Empty Nest Again?

Remember my trip to see my daughter last week?

Here we are riding down the road.

This little girl stayed behind.

We've had her since October, while they worked on renovating their house, but her Mom said it was time for her to come home.

Doesn't she look like she is missing me already?

For those of you who have asked how my daughter is doing, she is doing well. Her hemoglobin had dropped 2 points which explains why she has been so tired, but we expected that. She had her first Remicade treatment while I was there, and will be going for another one next week. Hopefully she will be able to tell a difference very soon. Thanks so much for your prayers. Jackie

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Sandy at 4Reluctant Entertainers asked what recent savored memory we might be willing to share. One that we have made with our children. She shared about making pancakes with her daughter, and what fun they shared with just the two of them while everyone was away. If you have not read her blog, go here to see what one fantastic lady she is.

Friday evening my son and I went to see my nephew's college baseball game. He is a pitcher, so I never really know whether or not he will be playing, but I have recently felt the desire to show my support whether he plays or not. My son and I really enjoy these times together, and even though he is now 21, he doesn't mind a night out with his mom, and I am so glad!

It had been raining but we took a chance and went anyway. It is about an hour drive, but the closer we got the rain had passed earlier and we got to enjoy the game. After the game was over around 10:00 it was on to IHOP for a late night dinner/breakfast. I enjoy great conversation with him, and he is constantly encouraging me in my walk with the Lord. What more could a mom ask for?

Life gets busy, and we can let the busyness steal the opportunities for time spent together, time that can never be replaced. I encourage you to take the time. It won't be something you will ever regret. Have a blessed week! Jackie

I Can't

• I can't solve our world's economic crisis.
• I can't solve our world's spiritual crisis.
• I can't make our world's leaders make right choices.
• I can't nominate the right person for the Supreme Court.
• I can't make people understand the value of a human life.
• I can't stop wars.
• I can't erase famine and poverty.
• I can't turn a world that seems upside down, right side up.

Here's what I can do.

• I can stand for righteousness.
• I can humble myself before God.
• I can ask for forgiveness.
• I can ask that God will be merciful to His children.
• I can call on the Sovereign Lord of the universe to change what I can't.

....and YOU can too! I just finished reading a letter from our Pastor with a reminder to wake up, pray for God's forgiveness, and pray for a generation that is growing up not knowing who God is, what it means to be a Christian, and understanding that there is only ONE way, and that is through Jesus Christ. Focus on the Family has also issued a request that we not have just a National Day of Prayer, but a National Year of Prayer. I believe God is challenging me to pray daily for our nation and the place we find ourselves today. Will you join me? I will try to post a reminder every week, to keep myself accountable to do this daily.

"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:13-14

Please notice this is not talking to those that do not know the Lord, but those that belong to HIM. It is my prayer that you will be willing to join me daily. I know this has been a little heavy, but God calls us to obedience, and for me, this time obedience means sharing what He has put on my heart. Have a blessed weekend. Jackie

Remember when............

Yesterday when I took the dogs for one last walk before I leaving my daughter's , this triggered a memory of days gone by. Isn't it funny how a tree, a smell, the look of a certain house brings back those childhood memories. For me, yesterday, it was this Mimosa tree. The Mimosa has beautiful pink feathery blooms and fern like branches. When I was a little girl we had about three of these growing on one side of our house. I cannot tell you how many hours were spent under those trees. We were able to climb through the branches easily because the branches started very low at the trunk of the tree. You didn't have to climb far, and then you were sitting among the feather blooms and calming shade of the tree.

In the late summer the tree puts on bean like pods and they dry in the fall. We used to pick the pods and remove the seeds to make necklaces. I can remember stringing seeds until I had a beautiful dark brown necklace of Mimosa seeds. We played house under the branches and shared many adventures under the shade of those trees. It was long before the days of video games, reality TV, home computers, and so much more that has shifted the attention of our children today.

And no, I am not that old, but it was definitely a simpler time. For those of you who are wondering I was born in 1961. As I looked back remembering, things seemed so much more peaceful, and it didn't take much to entertain us girls. As I type this morning, I had to ask myself where is my peace? Am I looking at the past to bring me peace, or am I looking to the ONE who brings all the peace and rest I need?

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy -laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Have a blessed day, and hope my rambling triggered some fond memories of days gone by, for you too. Jackie

Home Again!

Yes, I am back! As you can see, I only got one post in last week too! When I got to my daughter's she said, " You haven't blogged in a week!" No kidding. I will be back regularly as soon as I get my thoughts together and laundry caught up. I have one day to try to catch up a little and then I am subbing Friday and Monday. Next Monday will most likely be my last day to sub for the school year. I am looking forward to some projects over the summer, maybe a little beach time, and some visits with family. Looking forward to catching up with each of you. Hope your week is going well! Jackie

Monday Menus

A little late posting today, since I had to sub, but here goes.

Monday: Low Country Boil & Salad
Tuesday: Pasta Shells stuffed w/ Ricotta and topped w/ Sauce & Cheese, Garlic Bread, Salad
Wednesday: Bridal Shower @ church
Thursday: Roast w/ Carrots and Potatoes, Rice and Green Beans

I was excited to come home and find a hidden package of shrimp that we had frozen a while back, and had all of the other ingredients for the LCB. It was delicious, especially after the chicken nuggets I had eaten at school today!

That's all for this week since I will be leaving Thursday afternoon heading to my daughters. She is planning a birthday dinner for her husband and we will be doing a lot of Mexican.

We both would appreciate your prayers. She will begin Remicade treatments on Tuesday, so I will be staying to go with her for the first treatment. Please pray that she responds well to the treatment. She hung in there for a long time not feeling well at all, and she is ready to start feeling healthy again.

I hope everyone has a blessed week, and hope to get in more than one post this week. Jackie

Tasty Tuesday

Yesterday I missed Mondays Menus, so I thought I would share a little plan ahead meal preparation that I did last week. While I was out of town a few weeks ago my sweet husband did a little cooking for himself, and needless to say I was impressed! He didn't quite get to the Lasagna he wanted to make so here's what I did when I got back home.

He had purchased this size Ricotta cheese. Actually enough to make 3 pans of Lasagna!

First I made this pan for our meal and some leftovers for later in the week.

Then I made this pan to freeze.

I also put together some stuffed shells with the Ricotta, spinach and grated cheese for another meal. I make a homemade spaghetti sauce from once a month cooking and it makes a lot of sauce! I had enough for these three meals and a couple of bags left for just plain spaghetti. I love it when I am running short on time and can pull something out of the freezer for dinner.

Tonight we will be having chicken salad with leftover baked chicken from Sunday's lunch. Now head on over to Jen's and see what else is cooking for Tasty Tuesday. Jackie

Thrift Store Thursday

I am joining Holly today for Thrift Store Thursday, and sharing one of my favorite finds. It was not all purchased at the thrift store, but a major portion was due to me being at the thrift store. I'll explain. I have wanted some off white/white dishes for quite some time because they are so versatile, but not wanting to spend a lot. When we unpacked my daughters kitchen in her new house she gave me these.

Needless to say she had oodles of dishes. She purchased these at the church yard sale and gave them to me. I was excited because I could use the bowls to mix with some plates that I had purchased for $1 ea. at another yard sale.

then the other day I stopped at our thrift store and found this

Teapot $1.29 exact match to the other dishes.

At the same time I overheard a lady talking about an estate sale that had lots of stuff! I headed right over, and trust me the LOTS of stuff was gone, but tucked in a closet was more of this

Now I have all of this for about 16.00

6 plates, 8 pasta/serving bowls, 12 cereal bowls, 8 fruit bowls, 6 bread & butter plates, 6 cups and saucers, l Lg teapot, 1 SM teapot, 2 sugar, 1 creamer, 1 platter, 1 covered casserole. I will be on the look out to add to this to make a complete set. I was amazed at finding the two things on the same day. Nothing like that ever happens to me. Thrift store shopping has allowed me to have some fun little extras without breaking the bank. Have a great day! Jackie

Monday Menus

Monday: Breakfast Casserole, Muffins

Tuesday: Vegetable Soup, Cornbread

Wednesday- Church, Leftovers

Thursday- Chicken Casserole, Salad

Friday- Hamburgers/Hot dogs, Coleslaw, Baked Beans

Saturday- Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Salad

Sunday-Sandwiches, Pasta Salad

Have a great week! Jackie

Frugal Friday

This was going to be my Thankful Thursday post, but I never quite got around to posting yesterday, so it fits for a Frugal Friday post. In support of Tiffany over at Songbirdtiff
I want to be encouraging in the frugal lifestyle that she and her husband have chosen. She talks about the many ways she is being frugal or has been frugal. It has allowed her to be able to work part-time, along with the peace of mind that comes by not looking around and seeing what you are still paying for.


You are looking at one of the major ways that we have chosen to be frugal. I am thankful that the two cars we now have are still running after all these years. I drive this 1994 Nissan Quest, that's right, 1994! and my husband drives a 1993 Ford Explorer. I have never had a desire to spend so much on a new car. Call me cheap! These cars have served us well. I know eventually we will have to update. This choice has helped with me being able to stay at home with my children when they were little, and now only work part-time(or less) substitute teaching. I am able to go when my kids need me to be there.

I asked a friend of ours who has done all of the work on our vehicles, "When is it time to say you have put enough money into older cars and get rid of them?" and his reply was as long as it is cheaper to repair than to buy new, it is worth it to stick with what you've got. We just replaced the radiator on my husbands car at the cost of about $200(he changed it himself) and that is much cheaper than one car payment.

Purchasing a newer car, not only means a possible car payment, but higher insurance premiums and higher cost of tags and taxes. The most we have had to spend in a year was about $1200 for a new transmission for my husbands Explorer, which was still cheaper than buying something newer. So you tell me. What do you think? How have you chosen to go against the flow and be frugal? Have a great weekend! Jackie

WFMW- Fun Recycling!

Do you recycle? I thought I would share a fun way that I have started recycling my magazines. I used to accumulate piles of old magazines saving them for garage sales until I got tired of the accumulation, not to mention they are heavy to move around. Most of my subscriptions have come from supporting children at school selling them for fund raisers. I have let most of them expire with the exception of a couple. One of my favorite magazines was cancelled and now they have replaced it with Family Circle and those come at least twice a month. I really wanted to share these because purchasing magazines at the store can be very costly, so this is what I have come up with:

Once or twice a month I collect all of the old magazines. One of my BF I know does not often purchase magazines. I have started bundling them up with a ribbon tied around them and delivering them to her. She is delighted! I feel so much better by just giving them away to someone I know is enjoying them all over.

What are some fun ways that you recycle?

Head over to WE Are THAT Family for more WFMW posts. Jackie

Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway

Don't miss this chance to win a $50 gift certificate for Lisa Leonard's Handmade Designs. Hurry on over to ASPTL for all of the details. Her jewelry is wonderful ! You will be wanting one even if you don't win. Jackie

Monday Menus

I am back to a somewhat regular routine here, for a while anyway. I spent four days last week at my son's getting his place clean and ready for the renters that were coming in on Wednesday. Now it is time to spring clean here, and get back to some advance meal preparations. Here is what is on the menu this week. We will be definitely be keeping it simple since I want to get to the spring cleaning.

Monday- Red Beans and Rice w/ Salad
Tuesday- Chicken & Dumplings w/ Green Beans and Jello Fruit Salad
Wednesday- Leftovers
Thursday- Lasagna w/ Salad
Friday- Leftovers
Saturday- Breakfast
Sunday- Sandwiches w/ Pasta Salad

Hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter! Jackie

Spring Decorating

I am so thankful that God is adding some touches of spring beauty here and there.

He does a much better job than I can any day!

Don't you just love a fresh touch of green?

And these make a beautiful arrangement!

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend! I will be spending some more time reflecting on so much more that He has done for me! Jackie

Thankful Thursday

I am very thankful for the spring rains we have been getting! There's just nothing like putting on this..........to walk out in the backyard
to try to coax these two to come out and potty when you know they both HAVE TO,

but this one hates the rain so much she doesn't want to, and this one likes to frolic and play and be a little ADD at times.
You then come home to put this back on,

attach the two little ones to these, and walk them in the rain around the neighborhood,

so you can come back and do this again.

Then you pray for at least a little break in the rain before bedtime.

Have a blessed evening, and I am truly thankful for the rain!

Jackie

Did You Unplug?

I unplugged what about you. What were you doing? I was at the Shands Endoscopy Center with my daughter for her colonoscopy. What a day! I was hoping for good news, and it was not that great. Her colon looks as bad as it has previously and the Dr. says something better must be done. She will have some tough decisions. The preferred treatment is either Humira or Remicade and this could cause other problems but is the best alternative at this point. She has also been offered the opportunity to participate in some drug trials that are going on. If her insurance will not cover the other treatments this will most likely be the treatment preference. See she does for sure have Ulcerative Colitis and many drugs that treat Crohns even though similar to UC are not approved for UC. The effects of both diseases are almost identical so who can figure why it is approved for one and not the other.
Being totally honest it has been difficult to plug back in. If I had not just completed the Esther Bible study reminding me that God has a perfect plan in all of this, I would be in despair. I continue to tell myself that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD for those who love the Lord, and that does mean all things! I will keep looking to Him, the only one who holds all the answers. I may be a little slow getting there, but I will plug back in. I subbed again today and tomorrow and have a busy week ahead. I just wanted to update all of you wonderful ladies who have been praying. Thank you so much. I couldn't do it without the prayers of all of you and so many others that are praying. Have a blessed week, and hope to be back with some fun stuff soon! Jackie

Another Colonoscopy

Some title huh? Yes, I am off to my daughter's tomorrow to go with her for another colonoscopy. I was trying to remember just how many there have been, and thinking she is far too young to have had to do this over and over again. As always, I will be praying for a better than hoped for report. I didn't realize until the two of us talked the other week, that we have been doing this together for 9 years, with the exception of actually being able to skip last year. It has been hard, but we do have some pretty funny memories together. She is the one to tell me sometimes you just have to laugh to get through it. I have actually had a harder time laughing than she has. This time there is talk of a drug treatment that I am not excited about. The hardest part for me, is knowing that God CAN heal her, but His answer has been NO. I shared with another friend that His ways are not my ways, and although I don't understand, he always knows best. I will be away until Monday, so have a wonderful weekend. Jackie

Life and Style Makeover

Over at Project Create a Home they are having a life and style makeover giveaway. We are to enter our best story as to why we need to win this. Well here goes.

First of all I would like to say that I am no more deserving of this makeover than any of the others. We all need a little lift and help from friends, from time to time.
This is one of those times for me. Last January I became a true Empty Nester. i had been forewarned by many that I should prepare for this and in some ways I did. I did not expect the emotional adjustment that it would be.
I am at the place where some things in my life are in desperate need of a makeover. My health and physical appearance as well as some much needed updating that needs to be done around the house.
Even though my daughter is married now, her health is still a concern as I have shared in recent posts. This takes me in yet another direction. I could definitely use some help getting focused at home, and could use some much needed, helpful advice to make some budget friendly updates and changes around the house.
I would like for my home to be warm, friendly and inviting so others feel welcome and at home too. I am on a limited budget since we also have a son in college. I definitely could use the help and inspiration to get my creativity flowing once again. This girl would be grateful to win this prize! Jackie

Spring Is On The Way and.....

.....and I hope that I don't miss it!

This is how things are shaping up for me the next few weeks. I have subbed every day this week, which I said I absolutely would not do, no way, no how! but I did. My sweet guy is still on 12 days of night shift, so we just about see each other in passing.

Tuesday as soon as he arrives home, we will leave for the dentist 2 hours away, needless to say he will be sleeping on the way, and probably while in the chair, and as much as he can. He will then go to work Wed night.

I will leave Thursday to drive to my daughters 3 hours in the other direction. We will go on Friday about an hour and a half a way for her colonoscopy. I have not given the latest update, so here goes. After her appt on Wed the Dr thinks she has been misdiagnosed and probably actually has Crohns Disease, not a lot of difference, just tends to penetrate more than the lining of the colon. They are suggesting a major treatment, and this is one of those things I am just going to have to trust God with. Ideally we would like some better than expected news. I don't want to wear you all out, but please continue to pray.

I will return home probably Sunday. Possibly subbing on Monday and Friday. I will then go to my son's Saturday for several days of clean up and work. We have rented his townhouse out for the master's golf tournament, and we will be cleaning to prepare for the arrival of guests. I will then travel to my moms another hour north for a brief visit, and then return home some time, well who knows. I will have to check my sub schedule.

I am thankful for the opportunity to sub, be there for my daughter, and that we have rented the townhouse, as it will help since we have lost the roommate. I just get a little tired thinking about all of it. The driving is what wears me out. I hope somewhere in there I will have a little time to get some spring fluffing done. Hopefully I will be posting a little too. Have a blessed weekend!

Jackie

Feels Like Spring......

.....and I feel like this!

I am really trying to get in the mood. The weather here was gorgeous today, but I am just give out! After not sleeping well the night my sweet daughter was in the ER, it is all catching up with me, not to mention, I have been subbing almost every day. I said I would not commit the two days I have free this week, and I have already committed to one of those days.

In other news, I was pretty excited about something here called Peaches to Beaches. It is supposed to be a small version of the "Worlds Longest Yard Sale". Well I hit one small section and it was pretty disappointing. I told my husband, I have never seen so much over-priced junk in all my life. I did however have a few finds that I felt were a bargain....

My first purchase. These funky(you might say ugly) Yellow Box Suede Maryjane type shoes. Brand new with a price sticker of $37 on the box for $10. I know not a major bargain, but I am a real shoe person, and this brand shoe around here rarely goes on sale. Not to mention they have a little bit of heel and they are comfortable.

These note cards from the same person for $1 a pack. I thought of stamping something in the block on the front, initial, word, etc. They had a sticker of $10. I had to think about $1 much less $10!

A couple of cute fabric remnants.

The bargain of the day was this little glass cover for 25 cents.

Thanks again for all of the prayers for my daughter. She is doing much better, but still experiencing being sick at her stomach without warning. She will be seeing the Dr tomorrow. She seems to be doing much better at handling stress, which is most likely what has triggered this. Please pray if it is God's will that her stomach will return to normal mode soon. She is most grateful for all of your prayers. Have a blessed week! Jackie

Another Update

Thank you so much for all of the prayers. My daughter finally got seen in the ER last night around 4:45 and the strange thing is that I woke up at that exact time and prayed. I did not here from them until around 6:30 this AM. The good news is that the inflammation seems to be confined to the lower part of the colon and there was no indication of infection. They have started her on some Meds(no steroids this time) and we are praising God for that! Her hemoglobin was also the highest that it has been in about 9 years, which is an absolute miracle of God. The highest it has been in that period of time was around 8.5 right after iron infusions. Going to the ER has enabled her to be able to see the new GI Dr where she lives now much sooner than anticipated. She will be having a follow up next Wed. I ask that you pray that she respond well to this medication and quickly. She is tired and weak, but doing well, and was so excited about the hemoglobin results. You see this is the best news we have ever received since she has had this disease, so she has had great progress and we are so thankful.

God is good all the time, and again I just want to say I am blessed beyond all I could think or ask. We have had several curves thrown at us this week, and God just keeps showing his faithfulness to us. Thanks again girls! Jackie

UPDATE

Still don't know a lot Ansley's husband said they saw a DR about 4:45 this AM and they are thinking she is having a flare up. They are getting ready to do a CAT scan and we will know more later today. I appreciate all of your prayers and she does too! Please continue to pray, and I will keep you posted. Jackie

Emergency Prayer Request !

Remember this beautiful bride that I was telling you about in January(along w/ handsome husband)? Well what I haven't shared is that she has been diagnosed with a disease called Ulcerative Colitis. She has had this, and has had some terrible bouts with the disease since she was a senior in high school. Well, we have been praising God because she has been symptom free for over a year and a half. She should be arriving at the hospital in Gainesville, FL about right now, and is having what seems to be another flare up. The disease affects the colon and can make the person extremely sick, bleeding, not able to eat etc. She thought possibly she had the stomach virus, but it is clear that is most likely not the case. She is hoping to see one of the doctors that is top in this area of gastroenterology. Please pray for wisdom for them and the doctors, and this Mama that is waiting to hear from her. She wants me to wait until they have more info before I head her way. I know they would covet your prayers, and so do I. I know God is sovereign over all and we are trusting him. Jackie

Tuesdays Treasure Hunting

Do you just yard sale, thrift store shop, look for the sale rack, or do you treasure hunt? I am fortunate that my husband likes a good yard sale as much as I do and doesn't mind going with me. It is that time of year again, but I take a little different perspective. I am looking for what I consider a treasure when I go. Now my treasure may not be the same as yours, but that is the fun of it. Some days we find a treasure, and some days we don't. Here are a few of my latest treasures.

Punch cups, clear glass plates, and a glass punch ladle. The punch cups I got at the GW for .29 each. They were regular .59 ea and I said I would buy if they were still there when the yellow tags went half- price and they were. There were 11 cups, but this is to add to my collection of cups. What made me jump on it was when I saw these cups with the matching punch bowl at an antique shop for $200.00! I love using glass plates and cups for parties and showers, much more so than paper.

The antique store said the designs was "feathers"

I love the glass ladle, much better than my plastic one. Can't wait for the opportunity to use them.

Well gotta run for now. Just got a call to sub this afternoon. Let me hear about your treasures.

Jackie

Monday Menus

Last weeks meal planning worked out great! I am glad to be back on track with meal planning . Consistency sure helps me, so here are this weeks menus:

Monday: Chicken Delight, Salad, Bread

Tuesday: Soft Tacos, Chips w/salsa

Wednesday: Potato Soup, Salad

Thursday: Homemade Pizza

Friday: Chicken Dumplings, Green Beans, Pear salad

Here is my recipe for Chicken Delight

3 Cups Cooked Chicken

1 Can Cream Celery Soup

Med. Jar Chopped Pimento (Optional)

Med. Chopped Onion

Uncle Bens Long Grain rice( without season. pack) I will be sub. regular long grain rice.

1 Can French Green Beans(drained)

1 Cup Mayo

1 Can sliced water chestnuts(chopped)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all together and bake 350 for 25 minutes.

Hope you enjoy! Jackie

Life

WhAt to dO wHeN LIFE DiSSaPpOinTS..................................

Look to the ONE who will Never Dissappoint!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him , and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." Psalm 28:7

Words for Wednesday

"Planting Seeds inevitably changes my feelings about rain."

Luci Shaw

Monday Menus

It has been a hectic few weeks, but I am hoping to be back in the swing of things this week, and that includes cooking. So here are my menus for the week.

Monday- Chicken Pie, Jello w/ fruit
Tuesday- Lasagna, Salad, Bread
Wednesday- Black Bean Soup, Rice, Salad
Thursday- Grilled Pork Chops, Lima Beans, Homemade Mac & Cheese
Friday- Soft Tacos, Nacho Chips

Weekends will be whatever is leftover.
Hope you have a great week! Jackie