November 25, 2009

The Day I Lost My Mind....

I don't even know where to start with this story. There are so many parts to it. I couldn't even begin to type last night, as my mind was racing at all of the little pieces of the day....
My mom left yesterday with the kids at 2:30pm for the night (oh, how they/we are loving them local!) I was out yesterday afternoon and texted B that I was going by Cingular. (Santa had told us to go look at *something* there for the kids). So, I go in...they needed my driver's license to confirm who I was before they would pull up our account. Now, I'm not gonna tell ya' that I haven't seen my DL in a week! Seriously! (I'm only assuming if I would do the laundry I would find it the the back pocket of a pair of jeans....) So, I asked them if they would look at my Sam's card, health insurance card, checkbook...etc. No. They needed a DL, state ID, or my Passport. I looked at the man like Yeah, sure, I carry my passport everywhere...just in case I need to hop a plane! :-/
Anywho...I went out to my car to look ONE MORE TIME for my DL...just in case it was in the console or the black hole bottom of my purse (which was in my trunk). As I closed my trunk, I realized....MY KEYS WERE IN THERE! Did I mention my car was locked?? (This was one of those moments I could feel Bryan's eyes rolling!) I looked around and *borrowed* a small child from a woman in the parking lot to crawl through my OPEN sunroof (thank you, Jesus) to unlock my door. I knew the alarm would go off, but I planned to just pop the trunk button, get my keys and turn the alarm off. NO.SUCH.LUCK. Seems if the alarm is enabled, everything locks down. So, I am left standing with a woman (who already thinks I'm nuts for asking to *borrow* her child) and a car door open w/the alarm in full volume! Surely the distraught look on my face showed everyone staring at me that it was indeed my car. So....here comes the store manager. Dave...aka my new BFF. I told him the situation. He asked for my owner's manual. Seems Dave used to work for Lexus and was familiar w/car alarms. He looked for my fuse boxes to disable the alarm. We popped the hood (which triggered the alarm yet again) and he tried doing his thang w/the fuses. Seems I have 3 fuse boxes...under the hood, right panel of the driver's side and one in the trunk! And, of course the 2 main fuses for the alarm are in.the.trunk!! (and no...my back seats don't lay down...there is a pop button in my trunk...ya' know....just in case you get put in it....it lights up neon when the trunk is closed...so you can OPEN IT!!!) So, of course the question of the day.....*Ma'am, do you have AAA???* - *Uh, no....I didn't renew it in August because I was too cheap!! (man, don't I regret that?!)
So, of course the moment came when I had to call B. (I prayed first) He was a good hour away, so I knew I would just have to wait. Patiently. So, I sat in my car....watching my phone battery die - and not being able to charge it, because all power was disabled! I got the idea to call my insurance company to see if we had roadside. I explained to her quickly that my phone was about dead, and I was in a safe location...did I have coverage for a locksmith? *No, ma'am. Would you like for me to transfer you to the department to add it??* WELL HECK NO!! So, I sat. I didn't want to close the car door (not sure why...couldn't do anything with it) but I knew I couldn't get it back open. (unless I found another small child, of course) So, I left it cracked and went to sit inside the store...I guess for different scenery.
As I was going in, there was a gentleman who parked in handicap, coming in w/a walker. I waited and held the door open for him. He thanked me and commented on my black toe-nail polish, and said God Bless You. (Did he think I was a freak??)
I told Dave my phone was dead and he found me the only charger in the store for a Palm Centro (no, I haven't bought a new phone.....YET!)
He plugged me in and gave me a chair IN THE CORNER! (He obviously knew I would be there a while) He asked me if we had roadside asst. w/Cingular. I had no idea. So, he was checking for me. All the while, I noticed that older gentleman leaned over their counter on their telephone. I didn't want to listen to his conversation, but couldn't help but hear bits and pieces. I heard him say *So, you are going to punish me in this liberal world for being frugal? I don't have a credit card....I have money...are you saying I can't pay you through my bank account??* Dave heard this convo too, as did everyone in the store. I asked Dave if the man was trying to pay his bill. He said *No - he doesn't have a phone with us. He comes in here to use our phone. That's Mr. B* (I'm omitting the man's name) I had no idea of the situation on the phone; I just knew something had my attention. So, Dave proceeds to tell me that I don't have roadside, but I could add it and then call for assistance. Cool. Done. Free for 30 days....and $2.99/month. Fine. (cheaper than AAA - and this one incidence will make it worth it!) So, I called, from my charging phone, for assistance. *No, ma'am, it takes 72 hours to activate your roadside service* YOU ARE KIDDING ME!! So, Dave, again - my BFF, calls from his phone to get ME roadside help. He stays on the phone for at least 15 minutes and we learn they don't have means to open my trunk. Only my dealership can. (or my sweet honey with the extra key, who I am so patiently waiting on!) So...I wait. Still visualizing Bryan still rolling his eyes.
I continue to hear *Mr. B* on the phone, asking the same questions....come to find out, he had been sent to another department. He hung up the phone and started gathering all of his little notes, and I felt something inside me that I was supposed to help him. I had no idea why or how. But I walked up to the counter and asked him *Sir, can I help you?* He said, *No, I just need to get my papers back in here.* (he had a plastic baggie with all sorts of notes that were obviously very important to him. He carried them in the front basket of his walker.) He then said, *This country is punishing people like me because we don't have credit cards. I don't have credit cards. I never have. I do have money.* I again said, *Is there a way I can help you?* He said, *I just wanted to buy a book. Sarah Palin's book.* (My first thought was I could go to Books A Million and buy him the book - but then I understood. He could have done the same. It was the fact he wanted to save money. He had seen a commercial to get the book at a discounted price. This dear man valued his money and saw no sense in going to pay even a few $$ more elsewhere. He wanted the offer of a lower price. So, I explained to him that we don't have credit cards either, but I did have a debit card and would be happy to help him. Bless his heart...after I explained to him how a debit card worked, he was so happy that he was going to be able to get his book. He pulled out his wallet and assured me that he had cash to pay me. I nodded and told him, I had no doubt. Let's just get your book ordered. I asked him if he wanted to sit in the chair, while I made the phone call (again....on my charging phone). He handed me a card with his address on it.
I did call....ordered his book...and had it shipped to him.
He had tears in his eyes. He was so surprised that someone - a *stranger* - was willing to help him.
I didn't at all feel like I did anything out of the ordinary. I had no idea at first what I was even offering to do. Or if I could do anything. I just knew this voice inside me was nudging me to do something.
Before he stood up to leave, I told him what an pleasure it was to meet him, and that I wish my husband was here to meet him as well. He said he would love to meet B. He would love to have a conversation with him. With both of us. He proceeded to say, *I would love to tell you about my best friend. He is my Lord and Savior. Do you know Him?* I smiled and said, *Yes, sir...I sure do. He is pretty amazing* - Amazing enough that He nudged me hard enough that I felt him 30 minutes before and got me to my feet. Not that I could help someone else, but to bless ME. My conversation with *Mr. B* continued for another 20 minutes or so. He really blessed me. He reminded me that regardless of where we are or the situation we are in, we should always be available to help someone. Willing to help someone.
I didn't know when I held the door open for this *stranger* at 4pm yesterday that God would use him in my life. I still this morning can't quit thinking of all that we talked about yesterday as I sat on the floor beside him at the Cingular store. I am still overwhelmed at the situation.
I asked Mr. B what his plans are for Thanksgiving. He said, *I just plan to vegetate. Could I take your family out to lunch?* I assured him I wasn't asking him to take us to lunch.
He left. And Bryan arrived soon after. I couldn't get the story out fast enough to Bryan. I think we both agree that I didn't lock my keys in my trunk only because I lost my mind. We had a new friend coming in Cingular. And had I not goofed with my keys, I would have never met him.
See, *Mr. B* lives alone in a local assisted living home. He will not be with family or friends on Thanksgiving. He's not rushing around today cleaning for a house-full of visitors or to buy the last minute groceries to prepare an elaborate meal. He is enjoying being where he is. Remembering to tell strangers about his Best Friend and all He has done for him in his life. But as a family, we are looking forward to visiting *Mr. B* in the morning, with a meal in hand - sharing not only our time, but also God's love. Because, holiday or not, that is what we are here on Earth to do. We get so busy and so easily distracted in our busy worlds that we so often miss opportunities God has right in front of us - to share Him. It's amazing God works in the places and the times we least expect. And I am so glad I felt that nudge to go to the counter and ask *Can I help you?* - because it has certainly made a difference in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving - Be Blessed!

**And on a side note - I told B that we could NOT leave that store last night w/out buying those things for Santa or I might be banned from the store! ha! And...if you are in the market for a car....Mercedes has a helluva security system! ;) (and I also won't tell you my DL was in my wallet the.entire.time! only in the wrong slot!)

November 23, 2009

Friend Making Monday



Amber at {aefilkins} is hosting and had a list of questions for us today on the upcoming holiday....Black Friday Thanksgiving! ha! So, this was a pretty easy one today...

1. Turkey or Ham? Turkey only, please.
2. Favorite side dish. Mashed potatoes w/green peas. (OK, that's 2....but mixed together...it's 1!) 3. Favorite dessert. Anything Chocolate!
4. Black Friday: Are you going or not? Absolutely! We lose our minds every year & participate!
5. If so, what's on the top of your list? hmmm....the $188 Cricut Expression @ Walmart, just to start...
6. Going out of town or staying close to home? close to home.... 3/10 of a mile from home, actually.
7. Hosting or helping? Helping.
8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving. Watching the parade and spending day with friends.
9. What do you do after dinner? Play Christmas music. OK...We do that during dinner, too. OK, fine...We've been doing that for 3 weeks now.
10. What are you most thankful for this year? WOW...I have a list. A long list! My health, my dear honey who I adore more every day...my kiddos, who I couldn't imagine life without...our loving and supportive families...God's mercy that is new every morning....the blessing of having a job in this messed-up world....the bestest friends we could ask for, who for sure make life that much more F.U.N.....and, most definitely, for the crazy-busyness of our life...because it's what makes it ours!
(Did I mention my parents are here this year?? Gonna make it that much better....) ;)

So....what are YOU thankful for??

Don't forget to head over to Amber's and make some new friends! :)

November 12, 2009

Lost

I really haven't been. Although some days, I have surely felt like it. I have received emails wondering if I have quit blogging. The answer is no...with a giggle. I just honest-to-goodness haven't known if I'm coming or going lately. Well, for the last month at least! Three birthdays in our house, traveling, Halloween, company, Homeschooling, FoOtBaLl, FoOtBaLl, FoOtBaLl, co-op, Cheer competition, working, kids' school projects due, bills, fieldtrips, a very busy husband, and 2 more-than-busy kids! And a attention-begging cat who wants to be fed at the exact same time every night...with his food on the plate in a certain way. (You think I'm kidding, dont you??) And so here I am. In desparate need of a pedicure and a month today behind in blogging. But, no fear. I have 30ish drafts saved, only needing to upload pics. :) And yes, they will be by date. Not because you peeps care what we did day-to-day, but my blog is like a digital scrapbook for me to print....in.my.spare.time. Because with everything else on my plate, I haven't had much time for that (scrapbooking) either. :(

The kids left on Tuesday (only 2 days ago) with Bryan's mom and James headed to Hardy, AR. They have a cabin there and James is taking Nicholas hunting. Deer season opens on Saturday?? I think...
They went last year, too. And Maggie didn't do very well. She actually cried so much to come home, she threw up! :( So, of course we weren't going to MAKE her go again....but she wanted to. Last year, they were still in the process of building the cabin and stayed in a camper. But Mrs. Perry assured her (and showed pics) that it's like a house. With beds, water, kitchen, A BATHTUB! Ya' see...my girl is not much of an out-door-sy roughin' it-kid. I've said it before, but she is definetly a condo-with-a-kitchen kind of gal. ;) But she seems to be doing well. She called yesterday and said *Mama, it's just like a house! and it even has electricity!* ha! So, here's to them having a fun week....although we miss them like CrAzY!

We are sure enjoying our time. Well, trying to. Tuesday I worked FIFTEEN HOURS!! I told Bryan Tuesday night that if this is how my week is going to be...the kids can come home now! I am so behind with work stuff, house stuff, LIFE STUFF! - and let's not even mention this blog!! I doubt I will get caught up with EVERYTHING before next Thursday, but I'm sure gonna give it my all. I've enjoyed being at the office with Bryan. It brings back so many memories of how life was before kids. Or before Maggie. (because I just took Nicholas to work with me every day. But when Mag was born, showering each day became an accomplishment for a while! ha! His mom said she bet we do nothing but work while the kids are gone. She's half-right. We are working. But for sure taking advantage of this time and just enjoying each other...and meals for two!

I would also like to believe our lives will slow down that FoOtBaLl season has come to an end for the kids. But, that's only until next Tuesday...when we have a board meeting electing new board members for next season. FoOtBaLl season here is year-round. Practices don't start until May, and games until August, but there is so much more than that. Our biggest fundraisers are in the spring. And we all know, the better the planning, the smoother the season should be.

And did I mention we are going on week two with no dryer?? Our dryer broke. That's the only word I know for it. Broke. And in the midst of chaos, I haven't been home long enough to schedule the Sears repair man. I will do that. I will stay home one day and make Christmas cards clean and be there for him to come repair it. But, until then, I will continue to go to the laundry mat for an hour and get a week's worth of laundry KNOCKED OUT! See another reason I haven't been in such a hurry to fix it?? ONE HOUR = ALL LAUNDRY DONE! It's a good thing. :)

So, give me a few days...I hope to have all of my posts made from the last 31 days of non-stop fun! :)

November 8, 2009

MM Bowl Game 2009

Charlotte Warriors hosted the Mighty Might Bowl Game post season. It was such an honor to work with such great people organizing this. It was a huge success thanks to SO MANY PEOPLE! It was a bittersweet day. B and I of course worked the field all day, so we were E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D! But it being Nicholas' last game as a Mighty Might made me kinda sad. He is getting SO BIG!! SO FAST!! :(
B announced for 8 hours! OMG! He did an incredible job! Everyone told him that in his spare time, he should get a real announcing job! ha! (B having spare time = when hell freezes over)

LOVE THESE TROPHIES!


I am proud to say that we sponsored Nicholas' last MM game. :)


Pep talk from coaches before weigh-ins....


Nicholas' weight....


The fierce competition....



My sweet baby cheering her what-might-be last MM game. (Fingers crossed - we are really hoping she can move up to Jr Pee Wee next year)


All the grandparents freezing their booties off!! ha! (How awesome is that they all of them were here for this last game?!)


The 2009 Charlotte Warriors Mighty Mights....



I will post all of my pics from tonight on Flickr and link it here. Just give me another day (or four).... ;)

November 6, 2009

More Blessings.....

Bryan's mom and James got here today! They will be here for a few days and are taking the kids back to AR to deer camp for a week. :(
Oh, the plans I have for that week.....


We are always so glad to see them. And this time, they brought another member of their household....Scout. Oh, we had no idea what Oreo was going to think. And, bless his heart, he really didn't know WHAT to think! He ran, he hissed...and before we knew it, they were doing this.....




And then Oreo rolls over trying to play. Scout just stood there watching like what the heck are you doing? ha!




If you say the word WATER, Scout jumps in...the pool! Oreo was confused as to what Scout was doing swimming around the pool. Since he has seen him, he has been more curious about the pool, sticking his paw in. I'm just waiting until we have to pull a drowning cat out of the pool! ha! As long as his curiosity doesn't kill him! ;)

November 5, 2009

Butterflies

We were able to move our cacoons to the Butterfly Garden yesterday morning, as they had all formed. We came yesterday afternoon and already had 2 butterflies!! And by today we had 9 butterflies! WOW!




We placed fresh flowers in the garden and sprinkle them with a water/sugar mixture for their food.


And yes....it is hanging from the ceiling.


Remember Oreo?? He is soooo wanting to get a hold of these butterflies! We have even had to move the chairs to keep him from getting on the table to get to them!

November 4, 2009

Blessings....

MawMaw & PawPaw are here! YAY! They always stay with us when they visit....but not this time! They stayed with us for 2 nights until their condo was ready. Yep, they have a condo. They are gonna be here a while. :)

Nicholas hooking up the cable in their condo.... (love it!)


And Mag....already eating their groceries! ha!


And MawMaw...getting good hugs....

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