Tonja's Gatherings - A Christian Blogger from Dothan, AL
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Tonja's Gatherings - A Christian Blogger from Dothan, AL
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WILLING TEACHERS ???

July 21, 2008 by tonja No Comments


I have come late to the computer age. Whereas many of my contemporaries learned about and used computers in their work…it has never been a necessity for me to know how to work one. But, I finally came to the conclusion that there was a big portion of the world that I could not access because I did not understand the computer. Fortunately for me, my 3 boys grew up at the time they were beginning to teach them in school…so they have used them for many years and it comes very natural to them. Plus, they inherited some ‘smart genes’ from one of their parents. They started showing me about them several years back and then when I decided I wanted to start a blog, there were many more lessons.

Now, I do not know if the fact that I have to be shown several times how to do something new is due to my ADD or my age, or the fact that having my 3 boys around me for so many years just used up all my good sense. But, whatever the reason, it just doesn’t stick to the grey matter the first or second time. Now, I have learned to write down what they say…so I have made me a notebook of cheat sheets. I can pull it out and read my notes…in my own words and remember exactly what to do. The young men that I labored for days to bring into this world, tend to get quite exasperated when I don’t automatically remember how they said to do a certain step 2 years ago. Personally, I think it is pretty amazing that I even remember that they told me anything at all 2 years ago.
While I am sure that I have within me the ability to make this machine perform many great and wonderful tasks, I still am at the mercy of my own ‘geek squad’. A new lesson is dependent upon just how magnanimous they are feeling toward me at the time. I am reminded of the many times that I cleaned poopy diapers and training pants. I told them how it all worked…showed them where to put their ‘work’, and expected them to remember. But did they? Noooooo! So, we had to have the same lesson again and again before it sunk in. I stuck with teaching them these manners because I wanted them to be liked and accepted by their peers. I wanted people to enjoy being around them and I wanted them to be able to do what all the other kids were doing. It took time, and eventually they learned where it was permissible to make a deposit. Oh, I well remember my loving and patient talks with them, carefully pointing out the error of their ways, and sweetly encouraging them to try harder. Lesson upon lesson upon lesson. Careful explanations, complete with show and tell to make sure it was fully understood. When they would come to me and say, “Mommy, I forgot what it was you said about using the potty, would you tell me again?” I would caress their soft hair and pull them onto my lap, and carefully explain it one more time. Oh, yes, that is exactly the way I remember it. And, they finally got it!

So, boys…you owe me a few more lessons…now stop that griping. You don’t have to pat me on the head and I don’t want to sit on your lap…you don’t even have to get your hands dirty!
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“He that has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15

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THAT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING…# 25

July 20, 2008 by tonja No Comments


How would you like to live in this stone cottage in the English countryside? I can just imagine what it would be like, can you? Would you like to see inside? Your wish is my command…Enjoy!

How about a bath in this tub?

I think my dreams would be sweet next to this fireplace…in this bedroom.

This is a place I would love to relax and kick back…would you join me?

A fireplace in the kitchen? How delightful!

I think this is my fav…just me and my books!

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As beautiful as this place is…it is not even real! The outside of the house is just a facade built for the movie “The Holiday”. I was so shocked! And disappointed.
I would like to think that this place really exists. It is so perfect and exactly like a typical English cottage. Notice the beautiful low stone fence and little gate to enter . Just charming! Another secret…the rooms are not real either…just movie sets. Movie sets!!! Have you ever wanted to live in the movies? I think for sure I could live in this one. “The Holiday” features this house and another one in LA that is very modern. It stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett. The 2 women exchange houses over the Christmas holiday. Check it out on DVD to see both houses better.

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A SPECIAL AWARD

July 19, 2008 by tonja No Comments


Thanks so much to Sharon for honoring me with this award. What a nice surprise, Sharon! I encourage you to check out her blog for some very inspiring posts! She loves the Lord and uses her blog to spread the Word.
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This award is given to a blogger who is deserving whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community.
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“Arte y Pico”is a Mexican phrase and it translates into “lo maximo.” It is said that it will never find a suitable English word translate to, but, the closest words in English are “Wow! The Best Art! Over the Top!”This award was started by the blog Arte y Pico.
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You may nominate up to 5 bloggers who meet the requirements to pass the award along to. Link to the person who gave you this award, the blog Arte y Pico, and the blogs you choose to award. And so, I pass this along to:

Jill at Jillian, Inc. for her sassy new blog design

Sherrie at Journey 2 Our Princess for her inspiring blog on the adoption process as she and her family await the day they can go pick up Sweet Sophie and bring her home.

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BOYS AND THEIR TOYS

July 18, 2008 by tonja No Comments



Ian came over the other day to show me his new motorcycle. He rides it back and forth to work every day. He has customized this one with these pipes. It is loud…but, he likes it that way!
People ask me often if it bothers me that my boys and Don ride. The answer is no. Since they were little boys and learned to ride a bicycle, they have been riding. Their Pop has taught them well…and Joy’s girls, too. He would take them to ride in the loose sand, so they would know how it felt. He taught them to ride in mud and on wet grass and loose gravel…all kinds of surfaces. This was so when they encountered that surface, they would already know how the bike would respond. That is the cause of so many accidents when an unexperienced rider hits an unfamiliar terrain. They have worn helmets from the beginning. They have never been allowed to ride without them…even in the yard! Also, they learned to ride in proper attire…long sleeved shirt, long pants, sox and shoes and helmet! This is the proper way to avoid road burn if you fall. And they have fallen…and got right back on. There have been broken things, and sprained things and burned things…but, it has always been due to driver error.
Because they grew up on motorcycles, they have learned from the beginning, that you have to watch 10 times more closely than if you are driving a car. You HAVE to watch the other drivers and anticipate them doing something stupid…or anticipate them not seeing you at all. That is why they always ride with lights on. Actually, because they learned to ride a motorcycle, and learned the road rules to get their license, they are much better drivers in the car. That same teaching follows them as they drive. BTW…Pop is still riding at 82…but only with a buddy!
I have never wanted my boys to be afraid to try new things or be afraid that they might ‘get hurt.’ Life is full of bumps and bruised…even breaks…but if you never get out there and try…look at all the fun you miss. Now, I must hasten to say this. We were very strict about the way they behaved on their motorcycles. Doing ‘show-off’ things and acting the fool were never tolerated. One of the boys decided to test whether we meant that or not. He had begun riding to school and of course since none of the other boys had driver’s license yet, he thought he was ‘big stuff.’ We caught wind of something he did…they always said we had spies out everywhere…and he lost all riding privileges for a month. Quite a lesson to go from Mr. Big Stuff to Mommy Drives Me To School! Lesson learned.
Adam and his Pop took a 1600 mile trip on their bikes when Adam was around 18. I do not know who enjoyed it more…Adam or Pop! Ian took his to school with him and rode back and forth to Dothan and around Birmingham. He rides a lot now…and is getting some riders groups meeting together since he is back in town.
May, I remind you…as you tool around in your car…Please look out for motorcycles. They really do have as much right to the road as we do in our cars. Don’t think you can pull out in front of them just because you are in a bigger vehicle. Be careful…it could be one of my boys and certainly some mother’s son or daughter.
BTW…I rode a motorcycle to school when I was in High School,too. Yes, I was the only girl doing so. Yes, all the boys were envious. Yes, I though I was too cool. Yes, it was a Stud Magnet…not that that mattered to me…:). I also took a bike to school when I was in Birmingham. Lots of fun. I gave up riding when I began to have children, but now Don and I love to ride. And we are fortunate that many of our friends enjoy it also. We love to all get together and ride somewhere for dinner. We went up to the mountains a few years ago and it was a blast. But, now, I get to just sit back and chill out and leave the driving to Don.
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Oh! My! Goodness! Look what I just spied in the back of Don’s truck! Kayaks! I guess boys need their toys for as long as they live.

Looks like more lake time coming up!

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AWARD TIME

July 17, 2008 by tonja No Comments


I was pleasantly surprised to get an award yesterday. My good friend, Kat, who LOVES TO EAT and LIVES IN PARADISE awarded me the Brilliant Award. She also writes a wonderful blog, Just A Beach Kat. And not only that, she is a charter member of the world famous “B” Club! Throw in a cute hubby and a sweet doggy…or is that sweet hubby and cute doggy …never mind, it’s true both ways! Thank-you, my friend!
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Here are the rules to pass this award on to someone you think is deserving:
Display logo and link to who gave it to you.
Nominate at least 7 blogs.
Add links to those 7 blogs.
Leave the nominees a message that they received the award.
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I would like to pass this award on to the following:

Andi at Fingerprints On The Glass

Teresa at Living the Life

Nancy at Too Wonderful For Me

Dianne at Glasses of Grace

Holley at Windy Corner

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About Me

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I am a Christian woman who has survived many years on the planet. God has blessed me with a wonderful family: husband, 3 sons, a dear DIL, and a precious grandson. I also have dear friends to keep me inspired. I am an artist of sorts and am finding my way through the great blessing of retirement. I recently retired after 20 years as a music teacher. Life is good!

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