Fruit of the Spirit sums up the nine visible attributes of a true Christian life, and who knew it could make a soup!!! If you all know me.. or anything about me.. you will know I DESPISE beans... all except green beans!! But I just had to share this little "recipe" I got in an e-mail this past week!!

Fruit Of The Spirit Soup

(Galatians 5:22,23)

Pearl Barley - Love

Split Pas - Joy

Black Beans - Peace

Red Beans - Patience

Pinto Beans - Kindness

Navy Beans - Goodness

Lentil's - Gentleness

Black-Eye-Peas - Self-Control

Garbanzo's - Holy Spirit

Smoked sausage or diced ham

Directions:Rinse beans, Put in Crock-Pot & cover with water. "About 3/4 full of liquid & beans total", - Add meat, turn on low, cook 8 to 10 hours. (10 to 12 hrs if using Garbanzo's beans) I use liquid smoke, & onions. i also serve it with fresh bread.

NOTE: I buy 1 pound of each of these beans, open them and put into a large container, then I mix the completely so there always ready when I am, I measure out 2 cups and that's enough to feed 4 to 6 folks.NOTE: This also makes a lovely gift for someone who might be moving or down in the dumps, if you layer each kind of bean in a jar, then attach this recipe, they'll always know how much you love them..

"MAY YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT HUNGER IS"

My last minute thoughts for the day!! Ü

GUESS WHAT??? I submitted my BLOG to the CRITIQUE BLOG.. I did this awhile back.. and I actually FORGOT I did until I got a happy e-mail today... When I submitted my BLOG link I was very unsure of what I would get for feed back... Because honestly.. I DO come here daily just to share what's been going on.. or what's in my heart....

So here is what he said about my BLOG!!

Passion and love for writing comes across clearly with this blog. The writing is inspirational and compelling which makes it a joy to visit and read through. Blogs like this one demonstrates what blogging is all about...love for what you do and what you blog about. One thing I'd add is a site meter (www.sitemeter.com) to see how many fans you have visiting. Great job and keep up the good work!

Do you want yours Critiqued.. go here... http://www.critiquemyblog.com/

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God Stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

Do you remember when you were little ? Did you ever sit in a patch of grass where little "wild" flowers grew? Well, I did this quite often.. as a child I played outdoors, which seems to becoming a rare form of art now a days... When I was little I use to find buttercups.. I would take those buttercups and put them under the chins of people.. if they got a yellow glow then they LOVED Butter... mmmm... I don't think I knew anyone whose chin DIDN'T glow with yellow.. Ü I think mine stayed a permanent yellow because there is NO WAY I'm a margarine kind of girl.. give me the real stuff!!

I guess you could say the same about Christ.. there really is not substitute for the real thing.. is there? No matter how hard we try to fill our lives with other things we will truly never be happy? I mean it might stop the "craving" for split seconds until we realize that it wasn't the real thing and we CRAVE it even more!! One of my weakness' is food.. there are days I would rather cram french fries in my mouth than cram the "drinking water of Christ" in my body. I have been working hard on this especially the past few weeks.. I have had weight loss and maintaining... this week I'm working a bit more harder on the weight loss and hope to be more successful next week... Ü But I can't do it alone...that is for sure.. It's plain and it's simple.. there are no substitutions for salvation and there are no substitutions to get into heaven!! There is only ONE real way... Do you know the REAL way?

Just to keep with the "butter" and "real" theme.. here is a YUMMY recipe for you to try!!

Peanut Butter Bars

2 cups crushed graham crackers
1 cup melted butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
6 ounces chocolate chips
Mix together all of the above ingredients except the chocolate chips. Press the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch greased pan. Let it set in the refrigerator to cool. Melt the chocolate chips and spread over the top for frosting. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator to help them keep longer.

MY CONTEST WINNER IS........................................... Trish D.

Thank YOU all for your wonderful tips on relaxation!! I couldn't pick just one so I threw all the names in a pot again and just drew!!! Trish I'll be contacting you for your addy... I want to do another contest this week too... and I think I have a topic.. but I'm going to post that later tonight or tomorrow... One more day with my family.. so I need to make the most of it.. Ü

Thank you all who tried to help me retrieve my message.. unfortunately it's truly gone.. :( But I'll post a little of it today...You know when God just MOVES you to write.. and you just type away.. that's what I did yesterday.. and I lost it all.. sighhhhhhhhhhh... oh well.. maybe God didn't want me to SHARE everything I did with you... so here is a tad bit today... "So if the Son has sets you free, you will be free indeed" John 8:36
North Oxnard CA United Methodist Church has honored each fallen soldier in the Iraq war with a flag totalling 3021 to date as of May 12, 2007. This Church has run out of space for all of our fallen soldiers and now has to put a flag up for every 5 FALLEN soldiers. I just wanted to take a moment and give thanks to all who are fighting for our country... for those who have kept us FREE and those who continue to do so!!

This weekend is more than just yardsales, weddings, camping, and an extra day off ... Keep our fallen soldiers family in prayer... and continue to cover those in Iraq and elsewhere that keep our country FREE....

I am sooooooooooo bummed.. I had this big ole post and my Blog ate it up.. sniff sniff...

Well.. please take a moment and enjoy this video.. it was part of my post... :(

Please remember what this weekend is all about!!!

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, , the riches of his glorious inheritance, in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" Ephesians 1:18 & 19



As I was driving home from work yesterday I was listening to Christian Radio.. I have to be honest.. if there isn't music on it that I don't enjoy.. I turn the channel or listen to my CD's. Yesterday however there was a gentle sounded speaking woman on the radio and I let my hand slide back to the shift and listened to her soothing voice. I absolutely have no idea who this woman was. As I listened she went on to recite the verse above.. and it hit me like a TON of bricks.. I, me, the gal driving this car have EYES in my HEART... STRANGE... as I listened more intently I realized that I have been living with my eyes closed for some time.. seriously.. if I KNEW I had eyes on my heart I wouldn't keep them closed.. I have to capture everything that I SEE in life... It's the human side of me!! Ü



My eyes, on my heart, is my inner awareness to the Holy Spirit... hmmmm it's my inner ASSURANCE that I WILL go to HEAVEN!! and have a guaranteed Eternal life... My heart contains the HOLY SPIRIT... My Inheritance... a home in heaven.. with no more sickness.. no more disease.. but just a pathway paved of Gold.. and extreme happiness.. probably a happiness that any of us has YET to experience here on earth...



Through the ups and downs of life.. I am always grateful for the little things that POP up in my life that I can SEE!! But if you blink.. sometimes you can miss the MOST beautiful moment of the day... I ALMOST did that today..!! Although my day isn't complete.. I was running.. and doing errands.. and I was on a back road.. I wanted to quickly get to my NEXT destination... ( boneless skinless chicken breast on SALE!!! $1.69lb... ) that I ALMOST missed this picture I captured.. One of the reasons I LOVE Living in NH!!( Oh I wanted to add.. the date on the camera isn't right... it's a day late.. hmmmm wonder what God is REALLY telling me)



What did you almost miss today?

this is my friend Kathleen.. and her three beautiful daughters.. Jaclyn, Brittney and Joelle.... I wanted to come and blog and complain about my crappy job and How I Have to work more hours than I want to for who knows how long... grrrr.. but today I got this e-mail from Kat.. and I wanted to share... Everything in there that is "added" are her words... Kathleen has lost many loved ones through Cancer.. she herself has battled cancer and her middle daughter Britt is a Cancer survivor... I believe it was Osteocercoma that she had.... Praise God that all of them are healthy.. Some thoughts to share.....

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible. who passes up dessert especially on a cruise.How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you?Am I suppose to wait for an invitation to dinner? I just call an order for pick up or delivery when we don't want to get dressed.How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'sometimes just to sit with a friend is what the wound requires I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , "How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain" And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together. Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college. Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things are settled down a bit." When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord. My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years.(Sucks to be this person!) I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy. Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? ;And why are you waiting? Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you. Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly?(Generally NOT) When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply? (Active listener hear)When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow."(tomorrow never comes) And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi"? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over. It's National Friendship and FAMILY WEEK Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends. To those I have sent this to... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do. "Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!"

**********One of my favorite and true quotes. " life is what happens, while you are busy making plans". ***************
ENJOY the journey because some of us will not make the entire trip..

"All the lands are at rest and at peace, they break into singing." Isaiah 14:7

This bible quote.. is sooooo true... If the lands are at rest ( to me.. meaning my home and everyone in it) than I am at peace.. and I can SING!! I love to sing... Do Re Me Fa So La Te Do........( did I sing that right.. har har)

I don't know about you and your home, but this past week mine was CRAZY!!! It went from a birthday, to an anniversary, to a twisted ankle for my daughter, a smashed face from a baseball for my son down to a graduation party and preparing food for a special friend, running around for PROM and a blog party for me.... I also worked one day this week. My week was CRAZY! Period!

This is the time of year where everyone is coming and going..and some days I can't keep up.. I just want to crash and relax and NAP..oh I LOVE naps.. but I probably won't get another nap until after ALL * STARS of baseball is done in August.. HA HA HA HA...

Since I can't nap.. my favorite relaxation skill.. I need new ideas on how YOU relax.. maybe a 15 minute runaway time... Can you relax with you kids and husband right there? ( Lucky ducky if you can).. Can you relax reading a book for 15 minutes... ?? Give me some creative Ideas.. PLEASE!!!

Ok.. here's my * CONTEST* for this week... ( I'm loving these!!!) I want to hear your creative way of finding rest in Chaos...How do you re-charge when you are limited with time... I want to try them all and see what worked best for me... Ü

The PRIZE...A CD from Wal*Mart... I'm not sure what the cover looks like.. but this one was DARLING and I had to share it here... well.. it also couldn't be because I HAVE a yellow lab that does just that!!! tee hee.. I actually have a CD in mind with a few other little goodies... So pour those ideas out to me.. I'm ready and waiting!! Ü

Ok.. so today is an extremely busy BLOG day for me.. I know some of you are gonna laugh at me tomorrow when you read my blog.. tee hee.. but You know I LOVE you all!!! I had to share one more photo with you... My GORGEOUS daughter went to PROM.. this fellow was a last minute date.. but I think he was a cutie and is totally SWEET!! so here she is!!! Boy does she look like her MOMMA .. tee hee...

THIS goes out to the WINNER of my Stationary POST!!! The WINNER of that post is ROXANE!!! So ROXANE e-mail me your home addy and I will get these out to you on MONDAY!!! You'll find two sets of stationary which I thought was adorable along with my daughter.... CONGRATS!! I'll be doing another contest on MONDAY!!!

YaY I got INVITED to do this scrapbooking party today!! At My scrapping servant ( her link is to the left.. and she has the most amazing smile and adorable kids!!) My day is full of kids and activities and PROM today so I'm hoping I can at least give a bit of time and play!!

I'm Terri.. I'm a scrapper and have been doing it for I would say TEN YEARS!! I'm not sure what I like best about it.. the amazing pictures that I know strive to get or the finished product.. or just the giggles and memories of the past to share with for the future....

I'm a mom of two ....... but a mom to many who just want a hug or an opinion every now and again..

I'm really looking forward to "meeting" more scrappers.. and moms!!

Ok.. whose blogs have a I visited and left comments on...

http://ainsleysmom.blogspot.com/ -- This is Karla what an adorable blog.. I was captured the second her pictures came right up!!

http://scrapbookideas.wordpress.com/-- this is Jess.. she has AMAZING layouts..

http://lifewithrae2.blogspot.com/ --This is Rae.. and she's getting married NEXT WEEK!!!

http://quietromance.blogspot.com/ -- This is Haley.. and she's going to be a NEW mommy this fall!!! I love babies!!

http://wesnlani.wordpress.com/ -- This is Wendy.. oh my.. you can tell she just loves spending time with her AMAZING kiddos!!!

http://www.sunnydaysatthebeach.blogspot.com/ -- This is Carey.. Oh my.. she has recipes.. and pictures of flowers.. girl after my own heart!!! and her title picture is AWESOME

http://www.sunshinecoastkids3.blogspot.com/ --ahhhhh this blog is def a FUN blog.. Say hello to SUMMER!!

http://daisykarinb.blogspot.com/ -- This is Karen.. and OH MY.. she makes the most beautiful things and shares scriptures in just about every post.. I LOVE her blog!!

MORE blogs I visited today..

http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/ --Real Women Scrap.. they have a very colorful .. eye catching page.. and I love their ideas!!

http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/ --What a cool name.. but even cooler is the cards she designs... check it out!!

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/servingtheKingofkings/ --Serving of God.. she has a GREAT blog with many pictures.. and MUSIC.. I LOVE MUSIC

http://www.girl71-thoughtsfromthehill.blogspot.com/ -- This is LISA.. and believe it or not .. in MAY she had snow!!! WOW and is thinking of Christmas!!

http://www.lentzfam.blogspot.com/ -- This is Heidi.. she has the MOST springish look blog.. HOW COOL.. is sprinish a word?? HA HA HA

http://www.lifewithlola.blogspot.com/ -- this is Lola's Blog.. Lola LOVE's TV shows and books... so if you can chat TV I'm sure she would love a visit!!

http://www.makingscrapbooks.typepad.com/ -- Check out Jan's blog.. look at the creative cute give she made!!!! You will ADORE it!!!!!!

http://therealroxann.blogspot.com/ -- This is Roxan.. she is a cool gal.. and she writes about some of the funniest things!!! Today the lucky gal is on an all day crop!!

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momofneb/ -- This is Kim's blog.. it's is HOMEY!!! I LOVE IT!!! She is a homeschooling mom to a gorgeous little family.. check her out.. the quilt is so inviting!!

****HERE'S A CHALLENGE ANSWER...

Several years ago I started a e-mail group with about 6 other women... we were scattered all over the country and one gal in Canada.. we talked DAILY about life, kids, faith and more... well... as time went on we got to know one another very much... we eneded up being like sisters... after a few years one of our "sisters" had a constant stuffy nose and a plugged ear... this went on for several months.... Sadly this mom of 2 was diagnosed with a RARE form of Cancer. Through prayer and devotion, Lori lived another two years with cancer.. she was a survivor, but left behind two beautiful YOUNG children... Living such a distance I felt like I HAD to do something for her.. but I wasn't sure what.. What could I give a dying woman.. tangeable stuff was NOT what she needed.. she needed my prayers and love... Having been a Girl Scout leader for several years.. I hooked up to a yahoo group.. and came up with several ideas on how these girls could help me BLESS Lori... About 30 Girl Scout troops made her a array of cards.. she was blessed with over a 300 cards.. and the Leaders knew that Lori loved to scrap.. Together I and the Leaders collected scrapbooking supplies so she could scrap moment for her children.. for their future.. She had no energy to shop for this stuff.. but with little time she did put things together for her kids. It's been two years since Lori has now passed.. and I miss her! Even though we never met face to face.. She was one of the most couragious persons I knew.. and she fought til the end!

THIS IS MY KEEPING IT REAL Photo... behind these beautiful Cinnamon rolls that I made....was a REAL mess.. but who really takes those kind of photos.. HA HA HA HA

Thank You for all your "cheerup" Ideas .. I LOVE LOVE praise and Worship.. I LOVE music.. and if there were ever a gift that I WISHED God had given me.. it would have been the ability to sing perfectly.. Those that know me... KNOW that I sing everyday!! I can give you a song for ANYTHING at a drop of a hat.... that's the talent I was given.. *giggle giggle*

Well... my grumpiness.. sadly.. came back tonight... I was upset because my dishes were not properly done and I felt expected to clean up the rest... I was angry... and I shared my feelings with my children.....

Now... I wish I hadn't... not 20 seconds after my angered moment.. a friend of my daughters called me to talk... wanted a "moms" perspective... He wanted to talk to me because my beautiful daughter told him I was a SURVIVOR... The funny thing is.. this wasn't the FIRST time I heard this today!!

Today has been extremely emotional for me... Why? I'm not truly sure.. I believe the Lord is moving my heart in many directions.. Earlier today I was talking to a girl.. well I should say WOMAN that I grew up with since the age of 14....

Her words to me after having already talked 2 hours.. ( and believe it or not I HATE the phone) just out of the blue she tells me.. "Terri.. I don't know if I ever told you.. but I ADMIRE you.. I ADMIRE you so much.. You are a SURVIVOR... You have turned into a mother I only wish I could be.. you endured so many challenges, from a crappy home life, to a manipulative hard mother, to a teenage pregnancy that led you into being a unwed, single mom..to moving miles to go to college and you're daughter is beautiful and has a wonderful head on her shoulders...You are a beautiful woman"....

I MELTED....

This past year.. Kim can attest to this... I have felt lost.. I haven't been able to open that door that God has pushed slightly open.. for me... I feel like I have been running my palms on blank walls not able to find the cracks to slide my fingers under to pry the door open.. yet.. I can feel the breeze of the crack....

My Goal is to finish what God has started... I want to be a college student.. but most of my life I have been told I was never good enough... Why did I waste 34 years listening to another human? Why didn't I listen to the whispers from my only TRUE father.. Our Lord and Savior... It is only HE that I need to obey and impress.. no one else...

So even though my heart is heavy.. I'm positive I know what I have to do.. and I WILL do it...

Life can seem long... but In truth it's only a breath....

Even though growing up stunk for me.. and some of the things that followed.. It wasn't until I was 20 that I found Christ.. Thank You Jesus!!! I must always remember.. no matter how sad, how hurt, how lonely, how everything just feels bland and blah... There is always someone out there that has lost more than I have.. or has endured more than I have.... and I have to be thankful FOR EVERYTHING that has happened in my life.... because everything I have FACED has made me the Woman I am today...

I found this song... I had NOT heard it until today.. which is quite funny cause I LOVE music.. people LOVE playing music trivia games with me... I think God was waiting for a special moment for me to hear it.. Today I needed to hear it...
If you have NOT heard this song... grab a few tissues.. TRUST ME ON THIS!! Now go down and click off my Stellar Kart song.. and hit play.. close your eyes and listen... listen to every word as if each different person is talking to you!!! Tell me what you think?? I love how many songwriters are given this gift by God to express things better than I ever could!! Ok.. shhh.. go ahead.. and hit play!!!

My mood right now is grumpy... I'm finding that I'm even barking at the computer screen... Today is one of those days were I just am overtired and don't feel like being "cheery".. UGH...

What do you do to "pick yourself up"??? I'm in need of some ideas...

Hope your night is better than mine...

Signed

Grumpystilskin!!

I GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING THE OTHER DAY. I THOUGHT I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF IT UNTIL THE COP LOOKED AT MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT.

Sign You're Driving Too Fast........







I thought this one was SUPER funny!! I have to be honest.. I DISLIKE STUPID Drivers!!! Come on you know the ones I'm talking about!! The ones who can't make a complete stop at a STOP sign.. The ones that think just because the car in front of them stopped that they stopped too.. and ride through with the front car.. ( I think this one drives me the MOST insane)...
Today my son was at baseball practice and well.. let's just say his face caught the fly ball... BLOOD everywhere... he was crying.. OH WHAT A MESS.. all I wanted to do was get him home.. and I think America's WORST drivers were on the road... My husband surrendered His shirt to catch the massive amount of blood that came from my son's nose.. so after I got my son settled.. I had to run back out and bring hubby a shirt.. but didn't want to leave my son alone to long... UGH!! I was leaving my drive way and I let a minivan go by.. I jumped out of the driveway ( cause normally the gal at the end of the street that babysits, gals come FLYING up and down our road .. another UGH) Well today this person decided NOT to move at the end of the road.. just sat there!!!! WHY???????????????????????? I have no idea.. Ok.. I GOT MAD!!! and just went around them.. and as I was going around them .. that's when she decided she wanted to go... umm NO DEAL lady... NO DEAL.. I actually ended up squealing my tires... don't think I've ever done that before.... Why do drivers have to be so mean?
I love this one.. this happened to me just this past week.. I'm listening to Toby Mac.. and BAM some old guy cuts me off.. I'm doing 35 TOPS.. well I didn't get a chance to slow down and guess what he DOES.. SLAMS on his breaks... WAIT.. ummm I beeped my horn and he gives me a shrug!!! Why is it some peoples intent to purposely take another person's life because of a car and who has to be first....WHY? In all honesty... that man could have killed me if I hadn't seen him slam on his breaks... it only takes seconds....
For the record.. I'm NOT a perfect driver... but I try to keep in mind why people drive the way they do.. Why do people think vehicles are toys.. and why oh why is there someone ALWAYS out there that think that they should be first .. and NOT you... WHY??
Today's post is kind of a little rant.. and for that please forgive me.. but thanks for letting me SHARE!!!

***** CONTEST UPDATE*****
I found the CUTEST stationary to give away this week.. one of the boxes is shaped like a little purse with handles... and the other stationary looks like scrapbook paper.. it's so adorable.. so please.. keep posting.. can't wait to give it away!!!

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king;my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer." Psalm 45:1



I wanted to say Congrats again to Amberley again for sharing her 5 things she is grateful for!! That package is headed out the door in a few minutes!



This morning I was thinking about how wonderful the Internet is.. how I can communicate with everyone here each and every day. But then I think the Lord put something in my heart this morning... our OLDER generation... those that don't do the Internet.. those that still have rotary phones that probably sit by them and wait for them to ring daily.... As much as I would like to believe everyone loves the Internet.. or EVERYONE has cell phones.. it's just not true.. and those that tend to have neither.. can be forgotten... guilty myself of it...

The older generation to me are the ones who probably fought in World War 2 and Vietnam... I think back to those days even though I wasn't even thought of yet.. of how they communicated with their loved ones while fighting for my future freedom... My thought.. "old fashioned" letter writing... Ok.. now take a second and think back to when was the last time you got a "beefy" letter from anyone? When was the last time you wrote a letter FOR anyone? Kids don't even get in trouble in schools these days for passing notes.. they pass TEXT messages....

I was at Home Depot yesterday and I heard one gal yell to another.. "oh hey TEXT me about play dates for the kids".. I stood there and gawked.. probably rude of me.. but I did.."TEXT ME"... what happened with the telephone... I'm 34 and I don't understand a TEXT.. I really don't.. Now.. don't get me wrong.. I'm not judging you all if you do.. it's just going to be one of those life mystery's to me I think!! Ü



Ok.. ready for this.. this is THIS WEEKS CHALLENGE....

I want you to pick ONE person in your life that you can take this week and write a NICE thoughtful meaning letter to.. preferably someone you may always think about.. but haven't talk to lately... You may even write a LOVE letter to your husband... Tell me who you're going to write to.. and what will your opening line be....

Your PRIZE.. a Stationary Set.. I'll be on the prowl this week looking for one... or better yet.. I just might stamp you one.. !! I'll let you know mid week what I'll be doing.. So again, you have til FRIDAY 8 PM to respond to my BLOG.. and the peas who don't have one.. POST it to the board!!



Here's a cute Stationary set I found on line..



Here is their website.. http://www.americanstationery.com/catalog_request.asp You can request a free Catalog

My letter you might ask... well I think I have TWO people in mind this week.. One my Grandfather whom I haven't seen in a few years.. and he lives only 45 minutes away.. YIKES..
And to my Loving husband.. whom I've been married to for 13 years TODAY!!!! My opening line to my Darling Husband.... There is no man greater than you! You are my best friends, my love and a wonderful provider......
You're turn!!

AND THE WINNER IS........................


AMBERLEY!! E-mail me to give me your address so I can mail this out to you on Monday!!!

Just so everyone knows.. I threw all the names in a jar and just pulled a name..
Thanks for playing..
I'm hoping to do something NEXT week so check back!!

Enjoy the Weekend!!

It's soon to be Mother's Day!! Although I'm truly blessed.. I feel that Mother's day is EVERYDAY!!! Cause let's face.. even on mother's day the day doesn't stop..!! You don't stop being a mom ---just cause... So.. if I don't get back on here after tonight ( I'll be posting the winner of my drawing later tonight) HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Here's a little funny I thought I would share....

FAMOUS MOTHERS:COLUMBUS' MOTHER: "I don't care what you've discovered, you still could have written!"

MICHELANGELO'S MOTHER: "Can't you paint on walls like other children? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get that stuff off the ceiling?"

NAPOLEON'S MOTHER: "All right, if you aren't hiding your report card inside your jacket, take your hand out of there and show me."

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S MOTHER: "Again with the stovepipe hat? Can't you just wear a baseball cap like the other kids?"

MARY'S MOTHER: I'm not upset that your lamb followed you to school, but I would like to know how he got a better grade than you."

ALBERT EINSTEIN'S MOTHER: "But it's your senior picture. Can't you do something about your hair? Styling gel, mousse, something….?

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER: "The next time I catch you throwing money across the Potomac, you can kiss your allowance goodbye!"

THOMAS EDISON'S MOTHER: "Of course I'm proud that you invented the electric light bulb. Now turn it off and get to bed!"

PAUL REVERE'S MOTHER: "I don't care where you think you have to go, young man, midnight is past your curfew."

MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY'S MOTHER: "I don't mind you having a garden, Mary, but does it have to be growing under your bed?"

HUMPTY DUMPTY'S MOTHER: "Humpty, if I've told you once, I've told you a hundred times not to sit on that wall. But would you listen to me? Nooooo!"

BATMAN'S MOTHER: "It's a nice car, Bruce, but do you realize how much the insurance is going to be?"

GOLDILOCK'S MOTHER "I've got a bill here for a busted chair from the Bear family. You know anything about this, Goldie?"

LITTLE MISS MUFFET'S MOTHER: "Well, all I've got to say is if you don't get off your tuffet and start cleaning your room, there'll be a lot more spiders around here!"

JONAH'S MOTHER: "That's a nice story, but now tell me where you've really been for the last three days."

SUPERMAN'S MOTHER: "Clark, your father and I have discussed it, and we've decided you can have your own telephone line. Now will you quit spending so much time in all those phone booths?"

MONA LISA'S MOTHER: "After all that money your father and I spent on braces, that's the biggest smile you can give us?"

<----- This is the only picture I could find quick enough to post in my blog... it's cute.. but I hope I don't get in trouble for using it.. YIKES!!

Well you know that I'm reading my chocolotherapy book... and last night while reading I found a little snippet about God... If God was a gossiper.. What would he say about you?

Now I Know what you're thinking.. you're off your rocker.. God doesn't gossip, it's a sin... It's just plain NOT Christ like... I know.. I know.. But for giggles.. What are a few things right here right now.. that you think God would TELL ME about you!! Of course I'm a secret keeper.. so I would never Tell!!!!

For me.. I think God would tell you all.. that.. I'm LOST in the direction I'm going in my life.. I don't know what the future is suppose to hold and have been Lost for about two years... That I'm not listening close enough to HIM or following direction. I don't spend enough time in the word, therefor our relationship is strained, yet I'm not a hopeless cause.. ( but then again NO ONE IS!!)...That I'm a giving person and I put my family FIRST.. ALWAYS.. That I can be selfish and unselfish all in the same action.... But no matter what I do.. I am always forgiven and loved unconditionally.. and sometimes I put that Love on a back burner because there are days I just don't know what to do with it!!

Have you ever been hurt by gossip?? Or have you gossiped and hurt someone? I think we can pretty much ALL say both has happened..."A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks to much." Proverbs 20:19 I envy women who can talk and NOT gossip.. I ENVY people who can ONLY say nice things about others... I always ask God.. "Why don't I have a heart like that"... His reply if I could guess... "You could you just chose to speak before you think.. the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body... but it can also be the MOST hurtful if not exercised right".... GULP!!!!

The next time you feel like speaking BAD about someone... WRITE IT DOWN and then throw it away.. I think getting it out still helps... but maybe not directing at another human being might be more kind.... I'm guilty... sooooooooo guilty.....But working hard at it!!

5 Things I am Grateful For


Sometimes life comes at you so fast you forget why you're here .. and what makes you tick as a person. Here's a sneak peak at the Love(s) of my life... My husband, My GORGEOUS daughter, My ever so HANDSOME son, and our Foreign Exchange Student Maria, who has taught us some life and parenting skills. Ü



Today.. I want to know what 5 things in your life you are grateful for.... and by doing so... if you tell me.. I have 6 of those HARD FINDING clear stamps from Michaels with ONE block ( sorry that's all they had)..Here is the description

1) girlfriends

2) let's party

3) For you

4) Party--you're invited

5)Baby

6) Sweet heart-I love you


Each stamp set has about 4-5 designs in each package.... Here's a picture I snagged from e-bay so you can get the idea of what they look like...





Ok.. here's the deal.. I'm going to tell you the 5 things I'm grateful for today!! I want YOU to tell ME the 5 things you are grateful for today as well... HOWEVER... I'm going to leave this open til Friday.. ever go to a blog daily but then MISS a day only to find out there was a contest?? and you MISSED It.. Kind of makes you sad huh? Well... I want ya to be happy and grateful!! So as of 8pm friday you have time to tell me what makes you happy TODAY!!!


Here's my Top 5

1) The sun is shining and I can work on my yard today!

2) My son gave me the sweetest kiss goodbye today

3) My husband is sleeping so that gives me a few extra minutes this morning to blog Ü

4) I have great friends who love me and on occasion spoil me

5)My MT. ST. Laundry is caught up!!

Ok.. your turn!!

First and foremost.. I just wanted to say.. you are "looking at" a 3lb skinnier me!!! My first week of Weight Watchers paid off... Good bye 3lbs.. WOO HOO!!!

Anyway.. I found this really interesting little blurb about Aprons today.. and I wanted to share with you... This apron that is cute and looks Orangey... is probably something I would have made back in my Girl Scout Days. I guess the 70's Fabric screams something back at you too!!

I love aprons.. but I don't wear them.. I love them for decoration.. to me they are antique and old fashioned.. goes with my home theme.. I have them hanging around and LOVE to find them in antique shops or yardsales!!! Growing up I don't remember ANY women in my life who wore Aprons except maybe my great aunt Grace.. She taught me how to make bread and garden.. She told me one day that I would make an EXCELLENT farmers Wife... Well.. I didn't marry a farmer.. but I did marry a boy from the Back Woods of Vermont!! Does that count?

Here's the cute little article!!

The History of Aprons



Written by Thomas Morva
Aprons have been cooks’ companions for hundreds of years. Indeed, aprons were used by men and women for a variety of tasks long before they were seen on 1950s television. During this era, women were portrayed as homemakers and good mothers and you rarely saw them without their aprons.
Some researchers point to Biblical references about aprons. They cite a passage in which Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves to make aprons to cover themselves. We traditionally think of aprons being used for cooking, and while that is true, they have served as a cover-up for other tasks that tend to be messy. Occupations such as butchers, welders and bakers have always used aprons to protect both their clothing and bodies from their work.
For centuries, homemakers have used aprons. Even since the early 19th century, women have used aprons to keep their clothing clean. They have also used aprons to carry essential utensils such as rolling pins, for gathering and carrying eggs and for transporting kindling wood. Aprons have been an effective tool for many, many years.
It was not until the 1940s and 1950s that society started to see the stereotypes of the "perfect mother" who always wore an apron, no matter what. Until that time, aprons were thought of as a functional piece of the wardrobe.
Today’s aprons are more stylish. Perhaps surprisingly, aprons have made a fashionable comeback, even making occasional runway appearances in the form of the apron dress.

Here is a SUPER-DE-DUPER CUTE BLOG about Aprons!!!

http://angrychicken.typepad.com/tieoneon/

So tell me.. Do you wear aprons?

I went to Borders yesterday to find the second book to the Ya Ya Prayer Group.. NO such luck.. CDB here I come with my debit card... anyway.. upon cruising the shelves I found this book!! I had NO idea what it was about but when I read CHOCOLATHERAPY I knew I would like it..

As you know I started my journey on Monday for Weight Watchers.. I can't believe it myself but I'm doing quite well!! Now don't get me wrong.. I'm not the kind of gal that has to buy two plane tickets to fly anywhere... I'm the type of gal that just needs to watch what I eat to stay healthy and these past few months I haven't.. I'm a junk food junky.. plain and simple!

I do however HAVE to tell you her prologue ( which she calls appetizer)... the first paragraph states "If you've ever done the emotional-eating thing, raise your hand. No, not the one holding the Twinkie. The other hand" OK.. that is so me.. I use to never ever be an emotional eater.. in fact.. I use to eat three meals a day and then bam.. enough for me.. what happened to those days? Why now, do I feel like I have to feed all the moods of my body? The happy, The Sad, The Confused... yet the ANGER one I don't feed .. I clean my home instead!! Hmm.. I don't think I"ve been angry for awhile.. HA HA HA HA!!

Karen Scalf Linamen is a Christian Author. I have her other book "Just hand over the chocolate and no one will get hurt". Sadly I have not read it and I've had it for years!! I think I got it on Clearance.. but I guess it wasn't the Lord's timing for me to read it. However I have already dived into this book and it's GREAT. She has a wonderful sense of humor and seems that she understands where most women are coming from!

So this week I've stayed within my points, Walked everyday except yesterday I NAPPED!! WOO HOO and today I'm off to a baseball game and a barbeque... I know I will have self control and ENJOY the people around me and not be a slave to the food. I will put a big sign on my door that states "FALSE GOD" and think about that in my time of emotion!

To all the SCRAPBOOKERS out there!! Happy Scrapbook Day.. Share your layouts with me!! Send me a link to your blogs so I can see what you did!!

"Never eat more than you can lift"--Miss Piggy

Did Eve have a belly button? How do you get Jesus in your heart? Does heaven have a McDonald's? These are some questions that children often ask.. When my kids were little I remember all the amazing questions ( well not all) that they would ask. Some were serious and could be answered honestly and some were the silliest that had you scratching your head for the answers. I have a big question that I need to ask God and find out the answer. It's nothing Earth Shattering.. but I'm at a loss as to why some Christians desire some things.. ( I'll explain more probably in the next few days after I dive in and see what I can come up with).. But I thought, who better to direct my question to.. then the Man who asked more questions than anyone else ever thought possible.. JESUS!
In School I use to be deathly afraid to ask questions for fear of looking stupid.. now many years have passed and I realize that I looked more stupid NOT asking than if I had. I might have understood more things and not desired to daydream out the window..
Any way.. see this fancy McDonald's...??? It's the BEST.. I've been there before.. in downtown DISNEY!! How I wish I were there visiting my friends who moved down there.. and saying a cheery hello to any Disney Character!! I'm a HUGE HUGE Disney fan... but I can't take the heat in the summer months.. so I have to wait til around December to be comfortable! Even though I didn't eat at this McDonald's.. ( I get belly aches and who wants one at Disney WORLD) it was pretty cool! Hmmm I wonder if Heaven will have a McDonald's... and I wonder if the people there will be happy to serve me.. Ü Ohhhhhh I'm LOVIN IT!
Here's a website if you are bored.. you can play some pretty cool McDonald's games... Like TETRIS and catch the burger.. I played the TETRIS for awhile... boy I'm rusty!!
http://www.mcdonaldsarabia.com/interactive/eng/int/play/game/default.asp

Today is the first Day of May.. It wasn't til I was a young adult that I actually knew what May Day was. An older woman was making up these cute little baskets and I asked her what they were for. She looked at me oddly and said "you never heard of May day?".. "ummm..nope" I answered .. and she went on to tell me ....

Each year for her neighbors and friends she made cute little baskets to put flowers, candy or any item she baked in them and hung them on her neighbors and friends doors. It was to be a surprise!! I thought that, that was the COOLEST thing ever... so you know the next year I had to do that!! and then the year after that.. and after that.. it's been the past few years that I have forgotten it as it has passed me by. An older tradition that has melted away with the new...

This sweet strawberry cake recipe looks like a yummy thing to bake up and share!! I love things from scratch.. and I just might make this for my friend's birthday in two weeks!! This Northern Girl is suppose to help her hubby make a Southern Boil... snicker snicker.. we'll see what happens!! Just might have to take pictures of this one!!!

Sweet Strawberry Cake

This delicious strawberry cake recipe is taken from "The White House Cook Book" by Hugo Ziemann, Steward of the White House, and Mrs. F. L. Gillette, published by The Saalfield Publishing Company, New York, in 1913.It makes a rich, four-layer cake that was always a favorite when served at White House dinners. If you are searching for a strawberry layer cake recipe, this homemade cake recipe is the one you want. After all, it was good enough for the White House!
Three eggs, one cupful of sugar, two of flour, one tablespoonful of butter, a teaspoonful, heaped, of baking powder. Beat the butter and sugar together and add the eggs well beaten. Stir in the flour and baking powder well sifted together. Bake in deep tin plate. This quantity will fill four plates.With three pints of strawberries mix a cupful of sugar and mash them a little. Spread the fruit between the layers of cake. The top layer of strawberries may be covered with a meringue made with the white of an egg and a tablespoonful of powdered sugar. Save out the largest berries and arrange them around in circles on the top in the white frosting. Makes a very fancy dish, as well as a most delicious cake.