I have a couple of reoccurring nightmares that cause me to sit straight up in my bed calling out in fright. One is so silly, but I will share even though I know I will be mocked. 
King Kong...Yup, I have nightmares about King Kong. As a kid, I saw the 1933 black and white King Kong version movie on TV and have been scared of him ever since. I think it's the scariest version ever made and I will not ever watch it again. When the new King Kong movie came out several years ago, I had no desire or plans to ever see it. My men had other ideas and rented it for family night. At least at home, I could leave and find something else to do if it got too intense. It wasn't too bad. The 1933 version is much scarier to me. 
My other nightmare involves my former husband...Now, to be fair, my ex husband is a nice guy. I have no animosity towards him. What happened between us is in the past and we get along just fine. HOWEVER, the thought of being married to him again is TERRIFYING!! I'm sure he feels the same way about me. *wink* My nightmare is me being forced to leave Russ and going back to my former husband.  Always in my dream, I am crying hysterically and telling my ex that I don't love him, that I love Russ and want to go be with him. I can never find Russ' phone number to call him. I try and try to get to him and can't get there.... I wake up in a cold sweat. Really! I do! And sometimes I wake up yelling, "NO!!!"...I usually have to wake Russ us to reassure me. 
I had that dream last night. My eyes flew open. In a few seconds I remembered where I was and who I was laying next to. I didn't need to wake him up this time. I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for God blessing me with such a fine husband and then I snuggled up against his back and slept peacefully the rest of the night....
If I have a dream about King Kong tonight, I AM waking him up. A girl can handle only so much. :o)

I have a couple of reoccurring nightmares that cause me to sit straight up in my bed calling out in fright. One is so silly, but I will share even though I know I will be mocked. 
King Kong...Yup, I have nightmares about King Kong. As a kid, I saw the 1933 black and white King Kong version movie on TV and have been scared of him ever since. I think it's the scariest version ever made and I will not ever watch it again. When the new King Kong movie came out several years ago, I had no desire or plans to ever see it. My men had other ideas and rented it for family night. At least at home, I could leave and find something else to do if it got too intense. It wasn't too bad. The 1933 version is much scarier to me. 
My other nightmare involves my former husband...Now, to be fair, my ex husband is a nice guy. I have no animosity towards him. What happened between us is in the past and we get along just fine. HOWEVER, the thought of being married to him again is TERRIFYING!! I'm sure he feels the same way about me. *wink* My nightmare is me being forced to leave Russ and going back to my former husband.  Always in my dream, I am crying hysterically and telling my ex that I don't love him, that I love Russ and want to go be with him. I can never find Russ' phone number to call him. I try and try to get to him and can't get there.... I wake up in a cold sweat. Really! I do! And sometimes I wake up yelling, "NO!!!"...I usually have to wake Russ us to reassure me. 
I had that dream last night. My eyes flew open. In a few seconds I remembered where I was and who I was laying next to. I didn't need to wake him up this time. I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for God blessing me with such a fine husband and then I snuggled up against his back and slept peacefully the rest of the night....
If I have a dream about King Kong tonight, I AM waking him up. A girl can handle only so much. :o)

Wordless Wednesday...Join the fun!!

Wordless Wednesday...Join the fun!!

I am married to a man who loves the great outdoors. He loves to fish, hunt, kayak and camp. Every year, he takes a trip or two to be with the guys and do manly men things. He always invites me, however, until he figures out a way for me to have a flush toilet and internet connection, I am perfectly content to stay home. While he is gone, I go on a chick flick movie binge. Every year, my movie collection gets a bit bigger. 
My fav chick flicks: 
*Hope Floats (I'm on my 3rd copy! The soundtrack is great, too.) *A Walk to Remember (I rented it during one of his hunting trips and loved it so much, I ran out to buy it and watched it two more times that week.)
*Titanic (I still hold my breath hoping Titanic will miss the ice burg. I still don't get why Jack didn't find something to float on. What's up with that??!!)
*8 Below (The first time Russ and I saw this one in the theater, we sobbed and sobbed...Great movie!) *Fly Away Home *Radio
*The Last Sin Eater
*Pride and Prejudice (My latest addition. Mr. Darcy...Oh, sigh!)
Please share your list of favorite chick flicks. I know I am missing some really great ones! 
I also treat myself to a large Canadian bacon and green pepper pizza from Zoey's, the BEST pizza in town. Yummy!! 
Oh, honey!!! Is it hunting season yet?? 

I am married to a man who loves the great outdoors. He loves to fish, hunt, kayak and camp. Every year, he takes a trip or two to be with the guys and do manly men things. He always invites me, however, until he figures out a way for me to have a flush toilet and internet connection, I am perfectly content to stay home. While he is gone, I go on a chick flick movie binge. Every year, my movie collection gets a bit bigger. 
My fav chick flicks: 
*Hope Floats (I'm on my 3rd copy! The soundtrack is great, too.) *A Walk to Remember (I rented it during one of his hunting trips and loved it so much, I ran out to buy it and watched it two more times that week.)
*Titanic (I still hold my breath hoping Titanic will miss the ice burg. I still don't get why Jack didn't find something to float on. What's up with that??!!)
*8 Below (The first time Russ and I saw this one in the theater, we sobbed and sobbed...Great movie!) *Fly Away Home *Radio
*The Last Sin Eater
*Pride and Prejudice (My latest addition. Mr. Darcy...Oh, sigh!)
Please share your list of favorite chick flicks. I know I am missing some really great ones! 
I also treat myself to a large Canadian bacon and green pepper pizza from Zoey's, the BEST pizza in town. Yummy!! 
Oh, honey!!! Is it hunting season yet?? 

Is there anything better than your mom's cooking? My mom was a fabulous cook. She was one of those who could mix a bunch of different ingredients together and make it taste delicious. I am convinced it is a gift and one that I didn't get. I won't be leaving my children with the same memories that my mom left with me. 

During one of my visits to her home, I told her I wished that Campbell's hadn't changed the way they made their tomato soup. She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face, so I went on to clarify that I loved the tomato soup she made when I was a child. She laughed, "Sweetie Poo....I made that soup from scratch. Soup didn't always come in a Campbell's Soup can." 

Now, am I the only one who didn't know that?? 

I wish I had written down the instructions on how to make it. I haven't been able to find the recipe on line. I know she said something about adding the milk in the right order or you would get blue soup. If anyone knows anything about this chemical reaction, I sure would like to hear about it! 

Then there was the cookie incident. I called mom and asked her for the recipe for Virginia Zugs. It's a sugar cookie recipe where you form the dough in a log and freeze it. It was the original slice and bake cookie. She said, "You do know that Virginia Zug is the name of the lady who gave me the recipe, not the name of the cookie." 

Uhh, no I didn't! 

One time she served cheese cake for desert. It was the best cheese cake I had ever eaten. I asked her if she had the recipe. She said, "Oh, yes...It's very easy. You go to Aldis and buy the cheese cake box mix and follow their instructions." 

Now that's the kind of cooking I can do! 

Is there anything better than your mom's cooking? My mom was a fabulous cook. She was one of those who could mix a bunch of different ingredients together and make it taste delicious. I am convinced it is a gift and one that I didn't get. I won't be leaving my children with the same memories that my mom left with me. 

During one of my visits to her home, I told her I wished that Campbell's hadn't changed the way they made their tomato soup. She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face, so I went on to clarify that I loved the tomato soup she made when I was a child. She laughed, "Sweetie Poo....I made that soup from scratch. Soup didn't always come in a Campbell's Soup can." 

Now, am I the only one who didn't know that?? 

I wish I had written down the instructions on how to make it. I haven't been able to find the recipe on line. I know she said something about adding the milk in the right order or you would get blue soup. If anyone knows anything about this chemical reaction, I sure would like to hear about it! 

Then there was the cookie incident. I called mom and asked her for the recipe for Virginia Zugs. It's a sugar cookie recipe where you form the dough in a log and freeze it. It was the original slice and bake cookie. She said, "You do know that Virginia Zug is the name of the lady who gave me the recipe, not the name of the cookie." 

Uhh, no I didn't! 

One time she served cheese cake for desert. It was the best cheese cake I had ever eaten. I asked her if she had the recipe. She said, "Oh, yes...It's very easy. You go to Aldis and buy the cheese cake box mix and follow their instructions." 

Now that's the kind of cooking I can do! 

Freedom Is Not Free

- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

and then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That TAPS had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

Freedom Is Not Free

- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

and then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That TAPS had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

I like change. I always have. I will rearrange my whole house 4 or 5 times a year. I'd repaint all the rooms yearly if my hubby allowed it. I will rearrange my gardens by moving plants from one place to another or getting rid of them all together and getting something new.

The love of change extended to my blog this weekend.

Do you like the new look?? *smile*

I like change. I always have. I will rearrange my whole house 4 or 5 times a year. I'd repaint all the rooms yearly if my hubby allowed it. I will rearrange my gardens by moving plants from one place to another or getting rid of them all together and getting something new.

The love of change extended to my blog this weekend.

Do you like the new look?? *smile*

My favorite kind of air freshner...

My favorite kind of air freshner...

It's all over the news that Maria, the youngest child of Steven Curtis Chapman was tragically killed in an accident yesterday. Join me in prayer for the family today and the difficult days to come. 

Whatever My God Ordains Is Right

Whatever my God ordains is right

In His love I am abiding

I will be still in all He does

And follow where He is guiding

He is my God, though dark my road

He holds me that I shall not fall

And so to Him I leave it all

Whatever my God ordains is right

He never will deceive me

He leads me by the proper path

I know He will not leave me

I take content, what He has sent

His hand can turn my griefs away

And patiently I wait His day

Whatever my God ordains is right

Here shall my stand be taken

Though sorrow, or need, or death be mine

Yet I am not forsaken

My Father’s care circles me there

He holds me that I shall not fall

And so to Him I leave it all

Whatever my God ordains is right

Though now this cup in drinking

Bitter it seems to my faint heart

I take it all unshrinking

My God is true, each morn anew

Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart

And pain and sorrow shall depart

© 2007 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Original words by Samuel Rodigast, 1676

Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1863

Music and alternate words by Mark Altrogge

As recorded on In a Little While

It's all over the news that Maria, the youngest child of Steven Curtis Chapman was tragically killed in an accident yesterday. Join me in prayer for the family today and the difficult days to come. 

Whatever My God Ordains Is Right

Whatever my God ordains is right

In His love I am abiding

I will be still in all He does

And follow where He is guiding

He is my God, though dark my road

He holds me that I shall not fall

And so to Him I leave it all

Whatever my God ordains is right

He never will deceive me

He leads me by the proper path

I know He will not leave me

I take content, what He has sent

His hand can turn my griefs away

And patiently I wait His day

Whatever my God ordains is right

Here shall my stand be taken

Though sorrow, or need, or death be mine

Yet I am not forsaken

My Father’s care circles me there

He holds me that I shall not fall

And so to Him I leave it all

Whatever my God ordains is right

Though now this cup in drinking

Bitter it seems to my faint heart

I take it all unshrinking

My God is true, each morn anew

Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart

And pain and sorrow shall depart

© 2007 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Original words by Samuel Rodigast, 1676

Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1863

Music and alternate words by Mark Altrogge

As recorded on In a Little While

Whenever I need a laugh I head on over to Apple.com and watch the Mac ads. They crack me UP! 

This one is hilarious!! 

Whenever I need a laugh I head on over to Apple.com and watch the Mac ads. They crack me UP! 

This one is hilarious!! 

Wordless Wednesday

You need all three pictures to tell the story. 

Taken at Diana's Bath in New Hampshire. 

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday!

You need all three pictures to tell the story. 

Taken at Diana's Bath in New Hampshire. 

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday!

In honor of my 100th post and following the tradition of Overwhelmed With Joy, that I found on Mixed Bouquet, here is my list of 100 Things About Me.

1- I am a born-again Christian.

2- I believe "once saved, always saved."

3- I believe in the doctrine of election.

4- I would say I am reformed in my theology.

5- I believe there will be a rapture and a literal 1000 year reign, however, I could be wrong.  

6- I am remarried.

7- I have 4 children, two are adopted.

8- My first grandchild was placed for adoption.

9- I have had a miscarriage.

10-I would love to have more children.

11- I used to keep journals as a teen. I had 15 or 20 notebooks full of my writing. Sadly, they are gone now.

12- I am a motherless daughter.

13- My mom and I had a very difficult relationship for a long time. God healed it several years before she died.

14- I lived in Hawaii for 6 weeks with a friend who was stationed there.

15- I believe in love at first sight.

16- I worked in a nursing home for 5 years.

17- I worked as a special education assistant in the early childhood program for 4 years.

18- I always wanted to be a wife and mother growing up.

19- I want to live in the country.

20- I'd rather do yard work than house work.

21- I love glass. Paperweights, marbles, vases, stained glass anything, etc.

22- I love color and need to be surrounded in it. No egg shell white walls in my home!

23- Clay is the first dog I have ever owned.

24- Day Lilies are my favorite flower. I add several new varieties to my garden every year.

25- I hated PE and skipped as often as I could and still graduate.

26- I still have my Mrs. Beasley doll.

17- I was a bone marrow and stem cell donator.

28- I am afraid of heights, but not of flying.

29- I am the middle child.

30- I do not like open ended questions.

31- My sister is mentally ill.

32- I do not like to cook, but I love to bake!

33- My normal size is anywhere between a 12-18.

34- When I was going through my divorce, I wore a size 2 (and some were big on me). Ugh! I looked sick....

35- I single handily keep Peanut M&M's in business. The best ones are the Easter colored ones. I wish they made them year round.

36- I collect sheep.

37- I love antiques.

38- I started smoking when I was 29.

39- I quit for 3 years in 1999.

40- I quit smoking again...for the LAST time...in September, 2007.

41- I never wear sun screen.

42- I have a rebellious streak that shows up every now and again.

43- I had my navel pierced in 1998.

44- No tattoos, but I considered it.

45- I don't like clutter, but dust doesn't bother me.

46- I love to play Sims 2 on my computer.

47- I love wearing my husband's clothes. More often than not, they wind up in my closet.

48- I would much rather be hot than cold.

49- Except for 6 months when I was 5, I have lived in the same county.

50- I live a few blocks from the home my parents lived in when I was born.

51- My parents were born and raised here, as were their parents.

52- I used to love to watch Hogan's Heroes with my daddy.

53- I have never been drunk, nor experimented with any drug.

54- I used to have anxiety attacks when driving over bridges.

55- I  like picking up after my husband.

56- He would appreciate it, however, if I didn't wash his plate until I've asked if he is done eating.

57- Doing laundry is fun.

58- I am very picky about how clothes and towels are folded, however, I don't complain if someone helps me and they don't do it "right." I'm grateful for the help. :o)

59- I'm impulsive.

60- I'd rather be home than anywhere else.

61- I used to be terrified of computers.

62- I am a Mac snob. PCs drive me crazy!!!

63- I wear a toe ring.

64- I love jewelry, purses and shoes.

65- I've always wanted to adopt a little girl from China.

66- I love it when someone combs my hair. I find it relaxing.

67- I also love it when Russ rubs my feet.

68- I've discovered that I am smart. In school, I didn't think I was.

69- I wish I could find my high school friend, Ronald Johnson.

70- I hated high school.

71- Going to reunions is not my idea of a good time.

72- I'd rather chat via email than via the phone.

73- I love to sing.

74- I wish I could play the piano.

75- I can play some songs by ear.

76- My very favorite book from my childhood is "Charlotte's Web." I read it over and over again.

77- My favorite book series and one I read over and over again, is "Little House in the Prairie." I still have the books I bought when I was in 6th grade.

78- I saw the original Star Wars movie in the theater 7 times.

79- I am not concerned about growing older.

80- I thought my mom didn't love me when I was growing up.

81- I wanted to be an astronaut, until I found out you had to be good in science and math.

82- I like math now.

83- I have dealt with an eating disorder.

84- I am estranged from my siblings.

85- I thought all homeschoolers were weird. Now I are one. *wink*

86- Too much noise and activity makes me tired.

87- I don't know my right from my left and frequently turn the wrong way when traveling.

88- I've never had a traffic ticket.

89- I don't speed.

90- I don't understand people who get upset with other drivers.

91-  I sleep in one of Russ' his t-shirts from the laundry hamper.

92- I love how my hubby smells.

93- He thinks that's strange.

94- He loves me anyway. :o)

95- Russ is my most favorite person in the whole world.

96- Laurie is my 2nd most favorite person in the whole world.

97- I love my church family.

98- I hope no one reads this list. It's rather boring.

99- This wasn't as hard to write as I thought it would be.

100- My goal in life: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever....

In honor of my 100th post and following the tradition of Overwhelmed With Joy, that I found on Mixed Bouquet, here is my list of 100 Things About Me.

1- I am a born-again Christian.

2- I believe "once saved, always saved."

3- I believe in the doctrine of election.

4- I would say I am reformed in my theology.

5- I believe there will be a rapture and a literal 1000 year reign, however, I could be wrong.  

6- I am remarried.

7- I have 4 children, two are adopted.

8- My first grandchild was placed for adoption.

9- I have had a miscarriage.

10-I would love to have more children.

11- I used to keep journals as a teen. I had 15 or 20 notebooks full of my writing. Sadly, they are gone now.

12- I am a motherless daughter.

13- My mom and I had a very difficult relationship for a long time. God healed it several years before she died.

14- I lived in Hawaii for 6 weeks with a friend who was stationed there.

15- I believe in love at first sight.

16- I worked in a nursing home for 5 years.

17- I worked as a special education assistant in the early childhood program for 4 years.

18- I always wanted to be a wife and mother growing up.

19- I want to live in the country.

20- I'd rather do yard work than house work.

21- I love glass. Paperweights, marbles, vases, stained glass anything, etc.

22- I love color and need to be surrounded in it. No egg shell white walls in my home!

23- Clay is the first dog I have ever owned.

24- Day Lilies are my favorite flower. I add several new varieties to my garden every year.

25- I hated PE and skipped as often as I could and still graduate.

26- I still have my Mrs. Beasley doll.

17- I was a bone marrow and stem cell donator.

28- I am afraid of heights, but not of flying.

29- I am the middle child.

30- I do not like open ended questions.

31- My sister is mentally ill.

32- I do not like to cook, but I love to bake!

33- My normal size is anywhere between a 12-18.

34- When I was going through my divorce, I wore a size 2 (and some were big on me). Ugh! I looked sick....

35- I single handily keep Peanut M&M's in business. The best ones are the Easter colored ones. I wish they made them year round.

36- I collect sheep.

37- I love antiques.

38- I started smoking when I was 29.

39- I quit for 3 years in 1999.

40- I quit smoking again...for the LAST time...in September, 2007.

41- I never wear sun screen.

42- I have a rebellious streak that shows up every now and again.

43- I had my navel pierced in 1998.

44- No tattoos, but I considered it.

45- I don't like clutter, but dust doesn't bother me.

46- I love to play Sims 2 on my computer.

47- I love wearing my husband's clothes. More often than not, they wind up in my closet.

48- I would much rather be hot than cold.

49- Except for 6 months when I was 5, I have lived in the same county.

50- I live a few blocks from the home my parents lived in when I was born.

51- My parents were born and raised here, as were their parents.

52- I used to love to watch Hogan's Heroes with my daddy.

53- I have never been drunk, nor experimented with any drug.

54- I used to have anxiety attacks when driving over bridges.

55- I  like picking up after my husband.

56- He would appreciate it, however, if I didn't wash his plate until I've asked if he is done eating.

57- Doing laundry is fun.

58- I am very picky about how clothes and towels are folded, however, I don't complain if someone helps me and they don't do it "right." I'm grateful for the help. :o)

59- I'm impulsive.

60- I'd rather be home than anywhere else.

61- I used to be terrified of computers.

62- I am a Mac snob. PCs drive me crazy!!!

63- I wear a toe ring.

64- I love jewelry, purses and shoes.

65- I've always wanted to adopt a little girl from China.

66- I love it when someone combs my hair. I find it relaxing.

67- I also love it when Russ rubs my feet.

68- I've discovered that I am smart. In school, I didn't think I was.

69- I wish I could find my high school friend, Ronald Johnson.

70- I hated high school.

71- Going to reunions is not my idea of a good time.

72- I'd rather chat via email than via the phone.

73- I love to sing.

74- I wish I could play the piano.

75- I can play some songs by ear.

76- My very favorite book from my childhood is "Charlotte's Web." I read it over and over again.

77- My favorite book series and one I read over and over again, is "Little House in the Prairie." I still have the books I bought when I was in 6th grade.

78- I saw the original Star Wars movie in the theater 7 times.

79- I am not concerned about growing older.

80- I thought my mom didn't love me when I was growing up.

81- I wanted to be an astronaut, until I found out you had to be good in science and math.

82- I like math now.

83- I have dealt with an eating disorder.

84- I am estranged from my siblings.

85- I thought all homeschoolers were weird. Now I are one. *wink*

86- Too much noise and activity makes me tired.

87- I don't know my right from my left and frequently turn the wrong way when traveling.

88- I've never had a traffic ticket.

89- I don't speed.

90- I don't understand people who get upset with other drivers.

91-  I sleep in one of Russ' his t-shirts from the laundry hamper.

92- I love how my hubby smells.

93- He thinks that's strange.

94- He loves me anyway. :o)

95- Russ is my most favorite person in the whole world.

96- Laurie is my 2nd most favorite person in the whole world.

97- I love my church family.

98- I hope no one reads this list. It's rather boring.

99- This wasn't as hard to write as I thought it would be.

100- My goal in life: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever....

Feminine Appeal

Some women in our church began a new Bible study using Carolyn Mahaney's book, Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother. It's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. It would make a great wedding shower gift for the bride-to-be. :o)

Last Wednesday we discussed chapter 2, The Delight of Loving My Husband. I do delight to love my husband. I am very grateful that God has blessed me with him. He is very generous and has such a tender heart. He would do anything for me if it were in his power, so I am very careful not to take advantage of him. When he asks me what I want for a gift giving occasion, I don't have an answer. You see, HE is my greatest gift this side of heaven. I love being his wife...Last week, I was supposed to ask my husband which of the seven virtues listed in Titus 2 would he most like to see me to grow in. *clears throat* I haven't been brave enough to ask, until tonight. You see, he is so perfect and I am so very far from it...Poor guy, he is a saint to be married to me! 

Here are the 7 virtues:

1- loving my husband (easy! He is so lovable!) 

2- loving our children (easy, as well) 

3- self-control (well, I am still impulsive, but I'm making strides in that area)

4- purity (doing well) 

5- working at home (Ooops!)

6- kindness (need to work on my tone with my children)

7- submission (easy...He has my best interest at heart)

Earlier today I was talking to my friend, Elizabeth and she was telling me what her hubby's answer was when she asked him what area he would like to see her grow in. I loved his answer so much, that I called my Russ...

Me: Honey...I'm supposed to ask you what areas you want me to grow in and I love what Anthony told Elizabeth, so I want you to have the same answer, okay? 

*note: Sometimes I "help" Russ with his answers by giving him the answer I want before I ask the question. I am such a great help-meet, huh? :-P *

Russ: Okay...What was his answer?

Me: He told Elizabeth he would appreciate it if she would keep the ice tray full so he could have ice in his drink when he comes home, so can I make sure there is ice in the freezer for you, too?

Russ: Umm...We have an automatic ice maker, you wouldn't have to do anything.

Me: I know!! That's why the answer is perfect!! 

I'm very blessed to have a husband who appreciates my sense of humor. :o) 

When I asked him tonight what his real answer would be, his first answer wasn't on the list. He is blessed to have a wife that appreciates his sense of humor! *wink* Seriously, I thought he would say to work more in the home. I tend to be on the computer too much, but he said he wants me to work on the area of self-control by reading my Bible every morning and praying. I am so blessed to have a husband who cares about my spiritual growth. I told you he was perfect! 

Go ahead, be brave. Ask your husband what area he would like to see you grow in. While you do that, I'm going to go make some ice. *grin*

Some women in our church began a new Bible study using Carolyn Mahaney's book, Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother. It's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. It would make a great wedding shower gift for the bride-to-be. :o)

Last Wednesday we discussed chapter 2, The Delight of Loving My Husband. I do delight to love my husband. I am very grateful that God has blessed me with him. He is very generous and has such a tender heart. He would do anything for me if it were in his power, so I am very careful not to take advantage of him. When he asks me what I want for a gift giving occasion, I don't have an answer. You see, HE is my greatest gift this side of heaven. I love being his wife...Last week, I was supposed to ask my husband which of the seven virtues listed in Titus 2 would he most like to see me to grow in. *clears throat* I haven't been brave enough to ask, until tonight. You see, he is so perfect and I am so very far from it...Poor guy, he is a saint to be married to me! 

Here are the 7 virtues:

1- loving my husband (easy! He is so lovable!) 

2- loving our children (easy, as well) 

3- self-control (well, I am still impulsive, but I'm making strides in that area)

4- purity (doing well) 

5- working at home (Ooops!)

6- kindness (need to work on my tone with my children)

7- submission (easy...He has my best interest at heart)

Earlier today I was talking to my friend, Elizabeth and she was telling me what her hubby's answer was when she asked him what area he would like to see her grow in. I loved his answer so much, that I called my Russ...

Me: Honey...I'm supposed to ask you what areas you want me to grow in and I love what Anthony told Elizabeth, so I want you to have the same answer, okay? 

*note: Sometimes I "help" Russ with his answers by giving him the answer I want before I ask the question. I am such a great help-meet, huh? :-P *

Russ: Okay...What was his answer?

Me: He told Elizabeth he would appreciate it if she would keep the ice tray full so he could have ice in his drink when he comes home, so can I make sure there is ice in the freezer for you, too?

Russ: Umm...We have an automatic ice maker, you wouldn't have to do anything.

Me: I know!! That's why the answer is perfect!! 

I'm very blessed to have a husband who appreciates my sense of humor. :o) 

When I asked him tonight what his real answer would be, his first answer wasn't on the list. He is blessed to have a wife that appreciates his sense of humor! *wink* Seriously, I thought he would say to work more in the home. I tend to be on the computer too much, but he said he wants me to work on the area of self-control by reading my Bible every morning and praying. I am so blessed to have a husband who cares about my spiritual growth. I told you he was perfect! 

Go ahead, be brave. Ask your husband what area he would like to see you grow in. While you do that, I'm going to go make some ice. *grin*

One of my favorite things to do with my mom was to go to auctions. It was fun to look at all the old stuff and to hear the auctioneer rattle off  nonsense words that everyone seemed to understand. It was something that just the two of us did. It was my time to have my mom all to myself. I needed to grab what time I could to be with her because she was very busy dealing my brother and my sister who, for lack of better words, had special needs. 

Most of the furniture that we owned came from auctions that my mom purchased and then refinished. I can picture her in my mind wearing yellow Playtex gloves, wearing her old clothes, using furniture stripper and a putty knife, removing layer after layer of paint on an old dresser, cupboard, bed or an old bench until the oak, pine or cherry wood was exposed in all it's glory. She would spend hours in the back yard refinishing furniture during the summer. 

Here are a few things that I own that she purchased and refinished. The first dresser needs attention. I need to replace the ornate wood that goes on the bottom. I have it, I just haven't taken the time to put it back on. A couple of the drawers need adjusting, too. One of these days, I'll get to it. 

One of my favorite things to do with my mom was to go to auctions. It was fun to look at all the old stuff and to hear the auctioneer rattle off  nonsense words that everyone seemed to understand. It was something that just the two of us did. It was my time to have my mom all to myself. I needed to grab what time I could to be with her because she was very busy dealing my brother and my sister who, for lack of better words, had special needs. 

Most of the furniture that we owned came from auctions that my mom purchased and then refinished. I can picture her in my mind wearing yellow Playtex gloves, wearing her old clothes, using furniture stripper and a putty knife, removing layer after layer of paint on an old dresser, cupboard, bed or an old bench until the oak, pine or cherry wood was exposed in all it's glory. She would spend hours in the back yard refinishing furniture during the summer. 

Here are a few things that I own that she purchased and refinished. The first dresser needs attention. I need to replace the ornate wood that goes on the bottom. I have it, I just haven't taken the time to put it back on. A couple of the drawers need adjusting, too. One of these days, I'll get to it. 

It's our first camping weekend of '08. I love camping season! After the long snowy winter we had, it's nice to be outside again. The first time out with the camper in a new season is always interesting. It's the practice run to find out what we forgot to pack. Last year we forgot the sheets for the beds. LOL!! The first thing I did to prepare for this weekend was to make the beds. It'll be interesting to see what we forgot this year. 

Russ has our kayaks all ready to go. I'm looking foreword to my maiden voyage in my kayak. My biggest fear is that a fish will jump in my kayak and I am terrified of fish!!! If one jumps in, I am jumping out. That's all there is to it. :o)

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!! :o)

It's our first camping weekend of '08. I love camping season! After the long snowy winter we had, it's nice to be outside again. The first time out with the camper in a new season is always interesting. It's the practice run to find out what we forgot to pack. Last year we forgot the sheets for the beds. LOL!! The first thing I did to prepare for this weekend was to make the beds. It'll be interesting to see what we forgot this year. 

Russ has our kayaks all ready to go. I'm looking foreword to my maiden voyage in my kayak. My biggest fear is that a fish will jump in my kayak and I am terrified of fish!!! If one jumps in, I am jumping out. That's all there is to it. :o)

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!! :o)

When you have a child/children who are lost and have turned their backs on anything that has to do with God, it's easy to despair. May this excerpt from J.C. Ryle's sermon, Many Shall Come,  be an encouragement to you. I know it was to me...

J. C. Ryle, "Many Shall Come"

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of 
anyone--as long as he lives. Fathers ought never 
to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never 
to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. 
Husbands should never despair of wives, nor 
wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible 
with God. The arm of grace is very long, and 
can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray 
on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely 
their salvation may appear to be at present. 

The Holy Spirit can change any heart! 

The blood of Christ can cleanse away any sin! 

We shall see many in heaven, whom we never 
expected to see there. Grimshaw, the famous 
pastor of Yorkshire, when he died, left his only 
son unconverted, careless, thoughtless, and 
indifferent to true religion. The day came when 
the young man's heart was changed, and he 
walked in the steps of his holy father. And 
when he lay upon his deathbed, one of his 
last words was, "What will my old father 
say--when he sees me in heaven!"

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short
 to save!" Isaiah 59:1

When you have a child/children who are lost and have turned their backs on anything that has to do with God, it's easy to despair. May this excerpt from J.C. Ryle's sermon, Many Shall Come,  be an encouragement to you. I know it was to me...

J. C. Ryle, "Many Shall Come"

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of 
anyone--as long as he lives. Fathers ought never 
to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never 
to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. 
Husbands should never despair of wives, nor 
wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible 
with God. The arm of grace is very long, and 
can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray 
on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely 
their salvation may appear to be at present. 

The Holy Spirit can change any heart! 

The blood of Christ can cleanse away any sin! 

We shall see many in heaven, whom we never 
expected to see there. Grimshaw, the famous 
pastor of Yorkshire, when he died, left his only 
son unconverted, careless, thoughtless, and 
indifferent to true religion. The day came when 
the young man's heart was changed, and he 
walked in the steps of his holy father. And 
when he lay upon his deathbed, one of his 
last words was, "What will my old father 
say--when he sees me in heaven!"

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short
 to save!" Isaiah 59:1

What better place is there to learn to roll a kayak than in a backyard pool. When it's my time to learn, I'm making sure no cameras are around! *wink*

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday! 

What better place is there to learn to roll a kayak than in a backyard pool. When it's my time to learn, I'm making sure no cameras are around! *wink*

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday! 

The other night I was checking the weather forecast on my dashboard weather widget and gave a cursory glance at my iStat Pro widget. My eyes bugged out, I blinked several times and looked again. What?? Only 8.91 GB of free hard drive space?! What happened!!!??? I had 24+ GB not that long ago. I checked iTunes to see how much space I was using. 12 GB, not bad. Pictures? Not bad there, either...But to be sure, I went ahead and removed some podcasts, burned my pictures to a DVD and removed a lot of them off of iPhoto. Now the iStat reported I had 12 GB free. Better, but something still wasn't right. I was completely puzzled as to where all my hard drive space had run off to. Those who know me well, know I'm just enough brave to be foolish. I took a peek at my hard drive to see what was there. I found a folder called previous systems. After opening it up, I found two more folders that were dated from the two times I had to archive/install my OS. I am NOT foolish enough to delete things without checking them out first, so I headed on over to the Apple Forums. I love reading the posts over at Apple Forums. I always learn something new about Macs there. The search was short and sweet, the kind I like, and it became very clear why my hard drive was so full. The previous system files needed to go. In about an hour, that's how long it took for the two files to delete, I went from 12 GB free to 40.41 GB  free. Ahhhh...Much better! 

As you can see, I downloaded some new podcasts. :-D

The other night I was checking the weather forecast on my dashboard weather widget and gave a cursory glance at my iStat Pro widget. My eyes bugged out, I blinked several times and looked again. What?? Only 8.91 GB of free hard drive space?! What happened!!!??? I had 24+ GB not that long ago. I checked iTunes to see how much space I was using. 12 GB, not bad. Pictures? Not bad there, either...But to be sure, I went ahead and removed some podcasts, burned my pictures to a DVD and removed a lot of them off of iPhoto. Now the iStat reported I had 12 GB free. Better, but something still wasn't right. I was completely puzzled as to where all my hard drive space had run off to. Those who know me well, know I'm just enough brave to be foolish. I took a peek at my hard drive to see what was there. I found a folder called previous systems. After opening it up, I found two more folders that were dated from the two times I had to archive/install my OS. I am NOT foolish enough to delete things without checking them out first, so I headed on over to the Apple Forums. I love reading the posts over at Apple Forums. I always learn something new about Macs there. The search was short and sweet, the kind I like, and it became very clear why my hard drive was so full. The previous system files needed to go. In about an hour, that's how long it took for the two files to delete, I went from 12 GB free to 40.41 GB  free. Ahhhh...Much better! 

As you can see, I downloaded some new podcasts. :-D

My mom had a brilliant idea. When the Barbie doll came out, her plan was to buy my sister all the Barbie, Ken and Midge dolls and me, all the Skipper, Skooter and Ricky dolls. I was the little sister, you know. It didn't take her long to realize that production of this doll was going to be huge and there was no way she would be able to keep up. I have a faint remembrance of going uptown with my mom and sister to buy our first Barbie dolls. 

 

You can tell from the pictures that I didn't play with my dolls very much. Mom made clothes for our Barbies from scraps of the clothes she made for us. 

I'm think this is Skipper, but I have her in a Skooter box...Notice the $1.99 price tag! 

I think I have Skipper's swim suit in one of the Barbie cases. She is wearing a dress my mom made. 

This is Skooter for sure.  She has freckles. Love those pj's! 

Ricky's swim suit and cover up are in the box. I once took Ricky swimming in our ditch and I almost lost him. He's been in therapy ever since. 

One of my sister's Barbies...I have one that belongs to Sis where Barbie wears a wig. It's funny!!

I know she spent hours making clothes for our Barbies. I recall her telling me that they were hard to make because they were so small. This was before Velcro, so the dresses were fastened with tiny snaps that she had to sew on. 

I didn't appreciate her as much as I should have....

My mom had a brilliant idea. When the Barbie doll came out, her plan was to buy my sister all the Barbie, Ken and Midge dolls and me, all the Skipper, Skooter and Ricky dolls. I was the little sister, you know. It didn't take her long to realize that production of this doll was going to be huge and there was no way she would be able to keep up. I have a faint remembrance of going uptown with my mom and sister to buy our first Barbie dolls. 

 

You can tell from the pictures that I didn't play with my dolls very much. Mom made clothes for our Barbies from scraps of the clothes she made for us. 

I'm think this is Skipper, but I have her in a Skooter box...Notice the $1.99 price tag! 

I think I have Skipper's swim suit in one of the Barbie cases. She is wearing a dress my mom made. 

This is Skooter for sure.  She has freckles. Love those pj's! 

Ricky's swim suit and cover up are in the box. I once took Ricky swimming in our ditch and I almost lost him. He's been in therapy ever since. 

One of my sister's Barbies...I have one that belongs to Sis where Barbie wears a wig. It's funny!!

I know she spent hours making clothes for our Barbies. I recall her telling me that they were hard to make because they were so small. This was before Velcro, so the dresses were fastened with tiny snaps that she had to sew on. 

I didn't appreciate her as much as I should have....

My mom gave me this plant from her garden. I don't know what they are, but they sure are pretty. :o)

***Please take the time to go to Mommy Sweet Mom's blog and read the poem she posted for Mother's Day. I trust you will be deeply moved as I was. Thank you for sharing it, MSM!***

My mom gave me this plant from her garden. I don't know what they are, but they sure are pretty. :o)

***Please take the time to go to Mommy Sweet Mom's blog and read the poem she posted for Mother's Day. I trust you will be deeply moved as I was. Thank you for sharing it, MSM!***

When I received my new charm bracelet, I immediately began a search for a photo charm that a picture of Brooklyn could added to and worn on my bracelet. I found some very nice ones, however, the price tags were a bit more than I wanted to spend.

 

On a whim, I checked out the Etsy web site. It's a site where people sell their homemade crafted items. If you have never checked it out, it's worth your time. There are some very beautiful things listed there for sale. I did a search and found Tamara's Etsy store, Best Beads. (~Tamara also has another Etsy store called McFarland Designs where she sells jewelry she has created. She does beautiful work.~) Tamara was great to work with and I plan on shopping at her store in the future. She had sterling silver charms for sale and a help page about using resin to seal the photo in the charm. I've never heard of using resin as a creative medium. One small Google search on resin opened up a whole new world for me that sparked my imagination and got my creative juices flowing. Do a Google search on resin and you will find all kinds of neat projects you can do with it. I was excited about getting started!  I quickly got busy shopping for the supplies I would need. Some I purchased on line at Creative Wholesale and some at my local craft store. The heat gun would be the biggest expense. It's used to help pop the air bubbles in the resin after mixing. When I did my research on resin, one site suggested using an embossing tool. So, with my 40% coupon in hand, I headed to the craft store and purchased my heat gun for $15, whcih was a much better price than a heat gun at a hardware store. 

The hardest part of this whole project was finding a picture to use, get it scaled down to the correct size and not have it be distorted. I spent over 8 hours trying different things. That's one area where I can't help you much if you want to make a charm of your own. Every computer is going to have different programs for printing pictures and resizing. My suggestion is to use regular paper and take notes about what worked and what didn't. After you get it all figured out, then use your photo paper. I was tempted to not use photo paper because it looked "okay" on regular paper, however, since I had to run to Wal-Mart on an errand, I decided to buy some photo paper just to see if it really mattered. Trust me, it does. I'm VERY glad I reconsidered and purchased the photo paper for this project. 

One of the biggest helps for me was watching the YouTube by FunkyTreasures about working with resin. She has several tutorials with great ideas and tips. When you have an hour or two of free time, check them out. 

The tray of mold in the picture wasn't needed for the charm project. I just wanted you to see an example of a resin mold. The clear spray paint is used to seal the picture before it's coated with resin. It helps prevent air bubbles if the picture is sealed.

The craft glue has been added and all I need to do is slide the picture of Brooklyn into the slit at the bottom of the charm, let dry and then add the resin. 

Supplies needed for the resin. Read and follow the instructions carefully!!! I used the stir stick to carefully add resin to the charm by allowing it to drip and carefully spreading it. It was tricky to not get too much in the charm and have it overflow. Gloves are a must, as are craft sticks for stirring and disposable plastic cups to mix the resin in. When you are done, just toss them all in the trash.  

I put a pan over the charm so no dust and dog hair would get into the resin as it dried. With the left over resin, I decided to try using one of the molds.

After drying for 24 hours, here are the finished projects.  The dots in the sheep picture aren't as noticeable in real life. This is very much a trial and error type of craft. For my first time, I'm pleased.

When I received my new charm bracelet, I immediately began a search for a photo charm that a picture of Brooklyn could added to and worn on my bracelet. I found some very nice ones, however, the price tags were a bit more than I wanted to spend.

 

On a whim, I checked out the Etsy web site. It's a site where people sell their homemade crafted items. If you have never checked it out, it's worth your time. There are some very beautiful things listed there for sale. I did a search and found Tamara's Etsy store, Best Beads. (~Tamara also has another Etsy store called McFarland Designs where she sells jewelry she has created. She does beautiful work.~) Tamara was great to work with and I plan on shopping at her store in the future. She had sterling silver charms for sale and a help page about using resin to seal the photo in the charm. I've never heard of using resin as a creative medium. One small Google search on resin opened up a whole new world for me that sparked my imagination and got my creative juices flowing. Do a Google search on resin and you will find all kinds of neat projects you can do with it. I was excited about getting started!  I quickly got busy shopping for the supplies I would need. Some I purchased on line at Creative Wholesale and some at my local craft store. The heat gun would be the biggest expense. It's used to help pop the air bubbles in the resin after mixing. When I did my research on resin, one site suggested using an embossing tool. So, with my 40% coupon in hand, I headed to the craft store and purchased my heat gun for $15, whcih was a much better price than a heat gun at a hardware store. 

The hardest part of this whole project was finding a picture to use, get it scaled down to the correct size and not have it be distorted. I spent over 8 hours trying different things. That's one area where I can't help you much if you want to make a charm of your own. Every computer is going to have different programs for printing pictures and resizing. My suggestion is to use regular paper and take notes about what worked and what didn't. After you get it all figured out, then use your photo paper. I was tempted to not use photo paper because it looked "okay" on regular paper, however, since I had to run to Wal-Mart on an errand, I decided to buy some photo paper just to see if it really mattered. Trust me, it does. I'm VERY glad I reconsidered and purchased the photo paper for this project. 

One of the biggest helps for me was watching the YouTube by FunkyTreasures about working with resin. She has several tutorials with great ideas and tips. When you have an hour or two of free time, check them out. 

The tray of mold in the picture wasn't needed for the charm project. I just wanted you to see an example of a resin mold. The clear spray paint is used to seal the picture before it's coated with resin. It helps prevent air bubbles if the picture is sealed.

The craft glue has been added and all I need to do is slide the picture of Brooklyn into the slit at the bottom of the charm, let dry and then add the resin. 

Supplies needed for the resin. Read and follow the instructions carefully!!! I used the stir stick to carefully add resin to the charm by allowing it to drip and carefully spreading it. It was tricky to not get too much in the charm and have it overflow. Gloves are a must, as are craft sticks for stirring and disposable plastic cups to mix the resin in. When you are done, just toss them all in the trash.  

I put a pan over the charm so no dust and dog hair would get into the resin as it dried. With the left over resin, I decided to try using one of the molds.

After drying for 24 hours, here are the finished projects.  The dots in the sheep picture aren't as noticeable in real life. This is very much a trial and error type of craft. For my first time, I'm pleased.

Charm bracelets are...Charming. Well, they can be. However, my first charm bracelet is anything but charming. I would say it's ugly!! I think my "favorite" ugly charm is the Apollo 15 charm. Where in the world did I get that one!? Actually a better question would be WHY did I get that one?

Left to right:

* The "A" came off a key chain belonging to my grandfather, Al.

* The state of Iowa charm probably came from the capitol when my Camp Fire group visited there. Ummm...Why would anyone want to wear a charm of a state? Ick!!

* Santa...I think I got that from my parents as a gift.

* I have no idea where I got this charm or even what the symbol is! If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

* Obviously the birthday charm is birthday gift. I don't know which one, though.

* Apollo 15. Weird...

* Huck Finn charm from a trip I took to Hannibal, MO with a friend and her family in jr. high. Again, why?!

* Camp Fire Girl's charm. Is it still only for girls?? Hmmm...

I have a brand new charm bracelet. I ordered it from Overstock.Co, and it arrived last week. I've been wanting one for years. I'd really like a 14 kt gold one, but the price is cost prohibitive and adding 14 kt gold charms make it ever more so! I wear two tone jewelry often, so maybe my bracelet will have a mix of the two metals eventually. It arrived with the silver disk and I added the bead dangle. I also added the bead dangle to the Very Special Mom charm. It was a Mother's Day gift from my older two kiddos at long, long time ago. I made the two photo charms. How I made them will be tomorrow's post. :o)

The charm I would love to add to my bracelet is this darling sheep.

I think she is adorable! You can add any bead you want for her body to personalize it. I'm asking for it for the next gift occasion. :o) Yes, I know I am weird. :o)

Charm bracelets are...Charming. Well, they can be. However, my first charm bracelet is anything but charming. I would say it's ugly!! I think my "favorite" ugly charm is the Apollo 15 charm. Where in the world did I get that one!? Actually a better question would be WHY did I get that one?

Left to right:

* The "A" came off a key chain belonging to my grandfather, Al.

* The state of Iowa charm probably came from the capitol when my Camp Fire group visited there. Ummm...Why would anyone want to wear a charm of a state? Ick!!

* Santa...I think I got that from my parents as a gift.

* I have no idea where I got this charm or even what the symbol is! If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

* Obviously the birthday charm is birthday gift. I don't know which one, though.

* Apollo 15. Weird...

* Huck Finn charm from a trip I took to Hannibal, MO with a friend and her family in jr. high. Again, why?!

* Camp Fire Girl's charm. Is it still only for girls?? Hmmm...

I have a brand new charm bracelet. I ordered it from Overstock.Co, and it arrived last week. I've been wanting one for years. I'd really like a 14 kt gold one, but the price is cost prohibitive and adding 14 kt gold charms make it ever more so! I wear two tone jewelry often, so maybe my bracelet will have a mix of the two metals eventually. It arrived with the silver disk and I added the bead dangle. I also added the bead dangle to the Very Special Mom charm. It was a Mother's Day gift from my older two kiddos at long, long time ago. I made the two photo charms. How I made them will be tomorrow's post. :o)

The charm I would love to add to my bracelet is this darling sheep.

I think she is adorable! You can add any bead you want for her body to personalize it. I'm asking for it for the next gift occasion. :o) Yes, I know I am weird. :o)

It'll take over 14 hours to fill it with water and the water will be very c-o-l-d! The first year we had the pool, the boys were so excited to get in right away. They lasted less than 30 seconds and decided to wait a week to let the sun warm it up a bit. This year, however, we bought a solar cover, so as soon as it does it's job and it warms up outside, we will be able to swim. This will be our forth summer with the pool. I was totally against getting one. Now I don't want to be without one. We use it a lot. 

It'll take over 14 hours to fill it with water and the water will be very c-o-l-d! The first year we had the pool, the boys were so excited to get in right away. They lasted less than 30 seconds and decided to wait a week to let the sun warm it up a bit. This year, however, we bought a solar cover, so as soon as it does it's job and it warms up outside, we will be able to swim. This will be our forth summer with the pool. I was totally against getting one. Now I don't want to be without one. We use it a lot. 

Sportsmanship

An amazing video that epitomizes true sportsmanship. Thank you, Laurie, for sharing it.  :o)

An amazing video that epitomizes true sportsmanship. Thank you, Laurie, for sharing it.  :o)

My grand-daughter and me.

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday! 

My grand-daughter and me.

Join the fun of Wordless Wednesday! 

I just got home from a favorite activity that we as a family do each month. A birthday party at a nursing home that is very close to our church. Our church "adopted" the nursing home to be one of our ministries. We, as a family, got involved over a year ago. It's so much fun!! And the clients appreciate it so very much. My job is to write out the birthday cards for the clients having a birthday during the month and buy them each a helium filled balloon. Howard, a client at the nursing home, plays the piano for us while we attempt to sing hymns with the clients. Attempt is the key word. It's a good thing most are very hard of hearing. *wink* Russ usually gives a short devotional, we pray, sing our hymns, sing Happy Birthday, pass out the cards and balloons and then the fun begins!! We serve the clients cake and ice cream and spend the rest of our time chatting with them. 

Howard playing the piano for us. He plays all the hymns by ear. He can't read music. 

I have a favorite friend that I sit with each month. His name is Terry. He needs help to eat, so I feed him his cake and ice cream and I talk. It's hard for him to speak, so I try not to ask too many questions. He is the sweetest, most gentle man. When I told him good bye and I would see him next month, he looked at me and said, "Thank you for being so kind to me." I just cried...He thinks I am blessing him, but the truth is, he blesses me...

I just got home from a favorite activity that we as a family do each month. A birthday party at a nursing home that is very close to our church. Our church "adopted" the nursing home to be one of our ministries. We, as a family, got involved over a year ago. It's so much fun!! And the clients appreciate it so very much. My job is to write out the birthday cards for the clients having a birthday during the month and buy them each a helium filled balloon. Howard, a client at the nursing home, plays the piano for us while we attempt to sing hymns with the clients. Attempt is the key word. It's a good thing most are very hard of hearing. *wink* Russ usually gives a short devotional, we pray, sing our hymns, sing Happy Birthday, pass out the cards and balloons and then the fun begins!! We serve the clients cake and ice cream and spend the rest of our time chatting with them. 

Howard playing the piano for us. He plays all the hymns by ear. He can't read music. 

I have a favorite friend that I sit with each month. His name is Terry. He needs help to eat, so I feed him his cake and ice cream and I talk. It's hard for him to speak, so I try not to ask too many questions. He is the sweetest, most gentle man. When I told him good bye and I would see him next month, he looked at me and said, "Thank you for being so kind to me." I just cried...He thinks I am blessing him, but the truth is, he blesses me...

Have you ever wondered who your mom loved the best?

Well, I have proof that my mom loved ME the best!!! Check out the picture. I am wearing the adorably cute bunny rabbit costume and my big sister had to wear the Ooga Ooga costume. *big grin*  Yes, I'm shallow. ;o)

Have you ever wondered who your mom loved the best?

Well, I have proof that my mom loved ME the best!!! Check out the picture. I am wearing the adorably cute bunny rabbit costume and my big sister had to wear the Ooga Ooga costume. *big grin*  Yes, I'm shallow. ;o)

*sigh* He's mine and all mine...

*sigh* He's mine and all mine...

Last night, rather late in the evening, the front door bell rang. The boys ran out to see who it was and saw no one. We assumed some youngins in the neighborhood were playing "ding-dong ditch it" a game I have only heard about and never played myself when I was a youngin. *wink*

Not long afterwards, my Laurie called and asked, "So, how did it go on your end?" I was totally confused! She told me to go look on my front porch. Did you know if your porch light is burned out, it's hard to see in the dark? I looked all over for "something." Nothing...Then, I spied something nestled in the daffodil foliage....

I hollered for Reagan to quickly come see. I acted concerned and said to him, "What is that in the garden?" He bent over to see what I was pointing at and kept backing up just a bit whenever I backed up. What a great knight in shining armor he's going to be. *giggle* When I encouraged him to get a closer look, his bravery kicked in. The knight's reward?? 

Ta Da!!!! May Day treats from Nevin!! 

The best part was Nevin getting on the phone and telling me how it went from his end. Boy, was he excited! He kept saying, "My heart is beating hard!" He had quite the adrenaline rush being sneaky and delivering May Day treats in Me-Me's garden. 

You can read Nevin's account of the evening on his blog, I Am Nevin. 

Last night, rather late in the evening, the front door bell rang. The boys ran out to see who it was and saw no one. We assumed some youngins in the neighborhood were playing "ding-dong ditch it" a game I have only heard about and never played myself when I was a youngin. *wink*

Not long afterwards, my Laurie called and asked, "So, how did it go on your end?" I was totally confused! She told me to go look on my front porch. Did you know if your porch light is burned out, it's hard to see in the dark? I looked all over for "something." Nothing...Then, I spied something nestled in the daffodil foliage....

I hollered for Reagan to quickly come see. I acted concerned and said to him, "What is that in the garden?" He bent over to see what I was pointing at and kept backing up just a bit whenever I backed up. What a great knight in shining armor he's going to be. *giggle* When I encouraged him to get a closer look, his bravery kicked in. The knight's reward?? 

Ta Da!!!! May Day treats from Nevin!! 

The best part was Nevin getting on the phone and telling me how it went from his end. Boy, was he excited! He kept saying, "My heart is beating hard!" He had quite the adrenaline rush being sneaky and delivering May Day treats in Me-Me's garden. 

You can read Nevin's account of the evening on his blog, I Am Nevin. 

Laurie tagged me and I am to share 6 little known things about me that most people don't know.  This is hard because I am an open book with people who I've known for a while...A little too open at times, probably. *wink*

1 ~ I got my navel pierced 10 years ago. Why? I don't know!!! It seemed like a good idea at the time. 

2 ~ I love to play Sims 2. 

3 ~ I was the first Christian in my family.

4 ~ Because my mom's doctor convinced her she was having a boy, I didn't have a name when I was born. Jonathan David wasn't going to work. My dad gave me my first name. My sister, who was in first grade, got the honor of giving me my middle name. She wanted to name me after one of the characters in her reading book... Puff. My dad convinced her that Jane was a much better choice. Thanks, Daddy!!

5 ~ I would love to learn how to make my own glass beads and be a glass blower.

6 ~  My mom did home day care my growing up years, so instead of playing with dolls, I got to play house with real babies. 

I tag:

Mommy Sweet Mom (I am so embarrassed! I don't know her REAL name! But I love her blog and that's what counts, right?)

Amy ~ On a Joyful Journey

Theresa ~ New Teaching Mom

Laurie tagged me and I am to share 6 little known things about me that most people don't know.  This is hard because I am an open book with people who I've known for a while...A little too open at times, probably. *wink*

1 ~ I got my navel pierced 10 years ago. Why? I don't know!!! It seemed like a good idea at the time. 

2 ~ I love to play Sims 2. 

3 ~ I was the first Christian in my family.

4 ~ Because my mom's doctor convinced her she was having a boy, I didn't have a name when I was born. Jonathan David wasn't going to work. My dad gave me my first name. My sister, who was in first grade, got the honor of giving me my middle name. She wanted to name me after one of the characters in her reading book... Puff. My dad convinced her that Jane was a much better choice. Thanks, Daddy!!

5 ~ I would love to learn how to make my own glass beads and be a glass blower.

6 ~  My mom did home day care my growing up years, so instead of playing with dolls, I got to play house with real babies. 

I tag:

Mommy Sweet Mom (I am so embarrassed! I don't know her REAL name! But I love her blog and that's what counts, right?)

Amy ~ On a Joyful Journey

Theresa ~ New Teaching Mom