If we asked your best friend to describe you in one word, what would they say?

Another question from Cafemom.com

I would hope that she would say "trustworthy".

What are 5 things you are grateful for today?

My question of the day from Cafemom.com

1.I am grateful that God has allowed me one more day to be with those I love.
2. I am grateful that I am healthy, because some are not so fortunate.
3. I'm grateful that God has provided for all my needs (and some of my wants too).
4.I am grateful that I have God in my life.
5. I am grateful that I have something to look forward to that is better than this...Heaven.

What would you do if you had just one day left to live?

This is one of the questions I was given at Cafemom. So I thought I'd answer it here.
If I had one day left (24 hours) what would I do with it?

First of all, I'd get up as early as possible on my last day. I would get down on my knees and make sure that I had everything right between me and God,I would tell Him how sorry I was for everytime I had ever let Him down, and then I would thank Him for the time I'd had and the blessings I'd known. After that, I would make sure that I had made everything right with everyone I know. Then, I'd make sure that everyone I care about, knew just how much I love them and how thankful that I am that I had ,had them in my life. Then before I closed my eyes and took my last breath,I would let everyone know where I was going, and I would make sure that they all knew the steps to be able to join me someday...In Heaven.
After that, I'd say my goodbyes (with kisses and hugs), and then close my eyes and wait upon the Lord.

I try to be ready everyday, because you just never know. We all have an appointed time, and we don't know when that time may come.
We are not promised a tomorrow and we may leave here without having time to say goodbye. That is why it's best that you live each day as if it was your last ,because it just might be.

Large Families FAQ

I found this on the net and couldn't help but post it. If you are a large family then you can easily relate. Enjoy!

Large Families FAQ
As a parent of a large family, I often get the same questions over and over and other large family managers have shared this experience with us. Some of them came up with very witty answers, although some of them are a little too snide for my comfort level. But it can be fun to fantasize about using them :-) So here is the first Official Large Families FAQ with Come Backs. Feel free to distribute it, as long as you keep the copy right notice on the bottom intact.
One more remark, I find that often people just are genuinely surprised or say things in a nice way. I don't mind that at all and will happily nod again to the fourth one in 10 minutes who tells me that I have my hands full. Even if it does get tiresome after a while :-) But other questions, like the 'Are you going to get fixed?' questions, I regard as downright rude and I don't feel compelled to be nice to people who ask that!
I would like to thank all the people who contributed to this FAQ, it has been fun to read your remarks and hear about your experiences.

You have your hands full!
Yes, happily so!
Yes, and my heart too.
Don't say anything, just look puzzled at your hands. (This does obviously not work if you are carrying a baby :-)
Yes, but I would rather have my hands full than empty!
Are they all yours?
No, I just went to Rent-a-Brat.
No, this is not all of them, my oldest is at home with the triplets.
No, actually two are the mailman's and I am not sure whose is that one.....
We always say YES, because they are OURS....but actually 3 bio, 1 niece, 2 adopted and 4 foster!! But ours in our eyes!!
No, a couple of them starting following us a few minutes ago. -- This is especially funny when you look at your kids and realize that one of them really ISN'T yours -- he had just started following you and you didn't notice before...
No, I picked up a couple extra in the produce aisle.
Gee, I never heard that question before!
Yes they are! And then one of the boys will pipe up and mention the 21 yo and the 18 yo if they are not there and of course the baby on the way!
Of course they're all mine. Do you think I take six (or fill in your number) kids shopping for fun?
"Legally" first 3 are his & last 3 are ours, I feel in my heart they are all ours.....
Technically,the oldest 2 are his, the next 2 are mine and the youngest 2 are ours, but we are all just one big happy family (most of the time)LOL, because they all live with us.
YES!
Yes, they are all ours. We have been married for 22 years, but only have 11 kids to show for it.
No..........I have two more at home! (When it fits)
Well no they are not all " OURS" but in our hearts they are......
Yes, and they're such good kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the kids love that one!)
Of course they are..wait..who is that one?Hes not ours.....oh,yeah,#5,I forgot I had him.
I don't know. How many do you count?
Yes, But if you have any you don't want, I'll gladly take them, too
i'm pregnant. I gave this response. Yes, and this one (pointed to my belly) is too.
No. I've been an avid collector for years and just picked these up in the food court!
Yes, at least that's what I tell my husband.

Most of the time I only have my 7 youngest ones with me, so when someone asks this, I say yes and one of the younger ones will say and there are 4 more. Then we wait to see how long it takes to add 7+4. Then you should see the looks we get.

While I was still in hospital after having our 5th, visiting hours were over and we were all standing near the elevator, I was holding the newest and the others were all crowded around, (they ranged from 2ys to 14y) a young girl (early 20s) was trying to wade through the crowd and said "Are they all yours?" to which we responded "yes", she then pointed to my still rather large belly and said "and you are having another one?" less than 24 hours after having given birth! I think not!! anyway we had a good laugh. (cbrouse23)
Are you going to have more?
Yes, we just enjoy sex soooooo much!
Why do you want to know?
Well, not today.
We are trying to get into the Genisus Book of World Records of (add whatever here) most kids, largest family living in one house, etc.
OH YES! I want to have a family bigger then the one in my favorite movie "Yours, Mine & Ours!" only (add a # here) to beat the 19 they had!!
Yes, I always want just one more.
Well, we do have a twelve passenger van.
Check back in nine months and you'll see for yourself.
Don't you know what causes that?
No, please tell me!
Of course, don't you?
Yes, we do know what causes that and we like it very much, thank you.
Oh yes, we finally figured it out and we now keep the tooth brushes in seperate glasses!
Oh yes, I now wash my husband's underwear seperately.
Oh yes, having a great sex life!
Water or sex but I don't want to give up either.
Smile brightly and say with enthusiasm "Yes and we like it!"
You bet I do......love, love, love ( & sex, sex, sex.....hehehe.......)
Yes! So don't get too close to me!
It's in the water. Would you like a glass?
Yes and I know WHO causes it! God gave us these children!
Yes I do........cold winter nights.........
LOVE! An overabundance of love!!
Yes,and as you only have two kids obviously you dont do it much.
Yes, and it is something I am very good at...
Of course, and the Lord has greatly blessed us!
A strong husband/wife relationship, big hearts, and the Lord's blessing.
Are you going to get fixed?
Nope, I am not broken!
Why do you want to know?
Huh, we thought everything was working fine for us!?!
We didn't know anything was broken.
Don't you only fix things that aren't working properly?
Well as you can see be the size of OUR family everything is in working order. :)(You have to say this last one with the kinda "I'm not to bright so your question seems kinda foolish don't you think?" attitude.
I can't believe how you do it, I cannot even handle my two!
Yes, if I had kids like you, I wouldn't have any more either!
Yes, you don't strike me as the type who could handle more kids than that.
I do it like most people, in bed and after the kids are sleeping.
I put knobs on the kids. Makes them easier to handle.
Everyone has 24 hours in a day, it is just how you use it...nt
With lots of patience, patience, patience
go and look at them while they're sleeping. This reminds me of what sweet children of God they are and keeps me going!
Oh, I just do it. Wake up in the morning, do what you have to do all day, go to bed when it's done. nt
Pick your battles carefully. It helps to have selective sight and hearing!
Don't sweat the small stuff.
(this is a good one for chat rooms) Oh, straight jackets and handcuffs!
Are you planning to have any more?
I've been wondering about this and maybe you can explain it to me: I always thought you had to plan NOT to have more.
Before we were married we planned on having 2, but I didn't know that my husband couldn't count!
We didn't plan the first six, I don't think we'll plan the next six, either.
I hope you aren't planning to have anymore?!?
You mean, I just figured out what I'm really, really good at, and you're telling me to stop doing it?
Talk to God about it... it's up to Him.
Well, we do have room in our van for 2 more.
OK, I won't plan my next one. Surprises can be fun!
Yup we are going to keep going till we get an ugly one.
Haven't you heard of birth control?
Yes, and I thank God it doesn't always work!
Yes, I've heard of it, I hope you are using it!
(for dad) Yes, but I just can't find a rubber that will fit me!
Yes, that's great stuff for people with ugly kids!
Oh yes, we do know what birth control is; it's for people who don't want children.
Don't you have a television?
Yes, but we only get X-rated channels
Yes! Did you know there are 28 porn channels in this area?
No, we have much better things to do at night!
Yes 4 of them. Why?
How can you afford to have so many?
Lifestyles are expensive not kids.
We're not on welfare, in huge amounts of debt, and no, my husband is not a doctor or lawyer. We just budget well.
I figure you spend what you make, you may as well spend it on more.
" You don't know my financial backer!" (Our God, of course)
I'm still not sure how we do it...but it works!
Look at that double trouble! (for twins)
No, they are double blessings!
I am glad it is you and not me!
Yes, me too!
My kids are glad it's me and not you too! ;-)
Oh me too! I love being a mother! and smile real BIG!
Do you get any time for yourselves?
Obviously we get a little time to ourselves, or we wouldn't have six kids.
Did you give birth to all of them?
Yes, I gave birth to them all. Do you really believe the stork dropped them off?
Yes, in my heart...... (for adoptive parents)
When people just keep staring at your family....
No, we're not Catholic. No, we're not Mormon.
Yes, they all are mine!
No, we don't try to overpopulate the earth, just to outnumber the idiots!
Haven't You Had That Baby YET?!!?
"YES. This is the NEXT ONE!!!!!!!!" See if that don't make their jaws drop!

Just another day in Howellville

It's been a messy day here. We had a terrible storm that came through early this morning and it left behind a muddy mess to deal with. I left out early to take Bailey for her 6 month check-up at 8:45. I had to drive under a power pole that was bent over and hanging across the road. Men were working on it, because it had been damaged by the strong winds. It was scarey driving under it and knowing that it could fall any minute and crush us, but it didn't...Thank God! He is good!
After Bailey's visit, we stopped by for a few minutes to see Nanny. She was so happy to see us. She said she had, had a dream about Bailey and in the dream Bailey was giggling. She said she woke up with her on her mind:) So she was happy to get to see her. Nanny loves babies...just like I do.
Now, weare home and I'm a little tired. I think it is just this weather.
Jacob is doing so good now with his phonics. He actually read to me for the first time today. I have the newer version of hooked on phonics and it has some simple reading books that came with it, and I pulled them out today and he has been trying to read them. I'm so proud of him...as you can tell. He has struggled so much with phonics and to be able to see him read just blessed my heart.
I also wanted to fill you in on Ashley. Her toe is just not getting any better. She has really had a time with her toe. I know that she is probably going to have to have her toe nail removed, so please keep her in your prayers.
Also, pray for little Bailey. I spoke to her doctor this morning and she said Bailey may have to have eye surgery on her left eye. Her tear duct is closed up and that is why her eye always waters and looks as if she is crying all the time.
Also, Bailey cut another tooth this past weekend! Now she has both her bottom front teeth...so precious!
Well, I guess that is it for us. I've got to go get back busy working with Jacob.
Have a great day!

Another question

As promised, I'm answering another one of the questions I get often. If you have a question you would like for me to answer, email me at mom2five@bellsouth.net

Question- How did you learn to build a website?

Sandy's answer- I love surfing the net and I would often stumble on someone's site and I would wonder how they created such a wonderful website. One day, I was out surfing the www and found a site that said, "create your own website for free". I thought that was great and free was best of all:) The link led me to www.geocities.com I went there and created a simple webpage (with step by step directions on their site). They offer free page builder,themes,graphics, fonts,and more. I just kept playing around with their graphics until I learned how to upload my own graphics and add my own things. Before I knew it, I was hooked. I enjoyed it so much. So I started adding more pages and connecting them to each other, until I had a large site which is my family site. I still don't know how to build a site from scratch. I still have so much that I don't know, but the more I play around with it, I keep finding out new things to do with my site. It has become a hobby now. I get lots of feedback and lots of questions about building sites, and I am always happy to help others to create their sites. However, I'm no where near as talented as some of those artists out there, but I still enjoy it just the same. There are plenty of people on the www that will build you a website but it can cost you $100's. So if you are like me, and just can't see paying all that $$$, then go to geocities and build a free site. They are always adding new stuff and it really is a great site.
I hope I answered your question.
PS geocities offers free backgrounds and graphics. However, I buy most of mine from graphic artists or I find them free on the web. Free graphics are called "linkware". You can choose your own decorations (graphics) that reflect your personality.
Best wishes, Sandy

It's Friday...yay!!!!

Friday is here! It's been a looooong rainy week. The rain just keeps coming and coming, but I'm not complaining. We really need it for our well and it has almost filled up our pool too...yay!!!
I had to take Bay for an appt this morning and we have just got back in. I usually take her and leave her , and then I go park somewhere ,and read until it's time to pick her back up. I would come home ,but time I drove home, I would have to turn around and go back...so it works best this way. I hate the drive, I hate the cold mornings, but I enjoy the quiet time that I have to read. I've been reading the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. It has been helping me to see areas of my own life that I need to work on. It is a very good book and it has helped me to better understand what my purpose is.
Now, I'm home and just trying to catch up on my house. I'm so thankful for the rain because I've been able to wash some clothes at home this week instead of at the laundry mat(which I can't stand). We've been taking our laundry to be washed to save on water in our well. I hate dragging laundry back and forth. We don't have a small amount ,because our family is so big. We go through hampers of clothes everyday. So as you can imagine, I usually have 15 or more loads to do weekly...grrr So washing at home has been really nice.
As for the weekend plans, I'd really love to take my kids clothes/shoe shopping(I know here I am fussing about to much laundry and now wanting to go buy more).
As for my diet...grrrr I am hungry. I hate diets. I like the good stuff...the fatty stuff(ranch dressing, hot wings, mexicanfood, butter, fried chicken, french fries...just to name a few). However, I know that I really need/want to loose 5-10 pounds before summer and I can't do that eating the good stuff. I usually diet once a year and it is usually around this time. It seems every year during winter,I put on a few extra pounds, but usually once it warms up, and I can get outside and work in my yard, the pounds come off. So this is my goal...5 pounds is fine ,but I'd really like to loose 10 before May. So between now and then I guess I'll live off of all the healthy (no taste) foods...grrrrr
Well, I guess that is all for now. I've got t o go get Austin and Kylee out of Anna's room. Have a good weekend!

Quick update

I only have a minute, but I wanted to stop in and tell you all hello!
I took Bailey for her health appointment this morning and she is doing great! She now weighs 15 pounds, 15 ozs, and she is 25 inches long. It's hard to believe she was only 5 pounds when we got her. I had almost guessed her weight...I had figured she was about 16 pounds.
Then this afternoon, I took Ashley for her appointment. The doctor gave her antibiotics to get rid of the infection in her toe. They told her she was going to have to soak her toe in warm water and try to pull up the side of the ingrown toe nail. If she can't do it then she will have to go to a foot doctor and have the nail removed. So keep her in your prayers. This toe has been giving her problems for weeks and I've tried to get her to go see our doctor before now, but everytime I asked her, she would tell me it was better. She was scared. Yesterday, she realized that it was only getting worse and she decided it was time to go.
I'm just glad to finally be home. It was a bad drive back and forth in all this rain we are having. I actually hit one puddle that picked up my van and moved me to the other side of the road, but thankfully noone was coming in the other lane.
Well, that's it for today. I've gotta take care of dinner. Have a great evening!

Hump Day's News

Well, we've made it to Wednesday! It's been a chaotic week so far. All of the kids are out for winter break this week. When they are out of school, it always tends to get crazy around here. We always end up with a few extra kids from the neighborhood,and that keeps me extra busy. I love kids, but they are a lot of work. It's even tougher when the weather is not good and they can't go outside to burn off the extra energy. Yesterday, I felt like I spent the whole day saying, stop running, set down, quit fighting, stop kicking, no pinching, no turning the TV, get out from infront of the TV, share the toys, etc". Jacob ended up with a bite mark and Austin ended up with a bloody nose...grrr So it wasn't a good day here.
However, so far this morning is going a little better. Maybe because most of the kids are still asleep...lol I'm just enjoying the quiet.
Zoey and I did sneak out for breakfast early this morning...shhhhh :) Normally, I have appointments on Wednesday mornings ,but not this week...yay!!!
Now, I''m just setting here looking on ebay trying to find every Curiou George movie that I can find. I have a little boy that loves that show and when you turn it on, it calms him down, and that gives me a little break....I guess you gotta do what you gotta do on these long winter days.
My little Bailey got her first tooth this week. She keeps rubbing her lips on it and she makes the sweetest little face trying to feel her tooth. She also said her first word, "ma-ma" ,now I don't know if she really knows what she is saying, but everytime she starts crying she says, "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma". So we will just pretend she does and I'm loving it! She was 6 months old on Saturday.
Well, I guess I should be getting busy. I hope you all have a great week.
God bless you all, Sandy

About the weekend

It has been a good weekend. Other than having a yucky sore throat, all has went well. I spent most of the day Saturday in the bed because I felt yucky, but it was good, because I needed the rest. That evening Corey and Cori came over for a while. I always enjoy having them around.

Today, I felt some better. We got up and went to church and had an awesome service, as always.

When we got in from church, I laid down on the couch ,and tried to nap,but I kept hearing this loud noise. I asked Brent, what is that sound? He said he didn't know. I thought maybe it was the rain ,because we were having a huge thunder storm , but it just didn't sound like it should be the storm making that sound. So then I thought maybe Ashley was vacuuming, but then it really didn't sound like that neither. So I laid there, and tried to figure out what that sound sounded like. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore. So I got up and tried to find where it was coming from. I opened my front door and went out on the porch. I said, "Brent come here, you are not going to believe this". Our neighbor was on a lawn mower cutting grass. The only problem is they don't have any grass, and it was raining and lightning bad. He was just going back and forth as if he was cutting grass on a sunny day, and if you think that is weird...he then got off the mower and started weed eating. I don't know these neighbors, they just moved in the subdivision that bumps into our property and their backyard is facing our front yard. Anyhow, once more I come to the conclusion that God does not intend me to understand people, because I just don't understand why people do the things they do. The longer I live the more I realize that we live in a strange world full of strange people, or maybe they are normal and I'm strange..who knows???

Anyway, tonight I feel so much better. I hope I've kicked whatever it is that I've had. I've got to get better ,because this will be a busy week for me ... all kids are out of school for winter break.

Also, I will be going to my friend's Dad's memorial service tomorrow. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.

Well, I guess that is about it for me. I hope you all have a great night.

God bless you all, Sandy

And yet another one of those question thingys

As if you don't already know all about me...lol Here it is another one of those question thingys...

1.What was your last name before you wed?

2.How many children do you have?
Five of my own, but hundreds more I claim.

3.What type house do you live in?
A plain Jane one...The color of it -ugly blue thanks to my Hubby, but it has enough room for us and I thankful for it.

4.What kind of car do you drive?
A mercury mini van we call "mini" She is ugly but faithful.

5. Where do you live city/ country?
Country for me...I guess that is what you call. It seems the city is coming closer to us.

6. What is one thing you are excited about right now?
My friend Shelby and her family coming to church with us tomorrow.

7. What is one thing you dread right now?
Bailey's baby shots next week.

8. How is your bathroom decorated?
Gosh, what a question. My guest bathroom is done in outhouses and country signs.

9. What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Curious George...lol I am surrounded by children and if I went to grab the remote to change it, they would attack.

10. Who sent you your last email?
I'm not sure, probably a sales person...grrrrr

11. What was the last meal that you ate?
Shhhh...me and Ashley snuck out to taco bell without anyone else knowing...lol

12. What time did you get up this morning? around 7 am and it felt good because usually I have to get up between 5-6 am.

13. Do you like the bath or shower best? Depends on if I'm in a hurry. To relax I love a long hot bath, but If I need to hurry I shower.

14. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
I guess that would be Courtney's step-dad, he was trying to help us get the computer working.

15. Who was your favorite childhood friend?
I guess that would be Stacy because we lived side by side for 13 years and grew up together like sisters.

16. Where was the first place you lived? Bremen Ga

17. Who is your best friend? Gosh, I can't really say ,because God has given me some really good friends ,and each have touched my life in some special way that only they could.

18. What sound do you hear right now? The TV...Brent is watching a movie.

19. What month was you born in?
August 17

20. How did you spend your last birthday?
It wasn't so great.

21. Are you a Mommy or Daddy's girl? More like Nanny I would say.

22. How many times did you take your drivers test?
Three was the charm.

23. Gold or silver? I love gold best but silver is nice too.

24. Favorite color? Red I guess but I like pink too.

25.What time is it right now? 10:32 pm.

26. What is one thing you have to do today?
Get Bailey ready for bed.

27. Do you drink? Only non-alcohol drinks. Diet coke is my fav.
28. Have you ever tried drugs? Only when a doctor thought I needed them.
29. Who do you look up to? Ummmm...I look up to Jesus, because everybody else will let you down.
30. Do you cuss? I hate cussing. I can't stand to be around a person who does. I can't say I never have because I have in my past and I'm ashamed of the fact I did.

My autobiography

I got this from a friend...so here I go...
Prologue-
1.Who took your profile picture?One of my girls
2.Exactly where did you get the clothes you're wearing right now?don't know
3.What is your current problem? stress
4.What makes you most happy? Being with my kids.
5.What's the name of the song your listening to? Josh Groban- You are still you

Chapter 1:
ABOUT YOU
1.NiCKNAME?Sandy Lou or just Lou
2.Eye color?Brown
3.Hair color?Brown
4.Height?5 ft 7 in
~~~~~~Chapter 2: FAMILY
1.Do you live with your parent(s)No
2.Do you get along with your parent(s)Always
3.Are your parents chill? What does that mean?
4.Do you have any Siblings?2 brothers

~~~~~~~Chapter 3: FAVORiTE
1.Ice Cream?Ben & Jerrry's Chunky Monkey
2.Season?Summer
3.Book?Devotions
.4. Band?not sure
5.Food?mexican
6.Drink? Coke
7.Pen color?Black
8.Store?Wal-mart
9. Person(s)?My kids
~~~~~Chapter 4:
DO YOU
1.Write on your hand?no
2.Call people back?most of the time.
3.Believe in love?YES!!!!
4.Sleep on a certain side of the bed?right
~~~~~Chapter 5:
HAVE YOU
1.Kissed someone in the pass 48 hours?Yes
2.If so...where?face
3.Had physical therapy?nope
4. Had surgery?yes.
5.Taken painkillers?yes as prescribed
6.Overdosed on pain killers?nope
7.Been stung by a bee?Yes
8.Threw up in a doctors office?Nope
9.Have a crush on some one?no
10.Do they know????
~~~~~~~Chapter 6:
WHO/WHAT WAS THE LAST
1.Person to text you? my wireless company
2.Thing u touched?keyboard
3.Thing you said? Bye, love you
4.Person you hugged?Bailey
5.Person you talked to on the phone?Billy
6.Last book you read?Purpose driven life
7.Last time you cleaned your room?yesterday
8Last time you talked to someone you liked?about 20 minutes ago

Kindness...pass it on.

.

Give flowers for no reason.

Eat lunch with someone new.

Listen with your heart.

Visit a sick friend.

Offer a hug.

Give an unexpected gift.

Make a new friend.

Pick up liter.

Say, "Hello"

Call a lonely person.

Open a door for someone.

Help carry a load.

Buy someone's lunch.

Cheer up a friend.

Thank a teacher.

Give blood.

Leave a thank you note.

Offer your seat.

Read to a child.

Let another go first.

Give a compliment.

Offer a ride.

Lend a hand.

Baby sit for someone.

Respect others.

Leave a love note.

Forgive mistakes.

Tip generously.

Smile.

Send a card.

Send a kind email.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, I managed to get out and buy my valentine gifts yesterday. I made my rounds to the bakery and to the stores...go Sandy! I am one of those bad ones that wait until the last minute, but I only do that on Valentines and not any other special day or Holiday of the year.

I got tickled watching the men trying to shop for their wives. It seems I saw more men shopping then women, so I guess it is true that most men wait until the last minute.

One of my favorite things about Valentines are the colors. I know that sounds strange , but I love all of the red and pink stuff everywhere. Those are my favorite colors. It's a girl thing I guess.

I have just never really gotten into the Valentines thing like most do. However I do think it is a sweet day and I do enjoy giving little gifts to the ones I love. I also enjoy watching the little kids hand out the little cards with their names on them...I loved doing that when I was a kid.

I usually always have a small little cupcake party for all the kids, that are at my house on Valentines...so I'll be doing that again this year.

When I think of Valentine's Day, my mind drifts back to Valentines 2002, when I was so sick with meningitis. We were going to a Valentine's Dinner, and Brent had bought our tickets in advance, but when the time come, I was just so sick that I couldn't go. He ended up taking one of the elderly widows in our church to that dinner. So when I think of Valentine's, I just have to stop and Thank God for bringing me through it and allowing me to still be here this Valentine's Day.

I got a Valentines surprise in the mail a couple of days ago. It was from a little boy I use to keep. He moved away last year. He and his mom mailed me a card all the way from Springfield OR. It was so sweet and such a surprise. Thank you so much Blake and Amanda. Big hugs, across the miles:) I miss ya'll so much. Come home soon!

Well, I guess I should run along. I have a busy day ahead....so much to do and soo little time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs, Sandy

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Let me tell you about yesterday ,because I'm still bursting at the seams today.

I am still so full of joy. The word "ecstatic" is the only way I know how to explain how I felt yesterday. I saw God answer the prayers of three people (2 of my close friends). Prayers that had went up for many long years and yesterday was the day that God chose to answer. I can't go in to any detail here at this time, but I can tell you this, "God is awesome!" He still answers prayers...not on our time ,but on His.

I am so happy for my friends! God amazes me how he works. He put each of us, in just the right place ,at just the right time, so that we could come together(like dominos) ...To fulfill His will...that is what he done yesterday.

When something good happens to a friend of mine, I get as excited as if it was me. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be apart of such a wonderful thing. He is good!

Jesus Is My Valentine!

Jesus does not send perfume
To linger in the air
Instead He sends salvation, sweet
To show how much He cares.

He doesn’t bring me candy hearts
In boxes of delight
Instead He always lets me know
I’m precious in His sight.

He doesn’t pass out pretty cards
Trimmed in shades of red
Instead He gave His life for me
His precious blood was shed.

He doesn’t hand out fancy gifts
Like we would send to mother
Instead He sends a message clear
To always love each other.

He doesn’t give me teddy bears
That read, “Please be mine”
Instead He gave His heart to me
I wear it all the time.

He doesn’t give me roses, pink
For all the world to see
Instead He gave eternal life
That’s good enough for me.

Another question

Okay, I told you that I would start answering some of the questions I get...so here is question #2.

*What do you have to do to become a foster parent?*

Sandy's answer-
First of all the answer I give is for us here in Ga. Some states require more or less than Ga, but pretty much they all are very similar.

1. First you contact the (DFCS) Department of Family and Children services in your county and ask them to send you an information packet.
2. You must attend an introduction class which takes about 2 hours. This class may encourage or discourage you from fostering, because you learn alot about the foster care system and sometimes it's not good.
3.If you decide to go for it, you will be given a list of "To-Do's"
Here are the things that was on the list we had to do.
1.Forms...forms...forms...tons of those to read and sign.
2.Back ground checks. These take the longest and should be done 1st.
3.Finger print cards
4.Medical examinations
5. Health statement from doctor
6.Drug screen
7.Financial statement
8.Copy of insurance and vehicle license
9. Citizenship papers
10.Birth certificates
11.Health screen on bio kids
12.Copy of marriage license
13.Divorce decree if you are divorced
14. Any death certificates
15.Pet vaccination records
16.Enviromental statement re:water/sewage
17. Firearm verification
18. Pool verification
19.Smoke detector statement
20.References: personal, relative, and employer
21. Pictures of family and home
22. A drawing of the layout of home
23.20 hours of pre-training with 10 more yearly
24. cpr and first aid
25. water safety and basic rescue
26. 2 visits from the RW where they study the family and home.
27. A safety inspection of home (every year)

This took us all of 6 months to complete with us working as fast as we could to get everything done.
It was alot of work and it kept us very busy but it was worth it!

Questions!?! Questions!?! Questions!?!...

If you never have anything to talk about when you are around people or if you wish you could find a good conversation starter...just become a homeschooling parent or a foster parent. I can't go around anyone without being asked tons of questions (which I don't mind) , because people, I have learned ,are very curious about things they know nothing about. I also receive tons of emails from all over asking about homeschooling and fostering. So here on my blog, I'm gonna try to start answering some of those questions.
So if you have a question just email me -howells7@bellsouth.net or post it here.

I'm gonna start with the most popular question I get...

1.How do you keep a foster child and then let it go?

Sandy's answer-
First of all these are not my children and that is what we foster parents have to keep in mind. I have had kids, that I have had for many months at a time ,and I had to give them back.
You do get very attached . It is very hard letting go of some of these kids ,because you have bonded. Usually, older kids are easier to let go, because they want to go home to their parents, and you are happy when they can.
Usually, it's the little babies that are hard to let go, but you just have to do it. Someone asked me at walmart the other day about letting go and I told her it felt similar to a death in the family. You do feel very sad when they leave you ,because their space is empty, and yes it hurts your heart. You worry and you wonder what if the family goes back instead of forward...what if they can't take care of them like they should...at times like that all you can do is pray and leave it in God's hands.
I can honestly say it is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
You just need to keep in mind (when the time comes) that you've done your job, you've reunited a family, and another special child is just around the corner and will need a foster family very soon too.
Also,it is very sweet when you can see a troubled family turn their lives around ,and know that you played a part in that process. It makes you feel good because you've made a difference.

Still Blessed!

Still Blessed
Sometimes I wake up in the morning,
I see I made it through the night,
I listen for my family, sure enough their alright
As we gather 'round the table, bow our heads in thankfulness
With tear filled eyes my heart cries, Still Blessed.

There's never a day he doesn't give me all I need
Even when I wake up to a storm, my soul has peace.
Sometimes I try to count them, there too many I confess,
so with arms up raised I just say, Still Blessed.

Now I don't want to leave my family,
I don't want to leave my friends,
Oh, but lately my hearts been homesick
how I long just to be with Him
So in the morning should you find me
With my eyes closed in death, what victory, what glory,
Still Blessed!

A letter to the mean mommy

A Letter: To Whom It May Concern
by Kara Murphy

Dear Mean Mommy,
I am writing, once again, to protest your visit to our house yesterday. I would have thought that my last litany of complaints would have given you pause before you returned, but no. You seem to come and go at will. Well, I have had enough.
First, you never give me any warning that you are coming. If I knew you were coming, I would be able to prepare for you as I do all my other guests. Why must you always arrive when the house is in such disrepair? In general, we do a fair job of keeping things picked up, but without fail, when the house is at its messiest, you show up. Not only that, but you time your arrivals when I feel my worst. Your last visit was after a sleepless night with our newborn. Before that, it was during a stressful time when the bills were late. No one should feel free to visit at tax time, especially when I have put off important record-keeping until the last minute. I suppose you would not think twice of arriving at our door immediately after we have just had back-to-back company. These are not the times to make unannounced appearances at our house!
Even if we were aware of when you were coming, I would still not appreciate your attitude. Must you whisper those words to me all day long? You can’t do this. You are failing. Another woman would do a better job than you. What are you doing to your children? It isn’t enough that you pick on me, but must you also be so grumpy toward my children? All day long, you nag and complain about them. Do this. Do that. Hurry up. Get back to your work. You are a broken record and you need to be replaced! Don’t you realize that children are not finished products, yet? They are adults-in-training, but they’re not there yet. And must you be so impatient with them? Sometimes, you are like a steamroller, plowing through the house. I would hate to get in your way! You are running us all over.But the worst of it is your appearance…you look so much like me, my children may not realize the difference between us. They might actually think that you are me! I have had to apologize repeatedly for your troublesome ways.
This is it. Your reign of terror must stop. Please leave and never return.
And should you be tempted to come back, just remember that I am onto your tricks. Your wiles will not fool me any longer. I am going to fight to keep you away. And I know the best way to do that, too. God’s word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Him. —Psalm 119:11 First, I have determined in everything, to give thanks seeing that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning me. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I will rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) for I am learning, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11, 13) When those doubts begin to creep in I will be confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
If you could just stop blustering and ordering everyone around long enough you might see an eternal perspective. You would realize that there is so much more to life in Christ than the day-in-and-day-out ups and downs. Step back for a moment from the immediate stressors. Why, there isn’t a hair that falls from my head that the Father is unaware of. He cares for birds and flowers in the field. How much more does He care for me and my family? (Matthew 6:25ff) Not only that, but He is working every circumstance in my life for my good and for the good of my children who love Him. (Romans 8:28)Since I know that I must be sober, to love my husband, to love my children (Titus 2:4), I will be gentle among my little flock, even as a nursing mother cherishes her children: So being affectionately desirous of them, I will be willing to have imparted unto them, not the gospel of God only, but also my own soul, because they are dear unto me…even when I must labor night and day. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9a) And most of all I will remember that charity—an antiquated term for our word love—suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity—or love—never faileth. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
If I have to, I will get really radical. When you show up, I intend to meet you at the door intent on bodily harm. For I see who you really are. You are the old (wo)man that Scripture speaks of so clearly. But I know this, that my old woman is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth I should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6) I will likewise reckon myself to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So I will let not sin therefore reign in my mortal body, that I should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield my members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield myself unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:11-13) Because I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Prepared to do battle,
A Loving Mama


This letter came from homeschooling today website. I'm really glad that I got this because it really helped me to stop and think. I'm glad it came before Mean Mommy visited my house again. Maybe next time she comes, I'll be better prepared.
I would like to thank the author who wrote this. She poured her heart into it and was completely honest about her feelings. I hope you enjoy!

One Little Corner

There's one little corner of your life where you can make an improvement today. Take the opportunity to do so.
There's one little corner of the world where you can make a difference right now. Go ahead and be the person to make that difference.
One little corner may not seem like much. One little corner may not appear to be worth the trouble.
Yet when you get things working well in that one little corner, something wonderful happens. You discover how delightful, inspiring, fulfilling and compelling the experience of achievement can be.
And then you start looking for other little corners where you can work the same magic. One little corner after another, you begin to have a major positive impact.
To achieve great things requires no great effort, just a modest effort repeated again and again. Start right now by improving one little corner, and you're on your way to change the world.
-- R.Marston

Monday already????

Just found a few moments and thought I'd stop in. Actually, I had planned on sleeping in until 7:00 am ,but it just wasn't meant to be( just as it hasn't been in weeks). The problem is, that our kind neighbors decided to purchase 20+ chickens to add to their collection of animals and that was all good except that the sweet little darlings like to spend their time at my house instead or theirs, and their most favorite place to be (besides in the middle of the road or on the other neighbors porch where they like to poop) is at my bedroom window. And may I add,these are not your average chicks. I tried to out smart them this morning, I thought if I set my clock and got up at 4 am and moved from my bedroom to the den couch, that I wouldn't be able to hear them and maybe i'd be able to sleep in and they wouldn't be able to cluck and cock-a-doodle-doodle me nuts. Well ,I did just that and moved, but guess what? They did too. They are now hanging out by the den window and cock-a-doodle-doodling louder than ever. So I gave up and got up and here I am. Now,please don't get me wrong... I don't hate chickens. Actually, I love chicken...the fried kind we call fingers here in Ga. Well, don't worry, I'm not gonna kill nor cook the neighbors chickens ,that wouldn't be very Christian like of me anyway. I couldn't kill any animals even if I wanted to. I'm the one that tries to save and nurse all of God's critters back to health. Which is probably the reason we've had so many wild rabbits, opossums, racoons, squirels, turtles, lizards,an old bull frog,and how could I forget those precious field mice that my mother-in-law thought we would love to have as pets. I hated to disappoint her ,but I don't do rats.
Well, I guess this is what you get when you don't live in the city. I've traded street lights, beeping horns, and sirens for the sound of cock-a-doodle-doodling...I guess it could be worse.
Have a great Monday!

It's the weekend!

It's finally Saturday!!!!! This week has been a long drug out week for me,but a good one.
We've all had some type of cold this week ,but everyone seems to be getting better now. I had to take Katie for some tests at the doctor's office the other day and I believe while we where there that Bailey picked up something , because she was well until then ,and once she got sick we all ended up with it.
Today is Katie's 16th birthday! To me, she still seems like a baby. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I'm getting old I guess. Brent and I were talking yesterday about Katie when she was about a year old. She was such a plump little baby. She was so shy ,easy going, and never cried. She was a very sweet baby. Now, she is so tall and thin,very out-going and sometimes to out-spoken. She has changed so much from that shy little baby we had. Yet, she is an amazing girl. A good girl that I'm proud to call my own. Now, I don't mean to brag, but I do believe God blessed me with the greatest kids on earth...It's a mom thing I guess:) I just love them sooooo much. I've enjoyed being a mom to my kids. They have brought me a lot of joy through the years. If I could I'd go back and have them babies all over again I would. Now I'm not going to say it was always easy ,but it was worth it.
On Wednesday, I went by and saw my Mom. She is doing sooooo much better. God is good!!!!!!!! A lot of prayers have went up for my Mom over the last few years and I know God answered those prayers. I'm just so glad that God still hears and answers prayers. My Mom is proof that God still cares. She looked so good and she seemed like she was feeling so much better. She was happy to see us and Bailey went right to her the minute we walked in the door and that put a big smile on her face.
On Thursday, we managed to sneak away with no kids...yes you heard that right....no kids:) We went out to eat with friends. We've been doing that a lot lately. I enjoy it ,because I really don't get that much time away from the kids or time with adults ,except for the women at dfcs that I see twice a week or more ,but that's not the same as going out with friends. However, I miss my punkins when I'm away ,but it's fun to come home because they make us feel missed and loved...lol Jacob came running to the door when we pulled up and he jumped in my arms and kissed me. You would have thought I'd been gone for days or weeks...lol
Well, I guess I should get busy doing something besides just setting here.
I hope you all have a great weekend!

Why you should Homeschool

1. You want more time with your kids
2. You enjoy a flexible schedule
3. Your kids are asking you to homeschool them
4. Your kids are bored in school
5. You want to impart your family's values to your kids
6. You are a rebel and you want to irritate your in-laws (just kidding)
7. Your child's safety at school is a concern
8.You want your kids to have a more balanced life
9. You want more time for extracurricular activities
10. Your family travels frequently