LETTER OF THE DAY IS "T' ___

I have been officially appointed to this task -not by one but two women - Kris and Trish. and I'm sure to have fun. I have chosen "T" for this week and I'm thankful for the opportunity and the following......

The Trinity- Father-Son- Holy Spirit

biblical teachings that I'm being taught weekly.

My teenager ( Jackie)
she is thirteen.

my teething -toddler ( Matthew) who is going through the terrible twos.

Trish

Todd family

Travis (brother-in- law)

Teri (niece)

Tommy (nephew)

Trent

Tanner ( a delightful little boy)

Tracy

Tabitha

tomatoes (yummy)

tuna on toast

Top Ramon noodle soups ( we love the chicken)

tamales ( good but spicy)

tacos( a family favorite)

trains( my 2ND preferred method of transportation)

teeter- totters ( play-ground favorite)

Tuesday

Thursday

toys (lots of them)

little tykes toys (outdoors)

tears of laughter

tabernacle (GBC)

Trust

Truth

trees ( they provide great shade)

tents( shelter when camping)

tasty treats that tempt the taste buds.

testimonies

pleasant thoughts

Ten Commandments

Target( store)

teachers & aides

Tennessee( I got family there)

Can you spot two that could be tongue twisters? Have fun!!

MY FAVORITE HYMN

I never really thought about how hymns fill us, though I do read the occasional history of a hymn when visiting Kris Todd. It does however make perfect sense - that I fill more joyful and hopeful after either listening to a hymn or listening to some great gospel music. I just love listening to "The Faith Man Quartet" c.d. that I got at the ladies conference. It always lifts me and inspires me to do more good things and reminds me that I have to stay on track for Jesus. My favorite hymn ( the refrain is the only part I know and sing) is " HE KEEPS ME SINGING" and I catch myself singing it over and over again on many days. I love it as it motivates me to clean my house and keeps me going..... This song stays in my head so therefore I looked it up. I would have never guessed that Luther Burgess Bridges back in 1910 had lost his family to a house fire. The part I know anyway goes.....

"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus sweetest name I know fills my every longing

keeps me singing as I go."

I have many that I truly enjoy but my other all time favorites is "ARE YOU WASHED" and "TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU". I ask myself why I choose to share this with you and I don't really know- It's what was in my heart . Thank you for listening.

And the answer is...................

I thought the questioner Kina posted was interesting so I decided to do it for some much needed fun It's titled " Getting to know you".

1.What time did you get up this morning? I get up around 6:45 every day
( my 1yr.old son is the alarm)

2. Diamonds or Pearls? I don't prefer either but do have rings w/ diamonds.

3. Favorite T.V. movie? "To catch a thief"

4.What do you usually have for breakfast? Pepsi and occasionally a bowl of corn flakes.

5.Middle name? Gail

6. What foods do you dislike? I don't like liver, mushrooms, or yogurt.

7.Favorite c.d. @ the moment? It's by The Faithman Quartet.

8.What kind of car do you drive? A Chrysler town-n-country.

9. Favorite sandwich? Italian Beef (dry)

10. What characteristic do you despise? rudeness

11. If you could anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?
Maybe Italy or Guam.

12. color of bathroom? Blue

13. Favorite brand of clothing? I'm not picky- if it fits & I like it- I wear it.

14. Where would you like to retire too? No place in particular

15.What is your most memorable birthday? ( I have several) (1) 10Th - I officially got the Ray
name (2) 13Th- My daddy took me to the car races- demolition derby and 21st.

16.Who do you most expect to answer some of these Questions in the comments? Jayne

17. Who do least expect to answer some of these Questions in the comments? Karen

18. What is your favorite saying ? I don't really have one.

19. What is your birthday? July 13Th 1968

20. Are you a night or day person? I prefer late afternoon/ early evening

21. What size shoe do you wear? 71/2 to 8

22. Do you have any pets? Does a fish count?

23. Any new & exciting news you'd like to share? not really but my son did learn how to flush
the toilet today- It will eventually drive me crazy

24. What did you want to be when you were little? a doctor, nurse, nun (lol).

25. How are you today? okay

I don't dare number the rest- there is alot

favorite candy? Hershey's, Reese's, just about any kind of candy bar.

favorite flower? anything fake works for me

What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward too? May 5-
Leaving for Camp Joy and the Ladies Retreat.

What church do you attend? Grace Baptist Church

What is your full name? Kimberly Gail _____

Do you wish on Stars? no

If you were a crayon what color would you be? blue or black

How is the weather right now? comfortable

Favorite soft drink? It's a toss between Dr. Pepper and Pepsi

Favorite restaurant? I like Apple bees or Denny's

Hair color? medium brown

Favorite day of the year? The first day of school in late August

Favorite toy as a child? Bike

Summer or Winter? I'm more of a fall person

Hugs or kisses? hugs

chocolate or vanilla? diffently chocolate

What is under your bed? an assortment of stuff

Do you want your friends to answer these questions too? Yes, if they'd like b/c there is alot.

When was the last time you cried? Today - I'm highly emotional

Do you have siblings? yes- 2 brothers 1 sister

What did you do last night? played outside w/my son & played games on my computer

Favorite smell? I'm really not into fragances- but I do like the occassional pumpkin candle aroma

What are you afraid of? My children getting hurt and rodents of course

Plain, buttered, or salted popcorn? The more salt and butter the better- but I do like it all.

How many keys on your key ring? between 5 and 10

How many years at your current job? a little over 13 yrs. I've been mom that long.

Favorite day of the week? I say Wensday- I look forward to going to church on this day.

How many towns have you lived in? Sikeston Mo., Berwyn,Cicero, Lyons, Kankakee, Romeoville
all located in Illinois although there might be more - Oh yes there was Poplar Bluff Mo. too.

Do you make Friends easily? I like to think I do.

Ok, found it- thought I missed one and I did>

Who is the friend you've had the Longest? Karen G - my bestest friend ever!!!

That was fun and alot easier than I thought and now that I'm done _ GOOD NIGHT.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS !!

Matthew, Zack & I got to visit Christine today and it was fun.

The boys had a time trying on Uncle
Larry's caps.
catching race cars.

racing cars

sliding down the stairs ( It hurts the hider most parts that's why I only did it once).

I wasn't the only spector though -there was Pumba the nosy-adorable cat

A day of pampering.

I have good news to share- as some of you know I've been having a lot of pain in my neck into my lower back and I was undecided as to what to do. My hubby & I agreed on me trying a massage. I was kind of leery about the fact that someone would be touching my body and its something I never felt comfortable about. Who do you go to ? Denise Banister of course!! She did an excellent job working these kinks out and I can turn my head and lift my arm with a lot more ease. I plan on returning for another massage on my lower back in the near future. I should warn that there might be some pain involved but its all worth it.

The crazy thing is I got another haircut ( twice w/in several months) My mother used to beg me to cut my hair because she couldn't see as she says "my beautiful face & eyes. When I was much younger and didn't have all these out- of- control hormones I would simply drop in on a beautician friend of mine and get a trim or up-do to look somewhat presentable if some important event came up. But other than that I was quite comfortable looking like Cousin It, it was more important to me what I felt w/ in my heart than to care about how I looked. How the times have changed!!! I can't even stand hair in my face now.

Thank you Denise for a wonderful pampering.

The letter of the day is "A"

Amanda my adorable 9 yr. old daughter

Abby ( my niece in WV)

Austin ( my nephew in Arkansas)

Ahrens - Ron & family are very nice people and are a great blessing to us.

Arnold - another great family

Arvin- Mike ( yet another nice guy )

Aldridge - Jane ( we call her Ma maw)

-my given last name before I was adopted by Jack Ray on my 10Th birthday. ( no relation to Jane)

Angie - my sister-in-law in Kentucky

Angie/ Angela - Bosley my sister who goes by both names.

Acquaintances- we all need to know someone.

Adam - the first man ever created.

Abraham- a biblical man who served the Lord.

Abel- Another fine biblical man.

Apostles - The twelve that were called by Jesus.

air conditioning- we all like to stay cool during the summer.

address book- need a place to store all sorts of info.

angels - what we'll become when we are called home to heaven.

announcements- I like being informed of things happening.

AMERICA - all the United States

Our National Anthem

Advil - to help with our aches & pains

aspirin- baby helps us older people too.

adolescence- a big part of our youth.

apples - any variety is good

animals-

My brain has gone blank so now I say adios (lol) and don't forget we need to

"LOVE ONE ANOTHER"

Our beautiful day

It was definitely a gorgeous day and one that we got to enjoy with family and friends in the great outdoors of Lyons. I even visited my childhood friend who was also my Sunday school teacher - Sue Wright-. She was and still is a blessing in my life though I don't get to visit with her often- but back then I was alwaaays at her house. The kids and I spent the majority of the day at Karen's playing in her beautiful new yard and ended the day with a trip to the park with my mom.

The Grosse- Slone trio singing " I'm a happy christian cowgirl"

which they want to sing next yr. at Round-Up Sunday.

Matthew really liked riding the glider w/ Kristian.

Here's Karen giving Matthew directions on how to use sand toys.

thought this pic of Matthew is sooo cute trying w/ all his might to move Karen's fire pit.

THE FINALE

Because we didn't get a hotel room in Sikeston, we opted instead for a hotel in Cape Girdeau as a treat for our last night there. It was far more beautiful than any hotel that we've ever stayed in as a family. Here is some pics I got off the Internet because while there I lost my photo chip to my camera.

nice, comfortable & really roomy

this lobby was a big hit for Matthew he loved the fountain(center of pic). and the employs made popcorn and fresh cookies nightly ( which was done w/ in certain hrs). and we really liked that too. This is also were they served breakfast ( biscuits & gravy and good tasty coffee

This pool my family had almost to themselves. ( though they enjoyed the hot tub too)

our room was on the left w/ in a step of the pool.

on the right was a slanted walk that Matthew couldn't get enough running out of that.

upstairs was a game room w/ free fuse ball, and ping- pong and we tried both, but were not good at either. ( it was interesting though)

This following pic I found interesting on a bill board & thought everyone would enjoy it.

THE 2ND PART OF VACATION.

That was a long trip to Missouri from Arkansas. It has been years since I been down this far into Missouri and I don't recall back then these roads being this hilly or curvy. ( the major factors why I don't drive in WV). and I was driving!!! It was scary but manageable and worth the trip to see the family. We stayed 1 night 2 partial days and lots of things happened w/in this short time. The big issue was were to sleep ( they made room for us & it's hot- hot in their house) and normally we would stay in a hotel. Would you believe there was not a room available for Sikeston was the host of the " Red Neck Cook- Off " (lol) It's true as funny as it sounds. There was good & bad in this vacation. The good - we went to the cemetery and visited our loved ones & I thanked my Aunt Wanda/Jackie found some nice blouses for church at the outlet mall and the children had fun playing with their cousins. The bad - my Aunt Ann temporally stooped breathing & nearly passed out . She Quickly came to after her friend hit her in the back a couple times. For safety precautions she went to the hospital by ambulance and was found to have pneumonia. She was released within 2 hrs and given meds and orders to rest a few days. I thank GOD it wasn't something more serious for she has lots of health issues and they take care of their great grand kids who live w/ them. We also had a good laugh though, We were trying to figure out a way to get rid of My Uncle's new dog b/c it wouldn't stop barking and was scaring my son. ( not a dog to have around children) . It only calmed down when said "uncle" was present and giving it some attention. It was a good visit and not nearly as crazy as it usually is.

THE GIRLS HAVE FAVORITES TOO.

Jackie & Amanda have compiled a list of things I forget which is the following.

FOODS : fried eggs- french toast sticks- fish sticks- Frito's & funyons.

Fink Family

feet

faces ( smiley ones are the best)

flip flops ( Jackie's preferred choice of shoe)

fishing

fresh air

frogs

flowers

femininity

fire works

fence

finger paint

Flag

firmament ( the heavens)

furniture

functions ( they keep us real busy)

frames ( picture)

The fashionable F

Is for Father - our faithful God

family of five

fiances ( Billy & Jane are getting married next month.)

families- extended- in-laws- church

family reunions ( fun fun fun!)

food ( we always like to eat!)

Fridays ( ladies bible study & start of the weekend)

friends & fellowship

fresh fruits ( yummy!!)

farmers

fried chicken ( my Aunt's is the best)

flavor ( makes everything taste better)

faith ( I do believe)

flannel (pj's-shirts-sheets)

February ( The month of love & births of my Grandma & my Dad)

Fall ( Autumn) ( the weather is just comfortable)

OUR ARKANSAS TRIP

We had a really nice visit with my sister Angie & her family. It was full of activities as well .Monday was our 1st day there and our busiest!! We did an assortment of things, and it was even nicer that she let the boys skip school the two days we were there. We as a group went shopping - Are you ready for this? A big mall that almost seemed deserted. It was so quiet you could of heard a pin drop or even ran around blind folded and still hit no one. We couldn't even imagine that around here on a slow day. We also took in a -school play- "Stone Soup" (Bryce) the 2nd grade classes did an outstanding job performing this number. Saw a - baseball game- Austin's team won the first game of the season. Isn't that allot for one night? I know I had no problems at all following to sleep. I cooked dinner!! Tuesday night which everyone seemed to enjoy and I hate to cook especially on an electric stove. Played a game of UNO and won against 3 others and that rarely ever happens and the children got to go bowling and I got to enjoy a big silent house all to myself well not completely I had Disco & B.J. the rat terrier pups to keep me company. They were so adorable & funny and Matthew loved playing with them as much as we all did. I was highly tempted to bring them home but didn't want to leave the Bosley Family feeling sad.

I had to share this image of the 1st thing I saw entering the city limits of Springdale Arkansas. It was so beautiful yet vastly huge and caught my eye immediately. I saw a single cross towering the skyline then much to my surprise 2 smaller ones.

I refuse to Quit!

Wow!!! That was some sermon preached to us this morning. I never considered "quiting" as a sin though it does make perfect sense. It saddens me to think I used to urge people (even my own children) that this would be a sound proof way of avoiding being hurt. Who was I kidding? This attitude would've hurt everyone involved and resolved nothing. I still struggle and always will for the curves that live throws us, but I know I can't quit for it won't encourage anyone or lessen our burdens. I need to be here for my family and show the children that we have the strength to overcome even the darkest of times. It will be a long hard battle and one that I must fight and win to glorify God. And in my times of doubt I will remember Luke 1:37.

" FOR WITH GOD NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE"

p.S. THANK YOU PASTOR DAVE FOR AN INCREDIBLE SERMON!!!

A challenging question that comes courtesy of Mrs, Julie's friend and one that we have probably asked ourselves a million times. Do you really have to be a mother to experience these instints? No, I believe it comes naturally to the femine gender as in :

• . A sister: I loved the opportunity of helping to take of my youngest brother (Billy) daily needs being his cheerleader and just being there when he needed someone.
• 
  An Auntie: I enjoy talking and helping my many nieces and nephews when they are in need of anything within reason
• .
• A babysitter : Big responsibilities with lots of needs.
  .
  
  And the list goes on to include: A daughter, A granddaughter, A sister-in-law, A niece, A cousin and A friend. I think back on my childhood and recall how much my loved ones really sacrificed for me and how I apply these same things for my own children. So to me "A Great Mum" would be :

• A protector that would keep her children safe at any cost.
• A chauffeur that will drive their kids anywhere in any given weather condition.
• A cook that will prepare them food of their liking, even if your sick of it.
• A nurse that will be there to tend their aches & pains 24/7 .
• A teacher who wants to help her children with their educational needs. and etc..
• An alarm clock that tries hard to keep everyone on a timely schedule
• A maid that cleans up their messes and does the laundry.
• A seeker of their possessions that somehow got misplaced.
• A companion that will stay with them when they don't want to be alone.

the list can go on and on but being a great mum quite simply consists of the basics of just being a loving, nurturing, compassionate, and patient person. All are qualities that each of us possess for it was The Lord that gave us these gifts.

.

TO ALL MY BLOGGER BUDDIES.

This will be my last post for anywhere from 2 -7 days. My family & I are going out of town for vacation - just like we do every year. But this year I'm happy to report I'll get to be in my home Church for this Special Day ( The 1st in our 5 yrs. @ Grace Baptist). Our Destination? Arkansas!! We've going to be staying with my sister Angie Bosley & her family and I'm looking forward to seeing her. Its going to be an adventure for the whole family because none of us have ever been to Arkansas and that's exciting in itself. My husband also is hoping that we have time to stop in and see my family in Missouri which could prove to be fun because they won't even be expecting us. We have sort of developed a habit of visiting them every 4-5 years and this possible trip would be the 2nd in under two years. I can just imagine the surprised look on their faces!!. It will be great. So until we speak again Have a Great Week and God Bless You.

WHAT IF

I sit here tonight thinking hard about my Aunt Wanda ( mom's sister) and I know why. It's was the topic of prayer/ soul winning led by Pastor Jenkins at Tuesday nights spring confer-ence. I'm not sure what denominational church she was with but for some reason I have this feeling that she was trying to lead me in the direction of the Lord. She was a Sunday School Teacher and very active in her home church in Sikeston Missouri. I spent every summer and every possible school break in this same town w/ my grandparents starting when I was very young. I remember attending her class on one or two occasions but only at the urging of my mom. I guess you could say I'm feeling guilty for not giving her a chance. I think this hit me when Pastor Jenkins spoke about something along the lines of don't let your children see you in prayer as something strange. This was a real nice women and I guess to me she was a little odd because nobody else within the family circle attended church, prayed, or used manners quite like she did and I can't help but wonder if that Bible I got on maybe my 5th birthday was really from her. I recall one summer , could of been my birthday that she came to get me to spend some time with just me. I know I didn't want to go but grandma made me and I did spend a couple hours with my Aunt. I had a nice time but she must of sensed I felt out of place and uncomfortable because I don't recall any other outings with her. I can't help but to think of her everytime I pass that same church remembering how upset our loved ones were at her passing. I might just go visit her resting place and thank her for accepting me and that after all these years I do have the Lord in my life although I think she already knows.

The Nursery

What an honor it was to work in the nursery during Monday nights spring conference. I had fun and the little ones kept us quite busy,no wonder its takes 2 or more ladies to keep order.

Maria had her hands full taking
care of Jackson & Nate.

Here is Connor getting a lift from Donna
to get a better view of the action.

Charles & Matthew inspecting the chair.



Angelina & Nathan taking a break.

Cameron & Collin were playing

the drum.

Hannah just standing there.

Paige & Charles seem to be

in deep conversation.

Skyla w/ Connor.

( she came in to relief us. )

P.S. I know some of these pictures aren't that good but I'm still trying to figure out my camera after a year and I would like to say Maria was a real trooper taking care of the babies she wasn't feeling well.

The D's have it

When I think of the letter D some very special peolple come to mind, My own Daddy , Pastor Dave, Donna, Debbbie, & Denise. I think of Doctors and Dentists who help take care of us. My battle of depression and the drugs they prescribed which I don't need anymore since I've got Jesus on my side.

In the spring its brings us delight to go to the pond and listen to ducks quack and we pluck the dandelions up from their roots. We drive to the zoo and always discover something new. We always stop by the dolphins a favorite of ours.

I think of dimples that make a smile so cute, of dancing with the children which we all enjoy. I think of the crazy dog I have no more who would always leave by the front door.

I think of my children who just love their Daddy, and why it seems they are always getting dollars or why we get all happy when we see a dozen dunkin donuts sitting on the table. I think of homemade dumplings which my aunt always makes, or the time Grandpa made me buy a dress. I didn't care for dolls for I'd rather be out digging in the garden for something fresh to eat.
Oh the memories I cherish that long ago sitting on the front porch w/ grandpa having to learn to tie my shoes, It took all day but I was happy as could and now I say thank you for listening to me.