True Friends

Acquaintances. Casual friends. Game-playing friends. Dinner friends. School friends. Church friends. Facebook friends. Blogging friends. Good friends. Best friends for life.

There are many different categories to place those people in your life that have a kind word to say to you once in a blue moon or those that will go to the ends of the earth for you without ever batting an eyelash.

I laugh every time I see someone on Facebook that has 800 or more friends. Do they really know each and every one of those people? Will they ever make contact with them again on Facebook after the friend request has been sent? Will they make an effort to write on each person's wall at least once a month or is it just a numbers game?

We all want friends - and lots of them, but it takes a person going through a rough patch in their life to find out who their true friends are. It's not just a cliche' - it's truth...100%.

Much to my joy, I have had the privilege of experiencing this in my personal life. I have several really close friends that I have known for years - perennials in my life. But I didn't realize the volume of people that actually cared about me (and showed it) until my kidney stone episodes.

Other than delivering three children cesarean, I have been extremely healthy my entire life - no broken bones, no stitches (until this Mother's Day-sniff, sniff), no health issues, no physical problems and no overnight hospital stays.

When these stones made their ugly appearance in my life, it was so comforting to find out just how many friends I really did have. My husband and I had a difficult time keeping up with the emails, texts, phone calls and facebook messages! The concerns were valid and sincere and the bounty of prayers coming in were just enormous!

It felt good...people really do care.

I am still smiling about my Sunday happenings. I enjoyed being there since I had been absent for three weeks; however, I couldn't get anywhere. I was stopped by people swarming around me every 15 feet! The questions, the concern, the smiles, the gentle touch on the shoulder and the warm hugs. I couldn't believe it - I truly had no idea I had that many friends.

I finally walked into service 15 minutes late and just stood there laughing (all by myself!) I was late because people cared. God placed me on their hearts and they needed a reassurance as to my good health.

I was late because God loves me!

So, to all my friends in every aspect of my life and in every state I've ever lived...thank you. Thank you for your sweet comments, precious words, encouraging phone calls, uplifting emails and wonderful facebook messages! Most of all - thank you for interceding on my behalf to our Father.

Now it's your turn.

Have you told a friend today what a blessing they are?

Have you thanked God for bringing those friends into your life?

If you haven't, don't let today end without sharing an encouraging word or even just a smile. You truly have no idea how much that friend may need it.

Ahhh...The Good Life :)

Since my last rant about my body falling apart, I thought I would at least post some pictures of the fun things we were able to squeeze in - around all my ER visits!

We decided to surprise the kids and take a mini-vacation to Dallas and San Antonio for three days. It was a fast but productive and actually educational trip. Our first stop was the American Girl Store. Such an exciting visit for the girls in your life! We were able to get Mia's ears pierced (which she had been wanting to do for years) and splurge on a new Zebra print outfit! She was one happy camper!We also visited the Lego store for my youngest and Guitar Center for my oldest but accidentally left the camera in the car for these stores :(

After a full day in Dallas, we drove to San Antonio to our rented condo. If you have never done this, you might want to consider condos or rented homes. I search for availability on www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner). For our family, this is the only way to go. We have our own little 'apartment', I cook breakfast, each child has their own room and it's usually cheaper than hotels - you just can't beat it) After some fresh banana muffins and yogurt, Sea World was our next destination. Though we didn't go on a lot of rides (didn't really want to get wet), we highly enjoyed each of the shows.The kids had never seen Shamu, so it was quite fascinating for them - even the 4-D Pirate Show was a hoot! I was actually quite glad that the park closed at 5 p.m. That gave us a chance to head back to the condo, shower and rest before eating at Saltgrass Steakhouse. For those of you that recommended it to me - thank you! The service was incredible and the food was amazing. Of course, our waiter was one-in-a-million, which always aids to the happiness of your visit!

After sleeping in a bit and watching a rerun of Andy Griffith, our last day was approaching quickly: The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk. This was the educational part that I referred to earlier. I really expected to be in and out of the Alamo within 30 minutes. Much to my delight, history came alive to us as we walked the grounds, read the 5' illustrated banners and listened to a live narration of the entire events that transpired on the day in March of 1836. Two hours had passed before the cameras were finally put away. If you have never studied this event in history, I challenge you to do so. If you're ever in Texas, I implore you to stop and be awed by what the books don't tell you The San Antonio River Walk was just gorgeous.
We just HAD to eat dinner at Rainforest Cafe and just HAD to get the Sparkling Volcano Dessert! I can't extract the pictures from the camcorder for this one, but let's just say that you would have watched in horror as to how fast the five of us devoured that thing! Walking the streets of San Antonio was delightful, but our short vacation was coming to a halt.We ended our little get-a-way by blowing some money at the Tanger Outlet Malls - which is always fun no matter who you are!

Even though I had just had the lithotripsy done on my right kidney, we still decided to head out to Lake Texoma for the 4th of July weekend with two other families. I really was not looking forward to this trip because of my physical condition, the horrible rain storm that was headed our way and the awful memory of last years unfortunate events! However, it turned out to be the most relaxing weekend I have had in quite a while. It did rain the first night we were there but then it quickly headed out. What made it so special? I was able to recover, my family catered to me, the weather was gorgeous and my friend cooked for every lunch and dinner we had. What was I doing? Relaxing in a lawn chair while enjoying the sight of a happy family!I now have a refurbished body, a new mindset and the same wonderful family God blessed me with! He is SO good and faithful and His love endures forever!

Coupons and Freebies - Better Hurry!

There are just SO many exciting offers going on lately (includes freebies) that I just had to write a quick blog about them. Here's a few that I have found out about:

Free Slurpee
Depending on where you live, July 11 is free Slurpee Day at 7-11 gas stations. Just stop by and ask if they are participating in the free program.

$10 off Coupon
"Like" Famous Footwear on Facebook and then print off a $10 off any purchase of $10 or more. Better hurry - it expires tomorrow, July 12. You can also use this online and I heard that free shipping is included!

50 prints for .50
Order your 4 x 6 prints online with Snapfish and receive 50 prints for only 50 pennies till July 18. Use coupon code JULY4PENNY at checkout! Great deal!!

25 Free Photo Cards
Until July 17, get 25 free 4 x 8 photo cards at SeeHere.com. Use promo "cards-36" at checkout.

Mimi's Cafe
Kids eat free at Mimi's every Sunday night in July with an adult meal

Abuelo's Crayons for Queso
School supply drive - bring in one of the following during the month of July and receive a complimentary appetizer or dessert:
16 count box of crayons
12 pack of pens or pencils
2 pkg of loose leaf notebook paper
2 spiral notebooks
1 box of Kleenex

I know there are a ton more offers out there, but these are the ones I knew about off hand and could type quickly! Now run an grab those freebies and enjoy life!

Coupon Sabbatical Is Over!

I can't believe I actually did it!

I survived a self-inflicted three month coupon-crazin' sabbatical! It was well worth it as the break was much needed, but I am so happy to announce for all to hear that my 90-day, 12-step program is over!

Why did I decide to go on a coupon sabbatical after massively claiming this as my job and hobby for so many years? For several reasons...but mainly because my stockpile was taking over every square inch of cupboard and closet space I had and it truly was taking up time that I wanted free for the summer.

So, I quit gathering multiple coupons from all my neighbors and then spending hours sorting, stapling, cutting and filing them. My coupon friends who received the extras that I passed along weren't too happy with my decision, but somehow they survived as well! I was still cutting coupons but only from my one paper and only for my family.

I will have to admit that fear is now starting to grip my heart.

I actually went to bed last night with the most horrendous nightmares.

Would you believe that I dreamt that all coupons - and I mean ALL - were completely non-existent -- EXTINCT!!

Even though I may have just expressed a light amount of hyperbole, I am quite concerned about my stockpile - I only have 10 bottles of body wash and 12 bottles of hair spray/gel in my cabinet! AAGGGGHHHH!!!

Time to get back on the wagon and grab every freebie I can!

If you're wondering how I organize, cut and staple the coupons, here's a YouTube video explaining it:



Hope that helps solidify my coupon compulsiveness and maybe help you understand why I am the way I am - haha!

Just in case you're wondering - coupon cutting is definitely worth your time. The amount of money I save my family each year is incredible - thousands would be an understatement. The plethora of free items I grab is amazing. Best of all...I love to bless my friends weekly by passing along my free treasures to them!

Watch out Homeland...I'M B A C K!!!

I Want a Re-do!!

Fasten your seat belts because I'm about ready to back up the dump truck and verbally unload!!

This was NOT the summer I had anticipated - not that I had any huge set-in-stone plans, but being sick half of the summer was truly NOT on the agenda! I was able to squeeze in three good weeks of summer enjoyment and then my body must have decided it was time to catch up for not being terribly sick for so many years. Unfortunately, it did it all within a one month span!

My first battle started with being unable to swallow without the food getting lodged right in the middle of my chest. This had actually been going on for about a year or so but very sporadically. I just assumed that I did not chew my food into small enough bites and was causing the issues myself. When it came to the point that I was unable to eat anything without having to force it back up, it was time for a doctor's appointment. I discovered I had esophageal stricture along with an esophagus ulcer. With a little bit of stretching on my esophagus and some meds for a month and I was able to gain those 8 pounds back in no time!

Onto the next trauma...if you read my Mother's Day post, you already know that my battle with the Big Blue Trash Can ended in a loosing streak for me! Since I had never had stitches, there was no better time than the present! If you haven't read that post, you need to - it will have you rolling with laughter (at my expense!)

Here is where I got my three weeks of summer fun in - parks, friends, swimming, shopping, late-night game playing, etc. I am VERY thankful for those beginning weeks. I think the rest and calm environment prepared my body for what was around the corner...

What I thought was a pulled back muscle from starting a new exercise class at the gym, turned out to be a lot more momentous. Five days later I am sitting at the ER with my children in tow. Don't you love it how the insurance companies dictate that an ER visit must be at least three hours in length??? My children were thrilled beyond belief to be in the waiting room for FOUR hours, having no idea what was wrong with me! The prognosis? A UTI, bladder infection and kidney infection.

Joy.

Four prescriptions and three days later, I'm back at the ER since I had very little signs of improvement along with a horrible head-to-toe rash. Now the doctor says my infections have cleared up but I have two kidneys full of stones along with two 7mm babies stuck in the ureter :( No wonder I was still in an immense amount of pain!

Two days later I'm had the famous lithotripsy procedure done to blast those suckers into smithereens. What about those two 7mm stones that were stuck, you ask? Had to pull those jagged things out...so unnatural!

The end? Not yet...I get to go back next week and have the left kidney lasered! They are NOT kidding when they say it is as painful (or more) than having a baby!

Okay...I feel much better! Just had to rant to 100 or so readers!

Since I really don't want to end on a 'down' note, let me say that even though I'd like to start this summer over, I do have a lot to be thankful for:

* I am alive!
* My children are healthy and were a tremendous blessing during all my events
* I am so thankful God gave me my husband - he is amazing!
* I am surrounded by a plethora of friends that came to my aid immediately
* My hubby has a great paying job with wonderful insurance!
* My prayer partners were at it hard and strong - and it was felt!
* Even though I was ill for lengthy periods of time, my children were still able to have fun and be with friends.
* My God NEVER left me and His Word remains the same

Bottom line - I am still a very blessed woman and since I have a personal relationship with the Lord, I believe that everything - yes, everything, happens for a reason. As a friend told me a few weeks ago, maybe God was doing a physical purging in my body preparing me for a spiritual purging. So, what are you up to now, God?

Anticipation awaits around the corner. Until then, I have my devotion in hand along with my 80 ounces of water, fiber-filled muffins and probiotics!

Thank you my friends, for all your prayers and helping with my kiddos. Thank you, Lord, for whatever you are doing in my life...I truly do welcome it!

Can't wait to see what the rest of July holds!

Brain-Dead Summer? Not Here!

Remember my post a few weeks back about purposeful living? Well, I am determined to carry that forth into the summer months. In an effort to make sure that my children do not loose their eye sight glued to the PS3 or become vegetables flipping through approved movies and tv shows, I have devised an evil plan - all for their benefit, of course! This is a list that I typed up about five years ago and used successfully for several years. The last two summers were already consumed with massive vacations and other activities that a list wasn't needed. However, I have decided that an update is needed this year(except for my 17 year old - that might be overkill!) so that video games do not take control of the household.

If you decide to do the same, be creative with your list and ask the Lord to open your eyes to things that you wouldn't normally think about. This is especially good for younger children who still need direction and organization to their summer days. I believe you will find that it will bring peace and structure (yes, you can use those two words together in the same sentence!) to your lazy days while still allowing your kids to get in as many smiles as possible! My goal is always to diffuse the words, "I'm BORED!" Since I have never agreed with being the kids entertainment director, a list such as this puts the responsibility back on them to remind them of all the activities available. Posted on the refrigerator allows listless hands to quickly change directions!

Now that my children are older and past playing with pipe cleaners, here are some of the things that will/have appeared on our list: Swimming (as always!), making jewelry,drawing, putting together a bird house, babysitting, making something from Legos for a contest,participating in the Junior Farmers Market, bike/scooter riding, painting curb house numbers to make money,fishing, camping, going to the lake, learning to bake with momma,and plenty of park outings!As you can tell by the pictures, we have already accomplished quite a bit for only three weeks of summer behind us!

My challenge to you...without being a slave to the list, allow your children to expand their horizons and develop/increase their creative side. Above all - be carefree and flexible. Life is too short to have too many rules!

Flowers - God's Gift to Us!

FLOWERS - I just love them! Actually, I never used to...too much work...too much money and just no desire to maintain them. But things have changed around here and in my heart. Now I just can't buy enough! I have spent the last few years buying distressed perennial flowers and have immensely enjoyed watching them grow back year after year.My cute little flower bed frogs...the gorgeous lilies that came back in triplet this year...three extra perennials planted this year...can't wait to see how they will look like next yearJust love my Mother's Day teapot on the porch!And of course, who can pass up good 'ole fashion petunias!

Though it's not huge or magazine quality by any means, I have found peace and fulfillment each morning as I sit on the porch and watch the butterflies enjoy each flower they approach. The morning is so still and untouched as the sun rises and the dew evaporates...hearing from the Lord is so much easier while basking in His beauty. I'm so thankful that He is a colorful and creative God!