Just between us...

Proud Mama Alert!

2010-09-04T19:15:00.000-05:00

My son, Chase, a freshman, at his first high school game, this year.

I am very proud of him because as a freshman, he placed second chair, top band (out of three bands).

LIFE: Spilled-Out

2010-07-05T09:50:00.018-05:00

Recently, I had reason for some introspective pondering of my life.

My life is an explosion; loud and noisy, spilling-out, messy, overflowin g. Not for me are the neat and tidy compartmentalized segments of life, carefully not touching, easily moved out of the way until their proper time to be displayed.

My secular job spills over into my family time, my church work overflows into my job, my family crosses lines with my job and church until it's all blended and interwoven into one vivid, exciting, abundant life.

What does your life look like?

My Perfect Garden

2010-03-08T20:57:00.015-06:00

I finally decided to go for it ~ a garden.

A good friend had given me possible placement and dimensions for my garden, along with a layout, explaining about how much work would be needed to tend to each size and type.

Hours spent poring over Home & Garden magazines, dreaming and planning the perfect garden. Time spent at Lowe's, agonizing over seed packets, choosing the right fertilizer, the right plants.

And now... the fruit of my labors:

BASIL, OREGANO, PARSLEY

I must admit that I'm concerned about my parsley.
It just doesn't seem to be as hardy as the others.

Yep. Just the right-size garden for me!

Here's to Health!

2010-02-20T06:05:00.019-06:00

Recently, due to uncomfortable health issues, I decided to re-think my eating habits. The first staple I gave up was the acid and caffeine combina tion of Coca-Cola Classic

...fo llowed by tea

...and hot chocolate.

Now, for those who don't know, I kept Coke in business . I have reps who are calling me, begging me to purchase coke again, or if not coke, then to at least get addicted to another Coke product!

If you are in caffeine withdrawal, EAT FRUIT in the mornings. I have used this technique in past efforts and it is amazing how much that cuts down on the no-caffeine headaches.

In additio n to the removal of t hese beverages f r om my lips, I am adhering to a modified 'Fit for Life' philosophy of eating.

Basically, this means anything that is not a f resh or frozen fruit or vegetable is a 'complex' food. You only have O NE complex food with any meal. It's that simple.

Simple? For a woman raised in Texas, whose favorite type of food is southern, that's a b it hard to swallow! That means no gravies, no to most sauces, no casseroles, no batters, no go od ol' southern breakfasts, no Italian, no Mexican, no beans and cornbread.... well that's not an issue, because I never ate that anyway... but you get the picture.

Oh, yeah. One more thing that's not in the Fit for Life philosphy: Dairy products .

Let's take a look at the foods that would be classified as 'dairy':
Milk, BUTTER, sour cream, yogurt, cheeses.... ALL cheeses.

No dairy.

Fortunatel y, I used the Fit for Life plan, years ago, and I know how phenomenal I feel when I eat that way...how well I rest.... how much weight I can lose.

In all m y years of being overweight, I never had a real desire or will power to diet. I refused to try weight-loss pills or do the fad diets. I always said that if I ever lost weight, I'd do it the 'right' way, by eating healthily. Actually, it's almost amusing how easy it has become to surrender my desired way of eating, now that ingesting those foods causes me extreme physical discomfort, even pain.

So, planning on a healthier, happier, pain-free me... Here's to health!

God's Artistry

2010-01-05T17:39:00.004-06:00

(click on image to enlarge for better view)

This is a picture taken by a friend who is vacationing in Hawaii.
It's so incredible, it's almost unbelievable.

Just remember, the God who made this.... cares for you.

My Wedding Designs

2010-01-03T23:26:00.007-06:00

Vintage-style veil and fascinator I made

I also made the Bridal bouquet

Beautiful bride - Jessie Hernandez,
friend of my daughter

I like the back view

I made the bridesmaids bouquets

My daughter

My daughter trying to get her husband to kiss her.
From this photo, I'm very fearful of ever getting a grandchild. : (

My son-in-law and daughter
(Thingamabob and Thing 1)

I also made the throw away bouquet.

I enjoyed getting to work with Jessie to create the vintage veil and fascinator and bridal bouquet that she wanted, as well as the bridesmaids and groomsmen bouquets and boutonnieres, mothers/grandmothers corsages and toss bouquet.

It was fun to get to be part of her very special day.

The Savvy-Homemaker Apron

2010-01-02T12:39:00.010-06:00

I've developed a new product I'm thinking about marketing.

I wanted to share it with my blogger readers first, to see what they think.

The Savvy -Homemaker Apron
Coming in 2010

Please notice the detail at the waist and the ease of attachment; no more struggling to tie a bow behind your back. Two easy-to-attach clips make fastening a cinch (pardon the pun).

The ruffle along both edges is flirty and sure to please the man in your life, proclaiming your femininity; just imagine warmly greeting your man, with t his apron on, when he comes home from a hard day's work, inviting visions of home, hearth and romance.

And best of all, it is extremely versatile and totally interchangeable.

So readers, now its your turn. What price would YOU pay for this charmingly versatile apron?

New Year's Menu

2010-01-01T17:09:00.002-06:00

Everyone is having pork, black-eyed peas and cabbage.

I thought only black-eyed peas were a tradition on New Years.

??

White Christmas

2009-12-26T11:48:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful, beautiful Christmas we had! On Christmas Eve, it began to snow. Although it stopped snowing that evening, the temperature was so cold that we still had snow on Christmas day... and then I left it to drive an hour and a half south where there was no snow!!

The three of us opened presents on Christmas morning, and tried to give the sun a little time to do its magic on the roads of snow and ice. We left a couple of hours later than planned, but we never had to drive on a slick road.

We had a wonderful day at my daughter's and son-in-law's home in Forney. She had her home decorated beautifully, but did I take a camera? Nooooo. Nevertheless, good food, laughter, love... perfect.

Another blessing this year was that several families from our church had the opportunity to become very personally involved in the lives of a family in need. It was so special to see the way that everyone rallied to help get this family into a home and to provide as much of the necessities for living, as we could gather from our own homes. It wasn't a lot of money exchanging hands; it was people giving of their time, their pantry, their supplies. And the true specialness of this is that it isn't just a Christmas charity... our wonderful church family will continue to lift up and encourage this family until they can get on their feet again.

Although it was personally a leaner year than we've experienced in a long time, once again, we have had a very blessed and merry Christmas.

Thank you, Jesus!

Hope your family has been as blessed as ours ~

Pumpkin Patch Gospel Carvings

2009-11-10T22:10:00.002-06:00

I finally posted our pumpkin carvings on my church blog. Take a look at Pumpkin Patch Gospel Pumpkins.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!

2009-10-31T09:14:00.011-05:00

At my house, we've been getting ready for Halloween. That seems so strange to say, because we have never participated in Halloween. Occasionally, our church would provide an alternative event near or on the 31st... sometimes not.

Our police department sponsors a community event for the kids of the area, on the municipal lawn. Businesses and groups come together to provide booths for a safe place for kids to get their candy 'fixes' for the year. This year, we decided to use that event ~ because there will be around 3000 kids come through ~ to sponsor a booth.

I suppose, technically, we still aren't participating in Halloween. We are using the set up this world has provided, to take the opportunity to get into our community and spread a little of His Light into our world, and bring some glory to God.

Our booth will be The Pumpkin Patch Gospel and will feature carved pumpkins depicting Christian scenes and symbols. Along with about 200 pounds of candy, we will be passing out handouts of The Pumpkin Patch Gospel. We are praying that our handouts and the messages carved into the pumpkins will generate some comments and questions and give us the opportunity to share the Light of the World with someone tonight.

Dear Nancy Pelosi

2009-10-07T06:57:00.002-05:00

I just read a phenomenal blog that a young, single mother of two wrote to Nancy Pelosi. Please visit Heather , a member and blogger on the As a Mom.... a sisterhood of Mommy Patriots. This is a must-read!

Constitution Kid

2009-09-19T10:24:00.009-05:00

The 8th graders at Thing 2's school, participated in Constitution Day. If they dressed up in either colonial costume, or put together a red, white and blue costume, they could get extra freebies that day.

At pretty much the last minute, my boy decided he wanted to dress up. It was last minute, but hey, he's in 8th grade, he wants to participate.... I'm not going to stop him!! So we began the hunt for an Uncle Sam top hat and a few other articles he wanted.

It was funny (pathetic?) because apparently, so few participated with 'costumes', he actually won!!

We took a large flag sticker and cut out pieces of the star
area and the red stripes to create the tie

He designed his canvas loafers to
look like a flag, when his feet were together

For the love of a son, did I this...
Cutting out the itty bitty stars off the sticker
to put onto his loafers

We could not find anything, anywhere as far as costuming goes.
That is a pinata on his head.
He is just crazy enough to wear it with panache.

I'm glad our school is still teaching that the Constitution has value and is worth remembering.

Forced Vaccinations and Quarantines?

2009-09-05T10:43:00.012-05:00

There's been a lot of discussion and debate happening regarding whether or not the government should be allowed to enforce vaccinations and/or quarantines on persons with the H1N1 flu... and other communicable diseases.

Massachusetts Senate just passed a bill,and is waiting on the House to approve it, that would allow the MA government incredible amounts of discretion and authority over their citizens. Anarticle from Free Republic discusses this bill and lists the Constitutional amendments that it violates. I encourage you to read it to see the types of laws our elected representatives are trying to put into place.

The Examiner News has answered the question as to whether it is legal for the U.S. Government to have this authority, and the answer is YES. Their article, which includes excerpts from the National Vaccination Information Center (America's vaccination watchdog) and information from the CDC, is very interesting and informative.

The power has been there for some time, but, in light of the H1N1 flu and our current president, never has the possibility of this type of government control been so imminent. The old adage, Give him an inch and he'll take a mile is seen regularly in the character and decisions of this president.

His predilection for searching the archives for any and every legal power ever bestowed upon the presidency (and then some), and then his loose interpretation and abuse of those powers and our Constitution, makes me wonder if soon, the citizens of the free republic of the United Sates might be living and experiencing life, as we've previously only read about in the pages of political science fiction thrillers.

Ouch!!! Now THAT'S a SLAM!

2009-09-04T14:50:00.009-05:00

My husband was reading through an internet Op-Ed piece, and shared a humorous, incredibly pithy and intellectually crafted review regarding another magazine's staff writer.

"Nevermind that his writing is more than uninformative, it is informationally subtractive. Read him and you'll know less than you know now... Read him carefully, and you'll know nothing."

OUCH!!

A good writer never needs to resort to name-calling or foul language, to make his point. Intelligent usage of the English language, emphasized by creative vocabulary selection is all that is needed.

The Girl In My Mirror

2009-09-02T22:26:00.005-05:00

The girl in my mirror... surely that can't be me?! She must be someone else!

For an amusing prayer written about the effects of aging, please read Edie's Dear God post, and the equally entertaining - yet heartfelt - comments from women who understand.

Is Obama Staging an Education Take-Over Now?

2009-09-02T21:30:00.013-05:00

On September 8, 2009, at 12:00 pm (EST), President Obama is once again, creating an historical

'Kodak' moment for us. He will broadcast a live national address to our children, via the internet, while they are in their classrooms.

Do you know what the President will say to your children? Do you know what the teachers are supposed to ask the children before, during and after the presentation, to help President Obama achieve his goal of this address?

If we find out, after the fact, that the President only talked to the kids about doing their best at attending school, studying, test taking... things we parents do every day... that it was not politically driven at all, will we then deem it a harmless program?

I think not.

Since everything this president has touched has collapsed, unravelled or been vigorously and systematically torn apart and ridiculed (by him), it makes me wonder if this seemingly innocent endeavor is truly part of a much more insidious plan.

Gradually introducing his use of the internet as a national media choice (aren't we hearing that he is trying to get together a plan to allow him to take over the internet... "for emergency measures" ?).

Becoming a familiar, friendly, helpful face and voice to impressionable youth (getting them used to him and his ideas, to help in their future indoctrination into the Civilian Security Force?).

Slowly, carefully insinuating himself into the educational system that hosts our children for 7+ hours each day (and hasn't every 'system' that he has touched ended up destroyed when he walked away from it?).

No. If this president has his hand stirring in the pot, I find it suspicious, at best; downright sinister, in its probable actuality.

Too much ado over a Scoreboard?

2009-08-29T09:35:00.008-05:00

Recently, it's been in the news about the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium (and I capitalize the word 'stadium' in the Victorian tradition... because it is such an important entity), and its Scoreboard.

It appears the holy grail committee has made a decision on future instances of a ball being kicked into the board, and I got to hear all about it, on the radio, while traveling in the car.

The sportscaster was on fire. I mean, he was so passionate ~ spittin' and sputterin'~ that I had to laugh; if he just changed his vocabulary to Biblical terminology, he could've been a good ole fashioned Pentecostal preacher.

But since I simply could not care any less about something, than I do about the scoreboard fiasco, I finally asked my husband to turn it off or change the station. What a waste of passion and energy!

I remarked to my husband that if it had been a preacher, being passionate about heaven and hell issues, or even someone talking about the government and all the ways it looks like it's being totally taken out of hands, totally disregarding the Constitution of the United States, I could understand it. But a scoreboard???

Come on people!! LOL!

Mrs. ABC

2009-08-24T18:05:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Clemens' 7th grade class

Texas Battleship and San Jacinto Monument Museum

2009-08-24T00:07:00.006-05:00

I thought these old sewing tools looked interesting

Directions and example pieces for an old fashioned hexagonal quilt.

(double click on picture to enlarge for reading)

On the Battleship

(Double click on picture to enlarge, to read writing)

The bakery

Coca Cola - the real thing
A coca cola dispenser in the galley....
this is the real reason this battleship was so successful !!

NASA

2009-08-23T23:38:00.004-05:00

A little Star Wars at NASA

C3PO (???)

R2D2

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-08-23T23:25:00.005-05:00

A volcano cake at The Rainforest Cafe for my birthday. Quite delish!

FYI - I am not in any of the pictures : )

Galveston Island

2009-08-23T23:00:00.003-05:00

Some of my flower pictures from the Aviary
in Moody Gardens

The ferris wheel at the Kemah Boardwalk

Isn't this cool? It's not a seahorse... it's a sea dragon!!
The Aquarium - Moody Gardens

Dad and son at the aquarium at Moody Gardens

My Guys - Galveston Island

2009-08-23T22:46:00.003-05:00

I have some really good looking men in my life.

My son, Thing 2, is 13 yrs and 3 months in these pictures. He's almost as tall as his dad.

OOOps.... beach hair!!

The Ocean Star

2009-08-23T22:30:00.004-05:00

Thing 2, on the oil rig, the Ocean Star.

This is one link in the anchor chain.... WOW!!

The Tall Ship Elissa

2009-08-23T22:04:00.008-05:00

This summer, we spent a week on Galveston Island in South Texas.

This was on the Tall Ship, Elissa.

I love the pictures of the masts and rigging.

Computer advice needed

2009-06-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

Okay, for those who hadn't already figured it out, this post will prove/confirm my computer ineptness.

Does anyone know why I sometimes cannot get my paragraphs to space properly on blogger? It is so frustrating. I go back and edit my posts multiple times and still end up with them not being properly spaced. I use the 'shift, enter, enter' method (impressed with my technological jargon?) to space my paragraphs, because I realized that regular spacing (a simple 'enter') never does the job.

Edie?..... anyone?....

A Rose by any Other Name...

2009-05-21T23:03:00.002-05:00

Pictures of some beautiful orange roses, from my rose bush given to me by my friend, Debbie, over at www.beulahland.com

Their fragrance is just the sweetest of sweet... so lovely.

He's Got His Made

2009-04-24T07:45:00.002-05:00

Don Samuelson

1934 - 2009

My wonderful father-in-law passed away last night, after 12 days in MICU, following a sudden onset of pneumonia and many subsequent problems that attached themselves to the pneumonia.

I am so thankful that he found his way back, and lived a joyful life in Christ, for the last 2 1/2 years of his life. My husband had the privilege of being his pastor for that timeframe.

Dad was one of the most giving persons I have ever met. He lived on a fixed income, as so many seniors do, and was unable to give financially to the Lord, to the measure he wanted. Instead of saying that he wished he could, but he just didn't have any money, he actively looked for ways to get money that he could give to God. He loved antiques, and in years past, bought, refinished and sold antiques and collectibles. He decided, at 74 years of age, to once again open a shop so he could give the proceeds of that into the Kingdom. Then he decided to forge into technology and advertise on E-bay and Craigs List. He was such a beautiful inspiration of a giving heart.

We will miss him so much, but of course, we know, he is in a much better place. He gets to worship Jesus, face to face, now. He no longer sees through a glass, darkly.... all is clear and brilliant in the light of Jesus Christ. He gets to sing and make music that is more beautiful than he ever imagined. He gets to see loved ones, like Mom, who are already there... what a joyous reunion! He is totally at peace and rest in the amazing presence of his Heavenly Father.

And one day, because of the hope we have in Jesus, and in His resurrection, we know that we shall see him again, when we join him in Heaven.

Thing 2's 13th birthday pics

2009-04-19T15:16:00.006-05:00

Did she snap the picture mid-blink or is

the birthday boy bored with the singing?

Seems to be very animated at blowing out the candles

Wonder who he gets that from??

Gloria

Marshall - Mr. Entertainer of the Year

Hannah

Gift time

Scrunched up limo ride

Patrick is afraid I will 'steal his soul'

if I take his picture

... yeah ...

Playstation 3 in here, Wii Guitar Hero in other room

When Emotion Leads By the Nose

2009-03-28T23:11:00.003-05:00

Man decides far more problems by hate, love, lust, rage, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, illusion or some other inward emotion, than by reality, authority, any legal standard, judicial precedent, or statute.

~Cicero~

Wow! Although this was written between 106 B.C and 43 B.C. , this sentiment certainly fits the way so many, including Congress and the President, reacted to the AIG bonus fiasco.

For My Country

2009-03-28T21:15:00.002-05:00

Recently, I was awakened to patriotic action.

For a lot of years, I have been content to sit silently, feeling a disconnect from my country's government. Even my voting was more reactionary - more to keep someone else from being elected than for really standing solidly behind a candidate and helping elect him to office.

I figured it just really didn't matter, anyway. Government was the way it was and I, certainly, wasn't going to be able to change it. Already, many issues in the current administration bothered me more than in any prior administration, but what could I do?

Then, I began watching Glen Beck's show, which my husband would tape, during the day. The common sense and commitment to values and principles that he espoused really resonated with me. While politics, per se, had never really interested me, promoting America's return to the same principles and values to which our founding fathers were committed did grab my attention.

I'm excited about joining the 9-12 project and promoting values and principles in America. About taking action to hold my elected officials and representatives accountable, for not just the voice of their constituents, but the Constitution itself. Part of that action is to become involved with local TEA parties, to send a loud shout to Washington that we want our representatives to rightly represent us!

In the coming days, I'll post information about my foray into keeping politics honest.

...Perhaps my newfound active patriotism has made me too optimistic? LOL!

What Happens When Compassion and Hope are Extended

2009-03-22T18:28:00.005-05:00

Today, our newspaper ran a wonderful story about compassion and hope, titled The Best Gifts Come From the Heart. Since the columnist did not have time to check the validity of the story before running it, and I was so entranced by the story, I ran to my trusty computer to see what I could find out about it.

It is a true and inspiring story that just happens to be local to us in North Texas.

Since my local newspaper only puts some things online, and didn't choose to add this story, I am including links to other articles that do relate the details. I wish our local paper had posted her story, because she saves a very important part of the information for the very last, and the link I'm directing you to, tells it pretty much up front, which loses some of the WOW factor ... but let me assure you, not much!

Warning: For the initial story, you may want to have a tissue handy.
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1112890.html

For the follow up story (and you will not want to miss this) you WILL NEED tissues!
http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?topic=5082.0

Read, enjoy, cry and be inspired!

Is St. Patrick's Day Blue, Green or Orange?

2009-03-17T12:24:00.010-05:00

Here's a little bit of interesting history regarding St. Patrick, and his special day.

Blue - not green - was the color associated with St. Patrick. In fact, there is a blue that is called St. Patrick's blue, which can be seen on the flag of the President of Ireland and the Coat of arms of Ireland, as well as other places.

Green became associated with St. Patrick's Day due to the phrase "wearing of the green" which referred to wearing a green shamrock on your clothing. St. Patrick used the three -leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to non-Christian Irish, so wearing a shamrock was a sign of Irish nationalism and loyalty to the Roman Catholic Faith.

The change to green, rather than blue, began in the 1750s.

So, where does orange make its appearance?

In 1690, William of Orange (King of England, Ireland and Scotland) defeated King James II, a Roman Catholic, causing Protestant military dominance. Although the 'Orange' in William's name actually referred to a province in France, Protestants began wearing the color orange on St. Patrick's day, in the late 1700s, as a sign of defiance.

Orange now appears on the Irish flag to symbolize the Protestant minority in Ireland.

The 912 Project

2009-03-15T17:51:00.010-05:00

I must admit that I like Glenn Beck. I like the down-to-earth way he views America...government...politics. In fact, on so many occasions, I connect with him so strongly that I forget it's politics and feel as if he's laying out and teaching solid biblical principles (which always causes me a moment of shock when he lets loose with a curse word!).

This week, I watched a show that we had taped, in which he introduced The 912 Project.

He talked about how after the tragedy of 9/11, on 9/12, Americans did what Americans do. They didn't have to be told how to act - they followed a core group of principles.

He spoke about how necessary it is to 'gather' with other people to talk about values that are important to us, because people who do not or cannot express their beliefs feel that they are all alone, isolated - and that can be dangerous.

* In reports, doctors are cited, stating that the size of the concerned crowd waiting for a person in an emergency room is the X factor to that patient surviving.
* Isolation studies reported that the people with the greatest risk of dying in the next 9 years are those who do not have a community around them.
* In a top survival manual, survivors were interviewed and agreed that the #1 greatest survival secret is to:
- have faith in God, family and friends

Having a community of like-minded people around us is important.

In the 912 project, Glenn proposes that America has a gathering of friends, family and folk to sit around their kitchen tables to talk about our country, our founding fathers and our beliefs.

Again, I could've been at a Bible study, people!! Doesn't that sound like the way the church in Acts 2 lived , as well as sounding like other places in N.T. where the church was admonished to gather together, to encourage and uplift one another... to speak of good things, to help one another, to remember the faith of the fathers?

Glenn is focusing on 9 principles and 12 values, upon which the American people were founded ~ and upon which Americans should continue to anchor their lives.

THE NINE PRINCIPLES:
1. America is good.
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

THE 12 VALUES:
1. Honesty
2. Reverence
3. Hope
4. Thrift
5. Humility
6. Charity
7. Sincerity
8. Moderation
9. Hard Work
10. Courage
11. Personal Responsibility
12. Gratitude

Maybe, if we got back to living by the Bible, our country would be in a better shape...hmmm??

Glenn Beck's 912 Project has created such interest that their server cannot handle the traffic and keeps shutting down. If you get an opportunity, though, check out http://www.the912project.com/ to see how you can become a part of this heroic effort to gather America back together, one nation, under God, indivisible.

Sleight of hand

2009-02-27T18:09:00.002-06:00

A co-worker had made homemade salsa for us at Christmas, and my son, 'Thing 2', loved it. Unfortunately, his dad and I ate most of it, and he was very unhappy when he realized he didn't have any left.

When I told my friend, she said she'd remedy that by making him his very own jar of it.

So.... when I brought it home and put it in the fridge, the note looked like this.
When I opened the refrigerator again... hmmm.... something seems different...

Leave it to a 12 year old boy!

The Meat Fairy

2009-02-15T22:11:00.002-06:00

We've been visited by the meat fairy.

Did you know there was such a thing?

It sounds like it could be a good thing, but the real story is that some sweet friends in our church are on a diet and had certain meats in their freezer that they could no longer eat (oh, so sad ) and they had an over-abundance and surplus of other meats, so... WE were the blessed recipients!

Living for God is GOOD!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-09T19:31:00.018-06:00

For today, February 9, 2009

Outside my window... it is dark with a damp coolness in the air.

I am thankful for... my children.

From the kitchen... golden sauteed chicken nuggets, onion-roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

I am wearing... denim capris, blue t-shirt

with bare feet (what I always wear!).

I am creating... absolutely nothing - no creative juices currently flowing.

I am going... to watch a Heidi Baker (missionary) movie.

I am reading... Philippians.

I am hoping... that my husband and son will get home soon

- before dinner gets hard and cold.

I am hearing... the humming of different appliances.

Around the house... little piles of 'to keep', 'to donate' and 'to trash'.

One of my favorite things... lavender and chamomile soap.

A few plans for the rest of the week... work and church - possibly go to praise and worship at Christ for the Nations on Friday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Thing 2 made a "1" at his solo contest this weekend

I enjoy this daybook. If you would like to participate, or read other daybooks, please visit the original daybook site "The Simple Woman".

AAAAAAAAAAAGHHH!

2009-02-08T08:54:00.014-06:00

It came so suddenly! Without warning... out of nowhere!

He ironed his own shirt!!

It all began with the sounds of the ironing board being set up ~ I just don't undersand it ~ I mean, sure, he's done that before, but then he comes to get me or his dad to iron something for him, you know? But this time... this time ... it was different! He actually came and asked me if it was okay to iron on top of the design that was on the shirt!!

WHAT??? WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?!?

WHY would a baby even CARE about something like that!!??!! I jumped up and desperately inquired, "Do you want me to do that for you?" (please? PLEASE! PLEEEZE!?!)

"No, I will do it."

My son's reply shot terrifying darts of realization into my heart...

It has begun.

(dum...dumdumdum...DUM!!)

Movie Lines

2009-02-05T06:09:00.013-06:00

We rented Fireproof last week. Here are 3 great lines that really stood out to me:

“I’d be an atheist, if it weren’t for God”
~Captain Caleb Holt
(Dontcha just love it?!? )

“Don’t follow your heart. Your heart can deceive you. Lead your heart.”

“When something is fireproof, it doesn’t mean that fire is never going to come to it, it is that when fire comes, you are going to be able to withstand the heat.”
~ Lt. Michael Simmons

If you haven't seen it, yet - rent it. There's good stuff in it for everyone ~ single, dating, thinking-about-dating, engaged, newly married, longly married : ) We've been happily married almost 30 years, and came away with some good nuggets.

We have a beautiful, young single mom, in our church, who purchased The Dare - the book seen in the movie. She figured it would be good for all relationships - not just marriage. She's been using some of its principles with her children - and happily reported that she's seeing improvement in their homelife.

Anyway... its based on good biblical principles - it flat out tells the gospel of salvation without any kind of subterfuge, it has romance, drama and comedy... it's a good movie.

My Guys and me

2009-02-01T21:49:00.003-06:00

We were teasing our waiter at Abuelos, for not singing to the birthday person like so many restaurants do, so he compromised by bringing Leland a flaming birthday chip on a fork! Now that's a guy who knows how to get a good tip... haha!

My man!

12 yr old Thing 2 (that's a 13 1/2 shoe, ya'll)
He's gonna be one big puppy!

Not really liking getting his picture made
(but not really fussin', either)

Me

Poor Kitty!

2009-01-26T18:59:00.009-06:00

My poor cat, Allegra! He's had such a rough time.

Our next door neighbors have apparently had problems with something tunneling under their foundation (probably the same possum that ate the entire bag of Allegra's dry food), so they had the city come out and set out cages to trap whatever it was.

Unfortunately, they trapped Allegra.

When we got home, we heard the most horrific meowing in the bushes between our houses. My son went over to investigate and discovered that our cat had ended up in the cage. It took my husband and son several minutes to finally set him free (It seems that cats and possums must like the same food : )

When they finally got him out, he shot over to me, with his ears back and eyes narrowed... his heart was just about to beat out of his chest. I have no idea how long he may have been trapped because we had been gone several hours.

I think the possum may be smarter than my cat, because he still hasn't checked out that cage, yet.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-26T17:57:00.011-06:00

For today, January 26, 2009

Outside my window... it is cold (31), gray and rainy - wonderful!

I am thankful for... my husband, who is also my pastor.

From the kitchen... rice, beans and weinies

I am wearing... jeans, fall colored top, and amazingly - shoes!

I am creating... new posts on my blogs.

I am going... to take my son to Spanish class and pick up my husband.

I am reading.. four books: The 10 Commandments Twice Removed, 8 Choices That Will Change a Woman's Life, Why Nobody Learns Much of Anything at Church: and How to Fix It and The Storehouse Principle.

I am hoping... to find a really good Bible study to teach - on being women of God.

I am hearing... the very loud roar of my modem - not such a good thing!

Around the house... my son has been playing with his Guitar Hero and watching a documentary on Valkyrie, my cat has been in and out, in and out.

One of my favorite things... talking and laughing with my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, doing some visitations, meeting with a friend.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

(I like to take pictures of steeples (and doors))

I enjoy participating in this daybook. If you would like to participate, too,or read other daybooks, please visit the original daybook site at The Simple Woman

Chili weather

2009-01-15T20:16:00.006-06:00

Hallelujah! My work week is over!

It was a fairly cold day and promises to be an even colder night. I can smell the wonderful smoky scent of fireplaces burning throughout my neighborhood, although mine is, sadly, cold and dark and not contributing to the winter fragrance. My husband declared it 'chili weather', so we have chili on the stove and potatoes in the oven, awaiting his return.

This weekend, in addition to normal weekend preparation, we do have a couple of new member classes to oversee and some visitation needed, but my daughter will be in town on Saturday afternoon, so I plan to spend time running around with her.

Hubby's home, so I'm off to eat some chili!

I hope everyone has a blessed, refreshing weekend!

May I Introduce You?

2009-01-13T23:12:00.011-06:00

I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine - Debbie at Beulah Land Homestead. Debbie, and her husband John, are homesteaders and have been involved in many different phases of homesteading and farming.

Recently, she began to update their website into a very informal, newsy ... blog style... website. I really liked the new format, but I kept encouraging (ok...ok.. so I PUSHED) her to start a blogsite so people could comment on her posts. I really like her warm and simple style of writing. She really reminds me of the Simple Woman blog - of whom, I am a fan. Anyway, she's finally, started her own blog called Farmer Woman.

Please take time to make a new acquaintance... stop by her new blog at http://www.blog.beulahland.com/ and say 'hi' to her.

Also, visit her website at http://www.beulahland.com/ read about their wonderful homestead and all the great classes and instruction they offer... be sure to read her 'Dribbles' - some of her older writings.

My Guys

2009-01-09T20:01:00.004-06:00

My guys working on trumpet parts for Sunday's service. My son has been invited to join the praise band on Sundays.

Lifestory Continued...

2009-01-04T21:57:00.006-06:00

Well, the Christmas decorations are down, all the beautifully lit garlands are gone, and my house is bare. It took about 7 hours to get it all packed (28 boxes).

Vacation has ended and it's time to return to work - a new year is already well on its way.

I don't know what God has in store for me, this year, but I know I want it! I want my life to be yielded to Him in all ways and in every situation. I want my flesh to 'die out', so that His Spirit can have full, unchallenged reign over my thoughts, my actions - my life. I want my actions to reflect His actions; I want to do as he would have done. I want my heart to be moved with compassion for the things His heart was moved by. I want to see people through His eyes and love them with His love. I want to be obedient to His last direction to His followers by sharing the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ with my world.

At the start of this new year, I present a blank page, waiting for the rest of my lifestory to be continued by the most creative author I know.

I can't wait to see how it will turn out!

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours - Around the House

2008-12-28T00:16:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours - My Nativity Collection

2008-12-27T23:58:00.005-06:00

These are just a few from my nativity collection. I have 49 representations of the nativity.

Richly painted tin nativity

Papier mache with small spotlight

Huge Barbie-doll sized set with incredible detail

Stone look - I particularly like their shape and the 'star-stable'

Click for larger view. Incredible color and detail. Each wiseman'
depicts a different nativity scene on his robe.

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours - My cat

2008-12-27T23:53:00.004-06:00

I don't think you can get much more Christmas - y than this.... a cat in front of the Christmas tree by the hearth.

Merrry Christmas from My House to Yours - My bathroom

2008-12-27T23:48:00.006-06:00

Putting bathroom pictures online may seem a little unusual to some, but my goal is to be able to show family members, who didn't get to see my home, so they can share in a little of the Christmas season at my house.

This window looks out onto a built in porch, which is now a part of my living room.
I decided to hang a watercolor of Vail, so that it looked like we were looking out
onto a beautiful snowy mountainside instead of a brick room.

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours - MY TREE

2008-12-27T23:42:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures of my decorations this year

My tree reflected in a mirror

My tree topper

A favorite ornament on my son's tree.

My son's traditional tree, on the built in porch room
off our living room

Where'd the chicken go? Here, chickie, chickie!

2008-12-27T23:30:00.006-06:00

This was so funny. My kids and I were howling and my husband was just rolling his eyes and shaking his head at us!

I, once again, tried to use a baking hen - instead of a fryer - for my roast chicken. Once again, it turned out too tough to be able to carve and get much meat off of it, so in the spirit of Christmas, I gave it to my cat.

I took it outside on a large piece of foil and told him Merry Christmas.

Later, as we were leaving, I saw the foil blowing down the driveway, but no chicken in sight. I was afraid that another animal, possibly an o'possum, had carried it off... but no. As we pulled out of the carport, there it was sitting, oh so properly, at the end of our driveway.

It struck my funny bone, so with our elderly next door neighbor's son looking somewhat askance at us, we proceeded to traipse outside and photograph the run-away fowl, laughing hysterically all the way.

I know... I know.... I'll be the first to admit I'm somewhat weird. LOL!!

It is funny.

A Night in Bethlehem

2008-12-27T22:40:00.008-06:00

We've had so much fun at our church this Christmas. We turned our sanctuary into a Bethlehem marketplace. This is one of my favorite pictures - the herb and spice shop. It was so colorful and smelled wonderful. We had frankincense and myrrh, along with many other dried herbs and spices, as well as fresh rosemary, aloe and mint.

Please visit my Sherman House of Praise blog for more shops and pictures.

e

Christmas Haitus

2008-12-09T12:40:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I won't be blogging until after Dec. 21, 2008. We have so much going on with work, home and church that we just don't have time. And now, my husband's laptop has frozen up, so I can only access a computer before or after work.

I have lots of pictures and thoughts I want to share, but it'll have to wait!

Have a Merry Christmas!

A Thanksgiving Meme

2008-11-20T18:55:00.009-06:00

I saw this Thanksgiving meme over at Jewel's blog called Down in My Little Valley, and I liked it... so... here it is.

1. Which do you like better: cooking at your house, or going elsewhere?

I enjoy cooking in my own home.

2. Do you buy a fresh or frozen bird?

Frozen

3. What kind of stuffing?

Definitely cornbread dressing - my Mama's recipe!!

4. Sweet potato or pumpkin pie?

I personally, don't like either, but my husband and son like pumpkin pie.

5. Do you believe that turkey leftovers are a curse, or the point of the whole thing?

Mmmmm..... not a curse, but not the point, either. That would be the ham and dressing LOL!

6. Which side dish would provoke a riot if you left it off the menu?

I think that would probably be broccoli rice casserole, possibly the green bean bundles.

7. Do you save the carcass to make soup or stock?

NO

8. What do you wish you had that would make preparing Thanksgiving dinner easier?

More stove/oven space!!

9. Do you get up at the crack of dawn to have dinner ready in the early afternoon, or do you eat at your normal dinner hour?

Well, maybe not the crack of dawn, but early.

10. If you go to somebody else’s house, what’s your favorite dish to bring?

Green bean bundles or No Name Pie (an almost sinfully rich frozen pie)

11. What do you wish one of your guests would not bring to your house? What would you like them to bring?

I don't care for green bean casserole and corn casserole. I definitely vote for more dessert!

12. Does your usual mix of guests result in drama, or is it a group you’re happy to see?

Ummmm...... just depends, really.

13. Is your cranberry sauce fresh or canned? Whole or jellied?

We use canned, jellied cranberry sauce. My son will eat it all by itself.

14. What’s your absolute favorite thing on the menu?

My cornbread dressing

15. Share one family tradition.

Oh, dear... I don't think we really have a Thanksgiving tradition, other than the meal itself. Should we get one? Any thoughts... ideas?

Pay It Forward drawing at Debra's place

2008-11-20T17:04:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Debra, at Clothed with Scarlet, is hosting a "Pay it Forward" drawing. Drop by her place and say hi!

29 Years of Life, Laughter and Love

2008-11-20T14:21:00.035-06:00

My wonderful husband planned a surprise getaway to the beautiful Brendan Manor Bed & Breakfast, for our 29th anniversary, this weekend.

He ended up having to tell me about it, but that's okay
- I'm still excited and savoring the special time.

We'll be staying in the Sarah Ellen suite, complete with fireplace, tv and huge jet tub. And they provide the most luxurious, wonderful robes - ever!

Thing 1

will take care of

Thing 2

... and there, you have all the makings for a very special, romantic anniversary weekend - the perfect way to celebrate 29 years of life, laughter and love!

A 'Punkin'

2008-11-18T21:38:00.049-06:00

Oh, we have just had so much fun!

My husband planned a surprise getaway for next weekend, to a special Bed & Breakfast, for our 29th anniversary. He secretly made arrangements with our daughter and her husband to come pick up our 12 yr old son on Friday, after school, and keep him through Monday, making arrangements with the school to get his work ahead of time. He asked someone to take the service for Sunday. He planned to call my boss and let him know I would miss work on Monday. It was all lined up, and I knew nothing.

Unfortunately, because of a special Christmas event we are planning, and because I was making plans with several different people for Friday and Saturday, he ended up having to tell me about his plans this past Sunday evening.

Then a mischief devil got all over him.

He decided we could have a lot of fun with with Thing 1 (our daughter), who didn't know that he had spilled the beans to me.

So... I called Thing 1 and told her that I had won a special bonus at work and with that windfall, I had managed to get a coveted cabin in Jefferson (oh... I was so excited as I 'shared' with her, my sneaky little plan to whisk away my husband on a special anniversary weekend ... all without his knowledge).

I asked my daughter if she could come get Thing 2 (our son) on Friday and I let her know that we'd have to come back on Sunday, so we'd be by to pick him up on Sunday evening. I so gleefully shared with her that I had arranged for someone to take the service on Sunday, in my husband's place. Getting totally into the part, my voice absolutely vibrated with the sheer, heady excitement of a successfully planned secret that only she and I knew about!! LOL!!

With hesitancy, and a slightly stunned sound in her voice, she asked a few questions... "so.. umm... you're not going to tell him at all about this?.." I assured her that he needed very little at the cabin and I would pack for him and that I just wanted it to be a total surprise for him.

I quickly got off the phone with Thing 1, as my husband, son and I all went into gales of laughter.

A few minutes later my husband called my daughter, only to have her say she'd have to call him back because she was on the phone with Nana (my mother), in Arkansas.

About 30 minutes later, my phone rang. An unnaturally cheerful Thing 1 said "Hi" and asked if I could talk. She proceeded to tell me that she had been busy when I called earlier and had only listened with half an ear, so she just wanted to clarify a few details of my plan (ladies - my heart just sank; where on earth has she learned to lie like this? lol! ) . After briefly going over my 'plan' again, I told her that her dad was wanting to talk to her.

He got on the phone and told her that she'd been punked! She was so relieved! She had called some of our best friends, to ask advice, but had to leave a message. Then she called my mother who was horrified at the predicament, and more than willing to leave it squarely in Thing 1's lap. They did finally decide that since my husband always makes plans and takes the family places, and I never do, that Thing 1 would tell him that he would have to cancel his plans - - and then she planned to hang up the phone and not answer it again. Thing 1 also strictly ordered Nana to 'know nothing about anything' just in case I called to let her in on my exciting plans.

After finishing up discussing and laughing about all the confusion, horror and dread she had experienced, ( she said one of her biggest points of confusion was how on earth I had managed to get the cabin - it's always reserved... and I just called and got it?) she suggested that, just for fun, I go ahead and call my mother to 'share' my special getaway plans with her ... just to get to watch her spit and sputter her way out of knowing anything!

Yep... I think Thing 1 may be a chip off the old block!

Muahahahahahaha!!!!!!

I've Been Tagged!!

2008-11-13T19:13:00.014-06:00

Heather, at Things Above, tagged me. I'm supposed to list 15 things that I'm not afraid to admit.

Heather thought this was fun... I'm not sure... well, here goes:

1. I'm 44.

2. I'm actually quite gray.... well, pure white, really.

3. I'm a 'smidgen' over the ideal weight for my height and body frame. (Whew! I crack myself up)

4. I don't like to watch sad movies or read sad books.

5. I can't watch a scary movie unless the sound is off.

6. My home probably wouldn't win a Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

7. I cannot whistle.

8. I have no lips ( okay, now that kind of hurt to admit).

9. I'm addicted to Coca~Cola. It's the REAL THING!!!

10. I'm uncomfortable meeting large groups (you know, anything over 2 or 3) of people.

11. I can't stand for pictures and mirrors to be even slightly uneven; I will fix them... anywhere.

12. I will attempt to break your arm if you screeeeeetch your fork on a plate near me.

13. I tried to crochet once and my mother and sister told me to stick with singing... or reading... or twiddling my thumbs! ( Gotta love that familial support, hmm?)

14. I'm a sap for old-fashioned, sappy, blissfully happy and everything-always-works-out- perfectly-in-the-end kind of books. Usually copyrighted in anywhere between 1850-1940.

15. My family sits around practicing the sinister, deep-throated, villainous 'muahahaha' laugh. In fact, my son is quite impressed with mine.

My job is almost done. Now, I am to tag 5 other, unsuspecting bloggers.

http://www.home-place.blogspot.com
http://www.theblakesthailand.blogspot.com
http://kayemercury.blogspot.com
http://connectingtotoday.blogspot.com
http://downinmylittlevalley.blogspot.com

Help My Awards Come Home

2008-11-13T19:02:00.009-06:00

Dear Edie, at Rich Gifts, presented me with three awards, on her blog. Unfortunately, they are still sitting there... I don't seem to be able to get them to come to my blog.

Please visit Edie's blog to see my awards.

I am currently accepting 'donations' to help bring my awards home.

LOL!!

Bridal Shots by Mama

2008-11-11T21:06:00.013-06:00

I want to share a few (of the thousands) of my daughter's bridal and wedding pictures.

These are actually shots I took while she was working with the professional photographer.

Over the next few days, I will share some of the professional, but unedited photographs, as well.

Laying in the hall of a huge, beautiful church in North Little Rock

She keeps 'messing up' the 'sultry' pose by grinning LOL!

It's too bad its a little blurry - I thought this was a
very sweet, candid picture.

I created her hat and birdcage veil and made her bridal bouquet and
bridesmaid bouquets (shown above).

Just a traditionally lovely stance

We like unusual shots

You really can't see it from this picture, but
this created an 'eternity' picture in all of the mirrors.

All fresh and perky, starting out the day
After 8 hours of running around North Little Rock, in 102* weather,
we dragged in like drowned rats.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-11T20:38:00.015-06:00

For today
November 11, 2008

Outside my window.. It's nighttime, cool and damp. Fall has finally made it to North Texas.

I am thinking... about the wonderful men and women who have served to protect our country and our liberty. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE FOR ME AND AND MY FAMILY.

I am thankful for... God's unending mercy and goodness toward me.

From the kitchen... savory, stuffed bell peppers.

I am wearing... dark red, short- sleeved ribbed t-shirt with sparklies around the neckline, dark blue denim, and black, sequined flip flop sandals.

I am creating... a home filled with love and hospitality... (hopefully).

I am going... to my Bible/book study.

I am reading... a lot of different books, along with a director's book for an interactive Christmas experience.

I am hoping... that it will snow for Christmas. (hey!! simple faith like a child.... !)

I am hearing... the television show my husband has on.

Around the house... trying to use my house to its best advantage for ministry.

One of my favorite things... all things Christmas!!!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: working on the Christmas event our church will be presenting this year.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Eclectic, mix-match of old dishes for Sunday lunch

If you would like to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook concept, or to read other daybooks, please visit The Simple Woman

Glimpses of Autumn from my home...

2008-11-04T21:51:00.001-06:00

Whirlwind Weekend

2008-11-02T18:29:00.015-06:00

Phew! I had a busy, but productive and enjoyable weekend.

Friday night was our church's Harvest of Blessings Festival. We arrived about 4:30 to begin the kitch en set up and to finalize details and left about 10:00, after totally clearing out the sanctuary.

Saturday was going to be a housecleaning day for me, but my husband called around 10:15 and asked me to join him at the church, where he was putting all of the instruments and sound back in order, after it all having been removed to make room for Friday night's fun. Sure.. a couple of hours? - no problem.

Once we got there, he decided to undo every wire that had ever been hooked up and totally revamp the wiring. Then he decided he wanted the platform arranged differently. Then he decided to change the layout of our seating; we use interlocking chairs, so it's fairly easy to change up things. Now, I'm not really fussing about it, because they were all excellent decisions - but it didn't equal a couple of hours.

During some part of all of this, one of the guitarists came in to help, so I ended up vacuuming while there were no chairs in the way, and doing a few other cleaning projects. We left a little after 5:00. It's been a while since I've spent most of Saturday working at the church. It was tiring , but felt good.

However, I had not cleaned at home, yet, and still had some shopping to do for Sunday dinner. So, after dropping off my husband and son, at the church again, for a 6:30 Youth service, I did a grocery run. I went home and began cleaning and preparin g for my daughter's birthday meal.

I decided to do a special dinner and brought out so me of my china, silver and antique glass serving pieces. I chose to use my mother-in-law's wedding china, Swirling Leaves, which I loved from the moment I laid eyes on it around 29 years ago.

She passed away a little over 2 years ago, so it was very special getting to make a beautiful tab le presentation with it. I love the simplicity and warmth of the place setting directly on the dark wood of the table. I wish I had taken a picture after the table was set and ready to serve. Hindsight, you know...sigh

The only bad part about using the 'good' stuff is that everything I used had to be washed by hand. Every dish, every bowl, every piece of silverware. Still, it was very rewarding as I washed each beautiful piece, to know that I was able to create a lovely birthday celebration for my equally lovely daughter.

It was a busy weekend, rather than a relaxing one, but it still was a good weekend.

Some of the fun from our Harvest of Blessings Festival

2008-11-01T10:32:00.018-05:00

I decorated the foyer. There is a scarecrow and bunch of
little blackbirds, haystacks and leaves in the
window sill

I manned the Pin the Hat on the Scarecrow game

A slightly older than normal participant
having to perform the 'scarecrow dance'
I created in order to disorient the players.
(Mhuahahahahaha, as myadhdme likes to say)

One older kid (not pictured) knew exactly
how to do it...you could see it in his eyes...
he saw the velcro... he was gonna cheat.
So, while we were 'doing the dance',
I just moved him out ever so slightly to a different area
so that he ended up pinning the hat on the doors
you see in the above picture.

His parents loved it!

The little cheerleader in the back thinks I look like
her Mimi. She attended last year and said the very same thing.
So I told her I didn't have any grandkids yet
and that she could call me Mimi if she wanted to.
( I have a son only about 5 years older than her!) LOL!

It was a great night. We are seeing repeat visitors from different
outreaches and we're being able to connect with some of them
in other ways and times.

God is good!

Ultimate Beauty Tips

2008-10-28T20:55:00.008-05:00

For beautiful eyes:

look for the good in others

For beautiful lips:

speak only words of kindness

For poise:

walk with the knowledge that yo u are never alone.

Tips from the classic and timeless beauty, the legendary actress, Audrey Hepburn.

You commented... I LISTENED

2008-10-28T17:59:00.010-05:00

Okay... I've listened to you, and I'm already making changes on my brand-new blog, just for your convenience and enjoyment... that's just the kind of person I am : )

My research statistics have proven that 1 out of 10 of you do not like the comment verification (even though it's there for my good, to protect my interests, yada yada) .

Let's take a moment to break down that statistic: 1 out 10. If there were a thousand people, that would mean that 100 of you didn't like/couldn't manipulate the verification feature - that's a lot of people. If there were 100 people involved in the research, that would mean that 10 of them were uncomfortable -for a blog, that's still a sizable number.

Now, let's break it down to the brass tacks - if we examine it a little closer, you will see that I have had exactly 10 comments at this point (the basis of my research statistic), so that means that ONE of you cannot handle the verification feature.

In trying to be like Christ in all aspects of my life, the shepherd who went after the one straggly sheep ... for ONE, I will no longer use the comment verification safety precaution.

Because... that's just the kind of person I am ; )

It has nothing to do with the fact that I, too, cannot read the fuzzy, squiggly little lines and have also lost comments into internet oblivion... it's all for you. Really.

It's Here!!

2008-10-28T06:24:00.001-05:00

Well...what do you think? Isn't it great?!!?

This incredible design is by Edie at Rich Gifts. Stop by her Graphics blog to see all the great ways she can spruce up and help your blog. She'll even show you how to link.

Thanks so much, Edie, for all your hard work, for working through my almost incomprehensible thoughts and putting together the perfect blog design for my site! You're awesome!!

I don't have time this morning to write a proper blog... and... I haven't been able to fill in all the blanks on what this blog is going to be about, but come back later and see me again, and I'll fill you in.

New blog coming soon

2008-10-18T22:51:00.001-05:00

Coming soon