A Laugh out Loud Sister Story, by Darla Aytes for Lynda ♥

Posted on February 13, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

As sisters, Lynda and I were sent out to help bring the freshly dried laundry in from the clothes lines. It was a good day for Mother if we were paying attention and didn’t drop things on the grass. I can only imagine her peering through a window watching our every move. After dinner were the dishes. We had to switch the washing and drying so we couldn’t complain that one of us did more than the other. I’m pretty sure we counted every chore to make sure it was even-steven.

One of our funnier escapades was waxing the kitchen floor. Our mother did housekeeping/cleaning for other people. So we’d be assigned small tasks that she didn’t get done in our own home. Being the best daughters in the world, after vacuuming and dusting one day, we decided to surprise our mother by waxing the kitchen’s linoleum floor. We hunted under every possible cabinet trying to find the wax. Eureka! I finally located the tin that said paste wax. We enthusiastically started the ‘job’ and soon found it didn’t sound like nearly as good of a surprise as we’d earlier thought. But we’d been taught “if you start something, you have to finish” so finish we did. Lynda and I then started watching the clock and waiting for our mother to get home so we could proclaim we were the BEST daughters in the world. She had barely made it through the door and we were on her like fat, happy ticks on a dog. We beamed like the sunshine in our proudest moment of declaring what a miracle we had performed…just for her. She looked at the linoleum and patiently inquired about where we found the ‘floor wax’.  I told her about the tin I’d found and she asked me to get it for her. Our mother held the can in her hand and asked if either of us had read the label. We both said “no”. Then she told us we’d used CAR WAX!!!!Looking back on it now, that is the funniest moment I can recall. We did good and were shot down…….but she was still the BEST Mother ever!

Lynda & Darla ~ look at these faces!  Maybe they did it on purpose?!  😉

Our sister story today was submitted by my friend, Darla Aytes, from Newcastle, Oklahoma for her sister, Lynda.  I read this and thought of Lucy and Ethel!  I could picture them clearly in my mind.  Thanks for sharing this with us, Darla, and for the great laugh.  Now I want to know how on earth you ever got the car wax off of the floor?!

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A Sister Story, by Christi Rippetoe for ♥ Shannon Chace ♥

Posted on February 12, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Having a sister who is eleven years younger is not always the ideal situation. Oh, it was great while she was a baby; I didn’t even mind babysitting and changing dirty diapers. By the time she was 6 and I was 17, it was a much different story. What a pain in the rear end she could be. I didn’t want to babysit; I wanted to be with my friends (or boyfriends)!

When I was 26 and she was 14, our daddy died (at the young age of  52) and rocked both our worlds. While a fairly strict disciplinarian, he was our hero and is still sorely missed. A couple of years after his passing our mother called me, upset because the little sister wasn’t home yet and hadn’t called to say she’d be late. The sister finally showed up and got to find out that while her daddy might not be there, her big sister remembered quite well all the speeches she’d received about “having the common decency to call and let us know what’s going on”. She still remembers that lecture!

Fast forward to December 2002. These two sisters have grown up, been through one bad marriage each, birthed five children between them, and become best of friends. The little sister has been suffering through some horrendous headaches and finally, through the grace of God, got a doctor to listen and refer her to a neurologist. I sat in shock as she (with her oldest daughter by her side) explained to me what the neurologist discovered. She had a mengionoma (tumor) in her brain which had apparently been growing for years to no one’s knowledge. There were no doctors in Oklahoma who would touch it.

Three days later, we (two sisters, a boyfriend, three daughters and a son-in-law) were on our way to Little Rock, Arkansas to meet with the neurosurgeon who would perform surgery to remove the tumor. We were told the surgery would take place over TWO days and that he was “hopeful” that he would be able to remove it all.

The surgery lasted in excess of 19 hours (over two days) and praise the Lord, was a success. However, me and two of sister’s daughters had to get back home before she was released from the hospital. At the time we left Little Rock, all I had heard my sister say (that I could understand) was “I’m sorry”. Leaving her was the hardest thing any of us had ever done!

Thankfully, this story of two sisters has a happy ending. It is now 2012, and my little sister is as happy as I’ve ever known her to be. She has seen all three of her daughters marry wonderful men. She reconnected with her high school sweetheart after her recovery; they have now been married six years. That blended family consists of six happily married couples, four granddaughters, a grandson on the way, and makes for one happy and blessed big sister. Shannon, I love you and wouldn’t trade any of our experiences together. They have made us what we are today.

Christi Rippetoe, of Cherokee, Oklahoma, has written our first sister story for  Valentine’s week. She dedicates this to her sister, Shannon.  An amazing miracle!  Thank you, Christi, for sharing this with us ♥ Awesome ~

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Are You a Sunrise or a Sunset Person?

Posted on February 11, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

I don’t recall who I was having the discussion with the other day, but I declared myself a sunset person.  Nights are my thing….I prefer to stay up late as that’s when I am able to accomplish more.  When I was a youngster, I can recall sneaking out of bed and hiding around the corner to watch Marcus Welby M.D.  Santa could never do his/her work early at our house because of this problem. Late nights are expected in teen years, but it didn’t end for me after college either. Maybe it’s a curse, but it seems to work for me.  I need sleep…..but….later.  No apologies.

Not that my husband doesn’t like sunsets, but he is a sunrise person.  He is chipper (UGH….don’t speak to me before 8:30 a.m. and don’t expect makeup til WAY later!) and ready to hit the day before the sun is even considering doing so!  I think the only sunrises we have seen together have been when he’s changed my clock or hidden it so that we can leave early for vacations.  And I must add, there were not a lot of pleasantries exchanged in the car once I was awake enough to figure that one out!

I don’t think there’s anything, though,  much sweeter than sitting on the porch with my hubby, sipping ice tea, and watching the colors change as the sun sets in the evening.

So what are you?  Sunrise? Sunset? Both? (I know… ♫ ♪ it makes you want to break into song, doesn’t it?!)  I don’t think I have ANY sunrise photos,  but I do have sunsets!  Here are a couple my favorites. ( Have a safe weekend and if you’re in a “cold” state, stay warm~)

Leadville, Colorado

Owasso, Oklahoma

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HaPPy Friday!

Posted on February 10, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Yay!  We are one month going today with STUFF I TELL MY SISTER!  Thanks to each of you for reading us, “liking us”, sharing us and for commenting on the posts! I feel and appreciate your support.  Thanks to my sister, Renae, for calling to check on me this week when there was no post one day.  Then when I couldn’t get to the phone, she just knew something was REALLY wrong.  But alas, it was not…just a crazy busy day. (week, actually!)

We have great “Sister Stories” that will start posting on Sunday in celebration of Valentine’s Day and sister love.  Our deadline has passed, but if you have a story or photo that you did not get in and would still like to share for next week, send it to me by Sunday and we will get it posted for you.  What a great way to surprise or honor your friend and or sister! (psblaxton@att.net)

Our Stuff I Tell My Sister bracelets came in yesterday!  YAY!  If you WANT one, all you have to do is get your friends to LIKE our page.  You can share a previous sister stuff post on your  Facebook page and add your  own personal note OR just post on your status to “like” www.facebook.com/sisterstuff . If you want to share through your e-mail, we are www.stuffitellmysister.me.   Then just e-mail me your mailing address and I’ll fix you up!  Thanks in advance! (psblaxton@att.net)

Have a HaPpY FRIDAY, Ya’ll ~ ♥

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The Road Not Taken~

Posted on February 9, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

“The Road Not Taken”

by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 20

Robert Frost is just one of the many poets I admire.  As I read the verses of this particular poem though, I visualize strategic times in my life where I came to the fork in the road, wondering which one I should take.  (Awww….something just came to your mind too, didn’t it?)  That same “fork” will never present itself again, but others will. (or in my husband’s words, we can’t “unring” that bell.)  Hopefully though, we will move forward,  ponder thoughtfully and choose wisely ~

Have a great Thursday! ♥

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Sometimes~ A Person Needs Help

Posted on February 8, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Sometimes, a person needs help.  Your car won’t start and needs a jump; you need a ride somewhere; you are sick and you need a few things from the store or maybe you simply need to bounce an idea or a heartache off of someone.  There are people who don’t mind asking for help from a friend or a complete stranger.  And then there are folks who will never ask for anything, even when they really need it.

On this particular day, she was walking down a main street in our town, and he was following behind her aggressively, yet with a little distance.  Anyone paying attention could see he was up to no good.  She was walking fast with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist. He was yelling and slapping his coke bottle against his fist.  I turned the car around to follow and they had already crossed the busy street.  When I was finally able to get across, I pulled the car over to her side, rolled down the window  and said to the young lady, “Honey, do you need help?”  She came running to my car and said, “Please, can I get in?”  I tossed stuff into the backseat.  She was broken.  Tears were streaming down her face as he shouted at her, “That’s it, just get in the car with her.”  I wasn’t sure what was going on, so I just drove away with my new passenger.  She said he was angry because her car had broken down, but that it wasn’t her fault.  I asked if I could call 911, she said no, that her dad was on his way.  She directed me to her apartment complex.  I asked if she wanted to wait with me until her dad arrived, she said no.  She wanted to get into her apartment, that the guy following her did not have a key and couldn’t get inside.  I wanted to help her or comfort her in some way.  So I simply said, “You have done nothing wrong.  This is not your fault and you do not deserve to be treated this way.” She thanked me repeatedly, assured me she would be fine, and hurried toward her apartment.  I left feeling I had not done enough, but that hopefully I had at least removed her from immediate danger.  I drove away thinking, “Lord, protect her from harm”.

We need each other.  Family, friends, acquaintances and strangers.  We will all encounter challenging times in our lives and we need to allow others to be there for us. On the flip side of that, we need to make ourselves aware of what’s going on around us.  Someone may truly need you today, but they will not ask.

(  DO NOT put yourself in harm’s way to help someone.  Call 911! Like I probably should have done for this young lady.  Look for my upcoming blog on self-defense! 😉 )

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It’s Half Time In America ~ A Follow Up to the Super Bowl ~

Posted on February 6, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Clint Eastwood = Classic

http://youtu.be/_PE5V4Uzobc

Chevy = Awesome

http://bit.ly/y0lXiu

Your favorite?

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Super Bowl Sunday ~ Favorite Commercial

Posted on February 5, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

The Super Bowl was never an “event” for me until our boys were in their teen years.  That’s when I started having an interest in football.  I recall that our last great Oklahoma Super Bowl party with our boys was in Tuttle, Oklahoma. ( Of course, we didn’t know on that January night that our next Super Bowl party would be spent with new friends in Arkansas.) On that night in Tuttle,  all of the small groups of our little church came together for a chili cook-off, good fellowship, and watching the game on the big screen.  When it began to snow, that was just an added bonus! They were big wet flakes perfect for making snowballs and even more perfect for all the kids to have a blast.  I cannot tell you what teams played in that game or who performed the half-time show.  But I CAN tell you what my all time favorite commercial was that night! (click on the link)

http://youtu.be/FJYwsRbihEM

So what’s your favorite Super Bowl commercial ? (feel free to post below!)

And whatever you decide to do on your Super Bowl Sunday,  EnJoY!

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CONGRATS to our Contest Winners from Yesterday’s Blog!

Posted on February 4, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

♫ ♪ A Great Big Thanks to all who read Stuff I Tell My Sister yesterday! ♫ ♪  We have around 1100 reads now and about 120 followers, and that’s just pretty cool stuff!  If you like what you read, or what we do ,or what we stand for, please consider sharing our blog.  I know many of you already have and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!

The walk down memory lane yesterday was a lot of fun.  I had forgotten about many of the items you guys mentioned!  Your comments on my unorganized thoughts are what makes the blog worth while.  The interaction is interesting and informative.  I truly want to know what is on your heart ♥.  We will have these little “contests” from time to time.  The only bad part is….I hate when not everyone can win. ( I was that basketball mom that was always so thrilled when my son’s team won…..but then so sad for the young men on the other team.)

The winner of the Drug Store Days memory pack goes to:  Linda Leslie from Mississippi!!!  Congrats Linda!  Thanks for following our “sister” blog!  The unplanned but 2nd winner is:  Holly Hogland from California!  Yay Holly!  Hope you like Bonnie Bell!

Here’s the deal for the rest of you that entered.  I have ordered new Stuff I Tell My Sister bracelets (instead of business cards) and as soon as they arrive, I will send each of you one of those.  So go ahead and send me you mailing addresses! (psblaxton@att.net)

Our Stuff I Tell My Sister Story entries need to be in soon so that I can get them in order to post for Valentine’s Day.  Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your stories!  There are several who mentioned they were “thinking” about theirs….just write down your thoughts and e-mail them to me.  We will get it just right before we submit.  Your story may change the life of someone else!  Send it in!!!

Happy Saturday!!!  ♥♥♥

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Drugstore Days ~ What Do You Miss?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

I was in a real drugstore yesterday.  Well, they didn’t have a soda fountain, but they were a bit old-fashioned, very helpful, and stocked a little bit of a lot of stuff.  Being there took me back to The Star Pharmacy, that was the lunchtime and afterschool hangout for anyone living in Tuttle, Oklahoma.  Salty frogs or a cherry ice? Hand dipped malt or a cherry mash.  Regardless, there was good conversation and sometimes advice from Jim or Ann Arganbright, the pharmacist and wife team.  And you could NOT ditch class in their store.  Nope, not allowed.

So this reminded me of a few favorite things from then and now.  Let’s see what it may bring to mind for you.

Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers!  My favorite was Strawberry and Dr. Pepper.

As mentioned above, Cherry Mash Candy Blobs. (because they are not exactly a candy bar)  I eat the outside first and save the cherry for last.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.  I saw it yesterday at the drugstore.  It reminded me of my roomy in college for some reason! (ANITA)

Trixie Belden Mystery books.  My sister got me started reading these and my bike riding friend, Julie and I, would read our summer days away.

So what is it for you? Penny candy? Marbles? Go-Go Boots? Board games? (I still have TROUBLE &  yes, still play it!) What do you see in a store or see being sold as “vintage” that gets you thinking of days gone by?

Here’s something that I hope is kinda fun.  At the bottom of this post, reply with your comment of what YOUR  favorite thing is that you miss or is brought to mind when you reminisce.  Everyone that posts their comment by Saturday morning (Feb 4)  will be entered in a drawing  for a surprise pack of my favorite things that I picked up at the drugstore yesterday.  Now don’t get too excited, it’s just a little something, but still kinda fun!  And who doesn’t like to win something?!

Also, if you haven’t yet “liked” us on Facebook, look to the right of this post and click “LIKE”.  Yay, easy!  You can also look to the right underneath the Facebook stuff and add your e-mail address to receive posts in your mailbox.  Thanks to each of you who read my blog. I really appreciate you.  It’s silly stuff, but from my heart ♥ to you.

Have a great Friday!  Don’t forget to hurry and send in your Sister Story!!! (psblaxton@att.net)

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