February 7th, 1990.
The day Jesus became famous to me!
A day I will NEVER forget. Let's go back in time.
I grew up in a non church going family. We didn't go to church on Sunday mornings. Ever. But I do remember going to Vacation Bible School when I was very little. I don't remember much of it but I did make some crafts that my parents kept.
I started going to church in 1977, at the tender age of 7, with my grandmother, Memaw. She had become a Christian and began attending a church in Lincoln Park. Because I spent almost every weekend at her house, I went with her.
I got to hear about Jesus.
Now, just because you hear the name Jesus, doesn't mean your a Christian. I thought I was back then because I went to church every Sunday. We were there every time the doors were open. I remember asking Jesus into my heart, but that's where it stopped. I was never really asked about it and I was never baptized. I just went to church.
Fast forward to age 13. Teenager. 7am wake-ups on a Sunday morning. Going to church from 8am-1pm. Not for me!!
But my Memaw NEVER gave up hope. She always prayed for me and talked about Jesus to me. She wanted me to live my life for Him. But, I was a teenager, and I wasn't interested.
Now, I'm an adult. I'm working and living my life. I've got a good job, live at home with my Dad, got a car. Life is good.....but I'm still lost.
It's now January 11th, 1990. My Memaw is gone. In heaven with her Jesus. I am still wandering in the desert. Trying to figure out my place in this world. I believe it's in the United States Army!!
I join the U.S. Army's delayed entry program. My job is going to be a Food Service Specialist! LOL!! I am set to leave in April 1990, to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I am excited. I am scared. What did I get myself into??!!??
On Feb. 7th, 1990, Jesus becomes famous to me!!!
I go to visit my "adopted" grandma. She knows Jesus. She always tries to talk to me about Him. I always tried to avoid this with excuses. But not this day!! I listen to her. With both my ears and also my heart!! To this day, I don't remember what she said to me, but I do remember what JESUS said!! He said "Come to me, and I will give you rest".
I went to her bedroom, got down on my knees besides her bed and I poured my heart out to HIM. I asked Him to forgive me and make me a new creation. I cried out to Him and confessed everything that He brought to my mind. EVERYTHING!! And He washed all my sins away with His blood!!! I was changed that day, forever! And Jesus became famous to me!!!
After that awesome day, I became a new person. I had a skip in my step, and a smile on my face. The first Sunday after I became a Christian, I went to church. I was baptized. I met many Christians who also knew Jesus. I became part of a new family. They accepted me and loved me. And I needed them more than ever. I was getting ready to leave for S.C. April came fast and it was time for me to go. Part of me was ready, and part of me was not. I didn't want to leave my new family, but I was signed up and had to go. Or so I thought!!
When I went down to the MEPS, I had to get another height/weight check and swear in for a second time. I remember stepping on the scale and hearing the person taking my weight say that I was 1 1/2 pds over the weight limit. I asked what that meant. Because I was over the limit, my contract with the Army was null and void. I wasn't going anywhere!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing!! Really, 1 1/2 pds!!! I can lose that on the plane ride down to S.C. My recruiter was ticked at me!! He didn't talk to me the whole way back to my house. When we got to my house, he took my luggage out of the car and left!! I was devastated!!
To this day.... I believe it was all in God's plan!! It took me a few Sunday's to go back to church. I was embarrassed. My church family gave me a going away party, gave me gifts, and I was still here! But, the day I went back to church, they surrounded me and they were so happy I was still here. They really didn't want me to go. Deep down in my heart, I didn't want to go either!!
Again....Jesus was famous to me!! He knew the plans he had for me. Plans to stay out of the Army. Plans to stay at the church I was at. Plans to develop a closer relationship to a man named Marvin Metcalf!!! Thank you Jesus!!
Is He famous to you? Do you want Him to become famous to you? If you want to know more about this famous Jesus, I will share about Him with you. Contact me at shewith4@aol.com and I will introduce Him to you:)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
My Childhood
I was born in 1970, so I grew up in the 70-80's. I had a great childhood. I often reflect on my childhood because I have so many happy memories. It was a stress free life for me. No job, No bills, No responsibilities. A good life.
I grew up in Taylor, MI. It was the four of us, Dad, Mom, Brother, and Me. This is the home I grew up in. This picture was taken in 2010. This house has changed a lot but it was my first home and it was special.
Growing up in that house was a lot of fun. There were kids everywhere!! Each house in the neighborhood, had at least 1-2 kids living there. We lived right next door to the school, so we had a park to play in everyday. There was an area called the "Black Top", which was asphalt that had basketball nets, and we would ride our bikes and roller skate on it for hours!
Back in the day, we didn't have video games or cable, so in the summertime we were always outside. From sun up to sun down, we played hard! We checked in at home every once in a while, but for the most part, we just played. We had to come in when the streetlights came on, or when my dad stood at the back door and whistled. He had the loudest whistle in the neighborhood and we knew it was him and we knew to get home!!
One of my favorite things as a kid, was my bike. It was yellow, and had a white banana seat :) I put a lot of miles on that bike. We lived near the woods, and we made trails through the woods that we would ride on. We had a blast!!
When the 4th of July rolled around, we were the talk of the neighborhood. Everyone knew that my dad would get tons of fireworks and he would set them off next door at the school lot. Kids would come from all over the neighborhood to see them. It was awesome!!
I have many, many, memories growing up. Those were the good days. Sometimes I wish it was still like that....but you got to grow up!!
What are some of your great childhood memories?
I grew up in Taylor, MI. It was the four of us, Dad, Mom, Brother, and Me. This is the home I grew up in. This picture was taken in 2010. This house has changed a lot but it was my first home and it was special.
Growing up in that house was a lot of fun. There were kids everywhere!! Each house in the neighborhood, had at least 1-2 kids living there. We lived right next door to the school, so we had a park to play in everyday. There was an area called the "Black Top", which was asphalt that had basketball nets, and we would ride our bikes and roller skate on it for hours!
Back in the day, we didn't have video games or cable, so in the summertime we were always outside. From sun up to sun down, we played hard! We checked in at home every once in a while, but for the most part, we just played. We had to come in when the streetlights came on, or when my dad stood at the back door and whistled. He had the loudest whistle in the neighborhood and we knew it was him and we knew to get home!!
One of my favorite things as a kid, was my bike. It was yellow, and had a white banana seat :) I put a lot of miles on that bike. We lived near the woods, and we made trails through the woods that we would ride on. We had a blast!!
When the 4th of July rolled around, we were the talk of the neighborhood. Everyone knew that my dad would get tons of fireworks and he would set them off next door at the school lot. Kids would come from all over the neighborhood to see them. It was awesome!!
I have many, many, memories growing up. Those were the good days. Sometimes I wish it was still like that....but you got to grow up!!
What are some of your great childhood memories?
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Happy Birthday, Amber Nicole!
Twenty-four years ago today, my niece, Amber Nicole, was born. She was the first born daughter of my brother, Gary, and the first grandchild to my parents. From the moment she came into our lives, she was a blessing! She was loved, and she was cherished, and she was wanted!
And she was BEAUTIFUL!!!! This is her:
She was so tiny. I called her peanut. I used to rub her lips with my finger, and she would pucker up her lips. She always smelled so good. I loved to hold her and always enjoyed being with her. Amber would sometimes spend the night at my parents house, so they had a bassinet she would sleep in. The bassinet is important later in my story.
I was only 17 when she was born. Nice glasses, huh?
I don't think a day went by, that I didn't see Amber. A baby always brings people together. It's so exciting to bring a baby into the world, and having Amber was exciting.
Life is precious. We never know how long our lives will be. We found that out with our precious Amber.
On July 5th, 1987, we lost our Amber Nicole. Amber died of SIDS, otherwise known as crib death when she was 4 weeks old. It was devastating. We were all left shattered and heartbroken.
Because it is still hard to go back to that time, I will just say that after her death, I appreciated life more than ever. After coming home from the hospital the night of her passing, I walked through the door of my parents home, and the first thing I saw was her bassinet. I broke down in a heap of overwhelming sadness. Sadness for my brother, my parents, Amber's mother, and those who were touched by this precious baby girl.
I looked into that empty bassinet and I saw her crib sheet. I took it off the bassinet and I held it to my face and I breathed in her scent. It was there. I hugged that sheet and I cried in that sheet and I just drank in her smell.
For days and weeks, and months and years, I slept with that sheet. I would fall asleep holding onto the sheet and trying to keep her smell in my memory.
I still have that sheet today. I no longer sleep with it. I haven't for along time. It's tucked away in my hope chest. But every birthday, and every July, I take it out and I hold it, and I smell it, and I remember.
The sheet that was on her bassinet.
Amber was a precious gift. I miss her terribly. We all miss her.
I know where Amber is. She is in heaven. She is in the arms of Jesus. She is with my grandparents. She is well taken care of. I will see her again.
So, Amber Nicole...Happy 24th Birthday to you, in heaven. I love you, and I still miss you today, and everyday. I'll see you again, peanut.
Always in my heart,
Aunt Shelly
And she was BEAUTIFUL!!!! This is her:
She was so tiny. I called her peanut. I used to rub her lips with my finger, and she would pucker up her lips. She always smelled so good. I loved to hold her and always enjoyed being with her. Amber would sometimes spend the night at my parents house, so they had a bassinet she would sleep in. The bassinet is important later in my story.
I was only 17 when she was born. Nice glasses, huh?
I don't think a day went by, that I didn't see Amber. A baby always brings people together. It's so exciting to bring a baby into the world, and having Amber was exciting.
Life is precious. We never know how long our lives will be. We found that out with our precious Amber.
On July 5th, 1987, we lost our Amber Nicole. Amber died of SIDS, otherwise known as crib death when she was 4 weeks old. It was devastating. We were all left shattered and heartbroken.
Because it is still hard to go back to that time, I will just say that after her death, I appreciated life more than ever. After coming home from the hospital the night of her passing, I walked through the door of my parents home, and the first thing I saw was her bassinet. I broke down in a heap of overwhelming sadness. Sadness for my brother, my parents, Amber's mother, and those who were touched by this precious baby girl.
I looked into that empty bassinet and I saw her crib sheet. I took it off the bassinet and I held it to my face and I breathed in her scent. It was there. I hugged that sheet and I cried in that sheet and I just drank in her smell.
For days and weeks, and months and years, I slept with that sheet. I would fall asleep holding onto the sheet and trying to keep her smell in my memory.
I still have that sheet today. I no longer sleep with it. I haven't for along time. It's tucked away in my hope chest. But every birthday, and every July, I take it out and I hold it, and I smell it, and I remember.
The sheet that was on her bassinet.
Amber was a precious gift. I miss her terribly. We all miss her.
I know where Amber is. She is in heaven. She is in the arms of Jesus. She is with my grandparents. She is well taken care of. I will see her again.
So, Amber Nicole...Happy 24th Birthday to you, in heaven. I love you, and I still miss you today, and everyday. I'll see you again, peanut.
Always in my heart,
Aunt Shelly
Saturday, June 04, 2011
My Memaw
Ninety years ago today(6/4), one of the greatest women in the world was born...my Memaw!
She was a Memaw like no other! She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she was one-of-a-kind!! The greatest memories of my childhood were made with my memaw and papaw. My brother, Gary, and I, were their only grandchildren and they spoiled us rotten!! I spent almost every weekend of my life at their house. We would go for walks, ride bikes, go to the DQ for a dilly bar, and sit on the porch and just talk.
When I was real small, my grandparents moved to Tennessee. That was really hard for me. While they were gone, they would send my brother and I letters all the time. The letters always came with a stick of gum and a cert in them. I still have those letters today!! They are something that I cherish.
She became a Christian in 1977, and began to attend church regularly. When I would spend the weekends with her, I would go too. She is the first person to introduce me to Jesus. She would pray for me and tell me all about Jesus and His love for me. I got "saved" many times in my childhood. It made her happy, but I knew I wasn't really a Christian. I stopped going to church with her when I became a teenager and I know that really hurt her, but she still loved me and I knew she was still praying for me.
In August of 1988, my grandmother made a decision that almost cost her life. She decided to cut her grass on one of the hottest days of the summer. When she came in the house, she suffered a massive stroke. I was at work, when my mom called me and asked me to come home right after I got off. I did not even think that something would be wrong. After coming home, my mom and dad gave me the news that she suffered a stroke and was in the hospital. I was devastated!! My world had just collapsed.
When I saw her in the hospital, it shook me to my core. She was completely paralyzed on the left side, couldn't speak clearly, and had some brain damage. A woman that was completely independent was now like a baby :( It was a heartbreaking scene. As the weeks went by, she was able to talk a little better. Sometimes she would say a word that wasn't what she wanted to say but that's how it came out. She knew she wanted to say dog, but it would come out cat. That made her very frustrated! One day, I came to visit her and she was really sad. Her favorite song was amazing grace. I asked her to sing it for me and I was blown away! She sang every word so clear it was like she never had a stroke at all! I cried all the way to work!!
Her stroke was only the beginning of her troubles. A few months after her stroke, we discovered a lump in her breast. Our hearts were broken again. She had cancer now, too! On the day that her second great grandchild was born, she was in another hospital having surgery to remove her breast. It was a bittersweet day. A beautiful birth and a devastating loss(of her breast) on the same day. Although she came through the surgery okay, it still was a hard thing to see.
She recovered from the surgery but her life was still dramatically different. She was released from the hospital and was in a wheelchair. My family took care of her for as long as we could. My dad had to make the difficult decision to put her in a nursing home. She hated it!! We hated it!!! But we were left with no choice. She eventually got used to it, but not for long!!
On August 2nd, 1989, almost a year to the day of her stroke, my Memaw went to be with her Lord!! A woman who I thought would be with me forever, was gone. I was a mess!! I begged God, to give her back to me. But He didn't, and I was mad!!
I missed my Memaw dearly!!
She was everything to me, and she was gone. I tried to get back to my normal life and move on, but I was in denial and anger. I didn't want to believe that she was gone, and was never coming back and I was angry that a God she loved and always talked about would take her from me. I struggled for months. For six months to be exact!
Another woman that was special in my life was my "adopted" grandmother, Margariete. She was my childhood friends grandmother and I loved her like she was my grandmother. One day, out of the blue, I stopped over her house. She was a Christian, and always tried to share the Gospel with me, but I was never interested. Until this day. February 11th, 1990, I gave my life to Jesus, and I have NEVER been the same. I knew without a doubt that Jesus loved me and he loved my Memaw too!! I would see her again!! I was just sad that she didn't live to see me take that step. But you know what....she already knew!!! She planted and watered that seed and I love her for that. If she were alive today, I know that she would be proud of me!
This is my Memaw, Ollie Hegedus, holding her first great-grandchild, Amber Nicole Hegedus.
I miss you so much, Memaw!! I'd give anything to have another day with you and to hear your voice! Happy 90th Birthday to you in Heaven.....eat cake!!!
She was a Memaw like no other! She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she was one-of-a-kind!! The greatest memories of my childhood were made with my memaw and papaw. My brother, Gary, and I, were their only grandchildren and they spoiled us rotten!! I spent almost every weekend of my life at their house. We would go for walks, ride bikes, go to the DQ for a dilly bar, and sit on the porch and just talk.
When I was real small, my grandparents moved to Tennessee. That was really hard for me. While they were gone, they would send my brother and I letters all the time. The letters always came with a stick of gum and a cert in them. I still have those letters today!! They are something that I cherish.
She became a Christian in 1977, and began to attend church regularly. When I would spend the weekends with her, I would go too. She is the first person to introduce me to Jesus. She would pray for me and tell me all about Jesus and His love for me. I got "saved" many times in my childhood. It made her happy, but I knew I wasn't really a Christian. I stopped going to church with her when I became a teenager and I know that really hurt her, but she still loved me and I knew she was still praying for me.
In August of 1988, my grandmother made a decision that almost cost her life. She decided to cut her grass on one of the hottest days of the summer. When she came in the house, she suffered a massive stroke. I was at work, when my mom called me and asked me to come home right after I got off. I did not even think that something would be wrong. After coming home, my mom and dad gave me the news that she suffered a stroke and was in the hospital. I was devastated!! My world had just collapsed.
When I saw her in the hospital, it shook me to my core. She was completely paralyzed on the left side, couldn't speak clearly, and had some brain damage. A woman that was completely independent was now like a baby :( It was a heartbreaking scene. As the weeks went by, she was able to talk a little better. Sometimes she would say a word that wasn't what she wanted to say but that's how it came out. She knew she wanted to say dog, but it would come out cat. That made her very frustrated! One day, I came to visit her and she was really sad. Her favorite song was amazing grace. I asked her to sing it for me and I was blown away! She sang every word so clear it was like she never had a stroke at all! I cried all the way to work!!
Her stroke was only the beginning of her troubles. A few months after her stroke, we discovered a lump in her breast. Our hearts were broken again. She had cancer now, too! On the day that her second great grandchild was born, she was in another hospital having surgery to remove her breast. It was a bittersweet day. A beautiful birth and a devastating loss(of her breast) on the same day. Although she came through the surgery okay, it still was a hard thing to see.
She recovered from the surgery but her life was still dramatically different. She was released from the hospital and was in a wheelchair. My family took care of her for as long as we could. My dad had to make the difficult decision to put her in a nursing home. She hated it!! We hated it!!! But we were left with no choice. She eventually got used to it, but not for long!!
On August 2nd, 1989, almost a year to the day of her stroke, my Memaw went to be with her Lord!! A woman who I thought would be with me forever, was gone. I was a mess!! I begged God, to give her back to me. But He didn't, and I was mad!!
I missed my Memaw dearly!!
She was everything to me, and she was gone. I tried to get back to my normal life and move on, but I was in denial and anger. I didn't want to believe that she was gone, and was never coming back and I was angry that a God she loved and always talked about would take her from me. I struggled for months. For six months to be exact!
Another woman that was special in my life was my "adopted" grandmother, Margariete. She was my childhood friends grandmother and I loved her like she was my grandmother. One day, out of the blue, I stopped over her house. She was a Christian, and always tried to share the Gospel with me, but I was never interested. Until this day. February 11th, 1990, I gave my life to Jesus, and I have NEVER been the same. I knew without a doubt that Jesus loved me and he loved my Memaw too!! I would see her again!! I was just sad that she didn't live to see me take that step. But you know what....she already knew!!! She planted and watered that seed and I love her for that. If she were alive today, I know that she would be proud of me!
This is my Memaw, Ollie Hegedus, holding her first great-grandchild, Amber Nicole Hegedus.
I miss you so much, Memaw!! I'd give anything to have another day with you and to hear your voice! Happy 90th Birthday to you in Heaven.....eat cake!!!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Setting the record straight!
This is for all of you that chirp behind my back, maybe,in a loving way, or not. :)
1) Yes, I have gained a lot of my weight back...that is obvious!
2) I DID NOT HAVE SURGERY TO GET SKINNY!!!! I had surgery to get rid of excess skin, that I would NEVER lose, no matter how much weight I lost!! You try having 3 babies in one year (+11 days) and see what it does to you!!!
3) Yes, I can lose the weight I gained!!!
4) My husband loves me no matter what I look like....He looks at my heart!!
5) I need encouragement, not condemnation!!
6) Losing weight is the easy part....keeping it off, is the work!! People that have struggled with weight issues know this very well. If you have been "skinny" all your life....YOU HAVE NO IDEA how it feels to be overweight.
7) I have nothing to prove to anybody. I will battle my weight forever. But I plan on winning!!!
ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! Everyone needs encouragement and support for whatever battle they face.
The old saying is true...."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
That is all :)
1) Yes, I have gained a lot of my weight back...that is obvious!
2) I DID NOT HAVE SURGERY TO GET SKINNY!!!! I had surgery to get rid of excess skin, that I would NEVER lose, no matter how much weight I lost!! You try having 3 babies in one year (+11 days) and see what it does to you!!!
3) Yes, I can lose the weight I gained!!!
4) My husband loves me no matter what I look like....He looks at my heart!!
5) I need encouragement, not condemnation!!
6) Losing weight is the easy part....keeping it off, is the work!! People that have struggled with weight issues know this very well. If you have been "skinny" all your life....YOU HAVE NO IDEA how it feels to be overweight.
7) I have nothing to prove to anybody. I will battle my weight forever. But I plan on winning!!!
ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! Everyone needs encouragement and support for whatever battle they face.
The old saying is true...."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
That is all :)
Friday, February 04, 2011
A Birthday letter to my Daughter
Happy 12th Birthday, Ashlee!!
It's hard to believe that you are 12 already. It really does seem like yesterday that Dad and I brought you home from the hospital.
You have been a great kid these last 12 yrs. and I look forward to seeing you grow more and more into a beautiful, young lady. You are a very good student in school and we couldn't be more proud of you. It's amazing to see how much you have learned and how well you can articulate things. You are so smart and school seems very important to you and that makes me very happy.
In this past year I have seen you really begin to blossom. You are always ready to try new things. You have picked up a big interest in the guitar and are taking lessons to improve that skill. Your favorite artist is Taylor Swift, so I think that's where the guitar came into your life. I am glad that you like playing instruments. You have recently laid down the trombone and moved to the guitar and that's ok with me.
I also love that you love to read! You get that from me and I'm glad you like books. You can go anywhere and be anything in a book. Always read and learn new things. I always say...reading is FUNdamental!!
I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you as you begin the transformation into a teenager in 2012. I know you will still continue to be a blessing to us and the rest of the family. We are truly thankful for you and love you very much!!
Have a wonderful 12th birthday and I hope all your dreams come true!!
It's hard to believe that you are 12 already. It really does seem like yesterday that Dad and I brought you home from the hospital.
You have been a great kid these last 12 yrs. and I look forward to seeing you grow more and more into a beautiful, young lady. You are a very good student in school and we couldn't be more proud of you. It's amazing to see how much you have learned and how well you can articulate things. You are so smart and school seems very important to you and that makes me very happy.
In this past year I have seen you really begin to blossom. You are always ready to try new things. You have picked up a big interest in the guitar and are taking lessons to improve that skill. Your favorite artist is Taylor Swift, so I think that's where the guitar came into your life. I am glad that you like playing instruments. You have recently laid down the trombone and moved to the guitar and that's ok with me.
I also love that you love to read! You get that from me and I'm glad you like books. You can go anywhere and be anything in a book. Always read and learn new things. I always say...reading is FUNdamental!!
I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you as you begin the transformation into a teenager in 2012. I know you will still continue to be a blessing to us and the rest of the family. We are truly thankful for you and love you very much!!
Have a wonderful 12th birthday and I hope all your dreams come true!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Introducing, MARSHALL JOSEPH HEGEDUS
On April 27, 2010, Marshall came into the world and our family was blessed!!!
He has been the highlight of 2010. He is the cutiest baby in the world and we love him very much! We all look forward to seeing him and holding him and just loving on him. Julie has been amazing with him and she just lights up everytime he does something new! She is a great mother already!
He is almost 3 months old and looks just like my brother, Gary when he was a baby!
He is awesome and a huge part of our lives and I look forward to watching him grow up.
He has been the highlight of 2010. He is the cutiest baby in the world and we love him very much! We all look forward to seeing him and holding him and just loving on him. Julie has been amazing with him and she just lights up everytime he does something new! She is a great mother already!
He is almost 3 months old and looks just like my brother, Gary when he was a baby!
He is awesome and a huge part of our lives and I look forward to watching him grow up.
OH MY GOODNESS!!
I can't believe I had not posted since January!! When I was a teenager, I used to write stories like crazy!! Now, I can't get myself to write a thing! Soooo much has gone on since I last posted so I am going to post a few at a time.
In March, I turned the big 4-0!! I was not looking forward to it at all. I told my family that I was going to lay in bed and sleep the day away and that I wanted no reminders that it was my birthday. I told Marvin, that if anyone threw me a surprise party that I would disown him. I was serious!! I did not want a thing done for me!!
Well, it turned out that it was a great day!! I did not stay in bed all day. I went to work!! My co-workers gave me a card that they all signed and my boss gave me a gift. That was sweet. My dad got me the body fat scale that I really wanted and I was excited to get it!!
The biggest thing I did on my birthday, was kick box class! I went to The Fighting Fit and did my cardio kickboxing class. The highlight of my workout was that I ran around the block without stopping for the first time in my life!!! I literally cried when I made it back to TFF in one piece!!
I was in the best shape of my life and I did a huge accomplishment! My goal was to be fit by 40, and I did it!!
In March, I turned the big 4-0!! I was not looking forward to it at all. I told my family that I was going to lay in bed and sleep the day away and that I wanted no reminders that it was my birthday. I told Marvin, that if anyone threw me a surprise party that I would disown him. I was serious!! I did not want a thing done for me!!
Well, it turned out that it was a great day!! I did not stay in bed all day. I went to work!! My co-workers gave me a card that they all signed and my boss gave me a gift. That was sweet. My dad got me the body fat scale that I really wanted and I was excited to get it!!
The biggest thing I did on my birthday, was kick box class! I went to The Fighting Fit and did my cardio kickboxing class. The highlight of my workout was that I ran around the block without stopping for the first time in my life!!! I literally cried when I made it back to TFF in one piece!!
I was in the best shape of my life and I did a huge accomplishment! My goal was to be fit by 40, and I did it!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A scrapbook room awaits!
So, I am finally in the process of having a REAL scrapbook room! A room I can totally devote to my scrapping hobby! I am thrilled and excited to put it all together so I can scrap whenever I have the time. I am going to try and get a lot of scrapping done this year. I have missed it so much and I am so far behind:( The kids' school books are each 3 years behind, so when my room is all ready, that's what I am going to be focused on.
I have looked at so many websites to get an idea of what I want the room to look like. The problem always comes down to money. The lack of:( So, I am going to do it on my own and make the room be my own idea. My hubby is very handy at making things, so he will help make whatever I might need.
This March, I am going to go on a scrapbooking bed and breakfast to get work done, and be pampered too;) I am going to go here. I will be turning old and that's how I want to spend my birthday.
When my room is finished, I'll post a pic!
I have looked at so many websites to get an idea of what I want the room to look like. The problem always comes down to money. The lack of:( So, I am going to do it on my own and make the room be my own idea. My hubby is very handy at making things, so he will help make whatever I might need.
This March, I am going to go on a scrapbooking bed and breakfast to get work done, and be pampered too;) I am going to go here. I will be turning old and that's how I want to spend my birthday.
When my room is finished, I'll post a pic!
Monday, January 04, 2010
It's 2010!
Holy Toledo, it's 2010! It's been 10 years since the whole Y2-K thing and we"re still here:) I do not have food and water still stored away and I still believe that Y2K was a media hype that freaked everyone out. Only God know when this world will be over so all can stop speculating!
What was 2009 like? All in all, it was pretty good. Of coarse, as with every year, we lose people that we love. I lost members of FBC that I loved,and my friends lost people they loved.
What did I do in 2009? Well, some of the things I remember is that I turned another year older, I vacationed in Virginia, I got behind in my bills, I suffered a few times with depression, and at the end of December I lost a total of 60 pounds!
My family all went to Virginia, they all got a year older, they started back to school, Lyndsey got her braces off and Lauren got hers on, Matthew became an 8th grader and is in his last year of middle school and Ashlee became a 5th grader and is in her last year of elementary school.
My cousin, Nadia, turned 1 on December 31st. She gets cuter and cuter every day! See:
One of the greatest miracles I have ever known was the miracle with this little guy:
Stellan had problems with his heart since he was born. He actually was in the hospital for his 1st. birthday and he almost died. The Dr's. were able to get his heart going again, but it was the Lord that saved him. Thank you Jesus! When I see his smiling face on the computer, I always smile because he is still here! You can read all about Stellan on his mother's blog and read all about his little heart and what he has gone through in his short life.
The best news of 2009, is that my brother, Gary, and my sister-in-law, Julie, are expecting their first baby together! Baby Hegedus will make his/her debut in May of 2010. We are more than thrilled to have a new baby in the family. Boy or Girl, doesn't matter, a baby is a blessing either way and I cannot wait to hold him/her in my arms. Julie is so excited that I love to see her and the excitement that she shows. She is just glowing and I love to see her so happy:)
I guess that's it for now. Just a brief update after not posting for a long time. Maybe this year I can get in the habit of blogging more for my own memory. Not sure who may be reading and caring:)
What was 2009 like? All in all, it was pretty good. Of coarse, as with every year, we lose people that we love. I lost members of FBC that I loved,and my friends lost people they loved.
What did I do in 2009? Well, some of the things I remember is that I turned another year older, I vacationed in Virginia, I got behind in my bills, I suffered a few times with depression, and at the end of December I lost a total of 60 pounds!
My family all went to Virginia, they all got a year older, they started back to school, Lyndsey got her braces off and Lauren got hers on, Matthew became an 8th grader and is in his last year of middle school and Ashlee became a 5th grader and is in her last year of elementary school.
My cousin, Nadia, turned 1 on December 31st. She gets cuter and cuter every day! See:
One of the greatest miracles I have ever known was the miracle with this little guy:
Stellan had problems with his heart since he was born. He actually was in the hospital for his 1st. birthday and he almost died. The Dr's. were able to get his heart going again, but it was the Lord that saved him. Thank you Jesus! When I see his smiling face on the computer, I always smile because he is still here! You can read all about Stellan on his mother's blog and read all about his little heart and what he has gone through in his short life.
The best news of 2009, is that my brother, Gary, and my sister-in-law, Julie, are expecting their first baby together! Baby Hegedus will make his/her debut in May of 2010. We are more than thrilled to have a new baby in the family. Boy or Girl, doesn't matter, a baby is a blessing either way and I cannot wait to hold him/her in my arms. Julie is so excited that I love to see her and the excitement that she shows. She is just glowing and I love to see her so happy:)
I guess that's it for now. Just a brief update after not posting for a long time. Maybe this year I can get in the habit of blogging more for my own memory. Not sure who may be reading and caring:)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Introducing......
Nadia
When you look at this picture of this beautiful baby, you would never guess the rough start she had before she was born. You see, Nadia was born addicted to heroin and cocaine. Her mother has a serious drug habit and she used the last four months of her pregnancy. When Nadia was born, she weighed about 6 pds and was a very fussy baby. She had to have drugs that would counteract the bad drugs that she had in her system. Her mother would come to the hospital every day to see her, but would not acknowledge the reason why the baby screamed all the time. She would not admit that she was a drug baby because of her. The social services would not let her mother take her out of the hospital. The hospital called family members to come to the hospital just to hold the baby and comfort her.
We were told that if no family would take her, that she would be placed in foster care. I was not going to let that happen. I told Marvin that if Nadia's grandmother doesn't take her, I am going to. The relationship between Nadia's mother and Grandmother was very strained because of her drug use so she said she would not take her because she was getting to old to take care of a newborn, plus a newborn with problems. When we all went to see Nadia, that all changed.
I went in to see Nadia first. When I laid my eyes on her, I immediately fell in love with her. She was beautiful! She was so little and was just adorable. Her mother was with her, so I talked to her and told her how beautiful she was. She then passed her to me and I held her close. As I was holding her, you could feel her twitching from the addiction. It was then that I began to cry. I looked at her and I cried because I couldn't believe that mother's would do that to their babies. She was so innocent. The reality is that when people are addicted to drugs, the drugs become more important.
Nadia's grandmother went to see Nadia next. I waited in the waiting room for a bit while she visited the baby. After the visit, we went home. Two days later, I got the call that Nadia's grandmother was going to take her! I was so happy that she was not going to go to foster care but to a good home, where she would be loved and cared for.
So when Nadia was a month old she went home from the hospital. The first few months were very difficult. It took several weeks to get the bad drugs completely out of her system. I would watch Nadia twice a week while her grandmother went out to get a break. It was a hard time for all of us. We made it through the toughest times and now that beautiful baby is 8 months old! I love her so much like she was my own. When she comes over, we are all very excited! My girls just love her to death!! When I watch her, I hardly even get to hold her because the girls take over. They feed her, play with her, take her in the stroller, and just have a ball with her. It's fun to watch what little mothers they all are.
In December, Nadia's grandmother will go to court to hopefully become her legal guardian and be able to adopt Nadia. Her mother is still battling drug addiction and is not allowed to see her. At this point, Nadia really doesn't know her or her father. It's really sad to me that this baby will grow up without that bond that she should have with her mother. I pray for her every day, that the drugs will not be more important to her than her baby.
My life is blessed even more with Nadia in my life. I cannot imagine not having her in our lives. She is growing and thriving and learning how to crawl and pull herself up. We don't know what the future holds for Nadia. We don't know if any damage has been done that will affect her when she becomes school age. Right now, she looks perfectly healthy and we hope that she continues to thrive.
Please pray for Nadia, her grandparents as they raise her, and especially her mother. She's lost and alone and hurting. She needs Jesus in her life.
When you look at this picture of this beautiful baby, you would never guess the rough start she had before she was born. You see, Nadia was born addicted to heroin and cocaine. Her mother has a serious drug habit and she used the last four months of her pregnancy. When Nadia was born, she weighed about 6 pds and was a very fussy baby. She had to have drugs that would counteract the bad drugs that she had in her system. Her mother would come to the hospital every day to see her, but would not acknowledge the reason why the baby screamed all the time. She would not admit that she was a drug baby because of her. The social services would not let her mother take her out of the hospital. The hospital called family members to come to the hospital just to hold the baby and comfort her.
We were told that if no family would take her, that she would be placed in foster care. I was not going to let that happen. I told Marvin that if Nadia's grandmother doesn't take her, I am going to. The relationship between Nadia's mother and Grandmother was very strained because of her drug use so she said she would not take her because she was getting to old to take care of a newborn, plus a newborn with problems. When we all went to see Nadia, that all changed.
I went in to see Nadia first. When I laid my eyes on her, I immediately fell in love with her. She was beautiful! She was so little and was just adorable. Her mother was with her, so I talked to her and told her how beautiful she was. She then passed her to me and I held her close. As I was holding her, you could feel her twitching from the addiction. It was then that I began to cry. I looked at her and I cried because I couldn't believe that mother's would do that to their babies. She was so innocent. The reality is that when people are addicted to drugs, the drugs become more important.
Nadia's grandmother went to see Nadia next. I waited in the waiting room for a bit while she visited the baby. After the visit, we went home. Two days later, I got the call that Nadia's grandmother was going to take her! I was so happy that she was not going to go to foster care but to a good home, where she would be loved and cared for.
So when Nadia was a month old she went home from the hospital. The first few months were very difficult. It took several weeks to get the bad drugs completely out of her system. I would watch Nadia twice a week while her grandmother went out to get a break. It was a hard time for all of us. We made it through the toughest times and now that beautiful baby is 8 months old! I love her so much like she was my own. When she comes over, we are all very excited! My girls just love her to death!! When I watch her, I hardly even get to hold her because the girls take over. They feed her, play with her, take her in the stroller, and just have a ball with her. It's fun to watch what little mothers they all are.
In December, Nadia's grandmother will go to court to hopefully become her legal guardian and be able to adopt Nadia. Her mother is still battling drug addiction and is not allowed to see her. At this point, Nadia really doesn't know her or her father. It's really sad to me that this baby will grow up without that bond that she should have with her mother. I pray for her every day, that the drugs will not be more important to her than her baby.
My life is blessed even more with Nadia in my life. I cannot imagine not having her in our lives. She is growing and thriving and learning how to crawl and pull herself up. We don't know what the future holds for Nadia. We don't know if any damage has been done that will affect her when she becomes school age. Right now, she looks perfectly healthy and we hope that she continues to thrive.
Please pray for Nadia, her grandparents as they raise her, and especially her mother. She's lost and alone and hurting. She needs Jesus in her life.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Here I am!!!
It's been a long time!!! I have no excuse for not blogging. I figure no one really cares if I do or don't:) I'm always on facebook so I don't get on here too much. I should because I like to write and this is the best way to write and get my thoughts and feelings down. I look back at the things I've written in the past and I see how far I've come in different times in my life.
In May, my baby sister, Kelsey, graduated from high school. It was a hard time for her but she made it and I was so proud of her. She also turned 18 in August. Wow, 18! I remember when she was born. She has grown into a beautiful, young woman and I am proud to be her big sister!
Kelsey in Kindergarten
Labor Day weekend, we went camping. It was a beautiful weekend and the kids had a great time. We camped with good friends and their kids and all the kids got along and they played together and had a great time. I hate packing up and unpacking but in the middle, after the tent is up, it's alot more fun.
The kids have started back to school! My favorite time of the year(I mean that in a good way) I enjoy when the kids go back to school because that gives me a break from them, and them a break from me. The really like to go back to school anyway(except for Matthew)because they get to see their friends again. I enjoy my quiet time, my computer time, and my house cleaning time. I am now the crossing guard after school. It's a volunteer job but I really enjoy it. The kids are ready to go home and I get to tell them to have a good evening. So far, nobody's been hit and neither have I!
Matthew actually let me take a picture of him.
My 2009 diet is going very well! As of today, I am down 36.6 pds. My Dr. told me yesterday that I am not considered obese any more!! That was great news for me:) Even though I am still over weight. I am working hard on that. I am doing WW and seeing a weight specialist and that is helping me. In 6 months, I will be 40. I am totally not looking forward to it. I told hubby that I am going to sleep the day away because it's just another day.
The best news, we got is that my brother Gary, and his wife, Julie, are expecting their first baby together:) We are very excited to add a new family member. I have prayed since the got married that they would have a baby. I am praying that God will give them a baby girl. Gary lost his baby, Amber, to crib death in 1987. He had for sons after Amber, so it would be great for him to have a baby girl again. But, if it is a boy, I know that it is God's will and I will love that baby just as much. She is due in May, 2010.
Well, I guess that's it. I will have another post in a few days to introduce my baby cousin, Nadia. She is a blessing to me and my family. Stay tunes:)
In May, my baby sister, Kelsey, graduated from high school. It was a hard time for her but she made it and I was so proud of her. She also turned 18 in August. Wow, 18! I remember when she was born. She has grown into a beautiful, young woman and I am proud to be her big sister!
Kelsey in Kindergarten
Labor Day weekend, we went camping. It was a beautiful weekend and the kids had a great time. We camped with good friends and their kids and all the kids got along and they played together and had a great time. I hate packing up and unpacking but in the middle, after the tent is up, it's alot more fun.
The kids have started back to school! My favorite time of the year(I mean that in a good way) I enjoy when the kids go back to school because that gives me a break from them, and them a break from me. The really like to go back to school anyway(except for Matthew)because they get to see their friends again. I enjoy my quiet time, my computer time, and my house cleaning time. I am now the crossing guard after school. It's a volunteer job but I really enjoy it. The kids are ready to go home and I get to tell them to have a good evening. So far, nobody's been hit and neither have I!
Matthew actually let me take a picture of him.
My 2009 diet is going very well! As of today, I am down 36.6 pds. My Dr. told me yesterday that I am not considered obese any more!! That was great news for me:) Even though I am still over weight. I am working hard on that. I am doing WW and seeing a weight specialist and that is helping me. In 6 months, I will be 40. I am totally not looking forward to it. I told hubby that I am going to sleep the day away because it's just another day.
The best news, we got is that my brother Gary, and his wife, Julie, are expecting their first baby together:) We are very excited to add a new family member. I have prayed since the got married that they would have a baby. I am praying that God will give them a baby girl. Gary lost his baby, Amber, to crib death in 1987. He had for sons after Amber, so it would be great for him to have a baby girl again. But, if it is a boy, I know that it is God's will and I will love that baby just as much. She is due in May, 2010.
Well, I guess that's it. I will have another post in a few days to introduce my baby cousin, Nadia. She is a blessing to me and my family. Stay tunes:)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
This is my friend, Donnie. I took this picture at the Detroit River many summers ago. Marvin, Donnie, and I went there quite often to fish and talk. On this particular day, Donnie was teasing Marvin and I because we had just begun our dating relationship and Donnie said to us that day, 'I'll take a nap and let you love birds fish together. Wake me if something happens." I'll never forget that day.
Donnie passed away in March of 1998. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and how special he was to me. I have kept all the cards he ever sent me and when I look back at his handwriting, I remember so many things. He said that he never thought he would see the day, that Marvin would be dating somebody and he knew that we were going to get married one day.
I miss him so much. He was loved by so many people. He loved it when I would come over and bring Matthew, and we would go out somewhere, whether it was driving around Grosse Ile, eating lunch, or walking Matthew around Heritage Park, we always had a good time together.
Donnie did a lot of painting in his free time and when Marvin and I came to see him, he let us pick out a few. Those are some of my precious treasures. He was one of my best friends and I wish he was here today. I know he would have been so happy to see where Marvin and I are in our lives. I know that he would have loved my kids. One of these days when I get to heaven, after I see Jesus, I'm going to run to Donnie and give him a huge hug because I loved him so much!
I miss you Donnie!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hello, It's me!
Wow, has it really been two months since my last post? So much has gone on in two months! All the kids are out of school, summer is in full swing, We got a new computer, we had an empty nest for 5 days (first time in 12yrs!), and I have trained for the breast cancer 3day!
My weight watching has been a constant battle and so far I'm not winning:( I AM going to succeed in this area, I just have to get my butt back in gear and focus. I WILL be fit by 40, mark my words!
My buddy, Stellan,has had a few battles himself but he is doing really well right now and I pray that he stays that way. If your not familiar with his story, you can read about him here.
We are getting ready to venture out of Michigan and heading to Virginia to see my Aunt and Uncle, with my Dad. We have not been to VA. since Matthew was a baby, so we are really excited to show all the kids a place they have not been. Matthew was so small he has no memory of it, so it will be new to him. What I'm really looking forward to, besides seeing my family, is our trip to Washington D.C.. I want to see the Vietnam Memorial more than anything!
Here are some pictures of our summer.
Windmill in Holland
Pony Ride
Father's Day
For the first time in 12 years, all of our kids were gone for a week AT THE SAME TIME!!! Matthew went up north with a friend from church and the girls went to GA camp at Bambi Lake. Marvin was also on vacation that same week so we looked at each other and said "Wow it's quiet around here." We were able to sit together and have nice,quiet dinners, talk with no interruptions,and just get to know each other in peace. We neglected each other when the kids came along because we focus on them, so it was nice to get some quality time together.
So, that's about it for now.
My weight watching has been a constant battle and so far I'm not winning:( I AM going to succeed in this area, I just have to get my butt back in gear and focus. I WILL be fit by 40, mark my words!
My buddy, Stellan,has had a few battles himself but he is doing really well right now and I pray that he stays that way. If your not familiar with his story, you can read about him here.
We are getting ready to venture out of Michigan and heading to Virginia to see my Aunt and Uncle, with my Dad. We have not been to VA. since Matthew was a baby, so we are really excited to show all the kids a place they have not been. Matthew was so small he has no memory of it, so it will be new to him. What I'm really looking forward to, besides seeing my family, is our trip to Washington D.C.. I want to see the Vietnam Memorial more than anything!
Here are some pictures of our summer.
Windmill in Holland
Pony Ride
Father's Day
For the first time in 12 years, all of our kids were gone for a week AT THE SAME TIME!!! Matthew went up north with a friend from church and the girls went to GA camp at Bambi Lake. Marvin was also on vacation that same week so we looked at each other and said "Wow it's quiet around here." We were able to sit together and have nice,quiet dinners, talk with no interruptions,and just get to know each other in peace. We neglected each other when the kids came along because we focus on them, so it was nice to get some quality time together.
So, that's about it for now.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Finally!!
So, after many months without a computer, we finally ordered one. We should get it mid-June. I miss not having a "real" computer. It's hard to do things on a little iPod! I miss being able to put up pictures, see full web pages, and doing homework!
This weekend, Ashlee and I are doing back to back 5k's. Saturday's 5 is for the American Cancer Society. Sunday's is for the Alzheimer's Association. She is really excited and so am I.
The weight loss journey has been a struggle but I press on! I've got a bet going on with J.D. And I plan on winning it;)
Less than a month and the kids will be done with school for the summer! We are planning a few trips this year and Matthew will be doing a summer mission trip and all three girls will be going to GA camp!
That's all for now! Have a great weekend:)
This weekend, Ashlee and I are doing back to back 5k's. Saturday's 5 is for the American Cancer Society. Sunday's is for the Alzheimer's Association. She is really excited and so am I.
The weight loss journey has been a struggle but I press on! I've got a bet going on with J.D. And I plan on winning it;)
Less than a month and the kids will be done with school for the summer! We are planning a few trips this year and Matthew will be doing a summer mission trip and all three girls will be going to GA camp!
That's all for now! Have a great weekend:)
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