Ancestors

 Black & White and Wordless Wednesday, with my ancestors.

I've been a little MIA for the last week. I've been knee-deep in my Genealogy Research... not to mention work, school and domestic duties in between. I've learned... and am still learning SO MUCH about my ancestors!

My Great Grandmother - Amanda Sexton

My Great Grandfather (bottom left)

William Madision "Mac" Lyon

Black and White Wednesday with Granny

I haven't participated in Black and White Wednesday before today. But I have one of a few pictures I'm using in my Family Tree/Genealogy searching, that will be perfect for a few weeks of Black and White Wednesday. Head over to The Long Road to China to view some more great photography and to link up your own!

I love black and white photography, and I love my Granny! This was taken at her old home place... in the hills of Kentucky... Beauty Ridge (the road I grew up on... 'across the field' from Granny.) It was taken without her knowing while she was looking down the road from her house, holding her poodle, Jill, on her lap. There was always good cookin' around Granny's house, so she always had an apron on. :)

I'm guessing this was taken around 2000. My Granny... Pearl Ann (Stone) Lyons... passed away September 10, 2004. I was living in Oklahoma at the time and was heart broken that I couldn't make it back to Kentucky to attend her funeral.

There's a Troll In The Closet?

Here's a story for you... TRUE STORY!

I've never heard one quite like this before and it's been the source of much laughter at the office today. No, not just by the 40-something females with hot flashes and prescription meds.

Our Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) shared this one with us today at the office. A nurse friend of hers, who works at a local hospital, has a mentally challenged son (we'll call him CB) I'm not sure of his age, I'm just guessing young adult as he is obviously able to be left alone with limited supervision.

CB's mother left for work, expecting the caregiver to arrive and assist CB with fixing something to eat while mom was at work for the evening. After being gone to work for a bit, CB's mother called home to check on him. Following is the conversation between CB and Mom when she called home...

Mom: CB, did the caregiver show up?

CB: No mom.

Mom: Are you doing okay CB?

CB: Yes mom.

Mom: Did you get something to eat?

CB: No mom, but I caught a troll and locked him in the closet.

Mom: You... locked... a troll in the closest?

CB: Yes mom. But it's okay, I fed and watered him.

Mom: You... fed and watered a troll that is locked in the closet???

CB: Yes mom.

Mom: I'll be home in a few minutes.

'Mom' feels like something isn't quite right and felt she should check the situation out. She asks the supervisor, since she had several hours left on her shift, if she could run home and check on CB.

Upon arriving at home, mom asks CB again. "So you have a troll locked in the closet?" CB and mom walked to the closet and upon opening the door mom sees a MIDGET... wrapped in a SHEET... in the closet.

YES... a real, live midget! A US Census worker who'd stopped by the house, after Mom left for work. The "troll" informed Mom, after being released from the sheet he was wrapped in, that CB had thrown Skittles at him and gave him a bowl of water.

Mom had to calm a rather belligerent "troll" and explain to him that her son had never seen a Little Person before and HAD heard stories of trolls. :)

Giveaway Winner and Awards

It's time to announce the Giveaway Winner!

 Congratulations to the #5 post...

I hope you enjoy your goodies as much as I enjoyed making them.

Thanks to all that posted and to ALL that follow!
While this is a creative outlet for me and my thoughts and experiences,
if there is anything that anyone else can get out of it, then it's even more worth it. 

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I also have a couple of award I've received and need to pass on.

I received this award from Angie @ In My Own Little Corner.
Thanks so much Angie! Your blog is a joy to read!

The official rules for this award are that you list 6 things that you are a master of
and pass it on to 6 other blogs.
(In case I'm passing this to you and you like to follow rules.)

I'll tell you instead of 6 things I am NOT a Master of...

1. Well, just from the award picture I can tell you, I am not a master of Karate. I can do a few yoga moves but that's about it.
2. I am not a master of a perfect home. Is my house trashed? No. But I do still have those new pictures sitting in the spare room that have been needing hung for ummm well, since just before Christmas. But with work at day, college evenings, a hubs/son/cat/dog to cook and care for, I just haven't gotten to this yet.
3. I need to work on my relationship skills. Not hubs and I. But I tend to let people run over me. I am getting better though with the influence and encouragement of Hubs and and a dear friend. (Thanks L).
4. I am working on my 'kitchen skills'. I CAN cook but my creativity is challenged right now and a busy work/home/college life drains my creative processes there. I am just getting tired of the same ole things. But thankful that Hubs and Son don't complain. :) I have a new resource though that I can relate to and am anxious to start using.
5. I really want to blow the dust of my sewing machine. It's still almost like new after my dad bought it for me about 6 years ago. I have used it for small things... repair projects, paper crafting sewing. I just am ready to really put it to use. Maybe a Rag Quilt first then something more complicated?
6. Lastly, I am NOT a master (YET) of my exercise/workout plan. It's fairly regular. My friend L and I have been walking together for the last week. And I've incorporated my Wii Fit Plus (love those fun games that don't make it seem like exercising!) into some of my evenings as well. Love the tracking that shows the BMI and Weight levels and tells me that even though the numbers don't change as fast as I'd like, they are making a slow, steady decline. :)

Sometimes I follow the rules... sometimes I don't. I can be a rebel *wink*. I pass this award on to anyone who has commented on this blog in the last week. You deserve this Master of Friendship award.

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I received this Attitude and Gratitude award from Kel @ Between The Lines. 

Thank you so much Kel! Those Chicken Pesto Pizza  & Banana Crumb Muffins recipes look yummy!

I'll have to try them out. :)

The "official rules" are:

 

For the nominees: these are the rules... pass it on!
- Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
- Link to the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award

 

I pass this award on to the following bloggers who've captured my attention lately. Check them out! Thanks for entertaining me. :)

1. JAM's Own Reality
2. Kristy @ Learning As They Grow
3. Keely @ MannLand5
4. Arizona Mamma @ Our Daze in the Desert
5. Momma Such @ RaisingMy4Sons
6. Steph @ Sharing the Pages of Life
7. Stephanie @ The Blue Zoo 
8. Ian @ The Daily Dose of Reality
9. The Girl @ The Girl Next Door Grows Up
10. Shel @ Things I Can't Say

Pay It Forward Friday

As mentioned earlier this week, I have been inspired by a couple of people... one, a total stranger in the drive-thru and two, Ian (from The Daily Dose of Reality). I am making a conscious, intentional effort to do at least one (though more acts would be even better) Random Act of Kindness once a week. I don't mean just being a "nice person". A Random Act of Kindness... Paying It Forward is a step above, and even a GREAT thing if it's something they cannot do for themselves... just like the movie suggests. And if you haven't watched the movie you SHOULD! Here is a brief clip...

Nothing I post is ever intended for self-glory. In fact, I'd much rather read what YOU have done for someone else. Be proud of the fact that you are making someone's life better, that you are GIVING instead of receiving. Although by Paying It Forward you will be receiving a better outlook and feeling about your worth.

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I was moved with the appreciation of a friend this week. I was sharing with my dear friend "L" the awesome cookbook I got last weekend (Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman Cooks). She loves to cook and is a great one and loves to share her goodies with her friends. She had commented more than once that she'd  wanted to get that cookbook. I knew it wasn't possible for her to do right now. She's a single mother and one of those children is also a young single mother & college student. They both do a wonderful job of mothering and give it their all. I stopped on the way home from work a couple of days ago for a few things and without having her or that book on my mind, the minute my feet stepped inside the store, I heard the words in my head, "buy L that book". It was clear to me and I never questioned the thought.

The next day I presented my friend L with this book and she was moved to tears, stating "no one ever buys anything for me". Her tears and the hug with thanks that I received made me a little emotional as well. I can't describe how it made me feel to do something that seemed so small to me, but seemed so great to her. It's a euphoria that makes you feel, even for just a short while, that this world is not hopeless. That each of us CAN make a difference in the lives of those within our reach.

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I hope you are encouraged to seek out an act of kindness. And I'd love to read about it. Feel free to grab the button and link up to share with us how you have made a difference. No kind gesture to another is too small.

Random Acts of Kindness

Twice in the last month, I've witnessed... and once been the recipient of... a random act of kindness.

Heading home from an afternoon out shopping with my mother not long ago, we drove through the Sonic drive-thru for a quick lunch. I was very surprised to hear the Sonic employee tell me at the window that the gentleman in the car behind me wanted to pay for our lunch.

The first thing my mother and I did was to turn around and see who it was... expecting to see someone we knew. But it was someone we didn't know. We had never this truck or the driver before. We thanked him with waves and smiles, which he humbly returned. It was obviously not done for recognition. I've never forgotten that day or the kindness he showed us... two people he'd never met. Something like this makes you want to jump in with both feet. You start looking for something you can do in return.

Once again, I witnessed it on Friday when Ian at The Daily Dose of Reality chose to Pay It Forward with a give-away he chose to bestow upon one of his readers, rather than keep it for himself.

I've decided that, although I cannot change the world, I can change me. I am going to seek out ways to Pay It Forward each week. I will post on my "Pay It Forward Fridays" something I've found to to do for someone else. I created a button just for this and invite all of you to play along and Pay It Forward. It can be the simplest of things. Make an effort to go that extra step. I look forward to hearing about your gestures of kindness and the impact it made on someone.

Getting to Know You Sunday

It's time again for Getting to Know You Sunday with Keely at MannLand.

Just click the image to link up and learn more about your fellow bloggers and play along

and tell your blog readers a little more about you.

This week's questions are... 

1. What's your favorite Easter candy?

2. Who do you think is cleaner..men or women?

3. Which do you prefer..wordy blog posts or ones with pictures?

4. Were you popular in highschool?

5. What's your bra size?

6. How many states have you lived in?

7. What's one blog you read every day?

8. Peanut butter or Nutella?

1. Reese's Eggs. Not real creative, I know. But since Reese Cups have been my FAV for years, and I don't eat a lot of candy, I still stick with an old faithful.

2. Typically women are known to be I suppose. Although my hubby is an exception. He does dishes, laundry, toilets (yuck!), litterbox and puppy pad clean up. He's particularly anal about those last two. His "babies" have to have a clean place to go whenever they need to. I have been known to leave some 'creative material' out and scattered across the surfaces BUT... in my craft room/office/Wii room. I can always close the door to that and come back and pick back up where I left off at. :)

3. I prefer a mix I suppose. I like visual interaction but don't throw up 5 or six pics and say next to nothing. If a post is TOO LONG then all wordy loses me and I get bored, sometimes (ADD symptom lol). I love the perfect mix of the two I always find at Sugar Pie Farmhouse. 

4. I was not a part of the popular crowd. I wasn't in the bad crowd or the geek crowd either. I was just the goody-two-shoes who stayed out of trouble, did her work, made good grades and minded her own business. Gee, now that I put it on paper, I sound kinda boring. LOL

5. I vaguely covered this last Sunday in question # 2  talking about underwire bras.

6. I have lived in 3 different states... Kentucky, Ohio (moved back to KY), Oklahoma (now I'm back home in Kentucky).

7. I have more than ONE I read everyday. I can't just pick out one when I have several I look forward to but just a handful of those I read daily are... Kari @ p.s. love.love, Brandi @ My Three Bubs, Arizona Mamma, Shell @ Things I Can't Say, Angie @ In My Own Little Corner these are just a few I have been lurking around. I have some new ones I'm getting "hooked" on too. :)

8. Well, since I've never even tried Nutella, I'll have to say peanut butter.

Toxic Relationships

I've been struggling with this post for some time now. It's not a "feel-good", funny, or entertaining post. So I hope you don't mind some personal feelings. I have friends, family and co-workers who read this blog and I try to post nothing that would cross the line of privacy with them, or reveal "touchy" topics that will only create tension in situations I have no choice but to be involved in. 


But I can't keep my mouth shut thoughts silent anymore.


I have a toxic relationship I need free from. Someone dear to me (ST) is agonizing emotionally over one as well. Why do people feel the need to control every situation? No matter how much they appear to love and care for you, ultimately it is THEIR feeling, wants and desires that come first. And eventually you see that. 


I'm the "Peace-Maker" personality. I work hard to keep peace and avoid confrontation but I need to learn to demand the respect I deserve out of all the relationships that are a part of my life. My hubby has told me many times to stand up for myself and not let people run over me. It's a work in progress and I remember a time I would never even tell the kid at the drive-thru that my order was wrong. Now my son tells me in advance "now, don't make a scene mom" LOL

If you're not sure if you're in one or maybe you know in your heart you are and are in denial, here are some thought-provoking facts and signs you need to read. 

A toxic relationship is characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, sometimes, physically damaging to their partner/friend. While a healthy relationship contributes to our self-esteem and emotional energy, a toxic relationship damages self-esteem and drains energy.  A healthy relationship involves mutual caring, respect, and compassion, an interest in our partner's welfare and growth, an ability to share control and onship, a relationship where we can be ourselves without fear, a place where we feel comfortable and secure. A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is not a safe place. A toxic relationship is characterized by insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance, control. We risk our very being by staying in such a relationship. To say a toxic relationship is dysfunctional is, at best, an understatement. *

When I read those words I see faces. Faces of the people I can't change, no matter how much I'd like to. You and I cannot change these people. My heart is heavy today for someone (ST) in the middle of such a toxic relationship. But how does one get out? When it's not possible to erase this person from your life, how does one deal with continued interaction after confronting the toxic person? This is something that I need to know... to do. 


Have you ever confronted a toxic relationship? How did you do it? Are you still in a position to have to interact with this person (either through work or because of a family connection maybe)? I'd love to hear your feedback, thoughts, advice.




*Taken from Chattanooga HealthScope Health & Wellness Magazine

Celebrating 100!!!

I am celebrating 100 followers!

I'm both flattered... and humbled.

This blog really had no special expectations...

only a place to express myself, share thoughts, feelings

or maybe just vent about my day.

I have met some great bloggy friends and enjoy reading about your days and learning more about you.

Thank you for spending a little part of your day doing the same.

My 100th follower is Ian at The Daily Dose of Reality. 

Ian's daily "reality check" reminds me in a lot of ways

of my hubby's outlook. You have to appreciate total up front honesty! He also has that wonderful ability (that all us women love) of openly, publicly expressing his feelings for the love of his life and I'm sure she is thrilled at Ian's post today in honor of her birthday. If you haven't met Ian yet, you need to pay him a visit. In addition to giving us a male perspective on things (which is eye opening at times), he has a game he plays on Fridays for a blog spotlight.

Thank you Ian for being my 100th follower. 

As promised in this post, I am giving away these handmade gifts in celebration of 100 followers...

Pocket of Love

Recipe Card Ring

You don't have to do a lot of funky stuff to enter... just leave a relevant comment about this blog post (i.e. a recent crafty project of your own, something nice about Ian if you follow him - you should if you don't, or something you've enjoyed reading on this blog, etc). As a bonus - Ian receives the above items as well for being #100!

Feel free to blog or tweet about this give-away too for an extra entry and let me know in a separate comment. I will be closing the entries at midnight (Eastern time) on Friday, March 19th.

All About MEme Monday - Self Portrait

I'm playing along with SupaMommy and All About MEme Monday: Self Portrait.

Here is a picture of me and my spoiled rotten baby-girl chihuahua, Abigail Caitlyn Turner
aka Abby.

 

Today Abby had her 1 year wellness checkup and vaccines at the Vet. 

She is up to a WHOPPING 5lbs 13oz!

She was not happy with the shots. She has been milking it all evening with her daddy since we got home this evening. I think she even got an extra treat or two from him. They both turned in early tonight.

We are supposed to travel to Oklahoma to see the girls. (You've not "met" my two beautiful step-daughters yet have you? I have held off posting their pics until I'm sure they are both okay with it. They are wonderful girls and both are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! ) It will be a 12-14 hour trip (depending on how much Hubs catches me sleeping and is able to speed up much faster than I allow him to wake when I'm awake). I'm not sure how this is going  be traveling that distance with Abby. Any tips you have to share about your travels with a pet?

Getting to Know You Sunday

 

 To play along, click on the Button and Link up!

This week's questions are...

1. Are you more of a talker or a listener?

2. Bra. Underwire or wireless?

3. I wish I was.....?

4. The Academy Awards are on tonight..will you watch?

5. Do you put your deodorant on before or after you get dressed?

6. Would you rather do the dishes or clean toilets?

7. How much did you weigh at birth?

8. If you could only buy one thing for the Spring/Summer season..what would it be?

 

 

1.  I'm a listener. Sometimes co-workers think I'm mad or in my own little world even because I'm not always as chatty but I'm listening. At times I'll throw in my two cents but sometimes it pays to not give your opinions so freely. And when it comes to someone who needs to talk and have someone listen, I'm your girl! My son's girl problems are a biggie here. I love that he WANTS to talk to me about them. And hubby and I differ. He'd tell Adam exactly what he thought about this girl and what she might have said or done. Sometimes you just want someone to just LISTEN.

2. Underwire for sure! At a certain size and at a certain age  (do I dare to share either??) you just NEED that hold-em-up support! And I'm at THAT size and THAT age now. You're wondering now right? The letter is D and the numbers are 42 and 36. And *sigh* I wish that 36 was my age still.

3. I wish I was... all done with school. I'm enjoying the classes (the medical stuff is interesting) but really look forward to having it all done and being able to put it to some good use! 

4. I probably won't be watching the Academy Awards tonight. I have homework due tonight that is not finished yet and I still have to get my bloggy but busy with errands and some household chores today too. It's "Wal-Mart" day today. Not usually on Sunday's but yesterday was a relaxing, bonding day with hubby. We have a special word for those days that was really created to make my son get grossed out and laugh about with the girls at work... 'no-shirt day with hubby' LOL

5. My deodorant usually goes on after I get dressed now because I'm tired of seeing the deodorant marks on my clothes that have come in contact with my armpits while pulling a top over my head. I hate that! 

 

6. I'd rather have a maid to be honest. lol But if I have to choose I'd say doing the dishes would win.

7. I can't remember for sure now. I have it written down somewhere. 8 lbs something. Now I'll have to find out because it will drive me crazy. Look for it or just call mom and ask her.

8. I don't shop for clothes or shoes very often for myself. But I guess if one thing it would be some cute new capri's for springtime weather that is appropriate for the office (casual dress but not jeans).

And there is some more about me. Look forward to learning some more about you too, so go link up and post your answers on your blog too!

Happy Sunday!

Friday Follow #8 and Give-Away Tease

Link up and follow!

This is week 8 of Friday Follow! I have some great followers and have met some wonderful Bloggy Friends with the awesome Blog Hop! Click the Follow button above to add your blog to the McLinky and to check out the hundreds of blogs playing along. I'm nearing 100 and will do my first give-away when I reach that magic number... just as I said with on Feb 6th when I posted my handmade creations.

I will get the cards, Love Pocket, and Recipe Ring made this weekend in preparation for the give-away!