Saturday, July 30, 2005

What kind are you?

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious
You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends.
People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support.
You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone.
You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

Fasting?

As a fairly new Christian I am still learning and questioning so much. Right now in my Church and in my MOPS group there are a lot of people who are under attack. They are carrying many burdens, and finding it difficult to take that next step as their load is heavy. It has been suggested in my Woman's Group that we will have a group Fast. I was told basically you could choose to give up food as a whole or a particular vise for you (for example: caffeine, the computer, chocolate).

Now I have heard about fasting but honestly I have never done it. I have been thinking a lot about it and came across my problem. I'm ignorant. I don't want to do it if I truly don't understand WHY I am doing it and HOW to do it. Hopefully this is making sense.

I know a lot of my readers believe in Jesus, and so it is you I come to with all of my questions and my plea for help!!!! I have done research on the web and will post the sites I have found at the bottom.

1. Why fast?

2. How does fasting change my daily prayers?

3. What is your experience with fasting, if you can share why you fasted that would be great!

Thank you for all of your help in advance!!! I want to have this choice be mine and mine alone and for the right reasons.

http://www.billbright.com/howtofast/

Friday, July 29, 2005

Eye Color??

What color eyes could your Children have??? Click here and find out!!!


http://museum.thetech.org/ugenetics/eyeCalc/eyecalculator.html

The cool thing is Rick and I beat the odds! He has Brown eyes with both of his parents having brown eyes and he has no siblings! Both my parents have Blue eyes, My oldest brother and I have blue eyes, and my other brother and sister have green eyes!!

we only had a 13.6% chance of having a child with blue eyes! YEAH Alex!!!!!!!!

My parents had a 0% chance of having a child with green eyes and they had 2!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Africa

A group from our church just made a Mission trip to Africa. On Sunday our entire service was based on their trip and all that they learned, felt, and loads of pictures. I cannot even begin to express how touched I was by the pictures and everything they said. I was in tears listening to how blessed these people feel. We might pray and ask God to help us pay the cable bill this month, these people pray daily asking for God to help them get one meal that day. Some woman have to choose which one of their children will eat that day and which ones will go hungry. 50% or more suffer from AIDS. I feel so humbled... How can I complain about my rental house with no central a/c, or the sugar ants, or the 1978 Buick regal my husband must drive, or whining about not having any food in the house when my cupboards are full? How dare I complain about such petty things when there are children out there suffering? Yet, they are so happy! They are so faithful in their love of Christ. They have faith that God will provide for them the most basic daily needs. We all could learn so much from these people. The people from our Church went over there to give to the people, to teach them, and in all honestly it appears it is they who were taught. And in turn I was taught...

Someday, I would love to go on a Mission like this with Alex and Rick. I can only imagine what an impact such a trip would have on a young child. I think it would be such an incredible bonding experience for us as a family. Not to mention the work for God we would be doing.. Awesome!! I have added it to my list of things I want to do with Alex before he turns 18.

I was so touched by this story that I was really aching to do something. Our small group has decided we are going to reach out in some way to a group of children in need. During the next week we each have assignments to research and find contact information of different orphanages, or shelters, or whole communities who need to be blessed with God's Love. We would like to help be a vessel for that. If you have any suggestions, I would certainly love to hear them.

May God be with each of you today and fill your most basic human needs and prayers!

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Get to know Martha...

1. First name? Martha

2. Were you named after anyone? Yes, my Godmother / Aunt

3. Do you wish on stars? Yes, because wishes do come true

4. When did you last cry? Hmm... within the last week for sure!

5. Do you like your handwriting? NO, not at all! Looks like a 3 year old wrote it.

6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Ham

7. What is your birth date? 11-16-1974

8. What is your most embarrassing CD? Ohh, I have a lot that some might think I should be embarresed about... but lets pick one and say "Spice Girls".

9. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? Yes, I think so! I can be overly emotional at times but I am a faithful friend who will stand by you in thick or thin. I am a scorpio and have a scorpio's stinger as well.

10. Do you have a journal? well, durr.. your reading it.

11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yeah like sarcasim is my middle name!

12. What are your nicknames? Hmm.. I don't think I have any, although Rick calls my Sunshine, Alex calls me Mama, and my sister calls me Marth.

13. Would you bungee jump? Well, actually no! I am terrified of falling face first into the earth and with my luck I would dislocate something.

14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? well, I usually have sandals on BUT, when I wear my sneakers I don't. Bad I know!

15. Do you think that you are strong? Yes, and no! I feel like I am so weak at times, but then I look back upon my life and realize I don't give myself nearly enough credit!

16. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? TCBY - Peanut Butter Cup

17. Shoe Size? 7.5

18. Red or pink? Red only NO PINK!

19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? Gosh, my fat rolls, zits, big nose, my love of food, my lack of ability to engage my filter (Lori, stop laughing), my temper, my jealousy, Should I keep going?

20. Who do you miss most? My Mom.. I really wish she was a more central person in my son's life.

21. Do you want everyone you send this to send it back? no... add it to your own blog

22. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? blue shorts

23. What are you listening to right now? the fans blowing....

24. Last thing you ate? 10 seconds ago a pretzel rod

25. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple

26. What is the weather like right now? HOT.. HOT.. HOT currently 94, feels like 111.

27. Last person you talked to on the phone? Uhh... Stacy

28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? From the back.. ohhh nothing beats a great ass in a nice pair of jeans! From the front.. a smile with gorgeous teeth and nice eyes.

29. Do you like the person that sent this to you? well, technically I stole if from Michelle because I didn't have anything overly entertaining to write about.

30. Favorite drink? Non-alcoholic: Sweet tea and Coke, Alcoholic: A Birthday Cake Martini! OMG.. it is soooo smooth and yummy!

31. FAVORITE SPORT to play? uhhhh softball when I am not sucking wind

32. Hair Color? Currently, Strawberry Blonde with blonde highlights


33. Eye Color? Bright Blue

34. Do you wear contacts? nope 20/20 baby!

35. Favorite Food? LOBSTER!!!! After that Mexican!

36. Last Movie You Watched? I seriously have no clue!

37. Favorite day of the year? November 21, because my son beat the odds!

38. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy Endings - hate scary movies!

39. Summer or winter? Fall!

40. Hugs OR Kisses? Ohh depends who the kisses are from.. (wink wink)

41. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? mmmmmm... a peanut butter cup sundae from Friendly's!

42. Who Is Most Likely To Respond? maybe Lillie?

43. Who Is Least Likely To Respond? Alyssa, she'll tell me she just did this and I already know all the answers!

44. Living Arrangements? In a rented house, with an almost 32 year old husband, a 2.5 year old wild monkey of a son, a loving but sometimes rambunctious male dog named Miller, and a self obsorbed, demanding, female cat named Zoe.

45. What Books Are You Reading? Just finished "Must Love Dogs", and now am reading "Small Town Girl".

46. What's On Your Mouse Pad? What mouse pad? But I have a great coaster with my son's picture on it.

47. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? Real Life - I want the perfect body on MTV!

48. Favorite Smells? Ohhh my son's sweet skin after a bath!

49. Favorite Sounds? Alex laughing hysterically

50. Rolling Stones or Beatles? neither???


51. What's the farthest you've been from home? Ireland... love it and cannot wait to go back!

52. Traditional or Nontraditional Wedding? Hmm.. mine was untraditional in some ways but traditional in others!

Friday, July 22, 2005

I'm Finally back from Texas to 3 fried computers!!

We arrived home on Monday safe and sound! The drive didn't seem nearly as bad as I expected it too. Alex was an angel! I was exhausted when I arrived home and literally fell asleep on the floor. I had been up since 4:30am, and my butt was numb. LOL. I have no clue how truck drivers do it on a regular basis. My back and shoulders are still sore.

Rick arrived home the week before to 3 fried computers. We had unplugged them all before we left and shut everything down but when he tried to turn them back on each on did something different! Mine kept beeping at him, and refused to do anything beyond that. The laptop, wouldn't do anything or make any sound, and his would boot up to the black screen where you can go into safe mode, and then nothing. So it was bizarre! He ended up taking his to the IT guy at his work where they had to dump everything and re-format the entire hard drive. Ugh.. we lost everything on both systems!

I was exhausted Tuesday and Wednesday. It took everything I had just to get out of bed. I didn't realize how tired I was from our trip. I was pretty grouchy and depressed too. But, I am feeling great today and falling nicely back into my routine.

Ohhh.. Alison... I have caught the last 2 Big Brother's! Finally! LOL.. I am actually getting into it now. I liked Michael and was bummed he got the boot. Did you see the updates on last years people... Totally cracked me up. Survivor starts in August!!!!!

God Bless the U.S.A.F!

I am certain this is an e-mail that is floating around.. I got it from my Mom, and living in a Air Force town loved it and had to share!!

This just happened here in Phoenix.
The first letter is a
complaint to Luke AFB and the second
is the response from the senior officer.


Complaint:
Quote: A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM

"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for
the
morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight
formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall,continuing
west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our
good fortune!
Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up
call, or were they
trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns'
early-bird special? Any response
would be appreciated."


The reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and heroism of
the folks in the armed services.


The response:


Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday):


On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from
the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over
the grave of Capt.
Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air Force
officer who was previously
stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was
killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his
family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park
in Sun City to
mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise,
I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of
taps, or my words to
the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I
gave them their son's flag on behalf
of the President of the United
States and all those veterans and servicemen and
women who understand
the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give
their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional
aviators and take our jobs
seriously, and on June 15 what the letter
writer witnessed was four officers
lining up to pay their ultimate
respects.

The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"

The 56th Fighter Wing will call (for you), and forward your thanks to the widow and
parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for
it was in their honor that
my pilots flew the most honorable formation
of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus
CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke Air Force Base

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Trivia of Martha

My Mom sent this silly quiz thing in an e-mail to me so thought I would share my answers here! Feel free to answer as well!

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Some where on the gulf of Mexico - the clear blue warm water and incredible snorkeling gets me every time.

2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
Honestly, I really don't have any clothes I love at the moment.

3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
OMG.. I think Michael W. Smith - Worship

4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
When ever my 2.5 year old alarm clock tells me to.

5. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
haa.. the microwave!

6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The drums..

7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
SUV - love the outdoors and have to be able to tow a boat, jet ski's, a 4-wheeler, a camper, plus all our camping & mountain biking gear.

8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTER LIFE?
I believe in Heaven and hell

9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
"Just in case You ever wonder" by Max Lucado
and
"What Makes a Rainbow" by: Betty Ann Schwartz

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Fall

11. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
At the moment nothing, I don't own a car

12. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Cheeseburgers, Ketchup and Pickles only!

FAVORIITE FLOWER?
Sunflowers and Sterling Roses

YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
TCBY - Peanut Butter Cup

18. BUTTER, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN?
Butter and lots of salt

19. FAVORITE COLOR?
Purple

20. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
My Husbands 1984 Toyota Pick up when I can

21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SANDWICH?
Santa Fe Wrap

23 WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Nashua, NH

24. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
Gymnastics

25. FAVORITE LOVE SONG? I don't want to miss a thing - Aerosmith

New Hampshire Girls

Ahh.. I am so proud to be a Yankee!

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties. The first man had married a woman from Mississippi and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning. He said it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were done. The second man had married a woman from Florida. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking. On the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day,his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table. The third man had married a New Hampshire girl. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed,laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal.He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye. Enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher and telephone a landscaper. Got to love them New Hampshire Girls.

A game while I am away!

Post your answers in my comment section!! Have fun!

1. Who are you?

2 . When and how did we meet?

3 . What brings you to my blog?

4. Why do you keep coming backto my blog?

5. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.

6. Describe me in one word.

7. What was your first impresssion of me?

8. Do you still think that now?

9. What reminds you of me?

10. If you could give me a present, what would it be?

11. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Staying at the Farm!

Well, we were suppose to head home tomorrow but have decided to extend our vacation! We will be staying in Texas until Monday. Rick still has not done any work on the car he crashed thus I would return home to no car. So here we will stay in the rental car. The weather is hot here but Alex is having an awesome time "on the farm". Everyday we see horses, goats, chickens, peacocks, and a rooster. Not to mention all the squirrels. Alex is really loving it. We went to the zoo today and had a great time. Alex is such an animal lover and absorbs all the information in. It really surprises me the things he can remember, evenmore when I think he not paying any attention.

So sorry Stacy.. we are not returning yet!! We miss you too.... If Rick calls again tell him to get off the phone and go work on the car! LOL....

Hugs and prayers to everyone!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Baking in Texas!

God Bless all you Texans! It is hotter than SIN here. It has been 99+ everyday and that is without the humidity. I am seriously melting. I don't know how you all do it. I thought Mississippi was hot but at least ours comes in waves. Ugh...

I have gotten sad news while here, a friend at home, sons committed suicide last week. My heart sank into my toes. As a Mother I cannot imagine, as a friend my heart just aches. Thankfully she is a Godly woman and is just so thankful for the time she did have with this wonderful young man. Pleas hug your babies tight, and say a special prayer for Eric who's soul is now at peace.

My time away has been good. We spent the weekend in Shreveport, lounging in the pool. My son is just a fish. He loves to jump and dive in and can even swim under water alone. He has no fear and just loves the pool.

We are now in Fort Worth, TX. Rick's 81 year old Grandmother lives here and Rick's Mom is here visiting. We are truly enjoying our time. Life was just so stressful and crazy before we left. I am hoping some calm has found our home upon our return. Alex is loving all the attention and love he is getting. It's so good to see him smiling and laughing. Potty training is still going really well, although it's still a refusal on #2! Sigh...

Looking forward to getting home and getting back into my daily routine!!!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Safe Travel!

I am off for a week.....

Just to visit family so nothing too exciting.. Not even my family but Rick's!! Pray for safe travels!!

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Can I go back to bed?

I started a post this morning, and my internet had some kind of problem and shut down. My day went to H*ll in a hand basket after that!! Here's a scripture verse sent to me today and I thought I would share until I'm ready.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-9

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Food for thought!

"Real heroes are men who fall and fail and are flawed, but win out in the end becauase they've stayed true to their ideals and
beliefs and commitments."

- Actor Kevin Costner

Sunday, July 03, 2005

"Just say No To Tom Cruise"

The time has come, my 20 year love affair with Tom Cruise is officially over. What was once a school girl's lust has turned into an Adult Woman's disrespect. I find everything in Mr. Cruise's actions in the last 6 months DISGUSTING! First the so-called love affair with Katie Holmes. It comes off as such a media ploy. I find it oddly interesting that they both have what should have been 2 blockbuster summer hits coming out at the same time. They have never met yet Tom suddenly wants to "meet" her. Katie once tells a magazine she "wants to marry Tom Cruise? " Uhh, Honey the line starts back there (pointing behind me)!!!! Tom in the past has always been so shy and demure about his relationships yet suddenly he is jumping and screaming on Oprah's couch? What the heck is happening here! Where did my studly Top Gun Pilot go??? Ahh the day's when we were young and so ignorant. I grew out of that phase sadly Tom Cruise grew into it.

Now I applaud him for adopting 2 children, who clearly are being given a life many will never see. HOWEVER, with that said how DARE he put down a woman for needing medication to help cure her of Postpartum Depression. Unless you have given birth yourself and have had this illness take hold of you, you can by no means judge ANYONE else! I would like to see Mr. Tom go through what Rick, Alex and I went through during Alex's birth. ALONE! Yes that's right, no nannies, no drivers, no cooks, cleaners, personal accountants, no freebies, no private jets, NOTHING but our hearts, our souls, our Love and God. Tom Cruise you are not worth the gum I scrapped off my shoe this morning. I am ashamed of you! I will NOT be paying to see one single more movie of yours! NOT ONE!!!

My next bumper sticker will say: "Just say no to Tom Cruise"


Friday, July 01, 2005

T.G.I.F

Hooray for Friday and Thank God for Holiday's and 3 day weekend's! Yippee!!!

Alex's head looks 100x better today.. Thank goodness! He was crabby this morning but seems back to his old self this afternoon. The swelling has gone tremendously, and it is mostly just blue, purple and green all across his head. Basically from the hair line to his eye brows. He says it doesn't hurt and for that I am glad.

No big plans for the 4th here! A BBQ at our friends house and maybe shooting off fireworks at the church but I'm not sure!

I think Rick and I are going to rent a few movies for tonight and have some relaxation! After a long week it is needed! I picked up the house and got motivated and organized our bills some what. Both are desks got cleaned off and a lot of stuff got thrown away!!

oh.. I need to wash my truck tomorrow too!!!

Ahhh fun stuff!!

Have a SAFE 4th of July weekend.. And remember Drinking and Driving kills!!