tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81386604952582334912024-02-19T04:23:15.652-08:00Auntie Aimes BoutiqueA place to blog, laugh, buy what you love, create, and share.Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-45707055016722593662017-10-07T14:22:00.000-07:002017-10-07T14:22:13.389-07:00Weight Loss, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Eating!I'm often asked what my secret is. How do I eat, never look like I'm starving, and still lose weight. The key is, I'm eating healthy, I don't starve myself, and I'm on a diet system that is actually GOOD for my body!<br />
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I'm officially down 40 lbs, and 42 inches! I EAT! I'm rarely hungry, and when I do get hungry, I EAT! Now let's get REAL.... I don't go in my kitchen when I feel hungry and chow down on everything I recently purchased at the grocery store! I eat 3 square meals a day, I have snacks when I want a snack, my family occasionally orders Pizza, AND My birthday was last Monday, and I ATE CAKE! Actually I'm still eating cake! LOL Can I do that ALL the time, absolutely not! I'd be big around as that cake! I call my eating style... LIVING! I don't "cheat" on my diet, that comment offends me. I don't "reward" myself with food. I also find that statement offensive. (no I'm not easily offended,lol) It's simply "living". I eat healthy, and when my body is hungry for a sweet treat, or a salty snack, I eat one! I don't go crazy and eat a whole pack of cookies, and I don't eat an entire bag of chips, but I will indulge on occasion.<br />
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What foods do I eat? Although I've yet to go ALL in, I lean toward a Mediterranean style diet. Fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, and I have cut out white refined foods, and switched to brown rice, brown breads, veggie pasta's etc. <br />
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My diet system incorporates 3 products into a system that combines Supplements ( no meal replacements) your own foods, and 3 lifestyle changes for 3 months at a time until you reach your goal weight! As a bonus those supplements have also reduced my cholesterol to a normal level, and taken my pre-diabetic levels and brought them down to normal as well! <br />
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The lifestyle changes are easy to follow. There are 5, simply choose 3 of them:<br />
1.Cut out Sugary Drinks <br />
2.Cut out Fried Foods <br />
3. Walk 7500 Steps per Day <br />
4. Cut out White Refined Foods Like White Rice, White Sugar, White Bread, etc. <br />
5. Drink 5 Twelve Ounce Glasses of Water per Day<br />
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How easy is that!<br />
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Here's an example of the Mediterranean Diet:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMI3EMQ2itiG_bo2dF8VXVQQDlE6hFi2D8_yQaHCZUQ9ZLtbhZkZtfAkpLSOogBEM_DtAzSyStHu_p2sriYP9NvxadHjMn_rxptH1LgznwNtV0A5fFX_vMDYoSkvHpZWZ5_X1-44vXUX7/s1600/meddiet100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="362" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMI3EMQ2itiG_bo2dF8VXVQQDlE6hFi2D8_yQaHCZUQ9ZLtbhZkZtfAkpLSOogBEM_DtAzSyStHu_p2sriYP9NvxadHjMn_rxptH1LgznwNtV0A5fFX_vMDYoSkvHpZWZ5_X1-44vXUX7/s640/meddiet100.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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Here is a sample Shopping List:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHW2L8FS1KxMPDqjth2t0kI2ts0rt6yXs_PAxbRw9BV-f1hyphenhyphenKxEx6Bb9YJKYLaJTuKNqLMmB5zCiuwwMY84ljTCX81IdMaxtaWsRYt3oHrBU7DwXQTOAX8gIGNGs3Dg5RYQfNhOdOWAC2/s1600/meddiet+shopping+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHW2L8FS1KxMPDqjth2t0kI2ts0rt6yXs_PAxbRw9BV-f1hyphenhyphenKxEx6Bb9YJKYLaJTuKNqLMmB5zCiuwwMY84ljTCX81IdMaxtaWsRYt3oHrBU7DwXQTOAX8gIGNGs3Dg5RYQfNhOdOWAC2/s640/meddiet+shopping+list.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Pinterest has some GREAT Mediterranean Diet Recipe's and additional shopping lists. </div>
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Info on the system I'm using, the M3 System, can be seen on my website: </div>
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<a href="http://www.amyjohnson.shiftingretail.com/">WWW.amyjohnson.shiftingretail.com </a></div>
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You can receive an additional $10.00 discount when you order the system using referral code 144068.</div>
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Feel free to find me on Facebook, Amy Cash Johnson, and say hello! What do YOU have to lose?</div>
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-91241454858364422842017-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:002017-11-17T05:17:00.149-08:00DRAWING FOR ZOO TICKETS FAMILY OF 4 OR a FITBIT<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Congrats to the Filbeck Family </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>They were the winners of the Trip for 4</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>To the Zoo!</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>JUNE 15th Drawing for family of 4 to your local zoo OR A fitbit /YOUR CHOICE!</u></b></div>
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<b><u>(In NC it's tickets to the NC ZOO in Asheboro!)</u></b></div>
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<b><u>Orders can be placed by REGISTERING AND LOGGING IN at:</u></b></div>
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<b>www.modere.com/144068</b></div>
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<br>Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-33851838251117717392016-12-26T16:44:00.000-08:002017-01-25T12:03:21.409-08:00Be Kind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being kind, is a way of life. It's a choice you make, and a gift you give to this world. </div>
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While shopping recently I experienced a cashier, who was obviously not thrilled with anyone, or anything. I could overhear her complaining about patrons. People asking too many questions, needing too much guidance in their purchases, or phoning in with 101 Christmas tree questions. It had become too much for this one paticular cashier. Who was in no way trying to hide her discontent. </div>
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Flash forward. I'm eating lunch today in a little local BBQ place. I come here when I need to remove myself from the world. It's quiet, Christian music plays in the background, and I can filter out the noise from outside. They, and the food, are incredible. I sit in the corner where I can just. .....BE. Today however, I'm noticing the people. All walks of life, each chatting with friends and family. I also notice something else. They all have, stuff. I can tell by their facial expressions that some are overjoyed, some are deep in thought about the painful story coming from their friends heart, but all of them have stuff. </div>
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We all carry baggage, of one kind or another. We all have stories to tell, or some trapped deep inside we'll never share. Regardless, there is passion, joy, pain, hurt. ..life. so to the cashier who has lost her compassion for the customer asking a million questions, be kind. That man just lost his wife to cancer. The lady asking about trees, she's elderly, on a fixed income, and really can't afford the tree she so desperately wants in her living room. That teenager, the one who won't get off the phone, someone in her life is treating her unkindly, and that's the only true friend she has. </div>
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To the customer, upset because the cashier is complaining, or not going fast enough, or just doesn't seem to care. She's a single mother of 2, trying to make ends meet. She works 3 jobs, and way too many hours. She hasn't slept in days, and she's still not sure how she'll provide Christmas for her baby's. </div>
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Be kind. We all have stuff. </div>
Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-40966891802180586652016-05-02T08:09:00.000-07:002016-05-02T08:36:57.681-07:00When the heck did THAT happen and Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently while having lunch with my sweet hubby, we sat down just like normal. That's when IT happened. As we started to remove items from our tray I was somehow unaware (at first) that I was placing his chili in front of him and removing the lid while he was putting the straw in my drink. As I poured out his fries and opened his ketchup, he was tracking down my dressing, and opening it for me. It ended as he handed me napkins, and I opened his crackers. THAT'S when it hit me! I stared at him for several seconds, and asked... "When the heck did THAT happen?" Had we become each others parent? Were we just being really kind to one another? I dunno.... Over the past 7 years we've experienced several serious illnesses. Starting with me, and ending with him and his open heart surgery. He's always been there for me, been the best care giver anyone could ever ask for, and never left my side. I do the same for him, although I never feel I've done enough to help. So, I suppose in the thick of things, we learned to care for one another, and it has become habit. I wont complain, I'd rather be caring, and handing out saltines at a meal, than sitting across from someone that you never communicate with.<br />
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Prince, as well all know by now, unless you happen to live under a rock, died last week. I've waited to blog about this because I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to say. I thought about writing some cute little story that included Prince quotes everywhere I could fit one, but it just didn't seem right. I was a child of the 80's. It's where my claim to fame "teenage" years were well spent. What I wouldn't give to go back knowing what I know now! Prince was part of that era for me. I belted out his songs in my bedroom, in cars, and at the beach, where I spent most of my off days in Florida. There were nights my Sister Joylyn, 10 years younger, would come in after a bad dream, or just for some Sissy time, and curl up in my bed, light glowing from my big 80s stereo, playing Prince tunes, among others. Joylyn called me that day, crying. Prince had died, and for her, along with it, those childhood memories. I reminded her, just like those memories, Prince may be physically gone from this world, but look what he left behind for us to enjoy! That music would always be there. Those memories made, all those years ago, we'd always have. The greatest part about life is, although this moment in time, that we may hold so dear WILL change, but we can make new memories, and have new stories to tell. We may not be able to go back to the 80's, or to whatever that special time was in our past, but we can always look back, smile, and say I DID THAT!<br />
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Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful. ......PrinceWonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-38665344327119316862016-04-18T16:09:00.000-07:002016-04-18T16:36:24.415-07:00Fibromyalgia, New Baby Smell, and Looking Like A Lobster.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I'm dating Fibromyalgia, FYI, he's a jerk!<br />
I was rudely awakened this morning by pain in my shoulder blades. At first I thought maybe my hubby had punched me in his sleep, because my fibromyalgia had been dormant FOREVER! Then, as I thought this through I realized hubby had just undergone open heart surgery. The chances he'd punched me were slim. As I rolled to the edge of the bed, it became painfully obvious. Sigh I'm breaking up with you Fibromyalgia! You're a jerk, and my hubby doesn't approve!<br />
So now the list goes, pain hurts, depression lies, and fibromyalgia is a jerk. Don't get me started on anxiety, and Lyme Disease! Bwahahaha<br />
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Fortunately for me, my latest bout with depression and anxiety was re-routed into great joy with the birth of my second Grandson! I got to go hold him and get that new baby smell on myself! He's perfect. Ok, so I'm biased, because he's mine, but still.<br />
We tried taking some pictures of the newborn with his Ya Ya, (My cool Grandma name, given to me by my first Grandson) but I had decided to forget that my meds don't like the sun, and I stayed out in it ALL day, while face painting at the local fire department/Pink Heals Car Show. Guess I was going for that Lobster look. Doesn't matter, baby was handsome enough to cover any imperfections I may have been revealing in my red mug.<br />
Take care peeps, I'm going to go roll in Epson salts and Aloe Vera goo!<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-25318478544057883912016-04-06T05:21:00.000-07:002016-04-06T05:21:58.580-07:00Go BIG, or go home, and if you can't go home, have babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Never let it be said that my crazy family can do anything the easy way!<br />
Today I'm sitting in the hospital waiting on word of my Sweet Hubby, who is in having By-Pass surgery. As I sit here, my daughter is a few towns over in another hospital having my second Grandchild! My litte monkey, Baby R, who we are still unsure is male or female, will be bursting forth into this world sometime later today. I'm sure my daughter wouldn't appreciate me saying "bursting forth". It is HER womb after-all! Regardless, we're excited!<br />
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Prom season is upon us. I have a daughter and niece graduating in June. They've both picked out their prom dresses, and are ready to roll! Praying a safe and fun filled night of frolic, with a tad bit of running amuck! Running amuck runs rampant in my family, and ya only graduate once. (Well, from High School) I've always told my children... "GO.. Do something crazy! Don't hurt anybody! Practical jokes are a staple in our household. Surely they can come up with SOMETHING! Do they do this? NO! I so wish I could go back to High School. I'd be in trouble constantly, but oh the fun I could have! <br />
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OK, have a lovely day everybody! Please pray for my hubby and my daughter! It's greatly appreciated!<br />
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Auntie Aims<br />
<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-40085574283587825722014-12-03T11:48:00.001-08:002014-12-03T13:32:17.318-08:00Gumby, Celebrity Christmas Photo's, and Santa Clause <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On a recent trip to a nearby Christmas lights farm, my 4 year old Grandson oohed and awed over the each new scene laid out before his eyes. Each twist and turn in the road presented a newly discovered pile of lights. Wire shaped just right and covered in thousands of lights to take the form of Elves, flowers, fire trucks, and even Santa himself. It was so nice to see his face light up! At the end of the journey was no other than the jolly fat man himself! They had a photographer set up to snap pics of your little one up upon Santa's knee, but self portraits, or video of any kind were forbidden. My Grandson didn't have to wait in line, as the group before us had already climbed down and made their way out the door. So he marches right up to Santa, who of course knew his name! Santa asked him to climb into his lap, and that's when it happened....... My Grandson stops. Tells Santa to please hang on a minute, he turns to the photographer and politely raises his hand to her and says.. "No pictures please!" Of course you can imagine the laughter that ensued. The photographer, of course, remarked we had a celebrity on our hands! Out of the mouths of babes.<br />
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This year I'm in Texas for Christmas. My eldest daughter is ill and I've left behind my beloved North Carolina and my sweet hubby to come lend a hand. To keep things lively we've come up with some daily routines to keep the house tidy, people fed, and tempers from soaring. In our search for ideas to help things run more smoothly we invented a new game. It all started one day when I noticed a Gumby figurine perched inside a decorative hole in the fireplace. I had to laugh because it made Gumby look as if he were holding up the fireplace! It sparked a hide-n-go seek game that has been going on for over a month now! Whoever finds it, hides it next time. It's sort of like our own version of Elf On A Shelf! Hide-n-Go Gumby I guess. You NEVER know where he will turn up!</div>
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I pray this holiday season finds you sharing quality time with your loved ones. I hope that as you turn each corner it is filled with joy and wonder! As you go forth through this very merry month, remember what the season's really all about. Then smile, thank the Lord for small blessings, and hug your family!</div>
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Auntie Aims </div>
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Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-49010469125794003142014-05-25T22:03:00.000-07:002014-05-25T22:22:37.297-07:00Supporting Small Hometown Local Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I believe so much in the American way of life. I believe local small town businesses need to be brought back out into the lime light! If you know of a small town local business in need of support, send me their link so I can share them on my page!<br />
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Support your neighborhood and SHOP SMALL BUSINESS!<br />
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I've recently joined a site called "Thumbtack". I will be testing out this new product for several months. They claim to help by getting your business out to the general public via the web. I look forward to the possibilities it brings. I think small American Business is so important, and as I venture forth, I will be checking in from time to time to update you on Thumbtack!<br />
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You can visit this site by clicking on the "find Me on Thumbtack" button under my new App link (top far right).<br />
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Thank you, and God Bless Each of You,<br />
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Auntie AimesWonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-3437446364468930842014-05-24T21:57:00.000-07:002014-05-24T21:57:40.708-07:00Summer Sale!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>May-June-July Only </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b> 25% OFF all murals! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Email Amy at Muralsbyamy@yahoo.com </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>to schedule your free estimate.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>We serve the Hickory, Morganton, Licolnton, and surrounding areas of NC including Asheville. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>(We also serve the Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Orange Park, and surrounding areas of Florida, for larger mural jobs)</b></span></div>
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Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-72401606118071219292014-05-19T22:01:00.001-07:002014-05-19T22:04:44.328-07:00Mural Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's spring cleaning time. Why</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> not get that old junk room cleaned out and make it a "Grandkid Wonderland"! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Let me design you a mural that fits your personality. If you can dream it, I can paint it!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Estimates are free!</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Email Amy at Muralsbyamy@yahoo.com</span></b>Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-53065909986871955112014-03-24T19:03:00.000-07:002014-03-24T19:03:13.791-07:00Piracy, Rocking Amadeus, and Missing Red Sweaters. <br />
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As fate would have it, or better known as "God's great planning", I am the lucky kin of 2 incredible Sisters! I, of course, am the eldest, or so they keep reminding me! The Middle Sis, who I lovingly refer to as "Ripsy", thanks solely to my cell phone's attempt at auto-correcting "Sissy", has recently been the target of a red sweater heist. The thief, commonly referred to in our family as the "Pirate", refuses to step forward to turn themselves, and the red sweater in to proper authorities. Which at this time would be Ripsy! Of course I was immediately blamed. Accused of Piracy in the highest degree!<br />
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I'd like to take a moment to step back, a little bit in time, to yesterday. Imagine if you will, my niece and I making a day of it, all gathering at my Mother's church for a Holy Spirit "refill". My niece and I arrive inside the building just in time to see my Ripsy coming in with her new dress and my nieces silver shoes adorning her feet! Well, you can imagine the look of horror on my nieces face, who at the ripe old age of 15 3/4, immediately begins her teen-age ranting, "MOM HAS GOT to stop wearing my clothes!" Then she states that when they move into their new house, she is making her mother a plaque with the Ten Commandments on it, only she is adding an 11th, which will read:<br />
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11. Thou shalt not wear thy daughters clothes!<br />
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I wasn't sure whether to laugh or scold. Funny, yet at the same time..to add to the Ten Commandments? Then I remembered, God in his perfect wisdom, has an incredible sense of humor. Why else would he have created Menopause, tiddly-winks, and Male Pattern Baldness?<br />
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Ripsy, who is now sweater less, is also dealing with another issue. Seems as though the local oldies station is now playing 80's music. She is not thrilled that her Rocking Amadeus days are now considered "old". I decided not to remind her that technically I rocked Amadeus, therefore, I should be the one offended. So in 5 years when her group is running around chillin' to the ever classic sound of 'Ice-Ice Baby", I'll try and be supportive! <br />
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Back to Piracy, which in our family runs rampant! Ripsy, usually the first one we turn to, as she is the numero-uno Pirate, can kidnap your favorite garden figurine in no time flat. Slip that new Keurig into her overnight bag, along with every last Keurig coffee sample you own, out the door, like a boss! Piracy, it turns out, is contagious. So, to whoever, in our family has had the need to wear red recently, PLEASE return that sweater to Ripsy. Ripsy has promised no retaliation. There will be no Pirate backlash, or walking the plank, and to keep the anonymity of the Pirate, she's promised to name no names. (GRANDMA!)<br />
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So, whether you are Rocking Amadeus, into a little red sweater pirating of your own, or are just out surfing the web, smile....and have a blessed week people! <br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-18555132115560998142013-05-12T15:40:00.001-07:002013-05-12T15:41:56.527-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<br />
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"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. " Proverbs 31:26-31<br />
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Mom's are special aren't they. God give's them each a special gift. US! Mother's are givin' God's precious little miracles both to care for and love. I suppose you could say we are on loan. They nurture and protect us, teach us and wipe away tears. They bandage our boo-boo's and laugh with us when we are just too hysterically funny for words. Then when we are grown and are blessed with babies of our own, we too get to experience the same miracle as our Mom's. These tiny little bundles of joy that work their way right into our hearts, with just a look. Time goes by so fast, that soon you realize your child is grown, and has a child of their own. Motherhood. That short space of time in our lives that slips by before we know it. Unforgettable.<br />
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Today I received a call from both my baby girls. Neither one a baby anymore, but they like to fight over the title still. My youngest, who is the singer, the sparkle and glitz of the family. Working hard in school, learning about boys, drivers permits, and which side to take her best photo from, all while balancing musical theater, friends, and which shade of eye shadow shows off her blue eyes best. One day she will get to experience the joy I've come to know as her Mother. Then my oldest called. The cowgirl, cattle loving, collector of dogs, beautiful in all her 4 foot 10'ness. Also a very capable balancer of life, work, family, a souped up 3 year old son, and too many animals to count. She is spending her Mother's Day in bed, due to a difficult wisdom tooth that by no means is making her any smarter, but rather just "smarts"! She put my Grandson on the phone, who quickly offered up a wonderful "Happy Mother's Day YaYa!", followed by news of a new swing set, telling me he was going to be a Dr., saying I Love you, and then... "OK, I'm done!" Motherhood may have its awe inspiring moments, but being a Grandmother... words cannot express.<br />
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I pray you each have a special Mother's Day. Here's to remembering good times with your Mom, and hopefully making many more memories down the road. If you are unable to be with your Mother today, or maybe your Mom has gone on, I pray you will take time out today to just hug a Mom somewhere and wish them well, share a smile, and let them know they are loved and appreciated.<br />
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God Bless You All, dear Mommies everywhere!<br />
Auntie Aimes<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-58726249279906129762013-03-27T10:10:00.000-07:002013-03-27T10:17:08.453-07:00Easter, Grilled Cheese, and The Green Tea Slip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Easter is quickly approaching and I've gotten no eggs dyed, not the first thing baked, and my house.. bleeehhh.... However, my procrastinating ends TODAY!<br />
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I've dusted off the old bunny ears, and relocated my long lost muffin tin. (don't ask where I found it) Today at 4 I leave for my Mom's. My Middle Sis is already there, (no doubt planning something for us to get into) and My little Sis will be headed there tomorrow ( along with my daughter ) WOOHOO! A lot of girl's in one house = harassment on my poor Step-Dad. Being out numbered on a daily basis anyway, I am sure by now he is used to our LOVING way of making him feel.. well.. like the ONLY man in the house. Girls rule, Boys drool. Can I put that on a sign to hang at Mom's this week? Of course he knows we love him. </div>
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I'd been working on a new recipe to cook and share, but got hung up on an idea I saw on Pinterest. Grilled Mac-n-cheese Sandwiches. (I will include website of original grilled mac with my pics) I was not so sure about them at first, but played around with it for several days, and finally came up with the ultimate dinner sandwich, ( or so my hubby says) Grilled Mac-n-cheese with sauteed onion, and sweet ham. Oh My..it was GOOOOD! Will post pics as quickly as possible. I also ran out of tea bags, and needing to make tea just before eating these cheesy-gooey delights, I opted for green tea. I usually reserve it for cold days when I just want a cup of hot tea, but on this particular day.. I decided "What the heck".. It was wonderful, but I forgot to tell my sweet hubby, who almost spewed it across the room. (oops) He was OK with it after I explained "just what that was" in his favorite drinking glass. My Bad.</div>
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Happy Easter dear friends. Enjoy the food, family, and laughter. Go to Sunday morning sunrise service and thank the good Lord for loving us so much that he died on that cross and rose again on the third day! Don't forget to bake "empty tomb" cookies<br />
found here> http://www.food.com/recipe/empty-tomb-cookies-220621 , with your kids the night before, and remember this....</div>
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"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there". ~ Clarence Hall.</div>
Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-24066898751853734212013-03-09T15:20:00.002-08:002014-12-12T19:45:25.850-08:00Camelot Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We grew up in Camelot. My sisters and I. Today I recall lazy summer days spent lying beneath pecan trees or chasing the occasional butterfly. Sweet East Texas sized iced teas that Mom would lovingly pour into either our regular dinner glasses (mason jars) or our outdoor set, that stack of old plastic yogurt cups, in any color of our choosing. Lunches of peanut butter and jelly, cut into shapes from Mom's cookie cutters, eaten on blankets under large trees, and kool-aid, there was always kool-aid. Stray dogs that became life long pets, mostly mutts that we never taught to do anything more than be there when we called. Cats from the barn, lots of them. All with fluffs of baby in tow. The occasional curse from Dad, who just smashed a finger. All you could see of him were blue jean clad legs, and that plaid shirt tail, as he was waist deep inside the hood of car. A line of fence posts, lining the family farm. An occasional scrape from getting too close and hung up in its barbed wire. Bicycles and baby toys, strewn about the yard. The laughter of children, and the groaning sound of oil trucks coming up the road. Mom always had flowers planted. Roses from Nanny's yard, and light blue philodendron from Great Grandmother. Back then ladies shared seeds, and sprout-lings. They gave you cuttings from plants you admired from their yards, with specific instructions for getting them to grow roots from nothing. Magic in water! Doodlebugs were our best babysitter. Summer nights brought lightning bugs twinkling inside mason jars, and left over sparklers from fourth of July. Bonfire smells with burnt marshmallows and roasted hot dogs filled the air. Church on Sundays, only to return home to a big roast that Mom had put in the pot early that morning. Summer meant church picnics, bringing people together you'd not seen since last year. It also meant pinched cheeks and being called "precious". The happy news of weddings and births, and sad news of those having gone home to meet the Lord. Occasionally family would come in from Dallas, sharing stories of the latest happenings. Guests meant good food, singing, and sad goodbyes. The end of summer brought the sounds of school buses. Hearing them coming for miles, the sounds bouncing off the hills. School time meant Halloween was not far behind. There'd be candy and festivals, homemade costumes, imaginations running wild. Cooler night air and the shortening of days brought brilliant Texas sunsets into view. Time to take out the mothball smelling barrels from the attic. Stocked full of sweaters and winter clothing. Now was when you'd see how much you'd grown. Thanksgiving and Christmas could only mean one thing, you'd be able to get out of going to school, if only temporary. It also meant trekking to Dallas to see family. More eating, more singing, more time to talk of family long gone, and reminisce. Our home was one of books, and music, art and nature. Plays put on by little ones excited to share what they'd written, and two sisters close in age who got into anything they thought they could without getting caught. Winter time brought icicles, red noses, and indoor activities assigned by a very ingenious mother. Our Peter Pan. Mom's pots became our helmets. The kitchen tablecloth our capes. Our shield was made of cardboard and tin foil, and our swords were Dad's wrenches, borrowed lovingly from his tool box. Our home was old and full of history. Our yard was big, it was our stage, our "new lands" and adventure. It was our shelter, our refuge. It was where we grew into the people we are today. It was our Camelot.<br />
Dad called today and said he had sold our place of dreams, our Camelot. Camelot Ends here, but thank you Lord that our stories don't.Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-8501123475959942282013-02-25T13:02:00.002-08:002013-02-25T13:02:48.384-08:00House Cleaning, Weddings, 80's Aerobic Gear, and Other Half Truths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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UGHHH.. I've put off cleaning for 2 weeks now. Actually I can't blame it all on my laziness, it's all the Flu's fault! So today... I clean, I organize, I try and make some sense of the madhouse that has formed around me.<br />
I'm reminded of my Mother, who we joke came out of the womb cleaning! Not a trait I inherited. I came out of the womb, blissfully unaware that things get dirty around me until i fall over it, shouting "IT WILL BE OK"! Which as you know, my Sister's with all their pent up humor, will most likely carve this very thing on my tomb-stone.. along with "Not the Baby"! Which of course will make me haunt them... which in itself should be enough to make them play nice, and leave my tombstone saying "Best Sister, EVER!" Whatever... I need to clean.........<br />
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My Oldest daughter has informed me she is getting married. I have one year to lose all the weight I need to lose, so I can look like the "hot" mom. Well, I don't wanna go in there being the "fat" mom! So.. I had hubby dust off the stationary bike, and bring down the Nordic-Trac from the attic. NOW... Where did I hide all my 80's inspired aerobic work-out clothes? (I picture myself looking like the girl from flashdance, or maybe like Olivia Newton-John in "Let's get Physical". When really.. I am just.. well.. "Fat Amy") Headband.. check Leg-warmers...check....wrist bands.. check check. What are those for anyway? If the head band is already keeping the sweat from dripping in my eyes, what purpose do they serve? OH.. They look cool... I see.. sigh.. Maybe back in the Spring of 1986, which is probably when I last wore them. Or exercised for that matter. OK, that is just a half truth... I have exercised since 1986, just not as much as I used to. Like these pounds I've gained over the years are going to go away by themselves. If I just think about eating a piece of cake and gain ten pounds, then why can't just thinking about exercising for 45 minutes take that weight off? Just sayin' Well, whatever the case, I want to look my best for this wedding. Would love to hear comments like, "man she has hardly aged at all" or "she looks better than she ever has" or even just a nice "Wow" would suffice. So anyway, my Ski-machine awaits. Here's to a smaller butt in 2013!<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-66402824667415260632013-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:002013-02-17T12:40:38.465-08:00Birthday Wishes, Funny Nicknames, and The Stronger of the Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is my youngest Sister's birthday. Happy Birthday Nora! My little Sis, although starting out life as the quiet one ( or so we thought), has in her time done some quite remarkable things. Getting stuck with the cutest of nicknames, which I refuse to share at this time, for fear of retaliation, on her part. All the same... It was cute. I can tell you it was due to the fact that my Sis spent the first 2 years of her life... well... upside down, actually. She was fascinated more with the world as it looked bent over, butt in the air, looking through her legs, which must have been incredible. I could often picture her seeing fairies on the ceiling, or maybe she thought if she bent over and looked at the world from this vantage, she could walk on the ceiling? <br />
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Nora seen here dive bombing the bean bag</div>
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Nora and my middle sister, Joylyn, were inseparable. Very close in age, they would often go on adventures together. Once I saw my very tiny Nora tell Joylyn to climb on her shoulders, because she was sure the cookies, just out of reach, could be snatched from the cupboard with a little sweat and ingenuity. Whose Idea we may never know, but it worked. Wish I'd been able to take a picture of them, I always wondered why tiny little Nora thought it was a good idea to have Joylyn on HER shoulders, when it made much more sense the other way around. I suppose as long as it worked in their minds... it would work period. Guess Nora thought she was the stronger of the two.<br />
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Nora and Joylyn Cruisin' The Block</div>
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My Nora is grown now, married, with a baby of her own, who is not so baby anymore. She still has that same beautiful smile she had as a youngin', and still gets into mischeviousness with Joylyn... EVERY chance they get! I'm sure our Mother never knows what will take place when we are all together, for as we've grown older, the age gaps have disappeared, and now we are just 3 adults, up for anything that will bring a smile to someones face, all the time hoping we dont get busted for it. Which usually happens when Mom walks in the room a little too early. <br />
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I love you Nora, your sense of humor, your love of the Lord, and seeing you be a Mom. It's been a blessed thing to watch. I will NOT remind you that things will start falling apart, and heading south, as youth fades and gravity takes over. Ughhh.. I will remind you that I love you, that I am so happy to have you as my Sister, and that next time you are down I've got a great one we can pull on Joylyn! <br />
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Nora trying out for American Idol YES She sings!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks!<br />
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All My Love, Auntie Aimes/AKA Your Big Sis Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-71217707488516871422013-02-08T12:39:00.001-08:002013-02-08T12:39:58.580-08:00An Early Valentine's Day Has Gone To The DogsHere are my Babies. Not very happy with their new Valentine Hanky's, although I am thrilled! Chilli still looks at me like he did something wrong, and Harley is like "Yo... MA... NOT very many dude!" Oh well... I love them anyway.<br />
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Chilli and HarleyWonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-67532843336237760242013-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:002013-02-06T06:47:33.487-08:00Plastic Bubbles, Butter/Sugar Sandwiches, and Tardis<br />
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Busy is an understatement of what my life has been like these past few weeks. Seems it is taking its toll on my blog life. So I promised myself I would get something posted TODAY! My middle Sis recommended several options, one of which was Plastic Bubbles and butter sugar sandwiches. It is always amazing to have a memory pop into your head you've not thought of for years. Sweet to have a Sister bring it to mind.<br />
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Raised in a small community in East Texas, no stop light, One Baptist Church and one Southern Baptist Church. ( I always joked was "one church for the people that liked to dance, and one church for the ones that didn't") I suppose I fell into the "not sure" category, for I attended both churches. Our town had one tiny post office, almost so small you had to take turns going in to get your mail. One general store, ( Newly built back in the 80's because someone had driven into the old general store and knocked it off of it's foundation into the pasture behind the structure) Which was BIG news in our tiny little community. Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew <i>about </i>everyone. The local men met at the store for cards, checkers, and of course an enormous amount of Texas size tales. The ones you never knew if they were true, or just well invented stories to get snared into and then at the end rewarded with a rather hilarious punch line. We'd walk to that store for candy, or an old glass bottle of Dr. Pepper. We thought we had it made.<br />
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Times were tight for everyone back then. Jobs were scarce in our area, as well as the rest of the country. Neighbors helped out neighbors, and families were there for one another. My sister reminded me that no matter how rough things got in our household our Mother always had a special treat for us. If we wanted dessert, but there weren't enough groceries to invent even the skimpiest of cookie, Mom made us butter-sugar sandwiches. To this day I can remember the taste of this delicious treat, but don't think I could eat one. There was also special occasions when Mom had made a little extra that week at work and she would bring home the ultimate in kids play things.... Colored Plastic Bubbles. They smelled funny, but once you got past the odor, you had hours of bubble fun! Squeeze a dab out of the tube onto a straw and blow. The bubbles were red, blue, green, or yellow. They could be held, bounced, and sometimes popped and re-blown ( if done fast enough) The drawback was they dried up quick if you lost the lid to the tube. Even when I got older and Mom brought them for my smaller Sisters I couldn't wait until they went to bed, just so I could blow up one or two. Which Mom must have figured out, because she later started buying them for me again.<br />
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Those times are long gone. Most of the men that filled the local store have gone on to their heavenly homes. The newer group isn't the same for us, but they do still know how to spin a tale. You can still pick up that old Dr. Pepper in the bottle, and a chick-o-stick to go with it if you feel the need. Now, as my Sister said.... "If we could just borrow the Tardis, and go back in time to when we blew those bubbles, ate those sandwiches, and enjoyed tales of Texas sized proportion", we'd have it made.<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-47430412812137511532013-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:002013-01-22T15:18:24.462-08:00I'm Turning Into My Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I know, we've all been there. We vow as children, no matter what may come our way, we will NEVER turn into our mothers. NEVER! I've written on this subject before, but yesterday, this topic became a WHOLE LOT MORE INTERESTING!<br />
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I received a call from my first born daughter. (Now a full grown 24 years old) Who starting telling me about this wonderful t-shirt she had found. It was white with lettering on the front. Although the letters were sort of out of order and a bit jumbled, you could still read that the shirt said "I'm turning into my Mother". We had a good laugh, but I couldn't help but feel there was more to this. She finally started with.... "and.... that's not all." ......<br />
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While at work in a local grocery store, she was behind the customer service desk, as usual, and just beyond the desk was a display. There were people standing in line. Waiting their turn to discuss whatever had brought them in that day. She couldn't help but notice a gentleman standing in the back, close to the display, who kept stepping back to let people go by. Busy with something in his hands, unaware of the rack just behind him. My daughter would take care of the next customer, all the time eyeing the man and his rather uncomfortable closeness to the display at this point. Finally, he began to take one more step back, she saw just in time to point and yell out.... "OH! OH! OH! OH!! OH! OH!" Which of course immediatley stopped everyone in their tracks.<br />
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>>>> Let's stop right there; For at this point in the story I am so overcome by fits of hilarity, my legs are crossed, for fear that the laughter will soon be running down my leg like the tears streaming down my painfully red and dampened face. We will go back in time, oh say.. 15 years... to a house in Florida, where I am standing near the open dining room window. Close to dusk, on a quiet Saturday evening, as I notice movement and see a young man leaving our garage with my daughter's ( who was 12 at the time ) bicycle. He was stealing it from our opened garage. Right in front of me, and all I could do was point my finger, and yell.. "OH! OH! OH! OH! OH!"<<<<<<br />
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Back to NOW.... My daughter finishes the story by saying that all was quiet until she apologized to the man, and explained he was fixing to fall over the display rack. He answered, " It's quite alright, and I would have stopped myself sooner, but I was trying to figure out what OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! meant!" Which brought on much laughter from surrounding customers who where there to witness the event.<br />
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So my precious family, friends, and readers. NEVER say NEVER!<br />
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God Bless You All,<br />
Auntie AimesWonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-88094449260940202982013-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:002013-01-16T11:48:16.045-08:00NCIS Head Slappers, Yard Brawlers....Sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sisters............. Three of them. Trouble makers? YES!... Instigators?? YOU BET! Yard Brawls? Oh, HECK YEAH!<br />
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Sisters, you love them, and sometimes want to punch them in the face. You occasionally disagree with one another, but come together. You can say anything you want about each other, but better NOT hear anyone else say a thing about one of them.. or it's on! <br />
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We grew up in the back woods of East Texas. Me.. the oldest, but like to be referred to as "The Jokester". Actually Mom calls me "The Baby". No, Mom doesn't have a favorite, but it is great for jabbin' my Sisters with occasionally. I joke that when I am dead and gone the next Sis in line can fight over the title. The middle child.. who Is referred to as the "Smart One", which is an inside joke. YES, she is smart... but our Grandmother, God bless her, said the youngest was beautiful, and I was artistic. To which my middle sister replied, "Dang Grandma, what does that make me?" Grandma commented to her, "Well, you can spell!" Of course we remind her of this often! So now the youngest Sis is referred to as "The Pretty One".<br />
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We've had our share of incidents. I once came over to visit. Newly married, I didn't get by often. When I happened to notice feet, or an occasional arm, fly past the front window. When I went to investigate I found two kids, sprawled out in the dirt, then dust flying and fists everywhere as they beat the mess out of one another. I called Mom to the window to ask if she was aware of the fight that ensued in the front yard. She remarked "They do that about once every few months, and then they get along just fine." If she wasn't concerned, then why should I be. Then there was the time I'd been over for the day, and upon returning home I received a phone call from my mother, who was laughing so hysterically I couldn't understand her. After getting her to BREATHE, she explained that my baby sister wanted to know who the girl was that used to stay with them. Mom, curious at this point, asked "Which Girl?". The youngest added that she was talking about the girl that had just left. Mom answered" You mean YOUR SISTER?" Turns out after 12 years of her young life, she thought I was just someone who lived with them. Which is still talked about to this day. <br />
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We are all grown up now. We each have children of our own. They are learning the same things we did, in a much different world. We've loved and lost, sang, rejoiced, and mourned a time or two. We've enjoyed remembering funny things that have happened as sisters in our tiny Texas town. We've been there for one another, laughed, cried, and shared. We've done stupid things and laughed at one another. There have even been a few NCIS head slap moments, but one thing remains the same....<br />
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We are Sisters.<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-35603875582632327492013-01-09T13:07:00.002-08:002013-01-13T11:54:24.297-08:00Child Birth, Writer's BloGck, and Happy Rubber Ducks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I know.. It's a long title. It is a title befitting of my day. "THIS is a day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!" I've chanted it all day. It still found me unappreciative toward my cable company when I discovered that the holiday music had ended. Yeah, Christmas is over. Time to take down the tree. Pack up the gift wrap. Discover small forgotten trinkets that missed being placed in their appropriate stockings on Christmas Eve, and decide whether it stays with me now, or gets shipped off in the "you left these things at my house" package.<br />
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I usually don't dislike putting away Christmas things. This year I find myself not wanting to part with my yule tide merriment. Oh well, it's got to go, don't want to be tacky and have that 10 foot blow up Santa with his feet stuck out the top of the Chimney in the yard for all the world to see come, oh, I don't know.. June? I forget, do I keep the tinsel, or chuck it and start over next year?<br />
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I've had writer's BloGck for days. I think it was that bad business with the coffee. That I have been forbidden by family to EVER do again. ( and the dogs aren't real happy either ) Turns out bath time at 2 am isn't as much fun to them as I thought it would be. The rubber duck didn't complain! I've been on the down side of that coffee for days. I thought once I'd just drink more and maybe that would help, but unlike childbirth, where you have hours of agonizing, sometimes torturous labor pains, ending with a beautiful bundle of joy that IMMEDIATELY makes you forget all about what you just experienced, and magically months later, when baby is losing his baby-ness, are most surely ready to do again, another cup of regular coffee will NOT leave me with any happy repeatable memories.<br />
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So, Dear Friends and Family, just getting around to de-Christmasing your abode, please remember... Rome wasn't built in a day. You want to be able to make SOME since of what the Christmas deco-rama is next year when you take it out of its container. So, treat it lovingly, and put it in its appropriate box or bin, smile as you safely stash away the last stocking, and enjoy your new clean space... Then think to yourselves...
THERE"S JUST ......
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Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-49452448598120287602013-01-05T12:35:00.002-08:002013-01-08T07:33:24.450-08:00NON-DECAF APOLOGIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh My, WHAT a night. STRICTLY Decaf for me from now on.... I promise. If I do mess up and go for the heavy stuff, I will NOT post afterward! I've reedited the blah blah blah out of the last post, for easier reading. <big grin><br />
The post may have been long, BUT.. the house is clean, the dogs are bathed, I caught up on all my laundry, finished all my sewing, polished the silverware, made a slip cover for the couch, ticked off the dogs (by waking them at 2 am for a bath), organized my books on organization, and made a list of things NOT to do next time I drink REGULAR COFFEE! I'm still going strong, when I finally crash I should sleep for days!<br />
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God Bless, <br />
Auntie Aims<br />
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<br />Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-58552521923710261382013-01-04T21:56:00.002-08:002013-01-06T04:42:56.066-08:00 I'm Hyped Up More Than a Squirrel on Meth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, it's my own fault. I drank coffee! I know better. It's just that my hubby was drinking a cup, and it smelled sooo gooood. I can't drink regular coffee, it makes me more hyped up than a squirrel on meth! It is now 12:25.............. My hubby sleeps soundly in our bed. Here I am staring at the walls shaking my feet back and forth in my nice warm pink cowboy boot house shoes. Wanting to go run a marathon, but it's too cold outside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everything here is quiet, except for the wood stove fan that kicks on from time to time. The sound of the dogs asleep in their beds. Chili barking in his sleep, which he does often, no doubt dreaming of chasing squirrels. Harley, of course, is snoring away, totally unaware of the squirrel chasing going on in the bed next to him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm sure the Cows are toasty warm in the barn. The chickens are bedded down for the night, and the rabbits.... well, they are rabbits, so I am sure they are finding ways to stay warm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't given an update on our livestock in a while...</span> <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1357363930666_2001" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calves are doing great, growing like crazy and the rabbits are fat as "all get-out", no babies yet....thinkin' we might have a male populated problem there. However, the chicken's have not fared so well. Several are in our freezer. A few have already been crock-potted and eaten, and we've lost several, (cow got one, we think a raccoon got another one, and two others will forever be a mystery. Started out with 13, we are down to 5. Will be down to 4 tomorrow, a rather mean rooster is fixin' to find himself in the pot as well. Dumplings tomorrow! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">OK, Have a good night everyone, what's left of it. I'm going to go find a constructive way to work off this coffee high I'm on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God Bless You All,</span></div>
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Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-15937841815786463772013-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:002013-01-04T14:52:42.026-08:00Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No, I've not been sippin' on the eggnog.... I am just Holy Ghost filled, and therefore my light is shining bright! I listen to Dr. Charles Stanley every morning via his web site.. www.intouch.org Have I always? No. I let this world get up in my head. I let the things of this world cloud me, to the point where I couldn't see or hear. Here's a bit of what I learned this morning.<br />
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Did you know that as a believer, if you shy away from God you can lose your light?<br />
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Revelations 2:5 says: <sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.</span><br />
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Sometimes, we get busy. Things get in the way. Hey.. Life happens! Where are you in your christian walk? Do you have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior? Are you a believer, but have let the hectic things of this world make you so fogged up you can't see? God wants us to be close to him. He needs to hear from us. He wants to talk to you daily. He wants us to crave digging into his word to have a better relationship with him, to be closer to him. Sometimes when we allow things around us to get in the way of our relationship with God we end up looking like a black smokey burned out bulb, instead of the bright shiny light he wants us to be! So how do we get our light back? By asking for forgiveness ( repenting ). God will never put more on us than we can bare. The same is true of our walk with him, in that he will not put a schedule on us so heavy that we don't have time with him. Time to get into his word and know him better. If you have a schedule that doesn't allow time for God, know that isn't his will for your life. You also need to REMEMBER.. Do you remember when you were first saved? That spark you had. That need to get into his word and learn more. That time where you couldn't stand to miss church, cause you just KNEW that days message was going to be just for YOU! Jesus Christ was your first love! Go back to him. He misses you.<br />
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I promised God last year I would spend the rest of my days getting to know him better, and have a closer relationship with him. I do this by listening to Dr. Charles Stanley in the morning and reading my bible at night before bed. This is my time with Him. Have I missed some time. YES.. I am by no means perfect. I found that kneeling down to pray and telling God about my promise to know him better helped. It helped me feel more responsible for keeping that promise. God knows we will fall down, but he expects us to get back up. I rarely ever miss my morning time, it is something I've made into a habit, so it is routine, and I yearn for this time! I am still tweaking my bedtime bible study to a time that is more quiet, where I wont be interrupted or have things going on around me that will remove my focus off of Him. The point is I am reaching out to my Lord and Savior, yearning to know him better.<br />
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God knows our needs. FOCUS your eye upon Him, and let him handle the rest!<br />
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God Bless You,<br />
Auntie Aimes<br />
Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8138660495258233491.post-57704932223242233862013-01-02T14:00:00.001-08:002013-01-02T14:08:04.974-08:00Brad Paisley May Have Said It Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brad Paisley may have said it best...<br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: maroon; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"> “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” - Brad Paisley</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">I totally agree! So... What will your book be titled?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">I decided some years ago there would be no more new year resolutions. There have been too many broken ones, and why hang that over your head every year? Right? Right! So instead I sit down and ask myself what new habits I want to pick up this year, and what old habits do I want to let go of. This year I will do one thing everyday that is constructive. Wether it be for my "self", a craft project (in a cabinet full of idea's), or a DIY house concuring/cleaning project. Ok, so "Self" gets Yoga this year. I'm unable to go full blast with the exercise routine, but I will start doing things that will help strengthen me physically and mentally. Hello Yoga Pants! Craft projects I've put on the back burner (or just started and didn't get around to finishing) will be pulled out, finished, and gifted, BEFORE pulling out any new ones! The DIY you may ask? I live in an old garage turned apartment. It is a work in progress. This year, it will become my DIY on a budget "idea" house! Why not.. let's see how creative I can get with an empty pallet! Guess I'll have to put a timer on Pinterest. This new year is about eating healthier, for myself and family, making better choices for my body, and being there..more often...for others. These past few years, being ill, and stuck in my home have left me feeling like I've not been able to be there for people as much as I wanted. I am so thankful to my family, for being there for me through this "interesting" journey. I want 2013 to be a year of healing! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE LORD! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">So no matter what your New Years promises are, chose some things you know need to be done, let go of some things you know should to be left behind with 2012, and start writing your book now! Don't forget to give it a title matching your personallity! Mine would read something like "Do It Your-SELF Redo" or "Crazy in Carolina". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 24px;">God Bless you ALL and Happy New Year!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 24px;">Auntie Aimes</span></span></div>
Wonky Whimseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864194595126832637noreply@blogger.com0