The Sparrow ~

Posted on February 23, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

 Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than the sparrows”

As I was thumbing through some new posts on www.pinterest.com the other night, there was one particular canvas that caught my eye.  I had to “PIN” it to my “Inspirational” page.  It said I was covered by His feathers.  I then reflected back to a college speaker we had in chapel one day.  Typically, I either didn’t GO to chapel or it was a social or study time.  Not too many students were there by choice.  But on this particular day, I paid attention to the words that were spoken.  The following is a paraphrase.  I cannot tell you the speaker’s name, as it was thirty years ago! This is what I do recall.

“I was at a low time in my life.  I was losing everything.  My family, my friends, my health.  I had decided the world was not any better off with me in it.  So as I hit the highway driving like a mad man, I heard the thump.   I had hit a bird.  I felt horrible. I stopped my car and slowly got out to see how badly the little guy was hurt.  The sparrow lay lifeless.  So there, on the roadside, I bent down over this tiny broken bird and I cried to God, “I know your eye is on this little sparrow, please, please, Lord ~ see me, too.  I am broken, too. I need help.”

I will  never forget this illustration.  Haven’t we all been there?  Broken.  Seemingly our lowest place in life.  We’ve felt we’ve lost everything, no one cares about us, God has forgotten us and certainly, nothing can ever be the same.

And then there’s a little ray of “HOPE”. It can sneak up when we least expect it. We only need that glimpse of hope, and it can begin to sprout into more hope.  Who knows where that  may lead.   And I guess that’s my story for today.   I just want to remind you to hang in there. I wanna remind ME to hang it there, too.   No matter what you may be going through, you are of more value to HIM than the sparrows.

http://youtu.be/mOm2mMusqUw  ~ please click!       (My favorite “sing in the car” song, by Selah)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them won’t fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Is Customer Service a Lost Art?

Posted on February 22, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

From our friend, Christi Rippitoe:

Is there anybody out there who remembers when Customer Service was the norm? When you could talk to a human being and not a recording to describe what problem you needed addressed?  I do remember those days, but to be perfectly frank, the memories are fading at a very fast rate of speed.

Getting the oil changed in your vehicle should not be an all day affair.  In the “old days”, I could deliver my car, walk a couple of blocks to downtown, have a cup of coffee with a friend, walk back to the service station and – drum roll please – the car was ready to go.

Now, I call to make an appointment for an oil change/tire rotation.  I’m told to have the car at the station by 8:00 a.m.  Not a problem. However, when I call at noon to see if the car can be picked up, I find that they haven’t even started on the oil change! Finally, after being without a vehicle for a full eight hours, the car is ready to be picked up. In checking the invoice, I realize that there’s not an entry for the tire rotation. “Did you rotate the tires?” “Oh yeah, I’m sure we did.” When I point out the chalk marks on the tires are still in the same location as when the car was brought to them, then the reply is “Oh, I guess we ran out of time; we could possibly do that tomorrow?”  Another day with no wheels? I don’t think so.

And this brings me to a little hint to make sure your tires have been rotated. Before taking the car in, my husband marks each tire with its present location: “LF” – “RF”, etc. If those marks are still in the same place when the car is “finished”, it’s a pretty safe bet the tires haven’t been rotated!

GREAT TIP, Christi, on the tire rotation!  Now read on , if you dare….

—————————————————————————————————-

Well it seems last week was a bad week for oil changes, tire rotations, and customer service.  I had a similar experience to Christi’s above, but mine was not the time factor issue.  Instead, the counter person charged me for a tire rotation after saying he would not. (I had new brakes put on, too, so the tires had to come off, regardless)  My husband ended up paying for the service, so I didn’t even notice the charge on our ticket until I arrived home and looked at the receipt.  I immediately called the counter person and said, “What do you mean you charged me $15.00 for that rotation after our discussion?!?”  At the end of the discussion he  said, “Okay ~ come back down here and I’ll give you ten bucks.”  He didn’t get that it was about how he should have treated me while I was there.  I explained that I would not be returning, he’d lost me as a customer.  A few minutes later, his manager called.  He’d over heard our conversation while I was in their store, and apologized for the charge, the service, and the mistreatment.  I thanked him for his phone call and courtesy.  An hour later, I received a phone call from one of the owners. (oh…did I mention this was after an e-mail written while talking to the manager?) The owner knew about customer service, desired it in each of his employees and stores, but knew they were not there yet.  He was sincere, he was apologetic, he is trying to build a business.  He sent me a check for $50, trying to right their wrong.

NOPE….this post is not about tire rotations and oil changes.  It’s about taking care of business.  Look me in the eye.  Act like you want my business for a lifetime.  Treat me like you would your mother. Smile.  Be Kind.  Be Sincere. Show Integrity.  Acknowledge my specific needs. Listen.

To those of you (which means EVERYBODY!!!) who at some time or another has had your day ruined because of something similar to the examples above.  Don’t just blog about it or fuss about it.  Act. If this is on a local level, talk to them first in person and give them the opportunity to right their wrong.  If that does not work, talk to a manager, owner, or send an e-mail.  No, you won’t always get positive results, but sometimes you will.

The bottom line is, customer service is slipping farther and farther away.  Corporations are cutting payroll budgets and employees are covering more than just their own position, in many cases.  This should not EVER, however, be an excuse for treating a person unfairly or rudely.  So please join me in this endeavor from here on out:  Let’s TEACH them customer service, instead of letting it be lost.  If you notice the mishap before you leave a place, address it right then.  Tell them what you expected and how they can correct it AND keep you as a satisfied customer.  ( try to do this in a stern, but kind manner)Let’s help bring customer service back to our businesses? Anybody wanna join me?

(p.s.  One other note, I do NOT want to disregard the many people who do still take care of their customers.  My hairdresser, appliance man, my Hobby Lobby manager ;), my grocery store clerk, and more.  When you get good service, tell them.  Thank them. Tell their boss, if applicable.  They, in return, will pay it forward.)

Now bring on the comments!!  There should be MANY on this subject!

Happy Wednesday!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 6 Comments

Refurbished Treasures ~ Before and After

Posted on February 21, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

My sister, Renae, is very creative and does some amazing refurbishing.  This China cabinet, which she’s had for thirty years, had been moved to her garage to get rid of.  But then she slept on it and came up with an idea.

With a lot of ingenuity and hard work, she now has a beautiful hutch.  Since this photo was taken, she has painted the  inside a lighter color which makes it “pop” even more!

This old tin ceiling tile came from a store that was being gutted in Tennessee.

Here is that same tin.  Renae and her husband, built a frame for this ( 1 x 2 pine trim) and mitered the cut corners.  They then reinforced the corners with “L” brackets.  Leaving the original paint, a layer of crackle paint was brushed on top and allowed to dry. Next, the black paint was brushed on and the crackle started showing through immediately! (We did this project at our house, too.)  Very simple, yet an impressive wall decor piece!

The above mirror is just an example of what was used for the below piece.  I purchased  the frame of a broken mirror from my local Hobby Lobby Store, on the clearance aisle.  I then went to the fabric department and purchased home decor fabric.  I popped the cardboard out of the metal frame and covered it in a thin layer of quilt batting (using double-sided tape).  I then covered it in my chosen fabric, rolled out the wrinkles and taped it on the back, before popping it back into the metal frame.  This is now used as our headboard.  It simply hangs on the wall and was a very inexpensive and fun project! (I’ve changed the fabric out on it a couple of times.)

Thanks Renae, for you pics and projects.  We hope this inspires you to work on those projects in your head, closet and garage!  More to come ~

Posted in DIY, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Pain Relief Found Here !

Posted on February 20, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Today I would like to share with you a favorite product of mine: PAIN FIXX!

How it began: Several years ago, there was a product out on the market that was selling like crazy.  It was a topical product to relieve pain.  Garland bought this product, tried it and liked it.  He then set out to improve this product and sell it at a more economical price. Shouldn’t everyone be able to afford pain relief?  In his own kitchen, with trial and error, he came up with the perfect mix of natural products ( MSM, Aloe Vera, etc) that would work.  He named this product PAIN FIXX, and began taking it to the farmer’s market. He and his wife handed out sample after sample for people to try.  The response was amazing and soon he struggled to keep up with the demand.  He then turned to Cosmetic Specialty Labs to produce his secret recipe and bottle it.  Now, fifteen years later, they continue to set up every Saturday at the OSU Oklahoma City Farmer’s Market.  He ships this product all over the world and the return customers have become friends through the years.

About the product:   PAIN FIXX is guaranteed to work in three minutes.  There is no burning or medicine smell. It has been used for arthritis, sore joints and muscles, aches and pains, muscle cramps, athletic strain, sunburn, and much more. It comes in a 4 ounce bottle and retails for $19.95.

About the creator:  Garland Sims, my dad, is the maker, of PAIN FIXX.  A couple of years ago for Father’s Day,  I shared a bit of what I’d learned from him through the years and I thought it appropriate today, to share it again, on his HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sit up Straight.  Keep your shoes picked up out of the floor.  Whoever cuts the watermelon gets to eat the heart…..watermelon requires salt.  Daddy’s don’t tell their children when they feel bad….at any age. 🙂 Daddy’s provide for their wife and babies at any cost.  The dog and the onion story.  Be a good host. (ess)  If you see an enemy, approach them with a  hello & firm handshake. (& watch em squirm)  No one goes to a football game to see the marching band…except for the parents.  Never send a postcard to a boy when you are on vacation unless you are serious about him.  Carry jumper cables in your car even if you DON’T know how to hook them up.  Don’t run out of gas a 2nd time.  It’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one.  Don’t have a Sunday School attitude in life or folks will take advantage.  You can teach an old dog new tricks…..if “you” are willing to learn!  Absence makes the heart forget.  Never forget the elderly…..they need advocates/friends.  Keep your yard trimmed and do it yourself…you need the exercise.  Get a degree even if you think you won’t need it.  You will need it.  Keep your revolver on an empty.  Girls are good shots. Chiggers are painful.  READ and read more.  Learn a new word everyday and use it!  Do your research.  Don’t believe it just because it’s on the news or comes out of a preacher’s mouth.  Go on vacations.  Relax!  Drinking wine won’t send you to hell.  You must have fruit trees in your backyard.  Be a good neighbor, but not an annoying one.  Don’t loan it unless you can afford to lose it! Just because they are “blood” doesn’t mean you have to answer the phone every time. Don’t call me after 9pm to tell me a bad/sad story…..grant me a good night’s sleep first. You can count your true friends on one hand…..all others are acquaintances.   Grandchildren are less trouble and more fun cause you can send them home!  I could elaborate more….but I will stop here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD!!!   MUCH LOVE! (and strawberry birthday cake!)

In celebration of my dad’s birthday…let’s do a give away!  To qualify for the give away, you need to have “LIKED” Stuff I Tell My Sister on Facebook OR signed up to receive us in your e-mail directly. (look to the right of this post and you can accomplish either of these!) Once you have done that, simply place a comment in the reply area of today’s blog. Tomorrow morning we will announce our winner of a Happy Birthday Bottle of Garland’s PAIN FIXX!

(For those of you interested in purchasing Pain Fixx, it is available through my dad, Garland Sims for $19.95 a bottle.  You may contact him at gsims222@sbcglobal.net (e-mail)  or 405-799-7079.  Be sure and tell him Paula sent you!)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

♪ ♫ ♪ Let’s Write a Song Together! ♫ ♪ ♫

Posted on February 19, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

While my hubby and I were driving in Oklahoma City yesterday, we observed a few “silly things”.  Because I was somewhat bored, (as I hate sitting still) I began singing those silly things….which leads to our above title.  WHY DON’T WE ALL WRITE A SONG TOGETHER!!!?????  The rules are simple, I will start it, then each of you add a line or a verse.  Once you see that someone else has added to the song, feel free to add another.  The only thing I ask is that we keep it clean and appropriate (Blaxton Boys!!! 😉  This should be FUN!  Oh…..and please write your song line at the end of this post(where it says REPLY: comment area) rather than on the Facebook page so that it will all work together.  Who knows…maybe Garth will sing it for us one day?!

Have FUN and HaPpY SuNdAY!!

———————————————————————————————————-

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫                                          ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

Can’t do a U-Turn in a mini-van,

Can’t chase a chicken when you’re holding hands,

I’m up writing blogs in the middle of the night

Sitting in the airport, waiting for my flight.  ♪ ♫ ♪

—————————————————————————————

Just be sure and click on the comments below to see what lines have been written/posted.

(next verse or line….GO FOR IT!! This is just for fun! The goal?  To make us all smile ;))

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 18 Comments

Footloose ~ Footloose ~

Posted on February 18, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Julie, Lauri, Paula & Rene’

We were known as The Three Musketeers – Julie, Paula, and Lauri (me).  Our journey began in the 2nd grade when I moved to Tuttle, OK and joined Julie and Paula in a split class of 2nd and 3rd graders.  Yes, half the room was 2nd graders and half the room 3rd graders.  I don’t know how the teacher managed it, but it was common practice then to manage class sizes. Julie and Paula welcomed me in and we were fast friends and still are today.  It’s one of those friendships we can pick-up any day and feel like we were together the day before.  We haven’t lived close in location for many years, but our hearts are still close.

I have many treasured memories of the adventures we created growing up in a small town.  We were all three church girls, attending different churches with our respective families.  I was a Baptist girl, growing up in the First Baptist Church of Tuttle.  Paula’s family attended the Nazarene church in town and Julie was a Methodist girl.  The benefit to this was if one of our churches was offering something fun, we were all there!

Our small town was a Footloose town, literally.  There was actually a town ordinance banning dancing on public property.  Yes, it’s true, though my kids can’t believe it!  We didn’t have a prom – we had a banquet.  How fun is that? However, we didn’t let that stop us.  Not to be stifled and permanently damaged, we found a way.  On Sunday nights Julie’s church – I won’t name names – hosted the youth in the fellowship hall with food and…yes, dancing!  So that’s where you would find the three of us when our schedules would allow.

There was something even more exciting about this activity since it wasn’t really allowed in our town or the other churches we attend.  Why is it that what is prohibited seems so much more fun?  We were great girls who caused little trouble in life overall, but we did enjoy a unified rebellious streak from time to time.  Love you girls! ~ Lauri

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yep, we sure danced a lot…especially for living in a town where it was illegal!  We danced at church on Sunday nights, at each other’s houses on Friday or Saturday nights…it was Saturday during football season.  Not only did the Sims, Inmans and Greens put up with us; we also did some turns at the Browns, the Currens, the Sharps, the Bakers…whoever would have us.  We always had frozen pizza, no pizza joints had made it to town AND our famous hot sauce…a can of tomatoes, a can of Rotels, a can of tomato sauce, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, blend in blender for a few seconds ( LOTS of pepper flakes if Paula was making it!)…comfort food still.  Mostly we came as singles, but when the slow dances came on we usually had one person there that we, ahem, “teamed up” with.  One especially memorable Christmas, I (horrors!) did not have a dance partner and danced all of the slow dances with a poinsettia…yes, sisters, a potted plant…at least no toes (or leaves!) were stepped upon!  ~ Julie

(This was a pic from that party at Mama & Papa Green’s house…..and there sits the poinsettia!  You are welcome, Julie, I just happened to have this still! ~ psb)

http://youtu.be/wFWDGTVYqE8

Well I must add just an itty bit to this.  I was HORRIBLE at dancing. Still am. I don’t know how many times when we were trying to learn new dances (the BUS STOP and the HUSTLE, a couple of favorites!)that Julie would say to me, “Paula, we are not marching, we are dancing.  Now move your arms!”  I just wish we’d had red solo cups back then….lol… ~ Paula

The upper portion of this post was written by Lauri Williams of Guthrie, Oklahoma.  The lower part was sent in by Julie Green Bell of Palestine, Texas.  Paula, Owasso, OK, (that’s me!) had the photos….still a perfect team!

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

52 Reasons ~( Will You Accept the Challenge?)

Posted on February 17, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

A while back I stumbled across a cute idea on WWW.PINTEREST.COM and made a mental note, “I am going to do this for my hubby.”  I bought a deck of cards and jumped on my computer to make my list of “52 Random Reminders of Why I Love You”.  (Am I the only one who thinks this resembles a ransom note?) When I first started thinking about it, I was a little slow, honestly.  But after about reminder number ten, I became lost in my list and was having to do trade-outs to keep the number at 52!  I still keep thinking of things I missed at the time and know I could easily fill a few more decks of cards.

I began doing this project FOR my Marvin.  But somewhere in the searching for the right words in my head, my heart took over and it turned therapeutic.   This was not just to tell him, it was to tell me. There are so many reasons and reminders of why I still love him. Thirty years worth.

So here is your challenge.  Sit down at your computer or with pen and paper. Start that list of 52 reasons for your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, sibling, daughter, son, parent, grandparent, co-worker, etc.  When you are finished, I guarantee you will think of your person a little differently.  You don’t have to put it on a deck of cards like I did. (BUT IT’S FUN & COOL!)  But give them the list.  And then let me know what happens ~

I have several more lists to go work on now!  Have a great Friday, People!!!                          ( I love you, MEB ~  psb ♥)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Everyone Needs a Cuzzin’ Gina ~ Who is Yours?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Everyone needs a Cuzzin’ Gina in their life.  She made my life lively when we were young and she still does today!  (If you read Faye’s story earlier in the week about her sister, Jo and the wedding rings, well Gina is Jo’s daughter, nuff said!  lol)  For a short time, my family lived in Duncan, Oklahoma, where Gina’s family lived.  That summer we were at Aunt Jo’s house and someone decided it would be a good idea for “the girls” to have a tea party in the back yard.  We spread our blanket on the ground.  There was our pitcher of iced tea and our glasses. It was just the three girl cousins ~ Renae, Gina and Paula ~ our tea poured, we commenced to visit.  Somewhere in the visit, Gina called me a “not nice” name.  I was only six, but had some spunk in me (that often got me in trouble) and I immediately took my glass of tea and with no thought of consequences, threw it on my cousin Gina.  Of course, Gina had that same mindset, and in about two seconds, I was doused with her glass of ice tea. Before either of us had a chance to further our fight, Renae grabbed the big pitcher of ice tea, and  stepped WAY out of “hit” range.  Ammo now removed, our mother’s became involved.  Our tea party had ended.

Two years ago, we had that tea party again.  This time it was in Colorado on a “girl’s trip”.  During our game of Farkle, the tea fight subject popped up in the conversation.  We didn’t throw our tea this time.  Instead, while we were all laughing our heads off. I told Gina what word she called me.  She didn’t remember, but told me that wasn’t nice of her and that she was sorry.  I was never angry about it (other than when I was six! ha!) and it’s been such a funny memory to share through the years.  I still like to, on occasion, send Gina teabags in the mail ~ 😉

Renae (my sister) and Cuzzin’ Gina

Our Grandma and Grandpa Warren lived in a country farmhouse in Marlow, Oklahoma.  With eight children and a bazillions grandkids, you could always count on some fun when you went to the farm.  One Spring Sunday, many of us were gathered there and several of the cousins ended up at the barn, a little ways from the house.  Renae and Gina decided to explore the hayloft.  Grandpa had conveniently left the ladder leaning against the barn, so they started up!  I (Paula) was always a big chicken and wouldn’t follow.   I watched my brave cousin and sister climb the ladder.  Once they were settled into the hayloft, Gina decided to create a bit of excitement and gave the ladder a push.  It came back.  She did it again, a little harder.  (Lots of giggles and laughter.)  It came back again.  Renae is telling her to stop now, or they will be stranded.  You don’t tell a Warren NOT to do something!  Gina pushed the ladder even harder this time around, and as you guessed it, this time the ladder did not return.  It fell straight back and to the ground.  Now there was even MORE laughter added to screaming for HELP.  Eventually, I think it may have been Grandpa that came out to let the girls out the loft.  I’m not sure what he was saying to himself as he was walking that way, but I think his walk was purposely slow, hoping to teach a lesson.

Paula and Cuzzin’ Gina ~

Everyone needs a Cuzzin’ Gina in their life to challenge them, make them laugh more than they have ever laughed and to feel loved.  Who is your Cuzzin’ Gina? ♥♥♥

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Mingo DiD It! and NO SURPRISE HERE! TWO Sister Stories by Renae Fulton

Posted on February 15, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Our youngest sister, Janna, was eleven years my junior, so when it came to many things, we didn’t have a clear understanding of each other.  For instance, television programs.  The world had to stop daily for “The Electric Company”, “Sesame Street”, “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” and lastly, “Daniel Boone”.  Janna was especially intrigued with Daniel Boone’s sidekick, Mingo.  It wasn’t too long after she began watching this series, that she began trying to “use” it to her advantage.  For example, “Janna, why did you get in my purse and get my gum?”  Janna ~ “I didn’t do it, Mingo did it.”  “Janna, I thought you cleaned your room, who messed it up?”  Yep…”MINGO did it”.  This went on for quite a while, but I think the kicker was when she had gone to Bible School at our church.  The younger ones (including Janna) had practiced their music in the front pews.  As they were filing out, there was a shriek scream from Berta, our wonderful pastor’s wife and leader of the children’s music.  She was holding up by the toes a wrinkled dead frog.  As she regained her composure and asked who it belonged to, it was Janna that replied, “Mingo”.  Puzzle solved.  That Mingo got into so much trouble!!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Now, I will take you back a few more years to when my sister Paula and I were younger ~

Renae & Paula & Santa (who was pinching Paula?)

For those of you that love to buy gifts but just can’t wait to give it to the recipient or keep it a secret till that special date…..you are in good company. One of the first times I remember shopping with my sister to buy each other Christmas gifts, we were both in elementary (no dates please). I have no idea where we shopped or what we bought, but I do remember Paula could not wait to tell me what my Christmas present was. Determined as she was, I refused to listen! After a long and fun-filled day it was time to get ready for bed. Little did I know I was about to unwrap my gift….as I turned back my covers to climb into bed guess what I found???? Merry Christmas 🙂

Renae Fulton, my sister, is from Hernando, Mississippi. Renae is the “quieter” sister, with Stuff I Tell My Sister.  😉  She is a busy realtor, decorator, and furniture repurposer.  We all live miles apart, but when we are able to spend time together, we enjoy every moment!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 9 Comments

A L♥ve Story~ (my sister took my wedding rings!) ~ by Faye Sims for Jo ~

Posted on February 14, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

I grew up in Marlow, Oklahoma. I was the second oldest of eight children, just beat out a year or so by my sister, Mary Jo.  My husband to be was from Bray, Oklahoma, much smaller even than Marlow.  He, Garland, was the oldest of eleven children.  We became engaged to be married in 1954 and almost immediately, Garland left for his United States Air Force Tech Training in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  I worked and continued to live with my mother, daddy and siblings while he was so many miles away.

Garland was determined to purchase a beautiful wedding set while he was in Wyoming.  I knew with his military pay of around fifty dollars a month, it would be tough.  But Garland was always an entrepreneur and would figure out a way. He lived in the barracks, much like what you would see on Gomer Pyle reruns.  On pay weekend, once a month, each man would collect his pay, buy his essential toiletries and then head back to the barracks with the cash that was left for good, all night, poker games.  There would be three or four games going at a time until the winner of each table would end up together for that last game.  Garland rarely lost.  And so in just a couple of months time, he had earned enough money from his poker games, to buy my wedding rings.  He had already chosen a beautiful Art Carved 14 K wedding set at a jewelry store in downtown Cheyenne.  The rings were quite expensive at over three hundred dollars, but he had “worked” hard and purchased them for his bride to be.

Once the rings were purchased, Garland decided it was not safe to have such an expensive item in his barracks.  He wrote to me and told me that he would be mailing them to me so that I should watch for them. Our delivery man lived not too far from our house in the country and drove an old Model-T.  I’ll never forget the day he pulled up to our farm-house and walked up to the porch.  I  knew what was in the package and could not WAIT to open my wedding set and put them on my finger!  The delivery man said that first though, I had to sign for them.  While I was in the process of signing for my rings, my sister, Jo, grabbed the package and took off with it! By the time I had finished up at the front door, she had the package OPENED and MY wedding rings were on HER finger!!  I don’t really recall the scramble and the words that had to have been exchanged after that.  I do know that Jo and I talked about it not too long ago and she told me that I should have been really mad at her.  That she would have been furious had I done that to her.  We all just laugh about it though, as it’s a great story to share.  (and I still have my guaranty on my rings! do you think it’s still good?)

And by the way, just months later, I (Faye) married my Air Force man on August 8, 1954 at the Nazarene parsonage in Marlow,Oklahoma.  I was eighteen and Garland was nineteen. My sister, Jo, helped me get ready for that wedding.  Never a hard feeling over the “ring thing”.  I needed her in my life. One month after marrying Garland, he shipped out to Germany and France for a total of nineteen months.

There’s a lot more to this story, but in a nutshell, Garland and I have had the happily ever after. (AND he hasn’t played poker in years! haha) This August we will be married 58 years.  My favorite get togethers are still with my sisters, yes, especially JO! (and Betty, Jean and Debbie!)

This story comes from our mother, Faye Sims, of Moore, Oklahoma.  She and her sisters love getting together to celebrate life, and when they are together, you are guaranteed to laugh. (and eat and shop!)  They are all still ornery and we wouldn’t have them any other way!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments