• The Not So Good: I had my yearly "womanly" exam this week. I hate doing this so much that I really only go every two years. My OB told me today that he could right an entire book for each of my pregnancies. Eventful? Why, yes, they were. Another post for another day.
• The Good: Life Groups were at our house and we had a great time of fellowship and good food.
• The Better: I exercised every day this week. I talked to my sister on the phone for awhile and that is always a wonderful part of my week. She's a nut and always makes me laugh. The kids and I went to Tupelo and visited Elvis' birthplace and went shopping at the mall. We found Easter dresses and other spring/summer clothes and ...
• The Best: My kids are finished with their testing. Yahoo and Yippee!

Labels: Weekly Reflection

• Name six things in your refrigerator.

1. Orange juice

2. taco sauce

3. leftover spaghetti pie

4. left-over Mexican soup

5. cheese

6. broccoli

• Name six things in your freezer.

1. blueberries

2. Frozen pizza

3. Bluebell Great Divide

4. Pecans

5. tiny lima beans

6. strawberries

• Name six things under your kitchen sink.

1. Ivory dishwashing liquid

2. trashbags

3. Cascade 2-1

4. cheap vases

5. paper towels

6. straws

• Name six things around your computer.

1. a framed picture of my kids

2. printer

3. the book "Be Ye Transformed"

4. pencil holder full of pens

5. papers

6. a rocking chair

• Name six things in your medicine cabinet.

1. Advil

2. Claritan

3. Tylenol Cold

4. Band-aids

5. Rubbing alcohol

6. Hydrogen peroxide

• Name six things on or around your nightstand.

1. Bible 2. Alarm Clock 3. Books 4. Notebook 5. Lamp 6. Box of kleenex

• I will tag Judi and Jodi--just because their names are so much alike!

Labels: Meme

I had always wanted to have a "You are special today" plate, but had never been able to find any I could afford. I have the unusual problem of needing two of them and so I was thrilled when I found these 50% off at a local "Tuesday Morning" type store. Two for the price of one! Yahoo! So, now I can hardly wait for an excuse to make someone special for the day! I plan to use them mostly for birthdays, but also for any special achievement, or honor, or whatever, comes along. We have birthdays coming up in May and June and then the twins and I have ours in September. I'm so excited (it doesn't take much)!

Labels: Fun

Labels: Kids

Labels: Just Me

After achievement tests and a totally unplanned lunch at Backyard Burger with daddy, we took a spontaneous trip down the road to Tupelo, Mississippi! We decided we needed some new Easter duds and headed out! This had to be a whirl-wind trip because we were leaving town at noon and had to be back in town by 6 pm. We had a fine time shopping for new spring clothes--well, except that time in the dressing room when I had to face the fact that I needed a larger size in my dress--you can only suck in so far, you know!On the way there we pulled off at the Elvis birthplace exit. I am such an Elvis fan and I know it is not hip and cool to be an Elvis fan, but I can't help it. It's in my genes. K is a big fan too, only she prefers to keep it a secret--oops, guess I screwed that up! Sorry K.

Labels: Family, Homeschool, Kids

This is A after one of his basketball games! He looks worn out to me--almost like he's so tired he could fall asleep right there in his chair. Here is a picture of M with Seth Franco, the former Harlem Globe-trotter that performed at our Upwards ceremony. I think they kind of look alike! Is it just me?

Labels: Kids

1. What time did you get up this morning?About 4:30 AM (could NOT sleep)
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Amazing Grace--and you should too!
4. What is your favorite TV show? I don't have one unless you count House Hunters.
5. What did you have for breakfast? A banana and a glass of milk (typical for me)
6. What is your middle name? Not telling (but it rhymes with my last name!)
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian ( and I'm lactose intolerant-not the best combination.)
8. What foods do you dislike? SEAFOOD
9. What are your favorite chips? Crunchy Cheetos
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Hmm, couldn't tell you--maybe Chris Tomlin, Arriving
11. What kind of car do you drive? mini-van
12. Favorite sandwich? grilled hamburger with pineapple, Swiss, and mayo
13. What are characteristics you can’t stand? self-centeredness and the "Life stinks" mentality
14. What are your favorite clothes? jeans and t-shirts
15. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would you go?Europe--specifically England, Germany, France, and Italy
16. Where is sixteen? Way back in 1984!
17. Where would you want to retire? There are two M states I am particularly fond of.
18. Favorite time of day? When my husband gets home from work!
19. Where were you born? The same town in Missouri that Charlene from Designing Women was "from"!
20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball
21. Coke or Pepsi? Most definitely Coke--it's the Real Thing.
22. Beavers or ducks? I would have to say ducks--not sure why though
23. Are you a morning person or a night owl? night owl
24. Pedicure or manicure?Both, but I've only had it done one time in my life
25. What did you want to be when you were little? a teacher
26. What is your best childhood memory?Playing with my sister and cousin and swimming in the river.
27. Ever been to Africa?No
28. Ever been toilet papering? No
29. Been in a car accident? No
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. It used to be Sunday, but now they are too busy!
31. Favorite restaurant? Semi-Locally, Cracker Barrel. Of all time? Tomato Street in Spokane, Washington
32. Favorite flower? Daisies
33. Favorite ice-cream? Blue-Bell's Mocha Almond Fudge
34. Favorite fast food restaurant? Would Pizza Hut count as fast food?
35. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? I made 100 % the 1st time, believe it or not.
36. From whom did you get your last email? Mike B
37. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Not a single one.
38. Last person you went to dinner with? My family
39. What are you listening to right now? Nothing
40. What is your favorite color? Green
41. How many tattoos do you have?None
42. How many are you sending this Email to?None
43. What time did you finish this e-mail blog entry? 7:02 AM
44. Favorite magazine? Taste of Home
45. Coffee or tea? Iced sweet tea
46. Do you tan easily or burn easily? I burn once, then tan.
47. Do you color your hair? I'm a fake blond.
48. What was the first car you ever purchased without the help of your parents? I never purchased one on my own. My husband and I bought a brand new black 1990 Chevy Cavalier after we got married--stick shift.
49. What is your most dreaded household chore? cleaning the bathrooms
50. Who do you tag to complete this meme? Anyone who reads this and wants to do it!

    *About #29 --" been in a car accident?"--I truly forgot, but, really, we never saw that train coming...that's all I'm sayin'.

    

Labels: Meme

I have been tagged by Carrie for this fun 3 Things Meme!

• 3 Things I am scared of:
• 1. Fires
• 2. Cancer
• 3. Snakes
• 3 People that Make me Laugh:
• 1. Lucille Ball
• 2. Boomama
• 3. my husband
• 3 Things I Love:
• 1. My Family/Friends
• 2. My home
• 3. My iPod
• 3 Things I Hate:
• 1. confrontation
• 2.Back-talk/Bickering
• 3. Seafood
• 3 Things I Don’t Understand:
• 1. Abortion
• 2. Politics
• 3. Homework
• 3 Things On My Desk:
• 1. picture of my kids
• 2. an alarm clock
• 3. a glass of Mountain Dew ( my hubby's drink of choice)
• 3 Things I am Doing Right Now:
• 1. wondering why I am up so early
• 2. wondering why I am drinking said glass of Mountain Dew
• 3. wracking my brain to come up with these answers
• 3 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
• 1. Visit all 50 states
• 2. See my great grandchildren grow up! I want to be good and old before I die!
• 3. Own a Mustang
• 3 Things I Can Do:
• 1. Emboss
• 2. Cross-stitch
• 3. Read music
• 3 Things I Can’t Do:
• 1. Ice Skate
• 2. Whistle
• 3. Cart-wheel
• 3 Things You Should Listen To:
• 1. Chris Tomlin
• 2. Your parents/spouse
• 3. The Holy Spirit
• 3 Things You Should Never Listen To:
• 1. the devil
• 2. busy-bodies
• 3. pessimists
• 3 Things I’d Like To Learn:
• 1. How to make a quilt
• 2. How to sleep when I'm away from home
• 3. How to better save money
• 3 Favorite Foods:
• 1. Pizza
• 2. Fried Chicken
• 3. Ice-cream (I'm a health-nut, I am)
• 3 Shows I Watched As A Kid:
• 1. Dukes of Hazzard
• 2. Speed Racer
• 3. Little House on the Prairie/The Waltons

And I tag..Coach J and Mandalyn--welcome to the blogging world!

Labels: Meme

I stand amazed at how fast the weeks fly by. Every week it seems like I had just posted this when it's time to do it again! This really has helped me be more organized and we are eating better! Thanks so much to the organizing junkie for hosting! Go on over and check out some other menus!

• Monday- We are having left-overs today because my frig is packed to the gills. It always seems to be on Mondays!
• Tuesday- I think I will fix ham and beans with cornbread today. I never fix this and I've got a "hankerin" for it! (That's a southern term, in case you were wondering. Hankering: to have a desire for, to want in a bad way. That's my definition, anyway!
• Wednesday- Fellowship meal at church--BBQ chicken this week.
• Thursday-Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, and some kind of vegetable--maybe corn.
• Friday-I must really be in a bean mood this week because I have Mexican soup planned. It's another one of those recipes that I really should share because it's so good and easy!
• Saturday-left-overs--yes, again

Think I'll just share that recipe now--even though spring/summer is probably not the best time to post a soup recipe. I promise that you will love it though.

Mexican Soup

1 lb ground beef (or up to 1 1/2 lbs.)

1 onion, chopped

1 can shoe peg corn

1 can yellow hominy

1 can pinto beans

1 can black beans

2 cans mild Ro-tel

1 jar (24 oz) mild Picante sauce

1 12oz can V-8

Brown meat and onion. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 1 hr (or could put in the crock pot). Serve with Frito's, sour cream, and cheese.

Enjoy!

Labels: Menu Plan Mondays

Labels: Our Home

• Monday-We had an appointment with the school principal. She was so sweet and made the kids feel very comfortable about going next year. They are truly excited.
• Tuesday-The weather was great and I enjoyed a nice long walk at the riverwalk with my dear friend. And you should see the beautiful wisteria blooming in my yard. If I wasn't so lazy right now, I would go take a picture and post it!
• Wednesday- This was the day that B's brother called and said his stepson was very ill. I am so happy to report that he went home yesterday, completely back to normal. His blood has been sent all over the place to try to determine exactly what happened. They are even questioning a stroke now. We are just believing that God healed him! He is completely capable, THAT we know!
• Thursday-Errands--need I say more?
• Friday-I was so busy on Friday, that I only got to sit at the computer for about thirty minutes--can you imagine? I had two meals to coordinate for a lady in our church who just had a baby, a house to clean for company and Life Groups, a trip to Belk's for some gift buying--and a little shopping for A and M, and multiple other boring chores. I did, actually, get to sit with my family in the evening and watch "Flicka". It was a good movie--clean.
• Today, we have a birthday party and a ballgame in the afternoon, and company is coming for dinner, and I have a meal to deliver to the other side of town. Oh, and we got so much accomplished with our review this week that I feel really good about the kids testing next week!

I wanted to mention that a couple of my kirl-friends (know in real life) found my blog this week! I hadn't told a soul about this little online obsession until I opened my big mouth last weekend about the Beth Moore blog and one of my friends said, "Oh, I read that..and Boomama.net." I said, "You know Boomama?" and from then on, there was no hiding the fact that I had a blog. I tried to be very secretive, but they both found me this week! So, hello to Jenny and Amanda--I love you guys! Now keep your mouths shut!

(I do have plans of sharing with other people about my blog, but want to wait until I get my new blog design from Susie!) Have a great week everyone!

Labels: Weekly Reflection

So, this was the week I had put aside to review the school year and prepare for achievement tests. I, of course, am the only one in the household nervous about this. Not one single child has the decency to be concerned! All three kids will be going to school next week in order to take the SAT. Our private, Christian school has very kindly let us do that a couple times now. Every year, I am a nervous wreck (in a joyful kind of way, of course) and pack as much review into the week as I can. I go to BAM (Books a Million) and buy the practice test books for their respective grades and we go through the whole thing. I am able to see areas they are weaker in and the ones they are excelling in. Of course, all this ever really tells me is what I already knew about each child. One struggles with math and spelling, another struggles with parts of speech, etc. When you are a homeschooling mom, you tend to know these things pretty easily. And with just a week, there isn't much time to do anything about the weaker areas anyway. So, I must just leave it to the Lord, knowing that I have done my best and it's too late to fret now. If I was going to fret, I should have done it much, much sooner! :) I will feel so much better Monday when I know there is nothing else I can do. I will get up early, drive them to school (good practice for next year), pray for them on the way, drop them off, and leave it all in God's hands. Which is exactly what I should be doing at this moment--leaving it in God's hands, I mean!

Labels: Homeschool, Kids

I wanted to ask you all to please pray for Addison. She is Sarah's little girl. She was diagnosed with RSV a few days ago and needs our prayers. If you don't know, RSV is a very serious respiratory virus-- can be especially serious with babies. Both of my twins had it when they were 3 months old and one was hospitalized and still suffers with asthma because of it to this day. You can go here for more information on Addison. The link is to her grandmother's blog. Addison has already had her share of troubles and we need to pray for this precious child! Thanks again.

Labels: Prayer

Thirteen Famous People I Would Like to Hang With (past or present). 1. Elvis Presley--My family would know this about me. I can't help it--he was the best! I get "All Shook Up" just thinking about it! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) 2. Billy Graham--The greatest evangelist of all time--in my opinion, and many others. My mom watched his specials every time they came on TV. I always remember hearing, "Just As I Am." 3. George W. Bush--I have loved him from the start. Tell me he wouldn't be fun to hang out with. (No political comments, please!) 4. Lisa Welchel-- technically, I've met her, but she would never remember that. I was able to hear her speak in October. She autographed my book and posed for a picture with me. We talked blogging--for 5 seconds or so! 5. Beth Moore--She is so wise, yet so fun. I was so glad she started a blog--now I feel like I have inside info. 6. The person who invented Coca-Cola. I want to thank him/her. 7. Elisabeth Elliot--another very wise woman whom I could learn so much from. 8. Abraham Lincoln--just seems like he would be so interesting. I love his story of much failure before great success. 9. Bill/Gloria Gaither--I would love to meet the genius behind songs like "He Touched Me", "Because He Lives", "The King is Coming", and "How Great Thou Art". 10. Mark Lowry--wouldn't that be hilarious! What a funny guy and he can sing too. He wrote the Christmas song, "Mary, Did You Know?" 11. Brooke Shields--This may seem a little strange when looking at the other names on my list but I have always thought she was so beautiful and I, too, have suffered from post-part um depression and we would have things to talk about. 12. Celia Murphree--This was my husbands great-great-great Grandmother. She was a Civil War heroine (the confederate side--she was from Alabama) and I would love to hear her account of what she did to earn a horse from General Nathan Bedford Forrest. 13. Jesus--This really goes without saying. I wasn't going to put Him at all because, with me, that's a given and technically, I do know Him. But, since He really did walk on this earth, in human form, I will put Him on this list because, really, what could be better? And, by the way, He's the only one of the thirteen that I know for sure I will meet face to face someday!

Labels: Thursday 13

Thank y'all so much for your prayers for our nephew. We have heard this morning that the doctors are pretty sure he had a stroke. He was finally able to speak in the middle of the night (although it was still difficult for him to form words) and let everyone know what had happened. He said that he lost his hearing and eyesight on one side and was having trouble talking. This scared him, so he went to the nurses office. By the time he got there he was completely unable to speak coherently, so no one knew what was going on. He is having an MRI today to see if they can find out why this happened. It does not seem that he will have any lasting effects from this stroke. We are just praying that this was a one time "fluke" thing and he will never have to deal with it again. Thanks, again, for your prayers and concern. We appreciate it!

Labels: Family, Prayer

Our nephew, who is 14, has been med-evacuated to a children's hospital three hours from his home. We are not sure what is wrong at this point but he is speaking incoherently and has other strange symptoms. His symptoms started shortly after lunch while he was at school. He has had a cat scan and spinal tap and they have not shown anything wrong. Please pray that we will find out what it going on and that it will be treatable and not serious. And please pray that his parents will have peace and that this might be used to bring them to the Lord. (This is my hubby's brother's step-son) Thank you so much!

Labels: Family, Prayer

Ok, my husband went here and answered the questions and sent them in and now he won't tell me his answers and I don't like it! Not one little bit, I don't!

Labels: Just Me

Well, it looks like I have been tagged for a meme! I love to do these! Thanks, Gail, my fellow Mississippian, for the tag! The object of this meme is to list 7 songs you are really into right now. That's it! So, here are mine:

1. She Loved--Jeff and Sheri Easter
2. Alive Forever, Amen--Travis Cottrell
3. Shackles--Mary Mary
4. If We Are the Body--Casting Crowns
5. My Savior My God--Aaron Shust
6. Indescribable--Chris Tomlin
7. My Eyes Adored You--Frankie Valli (something from the secular world for a change)

Ok, I will tag a couple: Annie and Carrie--go for it!

Labels: Meme

Everyone wants it and we all need it. Encouragement! That seems to be the cry around Bloggyville lately! I read this post and this post and was so upset by the whole situation. I tend to agree with Sarah when she says, in much nicer words, to keep your mouth shut if you can't say something nice! (She almost quit blogging because of some things that were said in comments). Wouldn't we all be well-served to heed these wise words? What in the world makes us think we have the right to speak unkindly to our Christian sisters--or anyone else for that matter--including our families? Why is it that criticism seems to fall out of our mouths so much easier than encouragement? I know that I am sometimes much quicker to criticize than to encourage, especially with my children and husband. We would do well to learn that encouragement goes much farther than criticism does to change things. Let's do take the time today to be an encourager and lift up everyone we come in contact with. Wouldn't the world--and the blogging community be a much better place? I know that the vast majority of Christian women bloggers are very encouraging, and I have never received an ugly comment, but I am going to give it an extra effort today! I hope you will too! I leave you with this quote and a Bible scripture I found:

Labels: Faith

This is only a test! Thank you to Annie for my new signature! Very cool! I love it!

Labels: Just Me

We just bought tickets to the Mercy Me concert that will be in our area soon! The twins are so excited because they have never been to a concert before! It will be a nice little treat for us--we are going with a few other families from church! I can hardly wait... I could pass on Audio Adrenaline, who is travelling with them, but Aaron Shust is a favorite of mine and I can't wait to hear him! In other riveting news, we had our interview with the elementary principal today. A and M sat there so politely and the only things they ever said were, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am " (We're from the south, we do that! I remember when we lived in Washington state that my children were the ONLY ones who had been trained to do that. I certainly wasn't trained to say Ma'am and Sir. One time, I said "yes, sir" to my dad and he thought I was being a smart alek! Isn't that funny? I wasn't being a smart alek at all). Was that the most words you have ever seen in parentheses before? Anyway, the interview was fine--kind of non-essential if you ask me, but the kids did enjoy hearing about their schedule --you know--lunch, recess, etc. And speaking of educational things, I just finished re-reading The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. If you haven't read any of her books, I highly recommend them. I practically never re-read books--this is the second one EVER --besides the Bible. So, I enjoyed it again--and would probably read it yet again. I just started a book my friend gave me called Middlemarch. It is a hugely thick book with lots of big words and the first few pages have been hard to get into. But, to tell the truth, my hubby wasn't exactly letting me concentrate on it! My policy is to give it 50 pages--if it's not interesting to me by then, it's not worth reading! Have a great Tuesday everyone! Enjoy your spring!

Labels: Fun

• Monday- fried tenderized deer steaks, macaroni and tomatoes, peas
• Tuesday-taco salad ( a warm-weather favorite around here) and chocolate cake
• Wednesday-fellowship meal at church--I think its hamburger steak and gravy--not my favorite, but I'm not cooking!
• Thursday-We will have the chicken and rice soup that I didn't get around to last week!
• Friday-Left-over day
• Saturday- I want to have company and grill hamburgers, make potato salad, and baked beans! ( I have a great, unusual recipe for baked beans that I will post below--scrumptious)

Have a great week everyone and for more great plans go see Laura's site!

Amanda's Baked Beans

2 large cans Bush's Original Baked Beans

1/3 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 regular sized can pineapple chunks, including some juice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 of an onion, chopped

1 package smoked sausage, sliced

Mix all ingredients together and bake at 425 degrees for 30-45 minutes until heated though!

These are delicious and the pineapple, cinnamon, and sausage make a wonderful flavor!

Enjoy!

Labels: Menu Plan Mondays

Labels: Weekly Reflection

Well, we think M may have broken her finger. The x-rays were inconclusive and I have my doubts, but she sure has been complaining a lot, and M is generally not a whiney hiney! She was running through the woods and across a little bridge we have on our property and tripped. Her finger got caught between two boards and bent backwards. She said it was hard to breathe right afterward from the pain. The doctor splinted it and wants us back in two weeks, but I doubt we go, and I doubt she wears the splint that long. I really think they were just covering their bases, and it's just bruised! M is enjoying the attention in the meanwhile!

Labels: Health/Fitness, Kids

I just got new tennis shoes! I just got new tennis shoes! I seem excited, don't I? Well, I am being hopeful this time. I must have become a shoe snob because this is the third pair I have bought in the past 6 months. The other two have hardly been worn because they just couldn't compare to the pair I already had at home. I wore the other two pair in the store for a while and I thought they were going to be fine but as soon as I got them home--YUCK! One pair walked my sock completely off my foot-- not to mention the blisters I got from the other pair! Well, today, I spent way too much money (sorry, honey) and bought some that came highly recommended. So far--so good! I am going to wear them in the house for a couple of days just to make sure but I am thinking these might be the ones. I had a foot injury nearly two years ago while visiting NYC. I walked so much in shoes without good support that I ended up with a plantar problem ( I know you wanted to know). I had pretty much gotten that taken care of by buying new shoes. Those shoes have worn out now, though, and my foot has been hurting again every time I exercise. So, wish me luck with these new ones...I sure hope they work!

Labels: Just Me

I saw this meme over at Susan's and thought it looked like fun!

*Answer each question in 3 words--no more; no less.

1. Where is your cell phone? In purse, dead
2. Boyfriend/girlfriend? I am married.
3. Hair? fake blonde, thick
4. Your mother? She's in heaven.
5. Your father? He's in Florida.
6. Your favorite item(s)? Bible, ring, photographs
7. Your dream last night? Did I dream?
8. Your favorite drink? Coke in can
9. Your dream guy/girl? I married him.
10. The room you are in? The sun room
11. Your fear? cancer, being alone
12. What do you want to be in 10 years? Whatever God wants.
13. Who did you hang out with last night? Husband and kids
14. What are you not? sophisticated, gorgeous, wealthy
15. Are you in love? Yes, I am
16. One of your wish list items? granite counter tops
17. What time is it? It's 1:51 pm
18. The last thing you did? Answer daughter's question.
19. What are you wearing? sweats, green shirt
20. Your favorite book? The Holy Bible
21. The last thing you ate? Pasta, Hershey's Nuggets
22. Your life? I am content
23. Your mood? Please, see above
24. Your friends? They are true.
25. What are you thinking about right now? Finishing this meme.
26. Your car? brown pontiac montana
27. What are you doing at this moment? Um, that's easy.
28. Your summer? hot, refreshing, fun
29. Your relationship status? see number 9
30. What is on your tv screen? Bob Jones English
31. When is the last time you laughed? 20 minutes ago
32. Last time you cried? On Monday afternoon
33. School? Have bachelor's degree

Labels: Meme

Please go visit this post at my friend Annie's site. Her youngest daughter was a near-drowning victim and she has posted the touching story of the tragedy that struck their lives a few years ago. Since Summer is right around the corner and the swimming season will soon begin, please take the time to read this! She gives information we can all use--it could save a life.

Labels: Health/Fitness

Last night, we had our awards ceremony for Upwards Basketball. I had such mixed feelings about the whole thing. I am so glad it's over and I am so sad it's over. Glad because I will have my husband and kids back home on Tuesday nights. Sad because I will have my husband and kids home on Tuesday night. Make sense? I have enjoyed my alone time but I have also felt like our family has had too little time together. I will also miss the Saturday ballgames--the kids had such a great time playing and I enjoyed watching them--except for the occasional injury! But, then again, we haven't had a Saturday at home since early January and we are behind on our yard work, etc. We are celebrating our first free Saturday next week by going out of town for a day of shopping, movie going, eating out, and birthday party attending. Then, the next week will be devoted to the yard! It will be nice to have the whole day at home together. Are we the only ones that never seem to get that? Anyway, the ceremony was great. We had a former Harlem Globetrotter's player, named Seth Franco, come as the guest. He can do things with a basketball like you wouldn't believe. You can go here to see a great video! I know many a child went home with visions of basketball- spinning fame running through their heads. At one point during his show, he had 8-10 people come out of the stands to help him "warm up". He picked several children and a few adults. Seth had them stand in a circle around him and he would throw the basketball to them and they were supposed to throw it back--only he would try to trick them and throw it where he wasn't looking or something like that. Imagine his surprise when he threw the ball to one man and this man puts on a show of basketball tricks. Obviously, this was totally unexpected and the look on Seth's face was priceless--like--"Who is this man showing me up at my own show?" They did a little duel thing and it was great. Seth kept saying, "Who is this guy?" The guy happened to be a local guy who had a daughter playing ball--it was pretty funny. After the show, they gave out a bunch of great door prizes. My daughter, M., won a CD player (which she ended up giving to a girl who didn't have one. M. just won an iPod last month and already has a stereo). My husband received the award for "Most Christ-like Coach". I'm very proud and he definitely deserved it. He worked hard with those kids. He actually coached two teams and was a referee. For not being a minister, he definitely has a minister's heart-- and he ministered to those kids every week. They loved him. (and so do I) And except for the little incident of my son being chased around the gym by a half a dozen girls, we all had a great time (My son was beyond embarrassed) . I am looking forward to doing it all again next year! If you have Upwards in your area and have never participated, I highly recommend it! You and your kids will love it! Have a great day y'all!

Labels: Family

• Monday-We have a refrigerator full of leftovers--and when I say full--I mean to overflowing. We must clean it out--TODAY!
• Tuesday-I have new deer meat in the freezer and I am going to make myself fix it. I am not crazy about it but the rest of the family likes it. My unselfish act for the day will be to fry up some venison. Not sure what I am fixing to go with it yet!
• Wednesday- Fried chicken night at church--my favorite!
• Thursday-We didn't get to the meatloaf last week so I am going to fix those today. We always have this with mashed potatoes, corn, and broccoli.
• Friday-I have a hankering for home-made chicken and rice soup. We love it. I would share the recipe except I don't have one--I just do what looks right. I have made it so many times, I don't think about the amounts--I just "eye" everything.
• Saturday-Today is the birthday of my friend's daughter and we are invited for the big 2nd birthday shin-dig! Supper is included and I am guessing, with this weather, that they will be grilling burgers! Can't wait!

I hope y'all have a really great week and that God is with you in a special way this week! Oh, and before I forget, go here for more fantastic menu plans.

Labels: Menu Plan Mondays

Labels: Weekly Reflection

I'm sure no one would blame me... I couldn't possibly make my kids sit at the table and do school-work today. It is 75 degrees and sunny and absolutely spring-like outside! I told the twins to do two lessons in math, write the final draft for their Tall-Tale, and head outside for the remainder of the day. My only requirement for outside was that they weed the flower bed across the front of the house. It didn't take too long and they were only too glad to oblige! They have been playing 'air-force' all day and taking poor lizards as prisoners-of-war. It has been wonderful to watch while sitting in my rocker on the front porch. We just needed a "chill" day and it's been heavenly. K. did two lessons in Algebra and then told me she wasn't feeling well. She has been lying on the couch all day. My poor baby!

Labels: Kids

Do you ever struggle with feeling weary? Do you feel like, as a Christian, you shouldn't be feeling that way? So many times, Christians are just tempted to quit. We get fed up with doing all the right things and feeling like it's all for naught. The Bible says: "And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." Galatians 6:9 (Amp). Weariness comes from working hard at something and not seeing any results. We wonder why we are not seeing the fruits of our labors. Why is that loved one not responding to the Gospel? Why is our teen-ager still rebelling? Will my spouse ever be saved? Will God ever heal my friend? We set our own time-table and wonder if God knows what He is doing. Why do I bother, we might ask. Rest assured that God knows what He is doing--He knows when to do it and how to do it. He sees the eternal picture--one that we cannot see. He is always on time and He is never late. We must trust Him in this. Jesus said that if we continue in doing right, we will reap. That is a promise. My encouragement for you today is to take courage. When you feel like you can't go on, let Jesus carry the load for awhile. Rest in Him, build up your strength by staying in His Word and in prayer, listen to some worship music, and remember that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ our Lord. He will give you rest when you need it and He will walk beside you all the way--He'll even pick you up and carry you in His arms if He needs too. After all, He is your Father and He cares so much! The harvest is coming, my friends. My Father said so.

Labels: Faith

For those who were wanting the Chicken Spaghetti recipe--here's mine. Jeana over at Days to Come also posted one today--it is considerably different from mine!

Labels: Food

I heard some of the greatest quotes to use for parenting this weekend and I thought I would share them with you. There are a couple that are new to me and a couple that are old and I use all the time.

• "Life is hard, but it's even harder when you're stupid." OK, I know some parents may not think this appropriate to tell their kids--might injure their self-esteem and all--but I tend to think that it might be good for some kids to hear regularly. The speaker at our church used it Sunday--loved it!
• "The axis of the world does not run through the center of your head." Dave Ramsey says this now and then and I think it's a memorable way to let your kids know they are not the center of everything.
• "You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in." My mom said this to us all the time and my kids have heard it more times than they ever cared too!
• "Life's not fair--Deal with it!" I would bet most of us use this one but it is so nice when our kids finally figure that one out!

Another funny from my niece to her mother: "Mom, what do you call that thing that goes over your shoulders and holds your 'muscles' up?" She was speaking of a br*a, of course! Too cute!

We had such a beautiful day! I love this time of year. Hope your day was nice as well!

Labels: Kids

It's time for Menu Plan again. I have enjoyed doing this but I have to admit that I strayed a little from my last menu! Who could resist a steak dinner when the menu called for roast beef in the crock pot?

Here's the plan for this week:

• Monday-- We're having chicken spaghetti tonight and I am looking forward to it. This recipe calls for Rotel and Velveeta cheese--it delish!
• Tuesday--I'm afraid we are having left-over chicken spaghetti because the recipe makes plenty and it is very good the second time around!
• Wednesday--This is the night of our fellowship meal at church. This week it is Taco Salad and Banana Pudding! Yum--that's one of my fave's! (Fried chicken is my no. 1 )
• Thursday--Little Cheddar Meatloaves, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and corn
• Friday--Stuffed shells, salad, garlic toast
• Saturday--I'm not real sure yet but I am thinking about coconut chicken.

We really enjoyed the Ritzy chicken from last week--I just finished the last of the left-overs tonight! Yum--A. wasn't crazy about it and he was the one who made it--the rest of us loved it.

Hope you all have a great week. Thanks to Laura for hosting--we so appreciate it! God bless you all and come back and visit sometime. I'd love to get to know you!

Labels: Menu Plan Mondays

1. Chinese on Sunday for lunch, a nice pot-luck at our house after Life-groups
2. Since I felt bad Monday, I was so glad someone left a whole bucket of KFC for supper.
3. Tuesday, I had my fake blonde put in. That probably made my hubby happier than anyone as he hates my "skunk-stripe"!
4. Wednesday and Thursday were big errand days and I am so glad I got a lot done!
5. Friday we went for a nice steak dinner--we even let the kids order steak--that's a big treat around here. Except for the bug crawling in M.'s salad, we had a wonderful time and had a nice discount to boot!
6. Today, we finished up a big fundraiser for Teen Bible Quiz and that makes me very happy! Both of the twins scored several times in their respective games and that made them happy and me very proud!

Have a great week!

Labels: Weekly Reflection

1. I Love Coke--OK, so that's not interesting and I don't know how secret--but I refuse to go a single day without it. I can't--I need it--it needs me--an addiction maybe! I will go to any length to get it...
2. My hubby is a pilot and we have lived in a lot of different places--including the coldest place in the US (this is my opinion)--North Dakota. I still have a hard time believing anyone enjoys that kind of brutal weather! We have also lived in Washington state--which I would gladly go back to--in spite of my southern roots. We have also spent some time in Oklahoma, Texas, and California! My hubby, being the actual military member, has been all over the world--places like Spain, Italy, England, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Saudi (of course), and many, many others! Am I jealous of all his travels? A RESOUNDING 'YES'! Do I think he owes me a few trips? ANOTHER RESOUNDING 'YES'
3. We have experienced the still birth of a daughter and 14 months later, the birth of twins. The birth and subsequent death of our daughter ( which was completely unexpected) was excruciatingly painful. The birth of our twins was exhilarating and restorative. Only God can do something so big and so wonderful that you feel 'healed' from your pain in an instant! We love Jesus around here--and unashamedly so--if you need a friend or a comforter--He will stick closer to you than a brother!
4. Ok- I can't leave out that we are a home-schooling family. We have been for 10 years. I have loved every minute of it until this year when I felt like it was time for a change. Our kids are enrolled in a private Christian school for next year and they are very excited! I have a 9th grader and two 4th graders.

God bless you all and enjoy the PAR-TAY! I hope to get around to visiting you all this week! It's going to be fun. Head over to 5 Minutes For Mom to find all the participants and the PRIZES!

Ps. For a picture of me go here. For a picture of where I live, go here.

Labels: Fun

This is the fire pit my cousin just had put in at her house. I want one! I'm practically drooling for one and I have the perfect spot for it right here in my very own yard. I took a picture just so I could show a landscaper exactly what I wanted--when we ever get the money for such luxuries!!!

Labels: Family

I have some of the cutest nieces and nephews in the world--a whole passel of them. I have one, though, who ALWAYS makes me laugh. She will be 5 in May and has the prettiest long, curly red hair you've ever seen. She also has a mind that works like no one's I've ever known! The other day, during my regular Sunday phone visit with my sister, she shared Rachel's latest "funny"-- My sister had just come inside from taking a walk when she saw Rachel with a giant, capital "R" written on the top of one foot and a giant, capital "L" written on the other foot. Here's the conversation that followed:

• Sister: "Rachel, why did you write on your feet?--You know better."
• Rachel: " Well, Charity and I were playing Twister and I thought if I wrote it on my feet then I would only have to figure it out once."

Apparently, she was annoying Charity with taking forever to know which foot to move. I can just see her trying to figure out which foot was which! Another time Rachel started talking about- ahem... bodily functions.. while sitting at the dinner table. She and Caleb, her brother, were having fun saying things like "poot" and "poop". You know how kids are... Anyway, my sister said, "Kids we do NOT talk about these kinds of things anywhere except the bathroom--it is not appropriate." A minute later my sister heard Rachel say, "Hey Caleb, you wanna go in the bathroom and talk about it!" What a hoot! I love her!

Labels: Family