Nameless Kissing Cousins

Aren't they adorable! I was not expecting this and it was really a pleasant surprise from my son Jason. He is always sending me things and these two babies are no exception.

 The little basket held chocolate candy, dang, wouldn't you know it...it's all gone! LOL.
   Well, I need to name them, can you help me? I've never owned a boy toy before, so I will definitely need help with appropiate names to fit these cuties.
  The person who gives me the best/appropriate names will receive a token of my appreciation. I'll post it after going shopping since it all happened this way! May 3rd should give us enough time for this. Don't you think? Remember It starts now, and  until May 3rd. Have a Happy Week! Luv ya!

Laughter Is Good For You

 Have you ever heard a person's laughter that was so funny it left you, in stitches? My childhood friend and neighbor, Douglas Horton was just such a person. He would laugh and anyone around him would be drawn in and explode with laughter. You didn't know what or why he was laughing, you just followed suit. Most will agree laughter is contagious...humor is infectious!
 
  Sometimes, laughter is hard for us, especially having burdens and being weighed down with today's economical and social problems, and the troubled times we live in. But, laughter makes you feel better and those feelings remain with you even after the laughter subsides.
  Guilt feelings can rob you of joy, but laughter distresses and helps with overwhelming feelings. The sound of roaring laughter is more easily spread than any cough or sneeze.
 
  When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increasees happiness. In addition to this domino effect of joy, laughter can trigger healthy changes in the body such as: protecting you from the damaging effects of stress, boost energy, prevents heart disease and diminish pain. How do you feel after you've had a good laugh? Are you relaxed all over? Less physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed?
 
  Mentally, you feel joy, and your mood is improved, it enhances your resilience. Socially, you attract others to you because of your good mood. Laughter strengthens relationships and promotes group bonding.
 
  Even though we haven't seen Douglas for years, we still have thoughts of him and his laughter. Now, my husband keeps us in stitches with his infectious and hearty "belly laughs". When all of us are together, there's enjoyment and much laughter. Laughter truly is strong medicine and a powerful antidote in mind and body.

 Nothing works better faster or more consistently to bring our mind and body back into balance than a good hearty laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, alert, and focused. Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health!
 
  More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh or even a smile can go a long way toward making you feel better. Just hearing someone laughing primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in, because shared laughter is more powerful than laughing alone.
 
  Also, humor along with forgiveness, is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Bring more humor into your life. Laughter is your birthright, a natural part of life that is natural. If you don't laugh a lot, start now in order to reap the many benefits laughter affords! And, Douglas, if you are near, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
  This is one of many articles for the newspaper column by Loretta entitled: At Home With Loretta

 

                                                        

                                                                      

How Much Is Too Much

I've forgotten where I parked my car, and my own phone number. I've forgotten to return important calls, and keep appointments. I've forgotten to take my meds and put leftovers in the fridge. I can't ever find my favorite pen I'd just used and put down. Don't even get me started on wasted time looking for car keys or important papers that I put in a special place so I wouldn't forget, then forget where the special place is! I can't began to tell you how many times I've looked for a dish towel that I'd just used , then had to get another clean one out only to find the lost one in the refrigerator!
  I'll get up to feed the cats, and forget why I got up. Believe me, they keep up a ruckus loud enough for me to hear then and remember. It's so annoying when I sit down to pin a copy for the paper, and can't remember how to spell common words! I walk into a room and wouldn't you know it, I forgot why I was there! If you are experiencing there and other laspes in memory, you are definitely not alone!
   I have recently learned, thank goodness, occasional memory laspes like forgetting where you put your car keys are not early signs of problems. All of the incidents mentioned above occur sporadically, however, my concern is how much forgetfulness is too much. Should I be alarmed? My hubby tells me I'm doing too many things at once. My brother-in-law told me, a writer's desk is always messy. Are they trying to placate an old lady? I admit, I have multi-tasked, and found myself overlapping tasks, so, what they are telling me could hold weight; I need to reajust I suppose.
  I read this from somewhere and want to share it with you: Three older ladies were discussing the trails of getting older. One said, "Sometimes I catch myself with the mayo in my hand in front of the refrigerator and can't remember whether I need to put it away or start making a sandwich."
  The second lady said, "Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing and can't remember whether I was on my way up or down". The third lady said: Well, I'm sure glad I don't have that problem, knock on wood". She rapped her knuckles on the table and said: "That must be the door, I'll get it".
  Forgetfulness happens to the best of us. I suppose you have to find the humor in situations like this in order to cope with growing older. Aging is a natural process, which we should do gracefully. Never feel fear, pride or shame, because, "Gray-headness is a crown of beauty". Finish reading the verse in Proverbs 16:31 to read/learn how it is attained.
  This is one of many articles that I write for my hometown paper. Hope you enjoy and please leave your comments. They mean so much!        Hugs, Loretta

Tornadoes Rip Midwest More Storms Coming

More storms coming to the midwest with damaging winds expected along 1,000 mile line of thunderstorms, and rain stretching from Texas to the lower Great Lakes. The forecast came after storms and tornadoes tore through Wisconsin and Iowa over the weekend. Tornadoes ripped down power houses, barns, power lines and trees across the Badger State. Read more of the stories here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42529195/ns/weather

In Case You Missed It...Tornado Rips Through Iowa

Authorities say a tornado that was three-quarters of a mile wide, destroyed about half of the town of Mapleton, Iowa. So far, no reports of death, but several homes and businesses were severely damaged. The Iowa govenor has declared the county a disaster area. More than half the town is flattened, a grain elevator destroyed and homes.
  The tornado's weekend rampage through the small western town left 60% of it damaged, and 20% almost flattened. The roof was blown off a high school, and power lines are down. The huge, centuries old trees the town was named for had been pulled out of the ground, wrapped around houses and tossed on top of cars!
 Any of our brothers, sisters; and blogger friends in the area please know you are in our prayers and hope you come through this with you and your family's safety! May God Bless.

So Much Creativity

                                           

  I have said it before, there are some very creative and talented women here in Blogger's Ville! So much so, I want to reiterate, your creative abilities are awesome! Some of you seemingly have an endless repertoire of abilities. How do you feel about your creativity? Our creativity may be unique but, have you ever wondered, from where does it originate? I have, and that source can only be from our loving Creator! Right?
  Just think, no one else can do what each one of us are able to do! True, there may be a likeness but, what each of us do, is unique...our own creation! Does that make sense? He has given us these unique gifts and awesome abilities to serve His purpose! So, wouldn't they be unique?
  Think of all the areas, cooking, baking, sewing, building, painting, writing, organizing, caregiving, decorating, gardening, missions, families, and the list goes on. How many times have we seen a piece of furniture, some wood and nails,etc., boxes, scraps of material, etc., repurposed and how we follow anxiously, the photo trail to see the end results.
  However, what we've missed in the process: the ones that are re-doing, had the ability to see the finished piece beforehand! How you may ask?
  God created us in His own image, so, we were born with His creative genes, we are blessed with His ability to see the finished project in our own mind's eye before we've begun! Isn't this truly a blessing? 
  It is left up to each and everyone of us to find out what gifts, talents, and abilities our Creator has given to us. Obviously, we have all done so with all of the amazing talents we see on your individual blogs. I love them all and love you too!  Blessings. Luv-Loretta

I Won Again!

Thank you so much Cynthia of Prayer notes by Cynthia, and for mentioning our blogs! Her give-away was one of her beautiful creative bookmarks with her original poems.
  Cynthia's give-away for this week will be another of her creations, a beautiful art magnet! Stop by and enter to win. Don't forget. Giveaway ends this week! http://www.prayernotesbycynthia.blogspot.com/

Devotional Thought on Anxiety

  When you're tempted to feel hopeless and trapped in fear of the future remember...life is hard, and it shouldn't surprise us that a fallen world will provide disappointment, painful losses, unfulfilled expectations and sadness. The day nothing happens that makes us feel a little bit afraid, we'd better watch out! We may have quit breathing!
 
    New opportunities and challenges bring numerous, fearful situations that we must deal with! Seek help from experts in an area of concern. Or discuss your fears with your spouse or a good friend.
    An attitude of optimism will make today more enjoyable. Seek out humorous thoughts and anecdotes.
    There is an underlying fear that comes from feeling helpless. Moving out in faith may see frightening, risky, impossible, senseless, stretching, gut-wrenching and unnatral. But it's worth it!   Carol Kent

God's Word on Anxiety: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26.
 
A close childhood cousin and friend lost her determination to cancer. Her death was sudden and painful! It has left a large hole in my heart, and I am filled up with tears of sorrow...and an overwhelming feeling of loss.

Grief has never been so profounded for me! I am hopeful my faith will help me through these tough times...grief is hard, very hard! I don't ask the Lord why, no, because I know why there is death. Still, it doesn't make it any easier. I Know I must pray, have faith and allow time to heal. Thanks to my friends for offering me solace.  Loretta