Howdy Partner

D-Man here hoping that you have a great day! My mommy will be back on Tuesday with another intriguing post.

In only 6 words

My gracious friend, Queen B, has so lovingly tagged me, her anal-retentive, OCD friend with a little meme. No, not just any meme, but a meme to beat all memes.

Could I say meme a few more times?

Anyway, since the time that learned of this wonderful "tag" my head has been swimming, with answers.

So, let's just say that if you want to stop now, do, for the words might flow for a long, long, long time. And they might not stop. Ever.

B, tagged me with a meme that started with an idea that was prompted by the book written by Larry Smith & Rachel Fershleiser, Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure. The book is based on the story that Hemingway once bet ten dollars that he could sum up his life in six words, "For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn."

Here goes...this could get ugly.

May Blog And Not Do Laundry.

Without a Diet Coke Get Away.

Can Saturday Be Every Day Please.

Mom I Need To Poop NOW.

One Who Can Not Say No.

What do you think so far?

I might write in six always.

And so I continue...

Here on Earth By His Grace.

Has Degree, Loves Being a Mom

Obsessive Compulsive That Is My Story

Mom to Two, Husband and Son

I really must stop now. Thanks B, this will be running through my head all night. And I'm tagging the following: Kelly, Elaine, Joy, Deanne & Cheryl. Please don't hate me.

Here are the rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it to your blog including a visual illustration if you would like.
3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogsphere
4. Tag 5 more blogs with links
5. Don't forget to leave a comment in the tagged blogs with an invitation to play

Oh, OK, here is just one more.

May Need Caffeine At All Meals

Goodbye.

This may take the icing on the cake

Pretend you are a fly on the while overhearing the conversation that D-Man and I had following a quick sp.anking that he got for not minding...and yes, I sp.ank my child because he sometimes needs it... now back to my story.

D-Man: "Mom, spanking me makes my poop come out."

Me: Overtaken with laughter I can't express so I don't respond.

D-Man: "So, would you not sp.ank me."

There is nothing more to say.

Learning to Heal

Several months ago, I wrote of a trial that Husband and I were going through. At that point in our lives, it was something that prayer was healing, but we weren't ready to talk about.

The last several weeks I've been struggling with this trial and what is meant for my. And I've learned that talking about it and remembering that God is with me through it all has made it so much easier.

Husband and I lost a baby in February by D & C 2 days before my 30th birthday. At the time, only 2 people knew that we were pregnant; our families did not. What was supposed to be a joyous time for us to unveil this news, turned into a heartbreaking time of loss and sorrow. We were nearing 12 weeks when we found out that our baby had gone home to be with Jesus.

Our faith was strong then and continues to be strong and we rest in that faith knowing that God needed our baby in Heaven before we did here on earth. We find comfort in knowing that God is rocking our sweet little one and surrounding our little one with so much love and we know that someday we too will be reunited with our sweet baby in Heaven.

We've had wonderful blessings in our lives since then and we know that God continues to guide and provide. But, there is still pain. Still sorrow. Still tears. Still questions.

Our Sunday School class has been studying the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus in the book of John and how Mary and Martha both questioned Jesus when Lazarus died. But, even though their questions were voiced and God patiently listened, they still professed to Jesus that they knew His ultimate will would be carried out. And I'm trying to be like Mary and Martha; able to voice my hurts and fears and worries, but also able to profess the almighty that Jesus is.

I've screamed and I've cried out all those questions that have not been answered. And God has been patient and listened. And in the end, He has comforted. I know that He is in control. I know that He has all the answers, many of which I will never know. I know that He loves me. And I know that His will is being done.

And so I wait. Wait for His guidance. Wait for His direction. Wait for His continued comfort.

And I try to remember that I have hope. But it still sometimes hurts.

Titles on Tuesday: Remember When Edition

So today's Titles on Tuesday edition is a bit different. I want you to think back to your late tween and early teen years to the books that you liked to read.

What peaked your interest?

What books that you read back then would you let your child read today?

Have you read any of those same books in your adult years and if so, did they have the same impact on you?

For me, I loved the Little House on the Prairie series as well as the Boxcar Children series. I also really enjoyed Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books.

I haven't read any of them in many years, but I look forward to sharing them with D-Man in the near future.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program...

I back...well, sort of.

VBS week is over!

I am alive and six young lives committed their hearts and lives to Christ.

D-Man gained an ear infection from the week, so this post is basically a plea.

A plea for prayer; prayer for the 6 who gave their lives to Christ; prayer for an ear that needs to be on the mend; and prayer for a momma who is redirecting her attention 100% back on her family this week.

Happy Monday!

My new best friend

The summer sun is here, but my face is so protected from the sun, that little color gets through.


I've corrected this problem with Sorme's Believable Bronzer.

It gives me color...I.need.color.


It doesn't damage my skin...I.don't.need.skin.damage. Remember what Husband said about that?


And, it will last long after the summer sun is gone.


What more could a girl ask for?

I'm in my happy place

Oh, my bloggy friends, I am in such a happy place today for several reasons.

1. VBS day 4 is tomorrow...it has been an AMAZING week thus far with 6 kids giving their hearts to Christ today.

2. Remember those pictures that almost were...well they are. I found them. On my camera. Where they had been all along. Apparently I don't have mad camera skills.

3. I just found out that Husband doesn't have to work this weekend; as in not.going.in.at.all.

4. I got to eat chips and salsa at lunch today. Oh and some yummy cheese dip. And I had my beloved diet coke times 2.

5. I made this summery table centerpiece that I thought I might share with all of you. I doubt it will put you in your happy place, but it's worth a try.

As you can see, my mad camera skills lead to great photos. Happy Almost Friday!

Works-for-me Kids Cups

Today's Works-for-me Wednesday post is for all you moms out there with young ones who want the independence that a straw in a cup brings, but you don't yet trust them with a true cup and straw.

They are the Take & Toss Straw Sippers by The First Years. D-Man has been using these cups for almost 2 years now and though he is getting better and better using a regular cup and straw, many situations still warrant the use of these (i.e. in the car).

They can be found at many of your local retailers such as Wal-Mart & Target.

For other great Works-for-me tips, check out Shannon's site!

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah

I'm here...but I'm not.

I don't have much today. VBS is in full swing.

Enough said.

Sounding Board

Ever had a day when you just needed to get a lot off your chest?

A day when nothing seemed to go right and you wanted to talk?

Or do you have those days when you are bursting at the seems to tell someone how absolutely amazing the day has been?

These people are what I like to call "sounding boards" which is a name that holds so much meaning.

Sounding...because they listen to all your sounds, whether it is a cry or a scream or a laugh.

Board...because they are rock solid. True to their word. Always there.

My "sounding board" is B and though our move has separated our houses by many more miles, the bond remains the same...strong.

Who is your sounding board?

How Does My Garden Grow?

Hello, and welcome to my garden. I don't actually grow anything that is edible, only eye-enjoyable. Landscaping and yard work are hobbies Husband and I have enjoyed doing together since we had our first home.

This is the first true summer that we have been in this house...that is when we weren't worried about the GIGANTIC pile of boxes in the garage that didn't weren't unpacking themselves. Slowly but surely, we are making this yard our own.

So, take the tour...watch your step...and if you see a weed, PLEASE pull it! Oh, and thanks to Lisa for hosting such an enjoyable event!


Let's begin our tour with the newest thing added to my garden, this lovely "Garden" box I purchased at a quaint, little store here in our town. I've added some plants (not sure what they are) and they are thriving nicely and greeting all who come to visit.




When I was taking these photos, my son, D-Man, wanted to make sure that I got a picture of his sunflowers. These were planted at Easter from a Veggie Tales garden pack in hopes that we could produce some beautiful sunflowers. I am sad to note, however, that since this photo was taken, the grasshoppers have official taken over the D-House flowerpot and the sunflowers look like skinny green men.




I was too sad to snap a photo, so you will just have to envision the green men. Work with me, people.

Here's the flowerbed that flanks our driveway and that is filled with seasonal flowers. The amaryllis is blooming and I just love the red color it radiates. The mums in this bed are also coming out nicely and look for them to bloom very soon.

Next are three of my favorite trees. The first two are two different varieties of Japanese maples. And the last is a dogwood that when in bloom just melts your heart.

Nice shadow, don't you think...it comes free with the tour.



Here's a new addition to our landscaping that Husband and D-Man worked tirelessly on to create a natural-water-washing barrier...in other words, our lot slopes and this keeps the mulch in (now why couldn't I have just said that in the first place, huh?)

It has really made a nice addition to the bed and we even had D-Man's 3-year old photos taken on it.

And here is one of the most important items in our garden, our "Go HOGS" stone. Can you guess who we root for?
And finally, let's end on a colorful note (since we really have little color to talk about...remember, we are working on that), here are some beautiful blooms on a bush I don't know the name of. I'm very technical, I know.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and I invite you to visit By His Grace anytime. Thanks again to The Preacher's Wife a.k.a Lisa for hosting such a fun event. Check out her site for other great gardens to tour.

What makes me Tick

I've learned the last few days as I'm frantically completing the last-minute preparations for Vacation Bible School next week that I can live on little food, even less sleep and A LOT of diet cokes with vanilla from Sonic.

That is, like, 2 large DVCs from Sonic each.and.every.day.

As in not one, but two every twenty four hours.

And you know what, I'm OK with that.

I thrive on stress. Stress gets me going. Stress makes me crazy, but makes me who I am.

I have to have organization and DVCs sometimes get me there.

Is it healthy? Probably not. But, I know that Amy has to have it at this point in life to make it through.

Anyone else ever feel this way?

Works-for-me Wednesday Photo Printing Tip

Today's Works-for-me Wednesday tip is one for all you photo lovers out there. For those who've never read By His Grace before, allow me to let you in on a little secret...I love photos...especially photos of my almost-three year old son, D-Man.


All these photos, leave me in a quandary at the end of every month. But, I've solved this problem by using Winkflash to upload my photos at the end of each month. Then I order them and PRESTO, they are in my mailbox in just a few days!

And a little tip for those who need to order photos very soon, Winkflash is currently running a special on prints, only $0.06 per print through June 16 (use code JUNE256).

Happy printing and for other great tips, check out Rocks In My Dryer.

Titles on Tuesday: DVD & CD Edition

Today's Titles on Tuesday selection is D-Man's favorite new DVD and CD. The DVD is called Lessons from the Sock Drawer and is a collection of 15 all-time favorite Veggie Tales short videos. And what's really cool about this DVD is that if you order it from the Big Idea website (creators of Veggie Tales), you get an AWESOME CD with it for free!

The CD has some great songs with catchy tunes...not that I sing along or anything. D-Man loves the new tunes and immediately wants to listen to them when we get in the car.

So, if you need a new selection to add to your collection I would recommend this conglomeration.

And over the weekend, I had an enema

We spent the weekend in Branson, Missouri at a water-lover's dream called White Water. It is filled with lots of twisting and turning and wave riding!

And I rode the slide on the left...not once, but twice...and may have to go to the doctor to retrieve my swimsuit. If you know what I mean...

A fun time was had with friends and we are home now and wondering what our next big adventure might be.

Happy Monday and sorry for the spacing craziness...Blogger is having some issues.

Who Knew That's How They Found Me?

Well, I checked the statcounter out on my website and you would be amazed at what "keywords" are being typed in that lead viewers to my blog.

Things such as the "underwear rule for firefighters."

Seriously, firefighters underwear rule? When have I mentioned firefighters and underwear anywhere in the same post? Oh my goodness gracious...

Then there is the ever popular "ocd eyebrows." Now, I know that I've had a problem with some over-plucking, but come on.

And then there is my personal favorite from my recent glance at the list "recipe for dirty diapers for dessert." Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

That is just crazy!

They do keep me amused, though, what about you?

Asking Amy

Ok my bloggy friends, the time has come.

The time I know you have been looking oh so forward to.

I'm giving you a chance to ask me a question. It could be something that you want to know about me, my life, my hobbies, my interests, etc, or it could just be a random-I've-been-dying-to-ask-someone-but-not-sure-who-to-ask question.

Disclaimer: All questions will be read and only family friendly ones will be answered on the blog.

So, my dear friends ask away!

Yes, even up to my eyeballs

I'm smack dab in the middle of Vacation Bible School...as the director...yes, that's right, the person in charge.

Therefore, the only things that I have floating around in my head at this moment are the 40 cases of capri suns I must pick up and the mega pack of M & Ms that has been requested.

So, that means, all you get to hear about are the 40 cases of capri suns I need to pick up and all the M & Ms I'm sure that I'll be eating.

Because, I'm now officially up to my eyeballs in "Living God's Unshakeable Truth" and I couldn't be happier!

Happy Wednesday!

Titles on Tuesday:Kids Edition

Today's Titles on Tuesday book is one written by a local author here in Arkansas. It is called 18 Wheels Rolling to Arkansas by Dasha Headley.

The publisher of this book says the following on their website, "Take it from a small-town girl’s point-of-view in 18 Wheels Are Rolling to Arkansas. Roll down a winding highway and cruise by the capitol, taking in the sights to see in the beautiful state of Arkansas! With rhyme and repetition, 18 Wheels Are Rolling to Arkansas will captivate small children as they learn about the beautiful state of Arkansas. Jump in the front seat and enjoy the ride! "

This is a book that I have ordered for our new niece, Baby C, and I plan to include one in baby gifts I give from now on. I think it would make a great edition to a child's library (especially if that child has ties to Arkansas!) And, I have heard that she has plans to write one for all 50 states.

I would definitely recommend!

And away he goes...

For the past several weeks when anyone would ask D-Man what he is getting for his birthday, he would reply, "I'm getting a 4-wheeler for my birthday."

Let me remind you, though, that his birthday isn't until July. That is several months away.

Several.Long.Months.Away.

So, we were at my mom's house the other day and she reminded that my little bro had a Power Wheels monster truck when he was little and she thought it only needed a battery to work again.

So we did what any parent would do...we loaded that bad-boy up in my SUV and away we went straight to the nearest battery-selling place.

And for $39.99 (not $299.99 like the 4-wheeler would have set us back) we were able to bring complete contentment to our soon-to-be-3-year-old son. And he's all about "safety first" and insists on wearing the red helmet that is several sizes too big.

I wonder if my mom will be able to give us his first real car?

Did I say that out loud?