Day 30: Today I am thankful . . .

that the Christmas season is upon us, as tomorrow brings on December. I hope that while November will be behind us, we will all continue to remember daily what we are thankful for and never forget to let those we love and care about know how we feel. Don't ever make them wonder or guess . . . let then have no doubts! TELL THEM! ♥

As I stated when I started this month of concentrating on what I am thankful for, I am hoping that I will be better able to focus on those things I'm thankful for on a daily basis now. While I won't be blogging about it daily, or posting on Facebook about it daily, I hope I am at least able to live it daily! I also hope that you have all been able to make a change, too!

God Bless Us Everyone,

Jenny-May

Day 29: Today I am thankful for...

the people who CHOOSE to be in my life. Following the thought of a quote I shared earlier on Facebook . . . it's truly something to be thankful for, I believe. Those who come into our life and for whatever reason don't stay, apparently weren't meant to remain. However, those who stay, make the choice to do so, and I make the choice to be thankful for you all! I love you!

. . . and I just realized I never posted Day 28 on here yesterday, so here it is!

Day 28: Today I am thankful for books and the ability they have to completely transport you to another place. Regardless of what is going on in my life, I can completely get lost in a good book and forget about anything else. Sometimes, that's just what I need to do!

Blessings to you all,

Jenny-May

Day 27: Thankful today for . . .

God and all that He has done for me. I am thankful that He is ALWAYS there for me! Even when I feel like I'm all alone, I know deep down that isn't the case. What a true blessing that is!

It's funny how sometimes we want to be able to count on those who mean the most to us in our life, but they don't always come through. Everyone has a time that they need to reach out to someone and that someone might not be there. Maybe he/she has something going on in his/her own life that keeps them from being there when you need or want them to . . . maybe that person doesn't know how to be who you need him/her to be . . . maybe the one you thought you could count on just doesn't have time right now. Fortunately for all of us, God is ALWAYS available and willing to listen if we'll only open up the lines of communication!

I've always known a few things, well, at least for as long as I can remember, that pertain to this way of thinking:

1. Everything happens for a reason.

2. God will never give you more than you and He together can handle.

3. Give your problems to God - He's going to be up all night anyway.

So, when I feel like I don't have anyone else to turn to, I know I can ALWAYS count on Him to be there! What I'm working on now is turning to him at ALL times - not only when I feel like there's nowhere else to go. I've tried to focus on daily conversations, even if they are short, and turning to God when I'm happy and want to share that, too. Like all of us, I'm sure He wants to hear the good things that are happening to us, too. So, this is where I challenge you all to turn to Him, not only in bad or sad times, but also in happy and good times. It's something I'm trying to improve upon - I hope you will, too!

God Bless You, Everyone,

Jenny-May

30 Days of Thankfulness . . .

So, I've been out of town camping with my "other family" for Thanksgiving and my posts have only made it to Facebook. It's time to get caught up on here!

Day 23: Today I'm thankful for short road trips! Headed to San Angelo to see Becky, Lonnie, Hannah and Mary. Going to spend Thanksgiving with them and some of their friends camping out at Lake Nasworthy. I can't wait!

Day 24: Today I'm thankful for the Benes family . . . my "adopted" family for over 16 years now! Love you guys! ♥ I'm so happy that you all have made me a part of your family and that we are so close now. We just need to be better about taking advantage of the fact that we're so close now! : -)

Day 25: Today I am thankful for a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! It really is the simple things in life when you spend time with loved ones! Yes, I'll say it again . . . I am very, very blessed! ♥

I truly had a fantastic time with everyone camping and was happy to meet several new friends and look forward to seeing everyone again soon, I hope! It was definitely the best Thanksgiving I've had in several years! Thank you all!  ♥ ♥ ♥

Now for today . . .

Day 26: Today I am thankful for lazy days! After a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, but not much sleep while camping,  I've just been enjoying having nothing to do today. Watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. I just LOVE this time of year! ♥

Blessings to you all,

Jenny-May

Day 22: Today I'm thankful for...

my wonderful "customers" who have become some great friends! While our relationships might have started out because of my business, I am so very glad that you are now friends! You really do mean a lot to me and have added so much to my life! ♥

Today a very dear friend called to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving, who I originally met because of Close To My Heart. She has become such an inspirational part of my life and has helped me through some challenging times and helped me to see some things that I hadn't seen before, both personally and professionally! She is truly a blessing in my life! ♥

I'm traveling the next two days to spend Thanksgiving with my "family" in San Angelo, so I'm not sure if my blog will get updated, but my daily "thankful" posts will be on FB, so you can check them out there if you want! www.Facebook.com/JennyMay3

Just in case, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope you are spending it with loved ones, if possible, and if not - know that you are thought of and loved! ♥

Blessings to you all,

Jenny-May

Day 21: Today I'm thankful for...

the internet and online episodes of all my shows that I watch so I can get caught up! I'm sooooo far behind on some of them that I had to start deleting from the DVR, so it's a good thing they are almost all online now! : -)

Blessings,

Jenny-May

Day 20: Today I'm thankful for...

Rudy's BBQ! It's the BEST - and being able to Share it with Courtney and Ashley today was AWESOME! I think it was a hit with them, too. Next visit we'll actually go there instead of a picnic in the park! :-) Though...I'm actually a fan of picnics in the park, so that was enjoyable, too! Yes, I'm thankful for a lot today! I've really had one of the best weekends I've had in a really long time. Thank you, God!

Friday was an all around INCREDIBLE day/night and then yesterday was tons of fun at the wine tasting event. Last night was just another relaxing evening at home clearing some shows off the DVR for the first time in over a month - I actually watched some instead of just deleting! Then today after church I went and got Rudy's so Courtney and Ashley could have some real BBQ before heading back to Jersey.Yes, all in all, I'd say it's been a pretty amazing weekend. Again, I must say, I am a very blessed woman, indeed!

Have a GREAT week, everyone!

God Bless You All,

Jenny-May

Thankfulness for Day 18 and 19...

I just realized I never made it to the blog yesterday, only Facebook for my daily thankfulness post. So, here are both yesterday and today . . .

18 Nov: I'm thankful for One Life to Live. I can't believe today is the last day they'll be filming at the studio on 66th in NYC! I wish the entire cast, crew, production team, etc. all the best and pray that 2 . 0 continues as planned. So many of you have become a huge part of my life, and I consider you friends, and you have brought some great friends into my life . . . one of whom I'm picking up at the airport in a few hours! YAY!!! Here's to the great memories! ♥

19 Nov: Today I'm thankful for any time spent with friends and loved ones. It's amazing how it can recharge you and have you ready to face the world again! It doesn't even have to be doing anything spectacular and exciting...just talking and sharing a glass of wine or spending quality time together at home. Sometimes, the simple things in life truly are the best things in life! I wouldn't trade them for the world! ♥ I really am blessed!

The last couple of days have really made me think about the things that really matter to me . . . it's not "things" at all . . . rather the people that I am fortunate enough to have in my life, as they are who make me who I am. I don't know what I'd do without them! I pray every day that I'll never have to find out and I thank God, too, for bringing them into my life. Some of them came to me through One Life to Live, and while many people may not get that, or may think it's ridiculous or insane . . . some of the best friends I have now I met through my adventures because of the Soaps!

Some of these special and amazing people have been a part of me for all of my life, those who are family. And some for nearly all of my life, the friends I have from back home growing up. However, lucky for me, the Army brought me some pretty incredible people into my life, as well. Some I've know for all 20+ years, and some I've only known since my arrival in San Antonio. Regardless of how long I've known them, they each have a special place in my heart . . . OK - some more special than others, ; -) lol, but still, all are very dear to me. The bottom line is, there is no magical number on the amount of time it takes for someone to take root in your heart or come to mean the world to you, but the blessings that I have received through the years are countless. They continue to come, as God is always there and always providing for me and He has certainly done so abundantly in recent times, as well! I truly am a very blessed individual!

Blessings to you ALL,

Jenny-May

Day 17: Commercial travel...

is what I am thankful for today! Tomorrow I'll be picking up a friend at the airport that I haven't seen in a few years. Without airplanes, she wouldn't be coming to San Antonio. Can't wait to see you Crash!!! It's going to be a fun weekend! : -)

The ease and speed with which we can get from one place to another to see friends and family is something that we often take for granted, but I am sooooo thankful that there are planes, trains, buses, etc. to help us with the trip! Having recently driven 3800 miles in a two week period, I am even more appreciative of the opportunity for someone else taking care of that transportation for me! Now, if only it were cheaper! lol

Blessings everyone,
Jenny-May

Day 16: Today I am thankful for...

 the ability to work for myself, out of my home, and interact with and meet a lot of wonderful women in the process! The relationships that I am building are priceless! Thank you Close To My Heart! ♥

I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do as an Independent Consultant for this AMAZING company and set my own hours so that it is convenient for me. I enjoy being able to travel to see family and friends when I want to and to take a day off when I need to do that, as well. Being able to teach others how to preserve their photos and wonderful memories that go along with them is something I am very passionate about, as I love looking at the old photos of my family and wish I knew more about the people in the pictures. I want to make sure that generations to come in my family know more than I do. It serves as both a stress reliever and an escape for me, and I am so thankful to have scrapbooking in my life!

Blessings to you all,
Jenny-May

Today I am thankful for...

the rain! I know we need it and I love thunderstorms! Great weather to curl up with a blanket and a good book! : -)

That's one of the best ways to spend a morning like we had today in San Antonio. We had a couple of hours of steady rain with some thunder thrown in there . . . perfect weather for just laying around and watching it come down while engrossed in a great book! Sometimes, it really is the simple things in life!

Blessings,
Jenny-May

Day 14: Today I am thankful for patience.

Though I'm really not very good at it, when I can dig deep and find some, it tends to pay off. If I could only realize it more often. :-)

Instead, I seem to most often want things in my time frame...which is usually right now. That doesn't always work out so well and leads to some pretty frustrated situations. I should know better, as God always has a plan, and works things out when the time is right, but I just don't seem to want to wait for His timing sometimes! lol

Have a blessed day everyone!
Jenny-May

Today I am thankful for technology...

and the opportunities it provides to keep in touch with loved ones, both near and far! The ability to talk, text and "chat" with those who aren't sitting right next to you is something that we often take for granted, but without the advances in technology to do so, we would be lost . . . or at least I know I would! So, I guess I'm also thankful for the brilliant minds behind all of the advances!

While I will ALWAYS prefer face-to-face communication, I know that isn't always possible. My next choice would be talking to someone, as hearing a voice on the other end of a phone is the next best thing . . . unless you consider the possibility of seeing AND hearing them with the advances of technology and the options we now have available on the Internet. So, again, thanks to technology, I guess there's a better option than just hearing a voice! : -) Then, I guess if I can't have either of those, texting or "chatting" with a loved one via Facebook or one of the many messaging programs available is better than the now "old school" option of simple email or the "ancient" choice snail mail.

However, there is something to be said for receiving something in the mail...a REAL LETTER, or a card, especially if handmade, that shows someone really took the time to do something for you - only you - because they wanted you to know that you are thought of and loved. What a special gift that is to receive! I still have many letters and cards that I have received from loved ones throughout my years in the Army on special occasions or just to let me know they were thinking of me. I often pull them out and read through them just because I can! There's nothing like the gift of words to show someone how you feel and how much he or she is loved! So, whether you do it the old fashioned way or through the use of advancements in technology, take some time TODAY to let those you love know it! Don't wait - you never know what tomorrow could bring!

God's Blessings to you all,
Jenny-May

Day 12: Today I'm thankful for...

the unconditional love of pets! Sasha is such a blessing in my life - don't know what I would do without her! :-)

Some days she is what keeps me going. She never used to be a "cuddle kitty," but she can always tell when I'm down or not feeling well and when that's the case, she's never very far away! After I return from traveling, she seems to avoid me for the first few hours, but then is never very far away for a few days after that. It's funny because since my return from this last trip home, she has been cuddling non-stop and is always right next to me. It's been an extra special blessing - one that is much appreciated right now! I love my Sasha kitty!

Blessings to you all,
Jenny-May

Day 11: On 11:11:11 I'm thankful for my FREEDOM,

brought to me courtesy of the Veterans who have come before me,  those who I have had the honor to serve with and those who continue to fight today for the Red, White and Blue!

God Bless You All! God Bless America!

Long may you wave, Old Glory, long may you wave!

Happy Veteran's Day everyone!

IT’S THE SOLDIER

It's the Soldier, not the reporter
who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It's the Soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It's the Soldier who salutes The Flag, serves under The Flag and
whose coffin is draped by The Flag,
who gives the protester the right to burn The Flag. 

~~ Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Charles Michael Province, U.S. Army
Copyright Charles M. Province, 1970, 2005.

All rights reserved.

 

(OK - I found the poem attributed to both Father O'Brien and Charles M. Province with claims that it is erroneously attributed to the other. I don't know which is correct, though I've usually seen it as Father O'Brien, but regardless, it has always been one of my favorites.)

 

While technically Soldiers do not "give" us those freedoms, they do guarantee them, so please take the time today to remember that and be sure to say, "Thank you" the next time you see one!

 

God Bless America's Veterans, today and ALWAYS,

Jenny-May

10th Day of Thankfulness...

Today I am thankful for all Service Members who have chosen to serve their country.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

God Bless America,
Jenny-May

Day 9: Today I'm thankful for...

the WONDERFUL civilians and contractors that I've had the pleasure of working with through the years. They're often forgotten at times like this, but they, too, work very hard to defend our country and her way of life!

I have been truly blessed to have enjoyed working with and learning from some of the most incredible people in the world, who didn't wear a uniform during the time I worked with them. The brilliant group of civilians and contractors that I have come to know over the years have also all helped to make me the leader I became. Many of them had prior military experience, but many did not and I think that balance was a benefit to us. It's always great to gain insight and perspective from different people with different backgrounds and experiences. I've been very lucky to have gained a lot of that from many incredible people along the way and am please to call many of them "friend" today!

So, to you all, I say "Thank You" for your service to our country and for helping to train and mentor our service members. You are some of the best experts they can turn to and I hope they realize the opportunity they have!

God Bless You All,
Jenny-May

8th day of Thankfulness...

Today I'm thankful for the OUTSTANDING leaders I've been fortunate enough to serve with through the years. I've been blessed with SOME incredible 1SGs, so today is for you all.

As with anything, we always have good examples and bad examples that are set for us, but thankfully, I can honestly say I've had some pretty amazing examples to follow and mold myself after when it comes to 1SGs since I joined the Army over 20 years ago. Those individuals are a large part of the Soldier I was in the end.

I think all the way back to 1SG Capers in AIT, who I have been lucky enough to see throughout the years at GAFB, as he's still in San Angelo. (I hope he still is so I can see him when I go up later this month.) He always set the example of the kind of Soldier we should be and that leaves an impression on a young Soldier - at least it certainly did on this one! Through the years he was always so kind and supportive anytime I would see him. Thanks, Top!

The next point in my career where the 1SG had such an impact, it wasn't even my 1SG that did it, it was one of the 1SGs from another company in the battalion, which you will see is a theme in this post . . . 1SG Best was a huge help to me during what was probably the most difficult and challenging time for me in my career. When I wasn't getting the guidance and support I needed from my 1SG, she was able to provide that and enable me to "Soldier on" through some very tough times. Thanks, Top! Then, 1SG Fleming, who was not only my best friend, but became my 1SG was able to help me put those times behind me and work my way back to being the Soldier I was before. Thanks, Top! Yes, we all have our difficult times, but fortunately, there are those out there who are willing to help because they care, and are AMAZING at what they do!

Finally, I reflect on the next chapter, after those days of challenge and then putting things back together . . . it was 1SG Jesson who was the one who always seemed to know what I needed, often better than I did. His mentorship and guidance were the support that I needed to be able to take care of my Soldiers in the best way I knew how. Thanks, Top! While we weren't a team for long, 1SG Santiago was the perfect one to step into that role. I wasn't so sure in the beginning . . .  lol  . . . but once I gave him a chance, he proved to be one of the best 1SG I've ever had and certainly made it an even bigger challenge for anyone who followed! If only he could have stuck around a few more months to have been here for my retirement . . . without having to risk missing movement! lol Thanks, Top!

This all brings me to the final 1SG who impacted my career in the end . . . and the other individual who, though he was never, "my" 1SG, is someone who I would have been honored to have called "my 1SG" and is one of the 1SGs for another company in the battalion I spent my last two years in. 1SG Sanders is someone who looks out for all Soldiers, regardless of whether they are in his company or not, and I am very thankful that he does. Not only have I been the lucky recipient of his guidance and mentorship because of that, but so have countless other Soldiers who, without him, would feel lost and without what Soldiers need most...someone who cares and will provide them direction and guidance. Thanks, Top!

So, with that, I will simply say "Thank You" to all of you who have helped me to finish my career with the honor and pride that I did, for it was your example, guidance, mentorship, training and correction that made it all possible!

There are several others who helped along the way, but this post would never end, so I just wanted to touch on those who really were in those key positions at the most formative and trying times . . . but without you all, I would not have accomplished so much, so again, I simply say, "THANK YOU!"

God Bless You All,
and
God Bless America,
Jenny-May

Today I am thankful for golf.

Yes, you read that right. :-) I just had a very enjoyable morning with a former Soldier and I look forward to the next time. I am so blessed to be able to call so many of my previous Soldiers friends. This morning I was able to spend time with one of them on the golf course.

I really am honored to know that they still value my opinion about things and care what I think enough to want my advice. There really are some FANTASTIC Soldiers and junior NCOs in this Army. I sure wish we had more leaders around here like you! Those that take care of Soldiers and give them what they need - guidance and MENTORSHIP!!! I find it sad when junior NCOs have to do the job of some Seniors. There are a few around here that are doing just that and it makes me sad in a sense, but very proud, too, as I know they are doing a SUPER job of it! I can't wait until they become Seniors...then I know their junior Soldiers will be properly mentored and trained, as those juniors will be the focus instead of ME, ME, ME and what do I have to do to get promoted!

OK - so a bit of a venting session in my thankful blog today, but it's a part of what I'm thankful for...it's not really about golf at all...that's just the means to an end. I guess what I'm truly thankful for today is that I have so many AMAZING Soldiers that I have had the HONOR of working with over the years that I can now call friends. I am happy that many of them are right here in San Antonio. I find it very fitting that this happened today, the Monday before Veteran's Day, so I think I'll take this week to focus on the things I'm thankful for that are in keeping with this theme.

So, I'll close with this...for all of MY Soldiers (as you know you ALWAYS will be!) that I have had the pleasure of serving through the years, I THANK YOU for your service to this great nation and her people and for your loyalty and support throughout the years and for the FRIENDSHIP that we are now able to build upon!

God Bless YOU ALL!
Jenny-May

Day 6 of Thankfulness...

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to live in a country where I am free to worship in whatever church I choose. Today that was Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, where I witnessed a wonderful service! I look forward to next week! Yes, God is good! Bless you all!

Their children's choir performed two songs to start the service and it was such an adorable blessing! They were just too stinkin' cute! It was really a great feeling to be in the congregation and I truly do look forward to being there again next week. It's funny how when you just "Let Go and Let God," life seems to fall into place sometimes. It doesn't mean you won't still be faced with challenges and things won't be difficult from time to time. It doesn't mean you won't sometimes want to give up or feel overwhelmed with some of the things you are faced with, but if you'll just make the choice to let Him help you through, it really does get easier. You can't make changes on your own, but with Him all things truly are possible! Change doesn't happen over night, but day by day you will see progress.

Have a great week, everyone!

God Bless You All,
and
God Bless America!
Jenny-May

Today I am thankful for...

the simple, yet astounding, beauty of a sunrise. Especially one over the huge open plains of Texas! Yes, God definitely did bless Texas!

As I drove to the Big Red Barn in Seguin this morning for this crop and watched the sun begin to rise, I knew it was going to be a beautiful sight! Sunrises and sunsets are two of my favorite things to witness, as you may have noticed if you have scrolled to the bottom of this blog before and seen the photos that are on the right side of the page. This morning was sure no disappointment! After I arrived, I sat in the parking lot waiting for others to arrive and just watched as the sun continued to come up and the colors were absolutely incredible! It just reminds me of how God touches our lives in so many ways and shows us the beauty he creates on a daily basis!

Blessings to you all,
Jenny-May

4th Day of Thankfulness...

Today I'm thankful for my health! As I did my workout this morning I realized that I'm so grateful to be able to do what I can. I am blessed to continue being active after a whole lot of years of abusing my body on an almost daily basis. The Army life certainly took it's toll, but I am fortunate and so very happy that I can still do most of what I want to . . . and one of these days I'll be back on the volleyball court . . . (so expect that call Chuck! ;-)) . . . and maybe even play a game or two of basketball, which was my first true love, I think! lol That would be so awesome! Well, I realized at almost 2 hrs. into working out, I had way too much to accomplish today and it was time to move on. So, again, thank you God, for blessing me as you have!

Then, this afternoon after a much needed conversation with a very dear friend of mine about business and my spiritual path and how the two need to come together, I decided it was time for a break and headed to a movie. Now, it's back to work prepping for a crop I have all day tomorrow. Have a great night everyone!

Blessings to y'all,
Jenny-May

30 Days of Thankfulness...

So, a friend reminded me the other day about the 30 Days of Thankfulness for November, so I started on the 2nd on Facebook . . . however, since I'm taking a break from Facebook right now (with the exception of sending my thankful post from my phone . . . if it's working! lol) in order to focus on my business and blogging, I decided to incorporate it into my personal blog. Now I have to get you all caught up . . . so, 1 - I'm thankful for God! 2 - I'm thankful for my family and their unconditional love and support!

That brings us to today . . . 3 - I'm thankful for my AMAZING friends, without whom I would be completely lost sometimes! (I love you all!)

In only the first three days of the month, already I'm almost ashamed that I don't concentrate on the things I'm thankful for more often. We often get so caught up in the daily rush of life and think that everything we're doing is oh so very important, at least I know I have a tendency to do that sometimes. When November rolls around and we have a day that is set aside to focus on what matters most and we are truly thankful for in our lives, it finally makes us stop and put some real thought into it . . . or at least it should. So, a couple of years ago when I first heard about people doing 30 Days of Thankfulness, I decided that I should do it, too, and hoped it would help me to be better about doing it in my everyday life. Sadly, I must admit that I don't think I have been very good about making a long term change. Maybe this can finally be the year . . .


Blessings,
Jenny-May

Back in San Antonio...

Well, I'm settled back into San Antonio from my crazy, whirlwind trip home! After putting 3,857.2 miles on my car from the time I pulled out of my driveway on 14 Oct to the time I pulled back into it on the 27th, I was more than ready to stop driving for a while!!! Like possible for the next year! lol However, it was well worth it...I had a great time with family and friends, and even a great CTMH Regional Celebration event in Livonia, MI thrown in the middle! It's always good to attend a corporate event because it gets me all fired up and ready to jump into business stuff and get things going! Which is great considering I have another cruise to earn...this one in the Southern Caribbean in Feb 2013 that leaves fro Puerto Rico, which is somewhere I've wanted to go for 18 years now. So, if any of you have ever wanted to learn more about Close to my Heart and what I do, I'd LOVE to tell you! -OR- if you are a scrapbooker or stamper...or...if you just know someone who is...or you just want to help me out, just drop me a line and let me know! lol

Anyway, I'll be heading back home for a few days at Christmas, of course, to spend a bit of time with the family and bring Baylee back for her annual Christmas adventure with Aunt Jenny! I have really gotten used to this for the past 2 years and hope it's something she'll want to continue even when she's a teenager and it's not such a cool thing to do! She is the light of my life and I adore her more than anything in the world! I look forward to our time together all year long and hate putting her on that plane home!

I hope you are all enjoying your fall...I know we don't really get to see much for fall here in San Antonio, but lucky for me this year, my trip home brought me some BEAUTIFUL views...so I'll close with some of the photos I took...that will soon be finding their way into my scrapbook pages!!! :-)

The view from Daddy's deck.

Daddy's yard.

Baylee and me playing in the leaves in Daddy's yard.

Another shot of Baylee and me playing in the leaves in Daddy's yard.

The view from the deck at the front door of Daddy's house.

A beautiful sunrise! One of my favorite things in the world!

The GORGEOUS view from my friend, Cory's house!

God Bless you all,
and
God Bless America,
Jenny-May