Being comfortable in your own skin....

I have always heard people talk about being comfortable in their own skin. What exactly does that mean? I think it means that you love the way you look, the way you feel, the way you are. You are happy with the person you've become. A person comfortable in their own skin does not worry so much about what others think. We all know people like this. I've always envied someone that is content with their style. They wear what they want to wear and feel good about. They don't bow down to what fashion dictates. They do not let being over or under weight affect the way they dress and carry themselves. As a child, I think we all that inner peace that simply lets us be us. I was watching Caleb yesterday as the rains were coming. He had on his galoshes and my umbrella. Did he worry about what he looked like? Did he stop to think "Is this a good look for me?" Obviously not. You can tell by the natural grin on his face that he was as happy as a lark. He had on his fire boot galoshes and he was allowed to be out playing in the rain. It doesn't get any better than that for a 7 year old boy. We should all take a note from his attitude. It's not how you look or what you wear, but how you enjoy your life that makes you comfortable in your own skin.

Yesterday

Do you ever have one of those days that is just full. Full of blessings, full of fun, full of life? I'm recuperating from one this morning. The day started off with a quick trip to the grocery store for the pop for Caleb's party. Then Shelby and I went to Sunday School and church. I got to help out in Shelby's Sunday School class. Our church service was awesome. The choir sung one of my favorite songs and the sermon was fantastic. Then back to Diana's to change for the birthday party and head over to the park. It was a beautiful day and the weather was so nice. We got everything set up and about time to eat, the rains hit. It was a downpour and it was coming in sideways. The wind was blowing and it turned really cold. But we were under the picnic shelter so we survived, a little damp and a little wind blown, but not to bad. The kids had a great time. Garret was cold for awhile in his sleeveless shirt, but once the rain quit and they hit the playground, they soon warmed up. Alexis must have dried off every slide there. Her shorts were soaked from going down them all, but she didn't care at all. They had a blast. Michael took his motorcycle over for the party, since it was a motorcycle theme. I took this picture of Shelby and Caleb on it. If you look closely at her face, you can hear her thinking "Come on Caleb, just one ride. Daddy will never know." The party ended at 4:00 and I rushed home for a quick clean up and headed back to church for choir practice at 5:00. And I mean quick. I got home at 4:15 and was ready to leave again by 4:40. But I made it back on time. We had a real good practice and are learning several new songs. The service was awesome again tonight. For those of you who also follow Debbie's blog http://www.jeremiah-2911.com/ , you will remember when she hit her 100th follower she had a giveaway. Lucky #8 was the winner...and it was me! I got my gift package last night and it was fantastic. As you all know, I am really big on FAITH. It's what keeps me going day to day. Debbie really knows me 'cause look what I won. Plus they were perfect for my new room.

She also knows how much I love the beach and that I incorporated my beach stuff into my new room. Check out the seashell dish. That was part of my prize. I love it. The gifts were absolutely perfect for me. Thank you Debbie from the bottom of my heart.

So all in all, yesterday was a wonderful day and I need a day off to rest up from all the excitement!

Wonderful Memories

Seven years ago today, God blessed us with our second grandchild. He is a miniature copy of his father in so many ways, but many things he does reminds me so much of his mom when she was little. He is a mixture of both and it has combined to make him a true joy to be around. He has elected to have a motorcycle theme for his party this year, complete with Daddy's motorcycle at the party. He has even talked his mom into providing "tattoos" for all the kids attending. Should make for an interesting day. Happy birthday, Caleb Michael, thank you for providing us with many hours of entertainment and adding joy to our lives. We love you.

Top 20 Important Things a Mother Says

20. Be polite. Say thank you and you're welcome.

19. Be nice and play well with others

18. Wash behind your ears.

17. Always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.

16. Don't go near the water.

15. Don't let other people take advantage of you.

14. Stand up for what you believe in.

13. Don't stay out too late.

12. Have a good time.

11. What were you thinking?

10. Did I not teach you better than that?

9. Play good now.

8. Share your things.

7. Your face is going to freeze like that.

6. Don't make me come over there.

5. Just wait until your father comes home.

4. Don't make me count to three.

3. Let Mommy kiss it and make it all better.

2. Sit up straight and quit slouching.

And the #1 most important thing a mother says: "I LOVE YOU!"

The room with no name...

Have you ever had a room that served so many purposes you didn't know what to call it? It seems to be the room where you put everything you don't want to get rid of, but it doesn't match your other room's decor? We have such a room in our house. I call it the room with no name. It is my office, the spare bedroom, the den, the TV room, the kids play room, my craft room. Over the years, I have collected many things that end up in that room that have no underlying theme. I'm big on "Theme" rooms. It was such a hodge-podge. I had an Emmett Kelly shelf, a tea set shelf, books, pictures and all my craft stuff is in the closet.

Well, I finally decided to move things around and consolidate items in different arrangements so everything is mingled in together. I'm very happy with the results. I have a couple of items I need to pick up to get it like I want it, so it will be a work in progress. But I'm happy with the results so far. I didn't think to take before pictures, but here is how it is shaping up:

This flower arrangement was in the closet. Allen made it for me over 20 years ago for my Easter basket and had Mounds & Milky Ways stuck within the flowers. This shelf was nothing but miniature tea sets & tea for one sets. I scattered the tea sets into other areas of the room and even moved some to other areas in the house (I have tea pots and tea sets all over the house).

I even took one of my mini tea sets and put it on the stacked books below. Got that idea from one of my women's magazines. This is just a portion of my books. I actually have books in 4 of the 15 shelves in the bookcase unit. I even bagged up 2 bags of books to trade in at McKays.

I love baskets and try to incorporate them where ever I can. Since I had this room originally decorated with beach decor to an extent, I have blended some of my beach stuff in with other items. One basket holds material, the other has some yarn in it.

Across the top of the book shelf, I took some of my favorite Emmett's and blended them in with my baskets. The picnic basket is actually used quite frequently in the summer. I keep it stocked with paper plates and such but had no where to store it. So I built a whole basket theme around it on top of the book shelf unit.

The pictures below are the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico when we were at Pineapple Willies in Panama City Beach with my sister & her husband. The lamp is one that has been passed from my cousin, to my sister to me. The little Willow Tree angel is holding a seashell. The jar is shells my grandkids have brought me back on their beach trips. I tied a ribbon around the jar and slipped a spoon that has a dolphin on it that Garret & Alexis brought me back from the beach.

This is the couch view. It is not finished yet. I want some country style throw pillows and a lap quilt for the back. The afghan is just temporary. The braided rug is from the kitchen door and is just so I can see what it would look like. I'm going to buy a bigger one when I go shopping tomorrow. The black chest/stand at the end of the couch contains scrapbook supplies, ribbons, glue, etc. for my crafts.

I still have some more things to pick up to get it like I want it, but I am so happy with it so far. When I decided to redecorate and rearrange, I just did it immediately. I forgot all about taking pictures. Which reminds me, I need to add pictures for the wall to my shopping list.

Hope you enjoyed the unveiling of my new room. Have a great weekend.

My cup runneth over...

One of the most well-known chapters in the bible is the 23rd Psalm. We all learn it when we are little. Preachers wrap sermon's around it. It becomes bible study lessons. But as we grow older, do we really appreciate the depth of what God is telling us? Do we grasp the very purpose of His words? We search throughout the world for some kind of understanding; something that will put our heart at peace and rest our souls. The answer is in the words of that beautiful Psalm of old. In vs. 5 & 6, David reminds us of God's presence in our lives. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." It is so simple when we allow ourselves to let go and let God. A dear friend in Arizona shared a poem with me yesterday, author unknown, that made me stop and think what a wonderful life I have and how I should thank God everyday for my blessings. Drinking from my saucer I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow. And as I go along life's way, I’m reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the goings tough. But I've got loved ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank GOD for His blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So. LORD, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If GOD gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

May your days be filled with sunshine and laughter and may you always drink from a cup that is overflowing. Have a wonderful day.

My Home Town

Welcome to my home town, Barboursville, West Virginia. Nestled among the hills I called home, the Village of Barboursville was founded in 1813 by an Act of the Virginia Assembly, before West Virginia broke away and formed it's own state on June 20, 1883. During the Civil War several skirmishes took place in and around the village. As the railroads and highways passed by, Barboursville became a quiet, residential setting of historic homes and figures. The population of the village has increased from 339 in 1814 to more than 3,000 residents.Yet, despite the rapid growth and modernization of Barboursville the village remains steadfastly proud of its heritage. According to the Department of Tourism, it is this unique blend of historical and contemporary sights that make Barboursville a memorable stop for any visitor.

But to me, it's just home. Let me take you on a tour of my home town.

This is the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. Every business in town was located on these few blocks. Growing up, I remember Updike's 5 & Dime store, Plyburn's Pharmacy, Brady's Hardware, and the Stop & Shop. The First State Bank of Barboursville had only 2 tellers and about 3 offices in their small second story building. We had the Corner Grill, The Center Cafe and the Village Inn. And of course, there was Herrold's Barber Shop. Across from the some of the stores was Barboursville Junior High where I attended 7th, 8th and 9th Grade. Until recent years, we never even had a traffic light in town. But times do change and now there are a couple.

The following is an old Civil War Cemetery located about a half-block from mine and Allen's first house. We only lived about 3 blocks from "up town". We would walk up for Oktoberfest and coming home late at night, Allen would tell our kids stories about an old Civil War Colonel who was buried there and still walks the grounds at night looking for his lost soldiers. The boys would usually sneak ahead and run out and scare the girls about that time. And being little girls, they fell for it every time.

One of our biggest tourist attractions was the Old Toll House. It was used by the James River Co. to charge tolls for crossing the Guyan River until the first bridge was built. It was moved in later years into the center of town, where it still sits today.

Several years ago, land was purchased at the edge of town and they built a park, ball field, fishing lake and much more. Here is a view of the "Park". The park ended up almost as big a the whole town.

View of one of the modern day store front in town.

There is a public transit system in the neighboring town of Huntington. It makes regular runs several times a day through Barboursville. There are a lot of college students and wives who don't drive who take advantage of this. Growing up, my parents neither one drove. If it hadn't been for the "town bus" as we called it, we would never have ventured outside of Barboursville. On a recent trip to Mom's, I took my grandkids to the mall on the "town bus". Some memories are not really worth repeating, but the kids loved it. They want to make it part of their trip to Mamaw's every time now. So I guess it was worth it after all.

The old bridge. This bridge has since been replaced with a new concrete one with sidewalks. It was used to cross the river at the edge of town. We used to walk across it to go to Dr. Sadler's office and to visit my sister when she got her first house "across the river." I was petrified every time I walked or drove across it. Glad they replaced it.

This is a C & O train coming through town. Daddy worked at the C & O Reclamation plant in Barboursville. There are tracks going through town so you usually would get caught by a train and rather than sit and wait, we would usually "go around the long way" on the side streets to get by it. Many a summer night I would lay with my window open and listen to those long, sad whistles as the trains ran through the night. I still here them when I visit Mom and they are like a long lost friend.

Those are just some pics of the old home town. I hope you enjoyed a walk with me. Barboursville is still a place where neighbors visit on their front porches, you can walk around town on the sidewalks and see some of the same people that you saw when you walked the streets 50 years ago. Family is still family and friends are still friends. You can go back again and even though some things change, some still stay the same.