute black boots might be out of the question. T said to wear shoes that are comfortable - we'll be walking a lot. Hmm, sneakers? Nah. I believe this calls for a trip to the store. A trip to find "Truck Show Shoes!"

Ahhh, here is comfort, my friends. Check out these little cuties.

I wasn't sure if I could justify purchasing them right before a trip. Ya know, because one tends to purchase things on vacation. And then I reminded myself, I'm going to a Truck Show. I mean, what could a girl buy herself at a truck show? Hmmm, sounds like a good future post! I'll get back to you on that one!

Along with packing - we'll be taking our assortment of antibiotics, decongestants and nasal sprays to combat our ear infections - Nice, huh? I can't wait for lift-off! ;-)

But hey, as I told a friend, flying will be made more bearable by looking at my cute feet when I feel the pressure in my ear! So all is good! I've got my comfy shoes, I need to pack my jeans, shirts and some fun socks for my shoes to showcase and we're off.

Do you think Kasey will like them?

Easter fun

Slow Down

I posted this last year on Good Friday and felt its just too good not to post again.

“On this Good Friday, take time for prayer and meditation.

Can you imagine the leather strips of the scourge tearing into His back? That flogging was meant for us.

Can you hear the mocking of the Roman soldiers as their angry fists pounded Jesus’ face? That beating was meant for us.

Can you feel the unbelievable pain that Jesus must have felt as the large, iron nails were pounded into His hands and feet? Those were meant for us.

Can you feel the shame and humiliation Christ felt hanging naked on that cross? It was the shame and humiliation of our sins.

And, especially, imagine Christ’s utter and total anguish as he was separated from the Father in his hour of need. It was our separation from God that Christ experienced.

It is painful to ponder. But to do so is to approach the throne of grace and be immersed in the incredible love and mercy God has shown all who humbly approach Him in genuine faith. And the glorious celebration of Easter will be that much sweeter when we meditate on his supreme sacrifice.”

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2 NIV)

I encourage each of us this weekend to walk a little slower, think a little deeper and talk a little less.

Thoughts from B. Kellogg at Focus on the Family.


Happy Easter!

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday

The Tiny Ones were singing this week. After posting a song yesterday and singing it most of the day, the little ones caught on! To read what other Tiny Ones are Talking about, visit Not Before 7.

Never Let Go

I've been singing this now for a while and I woke up with it in my head this morning - wanted to share it with each of you to enjoy!

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
From the album Passion 06: Everything Glorious

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Its Sunny

We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning - it did rain a little last evening and it may rain later - but it is great weather for a sale.

However, its late...and two children are still sleeping. They were both up many times during the night so we knew better than to wake them up. T headed out on his own this morning.

Yesterday, the fire company had a preview of what was for sale. My dad came along with the kids and I as we checked everything out.

They have 3 nice picnic tables for sale - hopefully one will be coming home to our house!

They also had a few buggies: I'm curious as to what they go for at a sale...

I should have shared yesterday that our fire companies are all volunteer and many of those who serve on them, are Amish.

As we walked around yesterday, there were several Amish men. We walked past two and Elle says, "Look, they're cowboys." (I'm guessing it was the hats). And then Quintin said, "No. They aren't cowboys, they're farmers." I'm not sure if the men heard - I'm just hoping they were farmers and not the woodworkers who made the tables or the men who made the buggies. Crazy kids!

Sewing Pattern Giveaway

I know not everyone who stops by here sews, but I wanted to post this so you can pass it along to someone you may know. Or maybe you've thought about using your sewing machine again...well, here are some great patterns!

Sewsensible is having a giveaway on her blog. 3 lucky commenters are going to be able to choose 2 of her sewing patterns. She does them all as e-books, so you download them right away! Also, she designs her patterns with the beginner in mind. Stop by or tell someone you know about it! And do it fast! It will be over Saturday at 5!

Have a great weekend!

My First Mud Sale

No! We are not looking to buy mud!!

"Mud Sale" is the term for an annual auction/sale at one of a number of local fire companies. The sales, appropriately named for the condition of the thawing ground, attract thousands of people looking for bargains on anything from Amish quilts and antiques to lumber, buggies and lawn equipment.

We're heading to our first one tomorrow - to support our local fire company and look to buy a picnic table.

Rain is on its way...I'm gonna have to dress for a mess!!


This is gonna be interesting!


Anyone looking for a buggy?

Little imitators

The other day, I was playing on the floor with Elle and Colin. Blocks were being stacked for the purpose of being knocked over - much to the delight of little Colin. Elle was pleased to be bringing him so much joy and I just enjoyed watching them interact.

There was a pillow nearby and I picked it up and starting bopping each of them on the head, which of course brought more squeals of delight!!

I dropped the pillow to let the kids play along. Elle joined right in, picking up the pillow and bopping Colin and me on the head. But, little Colin, he picked up a wooden block and started bopping me - OUCH! I quickly removed the block (to remove the pain) and gave him a stuffed animal.

As they sat there giggling, I knew that Colin didn't know it would hurt...he imitated our action, just not our choice of objects.

I think we do this too - at least I know I do it. I imitate. I imitate another's actions, but not with the same motives or intent...I imitate without the same conviction.

I've read books before where I feel I need to "imitate" the author's actions because I believe they are what I should do as a Christian. Or, I look at people who have been Christians longer or are in a position of authority and I think if I do what they are doing, then I'm doing right.

Imitating actions...but not with the same conviction.

Do you ever feel as if life is like a staircase? With each step up, we grow more in our understanding of God's holiness, His grace and His calling for our lives. Sometimes we have to go back to a step because we missed something, we need to relearn it or we have to discover a way to apply it to our new phase in life.

My current step? Looking to God's Word as the ultimate source for my answers to those nagging questions - those questions about what to imitate and what not to...what are my convictions? Rather than looking to say, the most popular christian book on the subject, I want to go the "tried and true road" as The Message states.

Jeremiah 6:16 "Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, The tried-and-true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls." (The Message)

And to share a portion of the book I'm currently reading (Passionate Housewives Desperate for God):

"When we find ourselves bogged down in a cultural quagmire, the answer is to go back. We must do as the bereans did, searching the Scriptures to see what is true and what we must do ("These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." Acts 17:11 NKJV). The answer is most assuredly not to consult modern-day "experts" who attempt to rewrite the Scriptures to suit our personal lifestyles and wishes."

This book is about rediscovering a woman's role as a homemaker and to "consider the beautiful picture painted in Scripture of the truly fulfilled homemaker who glories in the hopeful calling God created for her." I'm able to read it with the approach of praying about each chapter and discovering what it means for my life...not my neighbor's life, not my best friend's life, not even your life...I don't post these things to make anyone else question what they are doing - it is my search for who I am in Christ.

With Christ calling me back to this particular step, I can read with a different perspective. This is a search to find out who I am - what I am called to be.

Its not about vain babblings - as my dear friend Susan pointed out in this post.

"Yes, lets voice our opinions and state our views and then let us allow others to do likewise and realize that we are not all alike. We do not all see things exactly the same. We do have differing views on things. The main thing is that we allow each and every one of us to hear God's voice and to be lead by the Holy Spirit's direction to us individually in these matters."

Again, its returning to the tried and true road. We must search what path is for us. I don't need to imitate another's actions - because they may not be what God has in store for me...and there is only one way I'm going to learn what He has in store.

Now, this is not a new revelation to me - I know I've been on this step before. But I'm repeating it with new insights...gaining new knowledge. I know God has been working hard to get it to sink in - I guess I just tend to be a little thick in the ol' noggin.

"God loves His weak, imperfect, needy people. He didn't choose us because we won some international awards for strength, beauty, or intelligence. He has made us for Himself, and He is going to provide us with everything we need to serve Him and love others through our imperfect selves. What a joy to serve our perfect Creator, Who made us in His image and is transforming us (slowly, but surely) into the image of His perfect Son." (Passionate H. D. for God)

I'm so very thankful I serve a Savior that is patient with me while everything sinks in. Ya know? Maybe the clunk on the head from Colin's block is what got it through my thick noggin. Isn't it amazing how God uses our children to teach us?

Thank you Lord!!! Thank you for using my little imitator to help me see I need only be an imitator of You.

Happy Birthday my friend!

Quintin saved this dance for you, Ginger!



Only a family that loves you, has your head on a stick!

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Time to hear what these tiny ones are saying!

I had to take Quintin to the doctor the other day. Before we left, he told Elle that he was "...going to see either Dr. Office or Dr. ...(long pause)... Suess."

* * * * *

When asked what she wanted for a bedtime snack, Elle answered, "I'm thinking....I want something that starts with a U." (Hmmm, wonder what that could be!?!?)

* * * * *

Heard during Quintin's bedtime prayers: "And please keep Daddy safe at work and that he doesn't get squished by any big trucks."

* * * * *

To read what other Tiny ones are saying, head over to Mary's at Not Before 7.

Show & Tell - My first sewing machine

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item. Visit Kelli's, to see more!



In January of 1967, my parents celebrated their first wedding anniversary. This is what they purchased for my mom.

A Belvedere Adler sewing machine. It was refurbished when they bought it, so we don't know what year it is.

My mom used this to make us clothing, to sew curtains, bedspreads and quilts. She used it up until about 6 years ago when she passed it along to me. She received one of her mother's sewing machines and gave this one to me to learn on.






If you look just under the cabinet, next to the right front leg, you'll see the "foot control" or knee control. I really enjoyed having the knee control as opposed to a control on the floor. If I did any sewing while the kids were awake, I could walk away and not worry about them...because they could never figure out how I made the sewing machine go!!

The basket underneath is holding some material for my next project: a blanket

I had taken sewing classes in Junior High Home Ec and I often fiddled with it making things while at home - when mom wasn't working on something. But 6 years ago, I was pregnant with my first child and I was determined to make this baby something!



I made little tag blankets. Quintin (nor the others) never played with them...but I did give some as baby gifts and everyone else's children liked them. It wasn't until I had a daughter that I wanted to do some clothing. I made Elle one outfit last year and I want to try my hand at some more things this year.

I did a lot with that sewing machine - including putting button holes on Elle's outfit, the old way - that was a difficult task - and now, that they have sewing machines that do them for you.

We're in the market for a new machine, so if you sew and I haven't already emailed you asking what you are currently sewing with, leave me a comment, please!!

Here's a better look at the fabrics for my next project.
Thanks for stopping by to see my show and tell, and don't forget to visit Kelli's blog to see more Show & Tell's! Thanks for hosting this Kelli!

Pepsi or Coke

“Come on people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together try to love one another right now."

Ok, to be fair to my poorly-misguided-coke-drinking friends, here's one for you.
You can thank Ginger for it!! I think its hilarious!

Addictions...

For some (guess who?) it starts at a young age...

For others, it starts even younger...

The patient is doing well

T had his knee surgery yesterday and it went well. I'll back up a little just to try to explain what had happened. I'll try to link some of the medical terms to definitions.

In 2003, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while playing soccer. At the same time, he tore some of the meniscus in the same knee. He received a "donor" achilles tendon in place of the ACL and they trimmed away some of the torn meniscus (a torn meniscus looks like crab meat). I have pictures, but I thought maybe you'd enjoy the one to the left better - knee elevated and iced up!! (Colin is very into pointing right now!)

Back in Jan, when we were on our skiing trip to Vermont, he injured his knee while playing in the pool with the kids. After an MRI, they confirmed the meniscus was torn further.

They wouldn't know if they could repair it or have to remove it until surgery.

Dr. H came out after surgery and told me they removed it. We were really hoping they could repair it because the meniscus is the shock absorber in your knee. Plus, without it, he will likely develop degenerative arthritis in this knee joint.

While operating, Dr. H also noticed that T's ACL looked a little stretched - which means maybe T did something more to his knee earlier and the pool incident was the straw that broke the camel's knee back?

Dr. H also mentioned that because T is young (thank you Dr H!!!), he might be a candidate for a meniscal transplant. This would be a possibility if T experiences a continuation of activity-related pain in the knee.

Since they didn't repair it, T's recovery will be much, much shorter - like a few days compared to several weeks.

Sorry for the health/anatomy/kinesiology lesson (that was my major after all), I hope this clears it up for you. We certainly understand that this was something very minor and I certainly don't want anyone to think I am complaining about our situation - I just wanted to get it all written out to make it more understandable.

It was so good to be home last night and the children did well at Grandma's house! Although I think Grandma and Grandpa were just as tired if not more than the kids!! Our kids (and T) slept well last night - I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa did too! Oh, and I slept well , in case you wondered!!

And just to let you know how T is doing today: The kids and I ran some errands this morning to get out of the house and let T rest. We called home when we got to the library to see how he was doing. This is what he told me, "Well, I slept a little, got 2 phone calls, tried to shoot a groundhog but I think I missed him and read some of my book." He may be down, but he's not out! :-D

Thanks to all who prayed for us and emailed/called asking how T was doing.

"The greatest blessing is a pleasant friend." ~Horace