Nothing But The Blood.

This is one of the songs we have been singing at church. It has been in my heart and mind all week. Especially, when I think that my worth hinges on me and what I do or don't do. God keeps whispering to my heart that it is not who I am, but Whose I am. And not what I do, but what has been done on the cross on my behalf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvURm3k36IA

Reflections.

Today we have been in Augusta 3 months. Sometimes it feels like home and I can't believe it has been only 3 months. Sometimes it doesn't feel like home and I want to move back home to Alpharetta. We have accomplished a lot on the house. The kitchen, Drew's bedroom, the second bathroom, the third bedroom, and the entry way all have been completed and painted. New tile has been laid. We have joined a church. We have made some new friends. We have become regulars at some of the local restaurants. We however, have not found a good Mexican restaurant. We have visited old friends and had some come to visit us. We have laughed and cried. We have continued to try to hang in there and believe that we are here for a reason.

Anyway, Robert took this great picture of the light reflecting through the window of one of the doors on the porch. It made me think of reflecting and reflections.....

Saturday mornings

On Saturdays I get to sleep in. Robert gets up to feed and walks the dogs. Then we drink some coffee and read the paper on the porch. Then we walk to breakfast at the Whistle Stop. Today was a lovely day the weather was cool. It felt like Autumn. The porch is still one of my favorite things about the house.

Anger Management.

Sometimes when you are angry with someone,
it helps to sit down and think about the problem.













I was sent this photo and caption from my brother, it makes me chuckle.

Quilt donation.

The word is out at work about quilting and the shop. I have had offers of help from the peds charge nurse's Mom. (I think she is 80 ;-)) I have found out about a quilt show in a couple of weeks and got the names of a couple of quilt guilds. Woo Hoo! Quilters love to network and share. I got a call today asking if I would donate a quilt for a silent auction for Ambulatory Care to raise money for American Heart. I said I would love to. I am going to donate a T-shirt quilt that Debbie and I made as a sample when we had a booth at Taste of Alpharetta. It's kinda of cool that word is getting out and kinda scary, as we haven't even started on the shop area yet. The quilt is a fun snuggle size made up of Georgia teams. It makes me think about hitting the Goodwill shops for some Augusta t-shirts, to see what I can come up with.

Quiet time thoughts.

My friend Margaret gave me a book of daily devotions when I left the surgery center. The title of the book is, Thoughts From The Diary Of A Desperate Man. I was reading one on faith and knowing. He states that "faith is commitment before knowing". "Thus the two words 'faith' and 'know' stand opposite one another. When you know (scientifically) you need not have faith, and 'without faith you cannot please God.' God does not want you to know. He wants you to walk by faith" Anyway this has given me something to meditate on the last couple of days. I want to know. I want to know that Robert will find a job, and that I will have a job before my contract ends. I want to know that we can finish everything we have started and actually open a quilt store and make a living. But, I feel like God is asking me to commit before knowing. Commit before knowing. Commit before knowing! He is asking me to walk by faith.

Curtains.

Our electric bill has been outrageous. We have had a lot of really hot days and our windows are not the most energy efficient and the AC is not the newest most efficient system. So, all that together adds up to high electric bill. It's a good thing that our gasoline use has gone down, it helps to balance out the the electric bill. Anyway, we got some curtains this weekend for the living room. I really like them I think they give the room a more finished feeling.

Pat and Tucker come for a visit.

My friend Pat and her dog Tucker (Tallulah's half brother) came for a visit this weekend.
We enjoyed having them visit. The dogs all played together and the people played cards and watched football games and a movie. It was a nice relaxing weekend.

The corgis gang up on the beagle.

Chatting with Pat, and of course the two corgis thought they had to be involved.

Things always get messier...............

The spilling over of the work in the master bathroom/closet, into the master bedroom. Like I said never a dull moment at the Mullis house.

Drew is getting to do one of the things he dislikes the most, mudding drywall.

You might be a redneck if your tub is in your bedroom. I can't wait to actually get it in the bathroom and get to use it!!!

Found Peace.

Today I drove the car to work because it looked like rain and I have really been struggling this week with the bike riding. Anyway, there was something right where I rest my left foot, (under the mat) I looked under it and found Drew's lost keys! WOO HOO!!!
I also, feel a little better about the job situation. I'm not sure why, except I have let it go. I can only do what I can do and I have to leave the rest alone. So, as of right now I'm not wrestling with God over it, I am choosing to nestle close to Him.

Some bathroom history.

Here is the first look at the master closet and bathroom combo. You walked through the closet to get to the little bathroom. The good news is that we always had a working toilet. We used the shower once Robert got the hot water heater hooked up.

After some demo, by yours truly.

I even got to cut the hole in the wall for the electricians to be able to wire the lights.

One freezing cold weekend in March, Robert and I moved the futon imattress to the closet so we could use a space heater and stay warm. As it was very cold the night before. This is one of the times that I wished we had done this ten years ago when we were younger and sleeping on the floor wasn't such a big deal.

After we moved in and Robert got the vanity hooked up.
And before the kitchen sink was hooked up.

Robert got the closet shelf/hanger thing up and we actually have a place to hang our clothes.

Woo Hoo!

Decisions.

Today I interviewed for a job on the Oncology floor, a full time evening position is available. I have such mixed feelings about it. I haven't been in the hospital for 7 years. Things have changed. Kim the nurse manager, didn't seen to be phased by that, she said I had continuous nursing experience and that the other stuff they would teach me.


There is rumors of a job opening up in the outpatient oncology department as well. It would be the same shift that I am working now, which I like because I get to ride to work with Megan.
I wouldn't be able to do that with the other job. However, there is a lot to be said about working evenings and getting things done during the day. I don't feel I have the luxury to wait very long. Just the fact that I would have a full time job is a good thing. But, I don't want to rush into a job and hate it. One step at a time......take the next step............

We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are.

Title: Rich Mullins - We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are lyrics


Well, it took the hand of God Almighty
To part the waters of the sea
But it only took one little lie
To separate you and me
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are

And they say that one day Joshua Made the sun stand still in the sky
But I can't even keep these thoughts of you from passing by
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are

We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made
Forged in the fires of human passion
Choking on the fumes of selfish rage
And with these our hells and our heavens
So few inches apart
We must be awfully small
And not as strong as we think we are

And the Master said their faith was
Gonna make them mountains move
But me, I tremble like a hill on a fault line
Just at the thought of how I lost you
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are

We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made
Forged in the fires of human passion
Choking on the fumes of selfish rage
And with these our hells and our heavens
So few inches apart
We must be awfully small
And not as strong as we think we are

And if you make me laugh
I know I could make you like me
'Cause when I laugh I can be a lot of fun
But we can't do that I know that it is frightening
What I don't know is why we can't hold on
We can't hold on.

It took the hand of God AlmightyTo part the waters of the sea
But it only took one little lie
To separate you and me
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are
When you love you walk on the waterJ
ust don't stumble on the waves
We all want to go there somethin' awful
But to stand there it takes some grace

We sang this song on Sunday, and it has been in my head all week.

Today I really feel that I am not strong. My job runs out in four weeks and I don't have a permanent job yet. I have and interview tomorrow, but it is in the hospital. I have not been in the hospital in 7 years. I feel intimidated by the thought of being on the floor again. (something I said I would never do, was work on the floor again) Robert doesn't have a job yet, and neither does Drew. And, Drew lost his keys this afternoon. Which makes me nervous, because he was cleaning out our cars on the side of the building, and we cannot find them anywhere. The question is did he lose them or did someone see an opportunity and pick them up? So, we may wake up tomorrow with our cars gone. And there are house keys and shop keys on the key chain as well. (Robert is out buying new locks for the house and shop as I type this.) So, today I am feeling overwhelmed, tearful and weak. Even riding my bike has been a total chore this week. I am not as strong as I think I am.

So, it begins.......

Well, we finally agreed on a plan for the master bathroom. I told Robert I didn't care and he could do whatever he wanted to. I just want it to be quick and as easy as possible. Well, it turns out I do care and I have an opinion. I know that this will not come as a real surprise to anyone. So, here is the plan.



Let me just say that as of right now the bathroom is on the right side of the plans. And we are using the left side as a closet, laundry room, office area. I want the bathroom on the left side where there are windows. So, Robert will have to move the washer and dryer, and all the plumbing for the sink, shower, tub and toilet, as well as the electrical. Poor Robert, so much for quick and easy! But, really doesn't it make more sense to have the bathroom where the windows are. It was really hard trying to plan a usable closet around the windows.

White coat ceremony.

Today was Megan's white coat ceremony for PA school. My Dad, Carol, Jim and Nick came down to celebrate with us. They got in last night. The ceremony was this morning. Then my Dad made his world famous barbecued ribs. Michael and his parents came to the ceremony and then came to our house in the evening for dinner along with Michael's sister Julianna. A good time was had by all. I am very proud of Megan. The PA class did a great job with the ceremony. There were over 300 people there cheering on their PA student. Which is pretty impressive for a class of 41 students.

Megan's slide saying "thank you" for your support.

The crisp white coat and shiny PA school pin.

Woo Hoo! Way to go Megan!

Trying not to get red punch on the new white coat.

Megan and Michael.

Bulldog Fans.

In the pediatrics department, I work with a bunch of Georgia Bulldog fans. So, on Fridays we all wear our Bulldog scrubs. There is a smattering of South Carolina, and Ohio fans, but the Bulldog fans are by far in the majority.

GO DAWGS!!!

Feeling words

Happy
delighted joyful festive contented complacent satisfied serene comfortable peaceful tranquile cstatic rapturous elated transported enthusiastic inspired glad beatific pleased blissful cheerful genial cheery sunny high-spirited exultant
light-hearted buoyant debonair exuberant saucy jaunty lively spirited animated jubilant
vivacious brisk sparkling merry mirthful hilarious exhilarated jovial jolly playful gleeful frisky

Sad
crestfallen despondent disheartened discouraged low low spirited ill at ease sorrowful downcast dejected unhappy
depressed disconsolate melancholy out of sorts heavy-hearted discontented glum moody moping sullen
somber sulky joyless spiritless dismal darkclouded frowning mournful dreadful
oppressed downhearted flat dull gloomy cheerless woeful woebegone dreary in the dumps

Angry
resentful annoyed inflamed provoked incensed infuriated offended
irritated sullen wrought up worked up indignantirate
enraged sulky bitter virulent acrimonious boiling
furious in a stew up in arms in a huff turning wrathful

Hurt
injured offended grieved distressed in pain sad
suffering afflicted worried aching crushed pathetic
victimized heartbroken hapless in despair agonized tragic
tortured piteous woeful rueful mournful

Afraid
fearful frightened in fear timid chicken nervous diffident fainthearted scared trembling
tremulous shaky apprehensive fidgety aghast terrified pannicked quaking cowardly
hysterical yellow alarmed shocked horrified insecure anxious worried threatened menaced
upset misgiving doubtful suspicious hesitant irresolute awed dismayed appalled petrified

Interested
concerned affected fascinated
engrossed intrigued absorbed
excited curious inquisitive
inquiring nosy snoopy

Fearless
encouraged courageous securere assured bold
brave daring gallant self-reliant
spirited resolute stout hearted enterprising hardy
determined audacious dauntless certain

Doubtful
unbelieving skeptical distrustful
suspicious dubious uncertain
questioning wavering hesitant
perplexed indecisive

Eager
keen earnest intent
ardent zealous anxious
enthusiastic avid hot-headed
desirous

Emaline Carr arrives.

Emaline Carr was born at 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday September 11th. She weighs 7 lbs and 9 oz. She is 19.5 inches long. She is the first child for our pastor Jeremy and his wife Melody. We went and visited them tonight. She is adorable, and Jeremy and Melody are on cloud nine.

I made her a quilt. It is my first all Augusta quilt. Guess who is volunteering to help in the nursery. ;-) ME! Woo Hoo I say, and congratulations to the Carrs.

45, forgetful and whining.

So, I'm 45 and if I have any deviation from the routine, I forget something. Time card, phone, water bottle, sunglasses, keys and even my bra. I had to wear my sports bra to work one day, not only was it sweaty from the bike ride, but it gave me that not so flattering uni-boob look all day. So, I guess you gotta laugh at yourself and maybe just maybe I actually need to make a...............list and check it twice.

And yesterday I was talking to Megan as I was going into the mall and I totally could not find my way out. I had to stop and tell the person at the info desk what I remembered about where I came in, (which wasn't much) and get them to point me in the right direction. OY!

And while I'm whining, I have zits on my chin (which I don't think is really fair at 45) and a fire ant bite on my toe that is driving me crazy.

Waaaah, I know if this is all I have to complain about, life is still good.

Amazing Grace.

I was forwarded this video, it is a moving story and a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
I thought I would share it, as today I am once again amazed by God's grace.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0

Mostly finished.

I thought I would show you some more of the progress and the mostly finished rooms.

Here is the living room, with some of my quilts on the old ladder behind the TV.

The painted pantry doors and trim. I really love the doors. The neat nicks in my family think I am crazy because now people can see into my disorganized pantry.

The little hall way area with a couple of book cases. Drew's door is on the right and the second bathroom is to the left of the bookcase.

The entry way with two old theater seats, and a bin to hold dog leashes and my purse.

We are using the old crock to hold umbrellas.

We, ordered one shade to test it out to see if we liked it. I think it is a go, except we want it to block more light. Which can be ordered. But, the cool thing is my sewing studio has been in the basement for several years and now I have natural light to sew by. Boy, my middle-aged eyes love natural light.

The third bedroom with a bookcase and the futon.

You have to love old houses. I wanted you to see how the floor is slanted in the third bedroom, but this picture doesn't really do it justice.

So, there you have the latest on the Mullis house.

Biking week three.

Megan keeps telling me that you see the most improvement in the first three weeks.
Tuesday, Megan wasn't feeling well so I rode to work by myself. I felt like I did pretty well.
Wednesday, Megan left me in the dust. I could not keep up with her on the hill on 12th street. I really felt like a slug.
Thursday and Friday however, I kept up with her better than I ever had. In fact on Friday we got to the lockers a little earlier than we usually do. Woo Hoo!

Third Bedroom Transformation.

First look at the third bedroom. Note the "lovely" carpet". Looking from the door you will see in the next picture.

Looking through at the door that was to the second bathroom. So, there were two doors almost side by side one to the bathroom and one off the living room.

I did the demo on the door and we saved the trim to use around the opening to the kitchen. Then Robert made the new wall.

This is when Robert finally got the hot water heater hooked up, and the third bedroom became known as the tool room.

Drywall, water heater closet and regular closet. The floor is stained the dark mahogany of the living room and Drew's room. The green wall and is in the new little hall that has doors to Drew's room the bathroom and the third bedroom.

The final color. Drew picked it out and did the painting. Now we will add the futon, window treatments, ceiling fan............. and who knows what else.

Emergency Chocolate.

Today was a day for emergency chocolate.

Poem.

The tires on my bike are flat.
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that
Since Kathy moved away.

Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes.
December's come to stay.
They've taken back the Mays and Junes
Since Kathy moved away.

Flowers smell like halibut.
Velvet feels like hay.
Every handsome dog's a mutt
Since Kathy moved away.

Nothing's fun to laugh about.
Nothing's fun to play.
They call me, but I won't come out
Since Kathy moved away.

Borrowed from Judy Voight, and written on my friend Beth's refrigerator.

Robert and Tallulah take a look.

Well, there has been moving of boxes and talk of starting the master bedroom, bathroom, closet renovation. Robert, I think is looking forward to the last major-ish renovation on the upstairs. I am wishing we had a couple of more weeks without total chaos and drywall dust. Though it would be wonderful to have it complete. The good news is the third bedroom is done so we can move into it for a while if we need to.

Here Robert is looking between the floor and the downstairs ceiling to see if there is any treasure.

He has found a few old toys and coins, nothing that will make us rich, but fun anyway.

"Tallulah the adventurous" checking out the hole.

This is the spot where Robert cut out the wood for the repair on the living room floor.

Labor Day.

We didn't really labor on Labor Day. We leisured. Slept late, went to the store, made banana pudding and then hung out at the lake with Megan, Michael and Julianna. (Michael's sister) The Presbyterian church has property by a lake. (Sad, but I don't even know the name of the lake.) We played in the lake, chatted and ate some good BBQ. No one got sunburned and a good time was had by all.

The Weekend.

We had a great weekend, we got to spend it with friends and family. We "trailered" the motorcycles and left Augusta in the rain to arrive in Roswell in even more rain. But, when we got up on Saturday it was beautiful weather for a ride. We rode with Beth and Don, to the Waffle House for breakfast and then off to north Georgia for some curves. We had a great ride. Then that night we had a "gone away" party. We got to hang out with our friends and visit. We laughed and chatted for a few hours. It was really sweet to get to visit with our friends. It reminded me of how many people have been such an important part of our lives. I was glad to see them and will miss them all terribly. Then Sunday we went to church, which felt like more closure for me. After church I went to Debbie's and quilted a baby quilt I had finished. God was so gracious to me letting me visit with friends and get in a motorcycle ride and quilting all in one weekend. LIFE IS GOOD.

Friends.

True friends are never apart, maybe in distance, but not in heart"

"Friendship is like thighs, they are always sticking together."

"A real friend will tell you when you have spinach stuck in your teeth."

"Most people come into our lives and quickly leave. It is the special few that come in and leave a footprint in our hearts. and we are forever changed."

"How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to."

"The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."

"I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine, encourage me to grow." -Cher

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival." - C. S. Lewis

"I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends." - Walt Whitman

"I count myselt in nothing else so happyAs in a soul rememb'ring my good friends." - William Shakespeare

"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with." - Mark Twain

"I get by with a little help from my friends." - John Lennon

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." - Bible: Ecclesiastes

"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubard

"A hug is worth a thousand words. A friend is worth more."

ah, ha moments.

I got in my car on Friday to drive to work, and I realized I had not driven my car for 10 days. "Ah ha", that is incredible. I have ridden my bike to work and we can walk a lot of places. And, Robert has been going to the grocery store so, 10 days without driving my car. I have ridden in the car, but I haven't driven it. It was rare that I would go a day without driving when we were in Alpharetta. Robert filled his truck up with gas and realized it had been a month since he had filled his truck up, another "ah ha". Both of these "ah ha's" help us to realize that we do live life at a slower pace here.