Showing posts with label Laurie Roberts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laurie Roberts. Show all posts

Saturday, December 15, 2012

No Words Today...

It's officially the day after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary... I have no words to express the sadness I'm feeling.  Instead, I want to share two blog posts, both from teachers.  Each with their own perspective and coping styles.

Read "On This Day"  at Sing Teach Run  and "Twelve Years From Now" at Forever in First.

If you are touched by what you read, please share these posts with your blog readers.  May God comfort the hearts of the families in Newton, and may He bless each of you.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Not Quite Ready...

Six days into December, and I don't have my Christmas tree up!  We can't decide on a natural tree or a new artificial one this year.  If we go artificial, I want a tall, skinny one that will take up less floor space, and I want it to already have lights installed.  Our existing lights are very old, and should be replaced anyway.  My husband looked at artificial trees on sale, but they were sold out of the skinny ones.  I guess we should have started earlier.  Looks like a natural tree may win by default!

Before I go, here are some music videos that I love.  They may help you greet this Christmas season with a little more peace, hope, and joy.

I Heard the Bells

One Holy Night

And... Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel


I Heard the Bells is one of my all-time favorites, One Holy Night is a beautiful original composition, and Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel is so poignant and beautiful, with a gorgeous cello part that I love.  Laurie Roberts is my cousin, and Tammy is her cousin (she feels like mine, though technically she's not). The selections are from an album they made last year.  There are a few more of their songs on Laurie's YouTube page.  Please feel free to share with your friends on your blogs, Facebook pages, or wherever.  Laurie's blog is SingTeachRun, and Tammy's is Forever in First: A First Grade Blog.  I hope you enjoy the music and the blogs.  Blessings my friends!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Another New Video...

This video has a slide show featuring the families of Laurie and Tammy.
You can hear more of their music on YouTube, 
and you can download the album at iTunes or CDbaby.com!
Enjoy!

Monday, December 5, 2011

It's December, and Changes Just Keep Coming...

My  heart is going so many directions today.  I'm just getting over a flu bug.  It decided to hit the day I brought my husband home from the hospital.  He had two hernias repaired.  He's been in quite a bit of pain.  You forget how much you use some of those lower abdominal muscles.  He's doing much better today, as am I.  It's strange to have PJ out of commission, he's one of those guys that rarely gets sick and always likes to be busy.  Now that he's in less pain, maybe he can enjoy the two weeks at home.  He'll have time to caught up on some reading and watch some of those movies he hasn't gotten to see.

My youngest son received his High School Diploma this fall.  It was a long journey for him, overcoming illness and delays.  We still haven't planned a celebration, but hope to do that in the spring.  He is looking at schools and making decisions on what he wants to do.  He is still very interested in computer engineering, producing videos, and continuing with his cello.  Recently, he built his own PC!  It has all the bells and whistles that he's always wanted.  He's also started a fitness plan and is dropping weight!  I may have to hire him as my trainer.  Maybe after the holidays are over with. 

My youngest, EJ, building his own computer!

My oldest son was living with us for the past few months.  He found a roommate that he gets along with very well, and they found their dream apartment.  It's in the upstairs of an old home.  It's so nice.  He moved over Thanksgiving weekend.  I'm thankful that he's just in the next town.  He already told me he plans to come to our home for Christmas Eve and spent the night!  I'm glad of that.  I'm not quite ready to give up my Christmas mornings with my boys.  I will probably never be.

My niece leaves for Seattle on Friday morning.  I'm going to miss her so much.  She's been my Gilmore Girls and movie buddy.  It just won't be the same without her around.  I'm definitely going to feel it on Christmas Eve, which is our traditional holiday time together.  She's rooming with her sis and friends, so she already has a home waiting.  She'll be joining the music scene in Seattle, and I hope this will jump start a career for her.  She has awesome talent!

Speaking of Christmas, I have to share this YouTube video.  This is my cousin, Laurie and honorary cousin, Tammy.  They created a Christmas CD last year, and this is one of the songs from it.  Don't forget to pause my Playlist first.  This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs.  I hope it blesses you.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Giveaways and A Night Out

Donna, of Brynwood Needleworks is hosting two Giveaways!  The first is a Valentine's Giveaway and the second is The Brynwood Needleworks 200th Follower Giveaway.  Donna has put together an amazing assortment of items for each of the giveaways.  To sign up go HERE and look for the two separate posts.




Stephanie of Rose Petals and Rust is hosting "A Sweet Giveaway" and this lovely necklace is the prize.  It is a soldered charm necklace with vintage lace and a forget me not inside.  To enter this giveaway, go HERE.

I try to post links to all the giveaways I know about.  There are so many generous and talented people in the land of blogging. 

Sometime, hopefully in the very near future, I will be hosting one of my own.



Now on to other things.  I had the most amazing time last evening.  For the second day in a row, I was feeling well enough to get out of the house.  My cousin Laurie treated Lana (my lil sis) and I to dinner out.  It was so nice to go out to a restaurant.  The meal was delicious, but the best part was the visiting.  We always find so many things to talk and laugh about.  I was glad the restaurant wasn't busy, so we didn't feel rushed.  Gathering together with people you love is like a mini vacation.  It lifted my spirits and reminded me how important it is to keep connections with family and friends.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sunday Scribblings - Tattoo

The Sunday Scribblings prompt is Tattoo. I don't have any tattoos, unless you count the many physical markings that have been added by age and nature. It's not that I haven't thought about it, but I have so many "needle pokes" for medical reasons that I have lost the desire for any extras.
Some favorite tattoos I have seen...
My cousin Laurie had her name tattooed in shorthand on her ankle. Very small, understated and pretty. Someone will always know who she is... well, if they read shorthand!
My Lil Sis, Lana, has several... Orion's Belt on her shoulder, her name in Elvish (I think) on her lower leg or foot, a Native American symbol with feathers on her abdomen... I think that's all. Each tattoo carries a special meaning for her. Her Native American heritage, her Scottish and Irish roots, and other very personal meanings.
A friend has a Chinese symbol meaning faith. Very pretty and inspiring.
I've thought a lot about what I would have done if I ever change my mind. My choices have changed dramatically since I was a young teen. Then it was a heart or a butterfly. Later on a Native American symbol... something from the Cherokee Nation. A Celtic knot or a four leaf clover. These days I am uncertain. Maybe it's because I am in a transition place in my Spirit. I am changing... hopefully growing in a positive direction. So for now, the tattoo is not on my life list. If that changes, I'll be sure and let you know.
Be sure to click on: Sunday Scribblings to see what other writers have shared. If you want to read my older posts for Sunday Scribblings click on: My Sunday Scribblings
I haven't participated much recently, but the link will show you all the posts I did complete.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Soak...

Soak is the name of our church`s midweek worship service. It's one of the newer activities, though I'm sure it's been going for a year or so. Anyway, I went for the first time last night. It was a warm, wonderful time. Lights low, Laurie* playing the piano and singing. People lost in prayer, singing along, or both. She led in a selection of new songs, some she wrote, and some old well-loved hymns and choruses.

It was relaxing and uplifting. Following was a meeting of our volunteers that are working at this summers Youth Camp. I love camp, and am planning to go this year. They are very kind to me and usually give me a job helping with the afternoon snack bar. My husband will be helping in the kitchen again.

One of the fun things about the volunteer meeting was seeing the faces of so many "kids" that grew up in the church, and attending camp, now volunteering as counselors, etc. They are passing on the camp legacy to the next generation. This is the 50th Anniversary of our Church Camp. I attended many of those years, beginning at age 7. I have so many wonderful memories. It was always the highlight of my summers.

Well, it's time to go pull a few weeds, before the temperature gets too high. Supposed to be 100 or so today. Too hot for me! I am going to spend part of my afternoon in a movie theatre with my friend DeAnn and our boys. I think it's been over two years since I went to a theatre! And yes, I am going to buy the small (but highly overpriced) buttered popcorn and an icy Coke!

*Laurie Roberts - See sidebar photolink to hear some of her music. (Yes, this is another bold, unashamed plug. I happen to think she's one of Christian radio's undiscovered treasures! God is using her nevertheless...always the more!)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

MRI... and Inspiration

I had an outing today... to my neurologist, and it's time for another MRI. I do not like them at all! I was feeling very stressed out about it, so I came home and decided to check my email to distract myself.

My cousin, Laurie Roberts (see link on side bar) had an interview with Track 10. They cover Independent Christian artists from all over the Northwest. It's a great interview, and they included two of her songs that are personal favorites of mine. To listen to the interview and both songs, click on:

Track 10 (click on name to go to page)

When you get there, look at the very bottom of the page. You will see two highlighted sections in green. You can either download the interview or listen to it immediately. It's several minutes long and includes two of Laurie's songs. They are two of my very favorites and always lift my spirits!

The stories behind the songs, and the songs themselves, will lift your heart. It inspired me as I listened. Now if I could just figure a way to have the songs playing in my head, on Valentine's Day, while I lay in that MRI machine.

Oh well, my husband is driving me to the appointment, so at least we're going out! LOL!

Blessings!

Nita Jo

Friday, November 14, 2008

Sunday Scribblings - Change

This was written on November 8, for the Sunday Scribblings prompt "Change". I had to put it on the back burner until now, so there are some posts that I wrote after this one. I hope you'll scroll on down and check them out...


I need change. After months of dealing with new MS issues, it was beginning to get to me. I dropped by my church this morning to deliver food for the members of Laurie Roberts band and the volunteer workers. I decided to pop into the sanctuary to hear them practice for the evening concert. I didn't know if I would be up to attending.

As I sat there listening, I found the songs touching me in a new way. During a break, Laurie brought her friends, Pastor LaShund and Kadesha Lambert, back to meet me. When she told them that I had MS, they said "Let's pray right now". I felt such a change pouring through me as the three of them began to pray. No, I did not experience an immediate physical healing. I had a spirit healing.

I try to keep from being negative about everything that MS has done to my life, but the truth is... some days are just so hard. It's like taking two steps forward and four back. As I stood letting their prayers roll over me, I regained some of my spiritual strength.

This week, I found a website that spoke to me. It's written by a lady with Lupus. There are so many familiarities with MS symptoms. It's here: But You Don't Look Sick... The Spoon Theory . Some days I just run "out of spoons"... you'll have to go read about it to understand what I mean by that.

After Laurie, LaShund and Kadesha prayed with me and for me, I knew I wanted to be able to come back for the concert at 7 PM. I went home and slept for over two hours. I was saving spoons... I knew I would need them if I was going to attend. I'm so glad I did! The concert was so uplifting. It was more than a performance. It was a time of worship... a time of blessing.

The change I felt was worth more than the spoons I reserved. I might have used them to clean my house, do some blogging, or run errands. I'm thankful I saved them for a time of spiritual enrichment. I am thankful for the spiritual healing. New strength to carry on. Courage for the challenges. Renewed belief in the awesome power of prayer in my life.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Kitties, Challenges, & Music

Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks, but things are getting back on track now. I'm missing my cats... we'd had Muska for several months. She was abandoned by her owner when the vet refused to "put her down"... she was too healthy for that, so we took her in. Then we had a stray show up at our door a couple weeks back. A darling little Siamese. He was so cute... except for the claws. My last two cats were declawed, and I'd forgotten what a kitty can do to a perfectly lovely sofa or set of drapes! But, as time passed with no one advertising for him, or answering our "Found Kitty" ad, I got quite attached to "Koko" (named after the lead "cat" charactor in the "Cat Who" mysteries). Then Muska began misbehaving... let's just say I had to shampoo my hallway carpet more than once a day. Anyway, between the rips, uprooted plants, smells... PJ had enough of it so the kitties had to go. I couldn't bear to take them to the shelter, so he did it.

PJ didn't realize how attached I was to them. I guess I didn't either, as I cried like a baby the minute he drove away with them. He was just concerned about me. Being as physically challenged as I have been the past few weeks, I did not have the energy or strength to stay on top of even the minimal keeping of the house, getting meals done, and several days I couldn't even make it out to the mailbox. He felt the cats were an additional strain on me. I'm sure he was right, but I still miss them.

One bright note... PJ was told we could call in and keep track of what happens with them. They felt the two would be adopted in a very short time... they are both adorable.

Now on to other news. Last weekend I went to my cousin Laurie's concert on Saturday evening (see the photo link on my sidebar). It was wonderful! It was the first local concert for her "Perhaps God" album and was a blessing! I also made it to church for the Sunday morning service, but by the time church was over I could barely make it to my car.

I am much better today. I even felt well enough to go to my son's Orchestra concert tonight. It was a combination of Orchestra and Concert Band. They each played a couple selections of their own, then they joined together to perform a song from the Harry Potter movie soundtrack. It was excellant!

Well, it's late. I'm going to force myself to go to bed. I napped all afternoon so I could be sure to get to Lucky 13's concert, but now I don't feel sleepy at all.

Blessings to you, my friends! I appreciate the prayers and concern you have expressed. I am taking each day as it comes. I continue to have faith, and am thankful for each & every day.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sleepover, Encounter, and more...

It's been a busy week. Starting last Friday, I went to a girl's night sleepover. Silver Valley Girl and I met at my cousin Laurie's home for a night of fun and conversation. We always have more to talk about than we have time, but we covered a lot of topics in one night.

SVG also introduced us to "Slings and Arrows" a Canadian television program. It's a TV show based on a Shakespearean Theater festival. If you like Shakespeare, comedy, or theatre, check it out. I really enjoyed it and look forward to renting Seasons 2 and 3. We watched three hours of Season One Friday night and the last 3 hours Saturday morning. Before our Saturday morning viewing, we "had" to make a run to Starbucks for coffee and pastries! My first pumpkin latte of the season! So good!

We chatted about our respective writing projects, Laurie's upcoming concert, family and so much more. When I got home Saturday afternoon, I mentally went over the list of topics we never got too. Even though we talked for hours, there were many! That just means we'll have to do it again sometime.

Sunday found Lucky 13 and I coughing our heads off. I think it was brought on by allergies. Sadly my favorite season, autumn, is also my highest allergy time. Apparently, Lucky 13 is following my lead... His turned into a terrible cold/bronchitis/fever which meant missing 2 days of school, another trip to the doctor, and all that goes with this... cough meds, nasal sprays, decongestants... you know the drill. We had a run to the doctor last week, when he passed out at at school, fell, and ended up with a strained tendon in his wrist. Turns out he is anemic... which means iron, red meat (which we'd been avoiding), and more leafy greens! Thankfully, all is well at my little home this morning!

I have about a million and one things to get done today and tomorrow. I'm scheduled to attend an Encounter weekend beginning Friday and ending Sunday. I was unable to go to the one in June, and I'm looking forward to this! It is a small group of women selected by our Pastor, who meet for an intense time of examining our spiritual selves. No TV, music, cell phones, computers... oh my! That part will be hard, but I know there will be Bible study, prayer, and exercises to strengthen our spiritual walk.

Well, I'd best get back to my list of to-do's! I find it so easy to get lost in my writing and in reading from many of the wonderful blogs I've discovered. If you want to do some reading, check out my list of favorites on my sidebar. It actually needs updating as I have met several more wonderful people in the past few weeks. That will be on my to-do list for next week.

Before I forget, thank you to all who continue to pray for Sally. She actually got to leave the hospital for a few hours with her family. This is part of her therapy, to see how she handles everyday situations. Reports are that she had a very nice time. They were careful not to let her get too tired. Her progress has been amazing, but we appreciate your continued prayers as there is a long way to go.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Incorrigible Bragging... and the Tasmanian Devil...



Good afternoon! Thursday was an amazing day. I had an early lunch with my little sis, and my cousin, Laurie. We had lots to talk about! My nephew recently graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in LA. We're all so proud of him. Here are a couple of recent photos.





Of course, we think he is just wonderful! We look forward to seeing where his career will take him!

My sis, my cousin, and I always have a fun time getting together, reminiscing, and sharing what's new in our lives. My sis spends much of her free time involved with the local film and theatre community. She's done some acting, some behind the scenes work... just whatever they ask of her. She loves it. As you can see from the pictures, it runs in the family.

I've talked about Laurie before. Her new CD is wonderful, as was her first. If you click on the title of her CD, "Perhaps God", over to the right side of my blog, it will take you to CDBaby.com where you can hear samples of her work. You can also read about who she is, and there is a link to her first CD. I will probably bring up her music again, because I think it is so inspiring and I'd like people to get to know this amazing Christian artist. If you want to read my former blog about the cd, it's called Perhaps God and was posted June 12, 2008.

Ok... enough bragging, though it is well deserved...

Our kitty is driving me to distraction. She is unhappy that my oldest son is rarely here. He is the one who rescued her from being sent to the local animal shelter. Her owner abandoned her at the veterinarian office where MJ used to work. He fell for her sweet, quiet ways. Now, she "meows" with sad abandon at the door to his empty room. It's alternately sweet and annoying.

Poor Mooska. MJ now works longer hours doing graphics for a local news station. She tries to get some attention from my younger son, EJ, but he keeps himself very busy too. Mooska is letting me know by her pitiful crys. When she's not doing that, she is wrapped around my ankles. I've nearly fallen on my face while trying to avoid stepping on her. She whips around my ankles like a whirling dervish... think Tasmanian Devil.

I warned her last night that if I do fall, she will be certainly crushed to death under the weight of a 50 something, XL, somewhat irritated, mom of two. She threw me a rather nasty look. Really. I know you all think I'm the nutty one of the two (after all, I'm conversing with my cat), but I'm sure she was giving me "the look". The one we gave our kids when we were trying to keep them quiet in church, or from misbehaving in a crowded restaurant.


Well, on that thought I bid you a happy, blessed day!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Perhaps God...

I just spent the most wonderful evening at my aunt and uncle's home. It was a small gathering of family to preview my cousin's new CD. Her name is Laurie Roberts, and her CD is "Perhaps God" and it is amazing! I had to fight back tears the whole time we were listening to it. If you know me at all, then you know that holding back tears is not something I do well. I am a crier!

Some may think my opinion of Laurie's CD is probably tainted by my love for her. All I can say is, cousin or not, this is a great collection of songs. Almost all are written by her. One not written by Laurie, but a favorite of mine is her rendition of Amazing Grace. This song holds a special place in my heart and brings back so many family memories. The lead in from her "Every Day" right to "Amazing Grace" is magic!

"Sing Hallelujah" is so beautiful. It draws you right into worship. There is a special family surprise that touched my heart. No spoilers here though... you'll have to hear the CD for yourself.

I love just sitting in a family gathering listening to the stories go back and forth. You learn a lot about your own family history that way. What a unique thing a family is. There are riches in the shared stories, songs, tears, and laughter. I am richer for owning a piece of Laurie's heart and soul in the form of her music. Richer and blessed.