The Season of Lent
Lent is a forty-day season of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. The season begins with Ash Wednesday, when pastors mark the foreheads of Christians with ashes as a reminder that we are created from dust and to dust we shall return.
During Lent we follow Jesus from his adult ministry through his suffering during Holy Week and his crucifixion and death on Good Friday. And we read the Psalms that foretell what would happen during that week.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, also called Sunday of the Passion, and continues through Holy Thursday (when Holy Communion was instituted at the Last Supper) and Good Friday, when Jesus was tried, crucified, and buried.
Because the Last Supper was celebrated during the Feast of the Passover, which is calculated on the phases of the moon, Easter is called a movable feast. Lent is scheduled backwards from Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon after the spring equinox. The forty days of fasting and penitence during Lent do not include Sundays. Christians always celebrate Sunday as the day Jesus rose from the dead, so it is never a day of fasting.
Many Northern Europeans celebrate the day before Ash Wednesday, mardi gras (French for Fat Tuesday, also called Shrove Tuesday), by eating up everything good in the house that medieval Christians believed was inappropriate to eat during Lent (eggs, butter, cream, meat). This celebration has expanded into all sorts of festivals all over the world, although most modern Christians do eat some - or all - of those foods during Lent.
Lent is a time of stripping down to essentials, as each Christian focuses on his or her individual relationship with God. It is a time when Christians remember our baptisms, when Jesus washed away our sins, giving us newness of life to celebrate in the triumph of Palm Sunday and the glory of Easter.
Because Lent is a time of letting go of the bondage of sin, it is also a time of celebrating the freedom from the bondage of slavery. At the Feast of the Passover, all Jews give thanks for their freedom from the captivity of the Egyptians.
We remember Moses, their leader, as we perform Out of Egypt.
And Christians give thanks for the freedom of all slaves in every culture everywhere when we sing Go Down, Moses (With One Voice 670).
The color of Lent is purple.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Shopping....
So this weekend we went shopping. And BOY did we shop!!! I am in total mood to "stage" our home that is for sale. Click here to view the listing
The home is a 1908 Colonial. It was hand built by the town blacksmith in Wellford. Joe bought this home in late December 2004 and began remodeling it. It started with the dining room and progressed from there.
Since we now live in Charleston there are only bare necessities at the house. We are going to change that. There is some furniture in my house in Greer and we are bringing up some of the furniture we have here. I found loads of picture frames and am putting in my "stock" photos. Pictures that I took like waterfalls, fall color, etc to hang up. I also found some great photos and put in some of our black and white wedding photos. Just enough to where people will get an idea but it won't be overpowering (like our stairwell here - it's a WHOLE Davis reunion there!!)
I found some grat throw pillows to jazz up the couch, bedding, accessories, etc. I can't wait to get up there and work on the house. We can't wait to sell this house.
We started looking at new subdivisions this weekend and were VERY disapointed in some and we found one that looks promising. Sorry builders, we just aren't interersted in paying $100,000 more for 300 more sq ft, less of a back yard, and no trees.
Keep checking back as I put in the photos from our new "spruce up"!
The home is a 1908 Colonial. It was hand built by the town blacksmith in Wellford. Joe bought this home in late December 2004 and began remodeling it. It started with the dining room and progressed from there.
Since we now live in Charleston there are only bare necessities at the house. We are going to change that. There is some furniture in my house in Greer and we are bringing up some of the furniture we have here. I found loads of picture frames and am putting in my "stock" photos. Pictures that I took like waterfalls, fall color, etc to hang up. I also found some great photos and put in some of our black and white wedding photos. Just enough to where people will get an idea but it won't be overpowering (like our stairwell here - it's a WHOLE Davis reunion there!!)
I found some grat throw pillows to jazz up the couch, bedding, accessories, etc. I can't wait to get up there and work on the house. We can't wait to sell this house.
We started looking at new subdivisions this weekend and were VERY disapointed in some and we found one that looks promising. Sorry builders, we just aren't interersted in paying $100,000 more for 300 more sq ft, less of a back yard, and no trees.
Keep checking back as I put in the photos from our new "spruce up"!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Whew!!!!!
So I went this morning and had another blood sample taken. This one didn't hurt as much as I am STILL bruised from the sample last week. I got a surprising call at about 4:30. It was the nurse from my Doc's office. My HCG level is 5!! Whohoo!!! I'm getting back to normal!!!! TTCing here we come!!!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Results!!
So the OB/gyn office just called me. My HCG level is 82. They said it could take 6-8 WEEKS before my body got back to normal. When I miscarried I was only 20 days past ovulation. I was 5 weeks 2 days. (Confusing, huh? Every woman is "pregnant" evey cycle - pregnancy starts the first day of your period.)I had enough HCG to get a pregnant on the Clear Blue Easy (CBE) Digital, but tests like the Dollar Tree tests were still negative. Yesterday's pregnancy test I took was a $Tree test - and it came back positive. So obviously at SOME point my levels increased.
The doctor wants me to retest on Monday with the blood levels again and see what they are doing.
The doctor wants me to retest on Monday with the blood levels again and see what they are doing.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Ectopic Pregnancy??????
So I called my Ob/gyn on Friday because I had been bleeding for 20 days. He is concerened it might be an ectopic pregnancy. He asked me to take a pregnancy test and call him back on Monday. Well, with everythign going on this past weekend I forgot. So yesterday I came into the office and had a voicemail from the practice. I told them I would do it first thing on Wednesday.
So this morning, I got up and took a pregnancy test. It came up positive. My sweet DH and I were like, "Huh?????". So I called the OB and they sent me for labwork. The results won't be available until tomorrow morning.
Poor Joe is so worried about me. I sent him an article Friday explaining ectopic pregnancies. He saw the words "Can be fatal" and is now convinced I am going to die. He is so worried!!!! This morning he was actually running around the house cleaning and vaccuming becuase he was so high strung.
We hope everythign is fine. My mother made a comment that what if I am pregnant and it's not an ectopic? Or what if I'm newely pregnant again??? I don't think so b/c of our charts - my temps haven't risen.
Guess we will just have to see!!!
So this morning, I got up and took a pregnancy test. It came up positive. My sweet DH and I were like, "Huh?????". So I called the OB and they sent me for labwork. The results won't be available until tomorrow morning.
Poor Joe is so worried about me. I sent him an article Friday explaining ectopic pregnancies. He saw the words "Can be fatal" and is now convinced I am going to die. He is so worried!!!! This morning he was actually running around the house cleaning and vaccuming becuase he was so high strung.
We hope everythign is fine. My mother made a comment that what if I am pregnant and it's not an ectopic? Or what if I'm newely pregnant again??? I don't think so b/c of our charts - my temps haven't risen.
Guess we will just have to see!!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Goodbye Jessica & David!!!
So Joe and I got invited to a wedding on Saturday. A dear, sweet coworker got married to her sweetheart!!! Joe and I took 15 rolls of film of their wedding photos. I can't wait to start getting them developed. They had a wonderful reception at Magnolia's, which is on East Bay street. Magnolia's is FABULOUS!!! I highly recommend them!!!
Sunday I gave my first tour for the Cathedral!!! Whohoo!!! it was great! I had 16 people in my group. My first tour was scheduled WAY back in January, but no one stayed after mass, then my second, I had my miscarriage. I did a great job and now I'm on the schedule for more!!!
On Monday, Joe and I both had the day off so we helped Jessica & Dave move. Dave is a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and is currently stationed in Pensacola. They will be leaving Pensacola for Texas in a few short weeks.
Goodbye Jessica & Dave!!! You are always welcome at our home!!!!
Sunday I gave my first tour for the Cathedral!!! Whohoo!!! it was great! I had 16 people in my group. My first tour was scheduled WAY back in January, but no one stayed after mass, then my second, I had my miscarriage. I did a great job and now I'm on the schedule for more!!!
On Monday, Joe and I both had the day off so we helped Jessica & Dave move. Dave is a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and is currently stationed in Pensacola. They will be leaving Pensacola for Texas in a few short weeks.
Goodbye Jessica & Dave!!! You are always welcome at our home!!!!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Power of the Robin's Egg Blue box
Ask any woman where a Robin's Egg blue box comes from and spontanteous and instantly Audrey Hepburn, New York, 5th Avenue and Tiffany's will pop into her head.
Imagine my surprise at being presented with THE BLUE BAG!! Well, everyone knows that inside that bag contains a blue box, white ribbon, blue bag, and jewlery!!! Whoohoo!!!
Last night I was presented with my own personal blue bag. Wow! Completely floored. Inside that bag was by own little box. And inside that box was a little blue pouch. And inside that pouch was the Tiffany's "Return to Tiffany & Co." oval bracelet. Oh my!!
Now all I need is to have it ingraved with my "new" initials!!! I wish we had a Tiffany's down here. Why go to New York? There's a Saks on King Street! Wouldn't I wish that we had a Tiffany's on King. Goodness! I could be like Audrey Hepburn and have Breakfast at Tiffany's. heck! I could have Breakfast and Lunch! It's not but two blocks away!!
But, I will just have to settle for going to Atlanta or Charlotte. We do have a trip planned for Charlotte in March. I called Tiffany's in Charlotte and was told it would have to be sent to New York to be engraved.
I wonder if I can wait the 2-5 weeks until it returns?
YOU BET!!!
To quote the Mastercard commercial "To have your initials engraved on jewlery from Tiffany's - Priceless"!!!
Imagine my surprise at being presented with THE BLUE BAG!! Well, everyone knows that inside that bag contains a blue box, white ribbon, blue bag, and jewlery!!! Whoohoo!!!
Last night I was presented with my own personal blue bag. Wow! Completely floored. Inside that bag was by own little box. And inside that box was a little blue pouch. And inside that pouch was the Tiffany's "Return to Tiffany & Co." oval bracelet. Oh my!!
Now all I need is to have it ingraved with my "new" initials!!! I wish we had a Tiffany's down here. Why go to New York? There's a Saks on King Street! Wouldn't I wish that we had a Tiffany's on King. Goodness! I could be like Audrey Hepburn and have Breakfast at Tiffany's. heck! I could have Breakfast and Lunch! It's not but two blocks away!!
But, I will just have to settle for going to Atlanta or Charlotte. We do have a trip planned for Charlotte in March. I called Tiffany's in Charlotte and was told it would have to be sent to New York to be engraved.
I wonder if I can wait the 2-5 weeks until it returns?
YOU BET!!!
To quote the Mastercard commercial "To have your initials engraved on jewlery from Tiffany's - Priceless"!!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Thought for the Day
"Peace begins with a smile" - Mother Theresa
So this little thought was on a coworker's screen saver. It really brought a smile to my face. Have you ever tried to diffuse a situation by smiling? Smiling, I have found is a powerful tool. And you can't just fake it either. You have to have a real smile on your face and be genuine about it.
My husband and I started carpooling together back when gas prices were going through the roof. So he drops me off every morning and picks me up in the evening. This has immensly cut down on our gas expenses. I drive a Toyota Camry XLE with a V6 engine. In rush-hour traffic, it can really use a lot of gas. Anyways, sometimes I will leave early and call Joe and have him come pick me up. So generally instead of waiting around I start walking down Broad Street towards Lockwood Drive where he will be comming from. It's amazing the homes you will see (I LOVE the Charleston single house style - I want to live on the Penninsula but needs lots of $$$), and the people. I have found that if I smile as I walk, people smile back. And sometimes I will give a little greeting and get one in return. I love it when I see people change before my eyes and they light up and smile and some continue to smile. Why?
It's the power of the smile.
Smile and brighten someone's day!!
PEACE be to YOU!!!
So this little thought was on a coworker's screen saver. It really brought a smile to my face. Have you ever tried to diffuse a situation by smiling? Smiling, I have found is a powerful tool. And you can't just fake it either. You have to have a real smile on your face and be genuine about it.
My husband and I started carpooling together back when gas prices were going through the roof. So he drops me off every morning and picks me up in the evening. This has immensly cut down on our gas expenses. I drive a Toyota Camry XLE with a V6 engine. In rush-hour traffic, it can really use a lot of gas. Anyways, sometimes I will leave early and call Joe and have him come pick me up. So generally instead of waiting around I start walking down Broad Street towards Lockwood Drive where he will be comming from. It's amazing the homes you will see (I LOVE the Charleston single house style - I want to live on the Penninsula but needs lots of $$$), and the people. I have found that if I smile as I walk, people smile back. And sometimes I will give a little greeting and get one in return. I love it when I see people change before my eyes and they light up and smile and some continue to smile. Why?
It's the power of the smile.
Smile and brighten someone's day!!
V-Day recap
So, Joe brought me the swetest bouquet of flowers, and brought a rose in a budvase for my boss (so sweet!!). He picked me up and we decided against going to Summerville (all that traffic). Instead we went to Sticky Fingers (my favorite!) in North Charleston then we went to Barnes & Noble. I got to pick out two books as more presents! Joe started getting a headache so we went home early. But it was a wonderful day!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day!!
So Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!
My day has started off with a beautiful bouquet of pink roses (and a card to match!) from my DH. Who also brought me a bag full of Dark chocolate (yum!) and Heath bars (my favorite)!!!
So Joe is planning to take me out tonight and we have changed our plans slightly. Instead of staying downtown on the penninsula we are planning to go to Summerville for dinner and a movie.
~*~*~*~*~* A History of St. Valentine's Day~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
St. Valentine of Rome was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. At that time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single ment made better soldiers than married men (obviously he hasn't been on one of the bases around here ;), so he outlawed marriage for young couples. Realizing the injustice of this law, Valentine secretly married couples. As soon as news about Valentine got ot Claudius, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death. Many asked Claudius to free Valentine, but he refused. He locked him up, and he died on February 14, 270. Legend says that St. Valentine left a farewell note to the jailer's daughter who had become his friend and signed it "From your Valentine."
♥ Feel the Love. Share the Love. ♥
My day has started off with a beautiful bouquet of pink roses (and a card to match!) from my DH. Who also brought me a bag full of Dark chocolate (yum!) and Heath bars (my favorite)!!!
So Joe is planning to take me out tonight and we have changed our plans slightly. Instead of staying downtown on the penninsula we are planning to go to Summerville for dinner and a movie.
~*~*~*~*~* A History of St. Valentine's Day~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
St. Valentine of Rome was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. At that time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single ment made better soldiers than married men (obviously he hasn't been on one of the bases around here ;), so he outlawed marriage for young couples. Realizing the injustice of this law, Valentine secretly married couples. As soon as news about Valentine got ot Claudius, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death. Many asked Claudius to free Valentine, but he refused. He locked him up, and he died on February 14, 270. Legend says that St. Valentine left a farewell note to the jailer's daughter who had become his friend and signed it "From your Valentine."
♥ Feel the Love. Share the Love. ♥
Monday, February 13, 2006
Outdoor Lighting
So, Joe and I installed our outdoor lighting yesterday (Sunday, 12th). We got a $100 gift card after we bought our new washer and dryer (whohoo!!) at Lowe's. So we got 7 orchids (for me, am so excited - they were all on clearance for different issues - mostly either have bloomed out or cracked pots), two gallons of paint for our massively large master bedroom. We have SO many plans for this house. But will just have to see how it goes. Somewhere I have some more photos of the house and landscaping. Joe and I are planning to re-do the landscaping in stages. Sine we aren't sure how long we are going to stay in this house - we don't want to get into a whole in detail process like he did with the Wellford house. So we got some paint and got some outdoor lighting. I talked him into it and told him to trust me. Well, they look good!!! We uplight the right side Crepe Myrtle, the right side Sago Palm and the Massive Sago Palm in the back. We saw an outdoor water fountain that we are going to get and install and add lighting to it. We want to be able to entertain this summer and want the backyard to look awesome. Our own little Paradise!!!
Here are some pics of the house:
So this is the front of the house. We are going to remove the large Japanese Privot from the front landscaping and put them in the back along the fence for privacy. They are WAY to large fro the front of the house and the windows!!
So everythign with a pot was removed with the previous owners. The Redtip Photenias on the left side were limbed up this weekend. WOW!! We now have an additional 10-15ft to our backyard!! You can see how she had a bench there at the edge of the photenias - imagine going back to the left another 10 feet! That stupid well house is going!!!
Another pic of the stupid wellhouse. I have already removed all the fake bunnies, squirrels, and skunks and the waving sunflower man (top right of the pic)from the yard. Yech!!! That bench is also gone.
While I wish our patio furniture looked like this - it doesn't. Ours is rectangular and white. I think I am going to work on it and recover the seats, etc. Put some color out there. You really can't see the sago palm in these pics. I will have to add some more. And take some at night time. You can sort of see the sago palm on the left hand side. It's not in the foreground but in the background.
Here are some pics of the house:
So this is the front of the house. We are going to remove the large Japanese Privot from the front landscaping and put them in the back along the fence for privacy. They are WAY to large fro the front of the house and the windows!! So everythign with a pot was removed with the previous owners. The Redtip Photenias on the left side were limbed up this weekend. WOW!! We now have an additional 10-15ft to our backyard!! You can see how she had a bench there at the edge of the photenias - imagine going back to the left another 10 feet! That stupid well house is going!!! Another pic of the stupid wellhouse. I have already removed all the fake bunnies, squirrels, and skunks and the waving sunflower man (top right of the pic)from the yard. Yech!!! That bench is also gone. While I wish our patio furniture looked like this - it doesn't. Ours is rectangular and white. I think I am going to work on it and recover the seats, etc. Put some color out there. You really can't see the sago palm in these pics. I will have to add some more. And take some at night time. You can sort of see the sago palm on the left hand side. It's not in the foreground but in the background.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Miscarriages Suck....... C & P from email Monday, January 30th
Dear Friends and Family,
We are overjoyed at the overwhelming amount of love and support from all of you after receiving the email of our pregnancy.
We were very upset and in shock when Jennifer began miscarrying yesterday afternoon. We know that this news may come as a shock as it was to us. Our ob/gyn confirmed the miscarriage with an ultrasound this morning.
While it may take a few days to a week or so for Jennifer's body to return to normal, we have been encouraged by our doctor to try again soon.
While we are deeply saddened and grieving over our loss, we are overjoyed with the knowledge that we were blessed and that we are able to conceive. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
With Much Love and Blessings,
Joe & Jennifer
We are overjoyed at the overwhelming amount of love and support from all of you after receiving the email of our pregnancy.
We were very upset and in shock when Jennifer began miscarrying yesterday afternoon. We know that this news may come as a shock as it was to us. Our ob/gyn confirmed the miscarriage with an ultrasound this morning.
While it may take a few days to a week or so for Jennifer's body to return to normal, we have been encouraged by our doctor to try again soon.
While we are deeply saddened and grieving over our loss, we are overjoyed with the knowledge that we were blessed and that we are able to conceive. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
With Much Love and Blessings,
Joe & Jennifer
Friday, January 27, 2006
♥ Happy Birthday Joe!!!!! ♥
What a wonderful Birthday!!! We got our BFP this morning!!!! For those who don't know BFP- Stands for BIG FAT POSTIVE (as in positive on a pregnancy test!!!)WHooHoo!!! Baby Davis is due October 5th!!! We are so excited!!!
Here is the poem I sent to everyone to tell about the pregnancy:
A Special Little Announcement
On the Birthday of my Daddy
Only to Special friends
And our Precious Family
I don't yet have a face to see
Or to put inside a frame.
I do not have soft cheeks to kiss;
I don't yet have a name.
You can't yet hold my tiny hands
Nor whisper in my ear.
It's still too soon to sing a song
Or cuddle me so near.
But all will change October 5, 2006
That's when they say I'm due.
I'll be the new baby here
I can't wait until I meet you!
All I ask between now and then
Is your patience while I grow.
I promise I'll be worth the wait
Because of all the love we'll know.
So say a little prayer for me
And please don't tell what you know!
I'm being kept close to the heart,
But in March, the world will know!!
We took silly "belly pics" of our 5week pregnant bellies. I took one of Joe just as a parody. We also took pictures of the pregnancy tests. Whoohoo!!!! I have called our FP and she referred me to an ob/gyn. We have our first appointment Wednesday, February 15th!!! We should be able to see the heartbeat by then!!! Joe told me this morning that this is the best birthday present he could ever receive!!
Joe and I are leaving this afternoon for Savannah!!! He LOVES Paula Dean from the Food Network. So Jessica, Brian and me are taking him to The Lady and Sons for dinner!!! We are catching a choral concert (courtesy of the Georgia Music Educators Conference that Brian is attending) later after dinner. Saturday we are planning on touring the city and having a blast. Joe really wants to see the riverfront.
Watch out Savannah!!! Here We Come!!!
Happy Birthday, "Joe Cool"!!
Here is the poem I sent to everyone to tell about the pregnancy:
On the Birthday of my Daddy
Only to Special friends
And our Precious Family
I don't yet have a face to see
Or to put inside a frame.
I do not have soft cheeks to kiss;
I don't yet have a name.
You can't yet hold my tiny hands
Nor whisper in my ear.
It's still too soon to sing a song
Or cuddle me so near.
But all will change October 5, 2006
That's when they say I'm due.
I'll be the new baby here
I can't wait until I meet you!
All I ask between now and then
Is your patience while I grow.
I promise I'll be worth the wait
Because of all the love we'll know.
So say a little prayer for me
And please don't tell what you know!
I'm being kept close to the heart,
But in March, the world will know!!
We took silly "belly pics" of our 5week pregnant bellies. I took one of Joe just as a parody. We also took pictures of the pregnancy tests. Whoohoo!!!! I have called our FP and she referred me to an ob/gyn. We have our first appointment Wednesday, February 15th!!! We should be able to see the heartbeat by then!!! Joe told me this morning that this is the best birthday present he could ever receive!!
Joe and I are leaving this afternoon for Savannah!!! He LOVES Paula Dean from the Food Network. So Jessica, Brian and me are taking him to The Lady and Sons for dinner!!! We are catching a choral concert (courtesy of the Georgia Music Educators Conference that Brian is attending) later after dinner. Saturday we are planning on touring the city and having a blast. Joe really wants to see the riverfront.
Watch out Savannah!!! Here We Come!!!
Happy Birthday, "Joe Cool"!!
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