Sunday Inspiration

Happy Birthday!

Sunday evening, we got together at mom and dad's to celebrate the January birthdays in the family.  That would be mom and I.  We shared a ton of laughs, ate way too much food, blew out candles and opened gifts.  We were so blessed to be able to celebrate with the people we love and had a great time!  Here are some pics to share with you.

A special thank you to all for your planning, time and gifts.  My family rocks!:-)

52 Things We Love About Our Town, State and Country

Ice, Ice Baby!


#51:  The Plymouth Ice Festival in Plymouth, Michigan.  


Only in the Upper Midwest would one consider it a good time to meet with a bunch of people, in freezing weather, and view ice sculptures, ice skate and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.  Even though this event has been going on for several years, this was our first time attending after some dear friends of ours asked us to meet them there.  I couldn't wait to go and check it out.


Honey and I dressed in layers and made sure we had our hats and gloves.  We still wound up getting some hand warmers to keep our digits from freezing.  But to see the talented sculptors from various colleges and universities in the area competing for the grand prize was nothing short of amazing.  It was fascinating to see how one can take a huge block of ice and turn it into a figure skater, frog, sea horse or corporate logo.  They used all kinds of tools that you would find in a Lowe's or Home Depot including sanders, saws, routers and even a regular clothes iron.  My understanding is that since the temperatures hovered around the freezing mark and not in the single digits like in previous years, some of the ice had a  frosty hue to it, rather that being crystal clear.  That was okay with me, because I still thought the work was beautiful.  Here are some pics that I wanted to share.

Pretty "cool" isn't it?  Pun intended. ;)


So if you are in the Detroit area in January and want to take advantage of some winter activity, this is the place to be.

Sunday Inspiration

52 Things We Love About Our Town, State and Country

This year, on this blog, I thought I would like to share what we love about our community, state and our country. It seems that we focus alot on what annoys us or how things can improve. But I think that if we look hard enough, we can find the good in things. So I asked my family to list some of their favorite things that they would like to share.

Our first one, on the suggestion of my son is Elevate Church. We started attending about a month or so ago, and when were leaving the first service, my son looked at me and said that he couldn't wait to come the following week. This, coming from a teenager, spoke volumes and I knew we were in the right place. Everyone is so welcoming, the pastor really captures your attention and the praise band rocks! They are on fire for the Lord and I love how they reach out to the community, especially in supporting various charities.

They like to call Elevate "the church for the unchurched". When we first walked in, people were at every door welcoming you, the pastors were right in the middle of the lobby introducing themselves and getting to know you and coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and other treats were there for our enjoyment before the service. I knew that this church rocked when I saw a basket of earplugs for people that thought the music would get too loud! They have a stack of bibles that they encourage people to take home and read. And before the service, on the sound system, you will here secular music by the likes of "Kings of Leon" and "R.E.M.". Who knew that we would be allowed to hear the music that you hear on your favorite rock station or ipod in church? And that you would be able to actually eat a donut and enjoy a good cup of java right in church? It may not be everyone's cup of tea (they have that too.;). But for someone seeking a place where you are accepted for what you are and want to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, this is the place for you. Hope to see you there!

Menu Plan Monday

Every once in a while, I make it a point to make a menu plan for the week. I always have good intentions of following it, but sometimes I fail. Plans change at the last minute or I am just plain too pooped to cook. But with every new year, I always try to get better organized. One way is to have a menu plan so I can make a grocery list or use up what I have in the pantry. So here is what I have planned to have for dinner this week.

Monday: Steak, baked potato, salad

Tuesday: Kielbasa, perogies, green beens

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: pasta, salad, garlic bread

Friday: chili, cornbread

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots

I always try to plan for leftovers at least once a week so I can have a break. Plus, some things just plain taste better the following day. (Like chili.:))

Now on to other topics. We had a very busy weekend. We took down all of the Christmas decorations and had friends over to celebrate the New Year. On Saturday, we headed over to our neighbors for a gathering. We had a great time. Shared alot of laughs and ate way too much. Then yesterday, we had our dear friends Dan and Sharron and their two children over. It was so nice seeing them. Almost one year ago, Sharron suffered an aneurism and two strokes. It's a miracle she is still with us today. But what makes it even more remarkable is that she is almost completely recovered. She still has weakness on her left side and she has difficulty seeing out of her left eye. But she. looks. great. It is still unknown if she will regain all of her sight in her left eye and whether she will progress in other areas. But we are so thankful that she is where she is at today.

This week promises to be a busy one as well. I have something on my calendar every day. But it should keep me out of trouble, right?;)

Now I need to buckle down and check off items on my to-do list. Until next time....

Happy New Year!

Happy 2010! Wow! Hard to believe that it has been 10 years since we rang in the new millenium.

I was bound and determined that I was going to check off one of my new year's resolutions on my list. That would be starting a blog. I enjoy reading them and thought it would be a good way of keeping in touch with family and friends near and far. And maybe even make a new friend along the way.

I'll be sharing my observations and some pics and maybe a recipe or two. I really have a lot to learn about this blogging thing. But I'm up for the challenge and like trying new things.

We invite you to drop in on this little corner of the www and wish you all many blessings in 2010!