Good-Bye Grandpa!

February 10, 1936 - February 27, 2010

You will surely be missed. You were a kind man with a wonderful heart. I will especially miss the wonderful way you told jokes. Half the time I wasn't even sure you were telling a joke until the punch line. You told them so wonderfully!

I will also miss how every time you called here you would say, "Hi Dawn! This is Grandpa Jack from Manito." I loved this! Of course I knew who you were. You were one of a kind!

So, while we are saying a tearful good-bye, we are doing so with a happy heart. We are happy because we are sure of where you are right this moment, and we are determined to meet up with you again someday. Until then Grandpa...good-bye and we love you!

Our Menu For 3/1/10 through 3/7/10

Monday~Hamburger Chop Suey with Calrose Rice
Tuesday~Bacon and Swiss Quiche
Wednesday~Kielbasa, Fried Potatoes & Baked Beans
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Turkey Chili
Saturday~Fried Fish, Cornbread and Potato Salad
Sunday~Pizza

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

March 1st~National Peanut Butter Lover's Day & National Fruit Compote Day
March 2nd~National Banana Creme Pie Day
March 3rd~National Cold Cuts Day & National Mulled Wine Day
March 4th~National Pound Cake Day
March 5th~National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6th~National Frozen Food Day & National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7th~National Crown Roast of Pork Day & National Cereal Day

Next Week:

March 8th~National Peanut Cluster Day
March 9th~National Crabmeat Day
March 10th~National Blueberry Popover Day
March 11th~Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day
March 12th~National Baked Scallops Day
March 13th~Coconut Torte Day
March 14th~National Potato Chip Day

Learning To Listen To The One That Matters

Have you heard this song?

The lyrics take me back about 15 years. I was 20-years-old, living with my fiance in a cockroach infested trailer, attending junior college with no clear view of the future, and working at Subway. He and I had been together for 3 1/2 years. He had cheated on me numerous times. Many I didn't know about, and the ones I did I stupidly forgave. He would stay out all night drinking with his buddies.

Why did I put up with all of this? That is where the song comes in. In the song she sings...

According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
Hard to please,
Forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
Can't show up on time,
Even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.

My ex-fiance used to always tell me that I had no common sense, I was fat, boring and nobody else would want me. He had me so convinced that I was nothing. It was really pretty sad.

But one night, I went out drinking with my 2 good friends, Betsy & Tammy. The bars were really slow that night, but we wound up playing pool with this one guy. He made it clear that he liked me. It was like the song said...

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
So baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you.

I wound up leaving my ex-fiance three days after I met the guy that convinced me I just might be better than I thought I was. Were we a match made in heaven? No, but he was a great guy. I am convinced he was put in my path for a reason. I spent the next many years a mess because I kept listening to the lies that were told to me.

I wish I could tell the 20-year-old girl in that picture below what I know.

Well, this is my blog, and I can do just that.

Dawn, embrace the truth and quit listening to the lies. Satan is going to use those lies on you for years, and you have to be strong and fight to ignore them. You are none of those things that he said to you. He was the one with the problems. He had low self-esteem, which is why he cheated and why he always felt compelled to lie. Are you perfect? No! But you are perfect for someone. Don't waste your time on losers. You will know when you meet "the one."

As for that "one", it's going to be almost 5 years before you are able to open your heart again. When you do, you are going to find a diamond in the rough. A true gem! He will think you are beautiful even though you weigh many pounds more than you did at age 20. He will think you are funny, smart, and worth his time. He will not hurt your feelings just to watch you suffer. He will cherish you, love you, and want to take care of you. Is he perfect? No! But he is perfect for you. You are perfect together because you are committed to one another. Committed to work together to make your relationship work. Committed to make your family last a lifetime.

So, 20-year-old Dawn, do not worry about the future. God has great things in store for you, but He needs you to learn to love yourself more before He can bless you. This will happen! Remember that according to Him, the one that created you in His image, you are a beautiful person. You have much value. You are worthy of much. Rest in those truths. Can you do me a favor? Whisper those truths to your 35-year-old self when you get there. Thanks!

It Was A Hit!

My family loved the dessert I made last night, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
16 ounces Cool Whip
Graham cracker pie crust
chocolate shavings or fudge syrup

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and cool whip until well blended. Pour into the pie crust. Top with chocolate shavings or fudge syrup. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

**Notes~I made the pie crust out of peanut butter cookies. I just stuck them in the food processor, added 4 Tbsp. of butter, and pressed it into a pie pan. Also, to make chocolate shavings, just put a chocolate candy bar in the freezer for a bit and then use your vegetable peeler to make shavings.**

Friday Fill-Ins

1. A cup of tea might be nice for some, but I prefer a cup of hot cider, hot chocolate, or an ice cold Pepsi.

2. Family makes a place feel like home.

3. Everything has its beauty and you my dear friend have an abundance!

4. How can someone not enjoy the taste of strawberries?

5. Art makes me feel. It can make me feel all kinds of things.

6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to wake up my oldest. She is such a sleepyhead these days.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging at home with the kids, tomorrow my plans include going to a Pampered Chef show with my mom in the afternoon and then going out with friends to dinner at night and Sunday, I want to go to church and make a nice dinner. Jeff has to work the Home Show all weekend, and he deserves to come home to something nice when it is all over!

Thursday Thirteen

13 Foods My Kids Won't Eat
(Can I Really Limit This List To 13???)

1. Corn

2. Green Beans...Okay, Ali will eat these if forced, but Meghan & Josh won't touch them.

3. Mashed Potatoes

4. Carrots

5. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese...Ali despises this stuff, and I thought it was a staple for kids.

6. Onions...I have to make sure to make them almost invisible.

7. Baked Beans

8. Spaghetti Sauce

9. Rice...Josh & Meg's won't eat this, which is odd because Josh used to love Spanish rice.

10. Soup...Ali will not eat soup to save her life. Josh & Meg's finally will.

11. White Milk....Josh detests white milk.

12. Bacon...Only Josh will eat this.

13. Chicken...unless it is chicken nuggets from McDonald's.

So, most nights when I cook dinner, at least one or more of the kids complains. Some nights they go to bed hungry. I refuse to quit serving what I consider "normal" meals just because they are picky. Darn kids! ;-)

Heads Or Tails

The theme/prompt for THIS week, February 23, is:

HEADS - "Rumor"

Okay, I am not a fan of rumors. They can be hurtful and annoying. I would love to say that I have never spread a rumor, but I am not a saint. I will say that I no longer knowingly spread a rumor. I try to be very careful about what I talk about and with whom.

Rumors aren't just spread by word of mouth these days. They can be spread by email also. Just check out Snopes.com. It is full of rumors that have been emailed to people. Thankfully they are in the business of determining if that rumor is fact or fiction. Maybe someone should have done that before they forwarded on that email. Yup, I have been guilty of not checking before too, but now I always make sure it is fact first.

The only kind of rumors I have actually enjoyed is the play Rumors by Neil Simon. It was an absurd comedy that kept me laughing. Real life rumors rarely make people laugh!

My New Project

I used to be involved in a Good Mail group, which was made up of people I only knew through Blogville. It was fun! We would send each other little things through the mail. Sometimes it would be a pack of gum, a holiday item, or a drink mix. There were lots of different items. It never mattered so much what you got. It just mattered that someone took the time to think about you and send you a little something in the mail.

So, I have decided to start my own Good Mail mission. I intend to send at least one piece of Good Mail each month. I set the bar low! These will be sent to close friends, acquaintances, or people I would love to get to know better. Most of them will be sent to people right here in my own area.

Why am I doing this? I want to be an encouragement to the ladies that I know. I want them to know that I am thinking of them and praying for them. I want them to know that they are very special in my eyes, as well as in God's eyes. I want to share His love in a tangible way.

I mailed my first piece of Good Mail out today. I prayed for the person that I sent the mail too, which I intend to do each time I send out a piece. This is all so very exciting to me! I know that this is a good thing, and I pray that He will bless what I am doing and make it a God thing.

I just wanted to share because I am so excited! What are some ways you try to encourage the friends in your life? Do share!

Our Menu For 2/22/10 through 2/28/10

Monday~Smoked Chicken & Apple Sausage, Macaroni 'N Cheese and Green Beans
Tuesday~Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes and Steamed Cabbage
Wednesday~Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baked Potato and Asparagus
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Hamburger Chop Suey over Calrose Rice
Saturday~Chicken Noodle Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Sunday~Mustgoes

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 22nd~National Cherry Pie Day
February 23rd~National Banana Bread Day
February 24th~National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25th~National Clam Chowder Day and National Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day
February 26th~National Pistachio Day and National Chili Day
February 27th~National Strawberry Day and National Kahlua Day
February 28th~National Chocolate Souffle Day

Next Week:

March 1st~National Peanut Butter Lover's Day & National Fruit Compote Day
March 2nd~National Banana Creme Pie Day
March 3rd~National Cold Cuts Day & National Mulled Wine Day
March 4th~National Pound Cake Day
March 5th~National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6th~National Frozen Food Day & National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7th~National Crown Roast of Pork Day & National Cereal Day

Easter Outfits

I don't like to leave things until the last minute. Well, except for cleaning my house. I have no problem leaving that until the last minute. ;-) Easter outfits are a completely different thing though. So, yesterday my mom and I went looking around. I found this adorable dress in both Ali & Meghan's size...

Isn't it just precious? I love it!

Then I found a yellow shirt for Josh.

We get some beautiful yellow daffodils that come up in our yard, and I want to take their pictures in front of those. I also want to take them to a park and take some pictures with lots of green in the background. I figure why pay to have their pictures taken when I own a camera and can have any size I want printed. Wish me luck with that! I may have pulled all my hair out by the end of that "photo shoot."

Do you take your own pictures, or do you take your kids to a professional? Do you buy special Easter outfits, or do you just find something cute from their closets? Do you coordinate your kids, or do you think I am a dork? :-) Do share!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Johnny Weir must be some dude from the Olympics.

2. Sadly, I haven't had time to watch the 2010 Olympics.

3. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk to show off your bloom to the world.

4. Go ahead and scream if you get an urge. Sometimes we just need to get out that excess energy.

5. Having sweet dreams is what my children are doing as I type this. Well, I hope it is anyway.

6. What does it take to get children to willingly pick up after themselves???

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking the kids to the school carnival, tomorrow my plans include welcoming my husband back from a 3 night business trip and Sunday, I want to go to church and take my daughter to her Girl Scout Pool Party!

Thankful Thursday

• I am thankful to be part of a loving, caring, supportive group of Christian women. A close friend's grandfather passed away, and she is hosting a huge family meal at her house after the funeral. Another wonderful friend called around and asked if we would want to help by donating food because our dear friend was trying to do it all herself during her time of grief. Not to mention she is having family stay at her home. I donated 2 pans of Au Gratin potatoes and a Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake, and I am sure other women helped out. I love knowing that we are here to love each other, support each other, and help each other during times of joy and sorrow.

Now about brotherly sisterly love we do not need to write, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.~1 Thessalonians 4:9

• I am also thankful for the Women's Bible Study group that meets at my church. We are currently doing the Anointed, Transformed & Redeemed study, and I have actually gotten all of my homework done for 4 weeks. That is a record folks! I am so thankful for that time that I get to spend with God.

• Last, but most definitely not least, I am thankful for my wonderful husband. We had a wonderful date night last Saturday night, in honor of Valentine's Day. Our marriage is in a good place, and I thank God for that.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.~1 Chronicles 16:34

Thursday Thirteen

Well, Valentine's Day is over, but that doesn't mean we can't still talk about love. Love should be given and received each and every day. Here are 13 quotes about love...

1. If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough.~Ann Landers

2. Love does not alter the beloved, it alters itself.~Soren Kierkegaard

3. I can live without money, but I cannot live without love.~Judy Garland

4. Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.~1 Corinthians 13:4-8

5. The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.~Vincent Van Gogh

6. You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.~Robert Louis Stevenson

7. If you judge people, you have no time to love them.~Mother Teresa

8. Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says 'I need you because I love you.'~Erich Fromm

9. Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.~Martin Luther King

10. Love is a game that two can play and both win. ~Eva Gabor

11. We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh.~Agnes Repplier

12. Love does not dominate; it cultivates.~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

13. Love is a friendship set on fire.~Jeremy Taylor

Now, get out there and fill the world with love! ;-)

Manners

Yesterday my bloggy friend, Jen, started a new post called "Tuesday's Truth's as seen by Jen". The truth she shared this week is that manners still matter, and I completely agree. I think in our society many people are too rushed or self-centered to worry about manners. They don't want to say please or thank you. They just want what they want, and they want it right now.

Rarely do you see a person holding the door for another. That would take 10 seconds out of their day. Who can spare that kind of time? When was the last time you were turning into traffic and somebody stopped just to let you out? Sure, it happens once in awhile, but not that often.

We are living in a society that is filled with people that only want to think about themselves and their own needs. Rarely do people want to take the time to use manners and courtesy. I think people need to remember the golden rule...Treat people the way you want to be treated. Surely what you want is for someone to smile at you and hold the door, say 'excuse me' when they accidently bump into you at WalMart, and say please and thank you when appropriate. If you dropped the contents of your purse, you would likely want someone to come help you pick things up. Not because they are required to help, but simply because it is the nice thing to do. So, start doing those things for others. I think if we start focusing on how we treat others, and not on how they treat us, we just might be able to make a change.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Do share!

The Ideal Mother

"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids." ~~Anonymous

That is the quote on my daily calendar today, and I can completely relate. I always thought I would be the mom that made cookies or fun snacks before the kids got home from school everyday. Well, at least most days, but that rarely every happens. They are usually running to the pantry to get a store bought snack.

I also thought I would read my kids bedtime stories every night. That happened for awhile, but now it rarely happens. I still read to them, but rarely at bedtime.

The ideal mother, in my opinion, doesn't yell. I wish I could say that was me. See, I can work in a classroom of 20+ kids without yelling, but my own kids are different. They press my buttons in a way nobody else can. Plus, I expect much more out of them than I ever did out of my students. It's just different.

Life gets in the way. There is laundry to do, dishes to wash, homework to look over, dinner to cook, fights to breakup, disciplining to do, lessons to teach, etc. Life is busy! I try to do that "ideal" stuff from time to time, but mostly, I am just trying to make sure that I am raising good kids. It's not easy! ;-)

Wordful Wednesday

This picture is from a couple of years ago, but it represents what I am ready for...green grass & trees, children playing outside, and warmer weather. I need Spring!! Winter has officially dragged on long enough, in my opinion. I am looking forward to being able to cook steaks & burgers on the grill, celebrating Easter, and taking the kids to the park. How about you? Are you ready for Spring? What are you looking forward to?

A Shift In Thinking

Lately, I have been having a shift in thinking. I guess I am starting to feel as if the government controls far too much. For instance, the seat belt law. I used to think that this law made perfectly good sense. Now, I am starting to feel as if it should be a persons choice. Why should the government get to tell me I have to wear my seat belt? I'm not hurting anyone else, if I choose not to wear it. Don't get me wrong. I do wear my seat belt, but I wear it because it is the safe thing to do. Shouldn't that be how it is? Shouldn't I have a choice?

Illinois, as well as other states, have banned smoking in restaurants and bars. Shouldn't the business owner get to choose whether or not people smoke in their establishment? I believe so! See, I have the right to choose whether or not I want to give my business to those places, and I just feel the owner should have the right to ban or allow smoking. Again, don't get me wrong. I love that their is no smoking in these places. I have never smoked, and I don't enjoy eating or drinking in a cloud of smoke. Many people probably agree with me. However, if the owners chose to allow smoking, I could A) decide not to go there B) order my food to go or C) eat there and try not to complain about the smoke. See, I still have choices.

I know the constitution doesn't say we have "freedom of choice," but in some instances I think we should. Should we have the choice to ignore stop signs? No! That could harm others. Can the smoke in restaurants & bars harm people? Sure it can, but we have the choice not to go there. Nobody says you have to eat out or go to a bar. I just keep thinking that while these seem like great things, they still take away our choice. How many choices have already been taken away from us? What future choices will we no longer have?

You have the freedom to disagree with me. I will not be offended. Heck, up until recently I would have disagreed with me. Like I said, I am having a shift in thinking, and I am not really sure where it is coming from. Thank you for letting me exercise my freedom of speech. ;-)

Heads Or Tails

The theme/prompt for THIS week, February 16, is:

HEADS *OR* TAILS- "Light OR Dark"

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ~Matthew 5:14-16

I try to let His light shine in me for all to see. I have lived my life in darkness, and it was an empty and self-serving time in my life. I prefer the light! I prefer living for Jesus. He gave his life for all of us, and His sacrifice was such a generous gift we can all receive. Good deeds? Oh, He has done many in my life. He kept me from being killed during my struggles with alcohol. The abuse alone could have poisoned my body, the drunk driving could have killed me or many others, and the 1000's of risky & ridiculous things I did during those days could also have gotten me killed. He carried me through those days of darkness to bring me to this time of light.

He has also kept my marriage together. Jeffrey and I have had many struggles because of his very demanding work schedule, as well as our beliefs of what a marriage should look like. In 8 1/2 years we have gotten to a place that is pretty great. We wouldn't be here without Jesus. I would have bailed long ago without His strength and help.

When Jeffrey and I got married we moved to a new area. I knew nobody. I was lonely. So very, very lonely! He brought me a friend when I needed on most. Carrie and I met at a MOPS meeting when Ali was just 9 months old. She will be 8 in just a few months, and Carrie & I are still wonderful friends. Since then, He has brought me several other very close friends.

I am a blessed woman because of His good deeds! I could seriously go on and on. I could give details about how He helped me through my dad's sickness and death, brought my sisters back into my life, and healed my son's broken arm beautifully. I give it all to Him. He is the light of the world!

For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. ~Romans 11:36

I'm Curious

I am fairly new to this housewife/stay-at-home-mom thing. Oh hush! Eight years is new in my book. ;-) Seriously though, I am still trying to find my groove. I have tried doing this freestyle...no to-do list & little planning. I have also tried doing it just a tad loosely...pretty much just planned dinner. Lastly, I have tried being pretty structured...made a daily to-do list & planned dinner. The last one works best for me, I think.

I have broken my week up into cleaning areas.

Monday~bedrooms
Tuesday~bathrooms
Wednesday~kitchen
Thursday~living room & dining room
Friday~basement or any catch up work

The amount of work I do in each area depends on the week. I have a week where I do more of a deep cleaning, and then I have a week where I just straighten and keep it tidy.

Each day I try to do a load or two of laundry. With five people living in this house, laundry piles up quickly. I would much rather put away 100 small loads versus 10 large loads.

I'm curious what works for you. Obviously there is no right or wrong answer. I realize that what one person considers clean another may not. I also realize that everyone has their own style...some are more list oriented and others more go-with-the-flow. I'm just curious to hear what you all do. Please do share! :-)

Our Menu For 2/15/10 through 2/21/10

Monday~Pig in a Blankets, Macaroni 'N Cheese & Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday~Nachos for the kiddos...Jeff & I are eating with our small group.
Wednesday~Cheeseburgers & French Fries
Thursday~Tacos
Friday~Eating at the School Carnival
Saturday~Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baked Potato & Asparagus
Sunday~Pizza

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 15th~National Gumdrop Day
February 16th~National Almond Day
February 17th~National Indian Pudding Day
February 18th~Crab Stuffed Flounder Day & Drink Wine Day (rock on!)
February 19th~National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20th~National Margarita Day
February 21st~National Sticky Bun Day

Next Week:

February 22nd~National Cherry Pie Day
February 23rd~National Banana Bread Day
February 24th~National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25th~National Clam Chowder Day and National Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day
February 26th~National Pistachio Day and National Chili Day
February 27th~National Strawberry Day and National Kahlua Day
February 28th~National Chocolate Souffle Day

Happy President's Day!

Whether we agree with their policies or not, they lead our country. Today let's celebrate them!

Did You Know?

Thomas Jefferson read Greek, Latin, French and English.

John Quincy Adams, the 6th President, was elected by the House of Representatives because neither candidate, (John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson) had enough electoral votes.

John Quincy Adams used to get up two hours before sunrise to go skinny dipping in the Potomac River.

Andrew Jackson was the only president to ever kill a man in a duel.

Zachary Taylor's horse grazed on the White House lawn.

Abraham Lincoln was six feet four inches tall, the tallest President so far.

Franklin Pierce was arrested for running over a woman while driving his carriage in Washington, DC. The charges were later dropped.

Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding while driving a horse and buggy in Washington, DC. He had to pay a fine of $20.00 and walk back to the White House.

Benjamin Harrison was so afraid of electric lights that he used to have White House staff turn them on and off.

Warren G. Harding once lost all the White House china gambling, on one hand of cards.

The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's mother forced him to wear dress until he was five years old.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the only President elected to four terms. (1933-1945)

Dwight David Eisenhower liked to play golf so much he had a putting green built on the White House lawn.

John F. Kennedy's father gave him $1,000,000 when he turned twenty-one. (Each of his nine brothers and sisters got a million dollars too!)

Lyndon Baines Johnson used to go through the White House at night turning lights off that were not needed. He did not want to waste the taxpayers money. At fifteen he ran away from home and traveled to California where he worked as a grape picker and auto mechanic.

Gerald Ford also loved golf, but spectators had to watch carefully because the President was known for conking people on the head with his wild shots.

President Ford was the only President not elected as President or Vice President. He was appointed Vice President by President Richard Nixon and then became President when Richard Nixon resigned. Ford was a model for Cosmopolitan and Look magazines in the 1940's.

Ronald Reagan announced Chicago Cubs games for WHO radio in Des Moines. Later he became a famous movie and television actor.

President Reagan loved jelly beans and used to keep a bowl of them on his desk. His nickname was Dutch.

George Bush was the captain of the baseball team at Yale University.

When Bill Clinton was in high school he shook hands with President John F. Kennedy in the Rose Garden, his nickname as a child growing up in Arkansas was Bubba.

Know any other interesting facts? Do share!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope your day is filled with love!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."~John 3:16

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."~Matthew 22:37

You can both give and receive today! Enjoy!! ;-)

Cool Saying

Today on my daily calendar it says, "A person is never so empty as when he is full of himself." Love it! So true. We need to be full of God...not ourselves. Just wanted to share! ;-)

Happy Birthday, Jen!!

Jen, you are one of my dearest friends. I am so thankful for your friendship. I only wish we lived a tad bit closer, so that I could celebrate your special day with you. Sorry, but I can't drive 4 hours, each way, today. ;-) I hope you have a fabulous day with your family! I love ya girl! :-)

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Pickles are tasty, but please do not put them on my cheeseburger. Yuck!

2. I love being at home, but I do start to go stir crazy after a few days of not leaving the house.

3. The snow is going to melt soon, and that makes me a wee bit sad. Just a wee bit folks!

4. You can see God everywhere in nature.

5. It's 5:16 PM; that means I am frantically trying to get dinner on the table. Not my favorite time of night.

6. Peace & quiet is hard to find in a home with three young children.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out here at home, tomorrow my plans include taking Ali to an all day Theater Camp and having a date night with my hubby and Sunday, I want to go to church and after that my sister, Tammy, and two of her children are coming to stay the night. We are going to celebrate Valentine's Day together with some heart shaped pancakes and a love potion! :-)

Let The Games Begin

The Winter Olympics are here, so let the games begin! I am not a huge sports fan, so the Olympics aren't really something I am super excited about. I am, however, looking forward to the figure skating events. I have always wished I could look that graceful, but I was born with the grace of an elephant. Not cool! How about you? Do you look forward to the Olympics? What is your favorite event?

If you want to view the Olympics schedule or results, you can go here.

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things I Love...

Very important people...God, my hubby, children, mother, family & friends.
Autumn...The leaves, the crisp air, and fun holidays.
Libraries...All those books waiting to tell a fun story.
Education...I get excited thinking about "teachery stuff."
Nora Roberts...Her books rock!
Tacos...Okay, I love food, but tacos rock. Especially with guacamole!
Ice Cold Pepsi...I am slightly addicted and have given it up for 21 days. Only 10 more to go!
New recipes...I enjoy trying different recipes and have quite a collection of cookbooks and recipes.
Electricity...I like to think I could have lived in the days before electricity, but I am too much of a wimp! I need my electric appliances, bright lights, and television.
Shopping...it is a very fun past time!

Days of celebration...Big holidays. Small holidays. They all rock...Celebrate Life!
Alaska...Okay, I have never been there, so I don't know that I actually love Alaska. I do, however, want to go there, and I have convinced myself that I want to live there for 1 year...at least.
You...I love my bloggy friends & visitors!!

A couple of years ago I did a 13 Things You Shouldn't Give Your Valentine post in the same style as this post. You can check it out here. Enjoy!

Friendly Warning

Last night I was getting myself a ginormously huge bowl of ice cream. Being the pig that I am, I decided to lick the ice cream scoop. We have a wonderful ice cream scoop from Pampered Chef that looks like this...

Word to the wise...don't lick the ice cream scoop! The inside of my top lick stuck to the darn thing and it ripped off some skin. Yikes! It still feels a little odd today.

Just a friendly warning. And in case you were wondering, yes, I am a dork! ;-)

Wordful Wednesday

My youngest child, Meghan, just loves to help. Apparently they are never to young to learn the art of cleaning the toilet. My mom gave Meg's the toilet brush and she went to town.

She even appeared to be enjoying herself.

Now, if only I could get her to make her bed, clean her room, and do her own laundry life would be easy-peasy. ;-)

Heads Or Tails

The theme/prompt for THIS week, February 9, is:

HEADS - "Chain"

When Jeff and I were just dating, he showed up at my house dressed in khakis, which was not his norm. He handed me a gift. When I opened it I saw a gold chain with a small diamond pendant. I was tickled pink! He then took me out to dinner at, I believe, Red Lobster. The chain and pendant meant so much to me because they were a "just because" gift. Also, it was given to me by a man that I loved who was a college student with very little disposable income. I still love little gifts he brings me home for no reason. Sometimes it is roses. Sometimes it is the Sunday paper, which he knows I occasionally like to scour through. Other times it is a bottle of chocolate milk from the gas station. Never anything huge or expensive, but always something that tells me he is thinking about me and loves me. I love that man!

I Can't Sleep!

I know that I am going to pay for this tomorrow. I'm not "wide" awake by any means, but I am awake, and that just stinks. I have heartburn, and my mind keeps reeling with all the things I need to do tomorrow...change the sheets, dust the bedrooms, vacuum the bedrooms, do the dishes, do the laundry, do 2 days worth of women's bible study, make spaghetti pie, go to Bunco night wearing red or pink....do I own anything decent that is red or pink??? This is not a cool feeling. I keep wondering if this is being brought on by my new medicine. I switched from Zoloft to Cymbalta last week, and so far the switch has been truly wonderful. No complaints! So, I pray that this is just a bad night, and not attributed to anything.

Dear Lord, please help me to find rest again tonight. Take away my heartburn, and relax my mind. Help me to not be weary tomorrow, and help me to accomplish everything that I need and want to accomplish. I can do all things through you who strengthens me, and I can do nothing of greatness without you. I lean on you, Lord. Thank you for all that you do and have done for me. It's in your name I pray. Amen!

Okay, I am off to sleep. I just know the Lord is going to help me with this one! :-)

Our Menu For 2/8/10 Through 2/14/10

Monday~Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread & Salad
Tuesday~Deep Dish Pizza Casserole, Salad & Mandarin Oranges
Wednesday~Country Fried Steak & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes & Corn...Okay, this one has been on the menu for 3 weeks now. It's time to finally make it!
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Cheeseburgers & French Fries
Saturday~Smoked Chicken & Apple Sausage, Macaroni & Cheese, and Green Beans
Sunday~Heart-Shaped Pancakes, Bacon & Love Potion

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 8th~Molasses Bar Day
February 9th~National Bagels and Lox Day & Pizza Pie Day
February 10th~Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11th~Peppermint Patty Day & Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
February 12th~National Plum Pudding Day
February 13th~National Tortellini Day Day
February 14th~National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day

Next Week:

February 15th~National Gumdrop Day
February 16th~National Almond Day
February 17th~National Indian Pudding Day
February 18th~Crab Stuffed Flounder Day & Drink Wine Day (rock on!)
February 19th~National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20th~National Margarita Day
February 21st~National Sticky Bun Day

Monster Jam

Joshua is convinced he wants to be a monster truck driver when he grows up, and he has been convinced of this for a couple years now. Last night, he and daddy got to go see Monster Jam again. I believe this was his 3rd time seeing monster trucks live, and each time just reinforces his dream.

Now, I don't really think he will be a monster truck driver when he grows up, because I realize his dreams may change about a thousand times (or more) between now and adulthood. However, I would be fine if that is what he chooses. Really though, I just like seeing him passionate about something.

Jeff said he couldn't tell if Josh was into the show or not because he didn't talk. That tells me he was into the show! If not, he would have whined and complained and told Jeff a hundred times that he was ready to leave. He was too busy staring to talk. He was too fixated on those trucks to do much of anything.

He did get to order a snow cone, which came in a cool Monster Jam truck. I am sure he will want to use that often. He also got to purchase a 2010 Monster Jam magazine, which he doesn't want Meghan touching. He is afraid she will ruin it and rip the pages.

All in all, the boys had a great night, and the girls and I had a great night too. We made brownies together. Ali got to crack the eggs and stir the batter. She & Meghan both got to throw some M&M's on top. Then we cuddled up on the couch and watched 'Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs', which was really cute. Meghan passed out quickly, so I took her to her bed. She actually missed out on eating a warm, fresh from the oven, brownie. After the movie, Ali & I sang several duets on the Wii.

I would have to call last night a success for our family. Lots of bonding moments between Daddy & Josh and between Mommy & Ali. Moments that I know I will cherish forever, and I hope the rest of our family will too. :-)

Me & My Guy Dance

Jeff took Ali to the Girl Scout's Me & My Guy Dance last night. The theme was 70's, and Ali looked precious. Check out my little Buttercup...

We bought the dress online, and I love that it is a vintage dress from the 70's.

I think she loved that she got to wear makeup and hair glitter. Such a girl! It wouldn't be a 70's dance without blue eyeshadow. I can only imagine there was a sea of blue eyeshadow in that gymnasium. ;-)

Friday Fill-Ins

1. I know that I am lucky and blessed, but it doesn't always feel that way.

2. January is the longest month. It just seems to drag on and on and on!

3. You can't help but smile when you hear kids laughing and getting along.

4. Housework; bring it on!

5. Where have you looked for your coat which is right in front of your eyes?

6. God's love is now available. ;-)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having some friends over for while Jeff takes Ali to the Me & My Guy dance, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with my girls while Jeff takes Josh to the Monster Jam show and Sunday, I want to go to church with my family and hang out with them too!

Thursday Thirteen

This week, the 3rd through the 6th, is International Snow Sculpting Week. Here are some really cool snow sculptures...

Okay, so this last one might not be in the same league as the others, but I am proud of my kiddos work just the same. ;-)

Happy Birthday, Tammy D!!

You are a special friend, and I hope your 30th birthday proves to be a wonderful one!

I'm A Tad Quirky

Yep, I am a tad quirky! I like to eat my pop tarts burnt, and I have to eat them with a fork. I pretty much eat everything with a fork or spoon, since I don't like to get my fingers dirty. Anyway, I discovered a long time ago that I like my pop tarts burnt, and I have eaten them that way ever since. Quirky!

Wordful Wednesday

A couple of Sundays ago Jeffrey took Josh hunting for the first time. He stuck Megs in his backpack, and she thought she was going to get to go too.

How cute is that? Thankfully she was okay with girls time with Mommy, Mamook & Ali. We went out to eat at Red Lobster and did a little shopping.

Josh & Daddy had a great time squirrel hunting, but they didn't bring home anything. They did, however, get to see a large tree fall in the woods. Which apparently was really cool. Josh kept telling me all about it. He also told me that I make the best hot chocolate in the world. He and daddy enjoyed some Slim Jims & hot chocolate in the forest, and Josh said to daddy that "everything tastes better in the forest." He is a hoot!