Chloe's 5th Birthday!

Chloe started her day off by getting a new shirt and a brand new booster seat - something she's been wanting - since she's such a Big girl now. Her daddy thought she was too little - but per the TDOT website, she could've gotten one last year. Hard to let your little girl grow up!

Next, she was off to preschool - Big Cupcake Cake and bags of candy & Valentines in tow. Her friend, Matthias also celebrated his 5th birthday & Chloe promised to bring him a cake. He brought Spiderman cupcakes too. Plus, they celebrated Valentine's Day. You can image the candy, sugar rush their teacher experienced! Chloe also got balloons delivered to preschool - from our church friend, Ms. Stephanie.

Then Ms. Stephanie came to preschool and picked Chloe up for the afternoon. They went shopping, of course, and Chloe got a new purple outfit - including purple boots.

Ms. Stephanie brought Chloe home - as her friends, Kyra & Madison and her neice, Catelynn were supposed to come & spend the night.  Well, due to snow - Kyra & Madison didn't get to come - but Catelynn still came.  So, we ate pizza, chips, cookies, decorated & then ate 2 Big Cupcake Cakes!  (Whew!  two 4 & 5 year olds was enough - can you imagine if we'd decorated 2 more cakes with 2 more 4 year olds?  God doesn't give us more than we can handle!  Thank you Lord!)

Chloe (on left) and her neice, Catelynn make "Big Cupcake Cakes" for Chloe's 5th Birthday!  They had a delightful time decorating the cakes.........

As you can see - cake is not all they decorated!

Mommy & Daddy (aka Nana & Popaw) can tell you BOTH cakes were delicious!

****

The next day - we went to Memaw & Popaw's house.  Chloe got her birthday presents from them.  Catelynn also got a present & we all got candy to eat. Can't go away from their house hungry!  LOL!

and another sweet, tender moment - Popaw read to the girls.  Both girls quickly found a comfy spot on Popaw's lap.  Awwww... aint' that just grand!?!

and then, on Sunday, Chloe got her Valentine's candy & got to celebrate AGAIN!  There were 10 kids at SmallWorks (children's church at Grace Assembly of God) to help celebrate.  We had cupcakes, ice cream, cheeze puffs, party hats, horns and gift bags for each child. 

Then, we went home & ate roast, carrots, potatoes, green beans, rolls for lunch with "Bubba" Terry & his family.  Now, guess where Chloe is?

ASLEEP!!!!!!!!! 

Whew!  Mommy is worn out - but so thankful to have such a precious jewel.  Thank you Jesus!

TWAS THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS

*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Michael Jackson, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
*At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Barak, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me..*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet MERRY
CHRISTMAS!  Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Happy New Year! 2009!

Here's a cute little New Years Toast - just click on the link below.... :-)

New Years Toast

NOVEMBER - my FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!

I've said it before & I'll say it again - November's GRAND! Just reference my November post in 2007 and you'll see there are Many reasons why I love November so much. This year - I will actually be on vacation for the entire week of Thanksgiving! I'm so excited - a whole week to reflect, thank God for my blessings and spend time with my family! So rather than list all the reasons again - this year I've written a little poem. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVEYRONE!

• Tasty treat
• How delightful and sweet...
• Awesome flavor
• Now's the time to savor...
• Kinda smells like
• Something yummy;
• Gotta go get some
• In my tummy.
• Very intoxicating -
• Indeed - I am the judge!
• Now's the time of year to
• Get some of Aunt Bo's Fudge!

4 YEARS! Learning to Love Jesus' Way!

Wow! Curtis and I have now been married 4 years. I am continuing to learn to love Jesus' way. With God in our lives, I believe He will take us thru the remainder of our years together.

For Jesus, love was a motive - not a duty. Many times I've served Curtis out of a sense of duty, or to "keep the peace", without the motive of love. I'm still learning what it means to love as Christ loved. As Paul said, we should "be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us" (Eph 5:1-2).

If Jesus were preaching about marriage today, he might say: "Remember my love and sacrifice, and do the same for each other. Let love be your motive and humility be your attitude. Love the way I did."

This may seem like an impossible task - but we have a secret weapon: God's power to love.

I thank you Lord for the 4 years Curtis and I have been married. I pray that you will continue to guide us and draw us closer to You and closer to each other. Help me to strive to love as Christ loved!

Another Great NEPHEW!

Congratulations to my niece, Jennifer and her hubby Jason on the birth of my newest great nephew! Jacob Lee Kemp arrived August 14th, 2008 around 5:30pm Eastern time. Although he can't talk just yet, No worries - he'll soon be saying "Favorite Aunt Ruthie"!

I think he already looks like a football player!

Say Hello to My GRANDSON!

WOW! Thank you Lord for allowing me to witness the birth of my grandson! We welcomed Julian into the world on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 3:16pm. He weighed 7 lb, 11 oz and is 21 inches long. My heart just melts when I look at him! And, my heart is warmed to see my "baby" girl smiling so much! We just can't wipe the smile off of our faces!

I'm a Stay-At-Home Mom!

For over 20 years, I have wanted to be a stay-at-home mom! I FINALLY get to be one! Yes, I still have to work, I still have to take Chloe to day care. But, I get to stay at home to work - and I get paid for it! Staying at home may not seem like something you'd like to do. I have had my social butterfly days and the older I get, the more I like to just stay at home. I am an "In Home Agent" (IHA) for customer service for a major appliance corporation. I answer calls and speak with customers - just like I did at the call center.

To me - there are many benefits. For example:

It's GOOD for the budget - I save a lot of money on gas!
It's GOOD for the teeth - my toothbrush & toothpaste are waiting on me!
It's GOOD for the skin - I can float in the pool during lunch and get a tan!
It's GOOD for the health - I started a new exercise program - I walk to work!
It's GOOD for romance - my husband walks me to work many mornings!
It's GOOD for the mind - no more stressing out about "Where did I park"!
It's GOOD for the menu - I can eat what I want & start supper if I choose!
It's GOOD for the wardrobe - they have good sales in the Pajama department!
It's GOOD for the bladder - nothing like peeing in your own potty!
It's GOOD for the Family - Cause when Momma's Happy - Everybody's Happy!

Thank you God for allowing me to have this opportunity to work at home!

How Many Are there of You? Use this Link to find out http://howmanyofme.com/search/

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 2 people with my name in the U.S.A. how/'>http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Here's the Link
http://howmanyofme.com/search/

FIFTY = FRANKIE :-)

Man, can you believe it? I have a sister who's 50! I am a LOT younger than her. She's a dinosaur! Just kidding... HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKIE! In case you don't know, Frankie means a lot to me. She helped raise me. No, it's not her fault I turned out like this. :-) Frankie has always loved me - unconditionally. What a great example she has set. She never turned away from me, even when I did stupid things. She loved me anyway. She always has listened when I whined and griped. And she rejoiced with me when things were good.

If you're not lucky enough to call her sis - you do have someone that loves you unconditionally. God is in control and loves you - no matter what - even when you do stupid things! He always listens to us and He knows the plans he has for us... And He brings goodness into our life. Thank you Lord for blessing me with my sister Frankie & for all your other blessings too!

BLESSINGS BY THE BOX!

A.K.A. ANGEL FOOD!

I am proud to let you know that our church, GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, is now an official host site for Angel Food Ministries. We strongly believe in adding value to people's lives. One way of doing this is through Angel Food Ministries. Why? Because everyone needs to eat and everyone wants to save money!

Angel Food Ministries is a food based ministry - with a Servant's heart. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States. In 1994, Pastors Joe and Linda Wingo found their hearts going out to the families of many of the local families in Monroe, GA, affected by the recent industrial plant closings. On their back porch, the first Angel Food distribution fed 34 families. Over the next years, other churches wanted to be get involved, and Angel Food began feeding hundreds of families across the southeeast. Now, Angel Food feeds over 500,000 families a month in 35 states. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!

ABOUT THE FOOD Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30 and provides approximately $65 worth of food. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. Cash and EBT (food stamps) are accepted as forms of payment.

HOW TO ORDER or DONATE Visit or call GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD at 1976 Westland Drive, Cleveland, TN 37311. Phone: 423-472-PRAY (7729). Email: gracesangels@gmail.com. For your convenience, there are other host sites throughout the area. For more info on Angel Food, please visit their web site at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. For more info on Grace Assembly of God, feel free to contact by mail, phone, email or in person. Our Lead Pastors are Stephen and JoAnn Lewis, Youth Pastors Marvin and Linda Smalley and Associate Pastors are Lowell and Janis Brannen.

For your convenience - I've posted May 2008's menu.

M A Y 2 0 0 8 M E N U

1.5 lb. Bacon Wrapped Beef Filet (4 x 6 oz.)
2.5 lb. Breaded Chicken Breast Filets
1.5 lb. Bone-In Pork Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
28 oz. Salisbury Steak Dinner Entrée
2.5 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (10 x 4 oz.)
2 lb. Popcorn Chicken
9.5 oz. Stouffer’s Flat Bread Pizza
16 oz. Cauliflower & Carrot Blend
15 oz. Corn Niblets
16 oz. Green Beans
2 lb. Fresh Onions
29 oz. Pears
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
9 oz. Breakfast Cereal
8 oz. Corn Muffin Mix
16 oz. Bean Soup Mix
1 Dozen Eggs
1 Dessert Item
ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF JUST……..…..$30.00

***One or More Specials Available Only with the Purchase of a Regular Box Above***
MAY SPECIAL #17 lb. Grill Box $20.00
1.75 lb. Chicken Breast Kebob Kit (makes 6-8 Kebobs)
1.5 lb.Chicken Breast, 4 oz. Vegetables (Onions, Peppers) & Skewers
1.25 lb. Ribeye Steaks (2 x 10 oz.)
2 lb. Thick Cut Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.)
2 lb. Beef Hamburger Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

MAY SPECIAL #25 lb. Steak Box $20.00
1.5 lb. Bone-In New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bone-In Ribeye Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
2 lb. Sirloin Strips (4 x 8 oz.)
MAY SPECIAL #312 lb. Chicken Combo Box $20.00
5 lb (avg) Whole Chicken
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
30 oz. Individually Vacuum Packed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (6 x 5 oz.)
1 lb. Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Wings
2 lb. Chicken Breast Nuggets


Angel Food is for EVERYONE! If you WANT to SAVE MONEY & LOVE TO EAT, YOU QUALIFY!

Orders may be placed from 4-26-2008 to
5-18-2008 via Cash or EBT (food stamps).
TO PLACE AN ORDER, Visit or Call
GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Approved Host Site
1976 Westland Dr, Cleveland, TN
PHONE: 423-472-PRAY (7729)
EMAIL: gracesangels@gmail.com



ORDER INFO:

Orders Due:
Sunday, May 18, 2008 No later than 12:00 Noon
Distribution Day:
Saturday, May 31, 2008
At Grace Assembly of God
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am

~~Orders must be pre-paid by May 18th~~
We Accept Cash & Food Stamps (EBT).
Angel Food Ministries is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Washington, DC 20250-9410


Angel Food Ministries Reserves the Right to Substitute Any of the Above Items Due to Availability, Cost and Quality

"SOON" & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Webster's Definition of Soon - "At once; immediately." "Before long." "Without undue time lapse." "In a prompt manner; speedily." "Before the usual time." "In agreement with one's choice or preference; willingly."

Brannen's Definition of Soon - Hopefully this year! :-) I suppose the "Before the usual time" could also apply!

Okay - okay, I know I said I'd post soon - so, it is this year & it is before the usual time. LOL!

Here's a little thought provoking note that I received and I'd like to share it with you.....

HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.

Matthew 7:1

RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28

BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's.

Colossians 3:12- 14

PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. Ephesians 1:3

ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. Genesis 50:15- 21

CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. Philippians 4:13

MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint. John 3:16- 17

CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. John 4:7

TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Hope you have a Blessed and Happy Day!

FEBRUARY - a Month of LOVE

Okay, okay - I know it's already past February - but ... other than the love that flows on Valentine's Day (thanks for my pretty roses Curtis), I wanted to let you know that CHLOE turned THREE!!!

Can you believe it?! Our baby girl turned 3 on the the 12th of February! Now - that's something to celebrate. Each day with her is such a joy. We're so blessed that God entrusted us to take care of her. She is so much fun! She wanted to learn how to spell her name, so mommy created a song. You sing it to the tune of The B-I-B-L-E... It goes something like this

C-H-L-O-E

Yes, That's the Girl for Me!

I Love Her So Much

And She Loves Me

C-H-L-O-E!

And yes, Chloe sings it all the time. She says "I not know how to write me name, but I can spell it!"

Okay, guess that's enough for now. I'll post again - SOON. Yes, I really mean SOON. :-) Much love to my Favorite People!