Just one day

Today, my girls & I went to Sandy Hill Cove beach with one of my BFF's, Viv. It was a perfect day to go. The temps were suppose to reach the 90's and most schools aren't out for the summer, so I wasn't expecting the beach to be packed. We packed a lunch, packed up the girls and off we went. It is about an hour drive from my house to South County, which is the southern part of RI. When we got there it was still a bit overcast. But we set up our blanket, umbrella & let the girls start playing. They started out building a sand castle. Auntie Viv as my girls call her, is quite good at building these. She knows that the sand has to be the right consistency of wet sand to stick together. After building our sand castle we went in the FREEZING water for a little while and then sat down to eat our lunch. After lunch, Rachel wanted to go back in the water, while Emily wanted to continue to work on the sand castle. Going in the water & jumping over the waves won out over the sand castle. We then talked the girls into walking down the beach to collect shells to decorate their castle with. It was during this time that this post was inspired. I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way I lost what was important. I LOVE THE WATER; I grew up on a lake & before that by the ocean. I don't remember much about the ocean other than we used to go crabbing. It was so absolutely beautiful today. I loved watching the innocence of my six year olds playing in the sand, jumping over waves and walking down the beach looking for shells and rocks. When we first went in the water if any splashed on their faces they would make pseudo spitting noises and say, "Blek, pthuhy." It was kind of comical. At one point when we were walking down the beach, Rachel found a shell covered in sand, but as she ran into the water to rinse it off she tripped and fell, getting her face wet, bringing about the obligatory, "Blek, pthuhy." She lost her shell & I think some of her pride. We found a lot of clams, several scallops and many of my favorites. I don't know their name and couldn't even find a picture of them. All I know is I've always called them 'banana boats.'
It truly was a beautiful day. It brought me back to the fact that although being at the ocean is sticky and sandy, I really love it. And most of all I loved watching the innocence of my children. Unfortunately, I didn't take a camera today to capture any of what I saw, so I can only rely on my memory. Words can't begin to describe the thoughts that were going through my head. Everything from, I miss my mom, to "Footprints in the Sand," to the innocence of children, my children, to the joy of spending time with one of my BFF's, who loves my girls like they are her own flesh and blood, and many others. I forgot to mention how we started out the day. The girls were asking me what kind of animals live in the ocean. I think they were afraid of something nibbling on their toes. I didn't have the heart to tell them about jelly fish. But I told them crabs and whales live in the ocean. Then we talked about who made the earth (God), who made the animals (God), who made Adam & Eve (God), and that God put Adam & Eve in charge of all the animals. Thank you God for your beautiful creation.

Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Anniversary

Today is my 6th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been 6 years already. Most days it seems like just yesterday. A lot has happened in 6 years. We birthed twin daughters, my mom passed away, my husband lost his job, my 25 year old nephew passed away, and many other things in between, but these are just some of the major high lights. They aren't all negative, I've also had a new nephew & niece as well as a great nephew born. The things that have happened have made our relationship stronger.

"Made your relationship stronger?" you might ask. Yes. Has it always been easy? NOPE! But it has been worth it.

We met when we worked together at a big box store and he was my boss. There was always a chemistry there, but I was seeing someone else that I was engaged to at the time (thankfully that relationship ended before the marriage). Bill and I went our separate ways; he left the company, but our soon to be sister-in-law still worked there, so I was able to keep tabs on him. Two years later he asked me out to brunch, on Valentine's Day. I must have scared him off, because it took him several more months before we got back in touch with each other. That was in 2003, and by September 2003, I felt pretty confident this was the man God had chosen for me and we became engaged. We got married on Valentine's day, 2004.


The other day I went down to babysit for some friends of mine and the song Pina Colada/Escape by Rupert Holmes came on the radio on the way to their house. I grew up on this song, but this time, it made me think about my relationship. I think there are points in our lives where we all get a little bored. I mean let's face it, if every day is the same old mundane thing, chances are pretty good we would get bored. We've only been together 6 years, but some of my friends who've been together close to 20 years tell me variety is truly the spice of life. This song said something to me; is my marriage so boring that my spouse has even thought about stepping out on me? (just for the record, I don't think he has ) More importantly, what am I doing to keep up the spice in my marriage so this never happens? How well do I really know my spouse and his likes and dislikes?

So my love, I'm looking forward to growing old with you, learning more about your likes and dislikes and keeping things spicy.

Love, George

The vote heard around the world

An open letter to the new Senator of Massachusetts, Scott Brown

Dear Senator Brown,

You made history today. The Democrats can't take that from you. You campaigned well; honestly and avoiding negative campaign ads. You are the people's person. If I lived in MA, I would have voted for you. From what I saw and heard, you are the type who is really sincere, not afraid to roll up your sleeves, dig right in and get a little dirty. I know there were some die hard Democrats in MA who voted for you, not necessarily because they believe in you, but because they wanted to send Washington D.C. a message; maybe more specifically our President, Barack Obama. Listening to your victory speech, I hope you keep your word. You said it wasn't the Republican's seat or the Democrat's seat, but the people's seat. In one of the bluest states in this country, for one of the seats that was held for the longest time, the people of MA spoke their voices today and they elected you. Apparently Barney Frank said this was a "popularity contest." Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. I think your opponent made several major gaffes, one of which was not being able to spell the state she was running in.
I could wax philosophical or political all day, but I won't.
I'll simply say congratulations on your victory, and on a race well run. I will be praying that you continue to run that race well.

Sincerely, -Gail P.

A timeless classic for the Christmas season

The movie "Mary Poppins" was on ABC family channel tonight. My husband knows this is one of my all time favorite movies, so he told me the time and channel before it started. I got busy playing on the computer and doing laundry and forgot all about it until about the last 5 minutes of the movie. So I turned on the last 5 minutes.

I think this movie is such a timeless classic because of the message it portrays. Not of a nanny who whips two bratty children into shape, but that the presence of an earthly father figure is important to the family dynamic. God designed the family unit to be just that a unit~ a mother, a father and the children. I understand that things happen in life to rip that unit apart, but just watch the end of the movie. The family is going to the park together to fly a kite. And the dad gets it! He realizes that it is important to the children to spend time being with them. Not to take them to the park so they can do it on their own, but to be an active participant involved in their lives. And Mary Poppins and her umbrella (the talking parrot head) even have that conversation. The bird says something about the children going off with their father and not saying goodbye and Mary says, "Just as it should be."

Can I just tell you how blessed my girls and I are that we have an active, participating daddy in our lives? He is so good with our girls. He'll take them to the library to pick out books and videos. Then come home and read to them or sit down and snuggle as they watch a video they brought home. He'll take them to the park or start a tickle fest with them. Sometimes all he has to do is be his usual goofball self and they'll just crack up at him. And I don't know about you, but there is nothing that puts a smile in my heart more than listening to a child's sincere, belly busting laugh, the kind that come up all the way from the toes.

So, it is the Christmas season. We celebrate Jesus Christ coming to earth to be fully man, yet fully God. What an awesome gift God gave us in his only son Jesus Christ. I bet Joseph had moments like those above in teaching Jesus how to be a carpenter. What an awesome gift God gave me when he blessed me with the perfect husband for me and 2 beautiful daughters for my husband and I to parent. He chose us to be their parents. May you see the wonders and gifts all around you this Christmas season.

been a long time

Don't know if there's any one who even still looks at this, but....I'll give it a shot.
Yes, it's been a long time since I've been here. Life has been crazy~ I'm sure you can't even begin to relate(watch out for dripping sarcasm). Yes, life is crazy for all of us, some of us just manage it better than others.
So for those of you who prayed for my nephew, Adam, he passed away just over a month ago. In fact, a month ago today we were at his calling hours(wake, for some of you). It just seems so surreal.

So, I started cleaning at my church this week. This is not a volunteer position, rather a paid position. This is the first job I've had since I became pregnant with my girls. Well, I babysit for my landlord at least 1 day a week, and have been doing that since my girls were about a year. But to me that doesn't really count.
So 3 people on staff at my church said to me, "I started out cleaning, here." In my mind, I'm saying, "GRRREEEAAATTT!!!!! God, what are you trying to tell me??? That I'm going to be on staff here in the near future???" I certainly don't feel that calling, although God did call me out of a massage therapy career to go to Bible college. Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Change is definitely in the air in my life. And while I don't feel like it is to be on staff at my church other than the cleaning person, I do feel like God is calling me to a new level. He's been trying to deal with me in regards to my marriage~ on many different fronts. (Honey, if you're reading this don't worry, it's all good!) And about my personal life, how I am eating, spending my time, etc.
Some scriptures he's been giving me: Matt. 6:21 ~For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. And today he gave me Col. 3:23-24 ~Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

My Pastor came & talked to me today while I was working. He just wanted to welcome me and in not so many words re-iterate what the Lord had already been telling me in Col. 3:23-24. It was nice to hear the encouragement and reinforcement.

God is soooo good. Hope you are having a blessed life. (btw~ that doesn't mean it will be trouble free.) I am praying for you.

Oh, yeah & just so you didn't think I forgot; it is amazing to me that it has been 8 years since 9-11. I was getting ready for work when all the commotion started, yep, life can definitely be surreal at times.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY and another pet peeve, and some shout outs

Hi There! Bet you've been wondering where I've been. No? Well, that's okay. I'm going to tell you anyway. I have been sucked into the proverbial waste of time called Facebook. One of my other bloggy friends called Facebook the lazy person's blog. And to some degree that is true. It is a bit of an easier way to keep up with people other than reading a bunch of blogs. I don't like that I have allowed myself to be sucked into spending sooo much time on Facebook; yet on the other hand, I have connected with people from grade school, high school and beyond. To me, that is awesome. People I haven't seen or heard from in over (gasp)25 years! (where has the time gone? didn't I just graduate from high school only a few years ago???)

So today is Easter! HAPPY EASTER! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!! Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins & saving my life.

Are you curious what another of my pet peeves is? No? Guess what, I'm going to tell you anyway. Why? Because it is my blog & I can write about what I want.

Like I said a paragraph above the previous one, today is Easter. This is 1 of 2 important "holidays" or holy days in Christianity (the other being Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.) Why? Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for ALL of our sins & then rose again 3 days later. There is not a gosh darned thing any one of us can do to earn, work or otherwise cajole our way into heaven. You either believe it or you don't. If you don't, you may want to ask yourself what would happen to you if you keeled over & died while reading this post. Where would you go?

This brings me back to my pet peeve. People will say to me, "Oh, so you are religious?" RELIGION & RELIGIOUS, YES, THAT IS MY PET PEEVE! NO PEOPLE, I AM NOT ANY MORE RELIGIOUS THAN YOU ARE.

While some "denominations" have "religious" services, Christianity is about a relationship. A relationship with Jesus Christ. Do I do religious things? Absolutely! And I bet you do too! Do you brush your teeth regularly (on a schedule)? Then you do that religiously. Take a shower, go to the bathroom, or eat a meal at a specific time of day? You do those things religiously. I could go on & on, but I'm sure you get my drift. A relationship with Jesus Christ; what does that mean? It means that you believe he was man and God; was born of a virgin; crucified on a cross, died & rose again 3 days later & now resides in heaven at the right hand of God, the Father. Now you may be saying, okay, I've never seen him, how do I know he exists? Have you ever seen the wind? You've felt the wind, you've seen the wind move the trees, but have you ever seen the wind itself? So how do you know the wind exists? For me, I just know! But if you doubt- ask Him. He'll show you. You may be asking how do I have a relationship with Him? How do you have a relationship with your friends? You have to talk to them right? So talk to Jesus. Ask Him to come live in your heart. He will do it. He did it for me, & he did it for the thief on the cross next to him so many years ago. And He has done it for many other people. Does that mean I don't sin any more? HECK NO! I sin daily, but He will forgive all of our sins. This might seem all too simple for you, I promise you it really is that simple.

Okay, I think I'm done ranting about my pet peeves. Now for some shout outs!
Well, since it has been almost 3 months since I last posted, there have been A LOT OF BIRTHDAYS! A couple of the ones more dearer to my heart- my nephew, Adam- turned a quarter of a century, my nephew, Dylan turned 8, my baby girls turned 4!!! And there are many others, who I hopefully wished happy birthday to on their special day. Also my niece, Lyla, made her way into the world and a special friend, Andrew James, made his way into the world- I got to witness this one! Oh how beautiful it was. To read more about,click here .

I guess that about wraps this up tonight. I hope you had a joyous day celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I don't purport to have any of the answers, but hey maybe we can figure out this thing called "life" together. God Bless.

Things going on

You may have noticed I added a new blog to my list of "blogs that inspire me." I've been reading this blog for quite awhile actually & should have added it a long time ago. Forgive me for not doing so, but I am now going to encourage you to go check out Joe Sangl. My girlfriend nick-named him "Dave Ramsey lite." Either way, whether you read Joe or you need a lot more detail & need to read Dave Ramsey - go do it. This stuff works- well, it works if you are at your "I have had enough" point.
Let me just tell you it has all been God, but my husband has been unemployed (and is still) since the end of June, and we have managed to drop debt even during this very difficult time.

On another note, another blog I read that is usually very comical is Because I Said So; she has 6 children, 3 of each. She has a review blog & well, a lot of people read her. She's kind of like the next "Erma Bombeck." She posted a few weeks ago about a giveaway on another blog, so I hopped on over to check it out. And guess what happened?! I WON! I WON!! I WON!!! (Great,~ now I have another blog to add to my list of blogs I read. Just kidding, Rick!)I won a doodle drawing from Rick over at Organized Doodles. He posted rules as to what we could pick for a doodle so I picked this one titled: Holy Ghost Riders ~Doesn't it look great!~

I have to explain, my husband & I both ride motorcycles; a passion I got my husband into. In fact I created a monster, but it is a good one. We are also Christians, meaning we believe in & do our best to follow Jesus Christ & his Word. So I thought that while ALL Rick's drawings were great, Holy Ghost Riders was the most apropos for me. The original post has this scripture -Matthew 3:11. Unfortunately he left it off the doodle he sent me, but that's okay. Thanks Rick! I absolutely love the doodle & when the finances return I plan on getting more.