When The Phone Conversation Starts Out "Are you sitting down"..

I may just get a tattoo, and it would be this one. 

When The Phone Conversation Starts Out "Are you sitting down", you know the news will not be good.

I got the call this afternoon. I don't sit down, especially when you tell me too.. I need to stand up and focus.. I may lean on something, but I just can't sit. I need to pace. I need to move. One of my Besties, Betty, called and told me to sit down. Betty has made this type of call to me a few times. To tell me of friends or neighbors severe illness, accident, or passing. She also has used this phrase to tell me of damage to our Ky. Cabin or  our property. Today I propped myself up against the kitchen counter and said "OK, tell me. 

There was a tornado last night. The tornado came over the top of their house. It wasn't on the ground until it was across and farther down the road, but it was close enough to suck up the roof off the garage/metal building. It threw the roof across the road, sent a wall into another garage wall, and put a wall through our mobile home trailer. My first question was if the family was OK, She said "yes".. but our trailer was toast. At first they thought the damage could be repaired, but when they went inside, the floors and ceilings were all buckled. Apparently that old trailer took the garage wall instead of their living room. YAHOO.. how could I be upset about that. That old trailer kept them safe and spared the house. 

This is the Old Trailer. It sits between the garage/the cars/ and the house. 

Betty bought us that old trailer so we could add it onto the back of our cabin. It was small. 12x70.. but had 2 bedrooms, a big bathroom, and nice living room kitchen area. We were excited.. finally a bathroom. (we have no indoor plumbing) and bedrooms. A good deal all around. Betty cleaned it out for us and was waiting for the ground to dry up enough to have it hauled up to our place. 

I hate to admit it, but we should have moved that trailer last year. It had already been sitting up at Betty's for almost a year then. She got it when GM went bankrupt in case we lost our pension and needed to move down to Ky. Because of my knee surgeries we didn't get down to see about moving it. We needed to get the place for it ready and we hadn't done that either. Anyone else would have moved it down to our place anyway, but they waited for us. That and it really had been to wet to move it to the place behind the cabin where we were going to put it. 

The coolest thing about all of this is that God used that old trailer to spare Betty's house. Maybe that was His plan all along. Maybe that's why none of us got in a big hurry to move it, or fix the place for it. The mysterious ways of God. I know some who read this may poo poo it. But I believe. 

I am kind of sad that we won't have that big huge bathroom, but I'm OK with it. Our trips to Ky. are less then I would like. Our little cabin is cozy and good for us. Even with getting older we still can get around it easy. (We have 2 rooms) It's nice and cozy and amazingly enough people still come to visit, and stay with us. I haven't heard about our cabin yet. I called a neighbor who said that there was a lot of wind up there, but no tornadoes that she had heard of. Betty will get down to our place in a day or two to check it out for us. They take good care of it . They take good care of us. I'm not in a panic. I tend to panic. I really do need a tattoo to remind me not to panic. God has it covered. He has given me everything I have. He always takes care of me. He will see we have a big bathroom if we need one. I'm glad He saw fit to use our little old trailer to spare our dear friend's home. I'm praying that their insurance will cover their damage. I know they have lost things. Things can be replaced. I just so glad to have them. Who cares about a garage or an old trailer.. I have my Bestie and her family that's all that really matters. 

Favorite Song Of The Day: "Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings 
We pray for peace 
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep 
We pray for healing, for prosperity 
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering 
All the while, You hear each spoken need 
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things 

(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops 
What if Your healing comes through tears 
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near 
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise 

We pray for wisdom 
Your voice to hear 
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near 
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love 
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough 
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea 
And long that we'd have faith to believe 

Chorus

When friends betray us 
When darkness seems to win 
We know the pain reminds this heart 
That this is not, this is not our home 

Chorus

What if my greatest disappointments 
Or the aching of this life 
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy 
What if trials of this life 
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights 
Are your mercies in disguise

You can hear it here.

HE IS RISEN

Jesus Died, so we might live. 

Jesus suffered, so we might be healed. 

And today, He is risen! 

What a glorious day! 

Happy Easter

What a Wonderful Surprise...

This is what I looked like Early Friday morning. 

I am still stunned by the wonderful Surprise I had early Friday morning. 

You may have read about my sister Kathy's passing this week. 

You may also remember that I spoke about a brother, the only one Mom's kids I have have never met or talked to. That all changed Friday morning. 

It was early, how early I'm not sure. I think it was before 8am. LOL since my knee surgery I have slept in quite late. Most mornings I'm not up before 10. I know, I suffer from lazy bones, anyway. The phone rang early. I ran stumbling around to pick up. I grabbed the phone, and the first thing I hear is "Karen, I'm your brother Oscar." . wow what a shock. 

I quickly got my bite plates out of my mouth. 

No one can understand me talking with those things in place. 

He loves to talk, just like me. 

We talked for a couple of hours, and then for a couple more later last night. 

Then again this afternoon for a bit. 

I'm so thrilled. He has lived in the same town with our sister Kathy for several years, maybe longer. 

He got my name and phone number from the folks at the funeral home who told him I had left a message for the family. Poor Oscar. No one had ever told him about me. 

All of us Sibling are spread out around the country.. some North, some south, 

and some out in the southwest. 

I had heard about Oscar, but he never heard about me. Quite a shock for him too. 

It's so much fun talking to him. I'll get to know him and Kathy. 

Even though she is gone, he was raised with her

 and has lived in the same town as her for several years. 

I'll get to know her through him. 

We are starting to share some of our childhood stories. 

Our likes and dislikes, what we look like and family stuff,

 like marriages, kids, grand kids.. 

I'm excited.. What a wonderful  Easter Gift.. God did it again. 

He made a way for me to find another sibling. 

He is so good.. 

He and I discussed years ago how much I needed my family. 

My brother Keith had passed (I didn't know about any other siblings then) and my adopted dad. 

They were the only immediate family I had.

 I was so angry that God had taken both of them. 

He knew how much I needed family. I told Him so. 

His timing was perfect. He gave me a whole new bunch of siblings, 

a whole new bunch of aunts, uncles, cousins.

 He gave me 2 moms.

 It's so wonderful. I am so blessed. 

Today I am thankful for a Savior 

and I'm especially thankful that He has given me another brother to love. 

God is Good. 

Amazing Love...

  

Today is Truly an Amazing Day.. 

Today I am reminded of a Savior who poured out Love and Mercy for all of us.

 His "I Love You" written in Red. 

I am still so amazed that Jesus Christ loved me and died for me. 

That is Amazing Love.

A friend sent this to me this morning. It's from the Movie "The Passion" 

I never really realized the sheer pain and agony Jesus endured those last hours.

I can't imagine the Love, The Strength, The Determination, The Amazing Love 

it took to endure. 

I believe the Angels, each one, waited for Jesus to utter the word. 

They would have saved Him, They would have killed every living thing if given the word.. 

They would have taken Him to heaven the easy way. 

They waited, but the word never came. 

God had another plan, another Purpose. 

It all depended on Jesus and His Amazing Love for us. 

The Bible says that the Angels look upon Salvation, Jesus' death on the Cross for us, 

and marvel. They don't understand it. 

I know I don't. I can't even begin to comprehend that kind of Love. 

That Amazing Mercy and Grace. 

That Amazing Love. 

Today is an Amazing day because 2011 years ago on an afternoon

much like this one. 

Christ died for me and for you. 

He Loved

He Endured, 

He poured out His own blood so we could spend eternity 

with God. 

That is Amazing Love... 

"Amazing Love"

I'm forgiven, because You were forsaken

I'm accepted, You were condemned

I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be

That You my king would die for me?

Amazing love, I know it's true

And It's my joy to honor You

In all I do I honor You

You are my king, You are my king

Jesus, You are my king, Jesus, You are my king  

Water Pressure, It's A Beautiful Thing...

  I had to laugh when I saw the photo above. A little much on the high pressure side, but wow, I bet it felt good as long as he can breath. (giggle) 

The new pump is in. We have water pressure. Not as much as I would like, but more then we had. 

Husband is afraid to turn it up to much. Our pipes are old. Older then us, and that's old. 

He's afraid if we get to excited about the water pressure the old pipes will blow into pieces. 

NOT GOOD

So for now I'll be happy with having water, and more water pressure then we had. 

I turned on the shower tonight and was amazed. I've never seen it so beautiful. Water was actually shooting out of those little holes. I was amazed. I normally hope for a fast drizzle. I'm a bubble bath kind of girl, but I do like the quickness of a shower. 

Now that I have water pressure, I may just do a little more showering. 

Did I tell you that water is shooting out of those little holes? 

Amazing.. 

Yep, Water Pressure, It's a beautiful thing. 

Oh Oh, No Water....

I needed this sign for my house last night. 

I was surprised to see my husband walk into our Troop Support group last night. I go and pack boxes with the group twice a month. I stood a little to long, so I decided to sit down and eat. As I finished my meal, Husband walked in kind of crabby looking. His hand were all dirty and his clothes were too.

No coy beating around the bush with him. He looked at me and said" well the pump just blew up".. What pump? The truck pump? whose pump?  

Well, it was our water pump. It has been going out for about 4 yrs; maybe longer. We bought a new pump about 3 or 4 yrs ago. Husband was worried if he changed it over we would have to have a new well. So he left well enough alone, and waited for the thing to die. 

Funny thing how we don't realize how much water we use during the day. Showers, tooth brushing, hair fixing, drinks, coffee, dishes, laundry, and my favorite Pottying and hand washing. Yep, I sure missed my water. 

Husband got the pump together. Rigged up parts to connect it to the water tank. Our tank should be replaced, but we're gonna leave it alone for now. It works. 

The Pump leaked a lot, so he took it apart and redid it 3 times today. 

It's finally together. I'm washing dishes right now. I'm thrilled. 

I kept a bucket of water in the bathroom, just in case. 

We are having the family over for Easter Dinner on Sunday. 

I think I may just fill a few containers with that wonderful water, just in case. 

Our stuff has a tendency to go out only at night and on holidays. 

If you see me sneaking over to your house with buckets, pitchers, and watering cans, you'll know that the pump is not working. For now I'm keeping my fingers, toes, arms, legs, and eyes crossed. Hoping that the pump will continue to work and the wonderful dark red rust that is shooting out from every faucet stops soon. 

*It did clear up out of the Kitchen sink. So the dishes are really clean. 

Keep Your Eyes Crossed that all will go well too.. 

The Daily Funny... (thanks Cal)

Dear Lord,

My prayer for 2011 is for a fat bank account and a thin

body.  Please don't mix these up like you did last year.

AMEN!

I LOVE My Coupons: This Week's Shopping Trip..

  I watched extreme couponing again last night. I get all pumped up watching it. Mind you I have never bought $1200 worth of groceries for $6.97, but I save a lot anyway. By the way, Not everyone can use unlimited coupons on unlimited numbers of the item. All the stores in our area limit coupon use. Especially if they double the value of them, But I do ok. Today was really good. I even ran into my girlfriend Connie and gave her a few coupons to go with the ones she had. 

   

Today's Trip was short. I wanted Easter food. I got extra to put away since it was on sale and cheap. for example: Purex detergent Free.. so I got 3.. Miraclewhip 30oz jars were 1.50, Orville reddenboker popcorn in that new cool bowl. it was $.50 so I got 6. Sister shubert frozen dinner rolls $.50, Kraft 16oz salad dressings for $.88. Eckrich smoked sausage for $.99, Welches ref. juice blend free.. Steam fresh veggies $.30 a bag, Delmonte naturals fruit cups $.25.. * I'm miffed cause I love the citrus one and when I got it home husband reminded me that I can't eat grapefruit with the meds I take. grrr. guess the kids will get a take home fruit Sunday.. I had to get 5 items that I didn't have coupons for.. pork and beans, onions, celery, and kidney beans and potatoes. The onions and potatoes were on sale. Yay me.. 

After getting home and getting it all put away I got out the receipts. I purchased $163.50 worth of food for $50.31.  making it about 70% savings.  I get excited. I love it. I really wondered if this couponing thing would work for 2 people. It does. I also have gotten enough free deo, shampoo, bodywash, liquid soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, that I give it to the kids and grandkids. They also take home food from my stash, especially the grandson who isn't working. He thinks it's great that grandma has a mini store in the basement. 

I also use the free gum, mints, and candy I get for my soldiers. I also find other items really cheap for their boxes like pistachio nuts, hot sauce, breakfast bars, tuna bowls, etc. I even have enough free or low cost stuff, that I am able to donate to our Church pantry. 

Husband likes that we try new stuff with my coupons too. It's funny now when I come home from a shopping trip he no longer asks what I bought, but how much I saved.  I can't wait to tell him. 

It take some time to clip all those q-pons and to make out a list, but it is so worth the effort.. 

Favorite Song Night... "You Raise Me Up"

Just heard this song again. I love it. 

The first time I heard it I knew it was a song I could sing to God. 

I am singing it now. 

When my soul is weary. When I'm tired. When I feel like I'm a failure. 

I remember What God says I am. 

I am Blessed, I am Healed, I am His beloved, I am His Child, I am Loved. 

He lifts me up... 

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be. 

My Funny For The Day...

If you live in Michigan you know that Winter can hang on for far to long. We got our winter back this past week. I was trying to figure out why and I found it.. 

It's that darn computer ...

INSTALLING SPRING...
███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 44% DONE.
Install delayed....please wait.
Installation failed. Please try again. 404 error: Season not found. Season "Spring" cannot be located. The season you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable . Please try again

A Day Of Family And Reflection...

  Today was a long day. A sad day. A day of phone calls and finding out arrangements and quiet contemplation. Today I found out my sister Kathy passed away. I talked to my brother and my mom. Mom is taking it hard. She hasn't seen Kathy in a while. Mom told me she had just hung the photo of Kathy and her husband when my brother called to tell her the news.

 Kathy is my half sister. There are 3 of us from the first marriage.. I'm the only living child from that batch. Then there are 4 more from marriage #2.. Kathy was from that bunch. Then 2 more from the 3rd. That was Mom. Then Dad married again and had 2 more.. that makes 11 of us if you count all of us. Whew...

I and my youngest brother were adopted into another family. At the time of the divorce a young single women could not care for 3 children under the age of 4. I Searched for and found my biological family in 1992. It was wonderful. My Dad and oldest brother had passed away, but I met his family, my step mom, siblings, Aunts, Uncles, etc. Then met my mom and the 2 youngest siblings. The older kids from Mom's second marriage were grown and on their own. I did have an opportunity one holiday to speak to each on on the phone. I only have one brother that I've never met or spoken to.

I only spoke to Kathy once. A shame really. It's so difficult to try and make friends with siblings that are strangers. I think we all want to know each other. Maybe not every little minute detail, but we want to get a sense of who these brothers and sisters are.

So many things interfere with that getting to know each other. Families, Jobs, distance, responsibilities. The list goes on. I really hadn't realized it'd been so long since I'd spoken to Kathy. No one really knew where she was except someplace in Ky. I didn't really think about it either.. Shame on me. I never got nosey enough to get her last name. She married in 2005. Nor did I get nosey enough to find out where she lived. I should have been nosey and then planed a trip to see her and get to know something about her.

Kathy was 42. I thought I had time. I didn't. All of this has led me to really want to get to know my siblings. My brothers and sisters, **
  
**I never liked the half brother/sister tag. you're either my brother or sister or you're not. Nothing half way about it. I don't like step either. kind of makes you feel muddy.. or dirt filled. I don't have step mom's or dads, brothers or sisters.

My brothers and sisters. I want to get to know them better.

Dad's kids are here in state. I know them, their kids, what they like, and where they live. We know each other. Not like brothers and sisters raised together, but we know each other.

I want to know my other brother and sisters. The ones who live in other states, some way off. I want to know what they like to do for relaxation. What kind of hobbies they have, what they like to eat, their favorite types of music. I want to know how many kids they have and what they are like. I want to know them. I know it won't be the same as knowing someone you are raised with, but that's OK. I want to know. I am the oldest. I want to know, before another one leaves this earth. I don't want to have another day where the conversation is centered around how a husband never knew his wife's family. I don't want to have to ask if the sibling had children, or where they live. I want to know.

I hope they want to know me too. Mom suggested that we make a plan for her kids to get together once a year. I like that idea. I'm in another state, so I probably can't get out every year. But I've found some of the family on facebook. what a wonder. I am learning a little more about their kids and families. I want us to know each other at least well enough that if I died They would know who my husband and my children are. Where I lived and that my favorite food was BBQ and my favorite dessert was Lemon meringue pie.

Being the oldest I want them to know. Family matters.

The Un-Color Of Spring.. White

Snow Yet Again... 

I've been reading posts on my facebook this morning. Most from here in Michigan are decrying the Surprise snow we got last night. It's still snowing. Husband, who never takes photos. Wanted to take this one. The poor little daffodils were just starting to open up and say hi. Then Snow AGAIN. 

My Cuz Sharyn's post reminded me that a week ago this past Sunday it was 80 at her house. It was almost 80 here. Then Snow AGAIN. 

I have Therapy today. I'll have husband drive me. why? Because it Snowed AGAIN.

The only White I like to see in the Spring is when it's floating across the sky big and puffy as a cloud, or when it's on an Easter Lilly, My precious little snowbells, or baby's breath. 

Snowbells 

But I won't see those things. Why? 

Because it snowed AGAIN... 

The Colors Of Spring: Pink

Our Crab Apple tree at our place in Ky. 

I love spring. It is my favorite time of year. I love the first of the warm days, flowers peeking out, buds, blooms, birds, and walks. I especially love the colors. God knew we needed to see some color after the dull drab grey days of winter. I'm so thankful that He created color. The bright and vibrant colors of Spring still take my breath away. The sheer beauty of them is indescribable. 

I love Pink. My crab apple is Pink that kind of "wow that is pink". I love it.

The poor thing did suffer in the big Ice Storm in the Winter of 2008/2009. A lot of it broke off, but it still continues on. I took this photo a few years ago. I really hope it looks like this still. I worry now with it's age and the damage that it will be gone. 

We are still waiting spring here in Michigan. It's starting; my Pink hyacinths are blooming. They are a bit ragged so I didn't take a photo. The Daffodils are up and will be blooming anytime. My lilacs are not budding yet, but hopefully soon. So for now, I'll look at the picture of my pink crab apple. She is a beauty. 

We are expecting some snow this weekend, just flurries I hope. I think I'll keep this picture on the screen saver for a while. I need to see Pink. I need to see spring. 

I hope you are seeing spring where you are. 

Look for some Pink.... 

I Got A New 4-Wheeler Yesterday...

My New 4-Wheeler...

Don't laugh. Well, OK, go ahead. Let me know when you're finished.. Hmmmm hmmm, Ok. That's enough. 

uh I said, STOP LAUGHING.. 

Yes, I know it is kind of humorous. Especially if YOUR not the one using it. 

My Physical Therapist suggested it. I found this one online. It's exactly like the one at Therapy. I'm doing better with my walking now, but I like having something to hang on to. I really like the cool basket. 

I've taken a few walks up and down our street. It's much better then the other walker I had with the wheels on the front and the tennis balls on the back. Every time I hit a crack in the pavement with it. I just about did a flip over the front end. 

I'm going to use my new 4-wheeler this weekend at a craft show. I won't be taking it to the grocery store or any place they have carts I can push. hanging on to something helps. I'll keep it for my walks and craft shows and places where I'll be doing a good deal of walking with no shopping carts available. 

My rollator is Burgundy. I'm thinking of bedazzling it, and my niece Kindra suggested I paint flames on the legs.. I think I need a horn to toot too. You know some seniors, they just hog up the whole sidewalk. Don't forget those young whipper snappers that call me hun and ask if they hold the door for me. Some days I want to smack them on their wittle heads. Other days, I'm thankful for their help. I'm hoping I'm thankful more days then not. 

I didn't think I would need this four wheeler until much later. I don't think I'll need it for long. My walking and balance are better every day. Husband has already laid claim to it for Tractor shows and Flea Markets this summer, If I'm not using it. He likes the idea of a seat to sit on when he is tired. He and his buddy Jim have already talked about how to motorize it. LOL Men. 

If you see a white haired lady passing you on the E-way riding a bedazzled rollator walker with flames, that will be me. I may be getting older, but I probably won't grow up. 

Spring Teased Me Today...

I love this little dog. He must have brought me some spring today.. 

Oh Today was a perfect Spring day. I opened windows, took a walk with hubby, and went for a ride in the car with the windows rolled down.. whooo hoooo.. 

I felt just like this little fellow.. Happy, Perky, and ready to run after something !!!

I'm on week 7 of post-op knee surgery to repair/snip torn meniscus in my right knee. I'm progressing. It's much slower then I would like. But I'm learning to be patient with me. 

I saw a few of my spring flowers, The sun, and Blue sky. 

The weather will not stay like this. It's going to get cooler throughout the week, but I feel there is hope. Spring is coming. It's on it's way. 

I am sooo ready. 

COME ON SPRING....