It's My Birthday! :)

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Today is my BIRTHDAY!  We don't make a big deal in my family about birthday as far as crazy expensive gifts and big parties.  But we do celebrate and me - I celebrate all month long! Granted, as I've gotten older I haven't been quite as into my special day as I once was, but I still believe in everything going perfect because - well, because it's my birthday!

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For several years I've tried to encourage people to do something to "pay it forward" somewhat in honor of my bday.  This year, I've asked folks to give to the USO.  Why? Well, for several reasons:

• I have been a supporter of our military forever. These guys & gals are putting it on the line for me and my family - I gotta respect and support them for that. 
• I have seen the USO in action. Been touched by their support of the troops. I know what it means, felt what it means to the troops and their families. 
• It's an organization that supports the troops, cares for their children, helps troops stay in contact with their families, cares for wounded warriors - it's a multi-faceted organization. 

Interested in giving any amount - every dollar makes a difference! http://www.teamuso.org/create/bethcovington

Every penny matters.  And it's tax deductible and puts you in the drawing for one of my scrapbooks. :)  And it makes my birthday THAT much happier!  Just saying...

Now, today is also MONDAY, which is usually Monday Muses.  I laid in bed last night wondering what I should write about today.  Umm.. I came up with nothing.  This weekend was a whirlwind of being on the road and with family.  Visitation for a relative that passed on Friday, Saturday shopping and family get together that evening.  Sunday church and visiting my aunt (my uncle passed two weeks ago).  So it's been a wide-open kinda weekend.  

What about you? What's shaking in your world? Fill me in!

Friday's Letters

Dear Daddy, Happy Birthday!!! 67 years looks good on you.  I know it's been a stressful 66th year, so here's to hoping 67 is much less dramatic. I'm so thankful that YOU are my Dad - a solid, strong, Christian man that is a great example.  One day I'll find someone that measures up, I hope.

Dear contributors to My BIRTHDAY and the USO! Ya'll have made my birthday over the top (and it's not even hear yet!).  Thanks for giving to the USO in honor of my 38th birthday. I seriously though $75 would be impossible to reach, but we are there! It's not too late to see it go over that goal. Why do I like the USO? They boost morale for our troops. They provide phone cards and care packages.  They support our wounded warriors and families here at home.

I have been called by a serviceperson having a USO phone card.  I know what that means to not only the person in the field, but to the gal here at home, praying for her man to get back ASAP. So yeah, the USO is a big deal to me.  Here is the link if you'd like to contribute: www.teamuso.org/create/bethcovington.  I really appreciate it.

Sweet Niece #1,  You are growing up so much and it's sometimes just SAD to see!! Not really, I'm happy for you, for all you are learning, the creativity you have, your bubbly personality and funny comments.  But you'll be a teenager soon... then you will be leaving us to go off to college. *sniff sniff*  ok ok, let's just get you through the 6th grade first, right???









Dear Sweet Niece #2, You are also growing up so quickly and learning something new every single day.  Today, when you hopped down to play with all the toys at the babysitters, it cracked me up when you ran around the house, double-fisting toys, saying, "Oh boy! OH BOY! OH BOOOY!" over and over.  You bring so much joy.

Dear Parents, I often include you in my Thankful Journal, because I know you had a huge hand in shaping all three of your kids into who we are today.  I'm so glad you still love each other, that you are a support to all your family still today, no matter how grown up we become.  You are the biggest blessing given to me - that I would be a daughter of yours. :) I love you both!

Ya'll, have a great weekend.  Enjoy life, the beginnings of Fall, the blessings you have been given, the love you have in life, the beauty that is all around you! :)

Birthday Month Goodness. Share With Me!

September is my birth month.  That's a big deal in my world, because I pretty much celebrate my birthday all month long.

For the past several years (2011 and 2012) I've made a simple birthday wish asking that you send a letter to someone you love, to our troops, or to give to the USO.

This year, I'm stepping it up a notch.  To help celebrate me, please consider a gift to the USO via my USO page at http://www.teamuso.org/create/bethcovington.  Here you'll find an easy way give a donation - any size of donation will mean the world to me and to our troops and their families.

To say thank you for giving, I'm giving away this "Inspire" paper bag scrapbook to one lucky contributor!  For every $5 you give through my page, I'll enter your name in the drawing.  For those who give $25, you'll get 10 entries!

 

It's truly just a "Thank You" because the real gift is knowing a military family is staying in touch while mom or dad is deployed, tired troops are getting a morale boost from Robin Williams, Toby Keith, tor the Dallas Cowgirls, a wounded warrier is being visited by Jessica Simpson - it's just amazing what all the USO provides for our troops. So much more than this.

So I hope you'll consider joining me in helping our troops.  And Celebrate my birthday with me! :)
http://www.teamuso.org/create/bethcovington

Friday's Letters

Dear Veterans, Thank you so much for your service to our country.  It's thanks to YOU that we have the freedoms and the way of life that we do in the US and I am so thankful to you and your families - past, present and future.

I'm not sure why she turned into a werewolf when the
camera flash flickered - but here you go. 

Dear Macy, you have been so entertaining this week! And you are so smart - learning something new every single day.  Today, it was Phew! And you are saying flower, bunny, mama, daddy, pawpaw, ball, and so much more.  We are getting ready for your birthday!!! :) :)

Beautiful Weather - I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU!  I'm ready for some cool, dry weather with big puffy clouds and blue skies. YAYAYAY! Not that I'll go outside in it, nay nay. But it makes me happier knowing it outside my window.

Paulene, I'm so excited to see you this weekend!! :)  {check out her blog here - she rocks with her bad self. And her super cool stationary and invivitations}.  I am on a mission to totally clean my house before you get here. ACK!

Dear Bloglovin', I resisted you.  I didn't want to learn anything new about blogging. I wanted to rock along and sing my sing (with Pete the cat) and didn't want to learn your ways.  But I'm slowly getting there and appreciating bits and pieces of you. *sigh*

Ok peeps, have a safe long weekend, hug a veteran or current troop, and have fun!! :) :)  Link up with the rest of the cool kids over a Ashley's place!

Thirty Things on Thursday - 8

8 - What are five passions you have?

1. Our military.  As you probably read in my last Thirty on Thursday! :)  GO USA!
2. PEOPLE! I love people. I'd love to write a book about people and take their pictures and just say LOOK - here is a book of people and how every single one of them are unique and special. :)  Maybe I should have included that in my dream job. 
3. Family. I'm so thankful for my family, I count them as my greatest blessing and I think I'm passionate about them. Spending time with them and such. 
4. Ok, this is harder than I thought. I'm passionate about *sigh*  hm... Helping others.  I think it's important to reach out to others in some way, shape, or fashion. 
5. God. Not that He is last on my list... but He is so important and I'm trying to learn more about how to be the person He wants me to be.  :) 

There you go, friends. Five insights into the author of this blog. :) 

Thirty Things on Thursday - 7

7.  What is your dream job and why? 

Well... I have all kinds of dream jobs.  I actually have loved every job I've had but one and that was working in the library where I was expected to be quiet.  I've loved waiting tables, being a travel agent, working for a nonprofit, ... all kinds of great memories.

But if I had to pick a dream job:  I think it would be working for the USO or another organization that directly impacts the troops. I really love our military and cheer for them in my heart like none other. If I could do something that makes their life better while deployed, I'd be in hog heaven.

There you go. Want to share your dream job?

Land of the Free.

What a blessing to live in the United States of America. What an honor to tell those who fought for our freedom, those who continue to do so today, thank you.

"This country will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

God bless you and your families, may He give you strength and safety.

And Happy Birthday, America!

posted from Bloggeroid

Muffin Monday, featuring a DOG?!?

I can't help it.  Gracie came to visit our office and she was so darn cute, I had to share her with the world.  She's a Patriotic Pup! Just look at her! Love the vintage look of this picture, thanks to Instagram. I mean, yes, I know it's screwing with the pictures, but it looks like something you'd see screen printed on the back of a t-shirt. You know!?

Here she is with no visual enhancements. Still adorable, don't you think?

Ya'll have a great Monday and a great week! PS - thanks to all our military for everything you do to keep us safe! :)

Salute!

Today one of my coworkers and I attended a Family Readiness Event for a Army National Guard unit deploying from our hometown.  Working in the elections business, I feel so strongly about these folks having the opportunity to vote, should they want to, no matter where they may be station in this world.  After all, they are the ones putting their lives on the line to protect this freedom.

We didn't know what to expect, really, but let me just say, OUR MILITARY PEEPS ARE AWESOME. You couldn't ask for nicer guys and gals, all thanking us for taking our time to be there for them.  Here we are saying - No THANK YOU!  It was so humbling and made is so thankful we were able to attend.

It's so sad how many military personnel and their dependents didn't realize they could vote by email.  We were really encouraging people to sign up while we were there, however, if you know someone they can also sign up for absentee ballots at www.fvap.gov.  Really good website.

The Command Sergeant Major gave both of us one of his coins for attending. I am so excited!! I've never received a coin before so I'm tickled red, white and blue! :)  I'm not sure what all it means - I just take it as a sign of respect and honor, which blows me away. I know it's a big deal, let's put it that way.

It does make me sad that I'm not sharing this with my Air Force friend... tough decisions were made on my part... I feel they were the right decisions but so difficult, too.

Anyway, I'm exhausted and heading home to get some dindin. Hope you are having a great weekend!

Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday!

Love

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! I hope you are filled with appreciation for the wonderful blessings in your life. I pray that your eyes are opened to the beautifulness that surrounds us all - in nature, in other's hearts and actions and in love (for family, friends and beyond).

Today, I also say a prayer of thanksgiving for our troops, especially those away from their loved ones during the holidays or injured in action. I hope God blesses them, lets them feel the peace of Him surround them and their families during this time apart.

Today is beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Gobbles from the Heart

An Etsy item found here...

As we continue to march right into November, that special day of thanksgiving approaches closer and closer.  The blessings we each have are numerous - way too many to count.  For me, my faith, family and friends rank at the top of my list, with many material blessings (my house, that I love), my job & co-workers, the skills and talents that have been given to me ... the list goes on beyond forever.

Another wonderful blessing is also being celebrated this weekend:  our veterans and their families. Our freedom, this great nation and those who have fought for these freedoms. 

I'm asking you to revisit my birthday wish, because this wish hasn't changed:
It can be found here. 

Please take a moment to drop a line of Thanksgiving to my guys.  Or adopt your own at www.anysoldier.com.  They appreciate it. I appreciate it. And you will be blessed by reaching out to these heroes in harms way. 

My Birthday Wish



Click here for a cupcake blog!!

 TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! And I adore my birthday! For the past two years, I've used my excitement and aging to promote a very worthy organization to raise funds for - The USO.  Follow the link if you'd like to learn more about this awesome group.

This year, however, I know we are all broke. So I'm asking for another Birthday Wish, please.

*Beth's Birthday Wish* 

Please take a moment and send a card to my two guys I've adopted overseas.  The thoughts of our troops in harms way with no letters from home to keep their spirits high just rips my heart in two.  PLEASE, just jot a note down that says - "HEY, you are thought of, prayed for, cheered for - we appreciate you, you are a hero and we hope you come home soon". Or "HEY, Clover beat York last night - love that high school rivalry, my cat is awesome and supports our troops, too and the movie Thor was pretty awesome."

Seriously, it isn't rocket science to send a letter. And it take regular stamps, nothing expensive or fancy.

(For whatever reason, people are googling one of these addresses a little too much, so I'm removing the addresses from the web.  Also, these troops' addresses change frequently, therefore they may no longer be up to date. If you would like to send letters, cards, etc, please visit www.anysoldier.com and adopt your very own troop!)

Thank you for participating in my wish.  It will make me HAPPY, will mean the WORLD to a serviceperson overseas, and will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Promise. :)  Now, I'm blowing out my candle so the wish will come true!

Creativity.

I love creating! Not that I'm especially talented at it, but it is so relaxing to come home, eat a little bite of food and set in creating something for someone else. After tonight, the creativity will have to be packed up until after my housewarming on Saturday. I'm a messy creative person! So what am I working on?

I have stacks of cards for veterans and currently deployed troops. While I wait for the dial-up internet connection, I'll cut out stars, hearts, waves and such. A glue stick, some blue and red dots and WHALA! You have a card. :)  Now, I need to write in these bad boys and ship them out so someone else can enjoy them.

I'm taking a break from military cards and trying something a little different for a change. You'll see that project later, after I've already shared it with the appropriate people. Can't ruin the surprise! (VERY LITTLE SURPRISE, so don't anyone get excited...)

Tonight, I found these cute scrapbooking stickers and made AH a card to go with her artwork (which you've already seen) for her birthday.  I think she's going to like both.  She likes things with her name on it, so I think we'll be good. I only have to wait another month to give it to her!

I have some great news that I'm SO excited about! My brother received a job offer today! This is one of those things that has been in my Thankful Journal for a while now (at the bottom of each entry, I list the things I'm thankful for on one side, and the things I'm praying for on the other side.)  Tonight, I get to move him from the "Praying for" side to the "THANKFUL" side! I love to see prayers answered like this. Thank you, Lord, for giving him this opportunity! We are all so excited for him. :)

All in all, Tuesday has been good, despite waking up with one heck of an evil cold. I'm about to call it all quits tonight, enjoy a hot bubble bath, cold medicine and bed. :)  Thanks for joining me on the journey - and share any suggestions for killing this cold, please!

Dodging the Bullet.

I brought in the new year with a horrible cold that isn't making my life wonderful. So I am overly proud that I accomplished all kinds of housework over the past few days, despite the evil cold. Including not sluffing off church this morning, even though I had a sinus headache and sore throat. I'm glad I didn't. I always enjoy church and today was no exception. 

On the way home, this is what we were driving towards, which definitely had us (my sister and I) a bit concerned. We figured it was the storm that had just ripped up the Midwest and we wanted no part of it.  So what does the driver do? Pick up the phone and start snapping pictures, of course! I can't help it, I'm totally addicted to nature shots - sunrises, sunsets, changing leaves, sun streaming through the clouds... I just have to document it.  This one had us worried, however, I don't think we saw even a drop of rain from this vicious looking cloud.

After lunch with the family and a few more chores in the house, I settled in to some surfing on my snazzy cool dial-up internet connection. I bet there are some of you who have no idea what dial-up is, and I hate you. But anyway, to make the lag time a bit easier, I made cards for our troops overseas and veterans of former wars/conflicts.  To think of how our vets were treated in the 60's makes me sick, so hopefully a handmade card with love from a stranger will help heal the wounds.

Thanks to Operation Gratitude, I just bundle them up and mail them to one of the addresses and they do the rest.  The link will take you to both addresses, but surf their site and you'll see other ways to give back to our troops.

I will find a better way to improve the quality of these pics because they honestly don't look that bad on the phone. Bear with me or find someone to run me some cable lines out here. Either way, I'm happy.