Always a Mom

When I was growing up and dreamed of getting married, having children and being a Mommie, I never really knew what all that entailed. I knew that Mom's did so much for so many and always loved and respected my Mom for all that she has done for me over the years.

Even though I am a wife - I may not always be one. I will, however, always and forever be a Mom!

Moms wear so many hats and I'm often amazed at what all we can accomplish when we set our minds to it!

We are wife, mom, gourmet chef, short order cook, doctor, referee, entertainer, taxi driver, organizer, event coordinator, slayer of horrible monsters that lurk in closets. We provide miracle kisses that heal all scrapes, scratches and other injuries that do not require stitches or casts. We are alarm clocks to get the day started and the light switch when it's "lights out" for the day. We are the believer of dreams, encouragers to the end and the gentle shove out of the nest when fear arises. We are a constant reminder that can't never could and that won't never will but if you think you can, then you probably will. We are a light in the dark and the sunshine on a rainy day. We sacrifice great things of the present for even greater things in the future. We cry tears of joy as well as endure the tears of sorrow. We handle untimely disasters single handedly while always knowing where the other shoe is. We know that the book you need is on the 2^nd shelf to the left – if you’d just look there, you’d see. We multitask better than the most powerful CEO can whip up a school project hours before it is due. We will believe when no one else around will and keep pressing towards the prize when everyone else is at a complete halt.

Even though we hate it sometimes, we are also the bad guy in this story of life. Hindering our children from doing what they "want" to do when they think it is ok. We are the policeman that strives to keep order and peace as well as the Security guard that keeps watch in the night for dangers that are lurking. We are the backbone when they are weak, yet softly praying that when the kids are older they will have the courage to do what is right on their own. We are determined to preserve and protect and will face the greatest danger for our children - all because we are always a Mom. Even though the kids may think of us as strict, mean, aggravating, ridiculous, uncooperative, hateful and just plain behind in the times - we will always be MOM.

I used to tell my Mom that "I'll never say that to MY kids!” When ever she said "Because I said so.” Did that hold true? NO, absolutely not. In all honesty I probably said everything she said and then some.

That is why I LOVE this video. It reminds me that I am not alone. Other Moms say the same things to THEIR children. We are always a Mom and these things that Moms say will continue to be said by Moms all over the world!

Thanks Mom for always believing, loving and for giving me something good to grow up to be…just like you!

The Joy of Gastroparesis

Megan had her appointment with Dr. Pinerio with the Levine Children's Center today and we left hopeful!

He believes this is Gastroparesis.

According to the Mayo Clinic's website Gastroparesis is "a condition in
which the muscles in your stomach don't function normally.
Ordinarily,
strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But in
gastroparesis, the muscles in the wall of your stomach work poorly or not at
all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly. This can interfere with
digestion, cause nausea and vomiting, and play havoc with blood sugar levels and
nutrition. No available treatment can cure gastroparesis. Dietary changes
and certain medications sometimes help control symptoms of gastroparesis, but
they're not effective in every case. And the available gastroparesis drugs can
cause serious side effects. Researchers are investigating other types of
therapies for gastroparesis.

He is going to use Erythromycin and Zophran to help treat it. She will take these 30 minutes before 3 meals - which right now is 4 ounces of Ensure (Yummie!!!) She will finish the other 4 ounces a few hours past that. The Erythromycin will also help her stomach muscles to contract - and push the food to small intestines.

In a week or so, we will move towards yogurt. We will stay there as long as we need to - until she feels like she can move to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yummy cheesie grits and oatmeal type foods.

We will keep progressing from there. He explained to her that she will need to re-teach her stomach to accept food - which I had already discussed with her.

She will be doing a 2 hour Gastric Emptying Scan where she eats a small amount of food and then her gift of holding in vomit will have to kick in for 2 hours. They will scan her and see if she is digesting anything at all. This scan will take place July 29th. She will have been on the new meds for 9 days. He will then decide if we need to up the medication or if she still has zero digestion, he said the Gastric Pacemaker would be an option. It is just like a pacemaker they use for the heart - just on the stomach.

This will be a long process. She will have to do some pain management techniques in addition to the meds and thanks to some great people, we already have some relaxation items on hand to help her.

She is tired of the Ensure, but willing to try. She is still skeptical because nothing has helped.

Thank you for how you have rallied around her (and me) and lifted her up in prayer. There is no way that I can tell you how encouraging it is to hear we are praying for you during this time.

I'm so grateful for all of you! I am so blessed to have friends such as you!

Megan is at camp. She will not have the energy nor the ability to participate in the sports but wanted to go.

A million *hugs* and *kisses* would never be enough to say thank you for caring, lifting us up and for being there anytime we needed you!

I am Completely awed by your compassion.....

“I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.”
Pablo Casals quotes

Completely Awed by the Prayers for Megan!

I'm coming before you to say thank you for your prayers for Megan. People at my work, people at my Church, friends and family members! Your prayers are what is getting us through this time of not knowing what is going on with Megan. Every time you pass me and say I'm praying for Megan - I was encouraged. I also passed that information along to Megan and again, it encouraged me.

I must take a moment to express my utter respect for those that I follow on Twitter! I absolutely can not name ALL of your names, but YOU have touched my heart so deeply today! It is hard to find words great enough to express my deepest feelings!

A brief history on what you are praying for:

Megan's stomach trouble started 2 years ago. Horrible pain immediately after eating. Her GI quickly diagnosed it as IBS and gave appropriate medication. I never believed it was that but the medicine helped some, so we went on about our merry little ways - dealing with the pain as needed.

In March of this year, we returned to the GI with nausea and he upped her Prilosec. Ordered Endoscopy and biopsies to be taken. All came back clear. No cancer, no bacterial infection no nothing - all "normal". April Megan started vomiting her foods several times a week. Dr. then upped her Bental and ordered more tests. All "normal". In May the several times a week turned into each meal that had meats in it and other "hard" foods. Soft foods like cheesy smashed potatoes, good ole Southern Grits, yogurt, pudding, eggs and the like were ok. Megan was given a Gastric Emptying Scan. She was required to eat more food than she has been able to keep down since April. She ate and was scanned. An hour later another scan. The next scan was the hardest. After many tears because she couldn't "hold down the food" any longer they took the scan and she immediately vomited. She told the technician she threw up less than half of the food. The 4th hour scan showed that only 39% of the food was gone. (Well last time I checked - 39% is less than half!) Finally - a test that showed NO digestion. I just knew that our prayers had been answered and resolution would soon be on the way!

The beginning of June Megan was admitted to hospital for 2 days for observation. She was given Reglan 3o minutes before each meal and still - vomiting of all solids was taking place. So soup for "snacks" it is. Before leaving the hospital - we found out that mashed potatoes and grits were no longer staying down. Even though the Dr. was thinking Gastroparesis - his lasts words to me was - I've never seen this and I don't know what to do. Sent me back to our pediatrician for a referral to another specialists.

We have waited on this appointment for July 20th at 1:3opm for 5 l-o-n-g weeks now. And now - yogurt, as of last week, is not digesting. And as of last night 7-17-09 - liquids are officially having to be "held down". (she can really hold in her vomit...truly) She wants to drink but the pain of the liquids going into her stomach is to great. The nausea that goes with it is so hard to bear. She is sleeping alot today to get through this. (4 ounces an hour - not working. No worries though, if need be, I will take her to ER for hydration.)

Present day - (finally - you say...get to the point!!!) Ok, already. I sent out a tweet this morning asking for prayer for wisdom for the new Doctor on Monday. Told about the liquids now giving her problems and then it happened.

#prayers4megan being tweeted about over twitter!

I know there are so many children out there with terminal illnesses. I know I can never in a million years understand what they or their mothers are going through! One thing I'm certain of is that I would not have made it through these past few months with out prayers!

Few people knew about Megan way back in March. Then a few more and a few more. This morning, after a sleepless night of prayer - I knew I had to ask for prayer. I knew several would step up and answer but I had no clue how those acts of joy would affect me!

My eyes swelled with tears as I read tweet after tweet of people asking for prayers for Megan. Then - names I didn't even recognize started showing up. (I must happily say that I am now following those people - because I want to follow great people like they are!)

I showed my husband the outpouring of your prayers and he was in complete awe by what he was seeing, as was I!

I come to you today to humbly say thank you! It has always been (and will always be) my goal to be spreading joy to each of you but today...I was a recipient of such a magical gift! I realize that I must be diligent about spreading joy because of the encouragement and inspiration I received from your acts of joy! I must not tire, I must not fail. I must press on! And with God's help and your prayers and encouragement - I believe I can do so.

If you have prayed for Megan - thank you!

If you have asked others to pray for Megan - Thank you!

Megan thanks you too!

A million thank yous could never be enough! Never!

YOU are great at Spreading Joy!

"Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others." Brian Tracey

Thank you guys for sharing!

Photo: Mother's Day 2009 Marie & Megan

Some Seriously Fun Stuff - Seriously!

Megan is my proofreader. She reads everything I type. She matter of factly asked me the other day if I ever wrote anything fun? Truthfully, I had started this post and just never come back to it. We love fun! We are the most playful, silly people we know. Fun brings so much joy...don't you think?

I love to laugh, to be silly, to play and have fun.


So with that...I hope you enjoy this fun post...seriously!


Oh, I simply love fun, cute, adorable silly things. Really, I do. I know that will come as a surprise to anyone that knows me, but it is the TRUTH!

Here is my all time favorite from Hoops and Yoyo - you just gotta watch it. Visit Hallmark to send it as an e-card. This is how I am before I have my coffee!




Those guys are the cutest. Many stores have their cards. You should send one to someone...just for the fun of it.



The Procrastinator:

1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.
3. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.
4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.
5. I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my obligations.
6. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.
7. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitely small, is not exactly zero.
8. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.
9. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.
10. I shall always begin, start, initiate, take the first step, and/or write the first word, when I get around to it.
11. I obey the law of inverse excuses which demands that the greater the task to be done, the more insignificant the work that must be done prior to beginning the greater task.
12. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.
13. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration!

Did you guys know I LOVE Chuck Norris? Well, I do and one of these days someone that loves me (or gets tired of me whining about it) will get me to him! But, until that happens - here are my favorite Chuck Norris Facts:

10. The first rule of Chuck Norris is: You do not talk about Chuck Norris.
9. Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
8. Chuck Norris uses a nightlight. Not because he is afraid of the dark, but because the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.
7. Chuck Norris owns a large private estate in the middle of the Atlantic. We know it as the Bermuda Triangle. Chuck Norris does not tolerate trespassers.
6. Before he forgot a gift for Chuck Norris, Santa Claus was real. (oh..I love Santa)
5. Chuck Norris can find the needle in the haystack.
4. The true definition of Pi is Chuck Norris.
3. The chief export of Chuck Norris is Pain.
2. Chuck Norris can divide by zero.

And my number 1 all time very favoritest Chuck Norris fact in the whole wide world is:

1. When the boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris!

These are just a few fun things that I hope you have enjoyed. What are some of your favorite Chuck Norris facts? What fun things bring you joy? Please share them with us...as it is truly the little things that make life BIG!


Photo: Megan...jumping on some bed from some vacation we had.

Blissful Inspiration

I wanted to take some time to introduce you to a blog that I think you'll love. I've never met Tabitha personally or even spoken to her on the phone - but our hearts are in the same place.

It is A FiveOh4 Uplifting Blog!

She has no idea just how much she has blissfully inspired me! I've been giving out "Joy Packs" now for over a year now, but haven't thought to put photos up, keep track of them or even really mention it. Who knows why that is. I'll probably start posting a few photos each time I do it so that maybe, just maybe, YOU will be inspired to do something for someone else.

Tabitha and her family send out goody bags to children and adults who are battling cancer or are in the hospital. They make note cards to include in each bag. They will send bags in honor of people! She doesn't let a physical handicap stop her! It is truly inspiring! Tabitha says,

"The first three years of my life were spent living in Children's Hospital
due to birth abnormalities. I was born without a right arm and at 9 months old my right leg had to be amputated. My left arm is half the length of a normal length arm, but none of this has ever STOPPED me."

She isn't kidding. She spends time doing things to brighten the days of children in hospitals and that inspires me!

Tabitha - I wanted to publicly say thank you for all that you do! You are an inspiration to me as well as to so many other people. We may never know this side of heaven just how many hearts you've touched with your compassion and your vision!

I will also be sending you the following items via our friends at Oriental Trading (Love them!)

24 - Neon Monkey Bracelets (Cause Monkeys are my Favorite!!)
72 - Groovy 60's tattoos
72 - Mini Activity Pads
50 - Mini Rainbow Spring Assortment

What inspires you? Do you respond to that inspiration? You'd be surprised how a simple response would make a difference to someone else!


"Abundance and love are not limited. Support others in their pursuit of them and your life will be blessed as well." Lark Neville

Photo from:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlyfaye/2785383504/

The Good, The Bad and the Crazy

I love twitter. I love that I have met so many wonderful people there. The other day 2 of my favorite tweeple were tweeting back and forth and it caught my attention. After being asked how things were - @coffeesister replied saying " @HappyLotus has actually been a really rough coupla days yet w/great things in the midst, hope your busyness was a goodness but YAY for calm"

I knew exactly what she was talking about - except for me it has been a rough couple of weeks. Normally we handle problems and move on but sometimes, every once in a while, a problem creeps up and you have to stay with it longer than you desire. The question then becomes, how do you keep focused on the good things going on around you while you concentrate on the bad and the crazy

I won't bore you with all the bad that has been in my life since the first of May, but so that you get the picture, I have to share a little bit of what has happened. Late April I issued a challenge to my twitter friends to do an act of joy a day so that they may see that "there's no joy like spreading joy" and I would join in myself. I'm personally (not including the things I do through Spreading Joy Corporation - but as an individual) trying to reach 1,000 acts of joy and set a goal of 3 acts of joy a day! I'm a giver, love to give and therefore that shouldn't be a problem - right? W-R-O-N-G! Another twitter friend @dr_uw commented "I like your page, very encouraging to risk exposure and share."

I remembered that comment when my phone rang at 7:15 at work on that first Friday morning in May. My husband who had been only working 32 hours a week for months had been given the news the day before that they were only going to be able to work every other week. Not totally laid off, but not making 40 hours a week either. My daughter, Megan, had been dealing with vomiting for most of April and we were taking her to test after test after test. My son, Todd, was graduating in a few weeks and would be heading off to college at the end of the summer and then there is the normal, usual stuff that just goes on. In May the washer broke. That same week, while I was at the laundry mat my husband had a flat tire on the way home and that very night my son's car had a flat tire. (Great a washer and 2 tires) The next week my breaks were going out on the car and when my husband went to change them he noticed that 2 of the lug nut BOLTS were off - yep....gone. He went to take the tire off and what do you know - the OTHER TWO broke off. I could not believe it. I just knew we'd have to pay a tow truck to take my vehicle a mile down the road to get fixed. This is all in the middle of dealing with Doctors and Nurses phone calls and trying to keep Spreading Joy Corporation going. I'm not telling you all of this for your pity - I will take your prayers - but I want to share how in the world we made it through the month of May without totally losing our sanity.

I did not make my personal goal of 3 acts of joy a day in the month of May, but I did continue to do something everyday - just as I have done since April of 2008. While I was focusing on Megan and trying to help her and dealing with the crazy things that were going on around me I knew that no matter what, things would be ok because of the support we had.

The support during this trying time has been unbelievable! So many people are praying for Megan and while it is so hard watching her be so sick sometimes, knowing that she is being prayed for around the world has provided me with great peace. The tweets, the emails, the phone calls, the card and especially the prayers. I love giving and doing, but sometimes you have to let people support you, that is all there is to it. If someone wants to know how you are - tell them. You don't have to be whiney about it, but say that its hard if you need to. Say that you are concerned. Don't carry the burden alone. Take the help that is offered.

I had to remember - this too shall pass. This is only a small piece of the journey. You will not be on this road forever. Things will look up. Things will get better - count on it! Don't dwell on this state that things are in...look to the future as it is a bright one!

I have made sure that I remain a source of motivation for others as well as giving others. I know you'll probably tire of me say "There's no joy like spreading joy" but it is true! When you give, do or encourage others YOU will get so much more back. The joy you receive when you are focusing on others is truly unspeakable. Your heart is warmed, your soul is thankful and the joy that is there because of the difference you've made is unwavering. You can have joy through the journey! You can have joy through the trials.

Take it one day at a time. If you have to, take it one hour at a time! Don't hurry through your day. Don't try to tackle everything all at once. Focus on what is important and let the rest wait. Don't worry about tomorrow. Stay in the now..the right here and make it work.

Don't remain so focused on the "crazy" that you miss the blessings that happen in between. While all this was going on in May - good things were going on too. My son was getting ready to graduate, Spreading Joy received a $10,000 matching grant and little did I know that a $500.00 grant to Wal-Mart was being approved. New friendships were being formed and thank goodness School was almost over! Great things were happening and I was noticing it. I could have easily missed it - had I been focused on the "crazy".

Remember, we are all going to go through the good days, the bad days and most certainly the crazy days. Keep your chin up. Things will be good again. I promise!

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. "~ Ayn Rand

To the Class of 2009

To the Class of 2009 -

Your journey is just beginning, and the roads may be long. The days may seem uncertain, but you are ready.

You've been taught to do your best, give your best and be the best.

Keep looking forward while remembering the wonderful times you had. Look forward to the new opportunities that lay ahead of you. Look forward to new friendships, new challenges while keeping your heart tied to the memories that your heart will cherish for a life time.

Remember, you are still young and while you may know what you want to do, also know that things change. Your journey may change a time or two and when it does, I hope you'll seize the opportunity to learn from those changes. I hope you'll have the courage to walk the path least traveled. I hope you'll have the desire to make a difference along the way.

You are our future. Yes - YOU Class of 2009! We need you to be strong yet sensitive to the needs of those around you. We need you to be wise yet willing to still learn and be taught. We need you to be fierce yet still be approachable by the common individual. We need you to be dreamers of wonderful, magnificent dreams and realize that even if those dreams do not come true, that the journey is still worth it!

You are hope, you are love, you are magnificent and courageous! You are wonderful!

Todd - as a part of this graduating class, I must tell you that I'm proud of you. I'm proud of the wonderful young man you have grown up to be. I'm proud of the choices you've made and hope that you'll continue to give great consideration to the choices you'll make.

I'm proud that you love your little sister and would do what ever you needed to protect her. I'm proud that I can trust you to do what is right.

Thank you for how you give to others. Thank you for your love and care. Thank you for having the courage to explore the unknown.

I love you son!
Forever and Always
Mommie

Photos: Todd Class of 2009 and Todd 4 1/2 yrs. old.

For Megan

The pain in her stomach
Is reflected on her face
Lord, What she needs now more than ever
Is a double portion of your grace

Her laughter and her smile
Have faded away
Now that her blue skies
Are an awful dark grey

Her future is bright
There’s so much love that she gives
But the pain over throws her
Making it hard to fully live

The search continues
For answers each day
Hopefully relief
Will soon be on the way

Then the love will shine
So strong and so bright
I know she’ll be glad
That she fought a good fight

The difference she’ll make
Because she has been there
Will be told for eternity
With luster and flair

A Princess in my eyes
My pride and my joy
Will help those who are hurting
With diseases that destroy

Keep fighting my Princess
Stay strong and devoted
You’ll do great works
You’ll often be quoted!

You’ll make a huge difference
Just you wait – you’ll see
I know this for a fact,

Because you’ve made a difference in me!



I love you Princess. I'm fighting for you!



Photo: by Megan of Megan & Marie

The Difference of A Few

Late April, I decided I would make public my acts of joy during May. I normally do that in the "Tell Me Your Story" portion of the main Spreading Joy Corporation website and over at the facebook group page. Normally it isn't a problem. I set a goal to do 2 acts of joy a day because I'm trying to reach my 1,000th act of joy as soon as possible and issued a challenge to everyone on Twitter to do an act of joy for someone everyday. I wanted to blog our results with the hopes that someone will come across this blog and realize they can make a difference with what they have - right where they are.

Several people stepped up to the challenge and I want to say thank you for sharing with me as well as making a difference.


So, how did we do? Well over 100 acts of joy were emailed, blogged or twittered about. Here are a few!

• Encouraged sick friend
• Helped someone get medicine that they needed
• Left encouraging comments on blog (and believe me, this is encouraging)
• Purchased Eco friendly grocery bags in an effort to become greener
• Encouraged people via Twitter (free and so easy to do)
• Sent care packages to our soldiers and wished they could send more
• Fed the homeless in their area
• Provided an entire month of giving without spending ideas
• Free Bibles and Rice were given through the Free Click Campaigns
• Cards were sent for encouragement (yes, handwritten cards)
• Helped a hurting neighbor
• Gave large tip to waitress who obviously needed help
• Emailed discouraged friend
• Helped Spreading Joy Corporation via Good Search
• Money donated to Missionaries
• Participated in Spring Forward Campaign

The bottom line, is a handful of people looked for ways to make a difference during one month and many things were accomplished. What if 200 people decided to step up to the challenge and made an effort to do ONE act of kindness a day - just one. Well, I can tell you from experience, those 200 people will be the happiest people on earth (even through trials) and by the end of the month there would be OVER 6,000 acts of joy performed which means over 6,000 people had their hearts warmed.

That alone is enough for me to keep going, keep spreading the word about doing acts of joy daily and to encourage as many people as I can along the way to make a difference with what they have, right where they are.

Thank you again to those of you who participated, who tweeted, who emailed etc. YOU have been an encouragement to me....and trust me, the Month of May was a challenge for me. (which I will post about at a later date) I didn't not reach my personal goal of 2 acts of joy a day, but there is always June!

Scott Adams said "Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Well done on the ripple effect that you've created this past month - well done!

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevint/85911467/

Your Dash

"There'll be two dates on your tombstone

And all your friends will read 'em
But all that's gonna matter
is that little dash between 'em..."Kevin Welch

My Mom and I will see an extremely old cemetery and we'll stop at just to look at the dates on the tombstones. We will read the dates, look at how many family members are there, how long the children lived etc. I remember one family in particular. There were 6 or 7 small tombstones - obviously children, so I went to investigate further.

This Mother had given birth to several children and none of them made it past the age of 3 or so. I looked at her dates and she wasn't that old at all. I wondered if she died of heart break, especially since all of her children died so young. I wondered if she was ever able to overcome her pain of not being able to raise her children, see them go off to school or do many of the things the children in the neighborhood were able to do. I wondered if her husband was able to console her and help her through this horrible valley in her life, and then my mind drifts back to my own world and what am I doing to make my "dash" more meaningful.

Can I inspire others to make a difference where they are? Can I motivate and encourage my children to be givers without having them be taken advantage of? Can an average young lady, such as myself, have a "dash" that is full of love, joy, excitement, passion and the heart to bring it all together to make a difference?

Yes, and so can you. What are you filling your "dash" with? What will others remember most about you? If you are thinking about this (and I hope you are) and are not thrilled with what is in your mind, take some time to set some goals and make some changes.

Yes - your dash is very important. I hope you are taking the time to fill it with wonderful memories, meaningful relationships and new friendships.

Photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/catskillsgrrl/84145218/

Keeping it Real about ME

I have a horrible problem. I do. When I'm on the phone with a help tech person or am "waiting" for someone to help me - I tend to ask questions. Seriously. I always want to know where the person is, are they near a beach (so I know if I need to be jealous or not) how old they are etc.

I just like to know these things - maybe it helps me to remember they are a real person with real feelings or maybe, just maybe it satisfies my curiosity problem. Either way, I like finding out things about people.

In honor of that, here are some things about me. I'm just keeping it real and they are totally in a random order. Just as they pop into my head. You might want to check back from time to time as I'm sure I'll add things to it.

1. I have frizzy-naturally curly hair.

2. I'm afraid of heights but will fly in an airplane in a heart beat

3. I'm addicted to sugar. Especially Krispy Kreme...hot donuts

4. I want to visit and do something in all 50 states.

5. I adore small versions of the real thing. For instance - have you seen the key chain version of board games? Very cute.

6. I've wanted to meet Chuck Norris since I was 17.

7. I enjoy walking in the snow. Nothing like a fresh blanket of snow to destroy!

8. While I love spreading joy, I'm a horror flick chick. I love the suspense, the drama and the kill. Just as long as it isn't a horror movie about bugs, spiders, creepy crawlies...etc. I'm good.

9. I will enjoy being a size 16 again one of these days. Never thought it was a "happy" size before, but - it is.

10. I wish I scrapbooked more.

11. I want to capture a picture of a full moon when it is cheesy orange and appears to be sitting right on the earth.

12. I miss my Sega Genesis.

13. I adore my husband and children. Would give up the world for them.

14. Funerals make me sick to my stomach.

15. I'm not a morning person, but I'm at work most days around 6 am.

16. I'm the happiest when I'm giving and doing for others.

17. I love the rain. Love watching it, listening to it and don't mind getting wet as long as I'm not going some place important.

18. I hate pumping gas. I do. Really.

19. I go to the beach every single chance I get.

20. I almost always buy from kids.

21. Reading blogs saves me mega bucks! I love finding new blogs.

22. I think coffee just before bedtime is so soothing.

23. I can't wait to own one of the small itty bitty 8 inch computers. I must resist until they start putting more memory in them though.

24. I'm very random. Things just pop into my mind randomly and I must act upon them.

25. I love quotations. They inspire and motivate.

26. Stay up all night on most weekends. Usually average 4 hours of sleep Friday night and then again Saturday night. Can not make myself do that during the week no matter how hard I try.

27. I love books. Especially older turn of the century books.

28. I'd love to live in a loft type home - over looking the ocean. Can you imagine the view of the sun rise from that?

29. I love choices. The more the merrier.

30. I love monkeys. When I was little - there weren't monkey shirts, stuffed animals etc. Now they are everywhere....journals, pens, pencils - they are everywhere!

31. I think museums are such a fun place to learn. Helps us to remember what we've seen and learned.

What about you? Please feel free to use the comment section to tell me a little more about yourself. If you are on Twitter - please tell me (and others) who you are. I am @spreadingjoy. (I like that way that sounds...don't you?) Come on - you know you want to tell us!

32. When I can't update this post, I think of 36 1/2 things to add to it!

33. I want to be spreading joy all across the USA and the world one day!

34. When I drive I look at shapes in the cloud. I know, not safe for those driving around me, but love seeing neat shapes.

35. I do not feel comfortable on bridges - especially when 18-wheelers are passing and shaking the bridge.

36. I LOVE singing in the car. I do. My kids don't appreciate my talent, but they do tolorate my gifts!

37. I don't want to grow up, I'm a toys R us kid!

38. I'm a persistant little booger!

39. I love talking, chatting (just ask anyone on twitter) and being with friends - but I really, truly L-O-V-E doing things by myself.

40. There is nothing like going to the movies and being the ONLY ONE in the theatre! Love that!

41. I am a Daddy's girl, but am proud to have "turned into" my Mother!

42. I love the sleep I get when I've just turned off the alarm and I'm supposed to get up. That is the most relaxing sleep ever!

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The light isn't on but I'm still going to treat myself! Yummy! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

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My backseat is filled with yard sale items yummie brownies and posterboard. Has been a crazy day!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

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My brother is now 50! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

Thankful Thursday - The Great Moms in My Life

I've been thinking all week about what to write today for my Thankful Thursday post. Then a wonderful friend of mine, Melanie, asked if I would read something she wrote for Mother's Day. It was awesome - and should she post it, I'll link to it.

It started me thinking about Mother's Day and all the wonderful women that have made a difference to me over the years. I realize that there is no blog that will hold the amount of writing I would have to do in order to properly thank every lady that has made a difference in my life. Today I'd like to touch on a few of them and reserve the right to come back and highlight a few more.

1st and most importantly, my Mom! My Mom is such a strong, wonderful woman. She taught us values, awesome work ethics, how to be givers and instilled in us that no matter what, family is family and you need to be there for them. Mom will be 68 in a little over week and still works so very hard for a living. She always has. Hey, she raised 4 of us to be self sustaining...productive citizens and personally that is by far the greatest accomplishment ever. I think I would have had to shoot the 2 middle children on most days - but she didn't. (What? Me...a middle child? :-)

Mom, thank you for all you have done for me. For your love, support and encouragement. For the freedom to be me - with all the silliness and sometimes meaness that is within me. You always have there for me to lean on when things were hard or to give me a much needed nudge, to get me back into the race. You have literally loved me through thick and thin and then back again. Even when I was at such an unhealthy weight, you were kind, but stern. You encouraged without killing the spirit and I'm so grateful for that. You always love us kids - as well as your grandchildren no matter how stupid we become at times, no matter if we don't call like we should and even though we probably don't see you enough. We know that no matter how hard life is or if we are basking in the glory of success that you are there for us, encouraging, motivating and wishing for the best for us. We know that you are there for all of us and for that I'm so thankful.

I'm glad that we share the love of the ocean. I look forward to our beach trips every year. I'm thankful that we share the love of so many things. We love horror movies, the beach, flea markets and just riding around. We love going to bingo. Even though we never win money, we walk away richer than we came because of the laughter we shared for the evening. Thank you for the never ending love, the laughter and the happiness that you've given to me all of these years. Thank you for your support and for always believing in me. Thank you for being one of my very, very bestest friends. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

Next is my sister, Angie. Angie is one that I can talk to about anything at any time anywhere and trust me - we talk, text, email or facebook each other everyday. We love spending time together at the coffee shop or the beach! When she discovers something new on the computer, she shares and I do the same. I love the fact that we can laugh together, work together, sit and be quiet while enjoying each others company or just plain do nothing together. We have so many great memories as we've raised our children together - just years apart. I'm also thankful that she is one of my very, very bestest friends! One that when the times are tough - she will be there to help me through it. When I don't feel like I can make it, she will encourage me on. And when I need a smile, she always brings out the silly side in me so that I can carry on one more day. I'm also thankful that she will even go and pick up my wallet that I'd forgotten - even though when I told her there was a password, she immediately knew what it was.....she hates that nick name and I have NO idea where I got it from so many years ago. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

The next person I'm thankful for is my very, very bestest friend, Jeanne. She loves me just the way I am - silly one day and so focused that I hardly have time for email the next. She loves my children like her own and is willing to walk through the valley with me. I'm so happy that we can just sit, relax and enjoy coffee together anytime. She has prayed for me, cried with me and has been honestly happy for my successes. She inspires me, reminds me and motivates me to continue on fighting the good fight. She loves me for who I am, just the way I am and for that I'm thankful. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for my Step Mom who loves me and my family as if we were her own. She came into the family and cares deeply for us. She isn't able to get around as much as she used to - but we still have fun together. I do miss the walks to taco bell in the snow, the movie watching all hours of the night and playing yahtzee - even though I always lost. I love you and appreciate all that you've done for me.

There are so many other women who have influenced me! They are strong, courageous and use their abilities to strengthen their families as well as those around them. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful Moms that I know and say - well done Mommie....well done!

Thank you for your constant sacrifices, your unconditional love, your laughter, your smile, your hugs and your shoves back on the right track. While we might not always like what you tell us (cause who likes hearing the truth when it hurts?) you always have the courage to tell us what we need to hear! THANK YOU for having that courage!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photo - My Mommie!