Ain't No Stopping Her Now...

A momentous day in the lives of the people in my house!

On Saturday, quite unexpectedly, like all great accomplishments to date in her life, my child rode her bicycle without training wheels, ALL BY HERSELF!!!

It surprised us all so no camera was on hand for the occasion. On Sunday afternoon, I took to the golf cart, rode up the road a little bit and grabbed these action shots.

Ain't no stopping her now...she's on the move!!
Run... Daddy... Run!!
I think the look on her face says it all!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful this year for...

-little hands that leave finger prints all over my tv, my china cabinet and my windows
-little feet that pitter patter across my floor to wake me up in the middle of the night
-a little voice that sings REALLY big when she thinks no one is paying attention
-happy meals
-glitter crayons
-the ability to paint my house and a husband that trusts me with color choices
-my job and the fact that even though I love it, I don't HAVE to work
-my husband,who even though I know I don't deserve it, loves me very much.
-learning this year how much I can love and hurt and forgive and learn to love again
-hearing a familiar voice on the end of a telephone
-the ability to look at my life and see God's hand print on it all, even when I didn't deserve a finger print.
-unexpected invitations
-my home, my friends, my family and our traditions
-and finally I am thankful for blog readers who put up with lots of mediocre writing and ramblings and yet seem to reappear every day to share in my world.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Beverly

Wondering...

Due to life ... I am exiting the blog world for awhile, exiting the facebook world for awhile, exiting the world of internet and email for awhile. I just need to breathe again. When I can write and breathe and handle it all, I will be back. I promise. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!


"Now that I am gone from your world, will you feel the emptiness? Will you seek to replace me, or just pretend that I was never there in the first place? And when I come back, will I find you waiting?"



Leaving so that I can continue...
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly

The Tale of a True Blogger...

You know you're a blogger when...

You stop mid-way one of the worst household castrophes of your life to take a few pictures with only the thought of blogging about it later in your brain!

Today was a best and worst kind of day. It started out as one of the worst, ended up as one of the best.

On the way out the door to church, child in car, umbrellas in hand, coat and Bible in the car, I locked and closed the door behind me, only to remember at the final click that my keys and cell phone were on the other side of that now locked door. Did I mention it was raining, that all the neighbors were gone to church, that we were late anyway, that my child had thrown at least three fits already, that it was COLD, I had on heels, and argh....no hidden key anywhere around the outside of my home?

After trying with no luck to find someone home on my street, tromping around in the pouring rain (did I mention the HIGH HEELS part already??) wiggling the lock, trying to open it with a hanger, some tweezers, my foot, I finally found a steel rod in the garage...and with all the pent up anger after such an ordeal, I felt sure it would be a snap to break the window pane and reach inside and unlock the door,except we have windows that are double paned, and very strong.

I spent thirty minutes hacking out the first window, sweeping up all the glass and then another thirthy minutes hacking away at the second one, sweeping up the glass for another hour both inside and outside of my house and then twenty minutes getting all the glass off of me. The experience was only made sweeter by the resident, and turns out, lock expert that lives with me...who kept shouting from her car seat - "get it Momma, you can do it!!" as I hacked away at the window. Then after it was all over, she got out and inspected my work, only to tell me "that I sure did have a mess to clean up." as she stepped over it all, ran to the couch and finished watching the Seasame Street Pirates movie...Did I mention I had a bad morning?


The day was saved, however, because this afternoon we had tickets to see The Nutcracker, put on by our local ballet. It was the first time Hannah had seen the ballet and also the first time I had ever seen it. It was amazing and fun and worth every penny to see the joy on her face and watch as she clapped big and loud for the ballerinas.

Oh...and those pictures I told you about...here they are. Enjoy!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly

A Lovely Shade of Melted Ice Cream...

I started painting again!!

This time around it is my bedroom that is getting the makeover. And gracious sakes, it definitely needs it.

From the time my child (who is five years old!!) started walking at the early age of nine months old, my bedroom became the catch-all room of the house. We put our coffee table in there, the tread mill, any gifts bought for Christmas, birthday, etc. All laundry was sent to that room to be folded and put away...or put in a pile on that coffee table! Heirloom pictures, precious keepsakes, video camera, you name it, it has been "stored" in my bedroom. Some nights I feel lucky enough just to find a path to my side of the bed.

All of that is changing this week. I have the whole week off work and I have already begun to tackle the chaos in the room, sorted and cleaned and sorted again. The furniture will all have to stay...we are just not ready to have a coffee table in the living room again...and I am not willing to part with it for good and the treadmill needs to stay, but the clothing and the baby toys and what not are going, going, gone! There is fresh paint being applied to all the walls in a lovely shade called Fudgescicle, which really does look like melted chocolate ice cream as it is painted on the wall. And soon a new comforter, pillows and curtains will be on display as well. I am reclaiming my bedroom...it is a good feeling!

Pictures will be coming...just as soon as I get it all done...and let's all hope that is before turkey day...cause everyone is coming here..aghhhhhhhhh!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly

Goodbye, Old Friend!

I bought my husband a Christmas gift over the weekend. It was so exciting that I gave it to him the same day. What, you may ask, could be so exciting...well...hold on....here it is.....
I KNOW!!!!! A trashcan!!! Can you imagine a more exciting gift?

Okay...to be honest, it really isn't his only gift, I think I may have picked up an extra box or two of drawstring bags to go with it!!

My husband has complained about our previous trashcan since the day I proudly bought it and brought it home! I thought it was tres chic - and I paid a few dollars for it and truthfully, after ten years, I guess we were in line for a new trash bin. Last week though, it became abundantly clear that in order to continue life in a happy household, I needed to put the speed on the search for a new trash receptacle. My husband, who rarely helps take out the trash, was actually trying to be a kitchen helper last week, and as he was trying to wrangle the trash bag out of our old can...it busted and got stuck and well, let's just say, it was an ugly scene. I believe all he kept saying over and over again for the next few hours was "trash cans should be square!!" I was worried for his sanity...truly, it was heartbreaking to witness!

So, yesterday, while walking the aisle at my local WallyWorldMart...I spied the above "gem" for the low, low price of $10.23. The price was right, the size was right and it was SQUARE!! I decided to splurge and make my husband happy...and you know, PLEASE don't tell him this...but it made me happy as well. The old one was nice, it was stylish...but I haven't missed it one bit!

I am bidding goodbye to my dreams of a stylish trash bin...goodbye old friend! I will long remember you and the moments I spent trying to wrestle free the too packed, stuffed bag from your innards. I will remember the joy of stepping on your little lever and feeling the thrill as the lid popped up like magic for me. I will always treasure the day that lives in my memory of my newly crawling baby girl and how she crawled to you and waved at the "baby" she saw reflected there...and then kissed it!! Yes, we have had ten good years together. R.I.P.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

The Night We Drove Old Dixie Down...

Strange title, but it is a song that one of my favorite bands, The Zac Brown Band, sings in their concerts and they were in town on Thursday night, along with another REALLY popular Southern rock band and my husband and I would have loved to have been at either of the concerts...but alas, we were at the fair, with two five year old girls (Hannah had a friend join her this year!) trying not to freeze, eating deep fried Snicker bars and some stale popcorn, side stepping puddles of mud and watching a man get fired from a cannon. It was our own version of "The Night We Drove Old Dixie Down..."

What follows are some so-so pictures of our girl on the rides. Just a side note...it is really hard to get a good picture of a child on a carnival ride...almost not worth lugging the camera through the gate!! But I did it all for you guys...hope you enjoy them!

First we rode Nemo...
Then we rode a pony named ZED...

Then the merry go round...

Then we rode the merry go round pony like a true cowgirl...Giddy Up - Yee Haw!

Oh, don't worry...she rode lots of other rides, roller coasters, pirate ships, smiley slide... I just couldn't get my camera focused quick enough for those! It was a great night...fun was had by us all - the big and little kids!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

Cool Stuff!

I was have struggled with a post topic for this afternoon. It has been a long week and my brain - it is oh so tired! We are headed to the fair tonight, so you have that recap to look forward to for tomorrow's post.

As I was reading some other fave blogs today, I gathered in some really great information. First off, one of my friends had her twin boys on Wednesday...she already had a 5 year old, a 4 year old and a 2 year old...let's all say a prayer for my friend Ashley...and you can see pictures of her sweet babies here.

Secondly, I was reading BigMama's blog about Veterans' Day and she gave out some information on the meaning of the folds at the flag folding ceremony. I have never know there was such information and found it so cool. I am copying and pasting it here for you to read as well. I know Veterans Day is over, but I don't think it would hurt us to think about our men and woman in service a little bit more today. Here it is...enjoy!

Picture the flag folding ceremony at a military funeral...here is what each fold represents...

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother’s day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day to my daddy and all others who have sacrificed to secure our freedoms!

Okay...I'll Be Back Tomorrow...I promise!

Life is busy this week....I'll be back, just too tired tonight to type!!!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

Monday Randomness

Saw this one another blog and thought it would be a fun way to start off the week...so I "borrowed" it!!

A Fun Meme...

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
Well, it wasn't 2:00 AM, but on Thursday morning at 8:30 AM I did his -- I waited and waited on a green light to turn left...never came, no cars were coming so I turned left on red!

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
I would have taken a longer nap yesterday when I was alone in the house.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
I've done all three, it just depends, most of the time I answer on my blog (but then I always wonder if the person ever checks back to see my response??)

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
Ariel / Cinderella/ Snow White

5. Do you recycle?
sometimes.....

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Games of chance...I am NO GOOD at strategy!!

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
Oh yeah... and I want them to stop!

8. What did you learn from your first real job?
How to iron, how to take a hem in a coat sleeve and a pair of pants, how to make change, how to handle mean people,and NEVER, EVER, get your boyfriend a job where you work!

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
buy, if I like it, I will keep it. If it is not one of my favorites, I will pass it on to someone else.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did? jelly shoes!

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
soon...hopefully! Actually, I have already bought for at least one on my list!

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
Sure...the minute I got off the phone and found out I was gonna be a mom!

Hope you have a great Monday and Happy, Happy birthday to my friend Molly!

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

Finding Myself Again...Part 2 or A Lesson from the CHI

I started the series, "Finding Myself Again" yesterday. Just little blurbs to post whenever I discover something about myself that maybe I have forgotten over the years, or a new discovery. This morning, I made a new discovery, or maybe it is just a new perspective.

I am just like my hair.

Some of you may not be familiar with my hair and the trials and tribulations I have endured throughout my life with it. I have naturally curly hair...oh, but wait, all you stick straight haired people who just said "I would give anything for some natural curl!" ( I know you are out there - I heard you say it!!) I have naturally curly hair and naturally wavy hair and there is not an ounce of straightness on the top of my head. I have struggled to tame it and force it to curl or not to curl all my teenage and adult life.

This morning as I was straightening my hair with my beloved CHI straight iron (you don't have one....get one -- it will change your life!!) I was thinking about my hair and how straight it can look on the surface, but sometimes it takes me quite a bit longer to get the strands below to straighten themselves out with the iron. If I don't get them straightened properly...my whole hair day is ruined! Those pesky curls will inch there way up to the surface in no time and I am once again struggling to tame them back into submission. Then it hit me...I am just like my hair.

I can be presentable on the outside, but underneath I am full of gnarls and tangles and a mass of confusion and emotion and it takes God a really long time most mornings to "straighten" it all out and make it presentable for the world. And when I don't let Him get it all straightened out, when I am impatient and in a hurry and can't take the time for Him, I wrestle with all the underlying tangles of my life all day long!

Now, that was a lesson it only took me about 30 years to learn!! HA HA! Have a great morning.

Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev

Finding Myself Again...Part 1

I played the piano last night for the first time in almost three years...I kinda liked it!

Wordless Wednesday !

This was the "waitress" that served us dinner last night...I think she was a tad overdressed!
Happy Wednesday!

The Sheltering Tree

It sits in the center of my backyard.

In the spring the tiny white blossoms burst forth and it seems to come alive. Summer it is full of green, winter the leaves have gone and only stark branches wave at me when I look out the window. But in the fall, the leaves are beautiful, fiery red, golden yellow, a cascade of autumnal color highlighting the view out my kitchen window. It is truly my favorite sight all year.

We have built a fire pit at the base toward the back of it, in front sits our daughter's play set and swings. At the very base lies a bed of rocks, sheltering a grave. Our beloved dog, companion and first child, Jake rests at the base of the prettiest tree in my yard.

It is a dogwood tree, it shelters a part of my heart that lies six feet below it and on sunny spring and summer days, and cool, crisp autumn days, it shelters my heart that lives above ground in the form of a five year old bundle of joy.

That's what I see when I look out my window, every day of every season, the tree that shelters my heart.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly