Blogs I Follow
- A Mom's Balancing Act
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- A Moment For Me
- Brotherly Love
- Roy Boy
- Sandy's Blog
- Sankey News Blog
- Scott & Jenna
- The Break Room
- The Story of Us
- Thoughts On Life
- Vicks Views and Reviews
- Nokia N97
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About Me
I am a Wife, a Mother of three grown children, and a Grammy of two grandbabies. I'm a Born Again Christian and loving all God has for me!
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Celebrity Game
Posted by Vicky
Four years ago my son Josh proposed to his "now" wife Diana, at a Twin's Baseball game. It came across the big screen at the game. It was so exciting! They just celebrated their third Anniversary with going to a Celebrity Game in Dallas. Josh always tries to find a special way to celebrate the occasion. Well, they arrived at the game early and took their son Emry along. They decided to go do some shopping while waiting for the event to begin. After purchasing a few new clothes and pajamas for Emry, they returned to the game. Once again, Josh had an announcement come across the big screen saying, "Happy 3rd Anniversary Di!" It seemed to be the perfect day. Then when returning to their vehicle they realized that it wouldn't start. A few months back they had a problem with the hood cable breaking and could no longer get the hood open. So, this made the dilemma even greater. With the late hour, they began calling around for a motel to stay at for the evening. After many calls and time passed, they found a very nice Marriott that was gracious enough to shuttle them from their car to the motel for the night. It was a beautiful area and they made the best of a difficult situation. In the morning, Josh began calling around and finally found a place that would assist him with his problem. Thank the Lord, because it was Sunday and not to many out there working willing to help them out. The mechanic figured out the cable and found that it was simply a dead battery and that the dome light had been left on while at the game. It was sure a blessing to have a motel shuttling them around, extra clothes to meet Emry's needs and a mechanic to take care of their vehicle. Now they were heading back home and all is well. The Lord is good!
Shoes
Posted by Vicky
Today started out like so many of my other days off that I have. I went from one thing to another working away. There are always so many small "and big" things to do around the house. I am still hoping to get to one of my closets and rearrange my shoes. I have bought a couple of organizers that I am hoping will help. I may need more. I think it's time for me to part with some of my shoes. You know how that can go? I look at a pair that I have owned for many years and think, well, I bet those will come back in and then I'll wish that I still had them. Or, I just love that pair of boots, they are so cute, even though they will probably never adorn my feet again. Why is it so difficult to give away some of those old shoes that have been sitting around for ever? Well, I guess I'll see how I do today. Labels: Home
Anxiety
Posted by Vicky
When trials and tribulations come our way, there are answers. God said, we will have trial in our lives, but He also said, He will bring us through them! Some excellent scriptures I have stood on and spoken in my lifetime have been,
Philippians 4:6-8 "Be anxious for NOTHING"! He will give you a peace beyond your understanding.
James 4:6-10 "Submit to God and resist the devil (rebuke satan out loud)and he MUST flee. Submit and serve God first and then satan MUST leave you alone.
2 Timothy 1:7 "We do not have a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a Sound Mind! Fear is not of God, power, love and a sound mind are of Him.
2 Corinthians 12:9 "It is by His Strength" Not of our selves.
These scriptures are strong and true. We need to walk in God's Word for He has done it all for us already. We are to just take it as simply as taking a gift off of a shelf. He has provided it for us. He not only took our sins, but also our sicknesses and decease. "He is the same yesterday, today and forever"! What He says He has done, He has done. It is finished! We are to put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)!
Payday Loan
Posted by Vicky
My husband and I enjoy traveling. As we have gone across many states and through many cities, we have noticed Payday Loan signs. I have often wondered what this meant. Did it mean some type of Loans Payday, as in a loan until payday? Well, I have looked into it further and have found that these payday loan sites can be a life saver for some. If you are finding it difficult to make ends meet from payday to payday, this may be your answer. It is fast and can help you out of that financial bind for the moment. You will no longer have to be concerned with going to family or friends to ask for a loan. There is also no credit history check like so many other lenders. Click in and browse their site for yourself. Labels: Blogging
Family
Posted by Vicky
As you get to know me through my blogging, you will find that my family is very important to me. I spend much of my time with them. I can't seem to get enough of my grand children. They are so special. My youngest son Jake and his girlfriend Renee have traveled to Texas to see Josh, Diana and Emry (our oldest son, daughter-in-law and grand baby). They have been having an awesome time together. It sounds like they have visited a Zoo, Six Flags, a shooting range, pool time and of course a Ranger's Game. :) I'm sure it will be hard for them to leave. But, then all good things must come to an end, as they say. Or at least until they can go again. :) Here is a video of the time they have spent together. Labels: Family, Grandchildren, Travel, Videos
Zion Oil and Gas
Posted by Vicky
I found this upcoming, Night to Honor Israel banquet, to be quite interesting. The third annual banquet of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) will be held in Washington D.C. over July 21-24 on a Tuesday. I was familiar with one of the guest speakers, John Hagee. Other speakers are Senator Joseph Lieberman and Israel's Ambassador to the U.S., Sallai Meridor. There is more information to be found on their Zion Oil and Gas Website . You can tune in and see an interview on Zion Oil and Gas on the Daystar Television Network during the Night to Honor Israel. Here is a Press Release for your information.
Press Release:
Zion Oil & Gas to Sponsor Christians United for Israel's (CUFI) ''Night to Honor Israel''
DALLAS--Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (Amex: ZN) of Dallas, TX and Caesarea, Israel announced today that it will sponsor the Night to Honor Israel banquet at the Third Annual Washington-Israel Summit of Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. during July 21-24 and the banquet on Tuesday evening, July 22. Pastor John Hagee, Senator Joseph Lieberman and Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Sallai Meridor, are scheduled to speak at the banquet. It is expected that John Brown, Zion’s Founder and Chairman, will be interviewed by Pastor John Hagee during the Summit and that the interview will be broadcast on the Daystar Television Network during the Night to Honor Israel. In addition, CUFI will broadcast a video about Zion at the banquet's pre-event, and the banquet's proceedings will be telecast by live-feed over the Daystar Television network.
John Brown, Zion’s Founder and Chairman, commented today, "Zion is proud to be a part of the CUFI Washington-Israel Summit and to support CUFI’s educational and public policy work in support of Israel."
Zion Oil & Gas, a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres.
NOTICE: Zion Oil & Gas has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of its securities. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Zion has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Zion Oil & Gas and its offering. You may get these documents free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Zion Oil & Gas or its underwriter will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll free 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466). A direct link to the prospectus in PDF format may be found on the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. website at http://www.zionoil.com/investor-center/investor-relations.html.
The Man Song
Posted by Vicky
My brother shared this video with me a few months ago. I found it to be just hilarious! I still smile and laugh every time I watch it. I think that there are probably a lot of people who can relate to parts if not all of this. And I'm sure that there are those of you who will not relate at all, but I still have to share it. Enjoy!
Auto Repair
Posted by Vicky
Through out the years we have owned many different vehicles. With three children we have found ourselves owning as many as five to six cars at a time. With that responsibility came a few accidents and some "acts of nature" as the insurance companies like to call it. Now there is a site where you can locate a collision repair expert. auto body ontario is one shop that may be able to assist you. It would have been nice to have been able to go on line and find that shop nearest us. Fix Auto has quality commitment and process your claim with your insurer. Where ever you see their sign, you are sure to find outstanding service. Go on line and read some of their testimonials for yourself.
29th Anniversary!
Posted by Vicky
It's time to relax a bit and spend some time on my blog. Today is mine and my husband's wedding anniversary. We have been married for 29 years and I would marry him again in a heartbeat. Time has really gone fast (like so many say), but on the other hand we have so many blessings and changes that have occurred throughout those years. We have three wonderful children. Josh and Jenna are 25. They are twins. Our youngest, Jake, is 22. Josh and Jenna were married eight days apart, three years ago this month. They also had our first and second grand babies 12 days apart, last Nov. What a very special time that has been. Jake has now also graduated from college and has a wonderful job at John Deere as an Engineer. He really enjoys his career and is very good at it. Bill and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family and the Lord has taken care of each one of us and continues too. We taught our children to trust and walk with the Lord and He will provide. In many ways He provides, in finances/jobs, health, our homes and down to the smallest details of our lives. We are all very thankful to know the Lord personally and are thankful that our son and daughter-in-law do also. Those are blessings that no man can take away from us. We thank you Lord that you are always there for us. Labels: Faith, Family, Grandchildren, Home, Marriage
Finding Joy
Posted by Vicky
Enjoy this "Finding Joy Video". It's quite beautiful.
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/
Disappointments
Posted by Vicky
Sometimes in life we find that people or things can disappoint us. We never know what may come our way. I feel we need to love, trust and enjoy life but, there may come difficult times when someone close to us may let us down or not come through for us. We are all human and can and will fail. When we realize that, we know that we can not put people on a pedestal, because it can come crashing down quickly. I am so thankful that the Lord will never disappoint us. He has only the best for us and is the same "Yesterday, Today and Forever". His Word is never changing. He will do what He said He would do. He will never leave you. You can trust in Him. Labels: Faith
The Mom Song
Posted by Vicky
My niece had shared this very funny, yet so true...."Mom Song" by Anita Renfroe with us a while back! I encourage anyone who's never heard or seen it, whether you're a mother or not, to check it out! It's absolutely hilarious. She sings everything a mom says in a 24 hour period in only 2 minutes 55 seconds. It's funny, because the things she says are those words that we've all either said ourselves as a parent, or heard from our parents. Take a look.... Labels: Internet, Motherhood, Parenting
Vaccinations
Posted by Vicky
When I had young children, it didn't seem that there were as many controversial debates about what products to use, what food to give them, etc...or at least not that I was aware of. Now, having two grandchildren, both who are 7 months old...I've heard my children talk a lot about these subjects and their stance on different issues. I think it's great that their staying current on the latest debates and educating themselves for the wellbeing of their children!! I'm so proud of them!! Labels: Family, Grandchildren, Health, Motherhood, Parenting
I've heard them discuss three main topics over the past several months...safe plastics, homemade baby food, and the one I'm sure many have heard about...vaccinations! Safe Plastics-The safety of plastics has become a concern among many people...but especially parents who are trying to make sure they are doing the very best for their children. Not all plastics are unsafe, but there are some...which can be found in many baby products, that contain BPA...a chemical causing severe side effects including cancers, etc. With the concerns increasing among today's parents, many manufacturers have began making products that are BPA-Free. Personally I still think that glass or steel is probably the best way to go.
Homemade baby food-This is something that both girls decided they wanted to do, not only for the obvious savings financially, but more importantly...for the health of their children. The jarred and boxed baby foods that can be found in the stores today are full of preservatives and who knows what else!? My daughter and daughter-in-law have made a decision to make their own baby food...as this way they know what their children are getting and that's it's safer for them. I did a lot of this for my children when they were young as well. I feel that it's the healthiest choice a mom can make when it comes to the food her children are eating.
Vaccinations-Yes, I know...I save the best, and definitely the most controversial, topic for last! Vaccination Safety is something I had heard a little bit about before having grandchildren, but have become even more educated on the subject in the past several months and increasingly aware of the debate that goes on between those who think giving vaccinations is necessary, and those who do not. Once again, I am SO incredibly proud of my kids for educating themselves on this issue and making the decision they feel is best for their children...that is, choosing not to vaccinate. I know at first both families were on the fence about the issue. It's a huge decision to make when it comes to the safety and health of your children. They learned that there are many health organizations that make claims that vaccinations are the best choice to help keep children safe from diseases in our world today. However, after having done an extensive amount of research during their pregnancies, each couple decided that the risk of vaccinated outweighs the risk of not vaccinating. In my daughter's own words, she said that they "came to the conclusion that as parents we must be advocates for our babies, that being and remaining our top priority". I couldn't agree with her more, and know that's exactly how my son and his wife feel as well! Both families feel that, being the responsible adults that they are, they are not willing to risk the side effects that can be brought on by the administration of vaccinations. From what I've learned, vaccinations do not seems like a cure all. We're told that they are an "immunization", when in fact, children who are vaccinated continue to come down with the same sicknesses that they're vaccinated against...just as much, if not more than those who aren't vaccinated. Right there is a red flag to me, and causes me to question the point in risking a child's health based on a "hope" that it will keep them well. It amazed me to learn that over the past 20 years or so, there has been quite the increase in vaccinations given. Along with that, has come the increase with childhood diseases that were hardly, if ever heard of before like autism, childhood cancers, SIDS, and more! It doesn't surprise me to hear of the increase in sickness though, when you hear that these vaccinations...which people are putting into their children actually contain things like formaldehyde, aluminum, and other dangerous additives in them! Pretty scary, isn't it?! My children, nor myself have anything against those in the medical profession. They have done many things to help keep us safe and well. However, it is my belief that until further research is done, and proof is given that vaccinations are effective and safe for children, and anyone for that matter, this topic should not be taken lightly! It's important to do what's best for our kids and not simply do something just because the government or health care professionals advise it! Although something I feel strongly about, this is only my opinion. Like me, all are entitled to their own opinion and the decisions that they make regarding this issue.
These are just a few of, I'm sure, the many debates surrounding parenting and children today. I encourage all parents to educate themselves on similar issues, and not make decisions lightly. Why not give your baby the healthiest start possible?! It is something I continue to learn more about, and decisions my children have made that I support 100%!
Update: Iowa Tornadoes and Flooding
Posted by Vicky
I've written about the terrible weather that's hitting Iowa lately, but have mainly focused on the flooding. As if that's not bad enough, the state has also been dealing with an unusual number of tornadoes that are sweeping through towns and destroying many homes...as well as taking lives. A few weeks back, a tornado hit a small town near where my son lives, destroying everything in it's path. Last weekend we knew that there were some tornadoes in the area again, but had no idea how bad it was until I received this picture from my son-in-law! This was a photo taken June 10th, 2008 near Osage, Iowa. Can you believe that? This is one of the most real pictures I've seen of a wall cloud. (Photo Credit-Lori Mehmen of Orchard, IA taken in front yard looking East of her house on June 10th, 2008 at 9:04 PM)
In watching the news I learned that there were more tornadoes in the state yesterday tearing through a Boy Scout camp, killing four young boys and injuring up to 50 of them! It's so sad to hear the tragic events that have taken place because of this natural disaster....it saddens me and my heart goes out to the people who've been affected. I truly hope that this is the end of tornadoes and flooding in the area. Iowa has been hit hard and needs time to recover and get back on its feet!
There's Always Tomorrow...
Posted by Vicky
I am finally getting the chance to sit down and take a moment for me. Between the work week and the work Bill and I are doing around the house...it leaves us feeling exhausted by the end of the day. It's hard to get much else done, when most of your day you're at work...and then you come home and continue working!! It's well worth it though. We've been having a lot of fun doing these updates in our home. Right now we are working on painting our family room in the addition. We're going to be getting a fireplace in there, so we're doing an accent wall and then a horizontal stripe on the other two walls....I can't wait to see it all finished. We've also done some painting in our kitchen which really changed the way it feels in there. I'll have to share pictures of the progress of both rooms once I get them onto my computer! Soon we will also be updating our bathroom. It's a big job, but will look beautiful once it's all finished. So much to do...so little time in a day to do it all...
Iowa Floods
Posted by Vicky
This past weekend we had some pretty nasty storms. I discussed this a little bit a few days ago...but as I watch the news and read articles in the newspaper...the discussion continues. I had heard that there were places in Iowa that got hit pretty hard...but had no idea how hard until days later. Now we are hearing the aftermath of the storms and tornadoes that swept through the state. In northern Iowa there is a town that actually is pretty much closed down for the time being. Many people left to stay with family and friends until the water recedes. Even then, my heart goes out to them as they will return with much damage to their homes and city. Even stores and businesses are closed right now. As if this isn't bad enough...my son told me that the town he lives in is under water in many places! In fact, the state has actually advised that people not even travel to these towns for now. I sure hope that this was the only severe weather that we're going to encounter and that summer will arrive soon!Iowa City, June 8, 2008. (Photo credit unknown)
Organized?
Posted by Vicky
I feel very blessed to be able to have some days off from working. I know that there are many of you that are working everyday and it is difficult to find a moment just for you. When I have a day I find myself starting out with a list of things that I would like to accomplish throughout the day. It never seems to go exactly as I plan. I begin with getting up early in the morning with the intentions of doing a specific thing and soon will be off doing something different. As I head to freshen up for the day, I will notice a hamper full of clothes. So, I head down stairs to start a load of clothes. While doing that I pass through the kitchen and think of what I should prepare for supper. Do I need to thaw some meat or maybe whip up a meal in the crock pot? So, I start a stew in the crock pot and return to the bathroom to finish getting ready for the day. In the mean time I find myself answering the phone several times. I find the dog begging at my feet for something to eat or maybe wanting to go outside again. I'll head outside and take pleasure in the sunshine and pick-up the mail. I enjoy walking around the yard, picking off dead blooms on my plants and watering if they need it. Lately we have had so much rain and the ground is quite saturated. I go through the mail and do some bills. I sit down and begin to check my email and start to return email to my family and friends, do some online banking and work on my checkbook. It is nice to be able to finally sit down and begin my blogging. It is a time for me to enter my thoughts, opinions, to reflect on my day or my life, to organize my thoughts, relax and spend a moment for me. Labels: Family, Home, Internet, Marriage, Motherhood
Mammatus Clouds (roundish clouds)
Posted by Vicky
What a spring this has been. The winter was very long and seemed to extend into our spring. With spring have come cooler weather and not a lot of sunshine. Lately there has been an extreme amount of dangerous and threatening weather throughout the Midwest. We will go from cool temps to the very warm and humid weather within a day. This has seemed to bring on the more serious types of thunderstorms. Over the weekend we had many sightings of tornado's in our area. My husband and I spent a couple of hours in our family room in the basement on Saturday. We even climbed under our stairs where I use to take the children when there was threatening weather upon us. The tornado sirens were sounding and the sky was looking dangerous. After a while we heard on the scanner and TV that it was once again safe to return to our upper floor. My husband Bill went outside to check things out. Upon returning to the house he called me outside to see the amazing looking clouds. The color outside was a strange greenish-yellow and the clouds looked like cotton balls hanging in a row. It was the strangest looking sky. My youngest son Jake, was up visiting his sister about 45 minutes north of us. He called and said to look at the pictures he had sent us. They too were staring up into the sky and saw what we were seeing. We were all amazed! In doing some research we found that these were called Mammatus Clouds. They are a roundish cloud that is named after the Latin Mamma or Breast. Also, they are often known as the ‘quiet before the storm’ and when seen, it is inevitably going to be followed by a tremendous storm. They are usually associated with tornado's. Here are some pictures we had taken and another picture of the Mammatus Clouds.
