I am back from holidays, and hopefully will have time to write about that soon.  But for now I will write about today.  Today we played in a Change of Command Parade.

I almost didn’t make it.  Last night I awoke around 3 due to dreaming about having awful stomach cramps.  I awoke to discover it was not a dream.  I spent about an hour up, trying to encourage these cramps to subside, finally going out to the trailer to get some Tums.  I estimate that I lost about 2 hours’ sleep in total.  When the alarm woke me up this morning the cramps had not completely disappeared.  I lay in bed wondering if I’d be able to make it to the parade.  I did not feel sick.  I had no fever.  I was sure that it was all due to lack of sleep over the past holiday week, a number of things building on my stress plate this summer, and some ill-timed greasy appetizers my trumpet player and I indulged in after band last night.  A good sleep and I’d be fine.  But at the moment I could not sleep if I were to be ready in time for the parade.

Just when I’d think I was fine and could go, my stomach would tie itself into another knot.  I could not figure out if I’d be ok in time or not.  By 8:50 I felt good enough to get dressed and see if I could be ready in time to leave at 9.  I did and I was, so at 9 am we headed out for the parade.  During the parade I felt fine most of the time, but the knot did return a time or two.  The sun was warm, but when it went behind the clouds the otherwise-welcome breeze worked against me, the cold air making me feel worse, as it is prone to do even at the best of times.  I was thankful every time the sun’s healing warmth reappeared.  I was also thankful for my trumpet player standing next to me, who occasionally, when decorum allowed (in other words, when we were not at attention), looked my way and asked in a whisper how I was doing.  A few times I wished I had stayed in bed.  A couple of times I considered bending down on one knee as those on parade are supposed to do when they feel they might faint.  I wasn’t going to faint, though, and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, fearing that one of the ambulance attendees might see and come to my unnecessary rescue.  So I stood, and for the most part was fine, though I was glad when it was over.

But what struck me this morning happened before the parade began.  We were formed up off the parade square, ready to march in after the others on parade.  The command for the flights was given and I heard the distinct “thrump, thrump, thrump” of the collection of army boots all hitting the pavement at the same time.  It occurred to me that if they were not all in step the sound would not have been as loud.  I remember as a newlywed hearing this same pounding of the pavement, at that time echoing over the water from the parade square to our apartment.  How the sound carried!  It is no wonder that in days past this pounding was used as an intimidation tactic.

I saw images in my mind from movies I’ve seen about war in other times.  Particularly, I recalled a movie about the Napoleonic wars.  The French army was a master at intimidation.  One would hear the boots resound as one as the many men marched as one.  The drum line pounded with feet and sticks, intensifying the sound of the oncoming soldiers.  One could hear the approach as the crescendo continued.  The tactic was effective, but it would only succeed if every soldier marched in time, the many working as one.

Today we don’t use pounding boots to intimidate our enemy, but the unity of the march is not outdated.  Our military continues to practice the discipline of marching in unison for many reasons, but what struck me today was that these men (and now women) who were marching together as one, also work together as one.  It was as if their cadence was representative of their unity of purpose, without which they could not succeed.  It is common in today’s world to hear the military criticized for its uniformitarianism, its insistence that each individual conform to the whole, but it is only this willingness to work as one that allows them success.  It may seem extreme to those of us outside the military, but due to the nature of what they do, it is necessary.  And for those who do not require such regimented uniformity, there is a lesson to be learned about the effectiveness of working together for a common goal…even when you’d rather be in bed!

Today the little girls and I are here alone.  Dad is at work with the boys and Keri is still in LA.  We have quite a few things to get done and I thought I'd give you all a glimps...

Lets start with the basics, laundy, thats always a given.  I could never tell you exactly how many loads are done in a day; I read many blogs about families who are scheduled... "We make sure 3 loads are done a day" and what-not, we just wash... and wash... and wash... get the idea?  But today! Oh today, was one of those special days,  little laundry suprises I call them.  In the past they have been wallets,  dog food kibble, a spoon, misc. UNO cards, bullets (yes you heard THAT right), hmmmm... oh yes, empty yogurt cups, can't forget those... of course there is always the usual pebbles, twigs, coins, caps and every Moms favorite... the dreaded tissues.  Well today was indeed a treat, I found a sandal!  Score!  Even better ~ My sandal! Sigh...oh boy the joys of chaos.

Yesterday the girls utilized some blank cardboard to do their something "constructive", just had to share:

 Bread again was on the agenda. 

Katey has been mastering her loaves from scratch, while Alexis is still working the breadmaker... My motto:  ALL BREAD IS GOOD BREAD!!

And a little respite while we wait...

Next up, tonights dessert!

Alexis making, what looks like will be a very tasty Banana Cream Pie!

No need to tell you Dixie was no help!

Well, that's it so far this morning... I can smell some bread in the oven already!  We'll keep ya' posted!

As you might know, the head of a company survived  9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot.  He stopped at a drugstore ! to buy a Band-Aid.

That is why he is alive today.

Now when I amstuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone...
all the little things that annoy me.  I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys,you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; God is at wor k watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Pass this on to someone else, if you'd like.  There is NO LUCK attached.  If you delete this, it's okay:
God's Love Is Not Dependent On E-Mail !!  (that's the cool part)  AMEN


God bless you and yours!

I found this earlier and I just had to share it.... it look crazy, but if it's real it's SO sweet!!!

http://video.aol.com/video-category/best-viral-videos/111064

Enjoy!!

Well, there is some new news about our food... Here's the link.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/grandeproduce07_08.html

BUY LOCAL

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Hickman is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike.

Patricia Hickman began writing many years ago after an invitation to join a writer's critique group. It was headed up by best-selling author Dr. Gilbert Morris, a pioneer in Christian fiction who has written many best selling titles. The group eventually came to be called the "Nubbing Chits". All four members of the original "Chits" have gone on to become award-winning and best selling novelists (good fruit, Gil!).

Patty signed her first multi-book contract with Bethany House Publishers. After she wrote several novels "for the market", she assessed her writer's life and decided she would follow the leanings of her heart. She says, "It had to be God leading me into the next work which wound up being my first break-out book, Katrina's Wings. I had never read a southern mainstream novel, yet I knew that one lived in my head, begging to be brought out and developed." She wanted to create deeper stories that broke away from convention and formula. From her own journey in life, she created a world based upon her hometown in the 70's, including Earthly Vows and Whisper Town from the Millwood Hollow Series.

Patty and her husband, Randy, have planted two churches in North Carolina. Her husband pastors Family Christian Center, located in Huntersville. The Hickmans have three children, two on earth and one in heaven. Their daughter, Jessi, was involved in a fatal automobile accident in 2001. Through her writing and speaking, Patty seeks to offer help, hope and encouragement to those who walk the daily road of loss and grief.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In this story of sisterhood and unexpected paths, Gaylen Syler-Boatwright flees her unraveling marriage to take refuge in a mountain cottage owned by her deceased aunt. Burdened with looking after her adult sister, Delia, she is shocked to find a trail of family secrets hidden within her aunt’s odd collection of framed, painted dresses. With Delia, who attracts trouble as a daily occupation, Gaylen embarks on a road trip that throws the unlikely pair together on a journey to painful understanding and delightful revelations.

Steeped in Hickman’s trademark humor, her spare writing voice, and the bittersweet pathos of the South, Painted Dresses powerfully captures a woman’s desperate longing to uncover a hidden, broken life and discover the liberty of living authentically, even when the things exposed are shrouded in shame.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

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My Thoughts:

Painted Dresses is the story of sisterhood and friendships, love lost and relationships.  It is an unexpected love story that takes you through twists and turns you never saw coming.  To be honest, it was a bit hard for me to get into this book- the story line was solid, but there were so many minor characters, family members that would pop in for a scene or two, that it was hard for me to connect with them. 

I haven't read any of Patricia Hickman's other books but I do think that I will try to pick up another one from the library and see how it goes.  This one is a good read if you have some solid time to sit and ponder the story.  Not such an easy read but enjoyable all the same.

Enjoy!!

Okay, so I do hope I don't get carried away.... but

Here's another pics of the new grandbaby!

We have had a quick week.  Seems like it has flown by.  We should get to see Paul in a few hours.  That's going to be the best part of today.  We don't really have any big plans for this weekend.  We are probably going to sell on Sat.  I guess right now, we are pretty boring right now.  That's ok, it is nice to have down time.  Have a blessed day!!!  HUGS!