Project 365 - Week 5

It's week 5 for Project 365!!!  Hope you guys are still doing good with it.  I did much better this week about getting my camera out of my purse!  Sundays seem to be the hardest day for me because we are constantly on the go till bed time!  What is the hardest day for you?

Here's my week:

Sunday

This is what my kitchen looked like as I was turning off my light to go to bed!

Monday

Aahhhhhhhh!!!

That is much better!!

But I have to say that it is really a pain to come home from working, where I cook and clean dishes, to having to clean your horribly dirty kitchen....then cook dinner!

I hope I have learned my lesson!!!

Tuesday

We had an ice day and got the rare chance to enjoy a fire in the fireplace!

Tuesday

We also taught the boys to play euchre

the score cards say Jared and I are smokin' Jason and Steve!!

Wednesday

Jason had so much fun playing euchre, 

he cleaned the kitchen after dinner so 

we would have time to play it again!

Thursday

One week and counting!!!

Friday

The things we do to be beautiful.....

.....or in my case to not have grey!!!

Saturday

My boys on their way to the winter formal

Are they handsome or what?!

Jared and his date

Okay, can't wait to see all your pictures!!!  Link up below and join the fun!!!

The sound of a friend......is beautiful!

Yesterday, I had the joy of actually talking to one of my blogging friends!!   You know, you feel like you really get to know the people on the other side of your screen.  You see pictures of them, learn about their life, see their heart in their writing.....

,,,,...but what do they sound like?  Will their voice match their picture?  Will it be as I imagined?

Ohilda at Bouquet of Blessings has touch my heart many times in her blog.  Most recently with her posts on abortion and a particular little boy named Angel.  If you haven't read it, you need to. 

 But Ohilda and I have many other things in common......most importantly, our love of 24 and Jack!!!!  Since moving to LR, I have not found any other people who love 24 and want to talk about it.   You see, you have got to try to figure out who is bad, who is good and what Jack will do next!!!  When an episode is over, you just have to talk about it!!  Hence, my asking Ohilda if I could call her!!!  We had the best conversation, contemplated Jack's future, but I think what  I loved the most was talking about our mutual love for our Savior!!!  We are sisters, sisters in Christ!!!  I love that!!

And in case you were wondering...........She sounds exactly as I pictured!!!!

Then to top it off, Ohilda passed on a wonderful award to me today!!

Thanks!!!  I am so blessed by the friendships God has brought my way through blogging!

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find friends and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly- written text into the body of their award."

I have so many friends I would like to give this to.  So many of you bless my day as I read your blogs and all of you have become friends.  But I am going to send this award on to:

Sally

Beverly

Heather

Linda

Rachel

I know there is only 5 and the award says 8, but I am tired and my brain is done!!!  Love you guys!!

Friday fill-ins

 

1. I'd really like a big bowl of Baskin Robins mint chocolate chip ice cream right now.

2. Crap is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 9/10ths of the law.

4. I heart Captain Jack Sparrow in the 1st movie...the next 2 were so so.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like chocolate and graham crackers.

6. I exercise on Monday...hate it, on Tuesday...hate it, on Wed and Thurs....hate it and on and on but I will be healthy!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include starting to pack for my vacation (yea!) and getting my boys ready for the winter formal and Sunday, I want to praise and worship God at church and then SUPER BOWL BABY!

You're Something Special

There are so many wonderful things about blogging.  But there are also some sides to it that are not so great, at least for me.  One of those is the way it brings out insecurity.  

You know what I mean...... when you read all the other blogs and start comparing yourself to the many wonderful writers out there.  Or when I receive all your wonderful comments and this little voice says "if any of those people really knew you and what you're like on the other side of this screen, would they still come back and read your blog?"  

For the most part, I think we all try to be real, but honestly, you don't see me when I'm being ugly.....that is usually reserved for my family...lucky them.  

 I'm not about to post a video on I See What You're Saying of me yelling at my kids. 

 But you know what?  The reality is that I have that side and I do those things.  How does God feel about me when I allow that side to rear its ugly head?  

My devotion today was directed right at these feelings and I want to share it with you:

Nothing....in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.  Rom 8:39

We want to know how long God's love will endure...Not just on Easter Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed...Not when I'm peppy and positive and ready to tackle world hunger.  Not then.  I know how he feels about me then.  Even I like me then.

I want to know how he feels about me when I snap at anything that moves, when my thoughts are gutter-level, when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock.  How does he feel about me then?...

Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us?

God answered our question before we asked it.  So we'd see his answer, he lit the sky with a star.  So we'd hear it, he filled the night with a choir; and so we'd believe it, he did what no man had ever dreamed.  He became flesh and dwelt among us.

He placed his hand on the shoulder of humanity and said, "You're something special."

.....................I loved that reminder today!

ICE days = wonderful!

Wow!  What a great day we had today.  I so needed that breather and break from my schedule and am now ready to tackle my "to do" list........in time for possibly another ice day! woot!

I spent the morning by the fire....one thing we don't get to enjoy much around here...getting caught up on all my blogs and spent a lot of time on Bloggy giveaways!!!  did you know they have over 1000 blogs giving items away......it's seriously crazy and you need to go there!  However, if you don't have...say.....HOURS, then stay away!!

About 11, I got the most amazing call.  One of our friends at church owns a cleaning service and because of the ice, they had some extra time and wanted to come clean my house......yes, you read that right......this day just got better by the minute!!!!  Remember this morning my telling you that I had fallen so far behind and needed some order........is that amazing or what?!  

The ice had actually turned to rain and wasn't as bad as everyone predicted, so when the cleaning crew arrived, we took the boys and headed out to lunch.....Arkansas Burger company.  Just about the best burgers ever!!!

My guys being goofy.......

After lunch, we headed to the mall to get the boys some clothes they needed.  The mall was empty!  It was so nice to walk around with no crowds.  We got the stuff we needed and some we didn't  :) and then headed home.

We spent the afternoon teaching the boys how to play euchre.  One of our favorite cards games.  I have to tell you that the boys wanted to play Monopoly.  Can I just say that I HATE really dislike Monopoly.  It took all my resources to convince them to play something else!!!  but I did it!!  We had so much fun and of course with my family, it got quite competitive!!!

between hands.......

The score cards for euchre show that Jared and I were smokin' Jason and Steve!!!  Okay, I will admit that I love winning and I was gloating here .......just a tad.....!!  

Can I just say that I love days like this.  And I love spending quality time with my family.....it's especially sweet when it is unexpected!!!

Man, I love those guys!!!

........now how will tomorrow top that?!!!

Yea for ICE!

Well, our little part of the south got hit with a big ice storm over the night and it is supposed to get worse as the day goes on.  That means that schools are closed and we are stuck in the house.

Woot Woot!!

You might be thinking "Are you Crazy?!"  But let me give you some reasons why I am excited...

*  my kids are old enough to entertain themselves and will spend most of the day playing the Wii or playing guitars!

*  my schedule has been CRAZY busy and I just got a reprieve from it!!

*  I have a whole day to get caught up on my favorite blogs....I hate it when I miss out!

*  I get to use my fireplace!!!!!!  this will probably be my picture for the day seeing as it happens very rarely around here......I love me a warm fire!

*  I will have a whole day to get my house in order......no, I don't enjoy cleaning and laundry and I am not a neat freak, but when you are as far behind as I am, you just need some order

*  basically, I just get a forced breather.....any one with me on that?

So, today I will be staying in my PJs and enjoying being in my house!!

*****************

As I was reading blogs this morning, I found that my friend Chel gave me an award!!!!  Thanks Chel!!!  That just completely tops the morning off as a great day!!!

I would like to pass this award on to some new bloggy friends:

Danita

Elizabeth

Darla

Go visit these ladies.....you will be blessed by their blogs!!

Happy Tuesday ya'll!!!!

Project 365 - Week 4

It's week 4 for Project 365.  We have been doing this for a month!!!  How are you guys doing?  Have you gotten used to taking your camera with you everywhere?!  What has been the best part of this project for you?  What is the hardest part?

One of the hardest parts for me is remembering to take my camera out of my purse!!!  Any suggestions?  I remember to take it with me, but then forget to snap a picture.  But, I am getting better.  It's also hard sometimes to decide which picture to pick for the day.....why I have multiples sometimes!  The best part is looking back at my pictures each week and all the new friends I have made through the project!

Keep up the good work!!  I love seeing all your pictures!

Here is my week 4:

Started the week with a bang

This is me realizing, as I got ready for bed, that I had not taken one pic all day!!!

Making ice cream!!

Yep!  if you want to know how it works, go to my other blog and see the video!

big pot of chili that I made to feed the homeless downtown

Our youth feed the homeless once a month

This was taken in Italy, but best depicted my day Wednesday

I spent a lot of time praying for our new president and our country

This is my favorite wrap we make at the coffeeshop

Chicken Fajita wrap,  I love making these!

My husband leaving to play golf

On our 1st Friday ALONE since Xmas break started...

Good thing I love this guy!

Jared playing at All-Region band concert....1st band, 1st chair

He's in the red shirt  :)

Ok, link up below with Mr. Linky and let us all enjoy your pics from the week!!!

Random thoughts on teenagers.....

Tonight my son is having a party here at the house and I am chaperoning.  Here are a few things I've observed about teenagers.  If you don't have any yet, get ready.....

* they are LOUD

* they have no idea how loud they are

* even when they try to be quiet.......... they are loud

* they like to eat.........a lot

* they can act very goofy, but if you act goofy...........you're wierd

* they eat constantly.........and a lot..........and loudly

* they actually like to talk to you....if you will listen, they will talk....if they are not yours

 

* if you provide the place, the food, the time and will be involved........they will have fun!  And you will love having 20 teenagers in your home!

.............but it will.be.loud!!

Friday Fill-ins

 

1. Oh, I am so tired of being on a diet....and it's only been a couple of weeks!

2. God changes, big and little.

3. During February, I am going on vacation with my hubby and best friends!

4. Exercise is fun; are you kidding me???!!!!

5. Right now I'd like to be done at the gym instead of heading there.

6. My salad shooter is my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, Friday I'm looking forward to chaperoning my son's party here at the house, Saturday my plans include watching Jared perform at the all-region band concert, 1st chair French Horn and Sunday, I want to Praise and worship God at church, have a good nap and go to our life group!

The Letter D

My new bloggy friend, Elizabeth, had this great meme posted today.  I thought it was so fun and decided to join in!  Here are the guidelines:

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on...

Elizabeth assigned me the letter "D".  So here goes....

Daughter - I LOVE my sweet daughter and miss her terribly.  She is a sophomore in college in Abilene, Tx!!!  I won't be able to see her again till summer and that kills me!

Date - I love my Friday dates with my husband. Every Friday we go out for breakfast together. We go to our favorite restaurant and it's fun because now we don't even have to order...they know what we like!!!

Donuts - especially Krispy Kreme......custard filled....with chocolate on top......now I'm drooling!!

Dogs - we adopted our Lily from some friends who left for the mission field.  She is the BEST dog ever.  She plays soccer, literally, and defends the ball well.  She runs in circles when she is excited.  She is so sweet but will take your leg off if you enter the house unannounced!

Daily blogging - yes, I am addicted to blogging.  It truly brightens my day to read all your blogs!

Dough - especially chocolate chip cookie dough.  I actually don't eat many cookies once they are baked, but love the dough!!

Dance - I love to dance (wish I was better), but mostly I love to watch dancing!  So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows.  I will be able to dance like that in heaven one day!!!

Daisies - I love these!  I love how simple yet fun they are.  They brighten a room for me and scream summer.......which I also love but that doesn't start with a D.

Dinner - I love dinner time for two reasons.....first, I love to cook and enjoy the getting creative in the kitchen!  Second, because our family always sits down together for dinner.  It's the time we all get caught up on our day!

Delight - finally I love to delight myself in the Lord!!!  I love starting my Day reading God's word and spending time with Him.

Whew!  That was harder than I thought it would be!  But very fun!  So, if you want to play along, leave me a comment and I will assign you a letter.

........and if your extra nice, I won't give you a Z!

Wordless Wednesday

This picture is one I took in a Catholic church in Italy.  It is one of my favorites and it best reflects my feelings today.

swimming in my thoughts....

My mind is swimming today and my heart is heavy.  Interestingly, I am studying the life of Christ in my bible study.  As I read over the words this morning of the angel proclaiming Christ's birth, of Mary's joy at receiving such a great blessing, at Zechariah's proclamation of his son's name and purpose.....my heart aches at the fact that Jesus will not be proclaimed today in the news coverage.  

I have so many thoughts and words in my mind, but they don't seem to be flowing out.  However, 2 blogs have put into words many of my thoughts.  So, today I am going to send you to their blogs.  

Please take time, if you haven't already, to read Linda's and Esthermay's blogs.

Today I am praying for our new leader and our country.

Project 365 - week 3

Here we are......already at week 3!!! How are you all doing? I am still really enjoying this project. Although I have forgotten my camera a few times this week!! I think I am finally getting used to putting it in my purse! I love adding a picture on my 365 blog and then going back and looking at all the others. I can't imagine what fun this will be at the end of the year.

So, here are my week's pictures:

Can't tell you how excited I am to be watching this show again!

You rock, Jack!!!

First day back at work after a 3 week break!!

I work at a family owned pharmacy that has a coffee shop/lunch bar in it.

I love my job and all my "regulars"!!!

These are my Christmas cards going out......

......it is January 13th!!!

What I was wearing when I took Jared to school.....

.......and almost ran out of gas!!!

Yes, the gas station attendant saw me in this and

all my bedhead glory!!!

two pictures this day

Jason's girlfriend surprising him at the airport.

Jason is home from Italy, healthy and having had a fantastic time!!

....he was very surprised!

Jared at his recital for his Piano Accompanying class

This is his first time to accompany a singer

Dinner with friends at Doe's

About the best and biggest steak EVER!!

This is a carnivores delight.....not one shred of fiber!! ha!

Now it's your turn!!! If you posted any pictures for this week, please link up below on Mr. Linky so we can all enjoy them!!! If Mr. Linky is not there, then leave it in a comment!!