Monday, December 30, 2019

When you get a do-over for your Birthday!!!



Today is my birthday!

It's kinda funny because Ricky has a thing for making us older than we really are.  Like, he tells me all the time, "You're 50"... I'm not.  Today I am turning 48...which blows my mind. In my mind, I want to say I'm 37.  How I got to 48 so fast is beyond me!!!....

But literally, for the past year, Ricky kept telling me, "You're  only 1 more year to 50"... & I honestly didnt think anything of it.

I did the math though... & realized I was going to be 48 this year.  When you think you're 37, I didnt give the year much thought.  But the math came up that I'm not going to be 49 as Ricky made me believe this whole past year that I have that 1 more year till I'm 50.  I was actually 47 & I was just going to turn 48.  Hold up!!! I already thought I was 48....

Let me tell you - I was like... " I JUST GOT A FREE YEAR OF LIFE!"

Seriously - that's what it felt like.  I thought I had already lived my 48th year... & today is just kicking it off.

& you know what... I'll take a do over.  Gladly. Hand it over.  Let's do this baby all over again.

I always take a portrait sort of picture for each of my trips around the sun...
the photographer in me cant help it
I thought my 46th year was my worst... which is really always will hold the record.  Lost my Daddy unexpectedly... lost my only uncle on my dad's side... lost Ricky's Uncle... lost some dear friends.... & let's throw in 3 surgeries.  Yeah... My 46th year will always go down in history as unbelievable in the worst possible use of the word.

So I had high expectations for 47 last year.

Except I turned 47 just 3 weeks after my 3rd surgery.  That kicked off a long road for me this past year.

Healing from my surgeries has been tough.  I spent many a time back in my surgeons office getting checked & rechecked to make sure the fistula was healing & not coming back (GASP!!!) & the pain of moving & sitting & living just wasn't easy - its still not. Some days, I live in pain  This pain has kept me so immobile - something that I haven't really been used to.

Not being able to exercise like I usually do has really taken a toll on me.



Let's add in that I've really had a hard time with missing my dad this past year.  I feel like the first year of loosing him - getting through those "firsts" is what every one says is the hardest part.
No... it hasn't been for me. It's been the living afterwards.

Its like when there is a funeral.... everyone is there, visiting, bringing dinners, surrounding you with love & presence.  But everyone gets back to their own lives & you're all alone.  That's where I feel like this year has been.  Life has been going on & I've just felt alone.  Not from friends or support or anything like that... Alone in the sense that I miss my daddy with every inch of my soul.  The realization that he's really gone & he's not coming back. Of knowing he's not there to call to tell how my day went or to get advice... or to get my annual birthday pie from him or the little things he always did to let me know he always knew I was his little girl.  Yeah, this year has been hard.

So to add that emotional state with my inability to exercise like I used to... my 47th year has left me in a slump.  Physically & emotionally.

Plus, I looked back at my Top Nine pictures on my Instagram & see that 4 of them them involve me sitting in chairs for 4 months of my life this past year to have needles jabbed in my arm every week while they pump me full of stuff to get my blood & feritin up.... only to have it fall right back down.


& those infusions caused me to be so sick & kept me in bed for my weekends & again, let's just tap into the mental challenge of all of this.... & the physical pain of the needles & bruises... yeah.... I dont want to talk about that right now because I'm really in a state of prayer  if I want to continue this because I know in March, they'll want to start the infusions all over again....

Did I mention my physical & emotional state a little bit ago? ... let's just take that up a notch higher with all the blood issues & the unknown reason of why it keeps happening... WHERE IS THIS BLOOD GOING & WHY CANT I PRODUCE IT MYSELF???



But I'm recognizing all the things I've been through... all the challenges... all the things that I've had to face... which is the first step of any sort of healing, right?  Acknowledgement ... & I'm ready to take some steps to get back on track...

 So to think my 48th year has passed by & has been lived & it actually hasn't - I get another chance at it!   That makes this birthday super exciting to me.  A do-over. Another chance to grab life by all that it has to offer & really take advantage of it.

A chance to find ME again!.... I've missed me.


It's kinda fitting that my birthday is so close to New Years Day... the time of the year where we really like to start new beginnings... new goals... new challenges.... so I'm ready for my 48th trip around the sun.  Time to LEVEL UP...

Everything in my own power & by God's gracious mercy of another year, I'm going to work hard at getting back to myself.  Because I deserve it... more importantly, I NEED this.

Let's do this 48!

2016   2017   2018

Friday, December 27, 2019

Friday Favorites

Image result for friday favorites knit by god's hand
(Click pic for links)


Favorite Mirror

Hans&Alice Large 65"x22" LED Full Length Backlit Mirror

A back lit mirror? Yes please


Favorite Hand Fan

Aluan Handheld Fan
Yes, I know its winter & not summer...
But come on man...When those hot flashes make life miserable


Favorite Back Drop


So I actually think this would be a cool thing to hang to take pictures in front of.

Favorite Tee



Favorite Car Sticker


Because you know everyone behind you in traffic is gonna smile seeing this


Favorite Drink Holder



WHHHAT???? This fits in any cart. Grocery carts / Target carts
This is a game changer.  Especially for the Targets that have Starbucks IN their store. I always hate having to balance my drink in the cart!

Favorite Sweatpants



...because winter...

Favorite Tear Saver



I'm so curious if these really work - I HATE when my eyes get those onion tears

Favorite Funnies

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 38 Pics

Morning Funny Meme Dump 37 Pics

Morning Funny Meme Dump 37 Pics

Morning Funny Meme Dump 38 Pics

Morning Funny Meme Dump 38 Pics


Morning Funny Meme Dump 38 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 35 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics


.... when I'm trying to figure out how fast we got to the end of 2019

GIPHY! (http://bit.ly/2sNrPnh) December 4, 2015 at 01:26PM

... when Valentines & Easter things are out the day after Christmas

GIPHY! (http://bit.ly/38LdmIT) December 14, 2019 at 11:33PM

... me before I even get out of bed

GIPHY! (http://bit.ly/36UqXNm) October 28, 2019 at 09:10PM

... when I make new years resolutions

GIPHY! (http://bit.ly/2Z7yuEZ) February 1, 2018 at 01:36PM

... me at 4:30pm ... & I realize its the last Friday Favorites of 2019!!

GIPHY! (http://bit.ly/36QDd0i) March 21, 2013 at 06:59PM

Happy weekend Y'all!

Thursday, December 26, 2019

The last one of 2019!!! {Thankful Thursday #252}

Image result for knit by gods hand thankful thursday

The day after Christmas!! So much to be Thankful for!
I know this list doesnt touch it - & I'll probably be adding to it next week too for all the Holiday celebration - 

& I can't believe this is the last Thursday of THE YEAR!!! WHAT???
We keep doing though.  Another year of gratitude.

The reason I always enjoyed doing this is so I can look back on New Years Eve night & read through my posts. Look at all the good things that have happened in the past year.  If you have joined me throughout the year, I hope you do the same. Pull up those posts. Take a look back at all the blessings in your life in 2019!

I'll be doing my Christmas post probably on Monday because I gotta keep my Thankful Thursday up... especially in this season where there's gratefulness overflowing!
The blog posts - you never know what's going to pop up when till after the New Year & things get settled in... so enjoy the ride with me until we get through the fun of the season.

This week I am Thankful for:

Secret Santa
This year, we did a Secret Santa at work & its just been the most fun. Little surprises on your desk.  My secret Santa has just been so fun too because I walk away from my desk & find Dove chocolates scattered across my desk with mini Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers. Chocolate & germ killed? My love language.



Another year - all clear
I swear, I hold my breath until I get that letter that says my mammogram came back clear. When I see the envelope, I snatch it open like a letter from Santa. Thank you Lord for one less thing to worry about this year.

Another Friday Off
I may have not been able to do what I was planning by waiting on a delivery, but I got a lot done around the house while I was here. Got 90% of my wrapping done & loads of laundry.  I wont ever complain about a day off work.

Jammie Christmas
I love that my Vincent family took this tradition into a 2nd year of wearing PJ's on our get together.  I took it as a great excuse to get me a new pair of cute jammies with coffee cups all over it.  I figure I can wear them on Christmas morning too.



Birthday Celebration
Our buddy Ryan's birthday fell on a Sunday & I didnt have HSM so I was able to sneak over & surprise him in his own Youth class that he teaches.  It was great being back in the "house that made me" & watching Ryan do his thing with these kids. He's so good at teaching - both youth & adults. He's always had the hand of God on him & his passion for sharing God's word.  It was a treat for me to be able to sit in one of his messages.

December 21
That day right there is the turn around for me. The sign of hope.  The signal that we get one more minute of sunlight each day now. BRING IT ON.

Our GCC fish made it home.
Cracking me up .. I talked about this on Monday so check it out if you missed it - but it CRACKED US UP that this Big Green Fella made it back to our home.  It's traveled many a home over the years.  I love whoever took the time to sneak it back to our house.


A friend that totally gets you
My work sister ... she brought me the coolest gift for Christmas - just about EVERY SINGLE THING I love in life.  I love when people get me.




Homemade Belle warmth
Speaking of awesome people I work with... I havent gotten a picture loaded in time for this post - but I gotta - keep an eye out - my coworker made me for Christmas a scarf with hand pockets in it with a matching head band with a hand sewn rose on it - all of it.... covered in Belle!!!!! I honestly squealed when I saw it.  When it gets cold again? I guarantee I'll be wearing this EVERYWHERE!

Remembrance Tree
I still love that the owner of this tree continued sharing her big tree for others to come honor their passed loved ones... & love so many take advantage of it by doing it as well. The tree is covered in ornaments & its beautiful & sad all at once.  Love I can honor my daddy & uncle on it.  I always keep their ornaments side by side.



Morning Christmas Tree Glow
The 'magic' of Christmas isn't the same when you dont have small kids in your home on Christmas morning - so I love that I can take the time & just sit in the glow of the Chirstmas tree on Chirstmas morning & just relax.  Be still. Those sorts of moments are so far & few in between.



65 Degree Christmas Day
YEESSSSS - I'm sorry - I know a lot of people want a White Christmas. Let me sit outside & read all day on Christmas & that's the best gift in the world to me.




With it being Christmas just yesterday - tell me something GREAT about your week!!


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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Merry Christmas to all!


Image result for merry christmas happy birthday jesus


Well, I'm going to go ahead & post up my wishes to you all
of a beautifully blessed Merry Christmas.

Today will be hectic because ... shhhhh... its Ricky's Birthday.
He took it off Facebook so I dont know if he doesnt anyone to know???

So I'm sliding it in here on my blog
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LOVE!

He actually has to work today (BOO!!!! - having to work on your birthday AND Christmas Eve!!)
But when he gets off, we're running out to get some Birthday dinner for him
...we're taking our ornaments over to the Remembrance tree for my daddy & my uncle
& then we do the holidays with my family.

Tomorrow, its easy for us - laid back.
I plan on making some crock pot veggie chili & we have been known to go to the movies
... or also been known to stay in Jammies all day & binge some Christmas movies or some movies we've been holding off on watching till we're together just snuggled at home.

Who knows how the day will go.

Wherever we go - whatever the day looks like - I know I'll be doing my tradition of getting up early & drinking coffee by the tree & reading my Bible & just relaxing waiting for the sun to rise.

& I will lift up a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JESUS!!!!
So grateful for the gift of The Son that offers us eternal salvation.
No pair of socks can beat that.

Image result for jesus the gift


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!


Monday, December 23, 2019

The weekend a fish made our whole holiday....

This is it... the big week... the whole she'bang.

Image result for 2 days till christmas

Well, not really - We have 3 weekends of Christmas that lay ahead...But the world gets to celebrate this week. Pretty exciting stuff!!!

I'm sure even if you are one of those people that have everything wrapped up & ready to go (who are you by the way????) I'm sure you still felt the pressure of all the last minute things.  That craziness that you feel like you've forgotten SOMETHING & you have to run out anyways & get some things taken care of.

Or maybe you got your celebrations started like we did.
We actually celebrated a lot... a fun weekend.

Friday - I celebrated being off work! YAHOOO!!!

It didnt turn out how I thought. I am not joking when I had no less than 20 things on a list of things I wanted/needed to do for the day.  But alas.  Fed Ex kept me a prisoner in my home.  I had a package coming that needed a signature so I was chained to my home. I had moments where I was frustrated & felt like my list was mocking me & laughing behind my back.  But honestly, I probably needed to be stuck in my home because I did not have one present wrapped before Friday. NOT ONE.  & by the end of the day when the Fed Ex came into the driveway at 3:59pm... I had 90% of my wrapping done & 4 loads of laundry washed/folded & put up.  So, sometimes we get what we need, not what we want.



When that package came though, that was it - ALL ENGINES IGNITED. I zoomed down the road & was on a mission to get everything taken care of.  & I did impressively well.  Even got my oil changed, got my car vacuumed & washed.... which I should use the word "wash" in a broad idea here because it still looked HORRIBLE.  Streaks of soap running down it. That was a waste of $20.00

Saturday, Ricky had to work so I was once again home alone.... but I had a lot to do. We had Ricky's family's Christmas & with him at work, I had to make sure all the gifts that were going to that home were ready to go, get things organized & most importantly, I had to go take care of the horses.   I had just gotten my nails done & wanted cute hair for the day so here I am driving down the road with rollers in my hair & moving hay & cleaning stalls with rollers in my hair.  My life y'all....



We once again did Jammies for the Vincent get together.  I really do love being super comfy.

... do you know I didnt take one picture of us together this year?  NOT ONE.  I usually get pictures of Ricky & his siblings if anything... NOTHING this year.  I took it. Even remembered my tripod this year because I typically forget that & have to use my brother in laws.  It all stayed tucked into the corner of the family room. DANG IT.

That's what you get when you're TOO comfy - your brain shuts down.



My Sister in law just is so gracious in all the food she makes & just making us all feel at home in her gorgeous home.






Ricky & I are all about bringing games.   Others can do food & gorgeous decorations - I am about bringing fun &laughter.  Again - my life y'all

We were playing that game where you cant hear what people are saying & you have to read lips.
TOO FUN!!!

The highlight of the night... we played that game 5 Seconds... & when the question was Name 3 Rappers & it came to my brother in law who is probably in his early 60's... we all thought, oh, yeah, he's not getting this. When he spit out Ice-T, Tupac & Snoop Dog - I thought we all were going to fall out of our chairs laughing!!!!

I also lost my mind a little bit when Ricky got the question - Name 3 Gender Neutral Names... & he said Jo & no joke... this is embarassing... I literally said, "Who would name a girl Jo?".... & as it ccame out of my mouth, I was like, WAAAIIITTTTTTT . ... Yeah, Rebecca Jo.  Didnt even cross my mind.

I told you - it was like my brain just was on pause for most of the day.
Maybe I inhaled too much barn dust?

I ended up getting a $25.00 Starbucks gift card for our white elephant exchange... & I think it just fit my pj's anyways....


& my Mother in Law set me UPPPP with all the hand sanitzers.  I am set for awhile... maybe till the end of January :) #coldandfluseason

& a unicorn pug sanitizer holder that lights up!!!

So.... this is the CRAZIEST THING!!!  While we were at my SIL - Ricky & I were talking about "The Fish"... OK - The fish story.  I'll make it super fast.

At our last church, my Heart Church as I call it - about 16 years ago, there used to be a Christmas party for the whole church  - Granted, its a little country church... but there was a white elephant exchange where this big fish pillow came in & everyone cracked up about it.  Then the next year, someone brought it back for the gift exchange again. .. & again... &again....

Then about 8 or 9 years ago, I guess one of the parents gave their kiddo this fish to bring to the youth Christmas party.  Ricky & I always enforced to all the kids who wanted it - it came with stipulations - it HAD to be brought back to the next year Christmas party. At this point, it was just a tradition that had to be carried on.  & the kids did it. They brought it back... every few years, Ricky & I would make sure to win it or trade off for it at the end of the night so we could get it & make sure we could bring it back.

So my last youth party at that church was about 5 years ago (CRAZY!!!) & the fish was given away ... & Ricky & I couldnt remember who got it. Where did it end up?

We were LITERALLY talking about this at my SIL....

So tell me HOW NUTSO BIZZARO CRAZY that when we got home ... there was a package on the front porch - wrapped & pretty....



& when I saw that tag - I looked at Ricky & he looked at me & we just stared at each other for about 30 seconds when we both were like THE FISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lo & behold... there he was...



We have no idea who dropped it off - who had it - where it came from... but we cracked up so much about it & I'm just glad to know its safe.

Also, the crazy thing, this just came up in mine & Ricky's Timehop a few days ago where he has the picture with this fish... we have like 3 different pictures through the years with him with it... so funny!!!

Here's one from 2012

Image may contain: 1 person, indoor

I'll have to pass it off to Ryan so he can use it for future GCC youth parties.... but man, this made our Holiday so fun!!!

Sunday, we had more awesomness ahead.

It was our buddy's birthday.  Ryan.
He now teaches the youth at GCC & since we consider him family, & I didnt have HSM for the day, we snuck & surprised him by going & bringing snacks & treats with cupcakes & cookies to his youth class so they could celebrate with him.

It was so nice being back at GCC & seeing old familar faces, as always. Love being there every time & getting so many warm hugs.



We went out to lunch with Ryan & Chasity afterwards & just enjoyed sitting & catching up & taking a break during this busy time.

Before I knew it, it was time to go let Baby in & man, it was just so warm & beautiful & lovely, she didnt want any part of going to bed.  Like a typical 2 year old.  Which I just now remembered... WOW... she has been with us 2 years now.  My daddy got her in 2017 in December... & then he left us in May 2018 - he only got 5 months with her.  It's so funny that I kept telling her this weekend that her daddy would have just loved every single thing about her.  She's just the cutest & sweetest little fluff ball....




... & now, we're back to Monday.

A Monday that no one reallllly wants to work.

But I'm looking forward to the next 2 days off... & all the fun that lays ahead.

So - how was your weekend?


Are  you off today or working?  Off on Christmas Eve?


Are you getting the warm weather?

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