Repeated Titles

Once again I approach the subject of me repeating myself. If I were to have truly titled today's post it would have been, "Dazed and Confused." But, alas, somehow, I know I've done that before. Maybe I've been here before. Man, that is a scary thought.

I feel the spring coming on. I've been incredibly up. I've been having fun, enjoying myself, my friends, life and laughing and dancing harder than ever. I wonder if the lows are worth the highs I get to experience. Some people just don't know how to get there. I feel for them.

I've set goals for myself. One of them of course is my weight. I go for 10 pound increments. I'm down around 30 pounds from 2013. I've finally hit a low for me since 2010. I am sticking to my diet quite well and feeling it. That is the amazing thing. How much better I feel when I am sugar and carbohydrate free. The goal is to stay free and prayerfully this amazing energy and crazy spirit I have will endure the days to come.

It's sad to admit it but weight brings depression, depression brings out a me that I have been most of my life.. a me that I do not like.

Another goal is to spring clean my entire house. Several rooms are complete, I have several to go, plus the basement. But I can't wait to be done with this one. I keep telling myself slow and steady wins the race.

I'm working, and aging, and trying to hang on to any bit of youth that I can. I want to grow old feeling and looking as young as I can at whatever age I am. I feel this way, I take away the power of age, and step into the important, VERY IMPORTANT, task of enjoying this life.

Some call it selfishness. I question and wonder if I am. Selfish is such a harsh word. In a world where we are taught to be selfless. There again I must bring myself back to balance. You can lose yourself in being selfless. I think it's very important to know who you are and not be afraid of changing into who you need to become, who you are inside, the person you've hidden for so long. It's is a stifling life to say the least, and releasing the inner you is so freeing.

Peace, love, happiness, smiles, dances, and laughter. Things that bring joy to your spirit.

More goals. I wanna hoop. That is no secret. I  need to get a good hoop and do the dvds I have sitting on my shelf.

More exercise. Walking/running. I miss my times with the Lord.

Strength. Let me draw the strength I need to be myself.

New love for March: Patchouli

Ha!

Did I leave you dazed and confused? Or did I make perfect sense?

Pasta Night

These were a gift to myself. I had been wanting pasta dishes for so long and found them on clearance! There was no way I could pass these up. Somehow they just make spaghetti taste better!

Another Cake Date

These are pictures of our cake date. My best friend Melanie, my oldest daughter Heaven, and my newest grandson Henley took off to Greenboro to one of our absolute favorite dessert shops called Maxie B's. We laughed all the way there and home again. We sampled the finest of cakes and found some we absolutely loved and some that we could do without. We lounged on their couches next to cozy fireplace with double couches facing each other. A much needed girls night out.

Heaven, me, Henley, Melanie

 7 up cake-divine

 Banana Pudding Cake- delicious

 Our favorite spot in front of the fireplace. So cozy.

Mocha Buttercream-oh my goodness. 

Pink Lemonade with Lemon Buttercream. Eh- good but not my favorite.

The Outside of Maxie B's. Doesn't it look so romantic?

Fresh Strawberry Buttercream. Worth driving 1.5 hours.

Lemon cake with Almond Buttercream. This one blew my mind. You just don't expect it to be this good!

This was Thursday night. A midweek cake date for the girls. Can't wait until next time! 

Enduring the Cold

What a lesson there is in that title.

The cold settles in and stays for a while when it comes. It lasts for it's season.

There are many good things about the cold. It certainly makes you appreciate the warm. It gives you excuses to cuddle with your children, your hubby and your doggies. I love that my doggies sleep with me. Foot warmers they definitely are. I've been thanking God today for the little things. Like gloves, and blankets, our home and gas logs. He is so good to me.

My precious daddy came by this morning for a visit and some warm coffee. He's so full of love. Our relationship with him has grown over the years, the appreciation for one another, time revealing that we stick together. He loves my dear husband Tony. I'm thankful that he is a loving, positive father figure for my husband - who lost his own father in 1994. He was not close to his own father and it means a lot to me that he has formed a bond with my own.

The bad things about the cold. The depression it brings in, the cold that seeps through to my bones, the attacks of the enemy from so many different people.  Well I guess that last one happens year round but this winter it seems as though he has definitely worked overtime. My husband has never had any real family other than his mother, his uncle Kenny and his aunt Bonnie. The devil seems determined to destroy his relationship with his mother and he is using his sister to do it. Tony and his sister have never been close. She's always been many things that aren't good. I'm not going to air it all out here as that wouldn't be fair. She has just gotten out of jail last August. We were both hoping for our families to be able to spend what's left of our lives together. Taking the time to get to know each other better, help each other out. She claims to have changed, she says she is different but all I see is the same mean, hateful, trouble starter she always was. Not caring about her own mother, keeping her so upset and starting so much stressful drama. I've been married to Tony for 20 years and it's always been this way. Somehow this time, I thought it would be different. The saddest thing is that his mother is believing his sister. All of her lies. If you've ever been blamed for something that you honestly didn't do then you can certainly understand how it feels. It's a horrible feeling.

The best thing is that the Lord is dealing with our hearts and our anger. We've made the decision to move forward and leave all the ugly behind. During this time the Lord has shown me how full of love and close my own family is. He has revealed all the truth to my family, my three girls and my husband. Now that we can all stand together it makes it better. It helps us to be stronger. It doesn't ease the pain of my husband's heart to have his relationship with his own mother destroyed but it helps him to move on.

I think that is what 2014 is going to be about.

Moving on. Moving on together. My next posts coming are going to bring more of our life. Less of those trouble and pictures of what we get to experience every day. Our children. Our grandchildren. Precious moments. Full of love. Focusing on the positive and letting go of the negative. Looking forward to where we are headed and not looking back to where we have been.

We will continue to pray for the truth to be revealed but we will not dwell on that we cannot change. Tony won't fight it. He never has. He'll sit back and allow his sister to do whatever it is she will do. In the end, I know, that the Lord will prevail. He will take care of it all.

It's going to be a good year.

We will endure the cold while it lasts and bask in the warmth of the sunshine that is to come!

Merry Christmas 2013!

I love how God changes things in moments. SO many answered prayers. I get down sometimes but I know that my Father allows that only to show me His greatness and His power. I'm nothing and have nothing without Him. He is just and He is faithful.

This year has been hard to get into the Christmas Spirit. The things I wanted couldn't be bought. Because of all of my anger I've felt as though I couldn't pray. I know what the Lord expects of me. I know His word, but I have been so in the flesh and so angry at people and how heartless they can be. I know to pray for them but all I've wanted to do is seek revenge.

I sit at home today for that reason. I knew that if I were to be around one person and I were to be provoked that I would give in to that anger. I am glad I stayed home. I have a wonderful mother in law but my sister in law and her family have always rose against my dear husband and my family. It breaks my heart for my husband. It breaks my heart that he has always been mistreated, treated less than his sister, and never good enough for any of them. No matter how well he proves himself, still, he is attacked. It's hard as his wife to watch him experience this and not retaliate. He on the other hand is so good at it. Who knew he could be such a meek and humble man. He is so honorable. I love him so much.

I mentioned my brother and the custody battle for his son in my last post. I'm happy to report that he was able to pick his son up today on Christmas day and will return him to his mother on Sunday before he returns to work! The Lord knew that in the midst of all the battles swarming around me and my own family that my very one wish this Christmas was for my brother to be able to see his son.

The Christmas Spirit has overwhelmed me. I couldn't be happier. THIS truly is the BEST Christmas that I have ever experienced. I am still battling some anger, so prayers are appreciated, but the one thing I know is that God is in control. He alone is my provider. And He takes very good care of this family. I have no worries.

I pray that each of you have a very very Merry Christmas!

Thank You Lord for sending your Son Jesus to die on that old rugged cross and raise again three days later to save my unworthy soul.

Merry Christmas!

Romantic Interlude

I had a stressful few days. Lots of tension, my oldest is wore out and tired from her newborn. This Mimi is exhausted as well. So my hubby offered to sweep me off of my feet, taking me out of town to a little cabin with the best view, for a night alone. We started a fire. We laid on the couch and snuggled. We talked and we laughed like girlfriends. We had the best brunswick stew and lots of delicious comfort food. Stuffed, toasty and warm. I slept like a babe. He didn't rest well at all. He enjoyed the stay but his back makes it hard on him to sleep anywhere away from home.

We also took Roxy and Suki. They were so well behaved and we all had quality time together.

The fire.

Suki

Our View. So beautiful!

I also want to express how blessed I am to have such great friends. I have one special girl that lets us use her special place that I like to refer to as Paradise on the Mountain Top.  I stood out on the rocks you can't see in the photo above and I lifted my arms to praise my Lord. His presence was there. Our time was golden. I love my husband, his heart, and his efforts. We watched movies together like Dances with Wolves, Young Guns, Due Date, A Week with Marilyn Monroe and some Stevie Nicks. 

This ole girl can't wait until next time.............

Lover's Leap

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to ride up the mountain and see the leaves. This year was dominated by golds. Sadly the reds and vibrant oranges were more subtle, almost nonexistent. But the golds were many, deep and strong. There are places when the sun hits just right, that is glows, and you can feel the presence of God. We took a day and visited the beautiful over look at Lover's Leap, went to the candy store, took my mother in law to eat at Tuggle's Gap, and enjoyed the company of our youngest daughter and oldest grandson. It was a splendid day.

We live in a beautiful place. We don't have to travel to see the wonderous creations of our Master and Creator. We only need to slow down long enough to enjoy what He has surrounded us with. We couldn't be more blessed. He is so good to us. I am ever so Thankful to Him for every single blessing. 

Happy Halloween!

Ah what a wonderful month October has been. I'm so excited to inform you that my newest grandson Henley James Dalton was born on October 27th at 3:58 am weighing 8lbs 12 oz. My daughter Heaven had him completely natural at the New Life Birthing Center. It was a wonderful experience. Baby and mommy are doing wonderful.

Treyton is adapting well to all of the exciting new changes in his life. This Mimi is so proud.

I still continue to do well with my weight loss decisions. Not quite as good as it was, less exercise-due to time and babies being born, eating more junk than I should but maintaining and I am not weighing until at least November 19th. I'm determined to hit another big mark by then!

I am in the process of updating my blog design again to match this lovely Fall season. The leaves are so beautiful where we live and as soon as I have a chance to catch my breath I will share pictures of all of these events! I am not home at the moment or I'd include a picture of sweet Henley. :)

I've also transitioned into another job. Haven't checked to see if I mentioned it before or not but the season at Poor Farmer's Farm has gone and I was blessed enough to land an office position at our local vets office. I'm already working there and loving it! Have taken some time off for Heaven but head back tomorrow!

I believe that is all for now.

God is good all the time.

All the time God is good.

I am so blessed and ever so grateful. I live a wonderous life, with awesome family, beautiful scenery and the sweetest emotions ever. So much love, devotion and completeness. I haven't words to express.

Happy Halloween!

Weight Loss and Catch Up

Oh my. I've had so much going on. It's our busy season at The Poor Farmer's Farm and I've been working my bum off. :) (No complaints here.)

I've been on my blog twice trying to update my template but I'm having trouble due to windows 8. So for now my season won't change. I'll get to that when I slow down a little.

Heaven is 38 weeks this week. We are all patiently awaiting the arrival of Henley James.

I've got a new job. I put in my two week notice today. I'll share where once I've transitioned.

Crazy news. You all know how I've battled weight loss all of my blogging life. Ha! (and before.) Well this past time I set my mind to eat low carb and just water. No sugar, no breads, etc.... I hit the 20 lb loss mark so quickly I was amazed  I just finished week 3 of low carb eating. 22 days. I started couch to 5K yesterday and hit the gym with my sister today for circuit training. What amazes me is that I have lost 22 lbs in 22 days. How in this world can that happen? I feel like I'm on a season of the Biggest Loser. I'm hard at it, but have never had these kind of results before. I know my weight loss cannot continue to be this huge this fast but I am thankful to see such progress so FAST!

After today's weigh in I will not be weighing again until November. So we will see where things go from here. As for other news I'm on my way to work and just don't have the time currently. I have a lot of updating to do and family news to share.

Catch up again soon!

Me and Little Man

I love this picture of us. It was Friday night at the fair and my husband Tony and his group, Almost There, were playing. We had gone to listen to them but Treyton was tired of waiting and wanted to go and ride at the fair. So his Mimi snuck him out and we went and rode some rides! He was happier after the picture was taken! Being a grandmother beats anything else in the world.

My Heaven is due October 31st. She is 5 weeks now. I'm excited to see how far she is going to go. Her friend Mandy gave birth at 37 weeks yesterday.

Oh Happy Day!

Oh and later that fair day, much later after this picture was taken, Treyton and I had our faces painted. Check this out!

We had so much fun!

Patrick County Fair 2013

Me and my Sissy. Praising God for mending fences.

Treyton had so much fun!

We always ride the carousel.

I want my MiMi!

Riding all alone, well, except for the worm.

My handsome grandson.

We had a wonderful time. The only thing missing are pictures of my Meadow. Hope to get some more on Friday. :)

My Cheerleader

I can't remember if I've talked a lot about the changes for Meadow that we have made this year. I'm thinking I did mention it. We've changed her school for her 7th grade year and we are right at a month into school and I'm so happy to report that she is doing awesome.

I love the new school. The security is better, there are more staff to student ratio, and the best news of all is that Meadow has met no resistance- which means- NO BULLYING at her new school. There is less drama and she is more focused on her academics.

She has a new boost of confidence in herself that I knew was hiding in there. I'm so glad it's surfacing. She's made new friends. Her grades have come up. I'm just so happy.

It was a tough decision to make because you never know how things are going to play out. You want to teach your children to tough out situations as well. I felt in my heart this was the best thing to do and with Tony feeling the same way that was the confirmation I needed.

She is more involved because she is a cheerleader. And even more so because she absolutely LOVES cheering.

You can't imagine how happy that makes this momma. It's weird when there were things we wanted so bad when we were little but couldn't do them, and we feel as though our dreams come true when we see our own children get to live those dreams.

Here's praying for a great rest of the year!

Her friend Kylie on the left and my Meadow on the right. Aren't they just beautiful!

My growing babies

Roxy will be 6 in November

Suki is 16 weeks

Just look at that tongue would ya?! lol

Beautiful Beloved Suki

Lunch Date

We had lunch at the Chateau Morrisette and it was so beautiful that day. The food delicious. Spent time with my daughter Savannah, my grandson Treyton, my mother in law Mildred, and my sister in law Tammy.

My boy fell asleep on the way there and was waking up as I was carrying him in. Such a sweet little gentleman he is.

Roxy in the Wind

I love my baby girl. She will be 6 this November. She is rotten as they come. She loves to ride. I just know that she would love riding the bike, but we can't find a safe and secure way for her to ride. I wish I had someone to take a picture of the front of her face. I should have had my mirror turned. Hmmmm Maybe later this week.........

Showing Some Doxie Love

Suki Sue. I just love her eyes.

Suki and Slanky. Sweet Siblings

Different Edit

Aren't their colors gorgeous? He's a Dapple and she's a Double Dapple.

The Slank.

This was coming home from taking Meadow to her friend Kylie's today. Meadow walks to school with Kylie and the pups love to ride. What a mess they are! Growing up a storm too.

All on a Saturday Night

I worked today. My feet hurt. Ha! Lots of standing but that's definitely okay. Lord knows I need the exercise. I sure wish I could find that will I had a few years ago where I made healthier choices with my eating and I walked 4 miles a day at least 5 days a week. I love exercising but somehow I'm just too tired to get out there and DO anything.

It would help me in so many ways. How I feel, how I look, the things I can do. Help me pray about this one. It's a battle between my spirit and my flesh and I keep giving into my flesh.

So tonight I ponder. So many thoughts running through my head at one time. But you know, that's okay. Because that is me. I have nights like this. Late nights when I have early mornings the next day because I have to open and close the store. Yet, here I sit. Tonight I'll leave you with a visual. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, I'll fall asleep earlier than anticipated.

Prey Model Feeding

This is Suki. She is 12 weeks old. She is a Double Dapple Miniature Dachshund. She has been on the Prey Model Raw food way of eating for 3 weeks now. We started with chicken quarters cut up. She loved it from her first meal. This week we added chicken liver one day. This caused her stools to loosen but not to diarrhea. I think she handled it well. She certainly loved it.

Of course you know the second doggie pictured here, is Roxy, our Shih Tzu and she is 7 years old. It took her a few days to adjust to eating raw. Now she is flourishing. I can't wait until we've passed a 4 month point and I can share before and after pictures. I'm so hoping that this diet is going to show in these doggies skin care, teeth, and breath.

This morning we added in ground deer. This is a goody I have had in my freezer for a while. Both Suki and Roxy LOVED it. They devoured it first and then ate the chicken. I'm hoping their tummy systems tolerate it well. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy. I love watching them eat raw. I truly know I'm doing what is best for my babies!

Suki



Roxy

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I work on top of the mountain. In the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's beautiful. The drive is so peaceful. I look forward to my time at this quaint little store. The spirit there is so sweet. I'll post some pictures soon. We make goodies weekly like all kinds of different fudges and homemade fried pies. We have fresh produce and neat gifts. My family is really eating good and I must say healthier since my employment at this special place. Each month or so we listen to a different cd. My first month there we heard Johnny Cash. Other employees, especially the youngins, tire of hearing the older music. I never do. It's therapy for my soul. I believe I've mentioned this before. We made a change, and now it is Patsy Cline's voice that fills the store. How I love her voice and her songs. It's very nostalgic. For me though it brings back my grandmother, Nannie as I called her, Louise West. How I miss her. Her coy jokes and sweet voice. How she loved to sing.

 

Today, this is the song the Lord has laid upon my heart. It means a lot to me for many different reasons. It was also the song we sang on my, "Walk to Emmaus." I never hear it and not remember that time in my life. I was so bound. I was saved but did not know deliverance. Since then I've been set free from so many of my past bondages. This song represents so much in my life and my own struggles. My favorite version is sung by no other than Patsy Cline herself. I hope you enjoy. The words ring true for me every time I  hear this.

 



 

 

I am weak, but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I’ll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

 

Refrain:

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

 

Through this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

 

When my feeble life is o’er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Adventures with Treyton

We started our morning out with McDonald's! And then followed that with Chuck E Cheese! We had the best day! Heaven is 28 weeks and had to go to her midwife. She had to do the sugar test among other things. So, Treyton and I took advantage of some free time. After we picked Heaven up from her appointment we went on into Roanoke to enjoy the rest of our day. We had a blast.