Nancy’s Ramblings

Looking out of my big office window this morning,  I am so thankful to God for our family and the many blessings we have. I am so grateful to live in a country where there is peace - freedom to worship where we choose - homes where we feel safe and secure.  I am reminded of all that is going on in this world around us.  I want to keep others in my prayers today!

Steve and I are so blessed with strong, beautiful, healthy grandchildren…

Lucas is almost five years old!  I can hardly believe it.  We had a very special day with him a week ago checking out Clemson University.  He got to walk on the field – Death Valley – touch the rock, and run down the hill just as all the football players do.  That was such a wonderful day of laughter and smiles!

 Ava Grace will soon turn two years old.  She is such a spcial little girl.  And she is all girl… a girly girl… a little “Diva” lol.  Steve and I always say if we are ever running low on JOY, and SMILES, then this is where we need to go.  She has plenty to share and keeps us smiling!

Ava Grace talks nonstop.  And the newest thing right now is that she adds an “s” to every thing.  So she calls herself “Abas”, I am “Mimis” and Steve is “Poppies”.  We absolutely LOVE it!  Sooooo Precious!

And last, but not least is Austin…. He is almost 7 1/2 months old.  He was born December 6th, but was not due until the middle to the end of February. 

               Austin weighed 3lbs, 5 oz. at birth and was in the neonatal unit in Greenville, SC for many weeks.  But now just look at him – growing like a weed, and the most infectious smile you have ever seen.  He is such a Miracle, and a happy, happy, little boy!

Special moments between Grandfather and Grandson !  Yup, you guessed it!  They are discussing “Tiger Football”.  Lucas is sooo smart, he took everything in and asked many questions.  He  got to go down on the field, and have his picture made with a Clemson Football Player!  Memorable Day!

I am up bright and early with my Hubby – Steve… getting him off to work by 6:15.  Well, at least he is trying to get out the door by 6:15… I didn’t help too much today – as a matter of fact I was sort of a hindrance having so much fun laughing, and talking with him this morning as he was trying to get out of bed  – already 15 minutes behind!

Steve has a 45 minute commute to work, and has to start at 7 am. with a four-day workweek.   Working at a nuclear plant has been a totally different experience for us both.  I absolutely LOVE having my hubby home on Fridays although the four long days are hard – they are soooo worth it!  We have the weekend to travel, just hang out at home enjoying life and each other, or have fun with our wonderful family, and friends. 

My mind is already filled with things I want to accomplish today.  I have so many things I want to do and need to do for my customers.  I am so very grateful that my Celiac disease, and fibromyalgia are under control now so that I can attack these dreams with a vengeance!  Now to the first task at hand:

All right, JIM COCKRUM!!!  I owe you one… LOL….

You are the one who told me writing an outline for my new book (my story) would be easy!  “Do it now, while things are fresh on your mind…” you said.  “Then you can go back to it later and fill in all the details,”  were some of your suggestions and encouraging words. I have found that it is almost impossible to write an outline unless you remember at least some details and facts!!!   This is all I can think about now, and I have many, many more things I need to do along with writing an outline for my book.  No, really I am just kidding, you have given me so much encouragement with thoughts and ideas through the years, I can NEVER repay you!

Well… I’ll tell you…. words, yes words are filling my head:  thoughts, details, when did that happen?, am I sure that is the way it was?   Really… really, was it like that?  Oh my gosh… I didn’t remember that!  This is so funny I am laughing!  Oh my… it really is sad as tears fall down my cheeks?  How did we, no I, make it?  Through God’s help, love and guidance, I know is the only way.

I am calling my sisters quite often… asking them questions until they are so frustrated, they both respond:  “I really have to go – I have a lot to do today!”  Sandra says to call Susan, and Susan says to call Sandra.  They are twins, you see, and I somehow thought the two of them together would remember facts with more details that I do —- Duh – WRONG!!!!

Okay, calm down now.  This is supposed to be an outline – yes, an outline.  Do I remember what an outline is from reports, and papers in high school, college?  Yes, of course I do.  Well, maybe I do.  That was a long time ago.  Oops, I just blew it – I am not old!  I refuse to be old!  So it could not have been such a long time ago!

Yes, I know…. I am rambling here! 

I suppose that is what happens when you go back to when you were a child, and try to remember events, happy times, sad times, joyous times,  family members, best friends…  the where’s, the why’s and the surely not’s!  I think it takes all of this – maybe only as a catharsis for me to understand why God has led me on the path I have traveled to reach the promise of  P-E-A-C-E   that is “my life” right now.

Would I be where I am now if I had not gone through the pain and the valleys?  No, I think not – I know not.  Would I be the person I am today without the pruning and the tearing down which God has done in my life?  No – I know not.  That is what formed me –  ”Nancy”.  These joyous times, happy times, sad times, and hopeless times were a big part of making “me” the person I am today.  The person who has a tender heart for others – family, especially -  a love of the beauty of nature -  a talent for decorating, floral design, gardening, and so many more fun, exciting blessings and hobbies!

You are probably saying…. now why is this post entitled Peace?  It is because I starting singing this song two days ago, and it hasn’t left me yet: 

 ”It is Well With My Soul:”
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Quoting Beth Moore:  “God’s Word does not say we’ll have peace like a pond.  If we were honest, we might admit to thinking of peaceful people as boring.  We might think, I’d rather forego peace and have an exciting life!  When was the last time you saw white-water rapids?  Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers!  We can have active, exciting lives without suffering through a life of turmoil.  To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life’s journey.  Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from an activity.”

One of my life goals is “Peace” – peace like a river!  So, I am off today praying for, finding, and enjoying the Peace which God has so generously bestowed upon my life.  I hope you are on the journey to fulfill the promise of peace in your life too!

Have a glorious day, Nancy

It is a new morning… the sun is just starting to rise.  This day will never “be” again!  What will you do with yours?? 

I am planning what I should do with mine… what will I write on today that will make a difference in someone’s life?  What can I do that will please God?  I have prayed for a new “Spirit” for today.  I pray that God will fill me with so much Grace and Love that it literally spills over onto others in my life.

I am soooo grateful for my loving Hubby.  Steve is the best!  He loves me, he cherishes me, and he supports my business.  He is actually helping me plan and write a vendor report that all my customers are dying for.  And he is encouraging me to work on the outline for my new book – yes, I am finally writing a book.

So many have been begging me to do this to help them in their journey fighting fibromyalgia. 
The title is: 

“I CAN BE CURED”   -   “From Fibro To Freedom” 

Pray that God will bless and lead me on this journey in my life.  It will be painful at times… it will be joyful at times… and I’m sure these times of remembrances will bring many tears. 

I will be praying for you today – that you have a joy-filled and pain-free life!

Have a marvelously Blessed day.  Think of someone today who needs you; love someone today who may be unloveable; and give thanks to God in every single thing whether it be good or bad!

With God’s peace… Nancy

Beautiful Song by Selah:  All of Me

Thank you Lord for being there… For Loving Us…. For Caring For Us!

Excitedly Awaiting Spring?…

We certainly are, how about you? The first thing to be done at my house every year is put a new spring/summer wreath on our front door. That really cheers me when there is still snow on the ground, and it is getting dark in the late afternoon – YUCK! A new wreath brings a longing for the bright days of Spring and Summer – which cheer my heart and excite my soul!

I don’t know about your hometown, but where we live, in Anderson, South Carolina, there is a special event every Thursday evening called “Downtown Sounds”. Streets are blocked off, and a different band sets up every week. All types of chairs are filling the streets as families listen to wonderful music while enjoying a wide variety of food and beverages from local downtown restaurants. And yes!!! There is dancing in the streets… I can hardly wait! Woo Hoo! So, starting in April, you can guess where my family will be every Thursday for the rest of the summer. And I just can’t help but bragging just a little… my hubby’s band “ThoseGuys” will be one of the Downtown bands playing wonderful Beach, Rock & Roll, and Motown music! That’s http://www.ThoseGuys.info

Now back to this wonderful new wreath. There is just something so refreshing about making your own wreath with all of the flowers you love such as daffodils and tulips which are already popping out of the ground at my house. I start my wreath with one of our exclusive Twig Wreath bases and along with the daffodils, I add mushrooms, mosses, and plenty of greens. Many other blossoms in different colors are tucked all around adding the bright, bold, and beautiful colors that we yearn for this time of year.

But, one very important thing we must not forget. That is “critters!” Your wreath will just be “crawling” with excitement and fun when you add birds in their nests, grasshoppers, butterflies, dragonflies, and of course – Ladybugs!

How would you like to make your very first Spring or Summer wreath to brighten your days, and your hearts? My “how-to” videos and “how-to” e-books are just the right thing. If you would like to try making your own, just click HERE to have a look at all of the e-books and videos I have available. There are even sample sections of almost every video available so you can get an idea of what you are purchasing.

http://www.Those-Guys-Band.com

I am very grateful to be able to begin a New Year with so many blessings of family, and wonderful things going on in our lives and in my business. 

I was very distressed to have to start this new year with a severe toothache which required some extensive dental work trying to save a tooth which already had a root canal, and a post and a crown.  It looks this one is going to be a very expensive tooth to keep, and the process has just begun. 

You see, I am very afraid of going to the dentist.  This started for me and my twin sisters when we were very young with a bad dentist who always hurt us, and did a very poor job on any dental work.  All three of us have already had to have all of our original fillings replaced, and still have problems.  Of course, we all have very soft teeth also, and I suspect that is a part of having fibromyalgia.  I was so anxious before my dentist appointment that I sat down in my quiet spot, and looked into my devotional; Streams in the Desert.  I just knew in my heart there would be something there that day to calm me as I faced this dreaded visit.  And yes there was… It was there just for me on that very day.  God is so amazing!  Here are a few words which calmed my soul that day.

“When ye pray, believe”  (Mark 11:24). 
When there is a matter that requires definite prayer, pray till you believe God, until with unfeigned lips you can thank Him for the answer. 

“For we which have believed do enter into rest” (Heb. 4:3).

 
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.  Meuller  

Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but a taking God at His word.   Evans  

 
You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings.  God gives us the promises in a quiet hour;  God seals our covenants with great and gracious words, then He steps back and wants to see how much we believe; then He lets the tempter come, and the test seems to contradict all that He has spoken.  It is then that faith wins its crown.  That is the time to look up through the storm, and among the trembling, frightened seamen cry, “I believe God that is shall be even as it was told me.”

 So, you see, God spoke to me that day, and I went into that office assured that God was with me and would take care of and calm me because I had already believed and thanked him for doing so….

This new year brings so many things that I am also very grateful for.   Matt and Sara sold the house they moved out of in September, moving into a newly purchased house right before Ava was born.  They rushed the move so they would not have to bring home a new baby and then have to go to the trouble of showing a house, and move afterwards.  Well, this was right befor the economy took a more severe turn for the worse, leaving this young family having to pay two house payments for the last five months.  So, Thank You Lord, that their house has sold, and they can begin to get finances in order again (which, of course they will – I only wish we were as smart with our money in our twenties and early thirties).

I am also grateful that Stephanie, Andy’s wife, is now doing fine since she was robbed at the bank where she is head teller.  This was a terrifying experience for her, but she handled it just like she was trained to do.  No one knew they were being robbed until after the robber left.  This crazy man went on to rob three other banks in the area, but I saw on the news tonight where he was caught.  Thank you Lord!

I am very grateful that “Nana”, my husband’s Mother is back at home and recovering from dislocating both shoulders.  This has been a hard journey for her.  She is such a strong woman of faith and of body.  I only hope I can be half as strong as she when I am 85 years old.

I am grateful that we can begin the new year with bright eyed anticipation looking forward to all that God has in store for us.  I just know that there are amazing blessings in our horizon.

I am also grateful that I went on my “fibro” diet when I did almost three years ago.  I truly believe that had I not taken matters into my own hands and studied and followed my Doctor’s suggestions that I would probably be in a wheel chair by now.  My fibromyalgia was so severe that I could hardly function – as a matter of fact, I couldn’t!  Now, I can run my own eBay store and website, and am an Internet Marketing Consultant!  Yes, I know – a big title – but that just means I can set up websites, blogs, and mailing list tracking, and adwords to help other businesses with their dreams!  God is so Good!

As a matter of fact, last week while my sweet husband was out for the Holidays, I set up a blog site for him.   He has been a poet for years, and of course, I think has done a wonderful job with each and every poem.  He now has a site where he can post and share them.  He writes about real-life situations which involve our friends and family.  Each and every one is touching, and humorous. 

Hop on over and read some,   http://www.silverfoxprose.com   I’m sure you’ll enjoy them too!

 As we undecorate our home today, I will miss the warm glow from the candles in all the windows, and the spotlights shining on the front of our home.  I have such a cozy feeling when our house is decorated, and then a kind of empty feeling when everything is put up.  But I don’t worry, I’ll soon have our home filled to overflowing again.  I certainly have a way of doing that!  lol

Christmas this year was about as special as it could get.  Family parties were hosted at our house, our wonderful boys, Matt and Andy along with their very special wives, Sara, and Stephanie filled our home with laughter and joy!  Oh, and I have to say that having two grandchildren, Lucas, and Ava this year was so much fun.  They say: “Christmas is for children…”, and well, it certainly is. 

There were toys spread everywhere along with wraping paper, books, baby seat, and swing, and lots more!  Ava was passed from person to person as everyone wanted to hold her.  Matt and Sara are such good, loving and caring parents – we are so proud.

Andy and Stephanie, his new bride were always here to play with the children, help me in the kitchen, and watch football with Steve on TV.  We are so VERY blessed that our children live so close to us, and that they enjoy coming home as often as they do.

Oh yes, Steve, my hubby, is always playing just as hard as Lucas, if not more so.  Those “boys” have so much fun together.  It’s just great to see that special bond they share.

Ava looks so SWEET in her little Christmas sleeper.  She has the bigest eyes, and the sweetest smile.  She just makes my heart melt!

I hope each and every one of you had a very special, heart-warming Christmas just as we did. 

Yesterday was a VERY special day in my life that I want to share with you. This day is about “Mimi” (me), and my grandson, Lucas. Lucas just turned three years old in August. This child has been the apple of my eye, and Poppy’s eye, since he was born. We are amazed as we watch his mind and his body develop as he learns and grows so fast! And now we have our first little grand-daughter, Ava Grace who is soooooo sweet! But yesterday was about me and Lucas, so back to this special day.

But first, I guess I need to back up a little and explain to you why each thing that Lucas does and says fills me with so much awe. I just cannot remember each one of these special things that our own boys did. You see, I was 23 and 24 years old when our sons Matt, and Andy were born. They are so precious and we love them so much, and they have grown up to be loving Christian men! Oh my, we are so very blessed!

I was a young, 23 year old when we had to move from our hometown. Matt was 10 months old, and I was pregnant with Andy. My Mother and Steve’s Mother had been helping me so much to adjust to a new baby and being sick with a new one, and all of the sudden we were moving. We were moving three hours away to a town where I knew no one.

This move was not our choice – my husband was being transferred, and we had to move or loose his job, which we could not afford to do. It was a good job, and a nice raise, but I would have gladly stayed home with the family and friends I loved and needed so much.

I think that even though we doted on our children, and loved them dearly, those years were very hard for me, especially. My Loving, doting husband was tied with a new job with lots of responsibility, and I was just starting to not feel quite like myself anymore. Stress was starting to show its ugly head in my life. (It was just a few years later, at 28 yrs old that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue hit). But these younger years were filled with a young baby who had colic so badly that I had to get up 5 to 8 times every night with him, and a pregnancy where i was sick – very sick – for the nine months. I feel robbed, I feel as though those years were taken away from me because I just cannot remember all of the special things that our little boys learned as they grew up.

When I look back to these years and try to remember each special milestone in our boys lives, the memories are just not there like I want them to be, so Lucas is filling that need in my life as I watch each and every step he takes toward growing into a little boy. These are wonderful, joyful steps to watch. And I’m sure any grandmother will probably tell you the exact same thing.

Ok, now back to yesterday. I picked up Lucas (or Gucas – as he calls himself sometimes) at play school at noon. I had special plans for us after his most favorite lunch which is a peanut butter sandwich, potato chips, and an apple. Oh, and I guess I must confess, he didn’t get his apple, he wanted two reeses cups instead, and Mimi gave in. So, as soon as lunch was over, I told L we had a special project in my shop that he could make for Mommy and Daddy for Christmas.

We, or Lucas, made them a table Christmas tree. In the picture above, you’ll see L “fluffin” the stem with colored berries, and fake candy. (Look at the cute Christmas Tree stamp on his hand.) Lucas loved the special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” which was chosen to be at the top and center of his special Christmas Tree.

Making this tree with Lucas was so much fun. He knew exactly what he wanted to use in this creation. And he also knew exactly where he wanted everything to go. He was very particular about this. It had to have the stuffed Rudolph, stems of candy and berries, candy canes, candy striped balls, and ribbons. But to top it all off – and this was totally Lucas’ idea, we had to have a frog, three birds, five ladybugs, and three bumblebees. I feel like I am calling out the words to a “Partridge in a Pear Tree” here! lol

Lucas is SO proud of this tree and immediately upon his Mom’s arrival, brought her into the kitchen with a “Ta-Da” and a wave of his arm, as if he was introducing something marvelous. (And he really was!)

Here “Mommy” and Ava are beside the beautiful Christmas tree. And Sara was so very impressed that her young son had done this for her! Oh, by the way, Sara has a wonderful blog.  She is really an exceptional writer!  If you would like to check it out, here is the address:  http://www.alexanderbaby.blogspot.com .       You can read more about Matt and Sara, and lots more about Lucas and Ava.  You’ll see many, very sweet pictures as well!.

I look forward to enjoying many more years of watching and cherishing Ava and Lucas grow, and learn. I hope I won’t forget each of these special memories. I pray that they will stay with me for the rest of my years.

So, when I say to people on my website, and on my blog, and on the phone that with my videos, anyone can learn to make an arrangement in two hours, they certainly can. If my three-year old grandson (although especially exceptional) can make this wonderful tree, then I know you can design anything you set your mind to!

Smiles…. “Mimi” 

I have been meaning to write for a long time about Nana.  And, well today just seems like the right time.

Nana is my husband’s Mother. and I consider her to be the matriarch of our family.  You know, the one everyone wants to be like, the one we look up to, and the one we admire so very much.  Our Nana is 85 years young.  And when I say young, I mean it.  Nana has more strength – mentally, and physically that I can only hope and pray to possess.  Since I married her son 36 years ago, my goal has been to become the same type of mother-in-law to my son’s wives as she has been to me.  I’m sure I’m not measuring up to her, but it’s nice to have such a loving, sweet Christian woman with such a giving heart to strive to be like.

This is Nana in the picture above meeting her very first Granddaughter, Ava.  So very precious!

Nana just happens to be the best cook EVER!!  Her hometown is Iva, South Carolina, and in this small town, everyone knows “Nana” will be there with food whenever they need it.  When they have bake sales at her hometown church, all of her goodies such as cakes, cookies, banana breads, etc. are reserved and sold before she even arrives with them.

So… I have decided it would be nice to start posting Nana’s recipes from time to time on my blog.  These are just too wonderful not share them with the rest of the world.

The first recipe I want to share with you is:

Nana’s “First Place, Award Winning – SWEET POTATO SURPRISE CAKE !”

This Sweet Potato Cake was the Grand Prize Winner at “Depot Days” in Iva, SC in 2007.  Nana always has entries in these festivals which come in First Place, or at least Second Place.  She was not able to enter this year because of a serious fall.  She was walking on her treadmill and fell off dislocating both shoulders.  That was four months ago,  and she is back at home, but needs your prayers to fully recover.  This has been very traumatic for a woman who is as involved as she is in her church, and her hometown.

BELOW, YOU’LL SEE A PICTURE OF NANA WITH HER BLUE RIBBON!  SHE WAS SO PROUD!

OK, I know you’re waiting on pins and needles for this wonderful recipe so here it is:

Sweet Potato Surprise Cake:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs – separated
4 Tablespoons hot water
2 1/2 cups cake flour – sifted
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups grated raw sweet potatoes
1 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine cooking oil, sugar and beat well.  Add egg yolks and blend well.  Add hot water then the dry ingredients which have been sifted together.  Stir in grated potatoes, nuts, and vanilla and beat well.  Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture.  Bake in 3 greased 8″ layer pans (she puts down a wax paper liner), and bake at 350  D. for 25 – 30 minutes.  Let layers cool good before frosting.

Frosting:

1 lg. and 1 sm. can of evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks margarine
3 egg yolks
1 3/4 cups coconut

Combine milk, sugar, margarine, egg yolks and vanilla in a sauce pan.  Cook over medium heat about 10 or 12 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.  Remove from heat and add coconut.  Beat and let it get almost cold and it will spread better.

The ironic part is that, since I have Celiac disease, and am allergic to wheat, I have never been able to taste this cake.  But I can tell you that it smells absolutely scrumptious, and everyone wants more and more – one piece of this cake is NEVER enough!

Thank you Nana, I love you Deeply!       Nancy