Category: Random Thoughts

family · kids · Random Thoughts · Travel

My Baby Girl’s Senior Year

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I wanted to do something special with Carmen for her High School Graduating year.  She didn’t care for the traditional school class rings, nor did I, only wearing mine for my Senior year in High School.  I considered it a waste of money, and not something to carry with you forever.  She did agree with me, but wanted to have something to symbolize her high school years.

I love Tiffany & Co. (what girl doesn’t?)!  We looked online (their site is really wonderful), and had chosen this one but in pink sapphire instead.

We traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, just Carmen and I, for a whirlwind trip.  I thought that it would be special for her to have time with me (and selfishly – me too), and for her to “shop” at Tiffany. 

We went into Tiffany & Co, and went to the counter where her “ring” should be. Tried on several, and then discovered that they didn’t have the pink sapphire in stock.  They could order it for us, and ship it, but that isn’t why we traveled all the way to Atlanta.  (Yes, I know that it isn’t that far of a drive, but driving longer than 2 hours for me is difficult and terribly tiring.)  Carmen really did want to be wearing her ring that very day.  It was disappointing, until I pointed out that her high school color was green, and they had that in stock.

  Yep! 
The box and the bag.
I truly think that Carmen would have been just as happy with just these two items.

Opening (excuse the quality of the photo – in a restaurant)!

Love her expression.

Do something special, and out of the ordinary for your children.  It doesn’t have to be all the time, just once in a while. (oh, and it was actually cheaper than the traditional class ring.) It really speaks volumes for communication, and love.
Blessings.
Jerry Ann
children · college · family · Random Thoughts

Our road to college…

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Carmen has decided to look in the State of Florida for colleges to attend.  And, if I may add, thank you God.  Money alone is enough justification, but add travel costs, especially now with gas prices, helps in finding one that is right for her and us.

I will say, I thought I was ready for this transition in our lives. I have been encouraging Carmen to look at lots of different schools, in and out of state. She has applied and has been accepted at LSU, Auburn, FSU, and Spring Hill.  All are absolutely wonderful schools, and well worth every penny just not our pennies.  FSU still may play in her decision, but right now, she isn’t feeling it.  Feeling it?  Really? 

She is 18.  An adult, I suppose, legally anyway.  But, if she continues to not be able to locate a place in her home town, how is she supposed to locate things at a university?  I want to let go, and let her find her way.  How do parents do this?

How do we do this?  Train them up – right?  Let them go?  They are not ours, but God’s – and for His purpose.  I know this.  I trust in Him to guide her path, and ours.  He has done an incredible job with Carmen so far.  I can’t wait to see what her future holds. 

College…her new adventure…and it continues…

Random Stuff · Random Thoughts · share

My heart is heavy.

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My heart is heavy is a comment made by a coworker on Wednesday after a particularly difficult afternoon.

Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

A story was repeated to me yesterday, and I would like to share a snippet.

Satan is speaking with an observer about his tools.  He has many tools that he uses to cause harm, and to keep us from God.  This one is famine, and this is disaster, but this one is the best one of all.  He points to the one he uses on Christians, it is the tool of discouragement.  This one makes them fail.  It is a simple tool, and many people, even other Christians help me use it on their own.

Discouragement.

I am praying for discernment on the path chosen.  I have been through difficult passages before, some more difficult this one.  But…I have never felt bombarded like I do today.  Spears, arrows, bullets are flying at me with such force.  I have no time to breathe and defend one of them, let alone, all of them.

Each difficulty that we are given is for God’s glory to be shown.  It shows that He sustains us through all.  I am praying for strength and an answer to this path.  Change is difficult for all, but we must adapt, bend, comply. 

Moses asked God to “show him His Glory” in Exodus.  I am doing the same today.  Sustain me, Lord.

How we feel led to share God’s love is a path God given. It maybe to a homeless drunk needing food or a kind word, to a leader of a childrens program in a hurry to complete a project, to listening to a coworker who is needing a hug and affirmation, to a spouse that has had a difficult day, to a child that may only have one good meal a week, to a youth needing guidance, to you, and to me.

How do you share God’s love?  Are you discouraged?

“Sometimes we are told to quietly lean on our Savior and rest. At other times God calls us to actively wait.  But we are always to stay close to our Redeemer.” – Kelly Minter

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 NIV

“You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Blessings.

Changes · Mom · Random Stuff · Random Thoughts

Changes

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Life changes…

David will be starting a new job on Monday.  It is a great opportunity for him professionally, and will enable us to climb out of our debt hole just a bit quicker.  Changes…for me as well at work.  Trying to stay focused on the organization of the house, getting things ready the evening before, memorizing Bible verses, doing my bible study, and…laundry.  ha.

Today was a hair day.  I love hair days, you can change your hair as often as you want.  You could have blond, red, auburn, brown, black hair in a matter of minutes.  Short, long (extensions) doesn’t really matter any more either.

This picture was taken on New Year’s Eve.  David and I celebrated with dear friends (and neighbors), and had a great time.   One of my favorite colors is pink.

My hair used to be thick, brown with highlights when I was younger.  I am thinning (I do not like this at all), and try to style to hide it.  Men can have thin hair, and they are called distinguished.  Well, not me.  My mother was a hair dresser/stylist/beautician in a small town.  I grew up having my hair cut (not always the way I wanted), but whenever I wanted, and she loved to play with color.  When a new product came in, she would want to try it out on me.  I loved/love being able to change my hair so quickly.  Changing habits or physical appearance (body) is much harder to do.

So…my new do: 

The picture is from a iphone, and a self portrait (with the help of a bathroom mirror).  So…I love the color, especially this time of year.  I am a creature of habit with my hair, and normally default back to styling one way.  I do like the way this frames my face (I have lost a little bit of weight), and thins me.

So…what do you think?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

New Year · Random Thoughts · Resolutions

Resolutions

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Resolutions…we all seem to make them, year after year, do we get anywhere?

I don’t.  I always say that “this is the year that I will…” add the following:

weight…this could mean, “I will work out more,” or “I will eat healthier,” or “I need to lose 20 pounds!”

organized…I don’t know anyone who thinks that they are organized in everything that they do…

life…go back to school, start a new adventure, try something new.

All sorts of options out there, and I think I will do the following:

I have lost 20 pounds in 2010, and plan to lose 30 in 2011.  Not a huge goal, but one that is obtainable, and maintainable.  I didn’t make any resolutions last year, and really didn’t begin to lose or think about losing weight until February.  I actually lost 23 pounds, but had gained some back, and then lost it again.  So, to end the year with 20.5 pounds gone was a triumph for me.

I also plan to organize my craft area.  David and I share an office space of 10×10.  He occupies the majority of it, and I keep gaining space.  I have gotten my sewing machine back out, and would like to quilt some towels, and repair some items without having to take it from the closet every time. 

I also plan to cook more.  We eat out a lot.  This serves a purpose I know, one of convenience.  Normally, when I get home, I have forgotten to take out the meat portion of the dinner we are to have that evening, and we will end up eating pizza, or oriental.  So, I am going to plan weekly menus, and focus on healthy eating for all of us.

Blessings to you and your families this new year.

Jerry Ann

Memory Verse · Random Thoughts

24 Memory Verses in 2011

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Beth Moore Memory Campaign 2011

I am going to participate in Beth Moore’s Siesta Scripture Memory Verses.  You can find out how to join (if you like) by clicking on the above link, or just read along.  I have been reading off and on all 2010, and I feel led to participate for a goal for 2011.  I have many goals for 2011, but this one will be a priority.

What goals do you want to meet?

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Merry Christmas · Random Thoughts

Merry Christmas!

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Everyone has both happy and sad memories at Christmas. 
Holidays bring out the best and worst in people, 
stress doesn’t seem to help matters either.
I love having people over…I just need someone to cater it for me…
and have a complete staff to clean, and serve those I love.  
Ya, right.  Dream on eh?
Well, that would be a gift in the future maybe?
I love having the house clean, and cooking for people.
I love Christmas.  

My babies, Stephen and Carmen at Christmas 1998.
2010 picture for my Christmas cards…!  I had to make them stand in 
front of the tree, and had to force the smile!  Ugh.
I love them.  Always will.  I love how they get at Christmas. 
How all of us get during Christmas.
There is nothing wrong with the world.
We get gifts.
Hello.
“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.” Luke 1:14
Joy.
Merry Christmas.
Blessings, 
Jerry Ann