Our Menu For 1/31/11 Through 2/06/11

Monday~Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, and Corn

Tuesday~Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots and Onions

Wednesday~Crockpot Italian Chicken, Chicken Rice-A-Roni, and Green Beans

Thursday~Mustgoes

Friday~Taco Ring

Saturday~Nachos

Sunday~Beef Stir Fry over Sticky Rice

Yummy Recipe!

My mom made this recipe today. It was simple to make, and tasty to eat! Those are the best kinds of recipes. :-) I have never had Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup, but my mom has, and she says that it is close but not exactly like the one they make.

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
(Recipe from Todd Wilbur's Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 2)

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion)
½ cup chopped zucchini
½ cup frozen cut Italian green beans
¼ cup minced celery (about ½ stalk)
4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
4 cups vegetable broth (Swanson)
2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans, drained
2 15-ounce cans small white beans or Great Northern beans, drained
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes ½ cup julienned or shredded carrot
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 cups hot water
4 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup small seashell pasta

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or stockpot. Saute onion, zucchini, green beans, celery and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes or until onion begins to turn translucent.

Add broth to pot, plus drained beans, tomatoes, carrot, spices, bay leaves, and hot water. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired soupy thickness.

Makes about 8 servings (1½ cups each)

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Up way too early this morning.

2. I'm hoping we steer clear of the illnesses going around.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: These are the things that get left all over the floor. Apparently the frigid weather makes my children forget where they actually belong.

4. My oldest child gives a nice back rub.

5. I'm thinking about attending my church's Celebrate Recovery group.

6. I'm ready for my kids to be well behaved all the time. Does that every happen???

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out at home with my kiddos and eating blueberry pancakes and sausage, tomorrow my plans include making cards with my mom's friends and then enjoying some much needed time with my husband and Sunday, I want to go to church and get prepared for the coming week!

Thankful Thursday

I am normally a very thankful person, but right now depression has a strong grip on me. Jeff has been working very long days, and I feel extremely lonely...unloved. My children, especially my son, have been really trying me. He whines all the time! It's difficult to parent alone.

I have spoken with Jeff about how I feel, but nothing has changed at this point. This just makes me feel even more unloved, and it causes the depression to spiral downward more and more. I haven't felt this depressed in a very long time.

However, I know that 1 Thessalonians 5:18a says Give thanks in all circumstances, so I am going to do just that.

I am thankful that I have a loving Lord that does care about me, problems and all. He knows and cares about the desires of my heart, and he knows what changes need to take place. I will put my marriage in His hands.

I am also thankful that my husband has enough work to keep him busy. The economy has been hard on many. Owning a small business during hard times is scary, and I am thankful that God has helped Jeffrey navigate through these times.

Thank you, Lord, for my mother and wonderful friends who lift myself and my marriage up in prayer during times like this.

There you have it...thankfulness in a dark period. I pray this veil of darkness is lifted soon and sunshine is abundant.

Thursday Thirteen

Tonight we are eating out at Culver's because part of what we spend goes to benefit our elementary school. This got me thinking about the restaurants that I enjoy eating at, so here are a list of 13 of them. They are not in any particular order.


1. Lin's Buffet~When I want Chinese food, this is where I go. I usually do takeout, but the buffet is pretty good too.


2. Red Lobster~Cheddar Bay Biscuits ROCK!! Not to mention the Caesar Salad and Shrimp Scampi. Yummmm!

3. Chevys~The Tableside Guacamole keeps me coming back, and the salsa is pretty tasty too.

4. Jimmy John's~My college years got me started on Jimmy John's. I always order the #4...Turkey Tom.

5. Sky Harbor~This is a local restaurant that I love. Jeff took me there for the first time when I graduated from college. Their menu is somewhat limited, but what they do make is tasty. Love their French Onion Soup and Petite Filet Mignon.
6. Agatucci's~This is a local pizza place, but it isn't the pizza that keeps me coming back. It is the Tiger Sauce. It is a house dressing that you can put on your salad or your pizza, and it makes my mouth oh so happy!

7. Monical's Pizza~When I am in the mood for pizza, it is Monical's that I turn to. I love their deluxe. The onions and green peppers are crispy and the yellow peppers give it a little zing.

8. Olive Garden~I used to not really like this restaurant, but now I am addicted to their Zuppa Tuscana. I have got to learn how to make that soup at home. Oh, and their breadsticks dipped in Alfredo Sauce is wonderful too.

9. Taco John's~If I don't feel like cooking, I call up Jeff at work and beg him to bring me home two crispy tacos and a large potato ole. The potato oles are these crispy hashrounds with a flavorful seasoning.

10. Steak 'N Shake~I used to work here and for years afterward I hated the idea of going here. I was just burnt out. Now, it is a fun place to eat with the kids. They kids love their junior sized shakes and kids meals, and I love their Chili Mac Supreme. We have a local one that sits right on the Illinois River, and it is fun to sit and watch the boats or barges go by. Keeps the kids entertained! The last time we were there we saw two Bald Eagles in the trees.

11. Avanti's~It's the bread that keeps me coming back. Plain and simple...I am a carb addict!

12. Flat Top Grill~Nobody else in my family adores this restaurant like I do, which makes me very sad. The Roti Prata Bread is fabulous, and I love that I can put whatever I want in my bowl. I can even pick my own sauce combination. Fun!

13. T.G.I.Friday's~If it wasn't for the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad, this restaurant wouldn't make the cut. However, I really enjoy that salad, and I could eat it everyday. I wouldn't. But I could! ;-)

You will notice that Culver's did not make the cut. About all I really like there is the custard and the soups. I just don't like them enough I suppose. I'm sure I will enjoy eating there tonight though, since it means I don't have to cook. That always makes a mom happy!

Which restaurants do you enjoy? Do share!

Changes

If I ever want to be at a healthy weight again, I need to make some changes in my life. It's not easy! Why can't it be easy??? I am a soda drinking fool who adores carbs and anything with sugar. You see the problem?

My friends are doing this run/walk program, but that didn't interest me. I am not a runner, and I really don't intend to ever be a runner. But I do want to make changes, and it helps that my friends are making some too. Here are the ones I have committed to at this time...

• Eat a healthier breakfast. I generally eat a big bowl of cereal, and I do mean big. So, I am going to try to eat more oatmeal, fruit, and eggs.
• Drink more water. As of right now, I drink none. I would like to work in 64 ounces of water a day. I am also hoping to quit buying soda for the house.
• Work out for 20 minutes 5 days a week. Eventually I want to bump this up to 30 minutes.

Three things to start with is pretty good. Can't do too much to fast because I know I will bail on the changes. Wish me luck!

Our Menu For 1/24/11 Through 1/30/11

Monday~Cheeseburger Soup and Grilled Ham & Cheese
Tuesday~Lemonade Chicken, White Rice and Green Beans
Wednesday~Tuna Noodle Salad
Thursday~Eating out at Culver's to benefit our elementary school. :-)
Friday~Blueberry Pancakes and Sausage
Saturday~Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes and Corn
Sunday~Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, and Carrots & Onions

Friday Fill-Ins...On Saturday...Again!

Apparently I can't stop being a slacker. Please forgive me. ;-)

1. Right now I need some time with my very best girlfriends.

2. Coke is what's in my glass.

3. A copy of this letter should be kept for future reminiscing.

4. A root beer float is best with a spoon.

5. The best movie I've seen lately is NOT Up in the Air with George Clooney. Horrible Movie!

6. Going to the library is what I like; Reading is what I love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting some time out of the house by myself without kids, tomorrow my plans include hanging with the kids and having root beer floats and Sunday, I want to go to church and then get organized for next week!

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things On My Mind Right Now

1. I really need a nap today. I am trying to take fewer naps, but some days it is still necessary.

2. Should I make the Cheeseburger Soup we are scheduled to have, or should I make the Meatloaf that we didn't have yesterday? Maybe a nap will help me decide. ;-)

3. How do I get Cocoa, our dog, to quit chewing things he shouldn't???

4. Our piano is being delivered tomorrow!! This means I need to clean the area where we are going to put it.

5. What movies should I put in my Netflix queue? The last one we watched was absolutely boring! it was 'Up In The Air' with George Clooney. Horrible!

6. How often should I bathe Cocoa? Can you tell I am new to this whole dog ownership thing?

7. I can't wait for Monday. My friends and I are getting our kids together for a playdate, and then at night we are going to a Lia Sophia Extravaganza. I am really needing some girl time.

8. Speaking of friends, today is my dear friend's birthday. Carrie is turning a year older as she heads to the Bahamas with her hubby. I hope they have a wonderful time!

9. Speaking of birthdays, tomorrow is my nephew Cole's birthday. He will be a whopping 7! Time is flying.

10. Money is on my mind. Will my husband, Jeff, and I ever agree on money? Why did God pair me with Mr. Frugal? I love him, but we are so different when it comes to money. And no, I don't think money grows on trees.

11. Thinking of my silly son and how he thought Martin Luther Kings name was Rotten Luther King. I love that kid!

12. Wishing we were also getting our new dining room table tomorrow. Probably going to be two more weeks before we can pick that up. Darn!

13. Wondering what light fixture I should buy to put above our table? I am just not good with decorating. I just buy what I like and hope it works.

There you have it...13 Things That Are On My Mind Right Now. ;-)

Our Menu For 1/10/11 Through 1/16/11

Monday~Baked Coca-Cola Pork Chops, White Rice and Peas
Tuesday~French Toast and Bacon
Wednesday~Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Creamed Corn
Thursday~Cheeseburger Soup
Friday~Mustgoes
Saturday~Nachos
Sunday~Chicken Broccoli Braid

Friday Fill-Ins...On Saturday

1. It's 2011; I can't believe I am approaching my 10th wedding anniversary.

2. My daughters love pickles.

3. Thankfully I have my Lord.

4. People really are the best things in life.

5. I am so excited that I get to go to a Women's Retreat with friends in April.

6. My kids learned how to bowl through an after-school club.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging with my son, since it is his 7th birthday, tomorrow my plans include having a "friend party" for my son at the roller skating rink and Sunday, I want to go to church and then have my son's "family party"!

Thankful Thursday

I am in a very thankful mood today. I feel thankful for everything! Thankful that I have a savior in Jesus Christ. Thankful that I have a husband that loves me, and thankful that we can laugh together. Thankful for my children who really are trying to behave better these days. Thankful that my mother is willing to help me rearrange my dining/family room...again. Oh, and thankful for our wonderful new dog, Cocoa.

See, so much to be thankful for! But I am not done. ;-) I am thankful for all of my friends. I have some friends that I like to call my "Sisters in Christ." We do life together. We rejoice together during the good times, which is now because our friend Jacquie just had a baby boy today. The meal list is already circulating. We also support each other during difficult times by lifting each other up in prayer, comforting with words, or simply offering a hug.

I am also thankful for my friends that had the privilege (I am sure this is the word they would use too.) of living with me during my college years. At least two of them, Betsy and Tammy, are coming to visit me in February. Our friend Angie may also be coming too. Betsy and I have been friends since high school, but I met the other two during college. I don't see them often, since I live 3-4 hours away from each of them, but when we get together it is just like old times.

I am so thankful that God has placed such wonderful friends in my life. I am truly blessed!

Thank you, Lord, for all of your wonderful blessings. Thank you for that sweet baby boy that was born today, as well as for the sweet boy that will celebrate his 7th birthday tomorrow (my son, Josh). Thank you for wonderful inventions life telephones and facebook that helps us stay connected with friends that live further away. Wrap your loving arms around each and every one of my friends today. Let them know that they are loved. Amen.

Thursday Thirteen

Oh my goodness, I have missed Thursday Thirteen!! So thankful to be joining back in on the fun. Without further ado...

Thirteen Things That Have Happened In Our Lives Since My Last Thursday Thirteen...Way Back In July

1. I went to Walk To Emmaus with my mom, and we had a wonderful time. We prayed a ton, connected with God and other Christians, and we came home feeling refreshed and blessed.

2. I went on a weekend getaway to southern Illinois where I reconnected with my old college roomies. I also got to see my friend Jen while I was down there. All of us went to a Jungle Dog Reunion. What is that? Well, Jungle Dogs are a band that we all used to listen to back in the day. Way too much fun was had!!


In order from left to right...Tammy, Betsy, Jen, Myself and Angie. The only one missing is Stacey, who is taking the picture.

3. My oldest child, Ali, started taking piano lessons, and she has been doing really well. She is picking it up quickly. I pray she continues to do so! She even had her first performance around Christmas time, and she did great!


4. We attended the Annual Weenie Roast at my Aunt's house in October. It was great to see the family. We only live about 3 hours apart, but months often pass between visits. I suppose life just gets in the way.

Here is a picture of my girls after their cousin, Stephanie, painted their faces. Too cute!

And here is a picture of my sister, Kim, and myself. I think my son took this picture.

5. I fulfilled my jury duty obligation, which turned out to be very unexciting. There weren't any trials that week that needed jurors, but, of course, we didn't know that right away. The good thing is my friend Marie also had jury duty, so we got to just sit around and chat.

6. We celebrated Halloween by attending a Halloween Party at my sister and brother-in-law's house, as well as trick-or-treating. Oh, and I got to help out with the Halloween party in both Ali & Josh's classrooms.

Here are the treats Ali and I made for her class.

Here is my beautiful Ali dressed up like a witch.

Here is my handsome soldier, Joshua.

And last but not least, here we have my sweet little Dorothy (a.k.a Meghan).


7. My Meggie turned 4!! She is a sassy, yet sweet, 4-year-old girl. It was a Hello Kitty party. So, of course, we had to wear our Hello kitty attire. Even I had a Hello Kitty shirt on, but thankfully we didn't take any pictures of me that day. ;-)

We got to eat some yummy strawberry cake too.


8. My sister-in-law, Abby, and I took a road trip to visit my other sister-in-law, Jessica. She lives in southern Ohio, so it was a bit of a drive. We used that time to sing and talk and bond. Our visit with Jessica went well. We enjoyed some shopping, eating out, and talking while we were there.

9. I started a monthly Toddler Time at my house. I need a different name for Toddler Time, since there are preschoolers too. Basically we read a book, do a craft or activity of some kind, and then enjoy a snack. The first one was in November so we read '10 Fat Turkeys', made a paper turkey, and ate turkey cookies.



10. We celebrated Thanksgiving at our house with our family. It was a fun day with plenty of wine flowing, game playing, and yummy food to eat. Here was our delicious fried turkey...with a bottle of wine on the side. ;-)


11. We went to my sister Kim's house for a night. While we were there we baked Christmas cookies, exchanged presents, and watched her and her husband Tim's wedding video. A good time was had by all! The bad time started when it was time to drive home. It was snowing, as well as blowing. It was truly a whiteout, which made our drive home very difficult and extremely dangerous. What normally takes 3 hours wound up being closer to 6 0r 7, and we saw tons of cars in the ditch along the way. My crazy husband actually braved the weather to go to a Bear's game that day. So, while we were heading south, he was heading north. I still think he was nuts for making that trip!

12. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas! We spent Christmas Eve by having dinner with my mom and then going to church. It was snowing, which was absolutely beautiful. Then we spent Christmas morning at home before going over to my sister and brother-in-law's house to celebrate more. The kids got more than they deserved! I was blessed with nice presents also, but we discussed the fact that the best present is that God sent his son Jesus Christ to Earth to be our savior. Can't ask for more than that!

13. We got a dog!!! He is a Labrador Retriever named Cocoa, and he is 1-year-old. He is well behaved and adorable. What more could you ask for in a family pet?


Well, there you have it...13 Things That Have Happened In Our Lives Since July. We didn't do anything super remarkable, but I hope you still enjoyed reading. :-)

Life

I am happy to report that things are going pretty good since our 'Family Rules' talk. Things are staying picked up. Kids aren't arguing with me...as much. I never said it was perfect, but it is much better.

I am making changes too. I have been eating meals with the kids. I used to abandon ship because I was tired of the whining over what I cooked. Now I just don't tolerate the whining. They can leave the table, but I will not. I am regaining control! We have even been praying before meals.

I have also been trying to stay on top of things around here. My mom helps a ton! So, between the two of us we are keeping up with laundry, dishes and cleaning. The change I am making is being sure I don't just let my mom do it all. She is a doer. Seriously! She walks in the door and kicks it into action. I am more of a 'I'll get to it when I get to it.' I'm trying to find a balance between my mom and myself. ;-)

I really feel God encouraging me to get control of my life. My life has felt chaotic and out of control for far too long. With control comes renewed energy and focus, which I love. I want to use this energy and focus for the good of the Lord. I CAN do anything through Christ who strengthens me!!

Family Rules

Today, in an effort to regain control of my home, I wrote out our family rules. These aren't new rules. However, they weren't really being followed. Well, at least not consistently. I was struggling with feeling like my rules were unreasonable, but God has been working on me about that lately. My home has not been what I would call a Godly home for quite some time. It has been a chaotic home. It has even been a dysfunctional home. But most importantly, it has been a home that I simply do not enjoy living in, and because of that I know I need to make changes.

Here is what I wrote down...

Family Rules
“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” ~Joshua 24:15

1. Obey your parents (or the adult in charge). “Children, always obey your parents, for
thie pleases the Lord.”~Colossians 3:20

2. Keep your room picked up.

3. If you take something out, put it away as soon as you are done with it.

4. Do not complain. Do not whine. Be thankful…for everything!

5. No television or video games in the morning until you are dressed (from head to
toe) and have your hair brushed.

6. No television or video games when you get home until homework (piano practice and
reading time included) is completed.

7. No tattling. Work problems out on your own. If someone gets seriously hurt, you
may come tell an adult. If someone is doing something that will hurt themselves
or someone else, tell them three times to stop. If they don’t stop, you may come tell
an adult.

8. No yelling in the house.

9. No running in the house.

10. No inappropriate language.

11. No rudeness.

12. Do not talk back to your mother or father (or any adult in charge).

Remember…

• We treat people the way we want to be treated. Jesus said in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

• Good kids get good things. Bad kids get bad things.

• You choose the way you act, which means that ultimately you choose what you get. (punishment or reward)

There will be consequences for breaking the family rules!! Consequences may be, but are not limited to…

• Time out
• Spanking
• Extra chores
• Privilege taken away

I did this quickly, so I realize it isn't perfect. I just wanted to have something to refer back to, so my children can't act as if they never knew they weren't supposed to do something. Also, I realize spanking is controversial, and I really don't want to get into that debate.

We sat down with this list, and we discussed it as a family. Now the key is going to be enforcing these rules. Already my son has broken the "take something out, put it away" rule. He left the Wii stuff laying around, so I plan to take away his Wii privileges for tomorrow. Look at me. I am on top of this! ;-)

Seriously though, this is hard stuff for me. Whoever said parenting was easy, did not have children. It isn't easy knowing you are raising up the next generation. Especially when you are hoping and praying that it is a generation that can make some wonderful, Godly changes in our world.

Do you find parenting easy? What are your family rules? Do you have your rules listed anywhere? What consequences do you use (again, no spanking debates)? Do share!

Our Menu For 1/3/11 Through 1/9/11

Monday the 3rd~Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Yogurt and Rolls with Butter

Tuesday the 4th~Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread and Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday the 5th~Baked Coca-Cola Porkchops, White Rice and Peaches

Thursday the 6th~Mustgoes

Friday the 7th~Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Toast

Saturday the 8th~Pigs in a Blanket with Macaroni and Cheese

Sunday the 9th~Biscuits & Gravy (This is my son's request for the meal at his family party.)

I'm not the best at sticking to my menu, but I really am going to try hard this week. Check back with me next week to see how I did. :-)

OMG! IDK What To Do With These Kiddos!!

By the title, you probably think I am a huge texter. I'm really not. I am just a frustrated mommy that is so not LOL right now!! These kiddos are driving me nuts! Bonkers! Completely insane! I love my children. Please do not get me wrong. They have many wonderful traits, but they have some really bad ones too.

For starters, they don't know how to pick up after themselves. At all!!! When I do talk them into picking something up, they whine, complain and try to make it seem as if they are doing me a huge favor. I realize they are young (8, almost 7 and 4), but they are still old enough to clean up the messes they make.

That isn't all though. They bicker. All the time! Two gang up on the third, and which two it is always changes. When my niece is over, three seem to gang up on one. Someone is always getting left out, their feelings hurt, or just plain angry.

That leads me to my next complaint. The tattling. Oh, how I hate the tattling. So and so won't play with me. He won't give me back my ________. She just said a bad word. (Which, by the way, was usually hate or stupid or butt. Three words that I don't love but aren't "bad words.") I could go on and on. My point is I don't care. Okay, I do care, but it is always stuff they could work out with each other. If someone is hurt, tell me. If someone is doing something that could hurt themselves, tell them three times to stop. If they don't listen, come tell me. Nobody adheres to this rule.

So, I need some parenting advice. Most days I feel completely chaotic. Out of control. I can't figure out if my expectations are to high. Am I expecting too much of them? And the follow through when they don't do what I want isn't really there these days. Why you ask? Well, simply because I can't figure out what is the correct punishment.

Let me give you an example. Let's say the house is trashed. Wii stuff is all over the living room, coloring books are dragged out to the dining room, and random toys are haphazardly spread around. I say, "Kids pick up this mess. Josh, you clean up the Wii. Meghan, you put away the coloring books away, and Ali, you look around and pick up the other toys." I feel this is a fair request. First of all, Josh likely made the Wii mess, Meghan most definitely made the coloring book mess, and Ali is my oldest so she usually gets the slightly bigger job at this point. I may even have the others help her when they are done if the mess she is cleaning up is huge. But then I have to hear, "Ugh, I don't want to clean up. Do we have to? How come I have to clean up their messes?" You get the picture. Things escalate quickly to the point that I am yelling and feel out of control. I wind up putting them in time out, but it never feels like that helps.

So, please, I am asking for some help. I need it!! Maybe even some encouragement. ;-) Just help me get this household under control. Thanks! B4N!

Resolutions

The topic of resolutions inevitably comes up every New Year. I believe Webster's defines resolutions as "something you say you will do knowing you won't even try." Well, it isn't defined that way, but it really should be.

Here is a common "resolution" that I used to make very year...I resolve to lose weight. Ha, ha, ha! Not that I don't need to, but a simple resolution isn't really going to get me anywhere. And that, my friends, is the problem. Most people stop at the resolution, and it is more about how are you going to accomplish that resolution.

So, I prefer to set goals. I love goals! Sure, I don't always succeed at meeting my goal, but it just seems more manageable. I already know the things I need to change, or resolve, to do better. By setting goals I just might be able to make some of those changes.

So, here are my New Year's Resolutions, ummm, Goals....

• Take Cocoa on a walk 4 days a week~This will not only help me become more active, but it will be good for our dog.
  
• Get back to making a to-do list every day~This will help me to be more organized. When I am more organized, I accomplish more things, which makes me an all around better wife and mommy.
• Do not eat out more than 2 times per week. This will be scaling back quite a bit for both myself and my children. We all know eating out isn't healthy, and I continue to do it for convenience sake. Convenience just might kill us in the future. Not cool! Plus, by scaling back, I just might lose a pound or two that I resolved to lose last year. ;-)

Do you set resolutions? Do you really try to stick with them? Do share!

Starting the New Year Off With a Bloggy Bang!

I can't believe it has been 4 months since I have blogged, and many more months than that since I have blogged regularly. I miss blogging! Not just the posting, but also the reading other peoples' blogs. I miss the relationships I had formed with other bloggers. Facebook helps me stay in vague contact with some of those people, but it just isn't the same. Facebook can't replace blogging.

So, I would like to start 2011 with a Bloggy Bang! That simply means a post. Well, a post with the intentions of posting much more often. I also vow to start visiting blogs again, and not just visiting, but also posting and interacting with other bloggers.

Here's to 2011! I pray it is a peaceful, bountiful, and plain ol' wonderful year for all of us! :-)