Liz's Letters

TGIF! 1. It's time for band camp in Texas and it is totally out of control! 2. Texas ; it's not a bad place for raising a kids...even if band camp is out of control crazy . 3. I must be getting old; but I don't feel like it at all! 4. God is the best thing I have ever known. 5. My philosophy is simply keep it simple. 6. The last time I laughed really loudly was last night at my Alanon meeting. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking care of my daughter after having her wisdom teeth extracted , tomorrow my plans include cleaning out my old car, and doing chores around the house then going to church and Sunday, I want to sleep in a little and then I have to go to register my daughter for this years band activities ! To read more fun Friday Fill-in's go to:

Just for fun, I decided to take L.L.Barkat's challenge on writing poetry again. Her challenge was to describe the kitchen (or a particular item). I chose the kitchen. Home's Heart She waits every morning The coffee pot brewing Early each day I visit her first And her day begins Slow with one cup Then the dog For his breakfast Clicking shiny wood With tiny toenails Activity starts Doors open and close Crumbs now on her counter Plates now in her sink She smiles, she is useful Her family now eats Aroma from stove Draw loved ones right in “How was your day?” She hears all the scoop Providing space For the gathering As family comes home at the end of the day she is the focus of all as we scrub, sweep, and scour Her counters are shiny Her floors now are clean And she waits till tomorrow And starts over again. To visit all the RAP (Random Acts of Poetry) participants, go visit The High Callings Blogs

My life in pictures July 19 - 25, 2007 I had a fun week...check it out! Sunday July 19 My daughter and I were spending some time hanging out at the pool and she found this little guy crawling along the edge of the pool. We were a little creeped out at first, but then decided that we liked him. He became the first photo of the week. After taking the snail's picture, I took one of my daughter, just for fun. There she is! Monday, July 20 I took today off of work and it was a nice day to do nothing but rest. It RAINED in Texas on this day. Instead of spending time in the pool in the sun, I enjoyed watching the raindrops make circles in the water. I hung out in my pj's until lunch time! What fun. Tuesday, July 21 I have mentioned a couple of times that my husband and I have been looking at cars. We finally found one that we wanted to keep today! This is a picture of my Honda CRV...me after parking her safely in the garage the first time and then what she looks like sitting in th...

TGIF! It is time for Friday's Fun Fill-In the blank. 1. Losing a friend is not the end of the world, but it's not fun either. 2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I am tempted to take a nap . 3. A fresh cup of coffee in the morning tastes so good! 4. Sometimes, putting others first is exactly the right thing to do . 5. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking, really. 6. Well, maybe there is a chance that God will work that miracle . 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hosting a Ladies Night for a group of friends , tomorrow my plans include taking my daughter to a driving lesson, a little shopping, a little swimming, and worship service at church and Sunday, I want to have a nice conversation with a friend over coffee , and relax and read a book! For more Friday Fill-Ins - go here!

Today, we get to select any verse! FREE DAY! One of my very, very favorite promises of God's is this: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7 (NIV) I love the way that the Contemporary English Version says it: Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. This verse reminds to that my life is to be about walking so closely with Jesus, that His will becomes MY will and therefore when I ask for whatever I wish, it is already in His will... and so it is answered! It is not about me and getting what I want. It is about Him getting what He wants. When I am walking close with Him, I want what He wants! I LOVE IT! For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

My daughter has battled with ingrown toenails. So far, she has had three procedures, each on different "sides" of her toenail, if you will. Only one more to go. (on the big toes, that is) When she had the last procedure done a few weeks ago, the doctor asked, "Do you want to just fix the other one now, while we are here?" My daughter declined, stating she would just wait. She HATES the shots (nerve blocks) that she has to endure to have the surgery. She also hates the toenail when it remains ingrown. When this most recent one started to be a real bother; painful and infected, she shared with me that it was time to go to the doctor. I asked her if I could "work" on it for a little bit, to see if I could relieve some of the pain. (pull the nail out of the skin where it was embedded and trim) Her response was an adamant "NO! I will just keep a band aid on it." Of course the surgery was immanent, and likely would not have been so painful if she had a...

Finally, a poem but not quite sure how I feel about it... About a friend who is in a not so perfect relationship. Hidden She quietly sneaks to the keys and the screen typing the letters to go where she wants careful avoiding hope not to be seen the fear of his wrath she ought not get caught His love is a prison he holds her in tight Her loyalty steady just one little peek threats have been made she's not willing to fight Just a bit of some news is all she will seek He hates her old friend with all that he is Her emptiness hidden with smiles and a song Ego and power; she's rightfully his He believes that she's good as gone But lingers and reads what is published out here Hiding but hurting, loving in fear

It is time for me to post my photos for this week! Some days, a picture for the day is easier than other days, that is for sure! I like the challenge though. So, here is my week in pictures beginning with Monday, July 13 This is a picture of the room where I take my cycle class. I am diligently attending two classes per week, trying to add another in here somewhere. I LOVE Spin Cycle Class! Tuesday, July 14 The release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is tonight at midnight. My daughter and son are planning to attend together. My daughter created costumes for she and her brother, for fun, and with the desire to embarrass him. He thought it was funny! Wednesday, July 15 There is a park that is on the way to my daughter's driving school. I stopped by after dropping her off so that I could return a phone call. While I was there, I totally enjoyed watching this.... Thursday, July 16 Our dog, Rusty, sits on this rug every night while I cook dinner. It is the rug that I someti...

Hooray! It's Friday... And you know what that means! Friday Fill-In the blanks. And here I go..... 1. Eggs and Cheese make a quick and easy dinner. (cheese omlettes are one of my family's most common requests.) 2. Eclipse is the book I'm reading right now. 3. July brings back memories of my brother's birthday. He has been gone for 30 years and I still miss him. 4. My anger last night was obvious. (yuck) 5. They say if you tell your dreams they won't come true, but I don't believe it! 6. Sometimes it takes me a long, long time to think it over. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner after the Dallas Aquarium , tomorrow my plans include cycle class, pool time and attending the worship service and Sunday, I want to do whatever I want! For more fun fill-in's visit Friday Fill-Ins Blog

I WON! The other day, I was blog browsing... you know, you read a blog, leave a comment, someone else's comment grabs your attention, you go there, etc. And I ran across the blog Mocha with Linda The word "mocha" was the grabber. (I was having serious PMS) And the blog I read was a book review on a book titled, HOLY ROLLER by Julie Lyons (Random House) Yet another grab. And as I read, I discovered the book was written by an author who lives in Dallas (that's where I live) and the story was written about a church in South Dallas's ghetto. (I have been there - once with crack addicts. That's another post.) I noticed that Linda (from Mocha with Linda) was also a Texan and I just had to leave a comment. Honestly, I didn't even notice that it was a give-a-way post. I really just commented. (I was totally focused on the book and the Texas thing) Just waking up from a nap this afternoon, iPhone in bed with me, I decided to check my email. And I WON! I won a co...

W hether you turn to the right or to the left, Your ears W ill hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the W ay; W alk in it." Isaiah 30:21 This is one of my very, very favorite verses. It has meant a lot to me over the years, mostly because my husband and I have moved quite a bit in our life together. (Seven times in 28 years, and no, we are not in the military) A lot of those times, we did not know exactly when or where the next move would take place, but we knew it would. When we moved to Virginia, we were told we would be there for 1 to 2 years and it turned into almost 12 years. It was during this time that God showed me this verse. And I clung to it. And I have found Him to be true to His word. For more ABC's of the Word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

Just thinking.... I read something the other day that is sticking with me. Never look for justice, but never cease to give it. This is really difficult to do. I know this because as I ponder it...I have a really hard time not wanting to give it to someone else to ponder. :) I need help! Today I am grateful for a few things. 1. That I do not have to work outside in this outrageous heat! 2. I can drink as much water as I want. 3. That I understand that I am not perfect, but I will continue to strive to always do my best at whatever I am doing. 4. The ability to listen to someone's 5th step inventory with the knowledge that they are becoming healthy, just like someone else listened to mine. 5. Fans...ceiling fans, motor fans, paper fans, you name it. I am very grateful for fans! Happy Hump Day! ~LIZ

When my youngest daughter was a two years old, I made friends with another mom of a two year old, like young moms do. She had three other children, and I had two. We spent much time together raising our children over the years...our two year old's are now approaching 16. She was "my phone friend." Our homes were 25 minutes apart and we saw each other once a week at a Bible Study, but spoke almost every day on the phone. This fun friendship remained this way for almost 13 years. I learned a lot from this friend and although we don't talk much anymore, I think of her every time a Harry Potter movie debuts. That is today. Two of my three children (the 15 year old and the 22 year old) just left for a brother / sister date (this in itself is a miracle) to see the midnight debut of Harry Potter. I wasn't invited and that is okay. Because I am putting into place something that my old friend taught me many, many years ago when our children were very small. A Mommy Ho...

Sunday, July 12 This morning, Fred, Rebecca, and I got up early and met Fred's sister, Debbie, her daughter (our niece) Megan, and her daughter (our great niece, Makena) for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. They had been here for a wedding. Megan is due with her 2nd child very soon (a boy, Maddack) and Makena is a year and a half. We don't get to see them often; Megan, Makena, and Matthew (Meg's hubs) live in Tennessee. It was good to spend time with them, even if it was 7:30 a.m.

Saturday, July 11 That is a picture of our daughter, Rebecca, behind the wheel of my car, soon to be her car when she turns 16! Yep! She got her permit this past week and this is a photo of she and her daddy, headed out for the first official drive. She has had some behind the wheel instruction with the driving school, but this is her first time with Dad, driving HER car. And yes, this is why Fred and I are car shopping. I am giving her my car. Congratulations to Rebecca! She is a permitted driver!

TGIF!!! I could not wait to get out of work on Friday! Top left of this collage, is the view I had of my office building as I got into my car on Friday. I was not sure what was going to happen for sure when I got home, but I was ready to do SOMETHING FUN! We ended up joining our friend, Kim, and her husband Joe for dinner at a local place called Johnnie G's. It was Kim's birthday! (she is 4 months older than me). We had a good time, but for some reason, could not manage to get a good photo! After we left here, Fred and I went to test drive a Honda CRV. Yep, we are car shopping. I loved the CRV, by the way! But I really loved spending time with Kim, Joe and Fred!

Thursday, July 9 This picture represents the day that I had on Thursday. (even as I post this, my daughter and husband in the background are asking, "What is that a picture of?" I answered, "Nothing. You will have to read the post.") I was in somewhat of a grumpy mood when I left to take Rebecca to driving school on Thursday evening and still had some time to kill between dropping her off and going to my regular meeting. I had not taken my daily photo yet, and Rebecca really was not in the mood to be the subject of another Project 365 photo. (my bad attitude might have rubbed off on her) So.... I thought, "I will drive to the top of the hill and take a photograph of one of my favorite views of the Dallas skyline." When I first moved to this area, this particular strip of roadway became one of my favorites because of the altitude (DARE I call it that in Texas??). The Dallas skyline is in plain view from the location that I was trying to get to. But, try a...

Wednesday, July 8 This morning I had another round of Steroid Injections for my neck and wrist issues. I took the day off of work because I have to go under general anesthesia to have them done and cannot drive after the procedure. This time (as opposed to last time) I came home and felt remarkably well. The pain was gone. The numbness ended quickly. And in the late afternoon, when my daughter asked me if I wanted to go to the mall and have some Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, I quickly agreed. We picked up her former boyfriend (your guess is as good as mine) and headed to our neighborhood outdoor mall. After spending a little time in Barnes and Nobles, we headed over for ice-cream. Sitting at the outdoor table, with my daughter and Robert (who has been her very good friend for over 3 years now), I took notice of the outdoor fountains. They have always been there, but they were extra appealing on this day. It was hot, over 100 degrees, and there were children periodically running thr...

Tuesday, July 7 In an attempt to eat healthy and try to to run around in a frenzy deciding what to cook after work, I managed to get a crock pot meal going today! We had some left over steak from the weekend and I found a recipe for "Oklahoma Steak Soup". I found that fitting seeing as my husband and I originate from the great state of Oklahoma. It was much like a beef vegetable soup and very good. I always thought that when it is hot outside you should not make soup, but my husband likes soup year round. He was thrilled.

Monday, July 6 My son and his girlfriend flew out very early on this morning. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to make sure I spent the last few minutes of time with them and then my husband took them to the airport before 6 a.m. to catch their flight. This is a photo of my son's bedroom after he left. It is always sad when I go into his room to look things over and this is what I see. The unmade bed is a blatant reminder that they have left. Sad stuff.

TGIF!!! What a long week and I am so glad that it is Friday. Time for Friday Fill Ins. Go to Friday Fill-In's Blog for more fun fill-in-the-blanks! 1. The last thing I ate was authentic tacos and agua de Sandia . 2. Stilla Smudgepot Eyeliner is something I recently bought. 3. When it rains, it thunders and lightnings in Texas ! 4. Rusty, my dog , was the first person I talked to today. If he doesn't count, the next person would be my daughter. 5. Hugs are absolutely a must for me to totally enjoy life. 6. When I am asleep, having my husband next to me brings extra comfort. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with my husband...maybe test driving cars???, tomorrow my plans include cycling class, the movie UP, dinner with my family (homemade lasagna at Aaron's request) and Sunday, I want to see my sister-in-law, niece , and grand niece , and lay out at the pool!

For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

Well, I am a little late and I have to admit, this week in pictures is a little boring. Most of the week was spent preparing for the weekend since my son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Thien were arriving on Friday. Let's see how the week shaped up... Sunday, June 28 The Village Church had a baptism service. Wonderful worship I rejoiced! Monday, June 29 My husband ordered a photo scanner. We have one on our printer, but he wants to get serious about scanning some of our old photographs and make them digital. The scanner was delivered today. Tuesday, June 30 Rebecca had not seen her boyfriend since she returned home from camp at 2 a.m. on Monday morning. They had a date planned for Tuesday evening, but he got so anxious, he rode his bike over, just to say hi. She was fixing her hair and graciously allowed me to use Michael's surprise visit as Tuesday's photo. Wednesday, July 1 Over 15 years ago, I bought an African violet at Walmart. I thought it would die since it was about t...