Family........

I was sitting here today and started to look at the photos on my desk. Yes, I am a picture taker from way back. I really think that I should have chosen to be a photographer instead of a Realtor. I love to take pictures because if you think about it, that is the only way to keep a record of what you were, what you did or how it was.
When I was little, the memebers of my family would always comment that if the camera was close, then Sandy was making a pose. Now, I would beg to differ on that!! I liked to be sure that when I looked at those photos later on that I wasn't doing some crazy face or something like that! So, I guess I was just a cheery kid who liked to get her picture taken. I like to update my pitures weekly if I can or whenever I get a really good one. I try to take pictures of the kids all the time because as time goes on you can see how they have grown and matured. Since my parents died when I was young (under 10) I didn't have the chance to be able to remember how they changed as they got older. I now make sure that even if my mind goes bad, I can at least look at the pictures and see how "it used to be"!

Which brings me to my family..... being the youngest of 5 children there are certain advantages to this. Mostly because after my brother John Scott passed away 4 years ago, we remaining brother and sisters have tried to be sure to stay in touch. John was kind of a loner and didn't have a lot to do with the rest of the family. I think I was the last one to actually have a visit with him about 7 years ago. He was a big guy and had a gruff attitude towards everything. I guess you may call it negitive,I just called it Scott. He was a good hearted person based on what his friends said but I think his hardness came when he became an orphan like the rest of us at age 13.

My oldest sister the one who held us all together when we were kids is getting ready to celebrate her big 60 birthday. One thing she has to look forward to is that she can realistically be called a senior citizen!!! I have to joke her because my brother Mark and sister Jaye, (who all are older than I ) have celebrated their big 50th birthdays in the past few years as well and I still havent!!! So when the AARP stuff comes to their mailboxes they know that I still get "Teen Beat" magazine in mine!!

They are my family and I love them all, but like to rub it in a little that no matter how hard they try to make me feel bad about it, I am the baby and still havn't turned 50!
So, next year when the big 50 comes, I still have a defense, I am still younger than them and no matter what I always will be.

I just was thinking of what kind of present I could get someone turning 60? I guess its probably not any different than someone who is turning 59, but for some reason I feel like it should be a momentous present. I do believe that on her 50th I sent her a box of dead flowers!! I know, it was not a nice present but I do believe I did get her something really nice in addition to the flowers.

So, when you think about your family and start looking at those old pictures be thankful that you have the pictures to look at. Yes, we may have big hair, duck tails or even the wings of the 70's but we have pictures to look at. I tell my children all the time, you had better get along with one another because they are your family.... and you will be with them for the rest of your life!!!!

Help this ministry......

I am sure that a lot of people hear this at their local church or place of worship. I just wanted to let you all know a little about a ministry that has been taking place for several years now. A little strip mall in Phenix City, AL is where it happens. Each morning the doors open for many homeless men and women that live on the streets under the 14th Street bridge. This bridge connects two cities, Phenix City, AL and Columbus, GA. it also connects two States. Now,this is the real delimma is that neither of these cities want to take responsibility for the citizens that are not able to afford a home. This Ministry is World Vision Ministries. My sister who is 3 years older than I helps run this ministry. She and her husband have taken in these people who have nobody else. These folks come for a warm meal, someone to listen to them and occasionally a hot shower and some new clothes. Living under a bridge can be tough, even in the warm south. My sister relates to these people, as she was also one of those people who had problems with alcohol. Fortuneately she found the way out of that dark tunnel and has made it her mission and life to help others. She provides a meal and a bible study and often just some kind words of encouragement for them. They have helped so many move off the streets into rehab or to get a job and back into regular lifestyles. Many of these people are ex-military who have had some type of stress syndomes that have effected them. Many have had addiction problems which she addresses and has another recovery class for that as well.
The reason for my explaination is that recently they have fallen behind in their rent and utilities. Because many of the people at their services do not have anything to put into the offering plate other than an IOU. So, therefore they have been told that if they can't get some of the payments up to date, they will have to close. This is not what this ministry needs, what it needs is support. Support from us people who can help. Donating just a little can mean a lot and it will make you feel a lot better to be able to help.
Many ways you can do this is:
Contact me so I can get your donation to send to the ministry.
Send a tax free donation to:
World Vision Ministries
c/o Jaye Johnson
2202 11th AVe.
Phenix City, AL 36867
At this time what we need to do is to get some funds together to help out. I know things are tough at this time for all of us, but if you can find it in your budget to donate just a little, anything would be helpful.
I have donated things and money to this ministry in the past and I know this is a worthwhile situation, and they need help.
If you send a donation please let them know that you need a reciept and they will send you one and it is so important that you think about this and find it in your heart to do something to help.
http://14thstreetbridge.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/
Check out her blog above and you can see the things this ministry has helped people do.
I don't usually do something like this but it is important that we as a group of facebook friends try to help one another.
If you want more information go to the link above or give me a call.

Take it in your heart to pray about this and for the ministry. If you can't help with money please help with prayers. We want to see Jaye and her family and friends keep this mission going.
Thanks.

Just things.....

I realized that I had not posted anything in a long time, so here is a hodge podge of things that are on my mind.
First things first, is that it is raining again!!! Yes, they called for beautiful skies this weekend and here it is at almost 4 pm on Friday only an hour before the official start of the weekend and it is pouring outside. It doesn't look promising that it is moving out any time soon!! This entire week has been one of those "wonderful fall days" as some of my friends have said. As far as I am concerned it has been pretty a bit chilly for me, but thats all I ever say because if it was 99 degree's I would say its not warm enough outside. Yes, I never used to care about the temperature, but I have learned as time has gone on that I hate cold weather!!!
The Flu is another one of my concerns, one of my friends and her son have the flu and I feel bad for them. Her hubby is overseas and she is nursing the two of them back to health. I wish I could help out, but I can't risk it!! :) I don't do sick well at all and have no plans on getting sick this fall and winter if I can help it. I have been extra cautious to be sure to wash everytime I use a door or shake hands ect. I go to the office and find out today, one of the gials in the office is sick with the flu and then thinks possibly its the "Swine" type. I am not sure if they can determnine that immediately, but I was able to determine that my "Clorox wipes and spray cleaner" that have been hidden under the desk were ready to be broken out to clean surfaces. I wiped the copier, the bathroom door handles and anything that I thought they could have infected. I just wish that if someone was feeling ill that they just stay home that day. Its too easy to spread this stuff. Either way after lunch I left and came home to the cleanliness of my domain.
I am going on a little trip to Myrtle Beach this weekend. Its finally time to take the motor coach out for a trip. Its always fun to do and we are going to do a little shopping and a show while gone. The ting I look forward to the most is that I can go by and see Sawyer when we go through Wilmington!!! He has been so good at school and his grandpa has offered him a dollar for each good day at school.
Well off to the trip so I have to leave now. Have a great weekend.