Saturday, December 12, 2009

OH WHAT A TIME WE HAD!!!

Were you there...at The Mom Squad Luncheon? Did you see...did you hear...did you eat ...did you laugh ...did you pray...did you shop...did you make a new friend...DID YOU HAVE THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE???? I sure did and it was such a pleasure, once again, to see each and every one of you. Now, if you missed this event...no worries...we'll look for you at the next one, OK? Bless your hearts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I feel like a little kid!! The Mom Squad Luncheon is SATURDAY!!!


I am so excited about The Mom Squad Luncheon. Each event brings such a warm feeling of sisterly togetherness. I feel like I know everyone in the room. We are all there for the same purpose....to enjoy a moment for ourselves, a break from the ordinary, to laugh, sing, eat, laugh, cry, pray, shop oh the list goes on and on. Did I say laugh? haha I can hardly wait to see everyone's beautiful face. And by the way, if you did not get the chance to obtain a ticket this time, more events are coming!!! We'll see you at the next one. Blessings to all.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

OASIS OF THE SEAS IS HERE!!! Good Morning America will broadcast live from Oasis this Friday (20th)

You have got to see this ship. I am excited beyond words and I am truly hoping to form a group so that we can take advantage of Royal Caribbean's Group Rates. Oasis Of The Seas is an amazing ship! As you walk the decks, you are going to think you are walking the streets of New York City...Central Park, shopping areas, etc. When I first saw it, my mouth dropped and I was speechless...can you imagine me speechless. hahaha Give me a call at (216) 978-9667 or visit me at www.darvacations.com and Let's Go Cruisin' on The Oasis Of The Seas together!!! It is a great way to beat the winter blahs. Call me at DAR Vacations and let's De-stress And Relax together(216) 978-9667 www.darvacations.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

Cleveland has so much to offer!


I have been doing some wonderful new things lately and seeing some wonderful new places...well new to me anyway. Last Sunday a friend and I toured the Lakeview Cemetery. I know that may sound morbid, but the beauty of the mausoleums, the details of the monuments and the architecture will just take your breath away. There is so much history there. I was in awe of Millionaires' Row where the Rockefeller's amongst other well known Greater Clevelanders like Mayor Carl B. Stokes and famous detective Eliot Ness are buried. Charles Lewis Tiffany, the renowned jeweler was commissioned back in the 1800's to do some of the leaded-glass and tile work in some of the areas and it is just magnificent... pictures depict stories from the New and Old Testaments. Take some time on a wonderful Sunday afternoon to tour the area. You just might see me there! www.lakeviewcemetery.com/index.asp

We also toured the McKinley National Monument in Canton. There is a museum AND planetarium that you and your family will definitely enjoy. Go if you can on a Saturday. The cost of the museum includes the planetarium on that day. You won't want to miss it. www.mckinleymuseum.org/


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

I am soooo very happy!

The first 8 weeks of school is over and guess what................

I GOT A's IN MY CLASSES...YIP, YIP, YIPPEEEEEEE OH YEAH, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, I'M GONNA PARTY LIKE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO GO ME, GO ME, I'M AS HAPPY AS CAN BE. THANK YOU LORD! OH THIS FEELS SO GOOD.

After being out of school for approximately 35 years, I just wasn't sure how I would do. I am so grateful to God for bringing me to Argosy University via my daughter Shae, for making the classes so interesting, the professors so wonderful and for giving me the stamina to study long hours, the mind to absorb the info, the ability to be creative and the will to be a critical thinker. Thank you Heavenly Father in Jesus Name. Amen.

If you have been thinking about returning to college, why put it off any longer? Check out Argosy! www.argosy.edu

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I am LOVING the Argosy Online University Experience


You probably saw my post dated September 29 on The Mom Squad Blog, if not, here it is for you http://themomsquad.blogspot.com/2009/09/dar-helps-to-dispel-mytholder-adults.html but I just had to do a follow-up today because believe it or not, I am approaching the end of my first semester! WOW! The time has just flown by and I have enjoyed every moment thus far. Working within the Argosy Online framework has been so comfortable. They already have me registered for classes for the entire year and I can see each step via the Campus Commons Page of their website. Whenever I have questions, my Asst. Admissions Director, Sam Thomeier, always has the answers and is eager to help so feel free to contact him.

Sam Thomeier
Argosy University Online Programs | American School of Professional Psychology
Assistant Director of Admissions
Toll Free: 866.427.4679 ext.6267
Phone: 412.395.8267
Fax: 412.995.6091
sthomeier@argosy.edu

There are others too via different departments like Technical Support, Academic Advisors and Financial Aid that are there to help you succeed as an Argosy student. If you are ready to go to college, return to college after an extended absence or interested in changing colleges, I urge you to give Sam a call. In my classes thus far, there have been others that have tried other colleges and other colleges via their online divisions and have not been satisfied. Some of these colleges are doing a lot of advertising too so I was quite surprised to hear their displeasure. Check out the Argosy website www.argosy.edu. Let me know if you decide to make the leap! Also, keep checking out The Mom Squad Blog either directly www.themomsquad.blogspot.com or via The Fish website. We just did the Fall Recipe Contest and did the taste test on air. We had a lot of fun. Remember, you can listen to The Fish online if you are out of our area. www.955thefish.com

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Trusting in Him...A Special Gift

You know, I have always believed that as we pray and quiet ourselves, God does communicate with us. Many times I have heard people say that God did not answer their prayers. He ALWAYS answers our prayers but I think sometimes we don't recognize the answer, because it may be different from what we expected but His will is always best along with His timing.

Over the years, I have really been concerned about the condition of my Mom's property. It needed a lot of help. Dad passed 28 years ago and Mom pretty much had used the band aid approach to keep things going. I prayed a lot of prayers, walked the property, did all of the mowing, trimming, edging, trash removal and other repairs that I could but so much more needed to be done.

About 2 weeks ago, I truly heard/felt, whatever you wish to call it, God communicating to me and He said, "Darlene, clean the house. I am going to send you a gift." I clean regularly but truly strategic cleaning like drawers, cabinets, scrubbing walls, cleaning carpets, replacing some carpets, etc. I had not thoroughly done. He lit a spark under me (reminding me of the "nesting" syndrome during pregnancy...if you have ever had it, you will know exactly what I am talking about). He showed me things I needed to attend to. Things I saw everyday but it was like He showed them to me with new eyes and it was amazing how each effort made quite a difference. Then my sister, sent 2 gentlemen over that worked like Hebrew slaves to further do what I couldn't do AND basically took on the effort as a labor of love. I began to cry so many happy tears and praising God more and more for His faithfulness, my sister and these 2 angels, but there's more....

In the midst of all this, I felt Him telling me it was time for my Mom to come back to our home in Garfield. She had a difficult time a few months ago. I began living with her in a facility, then switched her to another facility near my sister but they would not allow me to live there. It was His way of giving me a much needed break. For the first time in 5 years I was feeling rundown...almost lifeless. But now, 2 months later, this new facility was telling me they had taken Mom as far as they could. I felt, in that regard, there was no reason for her to remain there. The only difference in her condition now opposed to before her difficult time, is that she is now on pureed foods, she no longer walks independently so I knew I was going to need some regular help. And low and behold, at the Women Of Faith Conference just prior to my revelation, I met a Hospice Nurse named Renee Thompson who said to me, "Hospice breathes life, it does not speak death." I immediately asked her if that was their slogan and she said that was just how she felt about it. Well, her outlook gave me a brand new outlook regarding Hospice. I mean we are all going to die one day but Mom reminds me of someone God is not finished with yet. Her skin glows, her smile is so sweet and comforting, she still has uplifting motherly things to say at times and she is strong as an ox. I just want whatever time we have together to be comfortable and pleasant for her.

The following week I was at the library and there was a Hospice poster on the bulletin board, I knew then that I truly needed to call them to find out more about this organization. I left a message on Sunday for Hospice, scheduled a Care meeting with Mom's facility on Monday and immediately after, a Hospice coordinator called me (Cindy) and with the most pleasant demeanor she said, "Darlene, you need to schedule a Care meeting with your Mom's facility." I informed her that I had just done that and she said these words and I will never forget the feeling of comfort that came over me. She said, "We'll be with you tomorrow. You now have a team that will be with you for as long as you need us." I must tell you, embarrassing as it is, that as she was on the phone, I immediately began to cry.

Once we met at the facility and all of the bases were covered and all of the "i's" were dotted and the "t's" were crossed, they gave me a folder. I did not have time to read it until I got to church for Bible Study that evening. I was early so I began to review the folder and then I saw these words....

"You are giving your loved one a beautiful and sensitive 'gift'.
And in giving that 'gift', you are giving yourself a wonderful
'gift' as well."

God told me to clean my house because He was sending me a 'gift'. He was telling me to get prepared for the comings and goings of people that He put in place to help us. I did not understand at the time, but I am so grateful for His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, His love. He takes care of His children. All we have to do is trust Him and wait upon Him. Glory to God. He took a situation that seemed insurmountable in many ways and once again showed me that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Great I AM, No problem is too great for Him to handle. He has a plan for me AND a plan for my Mom and He is working on each of our behalf's simply because we are His children and He loves us. If you trust Him, He will take care of the consequences, don't ever forget that. And THAT my friend is a very special gift in itself. Bless you and yours. AND BY THE WAY, IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFO ON THIS MARVELOUS ORGANIZATION SO YOU CAN GET A COMPLETE PICTURE OF ALL THEY OFFER, PLEASE CALL: Crossroads Hospice in Cleveland & NEO, 216.654.9300. Ask for Cindy Hackett, Admission Coodinator.

Friday, August 14, 2009

I Always Love Hearing Jim Belushi sing, Sweet Home Chicago

And now I know what he and others are singing about, in that wonderful Blues rendition! WOW! My oldest daughter, Shae, so kindly came through Cleveland from VA, picked Micah and I up and allowed us to travel with her to Chicago for her audition for The Color Purple. The audition experience is awesome in itself. You can just feel the intensity of the crowd and see the sweat and tears of each person's desire to get selected for a part. Many try out but few are selected. Shae is not discouraged though. She is going to keep on keeping on with the fantastic talent God gave her and when the time is right, we both know all will fall into place.

Afterwards, however, we had the opportunity to sight see. Micah and I may be been the only people in Cleveland that had not visited Chicago. haha EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, in Downtown Chicago, there is absolute beauty. You must take the Architecture Tour, sample some Garrett Popcorn, try the original Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (slightly different from what we are accustomed to here) AND enjoy brownies where brownies were actually invented. Just imagine that. The Art Museum has sooooo many originals...Picaso, Renoir, all the greats. There are wonderful fountains and flower gardens. I saw Johnson Publishing, and the home of Ebony and Jet Magazines. There was jazz playing in Grant Park, amidst the marvelous aromas of the local restaurants as the children giggled and played in the outdoor water maze. THE CITY FELT SO ALIVE!!! I also had the pleasure of going to Oprah's new high rise builing where I was told she lives on floors 5 and 6. And last but not least, you know I HAD TO GO to Harpo Studios. God has truly blessed her! I was so impressed by those actually sweeping the streets and sidewalks and everywhere I looked people were using the trashcans lined along the walkways (even little children). I felt their pride and wished more Clevelanders could be more like that.

It takes less than 6 hours to drive there, so just in case you have not been there... GO...PLEASE...You will never forget it. Thank you Lord always for Your provision. What a blessing it is to have a daughter that is kind enough to allow her Mom and brother to tag along on her vacation experience. She even bought gifts for us! She is quite a lady.

I took about 200 pictures but here are just a few.










Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Just A Few Pictures from Kelly Chapman's CD Release Concert @ Pickwick & Frolic!!

What an awesome time we had last night. Pickwick & Frolic was amazing to open for this Christian venue and service was fabulous! Here are some pictures from this wonderful night. See The Mom Squad Blog for more details www.themomsquad.blogspot.com. Thanks Borders Books for coming out to handle the sale of Kelly's new CD, Great Is Your Grace, and the selling of her book, Real - The Truth About Being Single. And thank you Buehler's for the delicious and beautiful cakes. OH I FORGOT TO MENTION...The little lady you see in the last picture, Miss Raven Platts, is only 10 years old and blew the audience away as she sang a duet with Kelly entitled, Shine Your Light. Kelly has been mentoring Raven for the past year. What an amazing up and coming talent!!

Giving Him The Glory


The Reception Begins


Buehler's Cake

Sarah & Jemma


Pastor Ron, NewSong Church & Greg

Tara & James

Kelly & Darlene



Roz, Sarah's Sister & Toni

Miss Raven Platts

Monday, July 27, 2009

Summer is Going By Way, Way, Too Fast.....


My children and I really enjoy traveling. Usually some portion of the summer is spent at amusement parks in OH, visiting my daughter and my friends in VA and laying on the beach at Ocean City, MD. This year has been a bit different and I can't quite figure out why. Is it because the "children" are older? This is the first year I had a week with no children and I went someplace I had never been before...San Diego! It was an amazing time. Mom was safe and well cared for. Micah went to VA with Shae and Beranda has worked hard the entire summer so we have hardly seen her at all. School begins so early. When I was in school, it started AFTER the Labor Day Holiday and I wish that was the case today. Soon Micah will be a grownup. I want to spend every moment I can with him. So we are off to Family Camp this week and from there, God-willing, we are off to Chicago. I have never been there either! And maybe, just maybe before school begins I will get the opportunity, once again, to inhale that wonderful salt water, see the beautiful blue water and crashing waves, hear the sea gulls calling out to each other along with the loving laughter of my children. God always makes a way. Enjoy the time you have left.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

This Prayer Says So Much...

WHOEVER WROTE THIS HAS A VERY INTERESTING VIEW...SOME ARE SENDING THIS AS AN E-MAIL MESSAGE FROM BILLY GRAHAM BUT PER ANOTHER SITE, IT ORIGINATED FROM TWO OTHER SOURCES. http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/prayernation.asp

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and
called it politics.. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

God Is Ever So Merciful

For the past several weeks, Mom and I have been living between a hospital and a rehabilitation facility in an effort to get her back on her feet from a terrible episode she experienced. Doctor's don't want to call it a seizure...they don't want to call it a stroke...as all tests have no indication of either. So they have decided to call them episodes. How wonderful it is, especially at this time in life, to have an insurance plan. Thanks to God's mercy, He provided my Mom with a loving, hard-working husband some 70 years ago and through those efforts, she is still being cared for. Dad passed almost 29 years ago but he always said God made him a man that knew the benefit of having a loving wife and family and he appreciated being a provider. He was her one and only love and I thank God for granting her someone that did not make her life difficult or put her in stressful situations. She never worked a day outside of the home, but she always took pride in knowing how to run her household and she knew that caring for her family was a full-time job in itself. It is lovely to have and not need, BUT truly a gift from God to have a need met....regardless if that need is a good man...insurance...or whatever. God is worthy to be praised! Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and concern. As you know, I consider it an honor and a privilege to have this time with Mom. My care of her has been my ministry over the past 5 years and the Heavenly Father continues in His faithfulness to show me mercy and extend blessings beyond belief. If you have a need, please continue to pray and wait on His timing. His will for your life and His timing is ALWAYS best! I have some exciting news that transpired from this current situation and I will share that with you at a later time so stay tuned and remember.....

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

City At Peace is AWESOME!!!!


There is a wonderful group in Washington, DC called City At Peace. They teach nonviolent conflict resolution via various exercises and ultimately the performing arts. Junior High and Senior High students from various areas, ethnicities and financial backgrounds come together to get to know themselves and each other. They learn to embrace their differences, understand their similarities and learn to respect and love each other regardless of their circumstances. For an entire year they go through a series and the outcome is an original play, which they write, choreograph, create the music and perform under the direction of Sandi Holloway, assisted by my lovely daughter, Shae Washington. Shae is also an alumni of the program and their latest play, entitled, "Living In Theory" was performed last weekend and, as usual, it was AMAZING!!! This June, for the first time in CAP history, they will also perform this play as street theatre. Dates to be announced. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of their annual events you will never forget the experience. It is also a worthwhile organization to make a tax-deductible contribution to. See their site and video at www.cityatpeacedc.org.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

TODAY MOM TURNED 93!!!


What joy it is to see my Mom smiling and happy on her 93rd birthday. She is so sweet and innocent. She has no idea that her brother, Robert, just passed away last Sunday. His funeral is Friday. It is odd to be so happy about one occasion and sad about the other. Then I pray and I have to remind myself of the beautiful person Uncle Robert was and how happy I should be that now he is no longer in pain, crippled by arthritis and as some would say, wasting away from a cancerous blood disorder. He never stopped smiling. I never heard him say one unkind word about anyone or to anyone. You could tell he had a peaceful spirit. My Mom has a peaceful spirit too but in her day, she was a little more apt to let you have it if she felt you needed a good dose of reality. haha Oh how she used to make me laugh when she would say this person was "just a fool", or that person was "acting like a dunce" or how someone had "lost the good sense God gave them." I miss those days but I am greatful for whatever days we have together. Love you Uncle Robert aka Uncle Rob-Bob. I'll miss you buddy. Say, "Hello" to my Dad, Grandpa and Father-in-Law for me and give Grandma a hug.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Wow! What a Week....

Mom had a seizure on Monday. Usually when this happens, and mind you, it doesn't happen often, I do my best to keep her comfortable but I call for an ambulance. The last time I took her to emergency, her doctor (by telephone) says to the emergency room attending physician...who then relayed it to me, "I don't understand why they rush her in. They know she is going to come out of it eventually. This is no different than times in the past." Well, thank you very much but I DON'T know she is going to come out of it and I DON'T know that it is exactly the same situation that she has gone through before. There is always a chance of stroke or worse. Why is it that some doctors and other medical professionals that care for our loved ones - our senior citizens show so little compassion? They are not paying for the care of those we love. I will never forget the first time it happened back in 2005, one doctor put her face so close to my Mom's face their noses were almost touching and she actually said out loud, "I can see she was once very beautiful." EXCUSE ME??? First of all, she has Alzheimer's...she is NOT deaf and SHE IS STILL BEAUTIFUL. After asking her into the hallway to point out how I felt about her statement, she still kept going on and on about why she used the phrase she did, so I asked her to leave.

Anyway, this time just as I was planning to stay calm, pray, keep her comfortable and wait until she came out of the seizure, wouldn't you know it - SOMETHING NEW HAPPENED. She began to vomit profusely. I prayed as I pulled her forward so that she would not choke, removed her dentures and began to clear her airways. As usually, God was right there to bring us through the situation. My brother, 2 of my nephews and 2 of my nieces came to assist and I was so greatful. I still called for an ambulance because of this new situation but believe it not, there were no ambulances available due to major accidents on the highway. When I called 911 the second time as a bit of time had passed, the 911 Operator was so kind and apologetic, even trying to obtain assistance from Warrensville Heights but to no avail. I explained to her that Mom had regained conscienceness. I have kept a close eye on her this week. What an amazing specimen she is! In just about 2 weeks she will be 93 years old! Pound for pound her body is still strong. I just thank God everyday for these precious years I have had with her. Thanks to all those that read my Blog and offer prayers. Bless you.

Monday, March 16, 2009

I Had The Loveliest Experience Yesterday!

I was doing some work for The Gold Guys, and by the way, if you haven't had the chance to come to one of their 5 locations with your unwanted gold or stamped Sterling Silver, NOW'S THE TIME. Gold went up 5 weeks straight, then down just a tiny bit and now it is holding steady...so stop on by and/or plan a Gold Party! They are so much fun. Check them out on the web at www.gold-guys.com. But back to the topic at hand. Since I returned back to Ohio to care for Mom in 2005 I have rarely run into anyone from my past AND I'M ALWAYS LOOKING. I have seen my prom date...my attorney...the gentleman mentioned in my last post...ONE lady I attended high school with (just one), until yesterday. In walked a young lady that I used to have so much fun with, and later she became my attorney's fiance. It was marvelous to see her and catch up a bit and I am looking forward to spending more time with her now that God has brought us back together again. She and her family always had their fingers on the pulse of Cleveland as upstanding individuals, involved in a variety of things economic, cultural and social. I remember her always being creative, artistic and full of life. I thank God for making life interesting for me each and everyday, and thank Him for the little happy surprises of life. I hope you are feeling His goodness. STAY PRAYERFUL AND POSITIVE MY FRIENDS. There's power in that! ADIOS.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

And Then There's Love...


I'm finding the dating scene to be very different from when I was single 100 years ago. In fact, it seems more cyber-dating is taking place than actual dating nowadays. It makes me wonder why people are not interacting...one on one...face to face. Guys approach me often but they don't seem able to offer more than compliments. They begin the conversation with, "Hi! You're very attractive." Then I say, "Hi! Thank you very much." PAUSE or for those of us into the writings of David, SELAH. hahaha I then may muster up the next sentence, something about the weather or the crowd at the register or whatever. Then from there they continue on to expound upon whatever I have mentioned. They don't offer their name or a hand to shake or name and telephone number and I'm sorry if this sounds old fashioned, but I don't think it should be my responsibility to do that so once again...SELAH and no connection. I dated one gentleman a bit but he was hiding a disturbing habit and you know God does not want us to be in darkness so as it was revealed...I POLITELY BOWED OUT. Everyone, at least I think everyone, wants someone to care about them, call during the day, hold hands with, etc. though I thoroughly understand a woman on her own is just FINE (thank you daughters). But I am thankful to say God has brought someone back into my life from many years ago and we were very comfortable with each other before so who knows. I think it gives me great peace that we already had a lovely rapport once upon a time but as the song says, "Nice and easy does it every time." No need for either of us to rush. Those of you desiring a mate, here is the best advice, STAY PRAYERFUL. And if God brings you someone, BE PRAYERFUL TOGETHER. He is truly the glue. God is love and love is wonderful at any age.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tribute To Henry Washington

When I met my father-in-law some 32 years ago, there were several things I noticed right away, he loved his wife, he almost never left his green, tufted living room chair and everyone that entered his home had to eat something. He was what you would call the salt of the earth type of person and I appreciated many things about him. If he knew you needed something, he did his best to help you and one of my fondest memories was when I was managing a law firm not far from his home. I needed a tire on my car but had not been able to afford one. I had only been married a few years and had a new baby. But when my boss came in, he said, "I enjoyed talking to your father-in-law today." That confused me because I did not know my boss knew Dad. Then he went on to say, "He's downstairs putting a new tire on your car." That's the Henry Washington I loved. Oh there were times when he was feisty and pig-headed but you just had to overlook that and admire him for being a caring, responsible man. Before Mom passed, he took her to plan her funeral and he did the same for himself, right down to matching his suit with the draperies in the room he picked to be viewed in. He always wanted to plan and pay for everything with cash; a sign of living through The Depression I presume. At 94, he had lived a long and full life and I knew he was now at peace and probably enjoying being with Mom again and both of his sons. But as memories flooded to my mind at his funeral, tears filled my eyes. I kept thinking of the times he sat with my parents and how he and my Dad enjoyed fishing together. I hope he and Daddy take time now, to sit together once more, and fish in the abundance of God's Heavenly streams.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Look out Cleveland, Micah is driving....


Praise the Lord! Micah passed his permit test and is now my official chauffer. I can tell he is not going to take this opportunity for granted. Oh how this brings back memories of the days when my precious Dad took the time, each day after work, to spend time with me. Showing me the techniques of the task, being patient as I made blunders. He was such a wonderful man. I bet each one of my sibblings, in fact, even one of my nieces had the same maneuvering difficult at the same location. The people that live near this location finally had a metal guard put up. hahaha I guess it is something about that area and how the ice forms but we all, as new drivers, slid upon the curb in front of that house. My Dad never yelled and I am sure there were days he really gripped the sides of his seat or tried to put on the brakes as he rode in the passenger seat. I always thank God for giving me such a wonderful Dad and I pray that I will be able to take his example and use it to train and encourage my son. Beep....Beep...Look Out...Student Driver Is On The Move!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Well, It's Been Difficult To Discuss But I Must Say Goodbye To My Faithful Companion



A TRIBUTE TO CHEWCHY

I miss you so much...your sweet little kisses and your warmth. May you rest in peace my sweetheart. I, along with so many others will never forget you. I thank God for our time together, in fact, I did that daily because you brought me so much joy. I thank God for giving me the chance to pray over you one last time and to say "Goodbye my sweet boy...Mommy loves you so much."

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It Is Always Great To Put A Face With A Name


I have had the pleasure of meeting sooooo many of you fantastic Fish Listeners on Saturdays and Sundays at The Gold Guys Events. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING OUT and letting it be known that you heard of The Gold Guys via The Fish. Louise, Roseanne, Jane, Kim and Georgia...Thanks for the e-mails you have sent to me. Your kind words are so uplifting. And it has made me so happy that each of you were able to make money from jewelry items you were no longer using or were no longer wearable. What The Gold Guys are doing in providing a company of Integrity...a place of Comfort and Convenience...employees that treat you with Respect and are ever so happy to see you is phenomenal!!! You may not know this but I started out as a customer too so I know how you feel coming in..and how you feel going out. This is a testament to the many, many repeat customers The Gold Guys have. So again, I THANK YOU for coming out and for your kind words. Please spread the word so others can benefit and keep listening to The Fish, checking The Mom Squad Blog & Forum AND I hope to see you at the next Mom Squad Event. Blessings.