What's That Quote? #26 (Be a Pineapple)

Good Morning on this chilly Monday!
I hope everyone had a fun, Fall filled weekend!
I'm still not digging these cold temps. It only makes me yearn even more for Spring!
Can we just skip Winter?....

All this cold has me thinking more and more about what I love and miss about warmer, sunnier days!
One thing is all the fresh produce! My garden, and...fruit!
Pineapples specifically. They are my favorite!
So, sweet and crisp.

Today's quote popped up on my Pinterest a while back and I, of course had to "pin" it for later.
It seemed fitting for today.

I am focusing more on my own family, myself, what works for us, and having the confidence to make OUR lives what we truly want.
We all needed to step back, regroup, and refocus on our goals. I refuse to let my life pass by, while trying to please others and also help others while my husband, children, and myself suffer.

I don't want to sound selfish or bitter. I am just physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted from living a life that is not...me.
This is not the life I want.
I have come to a place where my purpose, my being has been reawakened and I can no longer justify or excuse settling or placing myself on the back burner.
I cannot continue to go day in and day out miserable.

Stand Tall!
I will push myself to have the confidence to be ME!
To thrive and pursue my own life!

Wear a Crown!
I will remind myself, that I AM SOMEONE IMPORTANT!
My needs, wants, hopes, and dreams are just as important as others.

Be Sweet on the Inside!
I am actually a very loving person. I hope that I am sweet.
but, sweet does not have to mean allowing myself to be used, or pushed over for others.

Be a Pineapple

Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside!

What's that Quote? #25 (Let go of negative thoughts)

Monday, Monday...

We meet again!

I know I haven't been around much the past few weeks. It has been rough around here.

We have had 5 deaths in the last five weeks. We are coping and trying to get by.

#Life

It has really kicked my anxiety into it's own universe! I've been a hot mess for so many reasons that I just needed to have a really good meltdown. Get it out and get over it!

Today, I am starting anew.

I am determined to try my hardest to maintain my sanity and what normalcy I can amidst all this...life!

"Let go of thoughts that don't make you strong."

Unknown

I am so tired of letting thoughts, things get me down!

Like the saying goes...

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!

Seriously, it is exhausting!

I tend to let every little set back or snag get me so down.

I sit and think,

"Well, you should have known that would happen."

"What did you expect?"

"Why did you think that would work?"

I hate sounding so bitter and self destructive, but that is usually how I am. #truestory

I hate that I do that and I hate how it feels.

Why am I so hard on myself?

It probably has something to do with a regressed childhood trauma... who knows. I don't have the money or insurance to dig into that one at the moment.

For now, I have me and God. We talk, we'll figure this one out.

Today, I am focusing on my positive vibes and what I CAN accomplish! What I know I have strength in. What I know I can succeed at!

Today, I am going to let go of the thoughts that don't make me strong!

I hope you will do the same.

What do you do to let go of the thoughts?

How do you focus on the positive?

Share any thoughts or stories.

Happy Monday!

What's That Quote? #24(Just Keep Swimming)

What's That Quote Monday

Oh, Monday!

Per the norm, I am struggling today! I feel like each Monday is getting harder for me to get back to any sort of routine. Every weekend is anticipated and then rushed through. I need a break, a re-boot...

"Just Keep Swimming..."

Dory

This smart little fish knows what I am talking about!

Some days that is all I can do! And, I have to admit, it isn't just Mondays. Why should they take all the heat?

It could be a crappy Wednesday or the longest Friday in months. I really have no idea anymore. Most of the time, I'm not completely sure what day it is...

My life is like a big snowball rolling through life getting more and more chaotic each day. I am so overwhelmed, drained, and out of it; I'm not entirely sure how I'm still functioning!

Well, that isn't true. I do know how!

My God! Literally!

He gives me strength every day to keep swimming. To keep going in this crazy life.

He always gives me exactly what I need for the day. Whether it be more energy, more quiet time, more nourishment, or more patience. He knows, and he provides. It may not seem like it in the moment. But, at the end of my day when I reflect on all that I have accomplished, or when I wake up ready to do it all again. Whatever that day is going to bring, I know He is there and will provide. He will get me through.

A few of my current struggles, or things I have been dealing with lately are, my husband being unemployed for over two months, trying to juggle our bills and watching our savings disappear quickly. Our second daughter had a concussion from a volleyball accident on august 23rd and she is still suffering from headaches(also, still no health insurance). She is in her first year of high school, so that means homecoming and parade are quickly approaching..money, money.

We've also had three deaths in our family in the last eight days. My sister's mother-in-law, a dear family friend, and a cousin that had failing health for years. I also have two cousins and my best friend going through high risk pregnancies.

This is on top of all my other, everyday struggles. Especially, with my anxiety.

I just keep swimming...

I know each one of us has our own challenges. Everyone's are different and we each deal with them differently.

What we may think, "Oh.That's nothing!" could be a huge struggle for someone else.

I know, I've said it myself.

I try very hard not to down play someone's struggles. I know what it feels like. I know what it is like to feel completely overwhelmed and feel like no one understands. or worse, no one cares.

Just keep swimming, but you don't have to swim alone.

Remember there is always someone who will do a few laps with you and if you need to; get out of the water! Take a break and then jump back in!

Happy Monday Y'all!

What's That Quote? #23(Summer into Fall)

" And all at once, Summer collapsed into Fall."

Oscar Wilde

I have to admit, I have not read anything written by Mr. Wilde. I do know of many of his book titles, but honestly just haven't given any a try.

I'm not big into poetry, it just isn't my thing. And, I suppose, I've just not really had any interest in picking up any of his books.

I am however familiar with several of his quotes, mainly through Goodreads or other book-ish websites I use.

I find them witty and timeless.

I found this one particularly fitting today.

Here is grand ole Ohio, we literally went from weeks and weeks of  HOTT, dry days well above 80*F by 11am, to waking up to a flood warning, rain, rain, more rain, and thunderstorms with temps barely reaching a high of 68*F today. We are on day 3 of this downpour and it doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon.

I even caught a glimpse of some potential hurricane and high wind storms in the next few days due to everything moving farther north and inland.

So, yes, all at once summer has collapsed into fall!

I did quickly check my local ten day forecast, and it seems we may get a glimpse of what is left of this summer in the next week. Per Ohio, our chances are slim!

I'm not ready!

I am not one of those,... Ooooh, hoodies, flannels, bonfires, and all things pumpkin spice kind of girls. I am always cold, or cold if it is under 80*F and some people decide to crank the A/C down to 66 or so.

I want cook outs, pool parties, movie at the park, summer festivals, bikinis, and sunglasses!

I was not made for Fall or Winter.

I am 5' and pushing 110lbs. I have anemia and I need heat! Sunshine and blistering warmth!

I need Summer to hold out...just a little while longer!

I do love a good thunderstorm. That is, on the days when we can stay inside, snuggle up, be lazy, read a good book or watch an old movie, drink a cup of hot coffee and enjoy it. Not on the days when we have to venture out and be productive in the outside world!

In my perfect world, thunderstorms would only happen on weekends when we have nothing major planned, between the months of April and September.

The storms would happen after 7/8pm when we are already home and done with the majority of our day, and they would last all night long. I always sleep the best during thunderstorms.

The temperature would slowly began to rise with the sunrise and slowly dry out throughout the day.

You know....in my perfect forecast world.

I know, crazy...but that's how I would have it.

I'm just not ready for Fall. This whole year has flown by way too fast. I feel like I have jet lag from trying to cram all our Summer adventures into the last few weeks.

Between back to school happening earlier every year, sports, birthdays, holidays, and the rest of my crazy life, it is just too fast!

How is the weather where you are? 

Are you ready for Fall? 

Do you welcome it or are you clinging to Summer like me?

What's That Quote? #22 ( Dreams)

"Is a dream the ultimate freedom, or the ultimate prison?"

Buffi Neal

(Wonderfully Dysfunctional)

Today's quote came from a book I recently read. 

Wonderfully Dysfunctional: It Must Be Genetic

I have to say this book is definitely one of my favorites, and it will be one that really sticks with me.

You can read more about it and also my review over at A Novel Experience

I really hope you do. This book is full of wonderful quotes. The kind that really make you think.

  One of the reasons I chose this quote is because it asks us a question. It makes you think about how we perceive things differently. When I think of this quote I see it as "eyes wide open" dreams, not the sound asleep sort of dreams.

I really have been in a place where I am starting to wonder myself. Even before this quote came up.

Am I holding on to a dream so hard that I am imprisoned? A lot of days it feels exactly like that! I have these dreams, and I can't see any way for them to become a reality. Every day seems to be taking me farther from what I dream about. Every day that my life changes. My bank account gets smaller, my children grow older, circumstances keep changing(not in my favor), my own life...keeps going. Day and day and I am no closer to my dream.

So, am I trapped, imprisoned in this dream that most possibly will never be a reality?

I truly believe in dreaming. It is what gives us hope. It keeps us going. If we didn't have hope, goals, DREAMS, what would be the point in looking forward to tomorrow? I get that! I really do. I want my daughters to know that it is okay to dream. I completely encourage them to chase every one they have.

I don't want them to let anyone or anything stop them from chasing their own dreams and passions.

I just don't want them to feel this weight of imprisonment that may come with it.

Dreams shouldn't hurt. They shouldn't make us feel stuck or helpless, or even hopeless!

I want them to light up from the inside out and have that gorgeous smile that they can't contain when they think about their dreams, or talk about them. I want them to feel freedom when they dream.

I don't want them to look and feel like I do when someone mentions my dreams. The saddened look of...yea, maybe, someday...

All the while I'm crumbling inside. Thinking, knowing. Telling myself, "It's not gonna happen. Just smile and move on."

I hate that feeling. I hate that I can't even think about it or talk about it without feeling completely crushed on the inside.

I still have some hope. I know that God has a plan for me...I'm just completely blind to what that is at the moment. I will still dream. I will pray that God sees a way to show me where I am supposed to be.

I will be thankful for my blessings and try to let my dreams be my freedom.

I would love to hear how you take this quote! That is one of the main reasons I do these, "What's That Quote?" posts! I want to know how someone else sees or interprets the same quote.

Happy Monday! 

What's That Quote? #21(Parenting)

It's Monday again y'all!
Who's ready for today's quote and tidbits of my life?

This quote made me chuckle a bit at first, and then I thought...
Wow! This is pretty accurate!

I have three daughters. Their ages are pretty spread out.

They are 20, 15, and almost 5 years old. You would think by now, with 20 years experience under my apron, I would have figured out how to drive this bus! I thought so too.
Apparently Martha(the name my girl's gave our real GPS) has other plans!

To be honest with y'all, most days I am just as lost as I was in 1998 when I brought home my first wrinkled and crying bundle of hunkin' love.
I have no clue where we are headed most days. There is no point in planning our route.
God, or the weather, someone, or something in life is going to be thrown in my path of peace and say..."Recalculating!"

And, I am sure y'all are familiar enough with life to know that by the time you get turned around; you've missed the next step/turn anyway and are now just winging it and hoping to reach your destination unscathed, and before they run out of chicken nuggets, or have to go potty in the backseat.

Short and sweet for today:
Parenthood is basically driving around in your mini van, cranking up the radio, dodging crayons being thrown at the back of your head, tuning out your little's pleas, trying to figure out what the sh*t that smell is, wondering if that light on the dash is important, Did I remember my wallet, and hoping you are headed in the right direction.

I have already made coffee, made the bed, dealt with a toddler melt down, taken daughter #1 to work, daughter #2 to doctor, then to school, then back home, gotten laundry gathered,...oh, and wrote a whole post(pics included) all before 10 am!

How's your Monday morning going?

What are your parenting U turns you deal with?

What's That Quote? #20 (You're a fighter)

"You're a fighter. Look at everything you've overcome. Don't give up now."

Olivia Benson

(Law and Order:SVU)

Do you ever feel like you're living inside of a boxing ring?
You just keep fighting, waiting for the bell to ring?
To catch your breath, wipe your brow, and get back in there?
Some days, I feel like Rocky Balboa!
Ya know, the whole, "Yo, Adrian!"
Only in my version...It's more like, "Yo, Adrian, Help a girl out here!"
I'm tappin' out! You in? Back-up? May-Day? Anyone?

Okay, maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but you know how those days are...right?

We just keep fighting. We keep pushing through whatever is thrown at us!

We keep "adulting".

Some days we can get by easy peasy. Some days we struggle. Some days we fight tooth and nail to keep our sanity.

I have a crap ton of...stuff going on in my life right now.

I have some super OMG, I am so blessed highs and some UGHH seriously? lows.

I have the most amazing Savoir! Amen! Without Him, there would be no fight left in me!

I am super blessed to have my oh so amazing husband of 21 years(next week).

I have the most awesome 3 daughters I could ever have prayed for.

I have both of my parents and my most awesome mamaw. I have siblings with the biggest hearts of any people I have ever met, and many more family and friends God has blessed me with.

There are so many blessings I am forever grateful for!

I don't want to say...but.

But, that's how it is, life. 

I also have struggles.

We are currently not living in a house of our own. That is a huge struggle/fight for myself. I want my own home. My place, for my husband and our children. I want away from the area we are living. I want a fresh start.

We are also struggling financially.(big surprise, welcome to 2018...right?)

My husband lost his job almost two weeks ago...just as I was finally making about $25 a week with Affiliates and Google.

So, I felt like we were getting knocked down just as I was getting started.

We have one adult daughter who is 20 and trying to find her way as an adult. We need to continue to guide her and be supportive of her choices. Yet, she sees us falling behind. It is hard as a parent. They keep hearing our advise and suggestions but seeing us struggle isn't very reassuring.

We have a daughter who is 15, she just started high school, and her schedule, routine, and school dynamics are changing.

We have a almost 5 year old who thinks the world revolves and Peppa Pig and bologna.

Every day is different. Every day has new blessings and new challenges.

We definitely have came a long way, but our fight isn't over.

What's That Quote? #19(Hope, Lamentations 3:24 KJV)

What's That Quote?

Are you filled with hope today?
I sure hope so!
(I know, I'm a nerd)

"The Lord is my portion, saith my soul. Therefore will I hope in Him"

Lamentations 3:24

How awesome is that?

The Bible tells us that The Lord is our(mine, yours, and everyone who believes) portion!

Portion in biblical days means inheritance, reward, allotment.

The Lord is our portion. He is all we need! He really is the whole enchilada! And,... a side of guac!

What more could we possibly need?

The Bible is telling us,... Hey, yes...you! He's here! He's got you! He's got everything covered!

The Lord is our portion, saith my soul!

Say it again for those in the back!

The Lord is MY portion, saith my soul!

Amen!

Therefore will I hope in Him!

That's a pretty easy concept to understand. He is offering us every reward, every HOPE we could imagine!

This is one of many verses we should be reminded of daily! We should be sharing with everyone we know. We should be shouting it from the rooftops!

The Lord IS my portion!

This world is rough! It is a terribly scary place. We live in days of violence, crime, fear, sin, drugs, despair, and tragedy. 

We all have hope for better days, easier days. But, where are you putting your hope? Is it in the Lord?

Are you praying for your portion? For your hope to come from Him?

This verse gives us all hope. A hope that we can have something far better. Better than we can even imagine most days!

We have hope!

Hope is defined by Mr. Webster as...

Hope: To desire, especially with an expectation that the wish will be granted.

Well, I'm not waiting for a genie to grant me any wishes!

I will put my hope in the Lord!

I will praise Him only and my portion will be the Lord! 

I HOPE this quote for today has given you all some Hope!

Happy Monday Y'all!  

What's That Quote? #18

What's That Quote?
 Y'all, I do not know why I decided it was a good idea to do my one true, weekly posts on Mondays!
What was I thinking???
Seriously, I am struggling!
Not just with this blog and keeping consistent, but with...life!
I already have some issues I am dealing with on the daily. Today, we have hit another...set back, inconvenience...struggle.
One more thing to add to our plate.
Today's quote, quite literally fits my day. My Monday.

"The struggle is part of your story." 

Author Unknown

Let me just say, this is going to be one hell of a story! 

I do not know who the author is that came up with this quote, but I'm pretty sure they know MY LIFE!

It probably would be easier and more organized/readable to do a bullet list post of my struggles.

Ya know, like a top 10 or something funny like that. I'd have to just laugh through it to keep myself from crying, breaking down, and completely losing it!

I really am a firm believer in finding the blessings in everyday. I know each day I have plenty of blessings and things to be grateful for. I truly do. 

Sometimes, I feel like the more I try to be good and do right and fight to be a better Christian, a better wife and mother; the more the Devil knocks me back!

I am struggling!

I hate that every time I have an ounce of peace or hope that this is it! This is the time we start seeing our hard work pay off...BAM! Back on our arses!

I'm tired of getting the kids hopes up and seeing them have that sparkle back only to have to say...Oops, my bad. Nope, can't do it!

I have been working really,...really hard and being consistent with this blog. Actually, putting in the work to try and earn a little extra to help out. I have spent hours studying, researching, reading, typing, trying new things, all to get better at this and finally start contributing.

I've been shopping and bought up a TON of new books to get little E into her preschool and reading(also to add more to my blog posts).

I feel like I'm doing all this for us, for them to better myself, for them!

I had a peace that I was getting somewhere, getting ahead.

Today, my darling calls at 10:50 am...odd because his lunch isn't until 11 am.

Hmmm. I answer the phone and hear...

"Babe, I just got fired!"

Ummmm, Excuse me...what?

Long story short, the company decided after 9 days that his contract was costing them too much and it would be an inconvenience to start over and train him elsewhere, so he could take $2.25 pay cut to be a general employee, or he could walk. He refused to walk ot on his job or take another pay cut, so they said, "Sorry, bye!"

Y'all, I'm struggling!

I need prayer! We need prayer!

How in this world do we get ahead?

Here is a part of My Struggle,...My Story

What are you struggling with today?

What's That Quote? #17

I suck at Math!
It isn't a secret around here that I am an avid reader. I could go on for days about books! I even have a whole other blog just for that, A Novel Experience
But, when it comes to math, I leave that one to the hubs.
He definitely is Daddy to the rescue because all of our daughters would be in after school tutoring if it was left up to me for their math skills.

This quote:

"Your math homework looks like I need to make a quick trip to the liquor store!"

Yes, that pretty much sums up(ha! math) exactly how it goes when I am left to assist in math homework!

I mean I was a cashier, so I can whip out change and figure up that extra 20% off like nobody's business, but after that I'm lost. I can't do fractions or finding X or Y or whatever letter they've decided was a good letter to lose inside of a math problem! Is this math or a mystery to solve?

I'm not sure why, but I keep picturing myself as Charlie Brown. I'm sitting in math class and all I hear is "Wah, Wah!" You know, the teacher that is talking and you are getting nothing of what she is saying.

That's me.

Usually, a night of the kids asking for my help goes something like this:

Daughter: "Mom, I need help with this math worksheet."

Me: "Ok, what does it say to do?" (I do try to help)

Daughter: "I don't know. I have to find the whole number for problems 1-20."

Me: (looking at the problems) "Uhh, hmmm. Well... Is that it?"(pointing at a number)

Daughter: "No, Mom. That is the problem. I have to find the answer!"

Me: "Umm, yea. That's a problem. Let's wait until Daddy gets home, k?"

What's that quote?

Momma needs a margarita!

Yup, that's the one!

Happy Monday y'all! 

It's too early just yet, so I'll stick with my coffee a while longer today!

What's That Quote? #16

Welcome Monday!
I really need a good, inspiring quote to get me going today.  One to remind myself that messing up, or having a failure; doesn't make me a failure!
I know we have all been there. Felt that way.
Even the simplest...or stupidest thing we do wrong. We instantly come down on ourselves and think.."I'm such a failure."
We have to stop thinking this way! It doesn't do us any good! It certainly doesn't give me any encouragement or want to do better, try again, or keep going.
How about you?
So, for the sake of all our sanity, let's try this approach!

How do you deal with failure?

I know there are way too many things we consider a failure to cover them all.

I know some people consider even the tiniest mistakes to be complete failures. Others focus more on the bigger issues. 

For me, failure usually means a loss. Something I either wanted and never got or something I had or had achieved and lost later on.

A few years ago we lost our house due to a foreclosure. It was devastating for us as a family. We struggled, we tried everything we knew how to do, everything we were advised to do, we prayed endlessly; and we still lost our home.

That was a huge failure!

As adults and parents we felt we had failed each other and our children.

We had not given them security and a home. Those are kind of necessities as a parent. 

We were lost. How could we possibly fix this?

How would we continue to show our children that we weren't failures when that is exactly how we felt?

We had to pack up everything we owned. Box up pictures and memories. We had to downsize and make our children give up things that they wanted. We all had to make serious sacrifices.

We were blessed enough to be able to move in with family and try to reclaim our roles. We had to learn and teach to be grateful for what we did have and what we could have again.

Now, three years later we still aren't where we want to be. We have acquired a new normal. It isn't where we want to be, but we have definitely learned from this and we are continuously moving forward. We are doing research, practicing patience, and taking a slower road to get there. We are learning together. Re-drawing out our want and wish list.

We are turning this into an opportunity to begin again...more intelligently!

How are you using a failure as an opportunity?

I'd love to hear your stories!

What's That Quote? #15

I'm just going to call this a Manic Monday!
It has been one of those days, y'all!
I could almost scream...or cry. I don't know which would make me feel better.
Today's quote is basically coined by yours truly, and I seem to be saying it a lot today!


"What the Shit????" ~ Trema(CoffeeWastedMomma)

Which is pretty much what I say whenever I just don't know what is going on or I give up trying to figure it out!

I'm not sure if the Friday the thirteenth curse is carrying over to today or what!
Today has not been my most productive.
This past weekend was filled with traveling for softball tournaments so I was already off schedule and trying to get up early today to cram in what all needed accomplished.
I already had my quote for today picked out and saved.
I could have sworn I had my pic for today's post already edited and saved.(Apparently...I did not!)
My notes jotted down, etc.
I did find those, but not useful at this point.
I overslept so the coffee my darling had made was already getting cold, as the pot is only timed to stay on for 2 hours after it brews! I know criminal...

I had to do a few things outside before the rain came...which it still hasn't 4 hours later! So, I rushed to do garden chores for nothing! But we did get a crap ton of green beans and 1 large tomato.

(photo from an old post)

Well, because...every post has to have a photo, this one was pre-edited and it is also one of my favorite...

It's Kentucky, doesn't have to be anything in particular, it is just that.

Here is where the pic was originally posted:

Kentucky post~Vacation cursed!

Jump over, it was a good post.

Now, I've been trying to grab a new quote and write a whole post about something I haven't had time to really put my mind into...What the shit?...right?
I know!

My photo didn't save, my quote is less than planned or thought out.
My stupid BeFunky~ Photo Editing Site keeps crashing shockwave.
I have no quote, no photo, no thoughts...
So, I am hoping y'all can laugh and scream with me today. Chalk it up to "What The Shit?" Monday and carry on with me!
I promise their are better days to come!

P.S. If there is a weird code at the bottom and not my signature....Well...
What The Shit?
Something else that isn't working right today. I'll check back to see and try to fix that also!



https://s26.postimg.cc/mv2dirgl5/myblogsig1.png

What's That Quote? #14

  We all have those days where we have to get things done. The things that can't wait or be put off until later.
We have those days where we say, we aren't doing anything. The days you are just too tired to even attempt the smallest tasks.

Then, we have Mondays! For me, these are the days... I will try!
I know there are a ton of things that should be getting done around here, and...I will try!


"Today is a good day to try." ~ Quasimodo

Don't be like this gargoyle sitting around waiting!

Get up and TRY!

I know how it is. Some days that is all we can do!

That's fine with me! I have those days too.

Here's how I am going to use this.

I am going to try to finish this cup of coffee before it gets cold...colder.

I am going to try to get as much laundry done as possible!

I am going to try to plan and make a decently healthy meal tonight.

I am going to try to get my book finished today(125 pages left)

I am going to try to get the offspring in bed at a decent time tonight!

I am going to try today!

What are you going to try today? Something new? Let me know how your Monday is going!

Be like Quasi and TRY!

What's That Quote? #13 (Coffee Lovers)

I am a coffee addict, and I regret nothing! ;)

How is your Monday going?
Mine is dragging. Well, I am anyway.
I definitely needed my cup of joe this morning!
Ever have those days? Those days where you just cannot seem to get going? To get it together?
That's where I am today.
So, for my Monday What's That Quote, I am going to put out a post solely directed to my coffee lovin' mommas!
These are just a few of the crazy, quirky, fun little quotes, or phrases I have came across. Seriously, we can all relate and laugh together.
They are quite catchy and since that is my "name", I thought it fitting for me to share a little of my inspiration into my CoffeeWasted Life
I know, I know. I have a problem...
I am a total addict. I love it hot, cold, iced, frappe, frappaccino, latte... I like it mocha, vanilla, caramel, original. I should really have stock in Maxwell house and International Delights! Or at least get an affiliate deal out of this habit!
I can even be found enjoying a little coffee cake from time to time.

1. I like big cups and I cannot lie
2. When life gives you lemons, trade them for coffee
3. Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's caffeine
4. You can come out now, I've had my coffee
5. Life,...but first coffee
6. May your coffee be stronger than your toddler(Amen!)
7. I need a coffee the size of my ass!
8. A brew will see you through
9. I never said I would die without coffee, I said others would.
10. It's coffee o'clock somewhere
11. coffee & chill
12. coffee...because it's too early for wine
13. coffee is my love language
14. Rise and grind sunshine
15. coffee a liquid hug

ok, tell me you laughed at least once reading these!
If you're into coffee, coffee accessories, and antiques, you can find some super cool antique coffee grinders here:
ANTIQUE COFFEE GRINDERS

Do you have any fun "coffee" quotes?

I'd love to add a few more and share!

What's That Quote? #12

I believe EVERY mother needs to hear this!

As a Christian mother, it is hard. We have so much to learn, do, teach, and remember. How do we do it all?

Day in and day out we continue to do our "job".

We have to be completely responsible for another human being. It is not a part time gig! It literally is probably the only job that is 24/7

We are constantly doing things for them, with them, around them. Yes, around them. Even when we aren't doing it directly. You know the saying "Monkey see, monkey do"?

That's it. They will repeat it. Usually, the bad stuff we wish they wouldn't. Why? I have no clue. Million dollar question.

And, even when they aren't with us...we have to constantly be watching out for ourselves. Our health and safety, so that we can go home to them.

A mother's mind is never at rest.

I know I am a constant worrier(working on that).

I am continuously thinking, praying, worrying about my babies. I even do this with children that aren't biologically mine! Siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends' babies. By the way, anyone under the age of 25 years old is a baby to me.

I don't know how mother's can do any of this job without God!

I know I still struggle with giving control to God. I pray and try to let go but it is a tough one. 

How do I know what is MY responsibility and what I should just let go of?

Well, I pray...A Lot!

We all what to do our best. Be the best at this mommin' job.

I strive everyday to remember to give praise to God for these most precious gifts. My babies are my whole world. They are my reason and my soul.

No, I'm not perfect. Yes, I mess up. And my children know that.

They also know...I hope, that I love than more than any other human on this Earth and that I try my hardest everyday to make sure they have all they need. I give them the possible. I trust my Lord to give them what is impossible for me.

I have a prayer.

My own personal prayer that I pray every night. Not word for word, but it is my own way of asking God to handle the impossible.

Lord, I come to you and ask that you be with my children always. 

I pray for their health. Physical, mental, and spiritual. That you heal whatever ails them and restore them as only you can.

I pray for their happiness. That you show them the blessings only you can. That their souls cling to you for true happiness.

I pray for their safety. That you be with them and guide them in their days. Keep them from harm and hatred. Show them the true path and keep them from harm.

Lastly, I pray that they always know that they are loved. Not only by us here on Earth but by You. That their soul is loved and wanted by you more than even I could ever love them.

In Jesus' name I pray this. Amen.

I am a true believer in the power of prayer. As a mother some days that is my greatest comfort. Knowing that I have done the possible. I prayed!

"As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible."

Ruth Bell Graham

You can learn more about Ruth and her life here:

Ruth Bell Graham 

or read some of her books

Books by Ruth Bell Graham

None of us mothers are perfect. If you'd like to read a little about my imperfect mothering, you can find it here:

Lessons from an Imperfect Momma

Blessing to all.

What's That Quote? #11

Happy "back to reality" Monday y'all!
The day after Father's Day.
After grill outs, summer fun and pool parties.
I hope everyone had an amazing weekend. I sure did. Full of family, food, and fun!
Crazy busy and exactly how we do things around here.
It has been crazy hot here in Ohio. Yesterday was 94F, and felt like 101F with the heat and air advisory.
Thank goodness for the kiddie pool and shade tree!
Although I truly enjoy family time, the heat was brutal! All I really wanted to do was sneak inside to the air conditioning and settle down with my book.
I probably think about reading way too much.
It is truly an obsession  a passion of mine.
So, my quote for today is one I can completely agree with.

What's That Quote?

"Keep reading. it's one of the most marvelous adventures anyone can have."

Lloyd Alexander

I love one of those quotes that really just "get" you.

This is one of them, for me.

Books, to me are the adventure.

From seeing the cover for the first time, or the title, and knowing you are hooked.  Reading those final, concluding words on the last page.

The adventure is there.

No matter what type or genre you desire. Anything from fairy tales to non fiction/self help.

You get it. If you really have that passion for reading...you get it.

All the things in between the covers that make your adventure come to life.

The characters, the setting, the struggles, triumphs.

The quotes you treasure.

The emotions that each page brings up.

The questions, mysteries. Who did it? Where are they? What's happening here?

How, why, who...

It definitely is more than just an experience. It is an adventure!

I haven't read any of Lloyd Alexander's books. He mostly wrote children's fantasy, which isn't my genre of choice; but I have looked him up and he has some wonderful quotes.

He appears to be truly passionate about his writing.

I hope each of you that read this will consider taking an adventure of your own. Pick up a book, any book and read!

What's That Quote? #10

It's Monday y'all!

Nothing special. Nothing fancy....just Monday.


What's That Quote?

"Embrace the glorious mess that you are."

Elizabeth Gilbert

My interpretation goes a little like this....

To embrace:

by definition is a verb,

to hold, accept or support, adopt or take up...

 a glorious mess= my life

So, Ms. Gilbert, I will/am trying to embrace this glorious mess that I am!

My life,..my everyday life is definitely defined as a glorious mess.

Glorious that I am beyond blessed. Blessed beyond my understanding or my deserving.

I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, sister, friend...

I am loved, truly loved. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, plenty of clothes, chores, hobbies, entertainment.

I am healthy, my children are healthy, and I have many reasons to be thankful.

But, I am also human. I have things I long for. 

I have goals and dreams. I have frustrations and trouble dealing with what I cannot control. I still have days where I am just...stuck.

My "mess" is a daily battle that only God and I can conquer.

Life doesn't always go as we plan it. There are things on a daily basis that I have planned or want to accomplish a specific way. Usually that is when the "mess' slips in.

An unscheduled softball practice, a sick child, a drive thru dinner, a dwindling bank account, a missing ingredient, car trouble...

Ever have those days?

We all do.

I am trying to learn to roll with it. I am trying to remember the blessings in between these messes.

I am trying to not let the little set backs pull me too far from my goals.

It definitely is not my easiest task, nor a virtue I have come by naturally.

What are some of your "messes"?

How do you "Embrace the glorious mess that you are"?

If you would like to read more great quotes or any of her books, you can find her here:

Elizabeth Gilbert

What's That Quote #9 (Thanksgiving)

Hello Tuesday!

I know it isn't Monday and well....I'm a tad off schedule this week but we're dealing with that.
It is the week before Thanksgiving so of course everyone has about a zillion schedule changes on top of our usual chaos and then add in the second most stressful holiday known to Americans, and you get this. A Monday post on Tuesday.
Just go with it.


What's that Quote?

" The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."

William Blake

I love this quote and also this photo. 

For me, it really tells and shows the true meaning of being a thankful receiver. This photo makes my heart see how very blessed we all are. How this family, this meal, probably means more to them than we could understand.

If we focus on the conditions of this home and the clothes they are wearing, or even just how cramped they look; we probably are thinking..."Oh, how sad." or " Look how poor they are."

Those things are probably true. But, I see this. 

Look how many children they have been blessed with.

Look at the clean hair cuts.

Do you see the mother and father...together? As a family!

Do you see the feast before them?

Do you see them looking across the table with mouths full and smiling at their sibling?

I can imagine the pride this man has inside for what he has provided his family on this day.

He definitely bears a plentiful harvest.

True it may only be one meal, one day, but sometimes that is all it takes. To truly be a thankful receiver.

I grew up being taught to always be thankful for everything that we had.

To some, it may not have been much, or even enough.

Sure, there were things we lacked and things we pined for that never came, but we were always thankful for the blessings that we did receive.

My Mamaw told us, "We never knew we were poor, because all our neighbors had just as little as us."

When she was growing up in the mountains, there was no such thing as convenience. Everything you had, you grew, raised, earned or worked for. Not much was unappreciated or that you weren't grateful to have and receive.

If you had extra, you gave it to someone that needed it. You gave and shared and you were thankful when the task was returned.

I grew up with these amazing values and ways. We may not have had a fancy meal or money to buy one, but if we had extra food...or even if there wasn't extra, our table was full.

We had family, friends, even neighbors to share our blessings with.

I think today we get so wrapped up in the "Keeping up with the Joneses' " that we forget what blessings we do have.

We lack the ability to be thankful receivers because we have become so engrossed in the next thing we want. The newer, faster, better of everything!

As parents especially, we have got to stop this, now!

We are raising our children to be UNgrateful.

They don't understand what a true blessing is. They can't grasp the concept that it isn't happening or they aren't getting it.

They see it on TV, magazines, online, on their phones. Whatever "it" is. They expect it because it is available. And all too often we will sacrifice to get it for them. Just to have "it" forgotten or unwanted in no time!

We are wasteful, not thankful receivers.

Let's stop this! Let's make our children thankful receivers today!

How can you show your children to be a thankful receiver?

Please, share your stories. Share your ideas!

Let's work together to make a change this Thanksgiving and bear our own plentiful harvest!!!

What's That Quote #8(Losing a pet)

Where to begin?...

There are so many things I want to say. So much I know I will forget to put into this or won't know how to type it so that it is understood.

I can't apologize for not getting any posts out last week. I just didn't have it in me.
Today, I think I am ready to get it out and move forward...I think.
This is so hard for me to begin and I have no idea where it will end.
Here is the quote for today:

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

Roger Caras

Last week our sweet fur baby passed away...
I won't say "dog" because she was so much more than just a dog, or a pet.
She was our baby. Our little furry friend, companion, snuggle love. She was a sibling to our children. She was the constant to us all. Always there, underfoot, begging with that "sad puppy dog face" for attention, a treat, to go out, or to be rubbed in her special spot above her hip.

This quote is so true.
If you are a dog person, or any animal you prefer, they can make your life feel whole.
We got our Pepper in 2001, when she was just a spunky little 5 month old beagle. Our oldest daughter was just 3 years old. From the time she came into our family and into our home, we felt a little more complete. Our daughter had a constant playmate, a protector and someone to snuggle her at night.
We felt so much joy and love for all that she gave us.
After two more daughters, countless friends and family, Pepper naturally became everyone's baby. She was so sweet and easy mannered. She was a perfect fit for our growing family.

She never bit anyone and would only become "aggressive" if she felt someone was in danger or afraid. She had this high bark with the low growl following. Her warning to back off her people.
She hated mailmen or woman and anyone who wore a hat that obscured her view of your whole face.
As she grew and got older her paced slowed, but she never turned down a good snuggle or scratching.
Her favorite treats were the bacon flavored strips and any bread that got tossed her way.
She loved to roam around outside and sniff at EVERYTHING.
She was also a funny, modest girl. she would never "do her business" if you watched or stayed outside with her. She had to slip around, out of sight.
She loved bath time and would flop right down as if to say "I'm ready, pamper me."
She snored! Almost as loud as my husband. LOL
We would be sitting watching TV or something and all of a sudden we'd hear her let out a long snore.
It was the cutest thing. Her whole body would shake each time.

There are so many memories and moments that we have to remember her. To look back and be so very thankful for all the 16 years we had with her. It definitely is hard and we are trying to take it one day at a time.
D1 had to call into work. She works at a store that allows customers to bring in their pets, so she was very upset her first day back. Seeing everyone with their dogs.
D2 lost her perfect attendance...on award day. She went to school but didn't make it all day. She has mostly been quiet and kept to her room all weekend.
D3 has woken up every single morning and said "You know Pepper deed(died)? Jesus came and taked her to his house."

They are each dealing with it differently and we are trying to help them through, while dealing with our own loss.
I'm not sure what else to say. The hurt is real. It sucks.
I miss my girl. I miss my fur love.

Rest Easy, My Pepper

My brown eyed fur baby