Monday ~Wash Day ~ Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday ~ Ironing Day ~ Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday ~Mending Day ~ O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday ~Cleaning Day~ Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.
Friday~ Shopping Day~ O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in
need of love.
Saturday~ Cooking Day~ Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday ~ The Lord's Day ~O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

( This was an e-mail sent by my mother- I thought it was so beautiful and just couldn't resist the urge to share another thoughtful prayer.) So enjoy!!

No News

It's been officially one week and I don't know if that's good or bad news. I was expecting a call, note, or e-mail informing me of my test results. Well you guessed it- nothing. I called of course at the height of the storm yesterday- moments before a tornado was spotted there in Bolingbrook. I can't blame them for something Mother Nature did. I fully understand given the weather- but to make me wait yet another day. I even called twice today- first call left a message second time they were closed. It's not just one day though~ but another entire weekend. I guess I've waited this long whats another couple days. So what I'm saying is no news is good news-at least I hope. Hopefully that call will come Monday at the latest- for I would really like to know how , if any of my temperamental mood swings here of late can be fully blamed on hormones- or could it even be that the depression is back at full throttle. All I know is I need answers sooner than later. I'll keep you informed- until then take care.

Mishaps @ The Todd's

Well, given the weather here lately and all that rain- The Todd family has relocated for the time being to The Lindahl's . They lost power Thursday night @10.30pm and haven't been given an exact time or date when it might be restored. It could be anytime between now and Sunday. They are very thankful and feel very blessed for having such good friends. When Kris is able she will do a post.

A simple Thank You!!

I just wanted to thank you all for your prayers- my physical went much smoother than I anticipated - It only took 2 attempts to get examined and was over in no time at all. I had a nurse practioner who was very nice and gentle which was a big blessing. I also had blood taken to check my hormone levels and will have to make an appointment for a mammogram and more blood tests which I'll have to fast for. I should be getting the test results back this week -if everything comes back good. I'll keep you updated. Have a good few days and look for an update on what my hubby did while I was away.

Trip Highlights

We'll were home again and I couldn't be happier. It was a nice time away with the highlight being the anniversary party itself. Nothing like a 50TH being celebrated in 102 degree heat. And let me tell you - the kids and there were many put a new spin on tarred & feathered. They found out the fountain not only had a spicket for drinking- but an attachment below for filling perhaps buckets. Next thing you know - they were filling cups, bottles whatever they had at their disposal to relief themselves, for the littlest ones had made a big muddy pool and had no intention of moving. After they were good and soaked (myself included- for I let my kids pour water all over me) we ended up at the playground and it seemed to be padded with Hay, dead grass - whatever. All I know it was soft, messy and stuck to you like glue. I wore black and put Matt in white and light blue, which was a big mistake because it took many washings to get those clothes clean- and lets just say his shirt will never be the same again.


It was just as nice to see a good majority of my cousins show up- many of whom I haven't seen in years- and when the girls had asked who they were playing with- and I said cousins in some shape or form- they couldn't believe their ears. It bought back so many good memories to see some- The one that stands out most- Larry. Though he is older- he always was lots of fun to see and used to pick on me whenever we visited. We even had cousins show up from my dads side which was really cool- many knew of each other- they just didn't realize they both had the same Aunt Linda. I'd say with little ones included there were about 50-100 people and enough meat to feed an even larger army because though it was a very good turn out not all the guests showed up. The Decorations were kept simple - they had the children make posters and the adults tape pictures to them- It seemed if some were just taken yesterday- when in fact it has been 20+ years. I happily snatched the one I found of my brother, father and I. The important thing is my aunt and uncle enjoyed themselves and that's really all that matters.

I'm off to.....

Missouri again.. this time for a special anniversary celebration. My uncle and Aunt have been married for ever it seems and I'm sure to have fun... giving what nuts we all are- and it has been years since I've seen some of of my cousins and friends of the family~~ I just hope they've all been invited and will attend. My siblings and I have reserved rooms at the hotel - and each of us are bringing our own families. I'll be minus one_ the hubby is staying home. We leave tomorrow after my doctor's appointment- It should prove interesting- 3 adults 3 children and it has been many years since I've actually traveled with my mom. I know we are alot alike in many ways- but when it comes to driving - lets just say we have a difference of oppion- We are going to let Bob drive!! I still haven't found my digital so I'll have to resort to the good ole disposable cameras. - and when I get them developed I'll share . So to each of you Have a Great Weekend.

On the Home Front

I had a wonderful visit w/ our family who is visiting from West Virginia. They spent the night last night all 5 of them and it was really great just to spend that little alone time catching up. My hubby made an assortment of dishes - enough to feed an army and we ate to our hearts content. The corn- on -the -cob that The Solatka's gave away - was a really big hit and yummy- as was the fried potatoes. We visited well into the late evening and that's where the fun began. Where was everyone going to sleep? They eventually left the decision up to me- and out of habit I put Matthew in our bed. They took the living room- which in my mind was a very smart move considering its the coolest room in the house. Though they left early this morning- the fun carried over til tonight. The majority of us got together again - and boy did we have some great laughs covering all sorts of things. They of course were quite puzzled- between my behavior over the weekend and today. Lets just say I wasn't in the grandest of moods then as I was today- and being one who doesn't always pick -up on a persons body language it apparently makes a big difference. Obviously the happy - calmer me wins hands down-and here lately she has been in hiding.

On a sad note Jackie didn't really get to visit as much as she'd like. We gave her Sunday off to visit and to enjoy the company. She joined her school's softball league- and this week has been busy. On Saturday alone- she had two games and that took almost all day. She played yesterday, today and has another one tomorrow. The good news is she is excited - they won the last two games.

I'd better be going. didn't realize it was so late and I hear a storm a brewing and that means the computer has to go off. So goodnight!!

What's New?

I ask this because I've added several new things to my home. For starters I got a new puppy- named Duchess- only 11 weeks old. This will be the first time ever that I will have to train a dog from scratch as I'm used to older dogs already house broken. Why? We got her where as Matthew could grow with her. She might be adorable buts it all the surprises she has left me these first 24hrs.- that I'm not crazy about. We got her a cage and will have to work on this task.

I've also recently purchased a bed-in-a-bag all patriotic colors. It was a great deal and the price was right considering I have a king size bed. And the much dreaded news- I say dreaded because I'm not really keen on it- A physical. I've never been big on anything other than being poked w/ a needle. So this will be interesting! I'll go Aug. 16Th and try my best to be a good girl- no promises. I know its due time since I've avoided this topic for far to long. I made a promise I'd go and I will keep my word. But before I go off to sleep- I just want to thank everyone for all their prayers and encouraging words.

P.s. There will be no pics for a while- seems like I have a camera bandit on my hands or they grew legs and walked off (lol) I mean seriously I have two of them. I hope to eventually find one or both where I can show off at least my dog!!

Crazy days.

Romeo Fest is here. It actually started Wednesday but we went Thursday night. It was wrist band night @ $15 each and you rode from 5pm-10pm. A great deal!! The girls got their money worth- but Matthew on the other hand didn't want anything to do w/ the rides this year. We walked around, watched the girls , and grabbed a bite. He heard me say fries and just started chanting "fies" and I couldn't resist but buying them. It all worked out a little latter- Daddy showed up and Matthew rode for him w/ a big smile. ( that child does a great job confusing me) smile for Daddy scream for Mommy what's that all about? About 8 pm. Daddy bought Matt and Jackie home- and I stayed w/ Amanda til closing. Though we did have fun - I was a little disappointed with ride selection. They didn't have much of anything for little ones and what they did have was put near the grass. I'm thinking next year they should call it Romeo/ Mosquito fest. The fest for the people and a feast for those pests. (Okay enough ranting Kimberly)

Anyway- I went for the same purpose I do every year. To chat w/ acquaintances that I hardly see through the summer months. Always lots of fun!! and to get exercise. It was a good size walk from the rides to the food vendors/sponsor tents. I did this walk 4 times. ( twice if you count back and forth) let me tell you!! That first trip had to count as a work out. The combination of the heat and carrying 20+ plus lbs on either hip or shoulder has to merit some title. ( I confess I didn't carry Matt the whole time but was walking fast anyway to catch up w/ him) and he led me to a great deal . The ROTC was selling pop @1.25 ea.- the big bottles and that was the best soda deal there.

So if any of you are interested and like fireworks- There is going to be a fireworks show this Sunday evening at 9:15 pm @ the Romeo Recreation Center on 135Th St. Til then have fun!!