Happy Memorial Day!

I've been up for several hours and still am the only one out of bed. What a great way to start a holiday!

Oddly enough today holds a different meaning for me entirely than the years past (was that even a coherent sentence?). Before Memorial Day was just a free day off work and time to spend with friends cooking out or what have you. Today, I find myself thinking of Chase, wondering what he is doing and then my thoughts move to all the other service men and women who are serving or have served our country. For my own and for all of those out there, I thank you.

Digressing just a bit, I think I want to go buy a flag and fly it at the house. You don't see that much anymore, but I am feeling more patriotic these days, so that might just be an investment worth making this year.

Digressing even further, several of you have mentioned wanting Chase's address to send him a word of thanks and/or encouragement. I am humbled by your thoughtfulness because selfish as I am, that thought would never have crossed my mind before. Oh the ways that life changes us! Anyway, we don't know what his address is yet, but when we do, I will pass it along on my blog and anyone that wishes can send him a note or card. I can imagine that he will appreciate it more than we'll ever know.

So, what does today hold for the Taylors? Well, as soon as the family is up moving around, we are going to visit my dad. There's really not been much change, but we did make it over Friday night to visit. He was definitely not aware of our presence the entire time we were there. Jenna was at an end-of-school function (no parents allowed!), so it was just Steve and I. We just sat in the room with him and I rubbed his head. I tried to get him to wake up several times, but he just couldn't. I doubt he even knew I was there. We'll go back today to allow Jenna to at least see him again even though he might not realize she is there either.

After our visit, we are going to our 8th annual Memorial Day activity...my great nephew's birthday party! He was actually born on May 30th, but each Memorial Day we celebrate his birthday. Jenna will have fun playing with her cousin and I'll enjoy catching up with my family. And of course, it will be another opportunity to bust out the camera for a photo op! :)

After the party, we are headed home to grill some hamburgers and hotdogs. I went to the grocery store yesterday and even got a big watermelon. I have the perfect Memorial Day spread...hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, dip, corn on the cob (fresh) and watermelon! I might even make some iced tea! It does look like it's going to rain, but I hope it holds off long enough for us to celebrate tonight. I LOVE grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.

Anyway, I hear the shower running which means Steve's out of bed. I need to get my girl up and dressed since we'll be needing to leave in about an hour. I gotta get ME dressed too since I put my PJs back on when I got out of the shower this morning! And then there is that little matter of wrapping a gift for the birthday boy today!

Happy Memorial Day to you!!!! Enjoy!

Things You Need To Know

There are a lot of people that read this blog to keep up with the Taylors who I don't correspond with on a daily basis (which is the whole reason for this blog). So, there are a couple things I need to update on...

Chase arrived Parris Island, SC safely for Marine Boot Camp. He was able to make one phone call upon arrival, and it was totally scripted...and YELLED (think any military movie you've seen, "SIR YES SIR!"). He called his mother and since there was to be no exchange of words between them, she let it go to her answering machine so we all could hear. Basically, the call went something like this: "This is Recruit Taylor. I have arrived safely at Parris Island. Do not send food or bulk items to me. I will contact you by letter in 7-10 days with my mailing address. Thank you for your support." So. What we know is that he's there and (thanks to a friend at work whose son is going into the Marines in December) he is still going through processing until this weekend. He'll send one postcard with his address, most likely to his mom, and then we'll be able to write letters (and only letters) to him. If you are interested in sending him a card or letter, let me know and I'll forward his address to you (via email) as soon as I get it. I have heard they really appreciate letters and cards, so I intend to send him something about twice a week (one will be from Steve and I), but the other will be from Jenna.

Now, onto more somber news. As many of you know, my Dad has not been in good health for a while. He suffers from advanced stage COPD (pulmonary disease) and dementia. He spent a long weekend in the hospital over Mother's Day and even though he was discharged, he has not been well ever since. His dementia makes him paranoid and wild and it has gotten out of control. My dear stepmother (who has cared for him in ways you would never believe) finally broke down and called Hospice for help. Their first evaluation of Daddy came back with the result of "this appears to be the beginning of the end"...we haven't been given a time, but due to some signs he is exhibiting, it will most likely be sooner rather than later. In other words, most likely by the end of 2009 (and probably well before then), Jenna will have lost 2 grandparents in one year. A hospital bed has been brought in and he's getting morphine to keep him "comfortable"....these are both ominous signs that I've seen two times before when Hospice came in (once with my Mom and once with Steve's).

So, there you have it. I would have blogged this news earlier, but I wanted to be sure all my family knew so they weren't surprised when they read my blog. And for those who want to know how I am doing...I am surviving. Daddy is almost 82 and has been in poor health for some time. I have known this time would come, but I can assure you, that doesn't make it easy/easier or mean I'm ready. My only consolation is that I know my God has this all under control and I believe that my Dad will be able to see my mother again when he passes on from this life. That gives me great comfort. As much as I love my stepmom, I believe my mom and dad were soulmates. (just in case you are wondering, my stepmom's first husband died of cancer as well so I believe he was her soulmate...not to leave her out!). I appreciate your prayers for my family as we go through the next few months. I'll try to keep you posted.

That's about all....as if that's not enough!

BTW-for you AI fans...GO KRIS!!!! :)

He's arrived...

As I type this, Chase should be arriving in Parris Island, SC at boot camp. If you are reading this, please take just a moment and pray for him. He has confessed to me and Steve that he is nervous. He's a Believer, so I know he knows the power of prayer. Pray for God's peace to surround him right now and give him strength to get through these next few days (which will be some of the hardest he's ever had).

Friday night, we had his going away dinner. What a great group of friends and family. Such a nice time although it was hard getting any time with him since the other family and friends were there.
Sunday we spent an hour or so with him at the hotel where he was to stay overnight to get ready for processing today. I got a couple good pictures of us and I said goodbye for what I thought would be the last time (again).He was supposed to get sworn in again today at 10:15am even though he'd already been sworn in once. I didn't intend to go to the processing center for this, but I couldn't sleep last night for thinking of Chase and the minute my eyes opened this morning, I knew I would go. We stayed with him for 2 hours while they processed and then re-processed his paperwork just to find out that he really doesn't have to be sworn in again. So, from there, I said goodbye for what really was the last time for a while.

He was able to text me off and on once they got on the road, which was about 2pm (instead of the 12 noon time they were supposed to leave). He admitted he was nervous and I told him I'd be praying for him. Steve and I both checked in with him periodically throughout the evening. After some time on my face in prayer (my Bible Study girls understand this), I texted him to see where they were. At the time they were about 90 minutes from arrival. I asked him how he was feeling and he said he was calming down! THE POWER OF PRAYER! I was not able to text him back because his phone was dying and he wanted enough bars to text us and his mom when they arrived. At 10:05 we got a text from a strange number...it was Chase saying they were 10 minutes out and his phone was dead, so his friend let him use his. He was almost there and he loved us and that he would write when he could. Dear heavens, my sweet little, blonde 6 year old boy is now being thrust into a world where he has never been. I just pray that God will give him strength to persevere. I know he can do this. He just has to believe in himself.

So, all that to say, please pray for Chase when you think of it. I know he will appreciate it and so would Steve and I.

Into the Bible Wax Museum

On Thursday, Jenna has to participate in a Bible Wax Museum at school. She had to choose a Biblical character and then memorize 4 facts about her person. On Thursday, each 1st grade class will stand in a hallway at school and "strike a pose". The other classes will pass by and when someone touches Jenna, she will recite her memorized facts and the person will have to guess who she is.

Sooo...here she is...given her facts, can you guess who she is?

"My real name is Hadassah. I was raised by my cousin Mordecai. I was chosen by the king as the new Queen of Persia. I saved my people - the Jews - from being killed by a man named Haman. Who am I?"

Meet Queen Esther.

And I thought you would enjoy knowing (for my crafty friends out there) that I made her outfit. Oh yes, I made it. Of course, "made" is relative. I went to Joanns tonight after work and bought three different kinds of fabric. The lady was very nice in helping me figure out how much I would need. I basically just draped the long purple piece over her and then cut a hole out for her head. Then I wrapped the light purple fabric around her waist like a belt and the gold over her head. The crown came in a crown-making kit and Jenna made that. And of course, I bought the "scepter" which will light up. I think she makes a perfect Queen. After all, doesn't a queen start out a princess??!!! :)

Winners of Enduring Justice!

I had my good friend at work, Nancy, help me in the drawing and the 2 winners of the book "Enduring Justice" are...

Teresa and Rachel!

YAY! I will arrange to get both of you the books ASAP. Thanks to everyone for entering. I am currently trying to get started on another book that I'll be giving away called "The Night Watchman".

Stay tuned...

My Mother's Day

I have had (so far) a very enjoyable Mother's Day. Last night Steve and I went to TPAC to see Happy Days. It was not the best show I've seen there, but it was pretty good. At least I really enjoyed the Happy Days theme song they kept singing!

Chase came over to spend the night with us last night and then went to church with us today. I'd love to say that he came just to spend time with me on Mother's Day, but I know better. I don't think he really realized it was going to be Mother's Day when he planned to come over. But since it's MY day, I'm going to believe he wanted to spend some time with me today. Either way, I truly enjoyed it. Knowing our time is short (he leaves in just ONE WEEK), made the time spent together even sweeter. Don't we look the handsome group?
This morning I got my gifts from Jenna (and Steve)...I have to say they always do a great job at picking stuff out and Jenna was giddy with excitement for me to open my first gift that she helped pick out. And what a sweet surprise!Steve said the first pendant she picked up cost $6,000! I can assure you this one was WAYYYYY less! But I have to say, that's my girl! :)

But I'm partial to the homemade gifts and this was one of the best. I don't know if you can read what Jenna wrote on her sheet, so here is what it says (exactly the way she wrote it).
"My Mom is special because...She raises me. She gets happy for very little thanks I do. And she knows me. And that's why I love her" (I think what she meant was that I get happy for THINGS she does.)

"I like it when my Mom...make dlishes lunch on Saturday. It is yumeee mmm sweet."

"My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at...being a mom. She was raised good. and that is what she good at. being a mom."

"My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by...Laughing. when my dad tikels me. And that's what makes her laugh."

"My Mom is pretty as a...swan. She swa's in the air." (not sure about me swaying in the air, but um, OK...didn't the pretty swan start out as an ugly duckling???)

"My Mom is smart! She even knows...me. She know's me so well."

And from church, she brought me a mini flower pot with a marigold (which I hope will bloom soon).

We had lunch with Steve's family in honor of his mother who we continue to miss like crazy. And then we visited the cemetery (both my mom and his). Finally we rounded out our day with a visit with Bertie who was at the hospital with my Dad. Daddy went in the hospital on Thursday because he was having a difficult mental time. Turns out he had a bladder infection which they are treating with antibiotics and giving him a little extra breathing treatments. Right now, he is functioning at 20% lung capacity. That's not good, but it's not as low as we expected. Not sure when (or if) he will come home. Every time he has to go into the hospital, we are faced with the choice of whether to bring him home or to an assisted living facility. It's a tough decision to make and it has not gotten any easier.

But overall, my day was good. Always bittersweet with the loss of Mary still so fresh and the ever present loss of my own mother so many years ago now. But it still was a good day.

And if you are waiting on the drawing for Enduring Justice...I'm going to post that first thing in the morning...today is reserved for Mother's day! :)

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all the mom's and mothers-in-law out there a Happy Mother's Day. And to those that are "in-waiting" to be a mom...Happy Mother's Day to you too. Your time will come somehow, someway. I was once one of those women who wondered if that dream would ever come true, but it did and it was well worth the wait.

And for those of you who have lost your Moms or Mothers-in-Law (I have lost both), I know too how you feel and know the bittersweet feelings this day brings...missing your own but realizing how blessed you are to be a Mom yourself.

But to all those others...the ones that work at home every day homeschooling their kids, the ones that work all day to come home and work some more and to the ones with kids IN school but use their time to volunteer there and other worthy projects, I salute you!

I hope this day is a good one for you all.

Book Review: "Enduring Justice"

I'm going to review this book today, but wanted to give you a few snippets of information first. Thanks for all of your comments and reassurances on Chase going into the Marine Reserves. You have no idea how your thoughts have calmed my nerves. I got a super nice email from an old friend of mine (hi Bill!) who was in the USMC for 10 years. And that email absolutely put my mind at ease. You just never know where God will bring an encouraging word. Now, the new information on this is that Chase's departure date has been moved to May 18. If you are quick, you will realize that's in less than 2 weeks. It was quite a shock for us and I think Chase too, but he is getting ready.

Now I want to quickly share with you something ultra-sweet Steve did for me today. If you are in the middle Tennessee area, you probably know it has rained for what seems like 2 weeks straight. Somewhere in the midst of this, Steve lost one of our good umbrellas (or misplaced it). This past Sunday, we took the umbrella from my van to use at church. This morning, after Steve had already left, I realized that I had NO umbrella and there was none that I could find lying around the house. I had to drop JG off at school, run to work and get a notebook and then go to an off-site meeting. All that in and out, I had NO umbrella and it was pouring down rain. I called Steve mostly to complain about the fact that he had the umbrella and I didn't. He offered to pull off the road and meet me somewhere, but I really wanted to just complain about it. (Just confessing my heart here!) Anyway, as I pulled into school to drop JG off, I noticed a suspiciously familiar truck parked in the drive. It was Steve, waiting on me to give me back my umbrella! Now...is that not the sweetest thing you have ever heard!?!? Uh-huh. Me too. I just had to share. I dare you to top that!

OK, onto the book review....

"Enduring Justice" is the first fiction book I've reviewed here. But I really am more of a fiction reader, so I was looking forward to this one. It's written by an author I wasn't familiar with-Amy Wallace- but I can tell you, I'll be reading more of her stuff. The book is full of story-lines and such an easy read. The chapters are short which means you can read a lot in one sitting and it feels like you are making progress. I literally started reading this book on Friday night and finished last night. And there were parts where I literally sobbed because I totally related to the characters in the book. It's one that you don't want to miss. Here's a little about "Enduring Justice"...

"In Enduring Justice, Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her thoughts.

Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. And when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. When the attack turns personal, is healing still possible?

This thought-provoking novel deals with healing from sexual abuse, the balance of justice and mercy, and maintaining mixed-race friendships in the midst of racial tension. Readers who enjoy investigative thrillers by Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, and Catherine Coulter, and who watch crime dramas like Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace will love this book—and the entire series."

And by the way, here's my plug for Dee Henderson if you haven't read her....absolutely fabulous especially her O'Malley series. Probably why I liked Amy Wallace's writing!

So if you want to read this book, I have 2 to give away for free. As always, leave me a comment on this post or email me directly at sandras_junk@charter.net and let me know you want to be entered into the drawing. I'll draw Sunday, May 10 and select a Mother's Day winner! If you live out of town, you are still eligible...I'll ship the book to you if you win at MY COST. And to those lurkers who don't know me personally but have linked to me through other blogs, you can enter too! All are welcome!

Winners of "Ten Dumb Things"...

Sorry this blog is SO late...life tends to get in the way sometimes and I just didn't get around to drawing a winner until this morning!

The winners of "Ten Dumb Things Christians Believe" are...

Deanne Sanders and Leigh Ann Swords!

Thanks to all of you that entered. Deanne and Leigh Ann (love how that rhymes!), I will get you your books soon. LA-on Tuesday...DD probably at Chase's dinner.

And if you entered and didn't win, don't worry...I'm due for another blog review THIS WEEK for a FICTION book called "Enduring Justice." So stay tuned for another chance to win!

I finished.

And that's no small task. For those of you who don't get on Facebook and don't know what I'm referencing, today, I participated in my first 1/2 marathon. The Music City Marathon. I walked 13.1 miles and it was HARD.

My HCA teammates...Nancy, Stacey, Farrah, Katelyn, Wendy and me!

This was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about quitting. I thought about it. ALOT. And I kept thinking how I was going to have to come home and write on my blog that I didn't finish. And that's what kept me going. Part of it at least.

I started at 8:00. This is the time at the one-mile mark.

From looking at the web, it doesn't look like the final results are out, but I think I finished in about 4:30. And for those non-marathoners out there, that's 4 HOURS 30 minutes. :)

The view from my corral #32

I did great the first 3-4 miles. I felt good, pushed through the hills and the burn and actually jogged a little turning my 20 minute mile that I was doing in training into about a 17 minute mile. Somewhere around mile 6 my back started to really hurt. I always have lower back pain when I'm on my feet for too long. It was about mile 6 that I had to start stopping and bending over and stretching out my back. Mile 7 I stopped for my one and only potty break. About mile 10 I felt a HUGE blister on the bottom of my foot and had to stop and put on a bandaid. It was then that I really considered not going on. And I'm not talking about kinda thinking about it. I wanted to quit. And I didn't care that I was quitting. I just wanted to quit.

But I didn't.

I pushed through but had to stop and sit several times on the way and that cost me about 30 minutes in the end. When I had about 1.5 miles left, I decided that I had to sit and the longer I sat, the more I wanted to KEEP sitting. Thankfully, while I was sitting there contemplating whether I was going to make it and watching the girl next to me get loaded into an ambulance (wondering if there was room for me), my co-worker Peggy came around the corner.

Peggy was an answer to prayer. She literally pushed me (ok, not LITERALLY, but mentally) to the finish line where Steve and Jenna were waiting for me. When I crossed the finish, I almost burst into tears. It was very emotional.

As for the course, I started out taking pictures along the way. About mile 3, I stopped because there wasn't as much to look at and by the time there was more to look at I really didn't care.

I didn't walk with anyone until the very end, so there was lots of time for me to talk with God and I did. I thanked him for every breeze and piece of level land. I asked him for strength and positive thoughts. And I begged him to make this end quickly! I practiced my scriptures.

I will admit, I probably won't be signing up for another marathon (full or half!) in the foreseeable future. But I can't express how encouraging all the texts and messages on Facebook were. Might I suggest that you head out to next year's marathon and set up along the way to cheer on the participants? So many times I was thinking of giving up and there were people on the sidelines cheering for me by name (because my name was on my shirt). One guy walked wiht me for several steps telling me I could do it and to look at how far I'd come and how many peopel were still behind me. A woman on a street corner held a sign that said, "You Inspire Me". A church had a band playing Christian music and there were volunteers slapping your hands screaming "You can do it! You're almost there!" Not to mention the hundreds of volunteers that staffed the water stations like my friends from work Sherri, Susan and Cindy! So nice to see smiling faces cheering you on.

Anyway, here are a few shots from today. You can find many more on my Facebook account.

Music City Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

Tomorrow, I'm getting up at 4:45am. By 7:30-8:00 I will have started walking my first ever 1/2 marathon!

I'm nervous and excited all in one. Between 8:00 and about 1:00, pray for me when you think of me. I know I haven't trained as much as I should have, but I think I can finish. I'm not giving myself the option of anything else.

Me and some girls from work (Nancy, Katelyn, Farrah, and Wendy) went out to dinner tonight to "carb-up" before the race tomorrow.

If you are watching TV, look for me. I'll be in grey running capris and a bright orange shirt as part of TEAM HCA!

Wish me luck!

Time for another Blog Review-10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe

I am just about done with this book and I'm pretty impressed. Written by Larry Osborne, this book addresses 10 of the most common beliefs Christians hold but aren't scripturally based. And let me tell you...some of them very much stepped on my toes. Things that I was taught since I was very young, but to my surprise are not found in scriptures anywhere! A few common misconceptions:

• Faith can fix anything
• Christians shouldn’t judge
• Forgiving means forgetting
• Everything happens for a reason
• A godly home guarantees good kids

You'll need to read this book with an open mind because I almost put it down because questioning our deeply entrenched beliefs is a hard thing to do. But I assure you, it will be well worth the read. The chapters are not long and you can read them in any order you choose.

Just Because “Everyone Believes It” Doesn’t Make It True

People don’t set out to build their faith upon myths and spiritual urban legends. But somehow such falsehoods keep showing up in the way that many Christians think about life and God. These goofy ideas and beliefs are assumed by millions to be rock-solid truth . . . until life proves they’re not. The sad result is often a spiritual disaster—confusion, feelings of betrayal, a distrust of Scripture, loss of faith, anger toward both the church and God.
But it doesn’t have to be so. In this delightfully personal and practical book, respected Bible teacher Larry Osborne confronts ten widely held beliefs that are both dumb and dangerous.

If you are interested in this very FABULOUS book, I have 2 to give away! If you want to enter into the drawing, leave me a comment here or email me at Sandras_junk@charter.net and let me know. I'm going to draw Friday, May 1 some time in the evening. If you really can't wait that long to read it, you can find this book here, here or here!

Semper Fidelis

[sem-per fi-dey-lis]
Latin.
Always faithful: motto of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Today, this phrase became meaningful to me.

Chase joined the Marine Corps Reserve.

And I find myself feeling really...well, the only word I can think of to describe it is bittersweet. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves because he really wants to go to college. We can't pay for it. Him mom and stepdad can't pay for it. And he has realized that he does NOT want to spend the rest of his life at a $10/hr job and that's all he's really eligible for if he doesn't get SOME kind of education. He actually realized this quite a while ago, but he's just figuring out a game plan. Basically, if he joins the Reserves, after all his training etc., they will pay for him to go to school to learn to be a diesel mechanic which is what he really wants to do.

So, I'm absolutely positively the MOST PROUD I have ever been of him. He said he looked at his options and this was the only feasible way he could figure to be able to go to college to do what he really wanted to do. He didn't ask for my or Steve's input and I don't know that he really asked for anyone's. He just decided himself. There's not too many 21 year olds that are that forward thinking about their future. So, part of me is about to BURST with pride for my boy.

The other part of me...well, I feel like my heart is breaking. That might be a little exaggerated, but I am very sad. In a little over a month, this boy who I have known and loved since he was 6 years old will go away to Parris Island to boot camp for 3 months without any communicative devices. I know he'll be back but the thought of not being able to talk to him for that long is disturbing to me. I know, KNOW that this is going to be a great investment in his future, but the selfish part of me doesn't want him to go. I will tell you I'm surprised at my reaction. I never really imagined either of my grown kids leaving the area, but I would have never guessed I would react this way. But I've said it here before, I love Steve's two kids like they are my own. When I met Steve, I loved them instantly and while the relationships were not always easy, I didn't think I'd ever love kids that were not my own flesh and blood as much as I do Micah and Chase. It's a love that was given to me directly from the heart of God.

I digress...so I'm a bit surprised at my distress over the thought of his leaving. I don't know if he reads this blog (probably not...by his own admission, reading isn't his "thing") but I'm sure he would be as surprised at my heartache over this as I am. When we first met, it was no secret that Micah and I were instantly close. We are still close now, but in a different, grown-up way. Chase and I....well, our relationship grew much more slowly. Maybe it was because he was a boy. I don't really know. What I DO know is that once he grew up, I found that we had slowly gotten closer. I found myself enjoying his company and missing him when he wasn't around. And so now, I'm very sad to think of him not being around for 3 months. Anyway...

He will leave for boot camp on June 8. That begins his journey. I know by then, I will have gotten used to the idea. At least I hope I will have!

So that's the exciting news from the Taylor family. Remember Chase in your prayers as he embarks on this new adventure. Pray for his safety, physically and mentally and that he will use this time away from all he's used to to grow closer to the Lord. I think this is something he really desires but has eluded him thus far.

And Chase, son, if you ARE reading this (I'm impressed!), I know I don't say it often, but I love you...more than you could possibly EVER know. I'm going to miss you like crazy for 3 months, but will be praying for you each and every day.

Praying for Stellan

Stellan is having heart surgery today. Please pray for him. The surgery can be very risky. If you haven't, click over to their blog at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/. It will be well worth your visit.

The Meanest Mom give-away!

OK moms...if you want to enter to win a FABULOUS Mother's Day contest....go here. I started reading this blog a few months ago and I'm telling you, this woman is HILARIOUS!

Check her out, have a good laugh and enter her contest!

Link to our family pics

Check it out...

http://www.jadiethomasphotography.com/taylor0409/

Aren't they amazing?

And when you are done and want to find out more about Jadie and her photography, you can visit her here.

Saturday Fun

We had to get up bright and early this morning to get to Downtown Franklin for our first professional family pictures in several years. God blessed us with really nice weather. It was not so bright that we were all squinting, but it was NOT raining and it wasn't freezing cold either. We were done in an hour and I think they will look great! Stay tuned and I'll let you know when the proofs are ready for viewing.

Once we got home, I had to walk in preparation for next week's Music City Marathon. I don't know if I mentioned this, but I signed up a while back to walk the 1/2 marathon. If you are interested in donating to me (I'm raising money for the HCA Hope Fund), just email me and I can send you the link to my fundraising page. I digress.

Once we got back home, I changed clothes and took off walking. I intended to do 6 miles but after 3, I swung back around the house and JG was waiting on me wanting to go for ice cream. So we did!

After that, we played for a little while outside and I got laundry going. I tried to make a new recipe tonight for dinner and that didn't work out so we went to Sonic. :)

That's about it. Steve went and got a $1 movie from the rental cube at Kroger. I'm feeling quite tired, so I think it will be an early night for me. We have lots to do tomorrow and have to be back at church at 2pm for a video shoot, so we are going to go to the evening service. I'll finish the laundry and get groceries in the morning. I might also try to knock out another 3 miles if I have the time.

So, that's our weekend so far. More to come.

My Farmer's Favorite!

Each week at school, a "Farmer's Favorite" is selected from each class in each grade. The teacher selects the lucky student based on some very nice work they've done. Once selected, the students are announced during chapel on Thursday, given a little "gift" and basically just made a big deal over. Only 1st-5th grade are eligible, so this is the first year for Jenna Grace.

Must to my surprise and excitement, Jenna Grace got the first Farmer's Favorite this year. The problem is that because the teachers try to honor everyone in the class at least once, it was a long wait after the first one. But then, just two or three weeks ago, she proudly came home displaying the #2 beloved Favorite. We had waited so long that we were VERY excited.

But it gets better...tonight when I got home, she ran down the stairs (in itself the favorite part of my day!) and hands me yet another surprise! Check. It. Out.But I'm not proud. :)

Happy Birthday Mom

Today would have been my mother's 72nd birthday. Wow. She's been gone for 16 1/2 years and not a day goes by that I don't miss her.

Happy birthday Mama...

We got an answer...

Many of you have asked about the status of Steve's diabetic service dog. For those of you just tuning in, we had asked permission of Steve's employer to bring the dog in and he refused. We wrote and sent a rebuttal and asked for reconsideration. He responded he was meeting with his legal/HR staff and would let us know. But then, there was no response. We contacted the EEOC who told us we needed to write a formal letter requesting accommodation (as diabetes is considered a disability by the ADA), which we did. We asked for a response no later than April 15 (which ended up being a little over 2 weeks for him to respond).

Yesterday, we received an emailed letter basically saying that the dog would be allowed on site, but Steve would be relegated to a back office where he would be required to stay except for lunch, breaks and coming and going to work. Oh, yeah, but when he just HAD to get up, the dog had to stay in the office. And while in the office, the dog would have to be in a cage at all times. Unless he has to go out to you know...relieve himself. And when he does relieve himself, Steve is responsible for "neutralizing" the spot and replacing any grass or plants that might be harmed or damaged because of the dog. Oh yeah, and if it's determined that Steve was misdiagnosed those 40+ years ago and turns out he doesn't have diabetes, then the dog has to go. Um. OK. I'll make a note that if a miracle occurs or a cure for diabetes is found that we'll keep the dog at home.

Basically not the answer we wanted, but to be honest, it wasn't far off from what I expected. However, Steve was pretty upset. Well, that isn't true. He was more than "pretty" upset. Infuriated. Enraged. Really pissed off? You get the point.

So. Here we are...again. We have another call into the EEOC to determine whether what they are offering are truly "reasonable" according to the ADA. Up until now, I've kept the blog pretty free of what we are doing because it is a public blog, but now I feel is the time to put it all out there and let you know where we are. We aren't interested in suing and taking the company for all it's worth or anything like that. We just want to be treated fairly and I personally want to STOP living in the fear that my husband is going to die from an accident caused from low blood sugar!

Needless to say, yesterday afternoon was very unhappy for the Taylors. It was near the end of the day and so I decided to go out and read Beth Moore's blog that I'd been saving. I knew it was the 15th which means it was time for another memory verse and I wasn't ready to decide which verse I was doing, so I hadn't read her post yet. This is the verse she chose:

"In my anguish I cried to the LORD and He answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies." Psalm 118:5-7 (NIV)

Could a verse have spoken directly to my spirit any more? I think not. I actually texted Steve right then the entire 3 verses. I can only hope it brought him peace as it did me.

What can you pray for? Pray that...

*Steve's boss would have a change of heart and decide that this is a GOOD thing.

*Steve would have peace. He is SO angry and I understand. He has to work in this environment where it's clear they don't want him around. Pray that God will surround him with peace.

*We would have wisdom in this situation. We want to be sure we are doing the right thing and in the right way.

*This would be resolved quickly. Steve is due to leave June 28 and there are many plans to be made that hinge upon this departure.

*We will be open to accepting the Lord's answer, whatever it is, and whenever He chooses to deliver it.

Thanks to all of you. We're waiting to hear back from the EEOC and once we know more, I'll let you know.

The Winner is...

Oops...I said I was going to do this on Friday and I completely forgot! The winners of The Treasure Principle books are...

Victoria and Teresa! YAY!

I will email you both to see how we can get you your books.

For everyone that did not win or enter, keep on trying...I have a great book that I'm reading now about common myths that Christians believe! Stay tuned...

Happy Easter-A little taste of heaven...

Today I believe I got just a little taste of heaven at Brentwood Baptist's Easter service. There were 3 services...7am, 9am and 11am. We went to the 9am and the auditorium (which holds about 3,500?) was full. Not to mention the choir loft. And to hear all those voices singing in unison with a full orchestra....well, when I closed my eyes, I'm pretty sure God gave me a tiny glimpse of what heaven will be like. It was unbelievable.
Because Steve and David had to serve at all three services, they carpooled in together very early this morning and Rachel, I and the girls went later. The girls were SUPER cute in their Easter dresses!We didn't have plans for after church and didn't feel like fighting the crowds at the restaurants, so we just came home. Jenna and I played around, took quite the long walk (JG rode her bike) and then just hung out some. I hid some eggs for her to find and then she hid some for me to find. It was a good afternoon.

Yesterday, we spend the afternoon with Steve's niece and her husband and Jenna's cousin, Hannah. I boiled eggs and took them and they colored them while we were there. I think they enjoyed it and the eggs really turned out cute!All in all, it's been a great holiday. Hope you all enjoyed it as well.

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:6a

I know, I know...

I know it's been a while since I've posted about what's going on with the Taylors. Truthfully, not much (other than regular stuff) is going on and for that we are ETERNALLY THANKFUL! We have had such a crazy year right up through January, that we have been happy with the quietness.

We've had a bunch of questions about the Service Dog...Steve is still "ON" to get the dog...he has to be in MO on June 28, so he'll probably leave the day before. It will be a long 3 weeks for Jenna and I.

As far as his work...well...as you know we asked for reconsideration a while back and even at the first of April, we put this "request for accommodation" in a letter to make it more formal. We have heard nothing as of yet. We have some things in the works if they either don't respond or respond in the negative, but of course, I'm not at liberty to put that here on my very public blog. :)

I don't think I posted, but Gage turned 2 several weeks ago. I have pictures from his party, but I just haven't had time enough to sit down and post them. I plan to buy myself a card reader (if you don't know what this is or don't have one, YOU NEED ONE!) and then uploading will be much faster. I am taking some photography classes at our local Wolf Camera and they have been very helpful in many respects. But I digress...

So, that's about it. I wish there were more to say. And there is. I have some things on my mind that I want to share. Especially with this being Easter weekend. But that will have to come later.

Right now, I'm about to get a shower. We are going to spend some time with Steve's niece who is keeping HER niece, Jenna's cousin. I got in bed early last night so that I could get up at a decent hour this morning and get some stuff done before we had to leave. So far I've had breakfast, read my devotional and started my new Bible Study (Stepping Up by Beth Moore). I've checked Facebook, caught up on my blogs (there's a whole blog coming on that) and am now updating my own blog. I'm going to get a shower and get the laundry sorted and then it is going to be time to start waking up the rest of the house.

I'll be back soon....I promise!

Book Review-The Treasure Principle

OK, seriously...Satan must be after me. I just wrote this REALLY long book review on this book "The Treasure Principle" and as I went to copy and spell check it, it deleted the whole thing. This is the second time this has happened to me and it's really frustrating.

So, this will be an abbreviated post...

"Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn...this is the guy who wrote "Heaven"...if you haven't read that one, DO IT. It's unbelievable. Both of these books are absolutely 100% scripturally based.

To make this a little shorter than my original post, I have always been the financial one in the family. After Steve's accident and the slump in the economy, our finances took a pretty big hit. I found that doing this all alone was very stressful, so Steve and I decided to do this together and a few months ago started paying bills and doing our budget TOGETHER. But our finances were in such awful shape that I was frustrated and angry and so I just decided to quit tithing and put our tithe money toward bills that needed to be paid.

And then I got the "Treasure Principle" to read and review. And I was convicted. One of the teachings is that my money really isn't MINE. It's God's. And if we were really understood that this world is not our home, we wouldn't be so caught up in material wealth. That's not to say we can't have nice things, but we would really put our heart in all things eternal.

One scripture from the "Treasure Prinicple" that stuck out to me and that I have committed to memory is Malachi 3:10 which says, "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test me in this' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'"

TEST ME. He tells us to test Him and just see what He can do. And so, I am. We are. We have begun tithing again...though not as much as before. I do think God understand baby steps in our faith.

I don't know where your heart is on tithing. I can tell you that God wants you to trust Him with your finances. And we have to teach our children...do it. Test Him. And watch Him work. I'll be right there with you. :)

So, if you want a quick, easy read (this is a tiny little book), then either leave a comment or email me at sandras_junk@charter.net. I've got 2 copies to give away. I'll draw this Friday some time after 5pm...

GOOD LUCK!

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!

Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.

Prayers for Stellan

You all know that I'm a blog hog. I read multiple blogs a day and several of them are of people I don't know, don't live anywhere near me and that I have never met.

One of these blogs is MckMama's blog. She has 4 children and is married to Prince Charming. If you've never read her blog, hop over...she's hilarious and has quite the story.

Her youngest is 4 month old Stellan. In utero, he was diagnosed with SVT...which is a very serious heart condition where the heart beats very fast and erratically. (If you want to know more, Google it...I don't have time to explain it here).

The doctors basically told her that he would never live. But MckMama had a direct line to the Great Physician and believed for a miracle. And a miracle happened. She basically put her life on the line in taking drugs to help calm Stellan's heart at the risk of destroying her own. But God chose to protect them both and Stellan was born happy and healthy.

Until this weekend.

He had been ill and they ended up taking him to the ER. His heart has begun beating fast and erratically again and he has taken a turn for the worst. Many of the blogs I read also keep up with MckMama and her family and they have posted asking their readers to pray.

And so I now join that group. MckMama and her family are Believers and know that God can perform a miracle with Stellan. He's done it once before. But sometimes miracles don't come in the form we want them too. But right now, if you could go before the throne with your prayers, there is a Mama out there, about to lose her miracle son, who would appreciate it. I have come to feel deeply for this family I have never met and have fervently prayed for them. Will you join me?

If you have just a moment, please pray...

To stay updated on MckMama and her family of MSC (many small children), go here. Feel free to leave a comment letting her know you are praying for them.

Jersey Boys - A Review

For those of you that follow me on Facebook, you know this weekend, Steve and I went to see Jersey Boys at TPAC. Allow me to confess...I had heard of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, but honestly, I did not know them by the name "Jersey Boys"...Steve had told me the show was about them and I was pretty uninterested. We had to go to Lebanon for Gage's 2nd birthday party and we were in a huge rush to get back, drop Jenna off at home, wait for the babysitter and get all the way back into town for the start time. Had we totally missed it, I would not have been that upset.

But I am SO glad we went now. We barely got there in time to take our seats. Usually, by intermission, I'm looking at my watch and wondering how late we are going to be and calculating how much this will cost me (in terms of paying the sitter!). During the show this time, I didn't look at my watch once.

These guys portraying the members of the original Four Seasons are unbelievably talented. And even though I'd heard of the group, I couldn't name the songs they were famous for. Now, I have burned both Steve and I a CD of songs such as "Oh What a Night", "Bye, Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye", "Sherry" and "Walk like a Man". Did you know they even did the song "Grease" for the movie?

I digress...the point to this blog is to tell you that you still have 2 weeks to see Jersey Boys and I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a date night, this is the perfect idea. We both loved it and would definitely go see it again.

So there you have it. My first (and probably only) stage review! Speaking of review, I have another book review coming up in the next few weeks...so stay tuned!

Interview with Jenna Grace

I saw this on Rachel's Facebook and thought it would be fun to do with Jenna Grace. So, for those of you who aren't on FB yet...

1. What is something mommy always says to you?
"I love you"

2. What makes mommy happy?
"me!"

3. What makes mommy sad?
"When I be mean to you"

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?
"Tickles me"

5. What was your mommy like as a child?
"I don't know because I wasn't back in your days"

6. How old is mommy?
"41" (I'm NOT 41 btw...she continued to guess when she saw the look on my face!)

7. How tall is mommy?
"8ft tall" (if I were at least 8 ft, then my weight wouldn't be such a problem!)

8. What is mommy’s favorite thing to do?
"Play with me? Oh, oh no! Scrapbook!" (THAT'S my girl!)

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around?
"Scrapbook, watch TV...do all that stuff"

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
"Beautiful singer" (obviously, she doesn't listen closely enough to my singing!)

11. What is your mommy really good at?
"Playing frisbee" (huh? Guess it was because we played this yesterday).

12. What is your mommy not very good at?
"Mmmmm...walking through Fat Man's Squeeze" (sometimes I wonder where she gets these things!)

13. What does your mommy do for her job? (What is mommy’s job?)
"Work"

14. What is your mommy's favorite food?
"Oh that's a tough one...salad?"

15. What makes Mommy proud of you?
"Doing all my chores and doing good deeds"

16. If your mommy was a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Uh. Velma" (ah yes, the nerd from Scooby Doo)

17. What do you and mommy do together?
"Play"

18. How are you and mommy the same?
"We both got our ears pierced"

19. How are you and mommy different?
"Eye color"

20. How do you know mommy loves you?
"Because she said she does"

21. Where is mommy's favorite place?
"Scrapbooking retreatment and Teacup Patch" (that would be a scrapbook RETREAT and TPAC)

Prayers needed for a friend...

Can I ask you all to pray for a dear friend of mine, Meredith? Meredith is a wonderful woman of God who goes to church with us and lives down the street in a neighboring subdivision. My favorite thing about Meredith is that no matter where I happen to see her, she greets me with a hug, asks me about whatever is going on in my life (she's a blog follower of mine!) and makes me feel like I have a friend wherever we are (which is a big deal to me when I'm in large groups!).

Anyway, Meredith found out early this morning that her father was tragically killed in a auto accident late last night. I know first hand the pain of losing a parent (and in-law...her husband Dave is equally awesome!) and I weep now just thinking of the pain she is in.

The good news is that Meredith's parents are both Christians (her mom's a pastor) and so I know they take some comfort in the fact that her dad is sitting at the feet of Jesus right now. But they are also mourning their own earthly loss.

Please remember this family in your prayers over the coming days.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I know I have been delinquent about posting, but I promise, there's really not much going on in the life of the Taylors.

A few months ago, I asked you guys to pray for my cousin down in Florida...she had cancer and they had not given her much hope in treatment. I am saddened to report that tonight I got the call she has passed away. I'm not sure of arrangements yet so I don't know whether I'll be able to fly down in time for the funeral.

Outside of that, life has been pretty much normal which we are THANKFUL FOR! We have gotten so used to some drama going on that it's a welcome relief to have little to worry about.

It's Spring Break here at the Taylor household. Jenna Grace spent yesterday and today at the Adventure Science Center spring break camp, which turned out to be fabulous! Tonight she is spending the night at her friend's house and so it's just Steve and I. We'll pick her up tomorrow afternoon and then I'm off with her on Thursday and Friday. We are going to have lunch with our friends the Joneses from Alabama on Thursday...no plans for Friday yet...

That's about it with us. Hope you all had a Happy St. Patrick's day and didn't get pinched!

Last Call for Magazines

Just a reminder if you want to order a magazine to support Jenna's school, today is the deadline. You can go to this link and click on the picture link for QSP magazine sale. Be sure to enter Jenna's name so that she can get credit. She's 1st grade Gates if you need that too. We appreciate your support!

Winners and other stuff

Well, I'll get to the first things first...the winner of the book "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger"...I think I said I would draw tomorrow, but since I'm home tonight, I figure I'd go ahead and do it. I had enough folks to enter the drawing that I'm parting with BOTH copies of the book.

And the winners are....

Karen H. and Rachel M.!!! Yay! You are both local, so I'll be happy to get your books to you in the next few days (by the way Christy, I'm going to try and get your book in the mail this coming week!)

On to other news...I'm back from scrapbooking all weekend and I'm pretty sad about that. :) I cropped with 17 of my gal pals since Thursday afternoon. I got pretty caught up on several projects I had going.

I'm pretty tired as we don't get much sleep at these things (not to mention losing another hour of sleep due to the time change), so I think I'm going to visit Forks for a while and then go to bed early...

Snow Day!

Only in Tennessee can you get 2 inches of snow in March and then 5 days later have temperatures in the 70s.

2 inches on our deck.

Late Saturday night/Sunday morning, it began to snow. We woke up to ultra brightness which turned out to be 2 inches of snow.

"Peek a Boo" (can you see our baby cat gazing at the snow?)

We opted for the evening service at church and took the opportunity to play in the snow in the morning. It was GREAT packing snow and we managed a nice sized snowman.

TOTAL FUN!

Book Review: Dinner with a Perfect Stranger

OK folks...this one is the most interesting book I've reviewed since I started.

If you've read The Shack, this book is similar. Here's the "canned" review...

You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth
The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched. The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life.………

...."You’re bored, Nick. You were made for more than this. You’re worried about God stealing your fun, but you’ve got it backwards.… There’s no adventure like being joined to the Creator of the universe." He leaned back off the table. "And your first mission would be to let him guide you out of the mess you’re in at work."………….

As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt–and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever.

Folks...this book is short and a very easy read. I probably read it in just a few hours. It is great and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading it! There is another book, by David Gregory called "Day with a Perfect Stranger" and it is about Nick's wife (after his dinner) and her own time spent with a very similar stranger. I didn't review that book, but I can tell you, it made my list of "books to read"!

I can't say enough about this book. Short and quick and it touches on many of the questions others have about Christianity and the "whys" of what we believe.

I have two of these books and I am willing to give them both away if we have enough entries. If you are reading from out of town (and there are several of you) and win, I will pay to have the book shipped to you. So, no strings attached.

So....to enter, leave a comment below or email me at sandras_junk@charter.net

I'll draw for a winner a week from today! And if you don't win, you can click here or here to purchase either book.

Need Magazines?

I hate sending these requests to folks because it seems like everytime I turn around, I'm asking for money for something! So, here you go...take it or leave it!

Jenna's school is selling magazines. She is dying for you to buy some, mostly so she can get the free junk toys they give away when you sell so many subscriptions. I always renew a couple of my own magazines, so if you are looking to renew, you can do that too. OR...if you are like me and already supporting your own student with magazine subscriptions, they also have a variety of CDs and other items that you can purchase.

Go to http://dles.lipscomb.edu/ and click on the picture link for QSP magazine sale. Be sure to enter Jenna's name so that she can get credit. She's 1st grade Gates if you need that too. We appreciate your support!

Also, coming very soon is another book review and this one is the best yet. If you have read The Shack and liked it, then you'll like this one (if you haven't read The Shack, run...don't walk...to your nearest bookstore or library and read it NOW!).

Stay tuned...Dinner with a Perfect Stranger...coming soon (FREE GIVEAWAYS TOO!)

Dog update

I have had several of you email me and ask me the status on the dog. Since my blog is not locked, anyone can pop on and see, I don't have alot I can say at this point.

What I can tell you is that an email was drafted and sent to the owners of the company asking them to reconsider their position. That email was sent on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday afternoon, we received a response that a call was being held Thursday with their "HR Legal Staff" and someone would contact us. As of now, we have not heard anything.

I can also tell you that all the prayers that have gone up about this issue have been felt. Steve and I have absolutely been at complete peace about the situation and have not worried about the answer to come. We know that if this is God's will, it will work out. And we do have options should things not go as expected.

Thank you for your prayers. As we continue to wait, I ask you to keep us in your prayers.

Pray

We just sent an email response to Steve's boss. If I can be so bold as to ask that you take just a second and pray, I’d appreciate it.

We’ll keep you posted.

Our day and WINNERS!

What a good Valentine's weekend! Last night, Jenna went to Sock Wars at school (which is like a parents night out) and we did our annual trek to the Melting Pot. Yum yum! This morning, we slept in a bit and then got ready to meet our friends Sami and Carrie at Red Robin for lunch. After that we headed out to see Micah and Gage at her new house. It's a cute little house and she has it decorated up so nicely. I was really impressed. The pictures were taken while we were there. My baby boy is growing up so fast! He'll be two in about a month!

After we got home, we fooled around playing Guitar Hero and watching TV. Tonight, we went to dinner at a new BBQ place in our town. It was good. Now we are all just relaxing on the couch.

I know you are all waiting on the winners of the books I had reviewed last week, so here goes...

EVERYONE WINS! I had enough books for everyone to win something. I'll be contacting you soon to get you the books...YAY! Thank you for entering...and please, forward my blog address on to anyone you think might be interested in winning books. I have another one coming up in March.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are about to go spend time with our friends Carrie and Sami (and maybe Z too!) and Micah and Gage...I'll post our winners for the book drawings later this afternoon!

They said "no"...

I'm writing you all today because at this point, I don't know what else to do except to vent to my readers and ask you to pray.

As you know, we have just completed fundraising for Steve to receive his much needed Diabetic Service Alert Dog. If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here.

Today, Steve emailed his boss (one of the owners of the company) and offered to talk with him about his training and the changes surrounding having a service dog. Basically, the email he received back said they were sorry but they could not allow a service dog at his workplace.

The email went on to explain in detail, all the reasons why they couldn't allow it (most all are humorous they are so ridiculous). We think they are wrong. But as you can imagine, this has really hit us hard. And we are angry.

SO

VERY

ANGRY

Deep down, we both know that if this is God's will (and we believe it is) that He will take care of it. But right now, we are so infuriated, we can't even see that far ahead of us.

May I ask you to pray for this situation? So many of you have been reading long enough to know all the dangers that Steve has encountered with his diabetes. I'd really like my husband to stay around long enough to see his baby girl grow up.

We covet your prayers. And know that I will keep you posted.

Oh, and by the way, if you know a really good attorney, let me know. :) Free is good too! HA!

Yet another book review...

So, obviously, I have overloaded myself with book reviews/blog tours...but this is the time of year that you can find so many good books to enhance your marriage...I have a gaggle (can you call a bunch of books a gaggle?!) of books to review for you today...

The first is:
I Do Again

With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I mean, SERIOUSLY. Who wouldn't want to read this book?! As couples, isn't this your greatest fear? That your spouse would have an affair? Well, this is real stuff...and their marriage survived...and marriages survive worse than this every day. I haven't finished reading this book yet, but I can highly recommend it already.

"I Do Again" details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait."

"Love As A Way Of Life" Devotional

"In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty."

Um, hello? Dr. Gary Chapman? I love this man! The first book I read was before Steve and I got married and I read his Five Languages of Love book. FABULOUS! And this is a devotional book...so, you can use it in your quiet time...I obviously haven't read it because it's a 3-month book but I think the author says lots about this book. AND...if you don't need a devotional, this book will make a perfect gift for any occasion (like an ANNIVERSARY!)

And finally...
"For Couples Only" Box Set

"Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you."

All these books are totally awesome! And you can win any or all of them. If you are interested in any of them, leave a comment with your name and which books you are interested in. I'll draw on Friday for these 3 and the Intimate Issues book...and you can enter for as many of these books as you want. There's no limit to how many you can win! As always, you can also email me at sandras_junk@charter.net to win...

And if you don't win, you can find these books by clicking their names above and that will take you right to their Amazon site for purchasing!
Good luck!

Deadline for the book below...

One thing I forgot to mention on the book giveaway below...I'll draw this Friday, so get your name to me before then.

I'm hoping to post my other book review tomorrow and if I do, I'll draw for both on Friday...stay tuned...

It's Time for Another Book Review!! Intimate Issues...

Intimate Issues answers the twenty-one questions about sex most frequently asked by Christian wives, as determined by a nationwide poll of over one thousand women. Written from the perspective of two mature Christian wives and Bible teachers, Intimate Issues is biblical and informative: sometimes humorous, other times practical, but always honest. Through its solid teaching warm testimonials, scriptural insights, and experts’ advice, you’ll find resolution for your questions and fears, surprising insights about God’s perspective on sex, and a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing your physical relationship with the husband you love. With warmth and wisdom, authors Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus speak woman to woman: examining the teachings of Scripture, exposing the lies of the world, and offering real hope that every woman’s marriage relationship can become all it was intended to be in God’s design.

I have personally read this book and it's a great book. There's not alot of books out there about the "S" word written from a Christian perspective, but this one is! And the cool thing about it is you don't have to read it straight through. You can pick the question that most interests you and read about it and then jump around throughout the book. You don't have to be having problems in your love life to read this. It's a perfect gift to give yourself this Valentine's Day. And best of all, it's FREE...because I have 2 of them to give away to YOU! (But if you really want to BUY it, you can find it here. Or here. Or even here. :)

Because of the sensitive nature of the topic of this book, you can either leave a comment here that you want to be in the drawing or you can send me an email (totally confidentially) at sandras_junk@charter.net. I won't announce the winners on my blog so you don't have to worry about that. Oh and one other thing...you can enter and win even if you've won before. But. You can't win if you don't enter, so leave me a comment or email today!

Stay tuned...another book review and giveaway THIS WEEK!!!

Another Loss...

Not the kind you are probably thinking of, thank goodness.

On Tuesday afternoon, when Steve picked Jenna up, he found that she'd lost her other front tooth at school. I was excited for a moment, then I realized that her tooth wasn't THAT loose. When the story was explained, it was more like her tooth had been KNOCKED out, she didn't actually pull it out.

Apparently, she was in aftercare and had picked up a cone in the gym and was using it as a megaphone. Some 3rd grade boy came up and decided to jam a basketball in the big end of the cone while it was still at her mouth. Well...that's all it took. It rammed into her mouth, knocking her little tooth right out. Of course the boy got into trouble and she got taken to the clinic for a little ice and TLC. The tooth fairy did come for a visit and all was well...

Other than that, I have very little to report in the way of Taylor news. Steve has had some stomach problems and has a UGI on Tuesday of next week. The doctor thinks he might have an ulcer. No surprise there. It's a wonder we all don't have one.

For those that are interested in such things...Beth Moore will be in Memphis in October and so Rachel and I have already bought out tickets! I've never been to a Beth Moore event, but I am stoked! It'll be a quick weekend, but well worth it! Tickets sell out fast, so if you are interested, I'd suggest you go out there now. We already booked our hotel room too. :) YAY!!!!

I've got 2 book reviews coming next week, so be sure and check back for more giveaways!

Happy Birthday!

I'm giving a shout out to my friend, and niece, Beth today! It's her birthday and she's 25! She reads my blog and I know I've never given her a shout out, so today is the day.

Here she is with her husband Bob. Don't they make the best looking couple ever?

Beth is part of the Taylor-clan and she is also a big part of why I'm part of the Taylors. I met her before I met Micah who was the catalyst for Steve and I getting together (though she may regret that now!). Beth's mom, (Steve's sister) Deanne, was very encouraging to me when Steve and I first started dating. Remember, Steve was 15 years old than me and I was only 20 when we met. So, we kept it on the down-low because we knew what people would think and say about a 35 year old man dating a 20 year old girl. Because Steve lived with Beth's family at the time, I spent quite a bit of time getting to know them before knowing the rest of the Taylors.

I have watched Beth grow from a little 10 year old girl into the woman you see in the picture above. Totally amazing. I love these Taylors like crazy!

Happy birthday Bethie. I hope this is just the first of MANY wondering years.