During my trying teenage years, back in the mid to later 80's times were not as they are now. However, they were similar with the bullying, the peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, kids skipping school, etc. What do kids do today to stay away from all the negativity?
Fortunately for me, my church had a wonderful group of kids that was brought together by a woman named Kim. We formed a group called Animation. Fortunately my parents made me spend time at my church in order to become a part of this group. Animation was a group of about 15-20 children ages ranging from 14-18. We had fellowship, spent time on retreats, went to concerts, but mostly spent time rehearsing for plays that were written and choreographed by Kim. There were probably about 4 or 5 different plays, 2 in which I was in. Druzba and Smashed were the ones I was in. Druzba is the one I do not remember as well. I do remember playing an angel at one point and that the play was based in Russia at Christmas time.
Smashed is the one I remember most. I remember the relationships that Kim had paired us up in. One person was handicap, I was in a relationship with someone much older than me, and it was to show that God accepts everyone in any condition and we should too. I remember one of the cast members played the part of an alcoholic who got into a car accident from drunk driving and killed a best friend. He wanted to turn to the devil. With the help of all of his friends supporting him during this tragic time, he found God. He became sober and healed from his tragic loss.
Kim now has a Christan Drama School in New Jersey. It is amazing to me to know that Animation is what started her on the road to her lifetime career. Although she was not with us last night, I know she was there in spirit.
Talking with everyone last night I finally had the chance to tell them what they did for me. It was each of them that kept me walking in God's light. It was them that helped me to make the right decisions and gave me the support I needed that I wasn't getting from the kids at school. It was Animation who made me feel accepted in a time where school did not. They loved me for who I was whether or not I had the in style clothing, the perfect hair (which God knows I didn't,,,,LOL!), the great grades, etc. Never once did I turn to drugs or alcohol or feel the need to skip school to be cool. I may have 'run away from home' a few times in the heat of a fight with my mom, but I always had Animation to run home to. I thank God for them. I thank God for giving us the time last night to be together once more.
You all know how I am about signs from the other side. We walked into the living room with intentions of getting pictures taken together. On the TV was a music channel. As soon as I turned the corner to go into the room, I hear Amy Grant. Her song Angels Watching Over Me was on. We immediately turned it up, started singing and dancing. I smiled to myself knowing that we were all where we were supposed to be. Our angles had brought us together and were celebrating with us the miracle of our never ending friendship.
What I am thankful for today:
Animation
my friends
my family
my kids
understanding
loyalty
laughter
memories
acceptance
love
my pets
The Center
the sunshine
rainbows
energy
time
music
Amy Grant
scrapbooking
my health
the health of my loved ones
my dad feeling better
Shawn
my bed
my home
my jeep
my store
full classes
heat
every minute I get to spend with the ones I love
A wondeful Thanksgiving day
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ralph Stover Park & An Amazing Day
Here I am at work with 100000000000 things I should be doing instead of sitting here blogging BUT.....
Yesterday was amazing and I just had to write about it. Jennifer G took Makenna for most part of the day to play with Jessica so that Shawn and I could spend the day together for his birthday. Knowing my financial situation doesn't allow me much freedom right now, I made it clear that we had to be creative for his birthday this year. I have to laugh because he is such a laid back person who honestly lives happily with very little material things....so why I am so worried that I cannot spend money on him? I don't know.
A few days before his birthday he called me to tell me that he knows what he wants. All he wanted was to spend the day with me. Awww.... He knew that I had never visited Ralph Stover Park before and one thing we really enjoy together is hiking. We hiked for an hour and a half up and down this gorgeous mountain with a creek running at the bottom. He fished for a little but didn't get any bites. I managed to get some pictures which showed how high we were and some turkey buzzards that were in a tree near by. Although there was very little conversation we connected so much through the beauty of the surrounding nature.
On the way home we were starving. We stopped at this cute little restaurant called the Cactus Grill. We ate dinner in front of a window with a great view of the sunset. My order was Chicken & Spinach Ravioli which was to die for! When we arrived back at his house we ate chocolate cake and ice cream watching a marathon of the show The Haunted. Perfect ending to a great day....at least for us.
Many people do not know this but rainbows are a sign to me which meaning is that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at that moment. Music fits in with that as well. On our way to Ralph Stover, I saw about 3 different rainbows caused by reflections of the sun....they were not actually in the sky. I had to laugh to myself because I felt like I was were I needed to be. At Shelleys a couple of weeks ago, I walked into her home to see rainbows all over her wall, all created by a prism she had in her kitchen window. It actually took my breath away since Shelley and I both agree that God brought us together. When sitting having tea, Makenna looked up at Shelley and laughed. She said, "Shelley, you have a rainbow on your forehead!" I then told Shelley the meaning that rainbows have in my life. She smiled and mentioned that she felt that she was where she was supposed to be as well.
Do you have a sign? Think of one. It can be anything with any meaning. It will help you to realize that the path you are on is the right path, the one that God has chosen for you. I feel a sense of comfort when I see my rainbows. The last rainbow I saw in the sky was when I was on my way home from taking Gavin to the dentist. That horrifying trip that drained all of us to no end. The assistant told me how good I was and how patient I was with Gavin which was nice to hear when you doubting yourself....then to walk out and that rainbow be the first thing I see. I knew that God was smiling down on me letting me know everything will be alright. I was exactly where I was supposed to be, enduring an experience with Gavin which will help both of us grow. No one knows why we have to go through certain things....but there is something to learn from everything we encounter.
What I am thankful for today:
Jennifer G for taking Makenna for the day
Time spend with Shawn
My kids
My Pets
My friends
Quality time
Ralph Stover Park
Nature
Rainbows
Love
Laughter
Good food
Hot Tea
Chocolate cake
Appreciation
Silence
Dinner at church tonight
My PartyLite Party
The Secret Woman's Club tomorrow!!
Heat
My winter coat
Music
Full classes
My store
God
Answered prayers
Faith
My strength
My confidence
Motivation
Energy
My health
Knowing I am right where I should be
Yesterday was amazing and I just had to write about it. Jennifer G took Makenna for most part of the day to play with Jessica so that Shawn and I could spend the day together for his birthday. Knowing my financial situation doesn't allow me much freedom right now, I made it clear that we had to be creative for his birthday this year. I have to laugh because he is such a laid back person who honestly lives happily with very little material things....so why I am so worried that I cannot spend money on him? I don't know.
A few days before his birthday he called me to tell me that he knows what he wants. All he wanted was to spend the day with me. Awww.... He knew that I had never visited Ralph Stover Park before and one thing we really enjoy together is hiking. We hiked for an hour and a half up and down this gorgeous mountain with a creek running at the bottom. He fished for a little but didn't get any bites. I managed to get some pictures which showed how high we were and some turkey buzzards that were in a tree near by. Although there was very little conversation we connected so much through the beauty of the surrounding nature.
On the way home we were starving. We stopped at this cute little restaurant called the Cactus Grill. We ate dinner in front of a window with a great view of the sunset. My order was Chicken & Spinach Ravioli which was to die for! When we arrived back at his house we ate chocolate cake and ice cream watching a marathon of the show The Haunted. Perfect ending to a great day....at least for us.
Many people do not know this but rainbows are a sign to me which meaning is that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at that moment. Music fits in with that as well. On our way to Ralph Stover, I saw about 3 different rainbows caused by reflections of the sun....they were not actually in the sky. I had to laugh to myself because I felt like I was were I needed to be. At Shelleys a couple of weeks ago, I walked into her home to see rainbows all over her wall, all created by a prism she had in her kitchen window. It actually took my breath away since Shelley and I both agree that God brought us together. When sitting having tea, Makenna looked up at Shelley and laughed. She said, "Shelley, you have a rainbow on your forehead!" I then told Shelley the meaning that rainbows have in my life. She smiled and mentioned that she felt that she was where she was supposed to be as well.
Do you have a sign? Think of one. It can be anything with any meaning. It will help you to realize that the path you are on is the right path, the one that God has chosen for you. I feel a sense of comfort when I see my rainbows. The last rainbow I saw in the sky was when I was on my way home from taking Gavin to the dentist. That horrifying trip that drained all of us to no end. The assistant told me how good I was and how patient I was with Gavin which was nice to hear when you doubting yourself....then to walk out and that rainbow be the first thing I see. I knew that God was smiling down on me letting me know everything will be alright. I was exactly where I was supposed to be, enduring an experience with Gavin which will help both of us grow. No one knows why we have to go through certain things....but there is something to learn from everything we encounter.
What I am thankful for today:
Jennifer G for taking Makenna for the day
Time spend with Shawn
My kids
My Pets
My friends
Quality time
Ralph Stover Park
Nature
Rainbows
Love
Laughter
Good food
Hot Tea
Chocolate cake
Appreciation
Silence
Dinner at church tonight
My PartyLite Party
The Secret Woman's Club tomorrow!!
Heat
My winter coat
Music
Full classes
My store
God
Answered prayers
Faith
My strength
My confidence
Motivation
Energy
My health
Knowing I am right where I should be
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Today & Tomorrow
Today was a great day. A woman from Lehigh Valley Marketplace Magazine came in and interviewed me. She is doing an article on Scrapbooking 101 and Googled scrapbooking stores near Easton and mine was one of the first to pop up! I know this will get me some great exposure. And, the woman is getting some friends together to take a class! YAY! Once she heard we do birthday parties, she instantly brought up her daughter. Potential birthday party scheduled? I think so!!
My Stampin Up workshop went very well. 3 new customers were in today. Each of them attended the vendor fair last weekend. With my hostes credit I am getting the stuff I need to make my Christmas Cards!!
Tonight Jeremy is out and I am already in bed at 9:30pm. Rooti kept me up last night....no wonder why she fell asleep with Makenna over an hour ago. Rooti is Cheryl's poodle. She is extremely cute...personality and all. I am now watching The Cutest Cat on Animal Planet. Makes me want to go to the shelter..LOL!
I am looking forward to church tomorrow. Lately I swear the sermons are meant for me. It amazes me that God puts us exactly where we need to be. Every week I walk out of there feeling confident and very relaxed. Never would I ever have thought that I would enjoy church so much, I am glad God lead me to New Jerusalem. The older Youth Group and I are planning on performing the church service on the 19th of December if anyone would like to come. We are going to base it on what we learned at the Listen to Jesus Retreat over the summer.
What I am thankful for today:
my children
my dads health
my friends
my family
my pets
my faith in God
water
candles
the shelter
Stampin Up free products!
new customers
loyal customers
my store
music
a great day tomorrow
time
healing
getting Christmas cards made
love
money
The Secret
Shawn
rainbows
flowers
hot tea
coffee
brownies
the gym
hope
laughter
girly time
my home
My Stampin Up workshop went very well. 3 new customers were in today. Each of them attended the vendor fair last weekend. With my hostes credit I am getting the stuff I need to make my Christmas Cards!!
Tonight Jeremy is out and I am already in bed at 9:30pm. Rooti kept me up last night....no wonder why she fell asleep with Makenna over an hour ago. Rooti is Cheryl's poodle. She is extremely cute...personality and all. I am now watching The Cutest Cat on Animal Planet. Makes me want to go to the shelter..LOL!
I am looking forward to church tomorrow. Lately I swear the sermons are meant for me. It amazes me that God puts us exactly where we need to be. Every week I walk out of there feeling confident and very relaxed. Never would I ever have thought that I would enjoy church so much, I am glad God lead me to New Jerusalem. The older Youth Group and I are planning on performing the church service on the 19th of December if anyone would like to come. We are going to base it on what we learned at the Listen to Jesus Retreat over the summer.
What I am thankful for today:
my children
my dads health
my friends
my family
my pets
my faith in God
water
candles
the shelter
Stampin Up free products!
new customers
loyal customers
my store
music
a great day tomorrow
time
healing
getting Christmas cards made
love
money
The Secret
Shawn
rainbows
flowers
hot tea
coffee
brownies
the gym
hope
laughter
girly time
my home
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Date Night and Stuff
Last night Shawn and I went on our first official date, TGI Fridays for dinner. Man is that Jack Daniel's chicken ROCKIN! Then the specialty drink was a Mud Slide.....I was all over that for dessert. We learned so much about each other because we were not consumed by the TV. It was nice to get out and actually enjoy food and conversation for a change. Love that they have a Gluten free menu. He was able to order almost everything that he would have on the regular menu.
The Vendor Fair was awesome yesterday. It was so nice to meet new people who seemed to be so excited about the store. And, I love my new purse. Look out ladies, a purse party is coming in the future!
As I look back I remember all the times that I had game night at my house. It had to be at least once a month. Sometimes we had 10-15 girls here. What made me get away from that? I really cannot put my finger on it. All I know is that I am so excited about getting back into it. You never realize how much your spirit feels healed when you laugh with friends.
It has been a long time since I have been sick. Lately I have been feeling tired...just a little. So I upped my vitamins and rest when I feel my body needs it. Yes, I actually sit down Diane. LOL! No, I do not nap. A lot of people including my kids have been sick lately. How am I staying away from it? It must be The Secret. I always picture myself healthy and always say how thankful I am for my health. This doesn't mean that I will never get sick again, but it has kept me healthy so far. With this time change, who knows what will happen. I was up at 5am this morning and feel ready for bed now, it's 7:40pm. Sleep is a huge factor in staying healthy. I am so thankful that my body keeps me sleeping soundly for 6-7 hours a night. I know this helps.
I am not sure what tonight has in store for me. Maybe some Bridezilla and cuddling with Mojo? I do know that I will not be awake late. Tomorrow is gym time. Maybe I can even hit the shelter. My little Birdy was adopted so I may be a little misty eyed when I go in the one room. At least my Alice is still there to greet me. Not sure what I will do if she is adopted. ) : Don't get me wrong, I am happy for them. It is very bittersweet. You fall in love with animals hoping that they find homes. But you miss them like crazy when they are gone. 'sigh'
What I am thankful for today:
the sermon at church this morning
Alice
my kids
my family
my friends
the shelter
quiet time
dinner with Shawn
Jack Daniels chicken and Mudslides
a warm bed
laughter
confidence
smiles
games
girls nights
my purse
vendor fairs
my pets
working out with Jennifer
Heather being a great friend and boss
my jobs
brownies
hoodies
peace
healing
prayer
money
my jeep
my store
classes
learning something new every day
creativity
imagination
hope
faith
believing in miracles
heat
Stampin Up!
Shawn
the beach
sleep
my health
ghost tours
The Vendor Fair was awesome yesterday. It was so nice to meet new people who seemed to be so excited about the store. And, I love my new purse. Look out ladies, a purse party is coming in the future!
As I look back I remember all the times that I had game night at my house. It had to be at least once a month. Sometimes we had 10-15 girls here. What made me get away from that? I really cannot put my finger on it. All I know is that I am so excited about getting back into it. You never realize how much your spirit feels healed when you laugh with friends.
It has been a long time since I have been sick. Lately I have been feeling tired...just a little. So I upped my vitamins and rest when I feel my body needs it. Yes, I actually sit down Diane. LOL! No, I do not nap. A lot of people including my kids have been sick lately. How am I staying away from it? It must be The Secret. I always picture myself healthy and always say how thankful I am for my health. This doesn't mean that I will never get sick again, but it has kept me healthy so far. With this time change, who knows what will happen. I was up at 5am this morning and feel ready for bed now, it's 7:40pm. Sleep is a huge factor in staying healthy. I am so thankful that my body keeps me sleeping soundly for 6-7 hours a night. I know this helps.
I am not sure what tonight has in store for me. Maybe some Bridezilla and cuddling with Mojo? I do know that I will not be awake late. Tomorrow is gym time. Maybe I can even hit the shelter. My little Birdy was adopted so I may be a little misty eyed when I go in the one room. At least my Alice is still there to greet me. Not sure what I will do if she is adopted. ) : Don't get me wrong, I am happy for them. It is very bittersweet. You fall in love with animals hoping that they find homes. But you miss them like crazy when they are gone. 'sigh'
What I am thankful for today:
the sermon at church this morning
Alice
my kids
my family
my friends
the shelter
quiet time
dinner with Shawn
Jack Daniels chicken and Mudslides
a warm bed
laughter
confidence
smiles
games
girls nights
my purse
vendor fairs
my pets
working out with Jennifer
Heather being a great friend and boss
my jobs
brownies
hoodies
peace
healing
prayer
money
my jeep
my store
classes
learning something new every day
creativity
imagination
hope
faith
believing in miracles
heat
Stampin Up!
Shawn
the beach
sleep
my health
ghost tours
Friday, November 5, 2010
Productive Week
What a week! It has been extremely productive and positive. I have been working extra hours at the gym, working out again, working at Sally's house to earn extra money, helping out at The Center, re-connecting with people and getting prepared for the Vendor Fair tomorrow in Quakertown. I realized that I enjoy cleaning and gardening when I am helping someone out and they are paying me...LOL! Bills are crazy right now with the store so all the extra income I can get is worth it. Besides it is Shawn's birthday coming up soon.
It feels good to work out. Thank you Jennifer for being my motivation (chocolate helps...LOL!). I have been told in the last couple of weeks by a few people that it looks like I have lost weight. YAY!! That gives me even more motivation to keep going!!
Shelley and I are working hand in hand to come up with a plan for a non-profit organization. We did find out that we can run it through my business. Erika and I are looking forward to this new venture with Shelley. Shelley is an amazing person. I am very blessed to know her.
It has been a great week. Good conversations with old friends really make a person realize where they need to be in life as well as where they came from. Rachel always reminds me of silly things we encountered years ago. She cracks me up. And Jamie is my soulmate so I really do not need to say anything more about that.
Although I am extremely busy.....now on the Shelter Cat and Pocket Pet committee at the shelter AND on the fundraising committe at church, I am starting to find a good balance. My kids and I are enjoying time at the shelter at night now which is good for Gavin since before he was unable to go. Things do have a way of working out. Patience is all we need. I know, easier said than done.
What I am thankful for today:
my life
my kids
time
the shelter
blending the things I love
girls night
my friends
my pets
Bliss chocolate
Logan (at the gym)
working out with Jennifer
my store
the vendor fair tomorrow
my health
the health of my loved ones
money
my future
finding Tetris on my phone (this could be bad)
laughter
love
french vanilla iced coffee
pizza (thank you Erika for dinner last night!)
a warm bed
Cheryl
Shawn
The Power
It feels good to work out. Thank you Jennifer for being my motivation (chocolate helps...LOL!). I have been told in the last couple of weeks by a few people that it looks like I have lost weight. YAY!! That gives me even more motivation to keep going!!
Shelley and I are working hand in hand to come up with a plan for a non-profit organization. We did find out that we can run it through my business. Erika and I are looking forward to this new venture with Shelley. Shelley is an amazing person. I am very blessed to know her.
It has been a great week. Good conversations with old friends really make a person realize where they need to be in life as well as where they came from. Rachel always reminds me of silly things we encountered years ago. She cracks me up. And Jamie is my soulmate so I really do not need to say anything more about that.
Although I am extremely busy.....now on the Shelter Cat and Pocket Pet committee at the shelter AND on the fundraising committe at church, I am starting to find a good balance. My kids and I are enjoying time at the shelter at night now which is good for Gavin since before he was unable to go. Things do have a way of working out. Patience is all we need. I know, easier said than done.
What I am thankful for today:
my life
my kids
time
the shelter
blending the things I love
girls night
my friends
my pets
Bliss chocolate
Logan (at the gym)
working out with Jennifer
my store
the vendor fair tomorrow
my health
the health of my loved ones
money
my future
finding Tetris on my phone (this could be bad)
laughter
love
french vanilla iced coffee
pizza (thank you Erika for dinner last night!)
a warm bed
Cheryl
Shawn
The Power
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Day to do Nothing?
Taking a day to do nothing feels so wrong to me. But I have decided that today, besides working on my meetup site and scheduling classes on facebook, and doing laundry I am just not going to rush to do much of anything. I tried to work on my website and Go Daddy is just not working today. Maybe I will get up the motivation to work on my newsletter. Just wish I had a decent picture of my class on Thursday before I did that. We will see.
This cold weather has me in a funk. This usually happens to me, Miss Summer. LOL! Gavin and I had a great time at the shelter on Saturday. We did have an upsetting experience when we got to the lower building though. We were completely mauled by cats when we walked in. I mean they were jumping on us and holding on with all claws. Something was not right. After a few moments of giving them attention then looking around to see the issues...it was apparent that these cats had not been given any water. Gavin turned on the sink and 10 cats jumped in. One cat drank so much water and ended up throwing it all up because she drank too much too fast. I was disappointed that these cats were left this way. Expressing my concerns, I know this matter will be dealt with and right away. If I had more time I would get to the shelter more often to help out. I know how hard it must e to take care of 450 cats. Now if we could only make more people aware of how important it is to spay and neuter their pets!?!?!?! The shelter will do the surgery, get them up to date on shots, and microchip them for only $75. Much cheaper than the vet.
I have to say that I am happy that Halloween is over. I am highly looking forward to Thanksgiving. Not sure how that is panning out yet since Jeremy and my family are both hosting something that they would like us to attend.
I have so much I could write about but do not know where to start. So, I am closing.
What I am thankful for today:
my friends
my children
Shawn
my pets
the shelter
being on the Shelter Cat & Pocket Pet Committee at The Center for Animal Health & Welfare
inspirations
playing games with my kids
pumpkin seeds
my store
hot tea
coffee
twix (ate three this morning)
the gym (see above)
taking classes with Jennifer G
Thankful Thursdays
my Avon Fairy
Thanksgiving
clean laundry
money
hope
faith
laughter
love
church
God
the power of prayer
This cold weather has me in a funk. This usually happens to me, Miss Summer. LOL! Gavin and I had a great time at the shelter on Saturday. We did have an upsetting experience when we got to the lower building though. We were completely mauled by cats when we walked in. I mean they were jumping on us and holding on with all claws. Something was not right. After a few moments of giving them attention then looking around to see the issues...it was apparent that these cats had not been given any water. Gavin turned on the sink and 10 cats jumped in. One cat drank so much water and ended up throwing it all up because she drank too much too fast. I was disappointed that these cats were left this way. Expressing my concerns, I know this matter will be dealt with and right away. If I had more time I would get to the shelter more often to help out. I know how hard it must e to take care of 450 cats. Now if we could only make more people aware of how important it is to spay and neuter their pets!?!?!?! The shelter will do the surgery, get them up to date on shots, and microchip them for only $75. Much cheaper than the vet.
I have to say that I am happy that Halloween is over. I am highly looking forward to Thanksgiving. Not sure how that is panning out yet since Jeremy and my family are both hosting something that they would like us to attend.
I have so much I could write about but do not know where to start. So, I am closing.
What I am thankful for today:
my friends
my children
Shawn
my pets
the shelter
being on the Shelter Cat & Pocket Pet Committee at The Center for Animal Health & Welfare
inspirations
playing games with my kids
pumpkin seeds
my store
hot tea
coffee
twix (ate three this morning)
the gym (see above)
taking classes with Jennifer G
Thankful Thursdays
my Avon Fairy
Thanksgiving
clean laundry
money
hope
faith
laughter
love
church
God
the power of prayer
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