METAL MOUTH, BRACE FACE ETC.

I am not being mean this is just what I thought of today after Coco got her appliance in. I think she looks so cute with it. She chose black and hot pink bands. She did really well through it all. She got a little anxious when she couldn't swallow and that band was over her mouth and she couldn't move her tongue but with some deep breathing we made it.

Isn't she just a doll. She will love it that I put all this on the blog!!! HA

Watching animal planet! Her dentist is so cool! Why didn't they have this when I was a kid. All I got was a grumpy old man with the shakes. I think we found out years later that he had a slight drinking problem.

So are ya'll worried about the swine flu? I am getting a little worried, I heard tonight that there are 6 confirmed cases in Benton county. I think I will be staying close to home and out of the public for a while. Why can't they just close the borders??? I know it is nearly impossible but at least they could try. Maybe we should flood our senators, congressman and white house with emails to close it and quarantine some of these folks..... What do you think?

TGIF tomorrow!

Blessings,

Pam

Welcome Back

Monday I went back to my old job. This is what was waiting for me! We were still eating on it today and there is plenty left for tomorrow! So yummy!

My cube! Home away from home you could say!

I have had a good week so far. At first I thought I had forgotten everything I ever knew about processing mortgage loans but now I am having trouble using the new passwords instead of the old ones. Which amazingly came back to me. Sometimes it is just like my mouse just goes where it is supposed to without me even thinking about it.

It is good to be back there, it feels like home! With some crazy relatives that I won't claim! :)

Tomorrow is Coco's day to go to the dentist. She will be having the contraption below put in along with braces on her 4 front teeth. This will expand her whatever so the whatever will come in correctly to the tune of $1850.00. That is ok, I only had to pay $320, thank the good Lord for dental insurance. This is called a quad helix expander and she really does need it to make room for all her teeth to come down straight. It does not however guarantee we won't need braces later on, though.

Thank you all for the sweet comments left on my last post. Ya'll are great bloggy friends. Sorry I have been slacking again, there just aren't enough hours in my day.

Please say a little prayer for my girl tomorrow, she is excited and doesn't seem nervous but I know after it is in she will be whinning and wanting me to remove it! Hopefully it will just be uncomfortable for a couple of days. I plan to explain to her what a wonderful time this is, it is not everyday you get an excuse to eat only ice cream and chocolate milkshakes!!!!!!

Blessings,

Pam

Heart of Gratitude

Wow what a day we have had. We started out with a wonderful church service. It was youth Sunday so our youth minister preached and he is so good at it. Really gets you involved.

This is one of the songs they sang for us. Heart of worship. I love this song and I tried my best to focus on coming back to the heart of worship and focusing on Jesus.

After service our Sunday school class went out into the community to help out those in need. Coco and I went with a small group to clean out flower beds at the post office. This was not really a need but our community needed it.

Rhonda from Down Memory Lane gave me this gratitude award. Thank you Rhonda.

When life gives you lemons....make lemonade!

So there are a few rules to this award:

1.Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude

3. Link to your nominees within your post

4.Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award

5.Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award.Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.

There are so many blogs that lift me up that I can't choose. I pick all of you and thank Rhonda again. A few things I am grateful for today are:

1. Jesus and all he did and continues to do for us.

2. Scott and Coco

3. Family

4. My old job ( I start tomorrow) say a prayer for me.

5. And so so so many more blessings.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Blessings,
Pam

RECAP OF MY WEEK

I have been a slacker, I know. We have been super busy this past week.

We have been here.

I am having trouble getting my camera to focus on something besides the chainlink fence!

We are having a garage sale today and tomorrow so every night has been filled with getting stuff ready. My lovely sister is working it today and I have to do it tomorrow. I am sitting her thinking about what I will spend my loot on and I happen to look at the living room window with its 70's style drapes. I think I will go to Lowe's and get me shades and a new rod. I have said I was going to do this for the past 2-3 years and haven't done it yet. Well this is the year. I will post photos of before and after for you.

Yesterday was my last day at the new job! Monday I go back to my old job. I am excited to go home. I liked everyone at the new job but it just wasn't the same and they didn't really need me, I spent half my time twiddling my thumbs. The girls at the old job say I better be ready because they are swamped and working lots of overtime. I won't mind that, we can use the extra cash.

Last night on my way home I was listening to KLRC our christian music station, Focus on the Family is on everynight around 7pm. Last night they played a clip from Beth Moore on marriage. I just love that women to death. She can make me see things in scripture that I never would have gotten out by myself. She talked on Ephesians 5:21. It really brought it home to me how my husband is supposed to be the head of the household and we are called to submit to each other. She also talked about how as women we always want more. When your husband tells you that you made a good supper, you wonder why he didn't say it was a great supper. That is just my example but I do this. Her point was no marriage is ever going to be perfect and why can't good just be good enough. If it was great you would want it to be fantastic. I have to learn to be content with good because good is GOOD!

My house is a wreck from going thru closets and getting our summer stuff out. I have been on the computer for the past hour and a half so I should turn on the tunes and get busy.

Blessings,

Pam

MULTITASKING

Do you read more than 1 book at a time? I don't mean at the same exact time but do you have a couple of books going that you read when you have time?

This is a first for me but I am reading both of these right now!

A friend loaned me this series by Francine Rivers. It took a couple of chapters to get me in but now it is a very good read! I read this one before going to sleep at night. I have to be careful or I will stay awake reading till all hours of the night!

This is one I picked up cheap at Walmart. It is a series too and they should keep me in reading material for awhile. I keep this one in my car and read on my lunch break or when I am waiting in traffic ( i know Dangerous) but just when I know it is going to be a few minutes. Now I look forward to going to lunch to see what is happening with Daisy and Walker!!!!!

I love to read and keep saying I am going to start making a list to see how many books I read! I read really fast so they stack up. I think I have read most everything in our church library!

What are you reading?

Blessings,

Pam

PS: Rhonda tagged me for a prom photo! Sorry Rhonda but I have not a one photo of me at the prom. I did go in Huntsville no doubt but we didn't get any photos. My mama was not the type to get all excited about things like that so my date picked me up and dropped me off and not a soul was home to even see me dressed up. That is really sad now that I think about it! Shame on my mama! I did post a photo of Coco in my prom dress a while back though! Thanks for the tag!

MESSIAH

Sunday night we went to see the "Messiah" at my friends church. This is a small church that puts on a huge production. It is amazing to see the talent and passion from those that are involved. And it takes alot to put this on. What amazes me is that it is about a 300+ member church. I don't think the big mega churchs could put this on and make it as good.

Jesus talking to his disciples.

Jesus being beaten.

After carrying his cross. Some of these they did in still while others sang. Amazing to see them stand so still. He carried the cross around the church while the guards were poking him and pushing him down. That is when Scott and I wanted to get us some guards.

Jesus on the cross!

It is always hard to watch a depiction of this, but it always reminds me of how soon we forget what Jesus went through for us. I think it was worse than any play or movie could portray. I don't think our human minds can handle it. I can't find the words.

Grateful for people like Lynn and Renae and their church that took time to do this for their community and church. This drama will bring it to life for you. To be able to take my daughter and through God's love she understood it and was frightened at some parts but not frightened to where she had nightmares or talked about being scared. This is something that is true and happened so that we can be saved and live eternally with Jesus. She knows this and so it isn't something that she feels afraid of.

I don't think I am making a lick of sense but I hope you all get what I am saying.

Blessings,

Pam

PS: Did you see this post? I am pretty proud of my girl!

HAPPY EASTER

MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!!!!!!
We sang this song at church this morning and I haven't been able to get it out of my head all day. Also "HE IS RISEN". I love both those songs!
It rained all day today. We had to hunt eggs in the house which was ok but it wasn't as much fun. Ethan and our newest nephew John weren't able to come so we only had 2 hunters and 2 for the pinata! My other nephew Jake is to grown up to hunt so he and I hid them while Coco and Kaylee hunted.

I didn't have time tonight to download all the photos from today but here are a few of Coco dying the eggs yesterday.

I thought this one was really cute. Seeing the eggs thru the glass. It is going to make a cute scrapbook page.

After Mom's we went to see the drama at my friend Renae's church. It is called "Messiah" and her hubby plays Jesus. It was so good! Scott and I both were getting upset at the scenes where the roman soldiers were beating him. i thought they were a little rough for a play but Renae told me he asked them to do so that it would be more real. They did a awesome job for a small church. They have so much passion for Jesus! I took some photos so I will make a post about it later in the week.

It is 10:48pm and I have to get to bed.

Blessings,

Pam

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

We had a photo shoot this morning after ball practice. I wanted to get some shots of Coco like Aubrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's! I did get some cute ones but not the perfect one!

Here a few of them.
This is #1 and already the look like "Lets get this over with"

Then lets pretend we are eating since we didn't have a cigarette holder like Aubrey did.

I like this one! I will have to choose a couple of them to give to Grandparents.

We have also been coloring eggs. My idea for modge podge did not work. I had styrofoam eggs and they just didn't stick well enough. So bring on the boiling and dying of eggs. She is still waiting on one to get really HOT pink! She keeps checking on it and says its getting hotter!

We are going to see a Easter Drama tonight at the pentacostal church in town. The name of it is Messiah and my friends husband plays Jesus. I haven't seen many Easter productions but this one is the best. They go all out with real animals. Very good protrayal of the word!

Everyone have a Happy Easter! I think ours is going to be very wet......

Blessings,

Pam

EASTER BUCKET

As promised The Bucket! I made this for Coco probably 4 years ago. It was the best $5.00 I ever spent.
The bucket is from the paint department in Walmart and I just added stickers and ribbon. It is a small one not the 5 gallon, but that could be fun too. She has used it every year and it is always the only 1 of it's kind! Not that it matters but she is unique! This year we are "coloring" eggs a different way too. I will show you once we do them on Saturday. Do you have a tradition of doing the eggs on Saturday before Easter? We have always done it that way. She knows the reason we celebrate Easter and we continue to teach that but we have fun with the eggs and spirit of egg hunts, too.

She also gets a special surprise each year on Easter morning. Our yard is usually full of hidden eggs for her. Our neighbor started doing this for her about 2 years ago and it is so fun to see her run out in her pj's and try to find all the eggs and we have never told her who does it. Someday we'll tell her.

Another thing I did this year for our egg hunt at my Mom's is fill this little pinata chick with lots of goodies for the kids! I think they will have a blast with it. I just hope it doesn't rain us out. If so Mom has a big front porch or the garage if we have to!

THE JOB!!!!!!!!!

I am going back to my previous employer. There was just to many things that were positive about going back vs. staying where I am. The current employer was very understanding when I gave my notice today. I gave 2 weeks notice and I will be leaving in good standing so I will be eligible for rehire. That made me happy because I didn't want to burn a bridge I might need someday! The old co-workers are happy that I am coming back too. They are planning a party, they say! It will be like going home! I get all the same benefits and will still get to keep my 5 year anniversary so that I get 3 weeks vaca this year! Whoo Hooo I like more time off with pay!

I am excited!

Wishing you all a blessed Friday!

Pam

SUNSET

I know these photos are horrible but I was standing at the sink and looked out. I saw the most glorious sunset ever! I grabbed my camera and ran outside. I could only see it between the houses behind us.

It looks like a fire! God paints a beautiful picture, doesn't he! He does , I just can't take a good photo of it in the dark!

I am still debating on the offer from the previous employer. Thank you all for commenting. I couldn't tell someone else what to do either but I thank you for the prayers! Let you know soon what I will be doing.

This week has been crazy for some odd reason so I haven't gotten anything done. Sorry Aunt Donna that I haven't called you. I haven't forgotten, it might be next week though! As you can see it is 8:30 and I am just getting time to post. I want to show ya'll Coco's Easter bucket. Hopefully tomorrow I can get it out to photograph after the Girl Scout Leader Meeting. Oh I think I need a wife to take care of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I seem to be doing a pretty poor job this week. Oh well, there is tomorrow, right?

Have a great Thursday and I hope you all have a brilliant sunset tonight!

Blessings,
Pam

FRIEND MAKING MONDAYS AND FREAKING OUT

Time for FMM again. Kasey has a fun one this week!

List 10 things that make you MAD!!!

1. Rude drivers. I was backing out of a parking space at Target yesterday and some yeawho was coming down the isle and started honking because he obviously was in a hurry to get to the mall. I followed him!!!!!

2. When people say they are fine! You know there is a problem but they just keep saying their fine instead of letting it out. I am bad about saying what is on my mind, some might think it is a flaw but I look at it as "you know what I am feeling or thinking"

3. When people judge you as a Christian. Non-Christians expect us to be perfect and it is never going to happen. There was only 1 and he gave his life for us! So go to church and learn about Jesus before judging me!

4. Bad Customer Service. I agree with Kasey. I didn't tell you to go to work at 7-eleven or Dillards. You are getting paid to do a job and listen honey, when you give good customer service people will come back and that means job security!!!!!! Oh and please double check my order to make sure it is correct!

5. Parents that complain about teachers, scout leaders, etc. Lots of these people are volunteers and if you don't like the way it is handled, you volunteer and do it yourself!

6. Leaving your cups in the living room. Pick it up and put it in the sink.

7. When people lie to your face!

8. 2 faced people.

9. People that think they are better than others. No one is better, some are just more fortunate!

10. When someone puts you down in front of others, just to make themselves feel bigger!

Whew that got me all stirred up!

I need prayer, I am freaking out!!!!

My old employer called me today to tell me my old job is open and it is mine if I want it. Oh my. I don't know what to do. I will give you a few of the differences and maybe you can give me some advice please..

New Job:
1. $12,000+ less per year
2. Longer commute
3. Rewarding- help people keep their homes
4. Possible opportunities in other positions later on.
5. Don't know the payscale of the the other positions

Old Job:
1. $12,000+ more per year
2. Would walk back in like I was never laid off. All benefits would be reinstated. Including vacation, etc.
3. Rewarding- Helping people buy/refi homes.
4. No opportunity for advancement without moving or if they buy more branches
5. Would I be layed off again if the home sales don't continue to increase.

What would you do? I don't want to burn my bridges but would the new employer understand and make me eligible for rehire???? I just don't know!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUSY AS A BEE

This has been me this weekend.

I have also been planning a trip for our Girl Scout Troop to go here.

All in all it has been a great weekend at home. Coco had ball practice yesterday morning and we spent the rest of the day cleaning. We watched Twilight last night. I think it was better the 2nd time around.

Now I am off to find a plastic ship to make a Monopoly Game piece for Coco's class. They are having Benchmark tests this month and their theme is Testopoly so her teacher asked me to come up with a game piece. My choices were a ship, a wheelbarrow, or a shoe. If I can't find the ship I think I will get one of those toy wheelbarrows and paint it. I can't think of a title for it though. Maybe "Hauling thru Benchmark" . Can ya'' ll think of a catchy phrase for it????

I think I have a $10 coupon to Belk that I have to use today. Good excuse huh???

Blessings,

Pam

APRIL FOOLS

Did ya'll get some good jokes played on you today?

Coco was a busy girl this morning. When I went to take a shower, I soon realized that all the soaps, shampoos, sugar scrubs were all missing. She had hid them in her room.

She wanted Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for breakfast. What came out of the box? Cheerios

Fun times!

This is not a fools joke. Look what is peeking up at me. A yellow tulip.

And look how the others opened up today.

I am loving DWTS this season. Are you? Whose your favorite? I have several Chuck/Julianne, Melissa/Tony, Gilles/Cheryl, Ty/??, I can't decide who I want to win so I just vote for all these. Wouldn't it be awesome if someone like Ty Murray won it!!!! Do you vote? My mama doesn't vote and I get after her every week because we have to put our 2 cents in!!!!

I am off to catch up on some blog reading.

Blessings,
Pam