I Confess!

I'm in the middle of doing this elimination diet.  Remember?

It hasn't been too bad so far...

I've had a few instances where I might have eaten something I shouldn't.

The first time I still don't know what it was.  Major repercussions, though.

The second was at a restaurant.  Ordered plain salmon and it came with a sauce I couldn't have.  

Sent it back, they scraped it off.  Hmmm...

But today?  

Today I cheated.

I just HAD to have a yummy cup of coffee.

I figured one wouldn't be horrible.

Fixed it just like I like it.

It WAS horrible.

WHAT!?! 

My precious coffee!  Why hast thou forsaken me?

Thankful Thursday

As we come upon Memorial Day, a day when we remember those who have died in our nation's service, let us be thankful for those who are willing to put their lives on the line so we can enjoy freedom here in the United States of America!

I am especially thankful for:  my Dad, who served during World War II and is no longer with us.

I don't typically...

I don't typically read or pass on those emails you get.  You know the ones...Forward/forward/forward lines drawn along the side in larger numbers as you scroll down the page.

But I did get a forwarded message that I think is worth sharing. 

AZ Sonoran Desert, outside Tucson, AZ

Hey everyone out there! 

We, in Arizona, know you're boycotting us -- but you really should come out here and see our Beautiful Sonoran Desert. 

It's just gorgeous right now!  We know you'd love it and maybe you can share what you saw with the rest of the country so they can love it too!

This is on an 'illegal super - highway' from Mexico to the USA (Tucson) used by human smugglers. 

This area is located in a wash, approximately 1.5 miles long, just south of Tucson, Arizona. If a flood came, all this would be washed to the river and then onto the sea!
 

It is estimated over 5,000 discarded backpacks are in this wash.  Countless water containers, food wrappers, clothing, feces, including thousands of soiled baby diapers. And as you can see in the picture above, fresh footprints leading right into it.  

As we kept walking down the wash, we thought for sure it was going to end, but around every corner was more and more trash!  

And of course the trail leading out of the wash in our city, heads directly NORTH to Tucson, then leads to your town tomorrow. 

They've already come through here. Isn't Arizona just beautiful, America?

 Why would you boycott us???

Our desert has basically been turned into a landfill.

The trash left behind by people illegally crossing our border is another Environmental Disaster to hit the USA. 
If these actions had been done in one of our Northwest Forests or Seashore National Parks areas, there would be an uprising of the American people.....but this is the Arizona-Mexican border. 
You won't see these pictures on CNN, ABC, NBC or the Arizona Republic Repugnant newspaper.  Nor will they mention the disease that comes from the uncovered human waste left in our desert.
However, with respect to CNN, ABC & NBC, they do offer us "Special Reports" on cheating celebrity spouses....

This information needs to be seen by the rest of the country.  

I agree.

Confessions of a pj's lover

That sounded MUCH worse than I intended it to.  Truly!

What I meant to say was:

Confessions of a person who loves everything pajama.

Except that wouldn't be exactly true.

I absolutely adore PJ's.

I do!

Unless they are all frilly.

Or lacy.

Or have an itchy tag.

But if they are soft.  And comfy.  And fit just right...

Put em in my drawer!

Unless you can't find any space.  Cuz it is overflowing a bit in there.

Who can get rid of a lovely pair of pajamas?

NOT ME!

(You didn't think I would put pictures up with this one, did you?)

Missional Monday

Are you looking for a GREAT organization to get involved with?  Look no further!  World Vision is a world class non-profit dedicated to helping better the lives of children.

 

 

 

Who we are

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Who we serve

We serve close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Why we serve

Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.

Reflecting Christ in each community

Wherever we work, our prayer is that our efforts will be used by God to heal and strengthen people’s relationships with Him and with one another. We do this by demonstrating God’s unconditional love for all people through our service to the poor — which includes providing for daily needs, working to build peace and promote justice, and partnering with churches and individuals to encourage spiritual transformation.

Reaching around the globe

World Vision is a global organization with offices in approximately 100 countries. These interdependent national offices are bound together by a Covenant of Partnership, a biblically based agreement that enables us to work together in a unified and complementary way as we walk alongside those we serve.

Employing the best in every region

We are blessed with staff who are experts in a broad range of technical specialties, ranging from hydrology to microenterprise development to public health. And we are inspired by the ways in which they use their God-given abilities in conjunction with existing community resources. Of the more than 40,000 staff employed by World Vision, 97 percent work in their home countries or regions. Familiar with the culture and language, they bring to World Vision a deeply personal understanding of how best to assist local children and families.

Meeting diverse needs

The millions of people we serve include earthquake and hurricane survivors, abandoned and exploited children, survivors of famine and civil war, refugees, and children and families in communities devastated by AIDS in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our extensive global infrastructure enables us to respond where the need is greatest, anywhere in the world.

Trusted worldwide

The excellence of World Vision’s work has earned the trust of more than 3 million donors, supporters, and volunteers; more than half a million child sponsors; thousands of churches; hundreds of corporations; and government agencies in the United States and around the world. We are thankful to God that through these collaborative efforts, we are able to be a part of breaking the cycle of poverty for those in need in our world.  http://www.worldvision.org

Please take some time and check out this wonderful organization on their website! See if their mission can help you match your passion with your purpose.

Perfect Pairings

Walking in the light

 ⁵This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all^[a] sin. ~1 John 1:5-7 (New International Version)

Last day of Preschool

Yesterday was the last day of preschool ...possibly the last day of school EVER for JMonster.  The school had a small production where every class in the school sang a song in front of the audience.

His class did 5 Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree...

JMonster did GREAT! 

Until he discovered himself...

On the big screen!

His lead teacher, Ms Mary.  

His assistant teacher, Ms Lauren.

We are SO blessed to have had them BOTH for teachers this year!  

Looking forward to a WONDERFUL summer!

Our Atlanta trip...in pics!

MM

Our family, our friends, our special time!  Oh how many times did I forget to bring my camera?  Too, too many!  Our friends we stayed with...not pictured.  The wedding we attended...not here, either.  Special dinners, special times.  We will not soon forget!

Food allergy heartache

I took JMonster to his gymnastics class today.  As we were leaving another child asked his mom if he could have some candy out of one of the candy dispensing machines.  She, being a sucker nice mom, said YES and gave him some money.

"Skittles, Mommy!  I want Skittles!"

(This is JMonster's response to seeing another child get candy.)

After reminding him that that is NOT how we ask for something, I told him that we have Skittles at home and NO we are not getting any candy.

"Please!  Please, Mommy."

No.

I then had to explain that I didn't know if something that had peanuts in it had been in the machine before that candy was.  We don't know, so we can't use those machines.

"Oh."

On the way home I hear JMonster pipe up from the back seat...

"Mommy.  Why did God have to make peanuts?"

Now I had to explain that peanuts are not inherently bad, some people are just allergic.  We then talked about how, when he is older, we might be able to go to a doctor and get desensitized to peanuts.  Maybe they can help him to not be allergic.

"I AM older Mommy!"

Hmmmm....I'll call an allergist when we get home.

After we've barely walked in the door at home:

"Flower, we are going to go to a doctor and he is going to help me not be allergic to peanuts!"

(can you see the small tears trickling down my cheeks at this point?)

So I called.  They don't do it here in Smalltown, Texas.  No allergist does.  They did say they had great results with staying away from peanuts and having kids outgrow their allergies.

"Daddy!  If I stay away from peanuts, maybe I can have some tomorrow."

Pure optimism.

And a broken heart for Momma...who knows that what we all want is very unlikely.

Elimination Diet

I am starting an elimination diet to see if we can figure out if it's something I'm eating that disturbs my stomach.

JMonster is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

My dad was allergic to dairy and pork.

My mom is allergic to cranberries and some sort of spice.

Has anyone ever done one out there?  Hello!?!  Anyone?

I could use your help!

Just being honest

Can I be honest with you?  I'm a bit sad right now.  I hate to admit it...it's a bit selfish on my part, but someone else's joy is causing me a small amount of sorrow.

I won't tell you what.

I won't tell you why.

Please don't ask.

Just know that right now, for a brief time, my heart is hurting just a little bit.

(Sigh)

And yet, I know I am not defeated.

I trust.

I. Have. Faith.

Will you say just a small prayer for me?

Thankful Thursday

I joined a Bible Study several weeks ago.  We are currently going through the life of David, looking at how he (and we) are anointed for a specific purpose.

I am thankful for:
1. The study...it is helping me to refocus my life in a way I've wanted to for a long time but haven't had the umph to do.
2. God's anointing...that He gives us a purpose and then prepares us for that purpose.
3. Forgiveness.  We all sin.  Daily.  And to know that I can, and SHOULD, let go of my past sins because they are already forgiven truly amazes me.  I don't need to "Moan and groan" about things I did in my past...I need to focus on preparation for my purpose as well as living fully today.
4. Redemption.

And I'm thankful for YOU.  

That you keep coming back, and you keep supporting me.  

And hopefully, in a small way, what you read here keeps supporting you.

ABC's of Swizz...

A - Age: 37
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: I hate laundry.  It makes my hands dry.
D - Dog(s') name: Hershey and Skittles, although technically I just live with them.  They're not mine.
E - Essential start your day item: Coffee!!!!! And a good book...
F - Favorite color: Purple
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Platinum
H - Height: 5'2"
I - Instruments you play(ed): viola, clarinet, piano
J - Job title: Previously, teacher.  Now, Momma!
K - Kid(s): JMonster (4)
L - Living arrangements: House, attached to another house.  But NOT a duplex!
M - Mom's name: Barbara
N - Nicknames: Swizz, Sticks, Swizzle Sticks
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Tonsillectomy when I was 10, horrible illness, GAVE birth, ???.
P - Pet Peeve: People who aren't REAL.
Q - Quote from a movie/show: Do or  do not.  There is no try.  (Yoda)
R - Right handed or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 4.  I am the middle child.  I have 2 older brothers, an identical twin sister, and a younger sister.
T - Time you wake up: 8am.  I am NOT, I repeat NOT, a morning person.
U- Underwear: Yes.  I like them.  I wear them.  They must cover all pertinent parts.  That's all I'm saying about that...
V - Vegetable you dislike: Brussel Sprouts are okay.
W - Why you run late: I hate being early.
X - X-rays you've had: teeth of course, back after my accident, knee, wrists, foot, chest, head...
Y - Yummy food you make:  Homemade Guacamole.  And great cakes with yummy frosting.  And delicious muffins.  Do I need to go on?
Z - Zoo favorite: MONKEYS!!!  And snakes, but I hate to admit that one.

Funny stuff from our Atlanta trip...

Besides having to call Poison Control TWICE for one of the little girls whose family we were staying with (that's a whole other post!), there were several funnies that happened on our trip.  I'll be posting a recap over the next week or so.

And the answer to your question is YES, I eat deer meat.  And YES I like it!

Missional Monday

 

Every morning 13,000 people in the city of Atlanta wake up with no place to call home.
Approximately 2,500 of them are children. Founded in 1986, the Atlanta Children's Shelter provides free, quality day care, emotional support, an educational curriculum for homeless children, and focused social services for their families. Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness, including domestic violence and job loss, the Atlanta Children's Shelter focuses on the long term self sufficiency of the family – which sets us apart from other Atlanta homeless shelters.

Fast Facts

• Our mission is to provide loving, high-quality child development and support services for homeless families striving for self-sufficiency.

• Since opening in 1986, the Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS) has provided loving care for over 7,700 homeless children and helped guide more than 5,050 homeless families to stable, self-sufficiency.

• ACS provides developmentally-appropriate instruction and activities for children one-month to five years old, Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm.

• All childcare and social services are provided at no cost to families, including Case Management, JobTrack, Permanent Housing Resettlement, Life Skills Workshops and Aftercare Services for formerly-homeless families.

• Single mothers with 1-2 children comprise 85% of the families served. 

• In any given year, 30 to 50% of the families served are fleeing domestic violence or spousal abuse. Another 15% are homeless as a result of job loss.

• The agency’s funding sources are diverse. 90% of the funding comes from private sources including foundations, individuals, employee groups, faith-based institutions, the United Way, corporations and community groups. Only 10% comes from government agencies.

• ACS is accredited for high-quality Early Childcare Program by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a level reached by less than 5% of all childcare in this country.

Please take some time and check out this wonderful organization on their website! See if their mission can help you match your passion with your purpose.

Happy Mother's Day!

I thought I'd share a pic of me with my Mom and two sisters. 

Four Mommas.  

Four very blessed women.

Happy Mother's Day!

Really!?!

This is what I saw when I just checked weather.com.  

Really!?!  

It is MAY 7TH!!!!!  

How does this bode for the rest of the summer? 

I'm Back! And Thankful Thursday...

Yes, I am back!  Not that anyone will read this since I've been gone and now probably have a following in the range of a big goose egg.  But it feels good to be back!  And my camera will arrive in another day with The Rev (JMonster and I flew back while he is driving...) and then I will post to my heart's content about our trip.

And now for Thankful Thursday:
Truly I am thankful that the stomach virus The Rev had last night was just that.  A stomach virus.  Not a heart attack.  Not appendicitis.  Just a plain ol' stomach bug of the puke your guts out all night variety.  I'm also thankful he is well enough after resting all day today to make the drive back tomorrow.

What are YOU thankful for?