Deals

Over the past couple of weeks, Ben and I have had some time to get some running around done that we don't normally get done when we are both working so much. One of these errands resulted in us hitting the Steve & Barry's that is going out of business. We were both looking for just some T-shirts and when the sign at S&B said "5 for $10", I figured - what the heck! We spent probably a good 3 hours in the store looking through their HUGE selection of T-shirts, and came away with shirts to last us for quite some time, and spending less than $25.

In addition, we went to JC Penney's today to spend a gift card that we had gotten for Christmas. Technically, the card was for both of us, but I was donating it to Ben since I have one for a store for my clothes. We spent some time at Penney's looking for more dress shirts for Ben, and again, came away with a steal! Especially for Penney's! He ended up with 5 dress shirts - all of which are long sleeve so he doesn't have to be cold at work again - for just over $50. The original price of these shirts was just over $210.

For us, these deals are big. We usually don't spend much money on our own clothes, and ask for cards for birthday's or other celebrations. To be able to get good quality clothes at the prices that we are getting them is incredible. I'm hoping to use my card in the next couple of days and get a few more deals. Hope everyone else is successful as well in their ventures!

Special People

Many people have touched my lives, and I don't think that I appreciate them as much as I should. All of you mean a lot to me and I love you all very much:

• My husband, Ben:Thank you, honey, for all you are and all you do. You mean so much to me!
• My Mom & Dad: Thank you both for being you and never giving up. You've taught me more than you may realize.
• My brothers : You are both very special to me and have always been there for me. We may have our differences at times, but our bonds are strong. I'm proud of the men that you both have become.
• My sisters-in-law: Both of you are more than just my brother's spouses - you are both my friends and I'm proud to call you both my sister!
• Carol: A surrogate mother welcomed into our family. Our lives are all blessed to have you in it.
• David: The greatest nephew in the world. What else can I say??
• My Best Friend, Barb: You know, by now, how special you are to me. I don't know where I would be without you! Your family, all of them, are such a bright light in a sometimes dark day. Thank you so much for being there, no matter what!
• My In-laws: I married more than just Ben more than 10 years ago, and I can honestly say that I am glad to be a part of your family.
• My business team: Ok, we are obviously more than business associates - we are all friends. We make a great team. We have such a great time together, and all of you are extremely special to me. Thank you all for hanging in there with us!
• My church family: Helping with the Contemporary Service and joining the bowling league has allowed me to realize how many special people are in the St. Mark family.
• To everyone else who has made a difference in my life. Some of you may not realize that the "small" impact that you believe you made, actually made a huge one.

I thank you all, again, from the bottom of my heart for being you - and being special. Some pictures of all of you (sorry I don't have pics of everyone):

Dearest Lord God...

We come here today to thank you
For the blessings you’ve given
When you sent Your only Son
To us from up in Heaven
This day of Jesus’ birth
Let us remember the reason
For His coming to us is the
Greatest gift of the season
We are grateful for those who
Are gathered here today
And ask for more blessings
To those who are away
Thank you for our family and
The love that holds us together
And keep Your hands upon us
As we face the severe weather
Help us all to remember
Your Son’s humble birth
And that many are struggling
Upon this great Earth
And that the challenges faced
In today’s society
Is causing a lot of
Unnecessary anxiety
We pray for peace in families
And world nations throughout
And that Your Spirit will reach
To those who are without
As a family we ask
That we continue to draw closer
In the Spirit of Christmas
Today and Forever
Help us make today memorable
As we celebrate again
In Your Holy name
We all say “Amen”.

I hope everyone had a great and blessed Christmas!

I hope I did the right thing...

**For those of you who will worry about this post - don't, please. It's okay, really. Just venting and letting off some stress. I worry often about things that I've said or done and most of the time they pass by without a thought (hence, wasting my energy in the worrying). Thank you though for your concerns! Love yous! Please read on...***

Most of you who read this know me pretty well. I am someone who second guesses everything that she does or says. Sometimes, it pays off. Other times, I've exhibited a lot of stress on just simply worrying about something for no reason.

Today, is one of those days...

You know, sometimes things just happen. I have to believe that there is a reason for that thing to happen, but that never helps stop the worry. I had a discussion with my boss today...and I told the truth. Why is it that the truth is the right thing, but sometimes seems like a really bad thing???

Anyway, I worry now just simply about my boss misconstruing what I said. He and I are always pretty open and honest with each other (ooohh, he HATES to be lied to) and he really is a good guy. Yet he always watches out for himself, just as we all do, and what I said may be something that could hurt him in the future. I worry that this potential hurt will be something that he safe guards against now in order to not be hurt in the future.

But, I told the truth. I told him what I felt he needed to hear. I told him what I KNOW I needed to say. So, is this where the belief in God comes in that He is watching over and supporting what I have done? That this is all happening for a particular reason?

It'll work itself out somehow, I know that. I believe that. I just needed to share....

History

As we continue to watch history unfold, I have now had a few days to reflect on what has happened. I first want to start out with just the quick disclaimer that this post is reflecting simply my opinion. There may be things that I write about history that may technically be wrong, but this is the way that I view and remember from my education.

I can honestly say that my biggest disappointed in the lack of research of the candidates that it appears had been done by the American people. In the past 8 years, I have become much more aware of politics and the role that they play in our lives each day. As this election day got closer, I researched each candidate to determine the one that focused on the issues that were important to me: abortion, energy, economy, illegal aliens, Iraq war, small business ownership, etc. Based on those stances, I made my decision.

America was founded on the principles of:

• The freedom from religious persecution - meaning that all of us are free to support any religion we want to,
• The freedom to be individuals - regardless of skin color, sex, martial status, sexual orientation, etc.,

The fact is that so many people went out to vote simply to support a race, or deny a religion. This is what upsets me so much about this election. Yes, I'm upset over who was ultimately the winner, but simply because he does not support those things important to me, not for any other reason.

You know, just seven years ago, the American people came together in unity as our home front was terrorized. Today, we are all at odds over this election. What happened? I think we need to come back together in unity, support our governmental leaders as much as we can, without impacting our own morals and values, and work on keeping America the greatest Democracy in the world!

Another post....

This is going to just be a quick post to say a quick THANK YOU to everyone! I have felt many prayers being said for me and I really do appreciate it! I wanted to share a quick story...

At work, I have been helping a young man with some math tutoring. He had decided a few months ago that he wanted to go back to school (college), but was looking for some help. Unfortunately, he has quite a few learning disabilities which makes things a little more challenging. However, I have to be completely honest when I say that I feel so good at the end of the day (most of the time) because I have been able to work on my math. (For those of you who don't know me, I absolutely love math and wish I had pursued something more in that line.) Anyway, things have been a little rough for him lately due to some personal issues and frustration has set in for both of us. But, I am learning that the role that I play as a tutor to him is turning more into becoming a mentor for things outside of math - as I try to steer him towards a much more positive attitude and outlook on his life.

That is pretty much the story, and while it has its days, I do have to say that I come home each night refreshed and excited that I am making a difference in the life of this guy (btw, he is older than I am). His parents (my bosses) praise me everyday for working with him and having the patience. They keep telling me how I was an answer to a prayer, while I think I am beginning to realize that my prayers were the ones answered. Amazing how God works, isn't it??

Again, this experience has taught me a lot about myself as well as others. Maybe, just maybe, I should consider the whole teaching path again...do I really want to go back to school again?????

Yes, I'm still here....

I've had a couple of complaints, and concerns, about my not posting in a while. I really do apologize. Writing things out makes me realize that I really have a pretty boring life...

You know what is hard? I read blogs of parents all the time. While I love reading the stories and laughing at all the good times that were shared, it really does make me feel as though I don't fit in here in blogging world...I realize that not everyone that has a blog also has kids, but it seems like all the ones I read are that way. I don't have any fun stories to share, or cute pics of beautiful kids to boast about, and it makes me feel like an outsider (I've brought that on myself).

Anyway, I have found that I've felt much less motivated over the last few weeks than I did when I wrote things out in this blog. Maybe, just maybe, there really is something to this. At least it is a way to get some things off my mind.

My fear, sometimes, in writing on this blog is how some people may end up taking what I am writing. I don't want to worry anyone, or scare anyone, or upset anyone. However, I guess some things that I say/write may just not come out correctly for each and every person. As a disclaimer here: I'm fine, really. And, I apologize if I offend.

As with the rest of the world, things are tight right now. However, my hubby and I have turned to rely on the strength of our relationship and God's grace to get us through this tough time. We have some great friends that are helping us in the journey and eventually things will not be so tough. These friends know who you are, so a BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

So, for all of you who have expressed a concern, or asked why I don't update anymore, here is my response. I'm fine, just a little lost and still finding my way. I'll get there, and get into a routine someday. But, thanks so much for all the thoughts and concerns...maybe I'll have a few stories shortly.