I was just out of the service thumbing through the classifieds
When an ad that said:"Old Chevy" somehow caught my eye
The lady didn't know the year,or even if it ran
But I had that thousand dollars in my hand
It was way back in the corner of this old ramshackle barn
Thirty years of dust and dirt on that green army tarp
When I pulled the cover off,it took away my breath
What she called a Chevy was a sixty six Corvette
I felt a little guilty as I counted out the bills
But what a thrill I got when I sat behind the wheel
I opened up the glove box and that's when I found the note
The date was nineteen-sixty six and this is what it wrote:
He said,"My name is Private Andrew Malone"
"If you're reading this,then I didn't make it home"
"But for every dream that shattered,another one comes true"
"This car was once a dream of mine,now it belongs to you"
"And though you may take her and make her your own"
"You'll always be riding with Private Malone"
Well it didn't take me long at all,I had her running good
I love to hear those horses thunder underneath her hood
I had her shining like a diamond and I'd put the rag top down
All the pretty girls would stop and stare as I drove her through town
The buttons on the radio didn't seem to work quite right
But it picked up that oldie show,especially late at night
I'd get the feeling sometimes,if I turned real quick I'd see
A soldier riding shotgun in the seat right next to me
It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
He told me to take her and make her my own
And I was proud to be riding with Private Malone
One night it was raining hard,I took the curve too fast
I still dont remember much about that fiery crash
Someone said they thought they saw a soldier pull me out
They didn't get his name, but I know without a doubt
It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
I know I wouldn't be here if he hadn't tagged along
That night I was riding with Private Malone
Oh,thank God,I was riding with Private Malone
6.27.2011
Riding with Private Malone
A few years ago, Kevin introduced me to the song "Riding with Private Malone" by David Ball. Of course, I immediately fell in love with it considering it was about a 66 Corvette! But after doing research and finding out that lyrics of the song describe a true story, I am not only in love with the song, I am obsessed with it! The thought that the story is real gives me chills! Read the lyrics and check out the song!
6.22.2011
You Are Never Too Old to Be Silly
Last Friday night Kevin and I got home pretty late because of his softball game (which he won by the way!). Because his game was at 9 that evening, we ended up going to eat at 7 with his brother, his girlfriend, and Kevin's cousins (Emily, Daniel, and Baby Sam) at Fursty's. So when we arrived home after the game, we found ourselves in the kitchen trying to find a midnight snack. After roaming our pantry looking for "something good", we finally settled on a healthy choice of chocolate cupcakes with that thick white icing from Walmart (my favorite!). I told Kev to get some napkins while I poured us some drink. But when I poured us a glass of tea and turned around, Kevin had devoured half of his cupcake in one bite and his mouth and fingers were covered in a glob of white icing! It was a sight! I couldn't say a word I just immediately started laughing while Kevin just stood there with his big grin and his "what did I do?" expression. But after a moment, he ended up bursting out laughing too. In our fit of laughter, he grabbed me and tried to rub all of that glob of icing on me. And what do you know? He succeeded! My face and arms were covered in icing! Then I looked at him laughing and said, "It's on!" The next thing I know, he takes off running and I start chasing him. For at least five minutes (no lie!), he and I chased each other around the first floor of our house. Lord knows what that scene looked like to the people who road down the road since our blinds were all open and the lights were on. I know they could see me in a maxi dress and Kevin in his softball uniform chasing each other round and round the house like a bunch of little kids. But you know what, no matter how much we looked like idiots, that was the most fun I have had in years! When I finally got a hold of him, we stood in the middle of the room laughing our heads off. We were so out of breath and were laughing so hard neither of us could speak. I felt just like a kid again.
Then last night as we laid in bed watching some tv before we fell asleep, Kevin rolled over and just randomly started tickling me. He knows I can't stand to be tickled; It's pure torture! But all I could do was laugh and squirm to try to get away from him. He just laughed and laughed. Of course he wasn't laughing quite so much when Rimshot jumped in the middle and started growling at him since he thought that Kevin was hurting me (he's my little protector :P). When Kevin finally stopped I told him I'd get him back and sure enough, I did! When he started to cuddle with me I slipped my hands right up on his rib cage and went to town; then it was his turn to laugh and squirm! When we got done with our little tickle fight we both had tears in our eyes from laughing so much!
As I relive those moments, I get that feeling I had when those events occured. The feeling you get when you really laugh is unbelievable. I can feel my heart swell with love and happiness and I truly feel the joy that I did when I was a kid playing on the playground. I'm reminded of when Oliver Wendell Holmes said "We do not quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing". The truth behind that quote is unreal. So next time you feel like you're getting old and you don't have alot of fun anymore, try acting silly. I promise it will give you a whole new feeling and outlook on life!
Then last night as we laid in bed watching some tv before we fell asleep, Kevin rolled over and just randomly started tickling me. He knows I can't stand to be tickled; It's pure torture! But all I could do was laugh and squirm to try to get away from him. He just laughed and laughed. Of course he wasn't laughing quite so much when Rimshot jumped in the middle and started growling at him since he thought that Kevin was hurting me (he's my little protector :P). When Kevin finally stopped I told him I'd get him back and sure enough, I did! When he started to cuddle with me I slipped my hands right up on his rib cage and went to town; then it was his turn to laugh and squirm! When we got done with our little tickle fight we both had tears in our eyes from laughing so much!
As I relive those moments, I get that feeling I had when those events occured. The feeling you get when you really laugh is unbelievable. I can feel my heart swell with love and happiness and I truly feel the joy that I did when I was a kid playing on the playground. I'm reminded of when Oliver Wendell Holmes said "We do not quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing". The truth behind that quote is unreal. So next time you feel like you're getting old and you don't have alot of fun anymore, try acting silly. I promise it will give you a whole new feeling and outlook on life!
6.21.2011
{Recipes}: Best Spaghetti Casserole Ever!
It seems with our crazy busy life, Kevin and I eat the same stuff every week for dinner. Our weekly menu includes shrimp, chicken tenders, hot dogs, spaghetti, pizza, shishkabobs, or some sort of chicken or beef with vegetables. Since I'm getting kind of tired of the usuals, I wanted to spice things up a bit and fix something different for dinner. But wouldn't you know, I have been craving spaghetti and a salad all day. And seriously, how many ways can you fix spaghetti? So I found myself online this afternoon looking for a recipe similar to spaghetti when I stumbled upon the Deen Brother's blog. As I flipped through the recipes on their blog, I came upon this mouthwatering picture of a spaghetti casserole. My mind was immediately made up. Thats what we're having for dinner! So I ran to the grocery store, grabbed all of the ingredients I needed, and rushed back home to try the recipe out. Boy did I score! It came out of the oven looking scrumptuous and smelt even better! After one bite I knew I had to have more. And even better, my hubby loved it too! He had three helpings of it! Its definitely a recipe I intend to make again. I figured I'd include it for you guys to try. It's really simple and inexpensive to make! But just as a suggestion, it makes a huge casserole dish so I'd either invite some friends over or make two smaller containers full so you can eat one then and freeze one later! Hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
CASSEROLE:
Salt
1 pound uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 26-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
3 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 3/4 cup)
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
GARLIC HERB BREAD:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch salt
1 16-inch loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions; drain.
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef; cook about 5 minutes or until brown, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks. Add the salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Parmesan, and the cooked spaghetti. Transfer to baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For the garlic bread, while the casserole bakes, whisk together the butter, parsley, garlic, and salt. Brush the butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves. Wrap each half in aluminum foil; bake, alongside the casserole, for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
For crispier bread, unwrap for the last 5 minutes of baking. Serve bread with the casserole.
Ingredients:
CASSEROLE:
Salt
1 pound uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 26-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
3 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 3/4 cup)
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
GARLIC HERB BREAD:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch salt
1 16-inch loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions; drain.
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef; cook about 5 minutes or until brown, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks. Add the salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Parmesan, and the cooked spaghetti. Transfer to baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For the garlic bread, while the casserole bakes, whisk together the butter, parsley, garlic, and salt. Brush the butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves. Wrap each half in aluminum foil; bake, alongside the casserole, for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
For crispier bread, unwrap for the last 5 minutes of baking. Serve bread with the casserole.
6.14.2011
I Finally Gave Into the Trend
Its funny that when new styles hit the runway or are seen to be worn by every celebrity, I usually despise them! But then it's funny after seeing that trend for a year, I end up thinking it is cute. I'm not sure if it is because that is all I have seen for a year or if that is just all I have to choose from when I go shopping but in the end I usually give in to the trend. However, there are two trends I have REFUSED to give into; one being shoe boots and the second being maxi dresses. But after last week, I finally gave into the maxi dress.
Last week I went shopping with Aly and of course I have learned if you want someone to talk you out of a purchase, she is not the one to do it. She always ends up talking me into one and last week was no different. On a whim we decided to stop in at a local clothing store. While there Alyson pointed out a maxi dress she had bought the day before. I thought it was cute and told her I was sure it would look great on her but I knew I couldn't wear it. I told her I was sure I would look like a buffoon; especially since I'm so tall. Well that is the wrong thing to say to Aly because then she has to be proven wrong. So next thing I know I'm walking into the dressing room with three different maxi dresses. All the while I was putting the first one on, I complained about how ridiculous I was going to look. But once I had the dress on and I turned around and faced the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked pretty dern good if I say so myself!
When I came out of the dressing room, Aly assured me I had to get it. I told her I would try on the other ones and see which one I liked best because I was trying to save money so I could not get all three. And wouldn't you know it, I liked all three (story of my life!). I stood in the middle of the dressing rooms pondering which one I should purchase. And then Aly stepped in and gave her arguments on why I should purchase all of them! And her reasons were as follows:
1. I had pointed out that I needed more dress clothes to wear when teaching next year and that would qualify as dress clothes. Plus I'd be cute in it!
2. I had pointed out that I wanted more dresses but I was having a hard time finding ones that I liked and that were long enough. She pointed out that it was definitely long enough and when I got on the floor with my kids I didn't have to worry about flashing my kiddos. haha.
3. Each of the dresses I picked out would be appropriate for any season due to their colors so I could get lots of use out of them.
4. They would look super cute with cardigans (which everyone knows I loooove!)
5. And it was something that would be cute to wear out on a date.
And of course she was right about each argument! (Go figure! I really cant take her with me when I go shopping) So in the end, I paid for all three. But I do have to admit I got a great bargain because the dresses were marked down half price then I got an extra 30% off.
And I have to admit, I'm glad I ended up with all three because when I've worn them out I have received lots of compliments and my hubby loves them (which blew my mind away because I just knew he would hate them!). So now, I'm pretty much obsessed with maxi dresses and every time I go to a store I have to look at their selection! But thankfully I have refrained and only purchased one more & I did find it at Walmart so it was really cheap!
See how cute they are!
Last week I went shopping with Aly and of course I have learned if you want someone to talk you out of a purchase, she is not the one to do it. She always ends up talking me into one and last week was no different. On a whim we decided to stop in at a local clothing store. While there Alyson pointed out a maxi dress she had bought the day before. I thought it was cute and told her I was sure it would look great on her but I knew I couldn't wear it. I told her I was sure I would look like a buffoon; especially since I'm so tall. Well that is the wrong thing to say to Aly because then she has to be proven wrong. So next thing I know I'm walking into the dressing room with three different maxi dresses. All the while I was putting the first one on, I complained about how ridiculous I was going to look. But once I had the dress on and I turned around and faced the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked pretty dern good if I say so myself!
When I came out of the dressing room, Aly assured me I had to get it. I told her I would try on the other ones and see which one I liked best because I was trying to save money so I could not get all three. And wouldn't you know it, I liked all three (story of my life!). I stood in the middle of the dressing rooms pondering which one I should purchase. And then Aly stepped in and gave her arguments on why I should purchase all of them! And her reasons were as follows:
1. I had pointed out that I needed more dress clothes to wear when teaching next year and that would qualify as dress clothes. Plus I'd be cute in it!
2. I had pointed out that I wanted more dresses but I was having a hard time finding ones that I liked and that were long enough. She pointed out that it was definitely long enough and when I got on the floor with my kids I didn't have to worry about flashing my kiddos. haha.
3. Each of the dresses I picked out would be appropriate for any season due to their colors so I could get lots of use out of them.
4. They would look super cute with cardigans (which everyone knows I loooove!)
5. And it was something that would be cute to wear out on a date.
And of course she was right about each argument! (Go figure! I really cant take her with me when I go shopping) So in the end, I paid for all three. But I do have to admit I got a great bargain because the dresses were marked down half price then I got an extra 30% off.
And I have to admit, I'm glad I ended up with all three because when I've worn them out I have received lots of compliments and my hubby loves them (which blew my mind away because I just knew he would hate them!). So now, I'm pretty much obsessed with maxi dresses and every time I go to a store I have to look at their selection! But thankfully I have refrained and only purchased one more & I did find it at Walmart so it was really cheap!
See how cute they are!
6.13.2011
Wonderful, Merciful Saviour
In yesterday's Morning Worship Service, the Praise Team lead the church in worship with the song "Wonderful, Merciful Saviour" by Selah. I began singing the song but after singing the first verse, the words would no longer come out of my mouth. I stood there on that front row of my little church and listened as all of the members of our congregation sang to our Heavenly Father. As I heard the words they uttered, the truth and reality of those few simple words washed over me. The gratitude I felt at that moment was none that I have ever experienced. Tears came to my eyes as I realized the amount of compassion and love my Heavenly Father has shown me over the years.
I am so thankful for all that He is to me. He is not just my Heavenly Father. He is my wonderful, merciful Saviour; my precious Redeemer and friend; my counselor, comforter, and keeper. He is the one individual in this entire being that knows me inside and out. He is the one person above all else who has every reason to turn His back on me; but He is the one individual who is always there offering grace and mercy for the wrongs I have done. He is the one who gives me hope, strength, and guidance when I fall on my knees and say "God, I can't do this" or "I don't know where to begin". I am so thankful that He is who He is. He is forever and always the one I will praise and adore and I am so thankful to be able to say, I will forever and always be His.
I am so thankful for all that He is to me. He is not just my Heavenly Father. He is my wonderful, merciful Saviour; my precious Redeemer and friend; my counselor, comforter, and keeper. He is the one individual in this entire being that knows me inside and out. He is the one person above all else who has every reason to turn His back on me; but He is the one individual who is always there offering grace and mercy for the wrongs I have done. He is the one who gives me hope, strength, and guidance when I fall on my knees and say "God, I can't do this" or "I don't know where to begin". I am so thankful that He is who He is. He is forever and always the one I will praise and adore and I am so thankful to be able to say, I will forever and always be His.
