observations of an ordinary life

Sunday Inspiration

2012-02-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

There is no remedy for love but to love more.

Henry David Thoreau

Finally!

2012-02-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

Finally, after having the winter halfway over (on the calendar anyway) we got snow. This year had been unusual in that it has remained mild and relatively dry for most of the winter. On my birthday at the end of January it was a whopping 54 degrees! Never do I recall the temperature being so mild in January. Well, except for in 1978, the night before the Great Blizzard, the thermometer worked it's way into the 50's. I remember my mom saying, "There is no way that a blizzard is in the forecast.". The next morning, the snow and ice was beating against the house the likes we had never seen before and haven't since.

I'm really sounding like an old-timer. :-/

So last night, we got our first substantial snowfall of the season. And by that I mean a few inches. Here are some pictures:

Dang, but that light is bright!

And here are some shots I took this morning.

And here is our forsythia bush,

with a couple of little blooms.

According to this weeks forecast, the snow and cold will not last for much longer. Which I suppose is not too bad.

I'm ready for Spring. :-)

Outside The Box

2012-02-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

For the past month or so, I've been wading through my paper clutter trying to get it under control. At times it was overwhelming. Especially when I would come across one shoebox after another full of memorabilia. Shredding receipts and sending piles of magazines off to the recycling bin felt freeing. I was actually doing very well with that. But when it comes to the things that holds precious memories, how do you part with them? I'm still trying to figure it out and I thought I would share some ways that I am coping (if you want to call it that) with the memorabilia.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran across an art project that was completed by my son (actually his Sunday School teachers) when he was four years old. I had set it aside thinking that I would frame it. But I put it up in a closet and forgot about it for over a decade. *gulp*

This particular piece of art was on legal size paper. Too large to fit into a 12 x 12 scrapbook. Since I've had it hidden away for so long I did not want to fold it up and tuck it away. So (light-bulb-moment) I cut it apart.

These little feet are now BIG feet. :-)

I think buttons are so cute on a page like this. And I'm still digging the October Afternoon/Echo Park products that Santa brought me for Christmas. :-)

I've got some ideas for more memorabilia that I have ~~hoarded~~ set aside. So stayed tuned....

I wish everyone will have good memories! :-)

Thanks for looking in!

Halftime

2012-02-06T19:08:00.000-05:00

Here it is the day after the Super Bowl, and for some people you might as well say that it is the day after Christmas. Or the day after insert major life event.

For us, it was relatively quiet. We had plans to watch it at my sister-in-law's house with extended family, but the flu decided to make it's untimely appearance. Actually, the flu should never make it's appearance. But it doesn't work that way. :-( Hubby woke up sick and pretty much stayed in bed or on the couch all day. Even though he wasn't feeling well at all, nothing can keep him from watching the Super Bowl. Me? I watch it for the commercials. And sometimes the halftime show, depending on who the performer is.

Here are a few of our favorite commercials:

and

and especially this:

This last commercial featuring Clint Eastwood for Chrysler, I feel, spoke honestly of the sentiment being felt in the United States. Especially here in the midwest. I had read on the internet today that some "talking heads" in the Republican Party felt that this commercial was Pro-Obama. I do not like to discuss politics especially on this blog, but I felt that that was a reach. When viewing this commercial, I did not think in terms of Democrat or Republican. I thought in terms of what it was like to be an American. And even though she has blemishes and a few bumps and bruises and maybe even a wrinkle here and there, America is beautiful. And I'm proud to be one. And this commercial reminded me of why I am proud. :-)

Okay, stepping off my soap box. Back to reality. Back to nursing hubby back to health and sanitizing my house. :-P

Hope that everyone has something that they can be proud of.

Thanks for looking in!

Sunday Inspiration

2012-02-05T07:39:00.000-05:00

Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.

Paul "Bear" Bryant

Paper Blitz

2012-01-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

This month I was bound and determined to sift through my piles of paper clutter and try my best to get it under control. As I mentioned before, when it comes to "things", I do not really have a problem making a decision and purging and throwing away. But when it comes to paper, I am rather OCD about it. I'm always thinking that the minute I throw it away that I will need it. After cleaning out my small closet in our office/den, I came across a box on the very top shelf of receipts. What to do, what to do. Hey! How about shred them! So that is what I did. And some old bank statements that I have not looked at in five years. I keep everything we needed to file our income taxes with that years return, so I figure that anything else we can get online. So our file cabinet is a bit lighter and I may need a new shredder in the near future. And honey, you know that Sears receipt from 2008 that you will probably need? It's confetti. ;-) It feels good to have that chore most of the way done. Still have another drawer to go through. But it feels good with what I have done so far.

In the midst of my organizing blitz, I have had the urge to scrapbook. I have a couple of layouts planned and hope to do that over the weekend. Here is one that I completed a couple of weeks ago:

Well, better go and get back to work. Need to give my shredder another workout today. Then figure out how to better organize what I decided to keep.

Thanks for looking in! :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-22T20:25:00.001-05:00

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2012-01-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

Today is Friday the 13th and for some it conjures up thoughts of black cats, open umbrellas in homes and heaven forbid, broken mirrors. So today some people will be carrying around rabbits feet, throwing salt over their shoulder and looking over four-leaf clovers. For me I am lucky in that on this day a very, very special woman made her appearance. That would be my mom. :-)

She is the sweetest, selfless and strongest person I know. She loves her family with all her heart. She has always been more than willing to help those in need, almost to a fault. ;-). She makes the best chicken and dumplings and meatloaf on the planet. :-) She is very bright and has the best sense of humor. She has weathered many storms but has pushed through them with grace. And she instilled in us faith and the love of Jesus Christ.

We love you mom! Hope this birthday is the best one yet! :-)

Here is wishing everyone can be as lucky to have a Special Someone in their life!

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially formed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.

C.S. Lewis

I Have Issues-NOT!

2012-01-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

A year ago, I mentioned on this blog that I had "issues". As I said here, I said that I had magazine issues, not "issues" issues. Although most people will argue that I have "issues". Got that? Anyway, no more!

In my quest for organization (yeah, right. lol!), I was tired of looking at my "Leaning Tower of Pisa" made out of magazines. I toppled it down and put it in a box and carted it to the recycling bin. I still have a hard time believing I did this. It seems I have a addiction to paper and I am determined to get rid of what I can. I have designated January as "Paper De-clutter Month" and am going through books, magazines, catalogs, file cabinets and boxes weeding out the paper clutter. This is an area that I struggle with the most. I have no problem getting rid of clothes/household items/tools. But paper is something I have trouble with. I really think I need a shrink. :-/

Anyway, I am proud of the strides that I've made so far. I got rid of my magazines/catalogs. I got rid of an entire box of old greeting cards. (Then came across another. Oy!). I have an idea up my sleeve on what to do with those. So stayed tuned. And I am beginning to tackle some memorabilia. I watched a video on Two Peas In A Bucket on ideas to organize memorabilia that I am excited about.

So, enough about that. I need to roll my sleeves up and get back to work. Hope you can overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Thanks for looking in!

Every Sunday Morning

2012-01-03T11:17:00.003-05:00

Every Sunday morning, we would wake up to the sound of "The Broadcast" brought to you by the local Baptist church on the radio. The broadcast was the early service at the church and a quartet would always start the service with, "Have You Heard About My Jesus?". With that, you would also have the aroma of bacon/sausage frying and the sweet smell of pancakes and syrup. If you wanted eggs, you could have that, too. All of this was lovingly cooked by my dad. This was a Sunday morning tradition that took place for as long as I could remember. It was one of the many things that I missed when I moved out on my own.

I am so fortunate that Ryan was able to partake in that Sunday morning tradition. This picture is one that my mom took when Ryan spent a Saturday night with them. Things aren't that much different in that picture from what I remember growing up in that little house. The Sunday paper spread out on the table. A bottle of pancake syrup ready to be poured. A cup of hot coffee. A glass of chocolate milk. The early morning sun pouring through the window. I can almost taste those pancakes, eggs and sausage now. These are some of the pleasant memories I experienced every Sunday morning.

Supplies used for this page: October afternoon, Echo Park papers/stickers;cardstock; font-Cursive Standard

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.

Lord Chesterfield

Happy New Year !

The Aftermath

2011-12-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Day-After-Christmas! Or for my Canadian/British readers, Happy Boxing Day! :-) I hope that everyone had/is having a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza!

I must say that our family had a wonderful Christmas. Spending time with family was tops on our list. Followed by all the awesome tasting food/drinks. Music. Lights. Seeing the reaction of peoples faces when opening gifts. Yes, these are a few of my favorite things. :-)

Here are some photos I took during this holiday season.

And this photo pretty much sums up how we all felt at the end of the day yesterday. lol!

My hubby and brother all pooped out.

And after consuming 10,000 calories in two days time, I am ready to go on another diet/exercise plan. But that is for another post.

I hope that everyone is blessed with good health, family/friends and peace this holiday season.

Thanks for looking in!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-12-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-12-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

Sunday Inspiration

2011-12-11T14:28:00.001-05:00

Photo Source

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young,

compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver

Waving at Santa

2011-12-05T05:33:00.001-05:00

My oldest brother Larry loves University of Michigan football, Tiger baseball, Red Wings hockey and almost every other sport. He loves to read about current events and politics. He also happens to be physically/mentally handicapped.

Not only does he love God, his country and the Wolverines, he also loves Santa. (Who doesn't?). One tradition that he holds near and dear is to go to the local mall and wave at Santa.

Last Friday we boarded the bus and headed for our local mall. After having lunch and shopping a bit, we decided it was time to roll past Santa and greet him with a wave. Imagine our disappointment when Santa was no where in sight. The sign indicated that he would be back in around five minutes. We thought we would shop a little bit more when down the corridor we spotted something in red.

It was Santa strolling toward us with one of his elves!

As he got closer, he noticed Larry and waved. :-) Of course Larry waved back.

Not only did Santa wave, but he came up to Larry and SHOOK HIS HAND! How cool is that?

What a thrill for my brother. He was speechless. I don't think he has washed that hand yet. ;-)

This is one of the many reasons why we love Santa. The fact that he took time out of his busy, busy schedule to make the day/month/year for someone like my brother gets two-thumbs-up in my book.

Here is hoping that everyone can have a special Santa in their life. :-)

Thanks for looking in!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-12-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.

Unknown

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:53:00.001-05:00

Bowling, Buffets and Birthdays

2011-11-23T12:19:00.001-05:00

Whew, the last week has been a whirlwind of activity and preparation for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.
Appointments, tournaments, getting together with family and friends and a Certain Someone's birthday has kept us busy. But a good busy.

Saturday and Sunday was the city tournament for Ryan's bowling league. He has been bowling with his buddies on a league for about four years now. It's been a tradition in our family for decades. (My in-laws, hubby and myself bowled in leagues off and on for several years). Anyway, his team came in first place in their division! Yay! Ryan did really well and I was amazed at the talent that I saw at that bowling alley. I can see some of those kids on the "Pro Bowlers Tour" someday. :-)

On Sunday, after finishing the tournament, we headed to my sister-in-laws for a family/friends get-together before Thanksgiving. So much yummy food was served buffet-style. We spent the afternoon/evening laughing until our faces hurt and stuffing our faces until we couldn't eat another bite.

And we celebrated hubby's birthday! Doesn't he look ~~hot~~ good? I think so. :-) Here is a card I made him from Ryan:

The inside sentiment reads,"Aren't you glad I have my driver's permit?" It's an inside joke and both Ryan and hubby got a kick out of it.

Well, I better go before I burn the pie that is in the oven as I'm typing this. :-P I wish everyone a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving!

Thanks for looking in!:-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-11-20T07:04:00.001-05:00

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!

Henry Ward Beecher

Sunday Inspiration

2011-11-13T06:56:00.001-05:00

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.

Ansel Adams

Remembering Those Who Served

2011-11-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title of

United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

from dawn to setting sun.

We have fought in every clime and place,

where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far off northern lands

and in sunny tropic scenes,

You will find us always on the job,

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

which we are proud to serve.

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy ever look on

heaven's scenes,

they will find the streets are guarded by

United States Marines.

The Marines' Hymn

My Hero

2011-11-08T07:16:00.000-05:00

After having a busy, busy couple of weeks, I was looking forward to some extra shut-eye this past Sunday with the time change. My internal clock is still set on Daylight Savings Time and I woke up before the crack of dawn and was ready for bed by 8 p.m. It always takes me a couple of weeks to adjust to the time change every spring and fall.

I wanted to share a couple of pictures from Halloween. It was spent at my moms' for a change. We all gathered there and noshed on pizza, donuts and cider. There were around 200+ kids. We had some baby dragons, cowboys, princesses, ladybugs and a certain werewolf and vampiress. ;-)

I dressed as a "Mom of Teenager" which includes a spattering of grey hair from riding with a brand new driver. Yikes! Actually, I can see his confidence grow with each trip out and he is getting better.

I managed to do one scrapbook page with all the busyness. Another "blast from the past".

I pulled from my stash to make this page. I'm still looking at this layout and think I need to add something more. But for right now, this will do.

Ryan was obsessed with superheroes for a time as a little boy. (Aren't they all?) He would dress in his "Batman" cape and mask and ride around in his "Batmobile" up and down the sidewalk. He did a great job fighting for truth, justice and the American way. ;-) One day I wanted to snap a picture of my hero and he stopped, kicked back and said, "I'm relaxing!" in his cute little boy voice. He cracked me up then and he still cracks me up now. :-)

I'm going to go and try to get a few things done, even though I'm in a fog. *Yawn* I hope everyone can know at least one superhero in their life. I'm blessed with many. :-)

Thanks for looking in!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-11-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

"I have a bone to pick with you."

2011-10-26T09:31:00.000-04:00

Last night my mom called me. The first thing she tells me is, "I have a bone to pick with you." I was speechless. My mind was racing, wondering what it was that ticked her off. It takes a lot to make my mom mad. A lot. She then follows that line with, "Maybe I should say, I have a chicken bone to pick with you." lol! I relaxed still puzzled at what she was getting at. Apparently, she viewed my blog and saw my chicken and dumplings entry. Normally I'll make enough to take some over to my mom and brother for their dinner. This time it was raining cats and dogs so I did not get out. I promised her next time I would be sure to take some over to her. And next time I make them, I'll be making my "shortcut" chicken and dumplings and I will share the recipe for that. :-)

Please tell me that having a flock of buzzards circling around your house as they make their way south for the winter is good luck and not an omen. Not that I'm superstitious or anything. There must have been 50 of them. To my knowledge, we have never experienced this in our neighborhood. It was kind of hypnotic to see them spiral around in the air above us.

Some good news. I'm beginning to feel my mojo returning. Since before my dad passed away, it went MIA and would reappear in fits and starts. In the last few weeks, I've been getting some creative ideas going through my head. I've made a few cards and a scrapbook layout here and there. Now I'm wanting to hole myself up in my craft space for a day or two and get to work. Or shall I say play. :-) Here is a layout I worked on yesterday afternoon:

It is a "blast from the past". It is a layout of some pictures I took some 11 years ago that I ran across. I'll be sharing more of these types of layouts in the future. I've been sorting through photos and found a box that I had completely forgot about. I've had so much fun traveling down memory lane. There have been some photos that I feel a bit melancholy about as well. Loved ones that have passed. But many good memories. I'm so blessed.

I am bound and determined to use what is in my stash to create layouts. Although I am really digging the new "October Afternoon" lines that have just been released. It will be very, very hard to resist the temptation to order their product. ;-)

Hope everyone can have as good a trip down memory lane as I have had.

Thanks for looking in!

Chicken~n~Dumplings

2011-10-24T12:47:00.000-04:00

Yum! When the air starts getting a chill to it and the days grow shorter, I start craving comfort food. (Actually, I crave it even when it is warm and the days are long. lol!) One of my favorites is Chicken and Dumplings.

This dish has always been one of my favorites. I remember coming home from school and when I would smell the chicken stewing, I would get excited. And if you are lucky enough to get leftovers, it tastes better the next day in my opinion.

For the sake of trying to eat healthier, though, I make this every once in a great while. I like to make it when it is a really nasty day out and you want something to stick to your ribs.

Enough gabbing. Here is how you make them...

Here are the list of ingredients: One whole chicken or chicken cut into pieces, self rising flour, shortening, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, ground red pepper, chicken bouillon granules, milk.

Cover chicken with water in dutch oven or stock pot. Bring to a boil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme and ground red pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Remove chicken, let cool. Skim fat off broth and add chicken bouillon granules. Bring to a simmer. Skin and bone chicken and coarsely chop. You can either return to the broth or cover and keep warm.

When the chicken is about 10-15 minutes from being done, combine flour and poultry seasoning in bowl. But in shortening with a pastry blender until crumbly. Add milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Knead for about five minutes more or less.

Turn dough out on light floured surface. Roll out to about a 1/8 inch thickness and cut into strips.

Bring broth to a rolling boil and drop dumplings into broth stirring gently. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring often for about 30 minutes.

Serve the chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and peas and carrots or sides of your choice. Be prepared to experience bliss as you are dining and take time out for a nap afterward. ;-)

Since I make this dish from memory and measure the ingredients in handfuls and pinch of this, dash of that, I am sharing the recipe from the Secrets from the Southern Living Test Kitchens cookbook:

Chicken and Dumplings

1 2 1/2 lb. whole chicken, cut up
2 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1 tsp. chicken bouillon granules (I personally add 2-3 tsp. If you are concerned about sodium, use the lesser amount)
3 cups self rising flour *
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/3 cup shortening (or as my mom taught me, "About the size of an egg.")
1 cup milk

Cover chicken with water, and bring to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add salt, pepper and next three ingredients; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken, reserving broth in Dutch oven; cool chicken. Skim fat from broth; bring to simmer.

Skin, bone, and coarsely chop chicken. Add chicken and bouillon to broth. Return to simmer.

Combine flour and poultry seasoning in a bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Knead.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into strips.

Bring broth to boil. Drop dumplings, a few at a time, into boiling broth, stirring gently. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring often, 25 minutes to half an hour. Yield: 8 servings

*If you do not have self- rising flour, for every cup of all purpose flour add 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/4 tsp. salt.

One of these days, I'm going to figure out how to make my recipes printable. In the meantime, I hope you and your family enjoys this dish as much as I do. Bon appetit!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-10-23T10:56:00.000-04:00

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

Shauna Niequist

from the book, "Bittersweet"

Sunday Inspiration

2011-10-09T07:56:00.000-04:00

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

Lions, Tigers and Wolverines, Oh My!

2011-10-04T20:16:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2011, the planets were in perfect alignment. And snow flakes were flying in H.E. Double Hockey Sticks. Or maybe it is due to good old-fashioned hard work and tenacity. In any case the Detroit Lions are 4-0, Tigers are playing in the American League playoffs, and the Wolverines after playing a couple of disappointing seasons, are 5-0.

After watching Michigan ~~stomp~~ beat Minnesota in Saturdays game and the Lions narrowly defeating Dallas on Sunday, we have been biting our nails watching the Tigers against the Yankees the last couple of nights. Quite a weekend and start to the week. I haven't heard so much yelling directed at the television since, well, since I don't know when.

We are really loving Michigan's new coach. When it was announced that Brady Hoke would be the Wolverine's new coach, we were excited. From what hubby knew about him, he thought he would be a good match. And so far he is proven right.

After going for decades going, "Lions? What Lions?", it is exciting to see them finally getting their groove back. When I was in Florida, a nice cashier I met in one of the stores was upset that his beloved Atlanta Falcons would not be televised due to not selling out the game. I told him I was from Detroit and welcome to my world. :-/ It is so refreshing to finally see some wins.

And now the Tigers are in the playoffs. I love my Boys of Summer (especially Inge and Verlander). :-) I have many fond memories of going to the corner of Michigan and Trumbull as a girl and seeing the Tigers play every summer. I looked so forward to getting a mini-bat and having a stadium hot dog. I loved watching Al Kaline and Mark "The Bird" Fidrych play and hearing Ernie Harwell's voice on the transistor radios held to everyone's ear. (Okay, I'm really showing my age now. :-P).

At any rate, this has been a fun ride these past few weeks rooting for our home teams. Speaking of rooting for teams, I need to go to root for those Tigers.

Thanks for looking in!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-10-02T13:26:00.000-04:00

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11: 1 NLT

Honey, I'm home!

2011-09-28T07:29:00.002-04:00

Aaahhh! What a great week I had on the "Suncoast" of Florida. I was invited by my sister-in-law to join her in Florida for a week of R & R. It was wonderful! I told her I had to keep pinching myself that it was real. The weather was for the most part great, the water was inviting, the food was awesome and I had great company. :-)

I started out by flying into Hotlanta aka Atlanta, Georgia to join my sister-in-law for the first leg of our trip. She picked me up at the airport and we hit the road. Eight hours later we found ourselves looking out at the Gulf of Mexico with the palm trees swaying and the salty breeze blowing on our face. How refreshing! I felt bad for her though, because she drove through some pretty bad ~~monsoons~~ downpours that took expert driving skills to get through. But we made it and it was worth it!

After sleeping like a log, we awoke, got dressed and headed out to breakfast. We ate at the "Blue Dolphin Cafe". I just love it when you are in an area that restaurants have the words "Blue Dolphin" in the title. You know you are in a tropical location with a name like that. We then headed to the nearby Publix grocery store for food and supplies. I just want to say this. Everyone I met in Florida was so friendly! I don't know if it is all of the vitamin D from all the sunshine, but at every store, restaurant, whatever, everyone went above and beyond what was expected of them to make sure you were a satisfied customer. And I saw not one of the self-serve cash registers that are so prevalent in my neck-of-the-woods. I have issues with those, but that is for another post...

My sister-in-law needs to go into the hospitality business, because she made sure I was comfortable and kept me entertained. We shopped until we dropped, ate at some of the best restaurants and laughed until our faces hurt. I also got a nice sunburn. I cannot go out into the sun without a burn, so that was totally expected. If I left Florida without a burn, that meant I either spent the entire time indoors or it was a bad week weather-wise. At least now I do not look like I belong to the Cullen clan in the "Twilight" books. ;-)

We saw beautiful sunsets.

Listened to some great music.

Ate food that was (almost) too pretty to eat.

And spent time on the beach.

It was heaven! But as much as I loved being there, I was also missing my family and anxious to get home. Hubby was wonderful and assured me that everything was going smoothly back home and to relax. I didn't doubt that he and Ryan could handle it by themselves, but I missed them. My sister-in-law was missing her hubby, too. We packed up and headed back to Atlanta for the final leg home.

I left my sister-in-law at the airport already missing her terribly, but with wonderful memories of our time together. She will never know how much I appreciated her hospitality and friendship that week.

After a week of sun and balmy temps, my hubby told me that Michigan was in for several days of rain and cool temperatures. Was I crazy for coming back? As the plane was circling around and making it's descent over the Motor City, I could not help but think how good it felt to be back home no matter what the weather.

Now I have to go and unpack. I wish everyone to have love, friendship and sunshine. And I'll leave with a quote by Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz". "There is no place like home."

Thanks for looking in.

Girl Time

2011-09-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

By this time tomorrow, I'm hoping to be situated on the beach with my feet kicked up looking out at this view. Yep, I'm going to the Sunshine State to spend some girl time with my sister-in-law. Yay! Can't wait! It was a kind of spur-of-the-moment decision. With Ryan starting school and driver's ed (still have a hard time believing that.), I needed to be sure that the boys could hold down the fort. Hubby reassured me they would. Frankly, I think they are looking forward to some male-bonding time. You know, not turning on the t.v. and having the channel set on HGTV or Food Network. Never having to worry about putting the seat down on the toilet. Not having to worry about picking up dirty underwear off the floor. Wait, I'm rethinking my decision to go away. :-P Okay, I'm going to perish that last thought...

This will be my first time flying solo as well. It will be a new experience for me, flying all by my lonesome. I've always had hubby or family to fly with. Hopefully I will not get turned around at the airport and wind up on the tarmac. :-P

I'm looking forward to doing some laying around on the beach and by the pool, dining, shopping, dining, laughing until my face hurts, dining, catching up on some reading. Did I mention dining? Actually, I'm hoping to be eating healthier with all the fresh fish and fruits and vegetables down there. Plus my sister-in-law is very health conscience, so she will keep me in line.;-)

Got to get going and finish packing. Wishing everyone sunshine, warm breezes and great company to hang out with.

Thanks for looking in!:-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-09-18T15:14:00.003-04:00

Do not tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big your God is.

Unknown

Sunday Inspiration

2011-09-11T22:27:00.000-04:00

Waiting for Ryan

2011-09-07T08:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, around the time I knew Ryan would get off the bus, I noticed our dog was patiently waiting by the front door. What makes this unique is because our dog is usually more engrossed in what is happening with the squirrels in the backyard than what is going on in the front of the house. Unless someone is walking their dog. Or the UPS/Fed Ex man appears.

He let out a sigh and decided to get more comfortable.

His ears perked up when he saw his best buddy walking up the sidewalk.

You can't tell, but his tail is going 100 mph. He even looks like he's trying to open the door. lol!

Yay! Ryan's home! Time for jumping up and down in excitement. That would be me. ;-) (Good thing there is not a picture of that. lol!)

Ryan had a good first day of school. He seems to like his teachers and classes. I'm always anxious the first day, wondering what his day is like. So far, he is always (kinda) glad to be back at school. I hope he will continue to be this way.

Wish everyone would have a "welcome home" like this one!

Thanks for looking in!

First Day of School

2011-09-06T11:24:00.000-04:00

It's so hard to believe that it is September and school has officially started. Summer flew! Even though it seemed that summer came and went just like that, I'm glad for the changing of the seasons.

We had a very busy weekend. Started Friday with spending the day at my sister-in-laws to take pictures of flower arrangements she will be making for my nieces' wedding. They are gorgeous! I will show them off after I get permission from my SIL. Had lunch with my niece. Then just hung out and laughed and gabbed the rest of the afternoon.

Saturday was kind of a slow day. Hung out around the house, did a little grocery shopping. Sunday was spent at my sister-in-law's once again for a family get-together. We had a great time eating, gabbing, eating, playing cards, eating.....you get the picture. Blew my diet to smithereens. lol!

Yesterday we hung out at my neighbors for a last summer get-together. Ate, gabbed, ate, played Apples-to-Apples, ate. Another day of blowing my diet to smithereens. I felt like I had a brick in my stomach. Still do. In fact, I'm waiting for my ginger tea to finish brewing, hoping that will help.

Got Ryan off to first-day-of-school. He got up and ate breakfast and got ready with no problem. I was so relieved. You know teenagers and their reputation of sleeping till noon. No, that would be me. lol!

Here are some pics of the first day....

Isn't he handsome? I love that kid.....

And our dog wanted to get in on the action...

Just because I whip out my camera and take a zillion pictures of my dog, doesn't mean that he gets to be in this one. lol! We love our dog, though, and it's okay. :-)

Hope everyone had a safe, happy holiday. For those with kids still in school, I hope it is a great year!

Thanks for looking in! :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-09-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

image source

Without labor nothing prospers.

Sophocles

Sunday Inspiration

2011-08-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

In The Garden

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

I'd stay in the garden with Him

though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

We miss you, dad.

Camping

2011-08-18T11:02:00.000-04:00

Leaky air mattresses, leaky tents, mosquitos. What's to like about tent camping you ask? Sitting after dark making smores and telling stories around a campfire. Gazing up at a zillion stars at night. Gaining a new appreciation for modern conveniences.

While I really do enjoy camping, my hubby and I decided that this year was our last year for "roughing" it. Actually I made that decision around five years ago. But I am sadly outnumbered by the males in my household.

Each time we camped, we would make note of something that was missing and made sure that we had that something for the next time we camped. In the past, we have always had at least one cloudburst happen causing the leaky tent and sitting on a wet picnic table for breakfast the next morning. So this time, we made sure that we had a shelter in place over the picnic tables to keep them dry for this camping trip. Guess what? Not a drop of rain. Isn't that the way it goes? But at least we had peace of mind that we would be dry while eating.

That is one of many stories that create our camping memories. We have the time that our camping "neighbors" kids decided to light all the campfires in the middle of the night. Not only did it wake us up because the dad was swearing at the top of his lungs, but we were worried that our tent would catch on fire. It was crazy! Or the time that we heard on the radio that "heavy rain will be moving into the area at 1:30 on Sunday.". Was that 1:30 a.m. or p.m.? I insisted that we break camp early, but hubby refused. "It will be okay." Ha! We woke up at 1:30 in the a.m. to the heaviest rain I think I had ever witnessed and it flooded us out. We were drenched. Or the time that we had a visit by a skunk. Yeah, that would be this time.

But for every camping horror story, there is a good memory as well. Making friends with your neighbors. Laughing until our faces hurt. Trying out new "camping" recipes. Walking around the campground after dark and looking up and never remembering seeing so many stars. The smell of the campfire. Roasting marshmallows and seeing if you can get that perfect shade of brown. Or burning it to a crisp. Those are the ones that keep us going back.

We have already decided that next year we will be renting one of the many cottages/cabins in the area or staying at the resort situated on the shore of Silver Lake. Or in my mind, we will be in one of these.

Thanks for letting me share our vacation memories. Whether you are "roughing it" or staying at a luxury resort, I wish all of you many happy memories on your next getaway.

Thanks for looking in!

The Beach

2011-08-17T08:48:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite things to do when going to Silver Lake Sand Dunes is hitting the beach. White sand, surf, sun. And with it being in the midwest on Lake Michigan, no threat of sharks.

My hubby and I spent a great deal of time on the beach and it was perfect. Here you can still check out the dirtbikes, dunebuggies, 4 wheel drives and atvs. But when you walk over the grass covered dunes, it's like you are in another world completely. You feel the breeze on your face. The only sounds are those of the surf and children building sand castles nearby. You can sit on the soft warm sand or amble to the edge of the water and let the waves lap at your feet. Or you can be like my son and waste no time and dive into the water.

I was hesitant at first, but when you "take the plunge" literally, it is so refreshing.

One thing that is a must when you go, when it is a clear evening, is to witness a sunset.

After eating dinner and cleaning up, we head back to the dunes. Sometimes we will go to a nearby lighthouse. We like to go about an hour before sunset so we can get a good spot to witness God's spectacular display.

When viewing this, you want to give God a standing ovation. Actually when the last rays of the sun is sinking in the water, everyone is holding their breath. Then you will hear clapping and whistles and vehicle horns beeping. If we think this is magnificent, I only can imagine what heaven must be like. Isn't it awesome?

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

2011-08-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

Sun, sand, surf. What's not to like? Silver Lake Sand Dunes has been one of our favorite summer getaways for over a decade now. Located between Muskegan and Ludington on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is a mecca for those who love to challenge the sand dunes on a dirtbike, atv or 4-wheel drive. Or fish. Or stroll the beach. Or go for a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan or Silver Lake. You get the idea. For summer fun, this is the place to go.

You know that you are getting close to where a good time is to be had when you see this in a nearby town. I think every town should have this on their water tower. :-)

Even though Silver Lake is known primarily as a place for hitting the sand with dune buggies and such. If you do not have an ATV, don't let that stop you. You can either pack a cooler and bring an umbrella and stroll the dunes and take time out and relax on the beach. Or there are several places in town to rent jeeps or to sign up for a tour. Places like this...

And if you need souvenirs, look for shops such as this one....

Their motto is, "Come in a bug us!". Get it? Volkswagon bug. Bug us. Oh-kay...moving on....

Here is the sandy corridor as you enter the dunes.....

And here is the view when you enter the dunes. I love seeing the endless blue horizon of Lake Michigan and acres and acres of sand dotted with trees and drift wood here and there. It is like one giant sand box.

This motley crew was itching to see if they could make it up "test hill". It is the tallest dune in the park and those with nerves of steel and no common sense make this climb. If you go to YouTube you will find dozens of videos of people making this attempt.

And their off! Can they make it? Do their machines have the ability to make it up such a steep grade? Stay tuned.....

Hurray! They did it! On the first attempt! They are such showoffs! My hubby and I are old geezers, so we played it safe and went directly to the beach. My son and our friends spent most of the day exploring the dunes and testing their machines to see what hills they could climb and if that area of really soft sand could be passable. They had a blast!

In the next few days, I'll be sharing more pictures of the beach and camping stories. :-)

Thanks for looking in!:-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-08-14T15:41:00.000-04:00

Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.

Unknown

Sunday Inspiration

2011-07-31T12:39:00.000-04:00

Fairies are invisible and inaudible like angels. But their magic sparkles in nature.

Lynn Holland

Sunday Inspiration

2011-07-24T13:01:00.000-04:00

The night walked down the sky with the moon in her hand.

Frederick L. Knowles

Sunday Inspiration

2011-07-17T08:09:00.000-04:00

Sunday Inspiration

2011-07-10T08:43:00.000-04:00

The summer night is like perfection of thought.

Wallace Stevens

Engagement Photo Shoot

2011-07-06T22:54:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago, I received a phone call from my favorite niece, Dayna. ( Don't worry my other nieces, you are ALL my favorite!) She requested that I take her and her fiance's engagement pictures. I was thrilled beyond belief. I was thrilled because she is my niece and her fiance is a great guy and they are so happy and she wanted me to document through photos a very important event in their life. To say I was a tiny bit nervous is a HUGE understatement! And could I have them done in time for their engagement party in two weeks? Of course I said, "No problem!".

Since this was my very first "formal" (and I use that term very loosely) portrait session, I scoured the internet and magazines for ideas and received advice from the photography forum on Two Peas in a Bucket, I was anxious but felt a wee bit more confident. I shopped both my house and my local craft store for props and made sure I had fresh batteries and a new compact flash card for my camera. I watched the weather that morning to be sure no rain was in the forecast. We had talked back and forth about wardrobe (I let her call the shots on that), places to take the photos and different ideas we had. I had laid awake for nights thinking about the pictures I wanted to take and was very excited.

They came at the appointed time and I wanted to take a few "test shots" to hopefully set them both at ease and untangle my nerves (which I tried really hard not to show). Here is the result of a couple of those shots:

Aren't they gorgeous? My niece and future nephew-in-law I mean. There should be a law against such gorgeousness! I took these photos in front of a yard of black velvet taped to my dining room wall and just used natural lighting. I was fretting about not having an external flash, but the nice photographers on Two Peas said it would be okay. And they were right! :-)

I took a few pictures outside in our backyard and while they were changing their wardrobe, I took these pictures plus a few more.

I asked my niece to bring along her bridal magazines and notes and such to use as props.

After spreading everything out on my kitchen table, I asked them to relax and look through the magazines while I snapped away. I know I was annoying and probably making them nervous, but they were good sports. I explained to them that this is one of those things that they will forget as time goes on and it is a snapshot of what it was like to plan a wedding and gather ideas.

We then went to a couple of places around town. By the river and behind the convent that my hubby and I like to go to for walks. They are both beautiful settings.

One more wardrobe change and we were off to the banks of our river that runs through our town. Here are a couple of more shots:

There are several more pictures where this came from. These are just a sample of what I took. Since it was my very first portrait session, I put my camera on "auto" mode. I know that I am supposed to use manual and set the aperture and exposure settings as I go. But I'm still learning and felt more comfortable with that. And I used my iphoto software on my computer for editing. Here is the equipment I used for this shoot:

Canon Rebel XTi

50mm 1.8 lens

70-300mm lens

18-55mm kit lens

I want to give a special thanks to my hubby and son for their support through all of this. They gave me ideas, helped me set up shots and gave Sean a hard time for being a Spartan! (We still love ya, Sean!).

And a very special thanks goes to my wonderful niece and her wonderful fiance for having faith in me and for all of your patience and being such good sports! I love you to the moon and back! :-)

Good News, Bad News Part III

2011-07-06T13:21:00.000-04:00

Another good news/bad news post. Mostly good. :-)

Good news is: We had a houseful of guests for the last week and loved every minute of it.

Bad news is: They all left this morning and all is quiet and we have that "let down" feeling.

Good news is: As of a week ago yesterday, I lost nine pounds! Yay! :-)

Bad news is: I know that with all the parties and gatherings and dinners out, I have probably gained some of it back.

Good news is: I was finally able to button and zip a couple of pairs of capris that I had set aside. And I had no "muffin top" on a pair of favorite jeans that I have managed to button and zip at my highest weight.

Bad news is: I am really wanting to shop for clothes, especially with all the sales going on right now. But I refuse until I am at least close to my goal.

Good news is: I am saving a wad of cash by my self-imposed clothing shopping spree fast.

Good news is: I bought a new pair of running shoes from the running store and am anxious to try them out.

Bad news is: I am probably going to be in traction since I haven't worked out with all the company and busyness we've had the past week.

Good news is: We had great time with family and friends and our Fourth of July was a blast!

Bad news is: I can't think of any. :-)

Well, that's all for now. Wishing everyone nothing but Good News now and in the future. :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-07-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

America

The gold of her promise

has never been mined

Her borders of justice

not clearly defined

Her crops of abundance

the fruit and the grain

Have not fed the hungry

nor eased that deep pain

Her proud declarations

are leaves on the wind

Her southern exposure

black death did befriend

Discover this country

dead centuries cry

Erect noble tablets

where none can decry

"She kills her bright future

and rapes for a sou

Then entraps her children

with legends untrue"

I beg you

Discover this country.

Maya Angelou

Sunday Inspiration

2011-06-19T13:17:00.000-04:00

A dad is someone who

wants to catch you before you fall

but instead picks you up,

brushes you off,

and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who

wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way,

even though his heart breaks in silence

when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who

holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail.

Unknown

Happy Father's Day!

Can't Touch This

2011-06-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I made a firm decision that I had to do something about my weight/health besides see the scale and my blood pressure readings keep going up. With the help of my lovely assistant, Kelsey (my next door neighbor) and the support of my family, I began the Herbalife program and am trying my very best to get some form of exercise on a daily basis. So far I have lost six pounds and am already feeling stronger and more energetic. Which is saying a whole lot.

Another thing that I have discovered is that I never really realized how much food was such a part of my life. Not just to sustain life, but it was becoming my life. In another words, I was not just eating to live. I was living to eat. I still struggle with that every single day. Of course, I just started my weight loss program a couple of weeks ago. I believe that it takes 3-4 weeks to break a habit? So I guess maybe what I am experiencing is normal. (At least I hope so.)

Some things are no longer allowed in my home:

1) Donuts. (Hostess stock has taken a nosedive).
2) White anything (bread, pasta, rice).
3) And as of last night, my son is the official baker in our family. He does not know this yet. But he is getting an education on the fine art of pastry while he is on summer break if he wants treats.

My son nicely asked if I would make cookies for him as we are low on sweet treats in our home. I obliged and proceeded to eat the equivalent of a half dozen cookies in cookie dough as I'm preparing it. This was done without any thought. You know, licking the spoon, beaters, bowl. *sigh*

I really need to develop some willpower of steel. And I need to figure out when I am eating based on my emotions rather than physical hunger. This is a mountain I need to climb. Hopefully, someday I can reach the summit.

Wish me luck!

First Shave

2011-06-15T07:47:00.000-04:00

Another milestone in the life of a teenage boy. After seeing the peach fuzz on his face grow in longer and thicker it was decided that he needed a shave. Hubby was hesitant at first saying that once he starts, he can never stop. (Hey, I would be giving that lecture to our daughter, if we were blessed with one, about dyeing her hair). So of course I had to get out my camera and record this monumental event. ;-) Then I proceeded to scrapbook it. Here is the result:

Some of us *ahem* may remember the Burma Shave ads. I wanted to mimic the font in the title and found this font on the internet.

The very next day, if you can believe it, this cartoon was in our Sunday paper. I love this cartoonist and was glad that our paper decided to continue running it after she retired. I thought it would be perfect for this page.

And not wanting to be wasteful, I had a picture that I wound up not using and made a pocket in the back of the page with some of the paper leftover from my project. I've been doing this lately with my pages.

Thanks for looking in and sharing this milestone with us. :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-06-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

There come a holy

and transparent time

when every touch

of beauty

opens the heart

to tears.

This is the time

the Beloved of heaven

is brought tenderly on earth.

This is the time

of the opening

of the Rose.

Rumi

Sunday Inspiration

2011-06-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day,

listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

John Lubbock

Sunday Inspiration

2011-05-29T08:03:00.000-04:00

Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.

Allen Klein

Good News, Bad News Part II

2011-05-27T12:32:00.000-04:00

Since I cannot transfer pics from my camera to my computer due to the loss of both my card reader and cords, I thought that I would do a "Good News, Bad News" post again.

Which brings me to my first one. You can read the above about the bad news. Good news is, I have some great pics if I do say so myself and can't wait to print them out for scrapbook layouts and to share on this blog. :-)

Bad news is. And this is BAD. We have been on a "boil water advisory" for two days now due to elevated contaminants found in water samples taken by our water department. So I put off taking a shower until this morning and dishes are piling up in our sink. Which is driving me crazy! And I kept forgetting to not rinse my toothbrush from the tap when brushing my teeth. Yuck!

Good news is (for my son, anyway) school has been been cancelled for the last two days and it is a holiday weekend to boot. My hubby and I never got that lucky when we were in school. We are trying to keep him busy around the house and yard, though, between storms.

Bad news is. It keeps raining. And raining. And raining some more. Which is one of the reasons why we are having water sanitation problems, I believe. I feel like we live in the northwest.

Good news is. It's suppose to be gorgeous Memorial Day. Keeping fingers crossed. It is Michigan, however, and the weather can change at any given moment.

We do have to keep focused on the positive. I have to deep clean my desk in my office and will hopefully find my cords/card reader. At least we for the most part have clean water and not like some parts of the world that do not. We are not in the middle of a drought. And it will hopefully be a beautiful Memorial Day. :-)

Hope everyone reading this has nothing but good news in your forecast and has a great weekend! :-)

The Best Day of My Life

2011-05-24T17:00:00.002-04:00

I felt exhausted and dazed, numb from the waist down. Frankly, I felt like I was run over by a semi.

It was also the best day of my life.

This is the day that two people in love became parents. Great parents became grandparents. Siblings became aunts and uncles. And another branch grew on the Family Tree.

The day you were born.

I had had a hard time bringing you into the world. I can honestly say that I know without a doubt why labor is called labor. It is hard work bringing a child into the world. But it is something that women have been doing since creation. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Since I had not slept in, oh, 36 hours or so and I had spent the last three hours working really, really hard to help you into this world, I was whisked off to an operating room and you were delivered by cesarean. When your dad showed you to me and I looked at your sweet, little face, I couldn't believe that you were mine. I had a baby! Me? A mom? This is something I had dreamed of my entire life.

During those first few hours, I was exhausted and in a daze and it didn't really sink in that this newborn baby could possibly be mine. The next morning after catching up on a little bit of sleep, I felt more like myself. I remember the exact moment that it did finally sink in that this baby in the bassinet next to my bed was mine. You looked directly at me. Looked me right in the eye. This feeling of absolute love, one that is heaven sent, washed over me. This love is one of the most powerful.

It is a mother's love.

As strong as my love for you was then, it has only gotten more stronger and powerful. I cannot believe that anything can diminish it. There may be things that happen in this life to make you question it. But nothing can take away unconditional love.

Happy Birthday To You, Sweet Boy! You are becoming an even finer young man than I could have imagined. I am so blessed that God saw fit to assign me as your mom. I can speak for your dad that he feels the exact same way.

We love you so, so much!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Wild Wings

2011-05-19T20:57:00.000-04:00

Late this morning, hubby was gazing out the window looking into the woods when he said there was a bird of a different feather in a tree.

So we both looked and looked trying to figure out what it was. Finally, we decided to get a closer look.

Can you guess what it is? This is a bird that we have never seen in our neck of the woods. (Pardon the pun). ;-)

Wait, were did he go?

There he (I pretty sure he is a she) is! A wild turkey! Honey, grab the shotgun! We're havin' us some drumsticks tonight! JUST KIDDING! She decided to go for a little stroll. Checking out the neighborhood a bit.

Wait a minute! Don't go! I was only kidding about "grabbing-the-shotgun-and-having-drumsticks-for-dinner"! Please come back! We're vegetarian! (At least for a day, anyway).

Isn't that cool?! You see, we live right in the middle of a subdivision in the middle of town. So to see this kind of wildlife is a treat. Actually, the end of our subdivision borders an adjoining township with a farmers field and woods. Since it is turkey hunting season, hubby thinks maybe it was spooked by hunters and made it's way into town. They are smart and know where it is safe.

I hope she comes back. I miss her already.

Sunday Inspiration

2011-05-15T16:44:00.000-04:00

God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.

Martin Luther

Good News, Bad News

2011-05-07T15:42:00.000-04:00

Good news is: It is Saturday and the weekend. We had perfect weather until about a half an hour ago when the clouds started rolling in. Right now we have a nice, steady rain shower.

Bad news is: I have this song running through my mind over and over and over. Arrrrrrrgh! Why oh why did I let my son show this video to me?

Good news is: I got a really good deal on one of those family size containers of ground beef the other day.

Bad news is: I ate a hamburger yesterday and it has sat like a brick in my stomach ever since. I have to portion it up and get the rest in the freezer. The thought of it makes me want to, well, you know.

Good news is: We had a family get-together the other night and celebrated the Spring birthdays on my hubbys' side of the family. We had a great time!

Bad news is: I ate way too much and I know I gained five pounds that one night. My sister's-in-laws make the yummiest baked beans and sloppy joes on the planet. I was a total pig.

Oh well. I am going to stay focused on the good news. But the bad reminds us be conscience of our health and not take things for granted. And to not play a video that your teenage son insists that you just have to watch.

FYI, today is National Scrapbook Day. I love to scrapbook in order to relieve stress, get creative and preserve memories. Today I'm hoping to make a card or two and print out pictures from the other night and create a scrapbook page or two. Or seven.

Have a great weekend everyone! :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-05-01T20:14:00.000-04:00

Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into it.

Henry Beecher

Congratulations William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

2011-04-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

At least I believe that is their official titles, wedding gifts from the Queen. All I know is that Catherine (Kate) looked stunning and Prince William was so handsome. And they both looked so happy. I love happy endings. *sigh*

I remember when as a 16 year old, I could not wait to get up before the crack of dawn to witness the vows of Lady Diana and Prince Charles. I set my alarm and got up before everyone and parked myself in front of the television for hours. It was just like a fairy tale. Sadly, it ended not as we wanted it to, with the Prince and Princess living happily ever after.

This time, I forgot to set the dvr and the alarm and I *gasp* missed almost the entire thing. The only thing that saved me was my dog wanting to be let out. I was not even thinking about weddings on t.v. or otherwise when it dawned on me as I was getting out of bed. The Royal Wedding! I practically ran to the remote and turned on the television. What would be on but the "Weather Channel". I was barely conscience enough to figure out how to turn on the remote, let alone start changing channels. And my dog was begging to be let out. With a huff I let my dog out, measured coffee and water and started filling the coffee machine. Doing these tasks helped to clear the cobwebs out of my head enough to figure out what channel to turn to. When I turned it on, they were singing "God Save the Queen" and were getting ready to sign the wedding certificate. At least I did not miss the entire ceremony, which truth be told, I probably would have fallen asleep at parts of it. Especially given the hour.

I know some people think that some of us are nuts for getting so caught up in something that is taking place on the other side of the planet. But for a few hours we are able to put aside our worries about finances, illness and terrible storms and root for two young people in love that they may be able to overcome the odds and live a long, happy life together. God Bless William and Kate.

The Beauty Of The Cross

2011-04-22T08:57:00.000-04:00

At the cross I find the beauty of Your matchless grace

At the cross I see a King who died to take my place

It's the moment that You made me clean and pardoned my soul

Amazing grace that I would be allowed unto Your throne

Not by my own will but solely by Your will alone

I'm unworthy of this love you have shown to me

I see my desperate need

The beauty of the cross is that there's One who has redeemed my soul

Beauty of the cross is that I'm finally free and letting go

Beauty of the cross is that Your grace has found me just as I am

Not by my own works that I boast or I may come

But simply through your Son the sinless and Exalted One

Only through the cross that I'm made clean to draw near to you

Saved so that you would receive all glory due Your name

Everlasting God from age to age you never change

A true love story remains for all eternity

That all the world would see

My sinful soul could only be

Redeemed by the blood of a sinless King

So you came to the world that You had made

Conquered sin on the cross and You rose from the grave

That's the beauty of the cross

sung by Jonny Diaz

What'choo Lookin' At?

2011-04-18T20:35:00.001-04:00

This is the vibe I was getting from this moose head mount as I walked by it. Saturday night, my hubby and I decided that we were long overdue for an official date night. We drove to a nearby town and dined at our favorite Mexican restaurant and afterwards decided to walk it off at Cabela's. This is the only store that I know of where the women sit on benches patiently waiting on their significant others to finish shopping a couple of hours later. And it is the only place that I have witnessed men stroll up to the cash registers with a packed shopping cart and a huge smile on their faces. "The bill comes to $739.54? So what! Put it on my VISA!". It's a sight to behold.

As my hubby was perusing the hunting section, I took a stroll through the store and looked at the several dioramas of animals, both familiar and exotic on display. This is what you see when you walk into the store.

And then there is the aquarium filled with fish native to our Great Lakes.

It really is a fun destination to take your family. Or for a couple to kill an hour or two before heading home. They not only have a hunting section and fishing section (which I personally take a liking to), but they also have an amazing camping section and a home decor and clothing area. There is a toy department and a section for items for your pets. So there is something for everyone and the staff has always been very helpful.

So if you are an "outdoorsy" type person, have a home on the lake or in the woods, or have small children that loves fish and animals, this is the place for you.

P.S. Just to let you know, I'm not an employee of this store. As my hubby says, we were waaaaay overdue for a date night. ;-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-04-10T17:12:00.000-04:00

See how nature -trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence;

see the stars, moon and the sun,

how they move in silence...

we need silence to be able to touch souls.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I'm Addicted

2011-04-07T05:39:00.001-04:00

Isn't that the first step to recovery? To admit that you have a problem? Yes, I admit it that I am addicted to this white, powdery substance:

-v-

I draw the line at sniffing this up my nose. Although I will have powdered sugar all over my nose once I'm done stuffing it in my mouth. Then I find myself in a lethargic stupor for the next few hours while this narcotic is working it's way through my system.

I am wanting to lose weight, not only for health reasons, but because I want to fit in my capris from last summer. I really need to get a grip. I wonder if Hostess will pay for my stint in rehab?

If you will excuse me, I need to go eat my breakfast....

Sunday Inspiration

2011-04-03T17:03:00.001-04:00

Hope encourages

the heart to move forward

through the trials of today;

It shines a light of assurance into

the darkest places of uncertainty;

It places secure stepping stones

upon every river that needs to be crossed.

Roy Lessin

Got Milk?

2011-03-31T06:59:00.000-04:00

The other day I was expressing my amazement at being chosen for not one, but two blog give aways. (That NEVER happens to me!)

This is what the nice FedEx delivery man left for me from the second give away. I received this from Nikki at Simple Living in a Big City. This package came with three cereal bowls, three reusable BPA free cups with lids and straws, three cup sleeves and get this, one year worth of free milk! I was doing a happy dance when I found out I was the winner! (The dog thought I had completely lost it!) ;-)

I want to thank Nikki for her generosity and giving her readers a shot at winning such an awesome gift! If you want to read tips on a more simple, frugal, healthy way of living (plus life in a big city), click on the link above and check her blog out. You will be glad that you did.

Since I have been so blessed to be a recipient of give aways, I would like to pass along the blog love and have one of my own. Stay tuned!

I'm So Lucky!

2011-03-29T06:03:00.000-04:00

Not to brag or anything. But the week of St. Patrick's Day, I was the winner of not one, but TWO blog giveaways! YeeHaw!!!

First of all, I wish to thank Mary of Siehled With A Kiss for the gift card from Michael's. She is a multi-talented scrapbooker and cardmaker and I LOVE her blog! Here is the card she made to send the gift card in:

See what I mean about talent? It is beautiful and I know she took plenty of time and care in making it.

And here is what I used the gift card towards:

I can't wait to use these supplies! Thanks again, Mary for giving your readers the chance to win!

I ask that you visit her blog by clicking the link in the above paragraph. If you are a crafter, (even if you are not) you will be happy that you did! :-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-03-27T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul

and sings the tunes without the words

and never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T07:48:00.000-04:00

Christ beside me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ within me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me.

Saint Patrick

Sunday Inspiration

2011-03-13T13:53:00.000-04:00

Life isn't just the front page-it's the comics, too.

Jim Althoff

There is Something Fishy Going on Around Here

2011-03-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

It is March in the Midwest. Besides the calendar, we know this by forecasts of rain turning to snow and snow turning to rain. If it was a bad winter, the banks of streams and rivers are overflowing from snow and ice melt. And a very obvious sign that it is March in the Midwest are the potholes everywhere.

Another sign that it is March is when you see this in Friday's newspaper everywhere:

Lent. The period of 40 days of prayer, penitence, serving the poor and giving up green jello. (Just kidding! A friend of mine went to parochial school and when the nuns would ask what she was giving up for Lent she said green jello because she hated it. LOL!)

And during this time you will see in our local paper lists on Fridays of fish fries being held at various Catholic and Lutheran church halls everywhere. People have some strong opinions on which ones have the best perch or walleye or cod. And living on the shores of the Great Lakes gives us a bounty of which to choose.

With it being the first Friday of Lent, we were looking forward to going to this parish hall for perch and shrimp.

We arrived not long after they opened and it was already difficult finding a parking spot. But after waiting patiently in line and getting a seat at one of the long tables set up in the hall, here is what you feast on:

Yum! Perch, shrimp, scalloped potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and roll. If you are not a fish eater, then grilled cheese and mac and cheese is offered. Then you have a choice of a bounty of homemade desserts made by members of the church to round out the meal. They even offer seconds. Next week we are thinking about going to the local VFW hall to feast on some walleye that they are known for. See what I mean? We have five more Fridays to pick and choose and we look forward to it each year.

****I want to also make a point on this post to please pray for those in Japan affected by the earthquake/tsunami. It is a tragedy that keeps unfolding as we turn on the news. I cannot imagine what the Japanese and anyone over there are going through. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.****

I Have Issues

2011-03-09T10:06:00.002-05:00

Not "issues" issues. Magazine issues. Although some people who know me well, will disagree with the former. ;-)

Check out this stack:

And that is just what was in my den/office aka my "crap room". (Another word for craft room or scrap room). I'm in the middle of organizing it and was appalled when I kept running across one stack and then another and another. Yikes! Somebody shoot me if I so much as reach for another magazine at the store. :-P

I wonder if there is a Magazine-aholic chapter that I can join nearby...

**THE BIG REVEAL!*

2011-03-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been promising "The Big Reveal" on our new kitchen. Sorry it has taken me so long. So without further ado, presenting.... Our New Kitchen!

It all began a couple of years ago when I couldn't take looking at my old floor anymore. The design wasn't too bad. But no matter the amount of elbow grease and cleaning product you used, it still looked dirty.

Blah! I know you can't really tell, but there is dirt in those little crevices that would not come out. Ack!

Here is our new floor. I think this is my favorite part of our renovation.

Well, you know what it is like when you start getting something new for the home. If we got new flooring, then we have to update the cabinets. Besides, they were looking like this:

This wooden spoon that kept the doors from swinging wide open because of defective hinges just wasn't cutting it. I really wasn't into the "primitive" look it was giving the kitchen.

Here is what I chose to replace that particular cabinet. I wanted a glass-front cabinet to house my nicer glasses and crystal. I had completely forgot about choosing the "pebbled" glass. I think it gives the cabinet kind of a vintage feel and a little bit more character than plain glass. Besides, it hides the dust better too. ;-)

Then of course you need new countertops. I like the look of granite, but wanted low maintenance. I did not want to worry about sealing my countertops every year or so. So we chose this one. We thought it blended in nicely with the flooring and cabinets. So far, I am loving my new countertops.

Here is one of the features that I saw in a magazine and cut out the picture.

I wanted a place to store my cookbooks and knick-knacks. So glad we did this.

I wanted more lighting around the work area and above my island. So of course that meant getting a new light for above the table. (See what I mean about one thing leading to another?).

This is one of hubby's favorite features and was entirely his idea.

I thought that was a very nice idea. We have a cozy place to sit and look at the birds feeding at our bird feeders and hubby wanted it lined in cedar to store extra cushions for our outside deck furniture. I'm wanting to either make a cushion to go on top or buy chair cushions. What do you think?

I added a couple of finishing touches. Here are couple of them:

The canister set came from here. The message board idea started out as a menu board. But that idea went up in flames. :-P So I decided to put a quote or leave reminders on it.

Here is a couple of before shots of my kitchen. I remembered as we were halfway through packing everything up, that I did not take any pics. Ugh!

And here are a couple of "after" shots of our kitchen:

Thank you so much for looking in. Come back again! :-)

I am linking this to:

at Between Naps on the Porch

Sunday Inspiration

2011-02-27T08:41:00.000-05:00

The Best of Intentions

2011-02-26T08:45:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to yesterday morning:

I definitely was not "enchanted" to see this. Ugh! That meant another mess to shovel on top of the ice that we were trying to chisel off from earlier in the week. We need only a half inch of snow to break the record for the most snow in February in our town. Hopefully we won't break it. Bring on spring!

Anyway, this is a project that I have seen elsewhere on the internet and thought that I would try it:

I found this frame at T.J. Maxx and thought, "That will look good as a menu board for my kitchen." So I took it home, framed some scrapbook paper and got the dry erase board markers I had on hand and wrote out my menu plan for the week. Look good, huh? ;-) Well, this is how it really worked out:

Since my son wanted a friend to spend the night during his break, I thought we would take them out to eat as a treat. I thought this said friend was spending the night Monday night. That changed to Sunday night. As we were in the thick of an ice storm, I wound up driving around the corner to our nearest fast food joint and getting it to go. (What moms won't do for their "little" boys, right?) So that meant leftovers on Monday. Which worked for me. Tuesday we did have pork chops and stuffing, but no mashed potatoes. I made carrots in place of them. Wednesday turned out to be a very hectic day for me, so since I had bible study that night and was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off (not a good picture, but that is something my mom would say) I put frozen pizza in the oven. Easy, peasy.

Since we did not have really anything in the way of leftovers, I made spaghetti on Thursday and yesterday I put a roast in the crock pot. So that means we have a ton of leftovers, which will be on tonights menu. Got it?

So, I had the best of intentions with my weekly menu plan. But it fizzled. So now I think that I will turn this frame into a message board. What do you think?

Enough Winter Already

2011-02-24T06:04:00.000-05:00

Now that I have posted several days of winter photos and stories, I'm ready to think about warmer, balmier weather. And more sunshine. You know something like this:

Aaaah! Warm salty breezes, walking on white sandy beaches with the waves lapping at your feet. Memories. *sigh*

But today I am also thinking about this:

This is a scrapbook layout I did last week with some pictures I ran across. These are pictures of when my son was *sob* around two or three. He is now about four times the size than he is in these pics.

I used what was in my stash. I vowed I would do that this year. But, I broke that vow the other day by ordering some October Afternoon products. (Shhhh, don't tell hubby that.) ;-)

I know I am a wienie when it comes to my son, but I just wanted to cry when I looked at this picture. I remember the "Snoopy" swim trunks my mom bought him. And those little toes. And his shock of bright, blonde hair. And that sweet smile. I can even hear his squealing laughter and his little voice. Like I said, I'm a wienie. And I'm not afraid to admit it.

Here is another look at this layout:

Think warm thoughts today and thanks for looking in! :-)

Enchantment

2011-02-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

At dawn this morning, hubby woke me up out of a dead sleep and exclaimed, "Get up! You really need to get some pictures of the scenery outside! It's beautiful the way the sun is hitting the trees!" I'm all bleary-eyed and am thinking, "Really? Really! My only day this week that I get to sleep in till noon because our son is off school and I am not on a schedule and YOU want me to take pictures of trees?!". So I go, "Okay". I get up, put on my robe and my hubby's boots that are four sizes too big on me, grab my camera, walk on the deck and snap away. Brrrrrr. The cold air hit me like a ton of bricks, but I still cannot get awake without a cup of coffee.;-) I will say that I was enchanted by the scenery like hubby was, but pictures just cannot do it justice. I know that I should have set up the aperture and shutter speed and all that good stuff, but I was only conscience enough to use all auto settings. So I hope you enjoy the scenery as much as we did.

And I am still enchanted by this guy. Even if he did wake me up out of a dead sleep and has a serious case of bedhead.;-)

No, he doesn't wear a lamp on his head. Although I'm sure he probably has back in the day. He was acting very quickly and hid behind the lampshade just as I snapped the camera. Darn!

Thank you for all the kind words regarding our health, especially hubby's. He seemed to be doing so well this morning and afternoon. But by this evening, I was wondering if I was going to have to take him to the Urgent Care Clinic. His fever spiked again and he felt like complete crud. He took an extra antibiotic and drank a ton of cold beverages over the course of the evening and napped. His fever was down and he seemed to be feeling better before going to bed. I think we will be back to the dr. tomorrow. Ugh! I pray my mom doesn't get this bug. I brought her over today to see our new kitchen. Hubby stayed in the other room and she was only over here for a short time. Keeping my fingers crossed.....

Hope everyone else stays well. Have a good night!

Ice, Ice Baby!

2011-02-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to. Four inches of new snow with a layer of about a half-inch of ice on top. In a word, "Yuck!". After the mild weather we had the last week (temps in the 50 degree F. range), we were not too pleased with seeing this last storm blow through. Especially those that lost power. The weatherman is saying another three inches tonight and another system moving in later this week and then yet another on Sunday. Can someone send Spring here? I'm trying to be positive and say that it sure beats looking out at brown everywhere. But I'm ready for Spring. Bring it on!

Anyway, I was going to post pics of my new kitchen. But the flu is keeping it's grip on my house. Had to take hubby to the doctor this morning. He needs to go to an ear, nose and throat doctor next. He woke up in the middle of the night last night shivering like crazy and he was running a fever. He has an infection in his middle ear that a specialist needs to clear up. (I won't go into details). That, and I have a few finishing touches that I want to put in my new kitchen. Then I will be ready for the "Big Reveal". It will be real soon, I promise! :-)

Here are a couple of more pics of what Old Man Winter left us last night.

Hope everyone has a restful evening and stay warm!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-02-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

"Hear! Hear!" screamed the jay from a neighboring tree, where I had heard a tittering for some time, "Winter has a concentrated and nutty kernel, if you know where to look for it."

Henry David Thoreau

Sunday Inspiration

2011-02-13T18:59:00.000-05:00

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me. Love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person. Love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of. Love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak in the knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.

Unknown

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunday Inspiration

2011-02-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Kindness is like snow-it beautifies everything it covers.

Unknown

A Kitchen Re-Do Update

2011-02-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

I promised an update on my kitchen. I was really hoping I could post my "Big Reveal" by now, but as with most remodeling projects, there will always be delays. So this is what I can show you so far...

I was so excited when this truck pulled into my driveway. It was hauling my new cabinets! Yay!

And here are some pics with the new cabinets up on the walls.

Well, that's about all. Aren't they pretty, though? I LOVE them. They were supposed to install our new countertops yesterday. But because of the nasty weather we've been getting lately, those have been delayed until next week. Then our contractor has to install our sink and dishwasher and a few finishing touches here and there. Then, I can have my big reveal.

This is one project that has tried our patience in more ways than one. Not just delays and things not working out the way you thought they would. But in the midst of this, the cold/flu hit our household. It really kicked me in the backside. What's weird is I could feel like complete crud one day, then feel better the next, then go right back to feeling like crud. And I have had a lingering cough that is driving me crazy. But this virus has been going around for a few weeks. I'm hoping I can put it behind me along with this project by sometime next week. Then I can tackle the messes that is in every room of my home.

Thanks for looking in! Until next time....

Sunday Inspiration

2011-01-30T03:10:00.000-05:00

If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet him with, "Who could have done this? We have no enemies."

Phyllis Diller

Progress

2011-01-17T15:09:00.001-05:00

I told you I would post in a few days on an update on our kitchen renovation. This is about all I have right now.

My new floor! Yee-Haw! You do not know how long I have been waiting for a new floor. This is what started this whole ~~mess~~ project. Here is the before:

I know it's hard to tell, but imagine dirt in all the little divots that will not come out no matter what amount of cleaning product or elbow grease you use. Yuck!

Now here is my new floor ready for it's close-up!

Isn't it perty! It's made by Congoleum. And right now I cannot recall the color to save my life! (That's what age will do to you). As far as our cabinets are concerned, we were told by the contractor that they would be in last week. But they are supposed to be in this week. (I thought it was too good to be true to have the cabinets come in so soon). So hopefully in a couple of days I can give you another update.:-)

Until next time....

ETA: The color of the floor is "Desert Chimney". Just in case you are wondering.:-)

Sunday Inspiration

2011-01-16T15:17:00.000-05:00

Footsteps in the snow suggest where you have been, point to where you are going: but when they suddenly vanish, never dismiss the possibility of flight...

Diane Duane

Flotsam! Mayhem! Chaos!

2011-01-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

Do you know what happens when you decide to do a major kitchen remodel? Well, something like this....

and this...

I know, it kind of makes you want to do this...

Even my poor dog doesn't know what to think of it all. Right now we have food, dishes and pots and pans in every single room of our home. Where ever we could find room. And I have gained a good 10 pounds from all the fast food we have eaten in the past week. Although we did have a very good home-cooked meal at my mom's tonight. Oh, how I miss my stove and microwave.

If you are curious on what our kitchen looks like now, here are some pictures.

We are hoping in about two weeks time, we will be moving into our new kitchen. (Keeping our fingers crossed). Right now it feels like forever. We cannot wait! Stay tuned for more developments in the next few days.

Until next time....

Sunday Inspiration

2011-01-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.

George Bird Evans

Happy Birthday Edie!

2011-01-04T11:58:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take a few minutes to wish a special lady a Happy Birthday. This lady is Edie Wadsworth of Life in Grace. I ran across her blog about a year or so ago and have received many ideas and inspiration from her. She left a career in medicine in order to stay home and homeschool her two little girls. She lets us take a peek into her life as a very busy stay-at-home mom and shares her talents as a crafter, baker, teacher, decorator and gives us inspiration by writing about her relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

Two weeks ago, she lost everything. On December 22nd in the early morning hours, her house burned to the ground leaving them with nothing. She and her family, including the family pet were able to make it out, thankfully. She wrote about her harrowing experience here.

Her blogging friends decided that they would hijack her blog and wanted everyone to wish her a "Happy Birthday".

Happy Birthday to a woman that I know through her blog and hope I can meet someday. I love your sense of humor, your eloquent posts about anything from bluegrass music to sewing. We have a common bond in that we share southern roots and are both Lutheran converts. You have shown mighty strength, faith and most of all grace that I admire through this terrible time. I want you to know that I have been continually praying for you and your family and wish you many blessings now and in the future. I know that it has been a blessing to me getting to know you through your blog.

Sunday Inspiration

2011-01-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

The best thing about the future is it comes one day at a time.

Abraham Lincoln

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

Sunday Inspiration

2010-12-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.

Terri Guillements

Sunday Inspiration

2010-12-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:16-20

Sunday Inspiration

2010-12-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. And angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on the earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:8-14

Sunday Inspiration

2010-12-05T11:53:00.000-05:00

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and he has done great things for me.

He shows mercy from generation to generation

to all who fear him.

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!

He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

He has brought down princes from their thrones

and exalted the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away with empty hands.

He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.

For he made this promise to our ancestors,

to Abraham and his children forever."

Luke 1:46-55

Sunday Inspiration

2010-11-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

John 1:9

observations of an ordinary life

Sunday Inspiration

Finally!

Outside The Box

Halftime

Sunday Inspiration

Paper Blitz

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Sunday Inspiration

I Have Issues-NOT!

Every Sunday Morning

Sunday Inspiration

The Aftermath

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Waving at Santa

Sunday Inspiration

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bowling, Buffets and Birthdays

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Remembering Those Who Served

My Hero

Sunday Inspiration

"I have a bone to pick with you."

Chicken~n~Dumplings

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

RIP Steve Jobs

Lions, Tigers and Wolverines, Oh My!

Sunday Inspiration

Honey, I'm home!

Girl Time

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Waiting for Ryan

First Day of School

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Camping

The Beach

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Engagement Photo Shoot

Good News, Bad News Part III

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Can't Touch This

First Shave

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Good News, Bad News Part II

The Best Day of My Life

Wild Wings

Sunday Inspiration

Good News, Bad News

Sunday Inspiration

Congratulations William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

The Beauty Of The Cross

What'choo Lookin' At?

Sunday Inspiration

I'm Addicted

Sunday Inspiration

Got Milk?

I'm So Lucky!

Sunday Inspiration

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Sunday Inspiration

There is Something Fishy Going on Around Here

I Have Issues

****THE BIG REVEAL!***

Sunday Inspiration

**THE BIG REVEAL!*