Thursday, October 27, 2011

My Secret Revealed..........

Don't you go scrolling down to get the answer.....

There are just some things you want to hold close to your heart
And treasure a while before you let the world in

For the past 7 weeks or so I have been treasuring
just such A Secret

When Mark passed away on Christmas Eve last year
I didn't think I would ever have joy in my life again

But God has chosen to bless our family
And there are glimmers of joy filling my weary soul

This beautiful family of four
 Will become a family of '5'

Friends,
Please meet
Baby Cain #3
Due in May 2012
Photo of Baby Cain #3
Taken 10/26/2011 at 11 weeks, 6 days

Because momma has a heart condition
She was not supposed to have any more babies
So we were all content with 2 beautiful girls
Yet, God chose differently
And we are Humbled and Blessed

Baby Cain will Never replace my Mark
But 'it' has certainly brought joy
During a season of sorrow!

Choosing Joy Tonight!!!!!!!

Secret

Some secrets are just worth keeping for a few more hours :)

I'll be back later today!!!!!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Our New Addition


I am quite sure you are sick of me
Announcing that yesterday was my birthday
The first one I have lived through
Without my Mark in 31 years

It was Awful
That's all I can say!!!

BUT,
I wanted to do something for myself
So I went and adopted a rescue dog

Friends
Meet Bodie

He is about 10 months old
Born about the day Mark joined Jesus in Heaven

I named him Bodie
Because that is where Mark and I were married

He is as sweet as can be
Matthew and I love him
 We cannot say as much for Sam
But he needs to get a grip

Anyway,
He is our newest
And we are enjoying his company

I hope to announce MY SECRET
Either tomorrow night or Thursday
Stay tuned :)

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dates...That Don't Leave My Mind

Today is my Birthday
And my only thoughts
Are about waking up
10 months ago at this very hour
To find my husband had gone to be with Jesus
Christmas Eve 2010
This is my first birthday in 30 years without him

I'm thankful for 30+ years of memories
But missing him more today than ever

Friday, October 21, 2011

A Puppy Lovin' Review

"How much is that doggie in the window?"

How many of you remember that song, sung by Patti Page in 1952
No, I wasn't born then but it was the most popular version ever sung.
I remember singing along a time or two or 'fifty' :)

Recently I have thought about getting a dog
One just for me
My youngest son has a small dog
But it is his and I want something all my own
A dog will Never replace my hubby
But it might be nice to just have a buddy

I was able to read a new book
Three sweet short stories
About Lovin' Unlovable Doggies
And being involved with helping others do the same

Growing up my parents breed, raised and showed
English Springer Spaniels
So I've always loved dogs
And have even rescued a few in my lifetime

'Love At First Bark' is light-hearted and touching
Reveals a deep passion from the heart of a woman
And draws you in to a new understanding
Of the plight of unwanted and seemingly unlovable pets in the world
It is a great short read for the animal enthusiast

And on a very personal note
“I wish we would reach out, value and have the same
Passion for the unwanted, abused and unloved children of our world
As we do for the animal kingdom”

You can join the doggie discuss here

"I did receive a small compensation for this BlogHer Book Club review but all opinions expressed are my own."

Sunday, October 16, 2011

CRAZY......


The past couple of weeks have been
CRAZY.....

We are implementing a new EMR
(Electronic Medical Record) System
in our office and actually 'Go Live' tomorrow!

I am at day 8 of a 13 straight day work-a-ton
My brain is a bit fried
And my body has been fighting dis-ease

I just wanted to check in and let you all know
That I am still around
And am hoping to post Soon!!!

Be Blessed :)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Project Life

I just LOVE receiving Happy Mail
These boxes were delivered just as I was getting out of my
Car tonight after work
 My friend Gretchen
Has turned me on to Project Life
A beautifully creative
Organized and Simple way to document Life
 Becky Higgins was updating and improving her product line
So I wasn't able to order anything
Until, last Thursday when her products became available again
Today I received my first kit
I cannot wait to get started

Let's see ... I wonder what project I should start with????
Hmmm....
Maybe the one I haven't told you about yet:)

Still Considering My Secret,
Cindy

BTW: If you are family, go to church with me or are a coworker, you already know:)

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Tools of the Day

How neglectful I have been over the past year
Closing off the doors and seldom venturing out into the yard

Though, as the weather has cooled a bit
Life seems to be renewing within me

Breathing is something I do more frequently
And with less effort

So today I journeyed out
With a mission in mind

Power tools of sorts were necessary for my mission
A blower vac
A Weed~eater/wacker/cutter :)
 And of course a Lawn Mower
Which was nearly my undoing

Son #1 showed up in the knick of time
To rescue his momma

Unbeknowst to said momma
Son #1 put the on/off toggle switch on backwards
Can you say: Duh!  I should have known
 A little 30 weight and I was off

Lawn was edged, yard was blown
Lawn was mowed and thatched
After a quick trip to Home Depot
I was able to rake and bag all the 'dead' lawn
 Followed by
The lawn being fertilized, seeded and watered 
 Now I need to remember to water, water, water
And pray, pray, pray that it grows, grows, grows

To be honest my husband never, ever planted winter grass
He hated the extra work
However after a year and a half of no lawn
I am ready for something green in my life

It all took only 5 hours
Quite honestly I enjoyed every minute

And then I rested awhile
Did a little house work, laundry, cleaning and I even managed to
Fix a homemade meal for son #2 and I
Yes, I would say I used a lot of tools today
And I feel Great

What about you
What did you accomplish today

Considering Life Worth Living,
Cindy

Friday, October 7, 2011

More Smiles Today

Today's smiles came
When I walked in my front door to find
That son #2 dyed his hair back to it's natural color
:)  :)  :)  :)
 Mr Cain
You look SO handsome with your natural black hair
This momma Loves It

More smiles have been coming for the past couple of days
October is my birthday month
Family and friends only give you 1 day to celebrate
But STORES give you a whole month

Yeah, I know
They just want you to buy stuff
But, from where I sit this year
I am taking any encouragement I can get
Even if it is from Curves:)

So far I have received
$10.00 certificate to Kohls
1 free month to Curves
1 pair of free panties from VS
20% off my entire purchase at Michaels
15% off my on-line or in-store purchase at Bare Escentials
15% off my purchase at Stein Mart
And I'll take anything else
Any other merchant wants to send me
However, I'm not so sure I have the $$$ to purchase
Stuff at all the places
But it's fun to get the card :)

Also,
I have been keeping a special secret from you all
For about 4 weeks
I still can't tell you
But SOON !!!!!

I'm so excited :)

Looking for any reason to Smile,
Cindy

Thursday, October 6, 2011

What Made Me Smile Today


Waking up to stormy weather
Opening the doors
 To allow the cooler air in
And viewing the green outside
 Spending 11 hours with the cutie below
And allowing her to choose the pizza
 Enjoying said pizza with the family below
And being able to play
"Get the Bone"
With son #2 and his doggie
Yep
It was a Happy Day around The Place

Monday, October 3, 2011

Fall Is A Comin'

Though the temperature does not quite match up with the season
It is fall and time to prepare for this most wonderful time of the year

Last year at this time
I spent my days at work and my nights and weekends at the hospital
My husband was in and out most of 2010 but from 9/9 - 10/18
He was hospitalized and I spent every moment I could with him

The house never did occupy decorations last year
Nor was there a spirit of celebration

My beloved and best friend is now gone
And my heart is desperately longing to be with him
YET,
I am here and life goes on around me

So the decorations for the fall
Have been retrieved from their hibernation area

 The box is opened and ready to fill the house with
The scents and colors of fall
 The above is hanging on my back door
 These little friends have decided to line my front walk
And this will greet you at the front door

I still have much to do
But at least this year we have a start
And I will continue the process throughout this week

I can't wait to light my first autumn harvest candle
Mark absolutely LOVED our fall scented candles

How about you?
Are you getting into the 'fall' spirit yet?

Considering Fall A Delightful Time of Year,
Cindy

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Ask, Seek, Knock



"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8



Friends,

Honestly, I am not good at the above way of life.
I am independent, self sufficient, and strong!
Proud of my abilities to 'DO' what needs to be done.
It is the life I have lived!
It is the only way I know!
I am an Awesome Nurturer but do not for the life of me know How to Be nurtured!
Yet, I am Desperate for just that!

My way of life worked throughout the 30 years of my marriage
It just did!! 
It just doesn't now!

During the next 90 days I will face
My first birthday alone in 30 years
My first Thanksgiving without my beloved
The one year anniversary of his passing
Christmas
And his Birthday
I do NOT know how I am going to get through this 90 day season

At first I wanted to come on here
~My Blog~
And Beg you to help me
But it is so wrong

I know I have only gotten through the past 9 months
Because of God's love for me
However, facing the upcoming events seems unimaginable
I am really not as strong as my exterior portrays
If you could only see me now

I am quite sure this is exactly where God wants me
Alone, desperate, pleading, broken
Yet, it is so against my nature

Desperately Broken In Arizona,
Cindy