Annual Wreath Making Tradition

This is the second year Leslie and I have gone to the Exchange Place to the Wreath Making class they offer. The evening includes a meal served on the old timey metal plates and wonderful desserts. We always have the best time and go home with a beautiful wreath that will last for months (this picture does not do our wreaths justice). Such fun with my sweet forever friend!

Gatlinburg Fires and Supplies for Soldiers

The Gatlinburg fires have been horrible and sad. It was reported that this was the worse fire Tennessee has seen in over 100 years! I wanted to help the victims in some way and I saw on Facebook that the folks at Woodstone Deli were taking donations. I didn't have time to stop and purchase anything so I stopped and gave a monetary donation. It was humbling seeing all the donations given in just a few hours. It was wonderful to see everyone pull together and show love!

I have been collecting money for several years for the Supplies for Soldiers program at Eastman.  This year was a particularly tough year since our company just wen through two "reductions in force" in the past six months. The donations I collected were much less but just as much appreciated! We were blessed in other ways with our donations from our sites in other states and CVS Pharmacy who really stepped up. This is a photo of the items I purchased with the money collected.

Thanksgiving Vacation

I took the week off  for Thanksgiving. Malisha let us keep Elizabeth from Sunday until Tuesday. We had so much fun! I had bought her this cool teepee tent for Christmas but couldn't wait until then. The stars glow in the dark which is really cool.



This picture is pretty blurry but I thought she was so cute wearing my house shoes.

When she comes we push everything to the side so she can have lots of room to play. The living room is a mess with toys but I wouldn't change these memories!

 Love this sweet picture of her in her sleeping bag and laying on her elephant.

 Watching Mickey Mouse in her tent on her bean bag! :)

A Couple Favorites - ZZ Top and Travis Tritt

Jim and I love going to concerts, plays and dinner shows.  When I saw ZZ Top and Travis Tritt were coming to the NPAC (Niswonger Performing Arts Center) we bought our tickets as soon as they went on sale. I must say - great decision! ZZ Top was just as good as they were 30 years ago! I truly loved every minute of their performance! Travis Tritt was awesome too! I loved some of his songs from the 90's! What a fun two nights out with my sweetheart! 



God Leads the Way

There are times in one's life that you look back on and wonder "why did God allow that to happen to me".  The past 18 months have been one of those times. In March 2015 I became a business partner at a women's clothing boutique in Jonesborough.  I loved working with customers, picking out new clothes and seeing the happy faces of women as they try on something that looks fabulous on them. However, having a business partner is not always easy. Our partnership was a struggle almost from the beginning. When your morals and lifestyle is different than theirs it can be hard. Drinking, partying and man hunting is not on my list since I am happily married and seldom drink or party. On Monday, October 31st I sent her an email explaining that I was walking away from the business.  This is part of the email I sent.

"I thought God placed this opportunity before me to help you financially and spiritually and allow me to help my family.  I have been able to accomplish some of these things. I have helped pay for my daughters college, helped my son and contributed to my own household income more. During this time God has taught me improved patience, kindness and forgiveness. The emotions I've felt for the past 18 months have been all over the board but I've continued to pray through it all. I asked God to teach and help me be a good business partner, friend and to communicate and act in a way pleasing to Him. Every time I would feel beaten down by your words and accusations I would turn to Him begging for guidance. It has been hard and I've shed many tears but I continued to trust in God. It has taken me months to get to this point of walking away from this partnership but I am at peace with my decision. Via this email, consider our partnership terminated."

When I looked back and proof read my email I knew God had a hand in writing it. After all, I felt hurt, used and mistreated and the human in me wanted to hurt her back. However, God guided my hand as I typed and He is healing my heart. I have not shed a single tear over leaving this business and am thankful He has shown me what I needed to do to find happiness again. It is now time to enjoy my family and friends. Life is short, enjoy every moment and do not stay in a bad situation!

Thank you God for helping and showing me the way to a happier, peaceful life!