tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37300423133994301672024-03-12T22:25:08.189-04:00Just As I AmA candid look at one life, served with a side of humor...Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-67534713861650603602013-04-14T21:24:00.000-04:002013-04-15T08:22:52.300-04:00A Season for EverythingWell gang, we know that to everything there is a season. And my season here has been done for quite some time. God has been doing great and amazing things in my life in the past couple years. He's been stirring and preparing me for something new. <br />
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You'll now find me at my new site, <a href="http://lastingthumbprints.com/blog/" target="_blank">Lasting Thumbprints</a>. It still needs a lot of work (just like me!), but I wanted to share it with you now. I hope you'll join me over there, it's going to be a good time!<br />
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<br />Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-28876067521761419142012-05-11T12:51:00.000-04:002012-05-11T13:11:07.323-04:00One Thousand Thank Yous?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No. It wouldn't even begin to suffice the endless gratitude I have in regards to my mother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm not even sure I could adequately begin to know how to say thank you. Or where to even start. So here is a meager attempt to express my thankfulness...to you, Mom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have I ever told you the most important gift you gave me? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghNYA5ks_fx0rXXLaioZojN1e_BamDNiEA29y8dmD0d0688ru96y6QTWlNEdkOqQsvM0zRY9I_kGLht1z_MEZBX4f4xjhzAySTSRMV9wWjckg8pFy2X6mJyEjnVvs9BX2VLWlDxoy9Jfo/s1600/Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghNYA5ks_fx0rXXLaioZojN1e_BamDNiEA29y8dmD0d0688ru96y6QTWlNEdkOqQsvM0zRY9I_kGLht1z_MEZBX4f4xjhzAySTSRMV9wWjckg8pFy2X6mJyEjnVvs9BX2VLWlDxoy9Jfo/s320/Top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That is our greatest calling after all isn't it? The giving of ourselves. In blood. In sweat. In tears. The laying down of our own flesh for our families.</span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span class="woj">Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. </span></span></strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="woj" style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>John 15:13.</strong></span></em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And that's what you did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh, there is joy in the giving of oneself. In the raising of sweet babes. Growing these little humans into adults.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But now as a mother myself, I know the cost firsthand. The cost of being a mother who is trying to walk in greater love. Love given to her thousands of years before her feet even touched the earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know the cost you gave, Mom. At least a portion of it anyway. Part of the price can only be known between you and God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But you gave yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When it wasn't easy. When it wasn't fun. When it hurt beyond belief. You still gave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you, Mom. A <strike>thousand</strike> million times thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love you. You mean the world to me.</span></div>
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<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/what-every-mother-has-to-know-before-mothers-day/what-every-mother-has-to-know-before-mothers-day" target="_blank">
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/the-one-thousand-moms-project-make-a-mothers-day-difference/" target="_blank"><img alt="1000 Moms Project" border="0" class="p3-downsized" height="90" src="http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/1000Moms_banner2.png" width="578" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-20562590216780990672012-02-18T09:08:00.001-05:002012-02-18T09:12:51.212-05:00Just A Reminder...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because sometimes I really need one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You <strong>are</strong> <em>His</em> beloved.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-30352600775658759642011-05-05T16:45:00.002-04:002011-05-05T16:57:54.299-04:00To All The Muthas Out There<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of my favorite funny ladies, Anita Renfroe, delivers once again. And I'm feelin' it so much that it's pulling me out of blogger exile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By the way, I <em>think</em> (and really hope) I'll be back to regular posting next month some time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Consider yourself warned. *insert evil, maniac laugh here*</span><br />
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<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a></span>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-38495162800502164162011-01-21T20:24:00.000-05:002011-01-21T20:24:44.245-05:00And Now We Are Six<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>**Still having computer issues, but I snagged a couple pictures off my mom's camera to share.**</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeegwcHdYvp0kkwNPJ8ZxJrvURCp-a0-4fPvWYrKQxk_TlDBykYDdF0reEQmzc1HpQb3yv9AnFC6GNhDYkD6YbDg-3tyxQuBUYds03m_SYGMTlJkjwMuiphPDNhsQjPRLHcxUYK878odqJ/s1600/SDC17107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeegwcHdYvp0kkwNPJ8ZxJrvURCp-a0-4fPvWYrKQxk_TlDBykYDdF0reEQmzc1HpQb3yv9AnFC6GNhDYkD6YbDg-3tyxQuBUYds03m_SYGMTlJkjwMuiphPDNhsQjPRLHcxUYK878odqJ/s320/SDC17107.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Titus Josiah</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/13/11</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7 lbs. 5 oz.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">19 1/2 in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All the kids were born in different months, but they have maintained sequential dates. Craziness! Caleb was born on the 10th, Samuel on the 11th, Abigail on the 12th, and now Titus on the 13th. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our welcome committee, minus my mom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The kids absolutely adore their baby brother! We have to pay close attention to make sure Abigail doesn't love him too much. *grin*</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjUkD4Yfqb74Jjf_08sXrxKBOROX11IXmwOSrT0yaH-VJBMzC6j8oYyUWWiwIysrklHUzdt8S6bAZllIz8jd8ZObHEh7t2u-LS2Ln4TaQ5dC8_VlDjogKunpd7F_8k6rMjpiM26xzkRPm/s1600/SDC17118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjUkD4Yfqb74Jjf_08sXrxKBOROX11IXmwOSrT0yaH-VJBMzC6j8oYyUWWiwIysrklHUzdt8S6bAZllIz8jd8ZObHEh7t2u-LS2Ln4TaQ5dC8_VlDjogKunpd7F_8k6rMjpiM26xzkRPm/s320/SDC17118.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were so blessed to have my mom come and stay with us for a little over a week. She arrived two days before he was born, went home to grab one of her dogs and then came back for another five days. I cannot imagine making it through this first week without her! Thanks, Mom, you rock!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope to share more later, but I wanted to get something up about our newest little one. He has been a pure delight! He has been a wonderful newborn and I cannot get enough of this bundle of sweetness. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Titus, you are a complete joy and I am so happy to be your mommy! We all love you and cannot imagine our family without you!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a></div>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-39624354730731588992010-11-24T09:05:00.003-05:002010-11-24T09:11:22.755-05:00A Little Pre-Thanksgiving Laugh<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know this commercial has been around for a while, but it still makes me laugh. Especially as I remember celebrating an early Thanksgiving at the beginning of the month with my side of the family and we ended up with a 36 pound (!) turkey a friend of the family had raised. It was HUGE and if raw poultry wasn't still grossing me out so much, I would have taken a picture of Abigail next to the gobbler as it was bigger than her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course, the Thanksgiving that my mom chased one of my sister's around the kitchen with a turkey neck still ranks as the most memorable for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No, I don't have a strange sense of humor, why do you ask? </span><br />
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<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="57" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" width="152" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-20285485958510479872010-11-23T22:16:00.001-05:002010-11-23T22:19:19.166-05:00My Jesus by Todd AgnewA song I recently heard (yes, I do need to turn on the radio more) that gripped me. There is one word in the song that originally caught me off guard and could be offensive. <br />
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My Jesus. Precious Jesus. <br />
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There are so many days I reflect the polar opposite of who You are.Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-48422719524945890382010-09-30T20:26:00.003-04:002010-09-30T22:03:15.361-04:00TWO New Family Members This Year?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our little family just keeps on growing and in unexpected ways. No, we didn't find out we're suddenly expecting twins. Would it offend you if I added a sigh of relief after that one?</span><br />
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<div style="width: 468px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion" border="0" src="http://images.compassion.com/images/child-charities_myspace-2.jpg" title="Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.compassion.com/child-development/save-children.htm">Save Children</a></center></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've sponsored a new child through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a>. A six year old boy from Guatemala. And we are so happy to have him as part of us now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I say it happened unexpectedly because we had other intentions for the monthly sponsorship money. Our own intentions, like lessen the strain on our monthly income since Richie's salary has been reduced like so many others during the current economic situation. So nothing extravagant, but God still had other plans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I pulled into the parking lot to cancel life insurance policies we had on the boys and as I opened my car door, God began to speak. He basically told me that the monthly payment we were making on the life insurance should be used to bring LIFE to another child <em>right now</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now we have a new child in the family. Caleb helped choose which child should receive our sponsorship. Honestly, I was leaning in a different direction, but I want our kids to have a connection with our Compassion child(ren), so I left it mostly up to him. It has been amazing how this child that we will likely never meet has already worked his way into our hearts! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course, the minute I see any of the pictures of the many children waiting to be sponsored automatically grabs my heart. I've been crying over these children and those like them since I was a child and saw my first Sally Struthers commercial. (Do you remember those? I would seriously bawl.) My heart breaks for the littlest of these. I remember when I've traveled overseas and the conditions the "less thans" of this world live. The dirt, the stench, the poverty. The loss of hope. The need for Love. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I find it a privilege that God would lead us to this little one and use us in his life. He may not be in my home or within arm's reach, but my prayers and God are never far from him.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-2253069167439273772010-09-23T16:32:00.001-04:002010-09-23T16:46:22.279-04:00I'd Rather Have a Tooth Pulled<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you ever hear me say that, you'll know it is a serious, serious matter. Either that or I'm in serious need of having some sense knocked into me. Let the Spirit lead you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After having a year and a half of issues with a tooth, it was extracted today. Two days after I had oral surgery to determine the source of my trouble. Until today, there were no answers as to why I was experiencing pain, infection, and bone loss.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When the tooth was removed, perforations in the tooth that were never sealed from a root canal were discovered and determined to be the root of the problem. Pun totally intended.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the pain medication and numbing agents wear off and I realize I have another two hours before I can take anything, I'm developing a new life strategy. Having a tooth pulled could be my new motivator. My new measurement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For example, would I rather sit in traffic for an hour or have a tooth pulled? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Or...would I rather spend the night with someone throwing up all over me or have a tooth pulled?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Discover my shirt is inside out after speaking in public or have a tooth pulled?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Puts a whole new perspective on things. Gotta clean out a freezer that broke while we were on vacation? No problem. Match up 40 pairs of almost-identical-but-not-quite socks? Piece of cake. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I'll choose to focus on that instead of the fact that I cannot have the one thing I was looking forward to today (outside of the normal hugging my kids responses) because I'm not allowed to drink through a straw for 24 hours. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A milkshake, or five, would've made this so much better.</span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-7604924750523748062010-09-18T19:21:00.000-04:002010-09-18T19:21:20.760-04:00For God So Loved The World<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was struck once again this week by the unfathomable love of God for His creation called mankind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are studying ancient history this year in our homeschool and have been using the Bible as one of our primary history books. I really have no words to adequately describe how awesome this has been!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the topics we covered this week was the story of Cain and Abel. As we read and discussed this passage (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%204:1-24&version=NKJV">Genesis 4:1-24</a>), there were a few things I had never really paid attention to before. BUT there was one thing specifically that stood out from the rest for me and that was God's love for Cain.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The condition of Cain's heart was just plain yucky. He did not have the right attitude when bringing an offering to God. He is unrepentant and angry when God is not pleased with his offering and then decides to exact revenge for this upon his own brother, Abel, by committing the first murder in our world's history. And it doesn't stop there. He does not confess to his sin when God gives him the opportunity and he does not repent for taking his brother's life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As God delivers Cain's punishment, Cain whines and is fearful that someone will kill him because he is now a "fugitive and vagabond on the earth." And this is where the love of God completely blows my natural mind. God marks him so that none will kill him. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The mark wasn't to let others know of his sin. God placed the mark there to protect Cain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He loved Cain, an <em>unrepentant</em> sinner, so much that he still offered protection for him. What is this uncomparable love? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This Lo<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_360635194"></span><span id="goog_360635195"></span>ve is what saved me. This Love is what changed my life. Bringing a broken woman <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:7&version=NKJV">peace</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+35:9&version=NKJV">joy</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This <strong>Love</strong>, this is what I hope to reflect. What I hope to carry and deliver. The legacy I want to leave behind.</span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-80417354935014928822010-09-12T22:26:00.002-04:002010-09-13T08:48:24.127-04:00God Doesn't Serve Leftovers<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Open your mouth and taste, </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">open your eyes and see how good God is. </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blessed are you who run to him. </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Worship God if you want the best; </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">worship opens doors to all his goodness. </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <em>Psalm 43:8-9 The Message</em></span></strong></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My thoughts are on how each time I'm worshipping my Heavenly Father, it's different. The experience is never quite the same. Always an original recipe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today I tasted His sweetness. The sweetness that leaves me satisified yet longing for another heaping spoonful. Call me a glutton, I want more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I saw His beauty. The beauty that brings tears to my eyes. The beauty that speaks of His glory. His majesty. His holiness. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am so thankful that I am one of His. That all five of my senses can experience His goodness. And that He is always generous in serving His portions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></span>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-53190981989896315662010-09-08T22:59:00.001-04:002010-09-08T23:05:18.306-04:00My Heart Is Smiling<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are homeschooling days when I wonder if we can really do it. Days of discouragement and frustration. Even when I know it's best for our family. That it's what God has called us to do. There are still <em>those</em> days.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today, thankfully, was not one of them. And I needed to write down what my boy said before I forgot, so on <em>those</em> days I can look back and remember. Or maybe even to remind him in the futture.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were discussing timelines and historical dating for history today and I had him make a timeline of his life. We were sharing events that he might want to put on his timeline and I mentioned the date when he began homeschooling. He heartily agreed and said, "Yes, one of the best things that has ever happened in my life." My heart began to smile. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Later as he was filling in the actual timeline, he was brainstorming what to write under the date and said,"The day my future changed for good." And outside of the day he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, it probably was that kind of a day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I cannot explain how much it means to hear him acknowledge the value of this path we're on. That he enjoys it and is happy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say my heart is beaming.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-37765589101462377272010-09-06T09:17:00.000-04:002010-09-06T09:17:01.311-04:00Labor Day Sneak Peek<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because the sun is shining... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because the morning air is crisp...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Because God is the author of life...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Because you're never supposed to start a sentence with the word because...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because I won't be observing labor day until some time in January...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I thought I'd take a moment and introduce you to the one we'll be welcoming this winter... </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3nzTQQw_UUA9MGS9iM-lgE_hn3JdMTaS3dcUpsDGxK4wW3atldRgGmq5KNFZsUAJCTYTB0muwRqZOFJKCEz8M1oFwCWqO8hRyjtzi-UGTVtBQLODcT0SjzsenbkTil6VB_jFrS3qRw3J/s1600/Scan+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="249" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3nzTQQw_UUA9MGS9iM-lgE_hn3JdMTaS3dcUpsDGxK4wW3atldRgGmq5KNFZsUAJCTYTB0muwRqZOFJKCEz8M1oFwCWqO8hRyjtzi-UGTVtBQLODcT0SjzsenbkTil6VB_jFrS3qRw3J/s320/Scan+004.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He has a hand in his mouth in this picture.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP0OxADcYGyipgDZoQrFSSxLIqBq5F7S6ooAEsMjDF-t0z4VEH52aL8koQitaQjl8QpKlrBd0xdT6ikaTNXxfQypkETf1oQ-x9FsBazCY5hr54zCGKVivaZ-GXixf_5NYGv1IMEajOiDW/s1600/Scan+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP0OxADcYGyipgDZoQrFSSxLIqBq5F7S6ooAEsMjDF-t0z4VEH52aL8koQitaQjl8QpKlrBd0xdT6ikaTNXxfQypkETf1oQ-x9FsBazCY5hr54zCGKVivaZ-GXixf_5NYGv1IMEajOiDW/s320/Scan+003.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>This is our Titus Josiah!</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We look forward to the day when we get to meet you face to face, precious one. Our hearts are already full of love for you.</span><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-54550438614113606192010-09-04T21:54:00.000-04:002010-09-04T21:54:04.962-04:00A Stinky Week At Our House<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No, literally a stinky week at our house. The olfactory system has been getting quite the workout around here recently.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, my house smells like onions. It's what happens when a large mass of onions are diced up in order to be dehydrated. And let me tell ya, m</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">y pregnant nose and stomach <em>really</em> do not like the smell of a large mass of diced onions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The outside of our home smells like onions, too. We put the dehydrator on the front porch so the heat doesn't affect our kitchen and you can actually smell onions in the backyard. Lovely.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a side note, I also cook with my crock pot on the front porch in the summer to avoid the extra heat in the kitchen. It's a great! Especially when you do not have an air conditioner near your kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I'm beginning to wonder if we smell like onions. Would someone we know tell us? But then again, how do you begin THAT conversation? Maybe they just thought we had a loaded onion omelette for breakfast. Or an onion smoothie perhaps. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think I just almost made myself gag on the onion smoothie thing. Sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now the good news is...my bedroom does NOT smell like onions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bad news is that Abigail dumped strawberry flavored fish oil on the carpet in our bedroom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wanna guess what our room smells like now? Why do I feel like I'm the only one stuff like this happens to sometimes? Anyway, it has been our</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> hope to replace the flooring in our room some time soon (well, at least since a flooring guy we know told us the carpet would be bare soon), but until we can <strike>scrounge up</strike> gather that money, I need some good ideas on how to get the smell of fish oil out of carpet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anyone have a good solution? I would be ever so grateful.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-85153012459369855662010-09-03T09:10:00.002-04:002010-09-03T10:28:40.162-04:00From Their Mouths<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The boys have said a few things in the last week about the new baby, pregnancy, etc. that I want to jot down before I forget...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last Friday morning I was explaining to Samuel that we'd be going to see pictures of the new baby. I reminded him of when we went to see Abigail's ultrasound and saw the baby's hands and feet and he was super excited. Then he told me that he wanted a boy baby, that we <em>needed</em> a boy baby.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I asked him why, he said we already had a girl baby, so we needed a boy baby. I told him that I had two boy babies - a Caleb boy baby and a Samuel boy baby. He started laughing very hard and then reminded his silly mommy that he and Caleb were <strong>not</strong> babies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No, Samuel dear, you'll always be my baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the ultrasound room both boys cheered when they heard we were having a boy. I didn't know Caleb had a preference either way until then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That night he shared with me that God had answered (in the affirmative) one of his prayers. Apparently he had been praying that we would have a boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Richie asked both of the boys what they thought we should name baby boy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Samuel: Diego - yes, as in everybody's favorite animal rescue hero</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Caleb: John - because he decided he liked that better than his name</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Which leads me to something interesting I've watched with Caleb through each of my pregnancies. He tests out new names. In Kindergarten, he decided to change his name to Zach. He was in public school then and thankfully had a wonderful teacher who handled it really well when one of her students kept writing a different name on his papers. It went on for several weeks and then just kind of went away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">During Abigail's pregnancy, he wanted to be called Jeb. It didn't last nearly as long. So I guess now he's outgrown the phase of "trying on" names and can just verbalize that he thinks he likes a different name more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Caleb started telling me that there should be 10 kids in the family. When my eyeballs came out of my head and threatened to attack him he brought the number down to six. He has also informed me that I should be pregnant by July next year. My eyeballs restrained themselves from inflicting bodily harm on the child, but they wanted to, I just know it. And Samuel keeps telling me that we should have more babies, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The boys are so sweet. Talking to the baby, hugging my belly. Caleb gets really concerned if I'm doing something he thinks might hurt the baby or me. I love being able to see this side of them! Gives me great hope for their future wives. *smile* I also pray its the beginning of beautiful and lasting sibling relationships.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-70106169873432244722010-08-31T23:51:00.001-04:002010-09-01T00:04:22.561-04:00Slap In The Face(book)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I realized about an hour ago that neither of my phones rang today. Isn't that weird? Not even a person trying to sell insurance or cheap medications to any person over 65 in our home. It was actually pretty nice since I would guess 90% of our calls are solicitors. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That really has nothing to do with this post, but it did get me to thinking about communication. Which got me thinking about an encounter I had a few months ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So before I begin, let me try to make one thing clear...I don't think it's wrong for <em>you</em> to be on Facebook, but it's wrong for me. As I've shared some of my feelings about it (see </span><a href="http://joann-justasiam.blogspot.com/2009/03/ten-reasons-i-dont-facebook.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10 reasons here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">), I feel I may be a little misunderstood. Please don't feel like you must give me all the reasons you are on Facebook. I'm <strong>not</strong> judging you based on my personal opinions, preferences, whatever. M'kay? Please believe me! And put that list away, please. *wink*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A lot of it boils down to self protection and that of my family. I don't think I can handle the self discipline, </span><a href="http://joann-justasiam.blogspot.com/2010/02/oh-temptation.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the temptation</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I still feel out of it sometimes, friends laughing over a shared story and I have no clue what they're talking about. I have to be okay with that and I pretty much am. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At times I've wondered if I can still be relevant in today's world without joining Facebook though. And one Sunday morning in church had me questioning where I stood more than any other time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was sitting next to a pretty young woman I had never met. Probably feeling a little self conscious because she was also dressed very stylish and well, I'm usually not. Anyway, I was really pleased when we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves before the message that day was given.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we began sharing a little about ourselves, I thought maybe I had made a new friend for the first time during one of those "meet and greets". She suggested getting our children together to play and grabbed her purse to write down my information. In the midst of this, she asked if I was on Facebook?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I gently smiled and said, "No." And that's when it all came to a crashing halt. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My new friend informed me, "That's too bad. It's how I keep up with everybody and get to know them. I schedule all our playdates that way too." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She gave a little shrug to say sorry and she pretty much had nothing else to say to me. I told her it was nice meeting her and then sat there a little bewildered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Was I missing it here? Missing potential friendships. Missing ministry opportunities. Was I wrong <em>not</em> to be on Facebook? I began to question God about my decision.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then I had to laugh inside. A sad laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. What have we come to if Facebook is the only way we communicate with one another? The only way we can be "friends"? It's one of my biggest issues with social networking for goodness sake. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I admit I felt a little rejected at first also, then I had to laugh at that too. You know what, I just might be worth the extra "effort" to get to know without Facebook being involved. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If God can remain relevant in this digital world, then so can I. At least I know I'm in good company. *smile* </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once again I have to say, "No thanks, Facebook. I'm not interested in what you have to offer. I need more."</span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-24435117100928725782010-08-31T08:01:00.002-04:002010-08-31T08:05:03.329-04:00On My Nightstand - September<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In hopes of being a little more accountable to actually finishing a book and pursuing growth in various areas of my life, I thought posting a few titles I want to get through this month might help me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper - I'm going to try (once again) for a natural childbirth. I want to experience it at least once and this could be my last opportunity. I'm sure I'll talk about this more at some point.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Cleaning Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin - I have got to find a better way of keeping our house clean. I want our home to be a peaceful retreat for my family, not the dust bunnies. I am hoping this book gives me a few new ideas on how to better manage it all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson - I've been wanting to read this book for a couple years now, so I'm really excited. I love being a mother to my wonderful children and I could use some fresh inspiration and insight in my role.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. Language Wars by Ruth Beechick - I always enjoy her writing. It helps keep me focused on our homeschooling journey and desiring the best for my children's education.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And well, the first and last books I started this past month, so I'm a little over halfway through both. Since I make up the rules, I guess that's not cheating. *smile*</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-23197658847200475692010-08-28T10:30:00.001-04:002010-08-28T10:33:19.636-04:00And The Ultrasound Says...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That Abigail and I are outnumbered 2 to 1 now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>We're having a boy!</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm hoping to sit down some time this weekend and write a little bit more, but I've made quite a to do list today (trying to get a bunch of cooking/baking done so I don't have to do it for a couple days) and need to get busy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The baby is doing very well and looks great! If I can get everything to cooperate, I'll share the pictures soon. Thanks for all your prayers and love!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-76326261001916373202010-08-26T21:34:00.002-04:002010-08-26T22:01:54.397-04:00Randomness<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was working on a blog entry and the computer keeps freezing on me, so I just decided to write the thoughts swimming around my head. Lucky reader, you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My kitchen is sticky. I'm sticky. The kids are sticky. And if we had a dog, it would be sticky too! We've been canning peaches and I can hear my crocs (they help my feet and back while canning) peeling off the floor with every step I take. I feel like I have to keep moving or I might get stuck. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think there's a spiritual application there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tomorrow (Friday!) we will find out if the little one I'm carrying is a boy or girl. <em>If</em> the baby decides to cooperate that is. Caleb is the only one we decided not to find out with and he made sure we couldn't change our minds. He didn't reveal himself during the two ultrasounds I had with him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'll be sharing the news tomorrow, so check some time in the evening if your curious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After a month long summer break, we started our "new" school year four weeks ago with two subjects and have added a "subject" a week since then. It has worked out really well for us and given me time to work through any kinks (read: learning how to keep the two little ones occupied during that time) we encounter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We pretty much homeschool year round for those of you who didn't know. And no, it's not as bad as it sounds! For any of us. *grin* </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am so excited about the year we have planned, I think it's going to be fun and Caleb seems to be enjoying himself so far. I saved history - his <strong>favorite</strong>- for last. We'll be in full swing Labor Day week. Then I'll start adding more with Samuel. I eventually hope to have a set of activities to rotate with Abigail also. So I figure by November we'll be in a sure groove. Which will give us 1 1/2 months before the Christmas holidays and the baby arriving. Then it will be time to readjust. *smile*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Samuel came inside today and said, "The potatoes are biting me." Turns out the mosquitoes were biting him. *grin* </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love when Samuel announces to me that it is morning. He always says, "It's sun time, Mommy." The rule is that he can't get out of bed until the sun is up. Once he has a better grasp on numbers we'll be changing that a bit...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Abigail has been weaned for a week and half now. I'm not sure if it's been harder on me or her. She typically asks to nurse about twice a day still. We both miss it, but I really felt like my body needed to stop. I sometimes wonder if her lower birth weight (5 lb. 15 oz.) was due in part to my nursing Samuel through my pregnancy with her. I'm glad my sweet girl still likes to snuggle and hug a lot or I would be <em>really</em> sad!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Richie surprised me for my birthday by getting an old bike someone had given us fixed. I haven't gotten on it yet because I'm a little scared I'll hurt myself or the baby, but I'm super excited. We live in a great neighborhood for it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're still trying to work on the house as we can in hopes of evetually moving. We've got a long way to go, especially when we keep discovering things like rotten floor beams. *grimace* I just keep reminding myself that God is in control. And that is a <em>really</em> good thing!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So as I head off to bed tonight, that's the thought I rest in. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-71590984811670678102010-08-22T13:46:00.001-04:002010-08-22T13:48:23.731-04:00Sunday Confessions<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I turned 33 yesterday. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm still waiting to <em>feel</em> like a grown up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Abigail has been completely weaned for a week now. After 4 years and 4 months of nursing someone it feels really good. I'm going to enjoy these next four months of freedom. *sigh*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When Abigail was born, I tandem nursed her and Samuel for about 10 months. Something I don't ever really care to do again. Unless I had twins, of course.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can finally eat peanut butter again during this pregnancy. I'm glad to add it back to my list since I'm still having a hard time with food most days. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I enjoy peanut butter the way most women like chocolate. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My husband learned how to can this weekend. His first conquest? Fourteen quarts of green beans. Go honey!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found a ticket stub to a New Kids on the Block concert while I was cleaning out all my <strike>junk</strike> prized possessions. I think my eyes teared up when they rode motorcycles in the street before the concert - so close, yet so far away. *cringe*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In middle school, some friends and I thought we would come up with a female equivalent to NKOTB. The name of the band was Sweet Street Peace Posse. Yeah, I don't know.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have now completely humiliated myself. Must find rock to hide under...</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you're enjoying your Sunday!</span>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-27505240664691845752010-08-20T17:31:00.000-04:002010-08-20T17:31:46.720-04:00Ode To Slurpees<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With this pregnancy I haven't had any real cravings. Something that I want a lot of all the time. A certain food might sound good one day and terrible the next. But one thing always has my interest...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Slurpees.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I might even call it my beverage of choice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I live recklessly, you don't have to tell me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I worked outside of the home, I might have even been known to stop and get a slurpee before I went into my office. Some people like coffee, but give me a slurpee any day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have always joked that if I was ridiculously wealthy that would be my one eccentric buy. A slurpee machine in my house. A good slurpee can solve just about anything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And I have been craving them. We've only had them twice this summer, so I've been really good. But I've wanted them a whole lot more than that! *grin* I just like to ignore the fact that they are full of things I don't really want in our bodies... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So in honor of a 7-11 moving back into our town and making slurpees more accessible in my life...I've prepared a small song for you. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>I Love Slurpees</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Sung to the tune of <em>Jesus Loves The Little Children</em>)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love all the little slurpees,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All the slurpees in the world,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red, purple, green, and blue,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix the flavors or it keep it pure,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love all the slurpees in the world. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">P.S. For the record, I do <em>not</em> believe all slurpees are created equal.</span>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-87901334732483356062010-08-19T08:28:00.000-04:002010-08-19T08:28:11.826-04:00Somebody<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once in a while someone asks me if I miss the job I left to stay at home with my kids. And the answer for the most part is an honest no. I would not give up the opportunity to be with my precious babies to pursue what was a successful career. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I've only got this one season in life with my children and this is what God has called me to do in it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I mean sure, there are times when I get to the end of a day and feel like I have nothing to show for the work I did. It would be nice to finish something and have it stay that way. Like a clean room. Or even a clean child. *wry grin* But even then I try not to get frustrated, because I know one day I will miss having sticky fingers grab my face to give me wet kisses.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So it's very rare that I feel a pang for that woman who used to wear business suits every day. My pajamas are way more comfy anyway.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been cleaning out our "schoolroom" that has really served as <strike>a dump</strike> storage space more than anything else so that we can actually do things with less risk of little ones interfering with school work. More square footage is always a plus. It has been a lot of work, but has been so incredibly freeing -which is a great representation of what God has been doing spiritually for me also. As my home is being physically restored, so is my soul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One day as I was cleaning, I came across some old things from my working life. Certificates and plaques, old training materials, resumes, and I even dug out some old notebooks that had been tucked away in a deep pocket in a bag I used to carry. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And that's when I began trying to reconcile the working woman that was with this stay at home mommy. Who was that girl? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found myself wanting to find someone and tell them that I used to <em>be</em> somebody. Somebody who managed six figure budgets. Somebody who ran and coordinated a large Dept. of Justice initiative. Somebody who had the trust of local, state, and federal representatives and other prominent figures in the community. Somebody who could hold a thought and pee for longer than a minute</span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please don't get me wrong. I think being a stay at home mom, homemaker (with or without children), or whatever other title you prefer is one of the noblest of professions. I also happen to think it is one of the most difficult -on many different levels. And I am having a hard time even confessing these thoughts I was having.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I began to lose perspective and struggle with these thoughts, God in His loving kindness intervened. He took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and said, "You are <em>somebody</em>. I say so." I could feel his breath blowing on me, freeing me and giving me life. Reaching deeper than I am probably even aware at this time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reestablishing my identity. Finding comfort in who I am. And also <em>in</em> <strong>Who</strong> I am, for I am in Him. Things I've known moving from my head into my heart. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Somebody, it is who I am. And it's who you are too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">He</span></strong> said so.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-33618576737720853072010-08-17T08:06:00.000-04:002010-08-17T08:06:45.637-04:00These Are The Days Of My Life<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've been busy. Crazy busy. Working on the house, trying to maintain the garden and its harvest, organizing our "schoolroom", wrangling kids, hugging kids...you get the point. And in the midst of it, I've been busy being pregnant and planning the start of our new school year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So you'll probably be seeing quite a bit of talk from me about pregnancy, being mommy, and homeschooling over the next month or so. 'Cause really, these <strong>are</strong> the things that make up the days of my life. And I'd be willing to guess the drama of each could give any old soap opera a run for its money any given day. *smile*</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-71573561626081804412010-08-16T09:02:00.000-04:002010-08-16T09:02:46.209-04:00Name Game<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Or more aptly named <em>More Than You Wanted To Know About N</em><em>ames In My Life</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we anticipate the arrival of our next little one, names (imagine that) are on my mind. Or at least I'm thinking about names in our family. Waiting for God to reveal His chosen name for this child. And for some reason I'm a little impatient right now.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps because it would reveal the gender of this child. Maybe because we see the direct connection between the meaning of names and the personalities of our children. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we wait, here are some of things that have crossed my mind as I've thought about names. </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The names of my children have gained one letter in length in succession. 5, 6, and 7...will child number four's name be eight letters long?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There were 6 children in my family growing up. All of our names start with the letter "J".</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first name is Jo and my middle name is Ann. I was named after my father, Joseph Anthony.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the name Jo, but have gone by Jo Ann for so long it almost seems foreign to try to go by it now. Not to mention the fact that when I was in fifth grade I asked to go by "Jo" one day and the teacher made fun of it <em>all day long</em>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">All of our children's names -first and middle- can be found in the Old Testament up to this point. Not really on purpose, it's just the way it's happened. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My Puerto Rican grandmother's name is Jenny and my Anglo-Saxon grandmother's name is Juanita. That has always cracked me up.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now that I've completely bored you, do you have anything interesting about names in your family?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div> <a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a></div>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730042313399430167.post-80233419155090185032010-08-15T22:38:00.001-04:002010-08-15T22:42:52.122-04:00Of Pearly Whites and Parenting<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We forgot to have the kids brush their teeth tonight. Nobody remembered as we were quickly ushering them into bed at 9:00 pm after baths from the long (but fun) day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, no one remembered until 10:00 pm when the boys were <em>still</em> awake and realized their teeth had been neglected. I'm not sure I've seen them so enthusiatic about brushing their teeth since we made the rule that whomever comes back with a no cavity report from the dentist gets to pick something at the dollar store. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I could feel guilty, but I've decided I'm not going there. I'm thinking that if that is the biggest parenting "mistake" I made today, then we're not doing too bad. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's part of a new stand I'm taking against common maladies of the human mother, this one being mommy guilt. Its nasty hooks and traps willing to ensnare any compliant mother. After careful thought and consideration, I've come to the conclusion that I'm really not that into it and it needs to go. I realize that mommy guilt will likely try to bare its nasty teeth -he nevers brushes- for as long as I'm a mother (read: <strong>forever</strong>), but whatever.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two words...buh-bye. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/?action=view&current=JoAnnSig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q97/melanieshea78/JoAnnSig.jpg" /></a>Jo Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11682846077378842507noreply@blogger.com0