Well it's almost that time. Summer is almost over and the kids going back to school is just around the corner. Fall is on its way...and what does this mean...oh yeah it's almost time for Light the Night Walk 2008.
I am back as team captain again for the Ann Arbor Friends of Heroes Team. This is mine and the boys 5th year participating in Light the Night. Most know I got involved thanks to a bright blue eyed, giraffe lover Allie Scott www.scotthousehold.com. Unfortunately she lost her battle in 2004, but many are currently fighting like Katia Solomon http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/katia_leukemiapage and some are SURVIVORS in remission such as Kendrie Escoe www.caringbridge.org/ga/kendrie. It breaks my heart that there are so many children suffering from blood cancers. Lets raise some money and find a cure.
Donate here - http://www.active.com/donate/ltnMadiso/2340_denisecoleman
I know times are financially tough for all, but please consider donating...no amount is too small. If everyone who reads this donates just $1, I would blow my goal out of the water. If you would like to join our FOH - Ann Arbor team walking at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Please visit our team page and sign up at http://teams.lightthenight.org/FriendsofHeroes_HuronHSGallupPark
Thank you to all of you who always reach out to make a difference! You support is most appreciated!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day...
Mother's Day is here again. I have been wanting to take the time to write about my mom for a month or so. At church every year, Mother's Day is a big deal. We are encouraged to write letters about why our mom's should be Mother of the Year and then the pastor's wife and pastor pick one to be honored as MOTY. As far as I know they have done it as long as I have been on this earth. When I was a young I often wrote about my mom and turned them in. It's been many many years since I personally have participated in this ritual. This year I had planned to take a few minutes of my quiet time to write one and while I thought many times about things to say and recalled many memories...I just never took the time in the hectic schedule that is my life. So here I am blogging at the end of the day on Mother's Day.
Where do I start....growing up my mom has always worked. She showed me how to raise a family and be a help mate to her husband by helping provide for our family. As a child it seems at least in my memory that I was ALWAYS sick...bad ears....as I would have ear infection after ear infection and mom always took care of me. There was nothing she could do to take a way the excrutiating pain I had, but she would sit with me and tickle my face just so I knew she was there. Then came adolescence and oh my....I by no means was as bad of a kid as she thought, but I sure caused my share of trouble and heartache for her...yet she was always there. We didn't see eye to eye through my teen years...she was the overprotective parent only wanting to see me do right and I was the obnoxious teenager trying to make my own rules cause she was totally crazy and irrational and I had ALL the answers
I made it to graduation the time of my life I had dreamed of, freedom finally, but that didn't happen. I still had the "if you want to live here you have to follow OUR rules" and being the youngest, the only girl with 2 older brothers I just didn't get why they had more freedom and later curfews. Of course at 18, I was so much wiser than her. What did she know about life? She was just trying to hold me back from being independent...or atleast I thought so.
At 19 I decided I had enough we just couldn't get along and I was tired of being "the child" so I told her I was moving out. Time to get a place of my own. Dan and I had found a home to rent in Waterford (45 minutes to 1 hour) from my childhood home. I think I told her about 1-2 weeks before I planned to move. Mind you mom and dad had never met Dan....see although Dan and I had been together 10-11 months at the time...he was much older(15 years) so at first I didn't even let her know about him....then when I did she thought it was just a "phase" that would pass so to show her disapproval she didn't want to meet him. Once Dan and I began making moving plans she wanted to meet him and by that point in typical independent teenage style I told her it wasn't necessary she hadn't wanted to meet him before so why now...no point. She met him as he helped me move out of their home. Needless to say my moving wasn't on the best of terms but mom through her tears that day let me know while coming back home would never be the same....she would always be there if I needed her.
As I left and set out on my own I thought I didn't need her and would show her just how strong and independent I could be....Heck I didn't need her. Imagine my surprised that after I moved out the tension had been lifted which allowed us both to see each other in a different light. I didn't have to checkin or report to her anymore yet I would call her to checkin anyway just to touch base. It wasn't long after I moved out that we began to grow closer.
Today and for quite a while now, my mom has been one of my best friends. I am so glad that her and I have been able to become as close as we have. She has always been there for me and to me is mother of the year every year!
Mom was there through the planning of my wedding....through the birth of my 3 sons....and she the best mom and grandma in the world! She has grown to love and accept Dan and he has become her favorite son in law....not hard since there's no competition She has kept my boys when Dan and I can't be there! She is the one who taught us how to get Damien to sleep at night when he was just a few days old. She's been with me at many scary hospital visits with the boys. She was the first person I called when Dan had his heart attack....she is always there not only for me, but also for my husband and boys as well as my brothers.
So today, I honor my mommy and friend! I am so blessed to share the relationship I do with my mom. Mom for all the times you have been there cheering me on, shedding quiet tears for me, just loving me.....THANK YOU!
I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!
Where do I start....growing up my mom has always worked. She showed me how to raise a family and be a help mate to her husband by helping provide for our family. As a child it seems at least in my memory that I was ALWAYS sick...bad ears....as I would have ear infection after ear infection and mom always took care of me. There was nothing she could do to take a way the excrutiating pain I had, but she would sit with me and tickle my face just so I knew she was there. Then came adolescence and oh my....I by no means was as bad of a kid as she thought, but I sure caused my share of trouble and heartache for her...yet she was always there. We didn't see eye to eye through my teen years...she was the overprotective parent only wanting to see me do right and I was the obnoxious teenager trying to make my own rules cause she was totally crazy and irrational and I had ALL the answers
I made it to graduation the time of my life I had dreamed of, freedom finally, but that didn't happen. I still had the "if you want to live here you have to follow OUR rules" and being the youngest, the only girl with 2 older brothers I just didn't get why they had more freedom and later curfews. Of course at 18, I was so much wiser than her. What did she know about life? She was just trying to hold me back from being independent...or atleast I thought so.
At 19 I decided I had enough we just couldn't get along and I was tired of being "the child" so I told her I was moving out. Time to get a place of my own. Dan and I had found a home to rent in Waterford (45 minutes to 1 hour) from my childhood home. I think I told her about 1-2 weeks before I planned to move. Mind you mom and dad had never met Dan....see although Dan and I had been together 10-11 months at the time...he was much older(15 years) so at first I didn't even let her know about him....then when I did she thought it was just a "phase" that would pass so to show her disapproval she didn't want to meet him. Once Dan and I began making moving plans she wanted to meet him and by that point in typical independent teenage style I told her it wasn't necessary she hadn't wanted to meet him before so why now...no point. She met him as he helped me move out of their home. Needless to say my moving wasn't on the best of terms but mom through her tears that day let me know while coming back home would never be the same....she would always be there if I needed her.
As I left and set out on my own I thought I didn't need her and would show her just how strong and independent I could be....Heck I didn't need her. Imagine my surprised that after I moved out the tension had been lifted which allowed us both to see each other in a different light. I didn't have to checkin or report to her anymore yet I would call her to checkin anyway just to touch base. It wasn't long after I moved out that we began to grow closer.
Today and for quite a while now, my mom has been one of my best friends. I am so glad that her and I have been able to become as close as we have. She has always been there for me and to me is mother of the year every year!
Mom was there through the planning of my wedding....through the birth of my 3 sons....and she the best mom and grandma in the world! She has grown to love and accept Dan and he has become her favorite son in law....not hard since there's no competition She has kept my boys when Dan and I can't be there! She is the one who taught us how to get Damien to sleep at night when he was just a few days old. She's been with me at many scary hospital visits with the boys. She was the first person I called when Dan had his heart attack....she is always there not only for me, but also for my husband and boys as well as my brothers.
So today, I honor my mommy and friend! I am so blessed to share the relationship I do with my mom. Mom for all the times you have been there cheering me on, shedding quiet tears for me, just loving me.....THANK YOU!
I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Four Things.....
A friend posted this and I thought it would be fun.....
Four things about me that you may or may not have known in no particular order.
A ) Four jobs that I have had in my life
1. Mortgage Operations Manager
2. Mortgage Processer
3. Account Specialist - International Trade
4. Cash Handler
B) Four movies I would watch over and over (or have
watched over and over)
1. Dirty Dancing
2. Pretty Woman
3. My Best Friends Wedding
4. Gotcha
C) Four places I have lived:
1. Garden City, Michigan
2. Westland, Michigan
3. Waterford, Michigan
4. Canton, Michigan that's correct I have never left SE Michigan
D) Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Lost
2. Samantha Who
3. Kyle XY
4. ER
E) Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Florida
2. Tennessee
3. Illinois
4. Pennsylvania (girls weekends)
F) People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. My mom
2. Melissa B
3. Bruce
4. Dan
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chicken
2. Steak
3. Chicken and Dumplings
4. Homemade Calzones
H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Home with my family
2. Siesta Key
3. Tennessee
4. Anywhere but work.......
I) Things I'm looking forward to.....
1. Disney in January
2. the weekend
3. getting the house decluttered
4. having a date night (no kids) for my anniversary
J) Four things a few of you may not know about me....
1. I love working....I thinking being a SAHM is the HARDEST job in the world kudos to those that do it..
2. Dan is 15 years older than me (and we have been married for 12 years - well in a few days)
3. I never wanted a girl....I was thrilled to find out Dillon was another boy.
4. I have a hard time saying no, I am just a yes person by nature even if it means overwhleming myself with commitments and things to do.
K) Four Books I love! This one is hard as I am not a book reader.....
1. Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed
2. Look great feel great
3. How to listen so your children will talk and talk so your children will listen
4. Bible
Now its someone else's turn to post this!! Have Fun!
Four things about me that you may or may not have known in no particular order.
A ) Four jobs that I have had in my life
1. Mortgage Operations Manager
2. Mortgage Processer
3. Account Specialist - International Trade
4. Cash Handler
B) Four movies I would watch over and over (or have
watched over and over)
1. Dirty Dancing
2. Pretty Woman
3. My Best Friends Wedding
4. Gotcha
C) Four places I have lived:
1. Garden City, Michigan
2. Westland, Michigan
3. Waterford, Michigan
4. Canton, Michigan that's correct I have never left SE Michigan
D) Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Lost
2. Samantha Who
3. Kyle XY
4. ER
E) Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Florida
2. Tennessee
3. Illinois
4. Pennsylvania (girls weekends)
F) People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. My mom
2. Melissa B
3. Bruce
4. Dan
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chicken
2. Steak
3. Chicken and Dumplings
4. Homemade Calzones
H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Home with my family
2. Siesta Key
3. Tennessee
4. Anywhere but work.......
I) Things I'm looking forward to.....
1. Disney in January
2. the weekend
3. getting the house decluttered
4. having a date night (no kids) for my anniversary
J) Four things a few of you may not know about me....
1. I love working....I thinking being a SAHM is the HARDEST job in the world kudos to those that do it..
2. Dan is 15 years older than me (and we have been married for 12 years - well in a few days)
3. I never wanted a girl....I was thrilled to find out Dillon was another boy.
4. I have a hard time saying no, I am just a yes person by nature even if it means overwhleming myself with commitments and things to do.
K) Four Books I love! This one is hard as I am not a book reader.....
1. Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed
2. Look great feel great
3. How to listen so your children will talk and talk so your children will listen
4. Bible
Now its someone else's turn to post this!! Have Fun!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Breaking News...... FINALLY!
I think Dillon is FINALLY potty trained!! Woohoo!!! He has finally started going 2 on the potty on Friday and has gone 1 or more times a day both Saturday and Sunday and said on Saturday night he no longer needs pull ups cause it’s soooo easy to use the potty! I hope and pray we truly have finally got it! So just over 2 weeks from being 5 and he finally got it! So I salute and say so long to diapers and pulls up for the first time in 8 years and 7 months. Hallelujah! My baby days are over!
As most of you know this had been no small feat as he didn’t even pee train until 14 months ago, but by golly everyone was right...he won’t start Kindergarten still in diapers. Dan, myself, the boys and heck my whole family are beyond thrilled he finally got it.
As most of you know this had been no small feat as he didn’t even pee train until 14 months ago, but by golly everyone was right...he won’t start Kindergarten still in diapers. Dan, myself, the boys and heck my whole family are beyond thrilled he finally got it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
All about Dan
Monday, March 24, 2008
All about Dan.....
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
So today I thought I would take a bit to write all about Dan. Although many times I take for granted what I have, I am truly married to a great guy and my best friend. It was a year ago today, that changed our lives forever. Dan had a heart attack while at work. It was in that moment of not knowing whether he was alright or if he would be alright that I truly realized just how lucky I am that God brought us together so many years ago. Once I got to the hospital and got to see him and knew he should be alright my fears of losing him lessened and I began to reflect on just how great my life with him is.
A list of just why my husband is the best!!
Dan takes such good care of me and the boys.
For 9 years, he worked afternoons so that our boys would always be with one of the two of us.
Dan is a hard worker who always put the needs of me and the boys before his own.
For the past 7 months Dan has been on days, which means he gets the boys from school daily and then comes home, helps them with homework, and has dinner ready when I get in from work. He greets me with a smile and a kiss.
He is funny, witty, sarcastic, charming, lovable, caring, kind, and many other things.
He keeps me grounded and evens me out.
He loves me for who I am accepting (or tolerating) all of my flaws.
We don’t fight, never have...disagreements here or there on occasion.
We are partners in raising our boys, from the day they were born he shared in changing diapers, night feedings, etc.
He loves my family and gets along with them all very well....sometimes too well I think my family loves him more : ) hehe
He listens to me rant and rave about work, co workers, etc or whatever is bothering me that day without interruption, then reminds me that work is work and it’s just a job...relax and dwell on the important things in life, our family.
He doesn’t harass me for getting behind in the housework as I work too...he just steps up and does the work that needs to be done.
When he wanted only 2 children and I wanted 4, he compromised and we had 3 as it was the fair way to do it. Hence how we got Dillon....thanks Dan!
He watches chick flicks with me.
He is a awesome father to our 3 boys!
I love him more today than I did 14+ years ago and I look forward to spending many more years with him.
I could probably list many other reasons why Dan is the best, but I am sure those reading are tired of listening to me gush!
All about Dan.....
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
So today I thought I would take a bit to write all about Dan. Although many times I take for granted what I have, I am truly married to a great guy and my best friend. It was a year ago today, that changed our lives forever. Dan had a heart attack while at work. It was in that moment of not knowing whether he was alright or if he would be alright that I truly realized just how lucky I am that God brought us together so many years ago. Once I got to the hospital and got to see him and knew he should be alright my fears of losing him lessened and I began to reflect on just how great my life with him is.
A list of just why my husband is the best!!
Dan takes such good care of me and the boys.
For 9 years, he worked afternoons so that our boys would always be with one of the two of us.
Dan is a hard worker who always put the needs of me and the boys before his own.
For the past 7 months Dan has been on days, which means he gets the boys from school daily and then comes home, helps them with homework, and has dinner ready when I get in from work. He greets me with a smile and a kiss.
He is funny, witty, sarcastic, charming, lovable, caring, kind, and many other things.
He keeps me grounded and evens me out.
He loves me for who I am accepting (or tolerating) all of my flaws.
We don’t fight, never have...disagreements here or there on occasion.
We are partners in raising our boys, from the day they were born he shared in changing diapers, night feedings, etc.
He loves my family and gets along with them all very well....sometimes too well I think my family loves him more : ) hehe
He listens to me rant and rave about work, co workers, etc or whatever is bothering me that day without interruption, then reminds me that work is work and it’s just a job...relax and dwell on the important things in life, our family.
He doesn’t harass me for getting behind in the housework as I work too...he just steps up and does the work that needs to be done.
When he wanted only 2 children and I wanted 4, he compromised and we had 3 as it was the fair way to do it. Hence how we got Dillon....thanks Dan!
He watches chick flicks with me.
He is a awesome father to our 3 boys!
I love him more today than I did 14+ years ago and I look forward to spending many more years with him.
I could probably list many other reasons why Dan is the best, but I am sure those reading are tired of listening to me gush!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Dan Update 10/20/07
Dan Update
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
I am happy to report that Dan had his 6 month check up since his heart attack and he is doing fantastic! He had an echocardiogram about a month ago and yesterday had the follow up appointment with the cardiologist. After his heart attack in March and procedure his through put on his heart was about 35% a normal healthy heart is 65%. Well at his appointment he found that his though put is up to 50% which shows drs that his heart is healing extremely well! I praise God for this step forward as it is Him who gave Dan's body the ability of quick healing. Dan was able to come off one med, which is better than none. So he is down to 5 scripts now. I would presume at 1 year he will drop 1-2 more. A few he will be on for the rest of his life, but that's a small price for his life. He is scheduled to go back to the Cardiologist the first week of December for a stress test.
Thank you to all my family and friends for all of your support this year! You all mean the world to us!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
I am happy to report that Dan had his 6 month check up since his heart attack and he is doing fantastic! He had an echocardiogram about a month ago and yesterday had the follow up appointment with the cardiologist. After his heart attack in March and procedure his through put on his heart was about 35% a normal healthy heart is 65%. Well at his appointment he found that his though put is up to 50% which shows drs that his heart is healing extremely well! I praise God for this step forward as it is Him who gave Dan's body the ability of quick healing. Dan was able to come off one med, which is better than none. So he is down to 5 scripts now. I would presume at 1 year he will drop 1-2 more. A few he will be on for the rest of his life, but that's a small price for his life. He is scheduled to go back to the Cardiologist the first week of December for a stress test.
Thank you to all my family and friends for all of your support this year! You all mean the world to us!
Check this out 10/10/07
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Check this out......
Current mood: content
My cousin won the 99.5 WYCD contest to meet Taylor Swift and go on her tour bus for a private acoustic show with 9 of her friends. My cousin, niece and I already had tickets, but loved getting a chance to meet Taylor. You can see the surprise video where they surprised her at school as well as footage from our meeting on www.wycd.com under videos on the front page. One is titled Taylor Swift winner the other Katelyn meets Taylor. We had a BLAST!! Taylor is very down to earth and humble. We were also followed around by Channel 7 and appeared on the news the night of the concert. It is also my understand that Channel 7 was doing footage for the upcoming CMA's in November for commericals and or footage for the show.
Thanks Again Katelyn!!
Check this out......
Current mood: content
My cousin won the 99.5 WYCD contest to meet Taylor Swift and go on her tour bus for a private acoustic show with 9 of her friends. My cousin, niece and I already had tickets, but loved getting a chance to meet Taylor. You can see the surprise video where they surprised her at school as well as footage from our meeting on www.wycd.com under videos on the front page. One is titled Taylor Swift winner the other Katelyn meets Taylor. We had a BLAST!! Taylor is very down to earth and humble. We were also followed around by Channel 7 and appeared on the news the night of the concert. It is also my understand that Channel 7 was doing footage for the upcoming CMA's in November for commericals and or footage for the show.
Thanks Again Katelyn!!
It's that time of year...... 9/17/07
Monday, September 17, 2007
It’s that time of year......
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
to ask (beg) for your support for my Light the Night walk. Can you spare just $5?
On October 5th at 7pm, The boys and I will be walking the Light the Night Ann Arbor walk to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please visit my website and donate. Every dollar counts towards finding a cure for these awful blood cancers that take our loved ones, including children. I have become actively involved in raising awareness of this horrible disease thanks to a little blue eyed, giraffe loving, little girl named Allie Scott who unfortunately lost her battle 3 years ago. To learn more about Allie, please visit www.scotthousehold.com. This is my 4th year participating in Light the Night with Friends of Heroes (F/K/A Friends of Allie). I walk each year in support of many kids I follow that are fighting this awful disease, those in remission, and in memory of those who have died fighting their battle. Through the years our name has changed, but our mission remains the same. We have just evolved and want to further invite and embrace all those fighting for a cure.
To make a secure donation online, please visit my website at www.active.com/donate/ltnMadiso/2160_denisecoleman
We would love to have you join us if you would like to walk with us on 10/05/07. Simply follow this link to register: http://teams.lightthenight.org/FriendsofHeroes_HuronHSGallupPark
If you live too far from the area you can also search your state and find a walk near you. There is a Friends of Heroes team at every walksite. Please contact me with any questions!
Thanks!!
Denise
FOH - Team Captain - Ann Arbor
PS - For those of you who said you are walking this year - where are you????????
It’s that time of year......
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
to ask (beg) for your support for my Light the Night walk. Can you spare just $5?
On October 5th at 7pm, The boys and I will be walking the Light the Night Ann Arbor walk to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please visit my website and donate. Every dollar counts towards finding a cure for these awful blood cancers that take our loved ones, including children. I have become actively involved in raising awareness of this horrible disease thanks to a little blue eyed, giraffe loving, little girl named Allie Scott who unfortunately lost her battle 3 years ago. To learn more about Allie, please visit www.scotthousehold.com. This is my 4th year participating in Light the Night with Friends of Heroes (F/K/A Friends of Allie). I walk each year in support of many kids I follow that are fighting this awful disease, those in remission, and in memory of those who have died fighting their battle. Through the years our name has changed, but our mission remains the same. We have just evolved and want to further invite and embrace all those fighting for a cure.
To make a secure donation online, please visit my website at www.active.com/donate/ltnMadiso/2160_denisecoleman
We would love to have you join us if you would like to walk with us on 10/05/07. Simply follow this link to register: http://teams.lightthenight.org/FriendsofHeroes_HuronHSGallupPark
If you live too far from the area you can also search your state and find a walk near you. There is a Friends of Heroes team at every walksite. Please contact me with any questions!
Thanks!!
Denise
FOH - Team Captain - Ann Arbor
PS - For those of you who said you are walking this year - where are you????????
Coffee or the Cup 8/31/07
Friday, August 31, 2007
The Coffee or the Cup......thanks mom for sending this to me
Category: Life
The Coffee or The Cup!
This really is profound, I am going to try and keep this in mind the next time I feel "stressed".....
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
The Coffee or the Cup......thanks mom for sending this to me
Category: Life
The Coffee or The Cup!
This really is profound, I am going to try and keep this in mind the next time I feel "stressed".....
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
Reflective 8/27/07
Monday, August 27, 2007
Reflective....
Current mood: Reflective
Category: Reflective Life
This may end up being just a bunch of jumble, but the past couple days has been tugging at much emotion.
Today marks 6 months since my grandfather (maternal) passed. I can't even believe it has been 6 months since he was so abruptly silenced. As I sit here in tears it is so hard to be so sad when I know he is in Heaven where one day I will see him again. He got his ticket and I should be rejoicing that he has met our Maker, yet I can't help that we ALL miss him so much! I love you Grandpa!!
Friday, August 24th was my grandfather's (paternal) birthday. It's been 3 1/2 years since I lost him, but it is still so fresh as well. I presume it will always be that way. They both were my grandfathers that I have so many memories of. I am a lucky one...I had my grandfathers with me until my 30's...many do not get that kind of time with their grandparents or even parents for that matter. I am so thankful that I am so blessed to have so many great memories with them, as do my boys.
And tomorrow my oldest will be 8, that's EIGHT! I can't believe it. 8 years ago I was at a birth center already 8 hours into labor awaiting my first blessing. It was another 24 hours before ending up with a c~section and finding out I had a beautiful son. Here I am 8 years later with an 8 year who will begin the 3rd grade in another week and a half. Damien, he's my little man. The one who is always lending hugs and kisses, pats on the back. He is just the genuinely caring little man ever. Hard to believe just how fast they grow before our eyes. He is gains more and more independence every day. Dan and I are so blessed. Happy Birthday Damien!!
Reflective....
Current mood: Reflective
Category: Reflective Life
This may end up being just a bunch of jumble, but the past couple days has been tugging at much emotion.
Today marks 6 months since my grandfather (maternal) passed. I can't even believe it has been 6 months since he was so abruptly silenced. As I sit here in tears it is so hard to be so sad when I know he is in Heaven where one day I will see him again. He got his ticket and I should be rejoicing that he has met our Maker, yet I can't help that we ALL miss him so much! I love you Grandpa!!
Friday, August 24th was my grandfather's (paternal) birthday. It's been 3 1/2 years since I lost him, but it is still so fresh as well. I presume it will always be that way. They both were my grandfathers that I have so many memories of. I am a lucky one...I had my grandfathers with me until my 30's...many do not get that kind of time with their grandparents or even parents for that matter. I am so thankful that I am so blessed to have so many great memories with them, as do my boys.
And tomorrow my oldest will be 8, that's EIGHT! I can't believe it. 8 years ago I was at a birth center already 8 hours into labor awaiting my first blessing. It was another 24 hours before ending up with a c~section and finding out I had a beautiful son. Here I am 8 years later with an 8 year who will begin the 3rd grade in another week and a half. Damien, he's my little man. The one who is always lending hugs and kisses, pats on the back. He is just the genuinely caring little man ever. Hard to believe just how fast they grow before our eyes. He is gains more and more independence every day. Dan and I are so blessed. Happy Birthday Damien!!
Yahoooo!!! 8/26/07
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Yahooo!!!!
Current mood: excited
So not only did I win Big and Rich tickets on the radio....they were lawn seats, but I managed to spot Dr. Don amongst the crowd on the hill and got us upgraded to the Pavillon!! Dr. Don rocks!! They look for people wearing the WCYD...I didn't have a shirt and couldn't find my shirt from the old days when they also had a studio in Wyandotte, but I did locate my stack of stickers from the old days and Ashley and I put those on our Brooks and Dunn shirts we wore. Dr. Don is from the old days and thought is was pretty neat that we had stickers that dated back. We had a fabulous time! . It was a great afternoon evening of sisterly bonding! Love ya Ashley!
Yahooo!!!!
Current mood: excited
So not only did I win Big and Rich tickets on the radio....they were lawn seats, but I managed to spot Dr. Don amongst the crowd on the hill and got us upgraded to the Pavillon!! Dr. Don rocks!! They look for people wearing the WCYD...I didn't have a shirt and couldn't find my shirt from the old days when they also had a studio in Wyandotte, but I did locate my stack of stickers from the old days and Ashley and I put those on our Brooks and Dunn shirts we wore. Dr. Don is from the old days and thought is was pretty neat that we had stickers that dated back. We had a fabulous time! . It was a great afternoon evening of sisterly bonding! Love ya Ashley!
Big and Rich 8/24/07
Friday, August 24, 2007
BIG and RICH here I come....Thanks to WYCD
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Music
I was a summer of 10,000 tickets winner this morning!! I won tickets on 99.5 WYCD to see Big and Rich at DTE tomorrow!!! After a down day yesterday, today sure started with a BANG! I love you Doc, Rachael, and Grunwald!!!
Currently listening :
Comin’ to Your City
By Big & Rich
Release date: 15 November, 2005
BIG and RICH here I come....Thanks to WYCD
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Music
I was a summer of 10,000 tickets winner this morning!! I won tickets on 99.5 WYCD to see Big and Rich at DTE tomorrow!!! After a down day yesterday, today sure started with a BANG! I love you Doc, Rachael, and Grunwald!!!
Currently listening :
Comin’ to Your City
By Big & Rich
Release date: 15 November, 2005
Happy yet a little uneasy 4/20/07
Friday, April 20, 2007
Happy, yet a little uneasy!
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Well Dan had his follow up at the Cardiologist yesterday. The appointment went well. They said he looks great and appears to be doing just fine. He really has none of the tiggers that would normally cause the heart attack so it seems to be all stress related? Now Dan is pretty laid back at least on the outside, so I guess he internalizes more stress that I realize.
Amazingly they are actually releasing him back to work on Monday. We were both a little shocked. I mean he is definitely ready to get moving as he has been so restricted for the past 3+ weeks, but we were surprised how quickly he goes from only being able to lift a gallon of milk to being back to work and you can do what ever you want. He has to continue his meds of course and carry nitro with him at all times, but they said he can pretty much do what he wants and just to remember if he has any pain or symtoms to take nitro and get to the ER.
It's amazing to me that 4 weeks ago I almost lost him to his heart attack and now he's considered fine and healthy I thank God for the miracle and know it is only Him who completely healed him from this. Dan could potentially live the rest of his life without another incident or it could happen again, we just don't know. So for now we will take each day as it comes and just be thankful to have the the people in life we do. He has a follow up in 2 months with the Cardiologist and he will also go back in September for a complete set of tests on his heart to see how much improvement his heart has made.
Thank you to you all for your love and support during this crazy time in our lives!!! We are truly blessed!
Happy, yet a little uneasy!
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Well Dan had his follow up at the Cardiologist yesterday. The appointment went well. They said he looks great and appears to be doing just fine. He really has none of the tiggers that would normally cause the heart attack so it seems to be all stress related? Now Dan is pretty laid back at least on the outside, so I guess he internalizes more stress that I realize.
Amazingly they are actually releasing him back to work on Monday. We were both a little shocked. I mean he is definitely ready to get moving as he has been so restricted for the past 3+ weeks, but we were surprised how quickly he goes from only being able to lift a gallon of milk to being back to work and you can do what ever you want. He has to continue his meds of course and carry nitro with him at all times, but they said he can pretty much do what he wants and just to remember if he has any pain or symtoms to take nitro and get to the ER.
It's amazing to me that 4 weeks ago I almost lost him to his heart attack and now he's considered fine and healthy I thank God for the miracle and know it is only Him who completely healed him from this. Dan could potentially live the rest of his life without another incident or it could happen again, we just don't know. So for now we will take each day as it comes and just be thankful to have the the people in life we do. He has a follow up in 2 months with the Cardiologist and he will also go back in September for a complete set of tests on his heart to see how much improvement his heart has made.
Thank you to you all for your love and support during this crazy time in our lives!!! We are truly blessed!
Dan is home! 3/26/07
Monday, March 26, 2007
Dan is home!
Current mood: happy
Thank you Lord! I got to bring Dan home today. He is doing really well considering 3 days ago he was very close to dying. He is on a whole array of meds for the rest of this life, but it doesn't matter if it gives us more time with him. He goes to the cardiologist in a couple weeks for a follow up and to see if they need to do anything else to keep him going. We are hoping and praying that the drugs do what they are meant to do and that he will not have to have anymore procedures at this time. He is resting comfortable in the comforts of home in his own chair. Getting some much needed sleep, as we all know you don't get any rest in a hospital, but I am very thankful to the EMS staff as well as the staff at St. John's hospital for saving his life.
Take Care....go love on your loved ones and enjoy every moment you are given!
Dan is home!
Current mood: happy
Thank you Lord! I got to bring Dan home today. He is doing really well considering 3 days ago he was very close to dying. He is on a whole array of meds for the rest of this life, but it doesn't matter if it gives us more time with him. He goes to the cardiologist in a couple weeks for a follow up and to see if they need to do anything else to keep him going. We are hoping and praying that the drugs do what they are meant to do and that he will not have to have anymore procedures at this time. He is resting comfortable in the comforts of home in his own chair. Getting some much needed sleep, as we all know you don't get any rest in a hospital, but I am very thankful to the EMS staff as well as the staff at St. John's hospital for saving his life.
Take Care....go love on your loved ones and enjoy every moment you are given!
Today's a blur 3/25/07
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Today's a blur....
Current mood: tired
Category: Life
Let's see if I can play out the past 24hours for you......
24 hours ago I was hanging out online, much as I am now. checking myspace and playing games online. 2:20 am decided it's really late and I should get to bed and start movin towards going up stairs. 2:24 Home phone rings, pit in stomach as this can't be good. See caller ID says St. Johns.....ack Dan is in the ER there and I have been asked to get there as soon as possible. (me) huh? St. Johns, where's that? (lady from St. johns) give me the whereabouts and tells me nothing more....doesn't answer my questions about what has happened to Dan, just insists I am needed there as soon as I can get there. Heart pounding through chest and shaking is setting in...I dial my mom (who else would you call right?) Mommy answers, but is confused and disorientated after all who likes waking up to a ringing phone in the middle of the night. She was spending her second night home in her bed after being in Tennessee for a month. Mommy lets me know her and Daddy will be right over. My mommy stayed with my boys and Daddy drove me to St. Johns on the East side of Detroit. 3:30ish am I enter the ER at St. Johns where I inquire where Dan is....after a bit of disorganization as to where in the hospital he is, I am told someone will be down to discuss his condition with me. A nice gal comes and gets me and my daddy and takes us up to a family waiting area, where an ER doctor comes in and tells me that my husband (yes I am his wife, not his daughter LOL!) was at work wrapping up payroll around 1am when he started having chest pains and it was confirmed at JNAP (worksite) that he was currently having a heart attack. EMS prioritized him as a code 1 and the hospital began to prepare for his arrival and a cardiac team was called in. At the hospital they ran further test to verify the heart attack and figure their course of action. Pretty much immediate action was needed so he was taken to the Cardio Lab to have Angieoplasty done and a stent was place in a completely blocked(by a blood clot) artery on the right side of his heart. By 4:30am doctors came to see me and my daddy in yet another waiting room to tells us the procedure was successful and that he will be moved to the Cardiac ICU for the night(day). We got to see him and transfer with him where we were directed to yet another waiting room while they get him settled into ICU. About 20 minutes later we were able see him and talk more about what happened. After a brief visit we left so he could rest and so we could get home to get a few winks of shut eye before the boys got up for the day. Crazy crazy...home at 6am and in bed only to toss and turn for an hour before finally falling asleep for a whole whopping hour and 40 minutes and a new portion of the day begins.
He should be fine despite the scare. It could have been alot worse had he not gotten help as soon as he did. We are fortunate and are counting our blessings. He'll take awhile to recover, but we will get there. We are a truly blessed family!
Today's a blur....
Current mood: tired
Category: Life
Let's see if I can play out the past 24hours for you......
24 hours ago I was hanging out online, much as I am now. checking myspace and playing games online. 2:20 am decided it's really late and I should get to bed and start movin towards going up stairs. 2:24 Home phone rings, pit in stomach as this can't be good. See caller ID says St. Johns.....ack Dan is in the ER there and I have been asked to get there as soon as possible. (me) huh? St. Johns, where's that? (lady from St. johns) give me the whereabouts and tells me nothing more....doesn't answer my questions about what has happened to Dan, just insists I am needed there as soon as I can get there. Heart pounding through chest and shaking is setting in...I dial my mom (who else would you call right?) Mommy answers, but is confused and disorientated after all who likes waking up to a ringing phone in the middle of the night. She was spending her second night home in her bed after being in Tennessee for a month. Mommy lets me know her and Daddy will be right over. My mommy stayed with my boys and Daddy drove me to St. Johns on the East side of Detroit. 3:30ish am I enter the ER at St. Johns where I inquire where Dan is....after a bit of disorganization as to where in the hospital he is, I am told someone will be down to discuss his condition with me. A nice gal comes and gets me and my daddy and takes us up to a family waiting area, where an ER doctor comes in and tells me that my husband (yes I am his wife, not his daughter LOL!) was at work wrapping up payroll around 1am when he started having chest pains and it was confirmed at JNAP (worksite) that he was currently having a heart attack. EMS prioritized him as a code 1 and the hospital began to prepare for his arrival and a cardiac team was called in. At the hospital they ran further test to verify the heart attack and figure their course of action. Pretty much immediate action was needed so he was taken to the Cardio Lab to have Angieoplasty done and a stent was place in a completely blocked(by a blood clot) artery on the right side of his heart. By 4:30am doctors came to see me and my daddy in yet another waiting room to tells us the procedure was successful and that he will be moved to the Cardiac ICU for the night(day). We got to see him and transfer with him where we were directed to yet another waiting room while they get him settled into ICU. About 20 minutes later we were able see him and talk more about what happened. After a brief visit we left so he could rest and so we could get home to get a few winks of shut eye before the boys got up for the day. Crazy crazy...home at 6am and in bed only to toss and turn for an hour before finally falling asleep for a whole whopping hour and 40 minutes and a new portion of the day begins.
He should be fine despite the scare. It could have been alot worse had he not gotten help as soon as he did. We are fortunate and are counting our blessings. He'll take awhile to recover, but we will get there. We are a truly blessed family!
Arnold Hollis Holden 3/7/07
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Grandpa - Arnold Hollis Holden
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
Arnold Hollis Holden
HOHENWALD — Arnold Hollis Holden, 86, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at his residence.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald with Mike Nolen and Richard Tate officiating. Burial will follow in the Napier Cemetery.
Visitation will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
He was a native of Florence, Ala., the son of late James Dennis Mary (Michaels) Holden; a retired employees of General Motors and a Prisoner of War in World War II. He is also preceded in death by sisters, Willatee Weems, Lorene Staggs, Junior Lee Randall, and a great-grandson, Jack Ryan Stirsman.
Survivors include his wife, Agnes (Huggins) Holden of Hohenwald; daughters, Cora Holloway of Manchester, Mich., Sue Wardle of Hobe Sound, Fla., Eddi Stirsman of Canton, Mich., Lisa Thebeau of Westland, Mich.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Grandpa - Arnold Hollis Holden
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
Arnold Hollis Holden
HOHENWALD — Arnold Hollis Holden, 86, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at his residence.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald with Mike Nolen and Richard Tate officiating. Burial will follow in the Napier Cemetery.
Visitation will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
He was a native of Florence, Ala., the son of late James Dennis Mary (Michaels) Holden; a retired employees of General Motors and a Prisoner of War in World War II. He is also preceded in death by sisters, Willatee Weems, Lorene Staggs, Junior Lee Randall, and a great-grandson, Jack Ryan Stirsman.
Survivors include his wife, Agnes (Huggins) Holden of Hohenwald; daughters, Cora Holloway of Manchester, Mich., Sue Wardle of Hobe Sound, Fla., Eddi Stirsman of Canton, Mich., Lisa Thebeau of Westland, Mich.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Scrambled thoughts from TN 03/02/07
Friday, March 02, 2007
Scrambled thoughts from Tennessee
Category: Life
I can't believe I am here in Tennessee preparing to bury my grandfather. Sure he's 86 years young and had a great long active life, but he's my grandfather (the greatest man I have ever known). How is it that my bigger than life grandfather has now been silenced? I know everyone has to go sometime, but I just can't believe he's gone. What a special relationship my grandfather shared with each one of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild and every life he touched. For me, I was his nieceree and there was never any changing that We shared many stories of his life and the things he had experienced over quiet early morning breakfast just the 2 of us. He was the king of making pancakes and now my children are asking if I can practice so that I too may get as good as grandpa...I don't think that will ever happen, but try I can. For my children they loved when great grandpa would take them to the creek up the road to throw rocks. They loved it and never tired throwing stone after stone and grandpa would just light up that they too loved the outdoors so much. It's so hard to summarize the life of a man who was kind to everyone, always lending a helping hand to anyone, loved his family, love God, and most of all just truly loved being busy and lovin' life.
Dancing With Angels
by Monk & Neagle
Memories surround me
But sadness has found me
I'd do anything for more time
Never before has someone meant more
And I can't get you out of my mind
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know
Chorus:
You're dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You're dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you're dancing with the angels
You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know
We're only here for such a short time
So I'm gonna stand up
Shout out
And sing Hallelujah
One day I'll see you again
Scrambled thoughts from Tennessee
Category: Life
I can't believe I am here in Tennessee preparing to bury my grandfather. Sure he's 86 years young and had a great long active life, but he's my grandfather (the greatest man I have ever known). How is it that my bigger than life grandfather has now been silenced? I know everyone has to go sometime, but I just can't believe he's gone. What a special relationship my grandfather shared with each one of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild and every life he touched. For me, I was his nieceree and there was never any changing that We shared many stories of his life and the things he had experienced over quiet early morning breakfast just the 2 of us. He was the king of making pancakes and now my children are asking if I can practice so that I too may get as good as grandpa...I don't think that will ever happen, but try I can. For my children they loved when great grandpa would take them to the creek up the road to throw rocks. They loved it and never tired throwing stone after stone and grandpa would just light up that they too loved the outdoors so much. It's so hard to summarize the life of a man who was kind to everyone, always lending a helping hand to anyone, loved his family, love God, and most of all just truly loved being busy and lovin' life.
Dancing With Angels
by Monk & Neagle
Memories surround me
But sadness has found me
I'd do anything for more time
Never before has someone meant more
And I can't get you out of my mind
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know
Chorus:
You're dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You're dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you're dancing with the angels
You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know
We're only here for such a short time
So I'm gonna stand up
Shout out
And sing Hallelujah
One day I'll see you again
I can't believe it..... 01/06/07
Friday, January 26, 2007
I can't believe it........
Current mood: shocked
Category: Life
my ALMOST 4 year old son.....maybe just maybe on his way to finally being potty trained. I know big deal, I mean the kid is almost 4 he should be done with diapers by now, however this has been no small task. Of course he's not potty trained in a day, but today he used the potty for the first time and was so proud and happy about it and he did it more than once. So MAYBE just maybe my diaper days are nearing their end. It's atleast 18 months overdue, but I will gladly take it After 7.5 years of always having atleast 1 if not 2 kids in diapers it's a day I have anxiously been awaiting.
For those not familiar with this dreaded tale. My son Dillon just doesn't want to use the potty. He has been physically ready for sometime...staying dry for hours at a time during the day, waking up dry, being able to know he needs a diaper and communicating it to us, but his stubborn self just didn't want to be big yet. I have tried every method, bribe, game, gimmick, giving up and using reverse psychology. Anything I could think of and he wanted no part of it prior to a little interest being sparked/bribed/maybe tortured (kidding) by Aunt Lisa and then Ashley yesterday and today the interest became his own idea and wahlah suddenly using the potty just might be cool.
Thank you Auntie Lisa and Little Sis Ashley for your major role in helping accomplish this!!!
I can't believe it........
Current mood: shocked
Category: Life
my ALMOST 4 year old son.....maybe just maybe on his way to finally being potty trained. I know big deal, I mean the kid is almost 4 he should be done with diapers by now, however this has been no small task. Of course he's not potty trained in a day, but today he used the potty for the first time and was so proud and happy about it and he did it more than once. So MAYBE just maybe my diaper days are nearing their end. It's atleast 18 months overdue, but I will gladly take it After 7.5 years of always having atleast 1 if not 2 kids in diapers it's a day I have anxiously been awaiting.
For those not familiar with this dreaded tale. My son Dillon just doesn't want to use the potty. He has been physically ready for sometime...staying dry for hours at a time during the day, waking up dry, being able to know he needs a diaper and communicating it to us, but his stubborn self just didn't want to be big yet. I have tried every method, bribe, game, gimmick, giving up and using reverse psychology. Anything I could think of and he wanted no part of it prior to a little interest being sparked/bribed/maybe tortured (kidding) by Aunt Lisa and then Ashley yesterday and today the interest became his own idea and wahlah suddenly using the potty just might be cool.
Thank you Auntie Lisa and Little Sis Ashley for your major role in helping accomplish this!!!
Grandma's Hands 07-27-06
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Grandma's Hands...
Current mood: thankful
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longerI sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. "They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
Grandma's Hands...
Current mood: thankful
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longerI sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. "They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
Find Your Wings 7/26/06
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Find your Wings - Mark Harris
This song is my hope for my boys!!
It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I've never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life sweet
But more than memories
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
Find your Wings - Mark Harris
This song is my hope for my boys!!
It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I've never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life sweet
But more than memories
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
I pray that God will fill you heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
Livonia LTN 2006 6/15/06
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Livonia Light the Night 2006 Current mood: optimistic Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
September is fast approaching! It is in September each year that I walk the Light the Night walk to raise money for leukemia. Leukemia is the leading cause of diease related deaths among those under 15 years old. This means this is a cancer that attacks our children! I have been actively involved in captaining teams and walking since 2004 when I came to know a sweet blue-eyed beauty named Allie Scott. She was diagnosed when she was less than 5 months old and passed just before reaching 9 months. She passed the week of my first walk....I had decided to walk just days before her passing and my walk was only a week away. I was able to raise over $500 personally with support from family and friends. Last year my 'Livonia Friends of Allie' Team was able to raise over $1600 for LLS in Allie's name. Friends of Allie is the largest friends and family team that LLS has. Together nationally the FOA team has raised over 600K since 2004 and we want to push that number over 1 million this year...will you help?
You can help by signing up to walk on September 16, 2006. Visit www.lightthenight.org click on Register, join a team, search by team captain (denise coleman) and then join. It's that simple. Raise $100 and come out and walk. Check in starts at 6pm on the 16th and we are out of there and home by 10pm. The walk is about 2-3 miles and we start and end at Wilson's Barn in Livonia located on Middlebelt just south of Plymouth. My boys walk with me...you can do it too!! It is something you will never forget, it is amazing walking with lighted balloons among many who have lost loved one and also with some who are SURVIVORS. If you sign up, please send me a note and let me know so I can be sure you are on our FOA team with LLS.
If this isn't for you or possible due to plans, please considered donating to my walk at http://www.active.com/donate/ltnMadiso/denisecoleman
It's tax deductible and every dollar counts toward finding a cure. For more information on Allie Scott, please visit www.friendsofallie.org or her parents online journal at www.scotthousehold.com
There are so many other children effected by this disease, it's truly heartwrenching. I follow several kids through their battle on the caringbridge.org pages their parents create for them, unfortunately many have passed away fighting, yet with the great strides made with research finded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society some are in remission. I want to see a cure in my lifetime!
Livonia Light the Night 2006 Current mood: optimistic Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
September is fast approaching! It is in September each year that I walk the Light the Night walk to raise money for leukemia. Leukemia is the leading cause of diease related deaths among those under 15 years old. This means this is a cancer that attacks our children! I have been actively involved in captaining teams and walking since 2004 when I came to know a sweet blue-eyed beauty named Allie Scott. She was diagnosed when she was less than 5 months old and passed just before reaching 9 months. She passed the week of my first walk....I had decided to walk just days before her passing and my walk was only a week away. I was able to raise over $500 personally with support from family and friends. Last year my 'Livonia Friends of Allie' Team was able to raise over $1600 for LLS in Allie's name. Friends of Allie is the largest friends and family team that LLS has. Together nationally the FOA team has raised over 600K since 2004 and we want to push that number over 1 million this year...will you help?
You can help by signing up to walk on September 16, 2006. Visit www.lightthenight.org click on Register, join a team, search by team captain (denise coleman) and then join. It's that simple. Raise $100 and come out and walk. Check in starts at 6pm on the 16th and we are out of there and home by 10pm. The walk is about 2-3 miles and we start and end at Wilson's Barn in Livonia located on Middlebelt just south of Plymouth. My boys walk with me...you can do it too!! It is something you will never forget, it is amazing walking with lighted balloons among many who have lost loved one and also with some who are SURVIVORS. If you sign up, please send me a note and let me know so I can be sure you are on our FOA team with LLS.
If this isn't for you or possible due to plans, please considered donating to my walk at http://www.active.com/donate/ltnMadiso/denisecoleman
It's tax deductible and every dollar counts toward finding a cure. For more information on Allie Scott, please visit www.friendsofallie.org or her parents online journal at www.scotthousehold.com
There are so many other children effected by this disease, it's truly heartwrenching. I follow several kids through their battle on the caringbridge.org pages their parents create for them, unfortunately many have passed away fighting, yet with the great strides made with research finded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society some are in remission. I want to see a cure in my lifetime!
Ashley's Graduation - 6/14/06
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Ashley's graduation Current mood: happy Category: Life
Wow! Time sure does fly! This past weekend I had the priviledge of attending Ashley's (my niece) graduation ceremony! What an honor to watch her receive her diploma! Despite having tough circumstances thrown her way, she has prevailed with such grace!
Ash and I have always been close. I remember the night she was born like it was yesterday!! I was 12 getting ready to turn 13 when she was born and I recall taking care of her alot and pretending she was mine! What a gorgeous baby she was and she has turned into a beautiful woman!!
Thank you Ashley for allowing me to be such an important part of your life! It is truly awesome to watch your grow!
Just remember being part of the 'crowd' can cost you. Use your mind to make the best decisions for 'you'! As it is you and only you who is responsible for your actions and what you become. The world is yours! I am always here! I love you and am so proud of you!
Ashley's graduation Current mood: happy Category: Life
Wow! Time sure does fly! This past weekend I had the priviledge of attending Ashley's (my niece) graduation ceremony! What an honor to watch her receive her diploma! Despite having tough circumstances thrown her way, she has prevailed with such grace!
Ash and I have always been close. I remember the night she was born like it was yesterday!! I was 12 getting ready to turn 13 when she was born and I recall taking care of her alot and pretending she was mine! What a gorgeous baby she was and she has turned into a beautiful woman!!
Thank you Ashley for allowing me to be such an important part of your life! It is truly awesome to watch your grow!
Just remember being part of the 'crowd' can cost you. Use your mind to make the best decisions for 'you'! As it is you and only you who is responsible for your actions and what you become. The world is yours! I am always here! I love you and am so proud of you!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
One Year
My goodness it's been a YEAR since my grandfather took his last breath here on earth. I can't believe it.
The boys and I along with my mom travelled to Tennessee last week to spend some time with my grandmother while the boys were off school for winter break. I couldn't be with Grandma today, but hope that our visit last week helped ease the immense loss she deals with daily.
I feel bad, I couldn't even muster up to call her today...afraid it would be too painful for her. I am sure it was a sad, lonely day for her cause I know I replayed in my head a hundred times today the phone call that came in the morning of the 26th to say he had passed in his sleep and felt the sting of loss like it was 1 year ago.
Grandpa, I miss you as much today as I did a year ago and your loss is still felt everyday! I look forward to meeting up with you one day in heaven when we can be walk together on the streets of gold! Love you Grandpa....your nieceree!
The boys and I along with my mom travelled to Tennessee last week to spend some time with my grandmother while the boys were off school for winter break. I couldn't be with Grandma today, but hope that our visit last week helped ease the immense loss she deals with daily.
I feel bad, I couldn't even muster up to call her today...afraid it would be too painful for her. I am sure it was a sad, lonely day for her cause I know I replayed in my head a hundred times today the phone call that came in the morning of the 26th to say he had passed in his sleep and felt the sting of loss like it was 1 year ago.
Grandpa, I miss you as much today as I did a year ago and your loss is still felt everyday! I look forward to meeting up with you one day in heaven when we can be walk together on the streets of gold! Love you Grandpa....your nieceree!
Friday, February 8, 2008
It's all about Drake!!
Today is Drake's (my second born son) 7th birthday! I can't help but reflect on what a blessing he is to me.
D - Dependable - For a little guy you sure can count on him to help remind you to get things done and do things without being reminded.
R - Random - Drake often says or does the most random things. Which makes him great at spontanety (is that even a word?). A trait that will allow him to enjoy life to it's fullest every day. (I am sure his future wife will appreciate this trait)
A - Amazing - Drake is amazing! Dan and I have said it over and over throughout the years. He amazes us daily in all he does.
K - Kind Hearted - Drake is the sweetest kid ever! He has a heart of gold and looks to make the lifes of others better. He is always willing to lend a helping hand.
E - Excellence - Drake strives for excellence in all he does. He really puts forth maximum effort to do his best
so 7 years ago today at 8:52am Drake came bouncing into this world via scheduled c~section. Dan and I were thrilled beyond words to welcome our second little blessing into our family.
Drake is actively involved in Olympians (our children's program at church) and Soccer. He plans to take up baseball in April. He's doing excellent in school and is an amazing reader. He has a love for reading books that he has inherited from his daddy! Drake's loves a good meal and can out eat in one sitting the whole family (well except his daddy). Drake is the most easy going, loving child. I love snuggling with him and glad he still thinks it's cool to snuggle with mom.
I am so thankful for this healthy boy of mine! I thank God that He chose me to be Drake's mommy....a title I love ...it's such a blessing.
Tommorow Drake is having his first "friends" party and he is so excited. I hope it goes well!
D - Dependable - For a little guy you sure can count on him to help remind you to get things done and do things without being reminded.
R - Random - Drake often says or does the most random things. Which makes him great at spontanety (is that even a word?). A trait that will allow him to enjoy life to it's fullest every day. (I am sure his future wife will appreciate this trait)
A - Amazing - Drake is amazing! Dan and I have said it over and over throughout the years. He amazes us daily in all he does.
K - Kind Hearted - Drake is the sweetest kid ever! He has a heart of gold and looks to make the lifes of others better. He is always willing to lend a helping hand.
E - Excellence - Drake strives for excellence in all he does. He really puts forth maximum effort to do his best
so 7 years ago today at 8:52am Drake came bouncing into this world via scheduled c~section. Dan and I were thrilled beyond words to welcome our second little blessing into our family.
Drake is actively involved in Olympians (our children's program at church) and Soccer. He plans to take up baseball in April. He's doing excellent in school and is an amazing reader. He has a love for reading books that he has inherited from his daddy! Drake's loves a good meal and can out eat in one sitting the whole family (well except his daddy). Drake is the most easy going, loving child. I love snuggling with him and glad he still thinks it's cool to snuggle with mom.
I am so thankful for this healthy boy of mine! I thank God that He chose me to be Drake's mommy....a title I love ...it's such a blessing.
Tommorow Drake is having his first "friends" party and he is so excited. I hope it goes well!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Amazing
Amazed....I can't believe it's 2008.
Dan and I rang in our first New Year together 14 years ago. A chance dare per se brought us together for a first kiss and a shot of Hot Damn at midnight and as they say the rest is history. Dan and I had met each other a mere 27 days before when he arrived for an extended visit from Florida, except after spending New Years Eve together and much time after that by Valentines day of 1994 he was still here and making plans to move here permanently to see where the future would take us. By November 1994 we had our first home together, by February 1995 we were making wedding plans for April 1996. The future has brought us 14 years together and 3 beautiful boys.
In this day an age I feel accomplished one that we were married before having children and two that after 14 years together and 11 1/2 years of marriage we are still plugging along. Marriage isn't always easy, but when your partner is also your best friend it makes getting through the bumps in the road a whole lot better. Even when things are tough we can always find a way to laugh together.
Dan and I spent this New Year as we have the past 13 with a kiss at midnight and a shot of Hot Damn. It was a blessing as we rang in the New Year that he was still here to spend it with me after having his heart attack in March. Looking forward to many more New Years together.
Dan and I rang in our first New Year together 14 years ago. A chance dare per se brought us together for a first kiss and a shot of Hot Damn at midnight and as they say the rest is history. Dan and I had met each other a mere 27 days before when he arrived for an extended visit from Florida, except after spending New Years Eve together and much time after that by Valentines day of 1994 he was still here and making plans to move here permanently to see where the future would take us. By November 1994 we had our first home together, by February 1995 we were making wedding plans for April 1996. The future has brought us 14 years together and 3 beautiful boys.
In this day an age I feel accomplished one that we were married before having children and two that after 14 years together and 11 1/2 years of marriage we are still plugging along. Marriage isn't always easy, but when your partner is also your best friend it makes getting through the bumps in the road a whole lot better. Even when things are tough we can always find a way to laugh together.
Dan and I spent this New Year as we have the past 13 with a kiss at midnight and a shot of Hot Damn. It was a blessing as we rang in the New Year that he was still here to spend it with me after having his heart attack in March. Looking forward to many more New Years together.
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