Sometimes your heart just swells....

...and you realize you must have done something right as a mom!

I love this boy!
Isn't he cute?

Last night we were having friends over for dinner and cards.
My older son was gone to work.
So I told Jared he could have a friend spend the night.
His friend couldn't come till a bit later in the evening.

Now I will admit that I am a messy cook!!
And I am not one that cleans as she goes...I try, really....it just doesn't work for me.

And while we were in the dining room enjoy this......

....Jared was in the kitchen, waiting for his friend to get here,

CLEANING THE KITCHEN!!!!

without being asked!!!!!

He cleaned the whole.thing.

I heart that boy!

Friday Fill-ins

1. It was a dark and stormy night, when we found ourselves in front of the library.

2. It was dark, quiet and a bit eerie inside so I offered to take the books myself.

3. Rushing out, the librarian looked at us with her eyes bulging.

4. Get out of here she screamed...I think I heard a howl!

5. Shhhh... listen....it's just my stomach thinking about all the candy I'm going to eat tomorrow!

6. Trick or Treat! give me something good to eat!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cooking dinner for and playing cards with some good friends, tomorrow my plans include getting my chores done, reading some of my book and then setting op the fire pit so the trick or treaters can make s'mores and Sunday, I want to worship in big church this week and welcome new friends at our new comers dinner !

Happy Friday!

What's Your Answer Wednesday

Today I am joining Linda from Growin' with it for What's Your Answer Wednesday! I really enjoy these memes and getting to know each of you a little better!! After answering my questions, head over to Linda's and answer hers!

So here are my questions:

1. What do you typically do for Halloween night?

2. What is the candy that you secretly search through your kid's bags for?

3. What do you do with all your kid's candy? Do you let them eat it all?



My Answers:

1. For the last 10 years (and 2 moves) we have always set up our fire pit in our driveway and served s'mores as the kids came through. It is a great way to get to know your neighbors and spend a few extra minutes with them. In Indiana, every one loved to come by and get warm....not so much here in AR, although with all the rain it could be a cold one this year!!!

2. I, not so secretly, search for banana laughy taffy!! I love that stuff!

3. When my kids were younger, I hated all the sugar meltdowns we seemed to have after Halloween. So, I started a tradition where I gave them 3 days to eat whatever candy they wanted. Then the Halloween Fairy came and took the leftover candy and left a small prize in it's place! The never missed the candy!

Happy Wednesday! Now head over to Linda's!

Prayer....it works!

And in case you don't know it by now, let me give you some stories to prove my point.....

Case #1

Louis Palau and City Fest came to Little Rock this past weekend. We have been praying and working for this for over a year!! But if you have been reading my blog for the last several months, you know we have been inundated with rain. We have already received over 61 inches of rain this year!!! And have had record rainfall in October. The days, and weeks, leading up to City Fest were dark and full of rain. We had over 1000 people on our prayer list for City Fest and one of our top prayers was for the weather. That the weather would clear up so the lost would come to hear the word of God. Well, it rained up to the day before it was to start.

The day of........perfectly clear blue sky. Not one cloud in it!!!!!


The weather remained like this through out City Fest and come Monday morning......the rain was back. It has poured ever since....and still is!!! What an amazing weekend it was and many heard the word of God. My son trained as a counselor and he said that Sunday night they had a hard time getting to all the people that wanted to hear more about our Savior!!!!

How cool is that?!



Case #2

Most of you know that I have a "Praying for you" tab at the top of my blog. If you don't, please check it out. I have committed to praying for each of you that post requests there and I believe that others are using it to pray for you too. I would love for each of you to head over there right now and just read the comments. We have had some awesome answers to prayer!!!!

We have been praying for a couple of families whose husbands have chosen to leave. I truly believe that satan is focused on attacking families and specifically husbands. And as we have joined in praying for them, we have seen one husband come home with a desire to make his marriage work!!! Praise God!!!

Won't you join me in praying for these requests?

Prayer is such a powerful tool.

And one that we ALL can take part in.

Fall into Flavor

I am sorry that I haven't gotten around to your Project 365 posts to comment yet. We had a little mini crisis here yesterday...my youngest son blacked out in church yesterday. He is fine, but you can imagine that it freaked us out a bit (and everyone else too). We have some wonderful docs in our congregation and he was checked out thoroughly. We still aren't sure what happened, possibly low blood sugar, but he is good. So after dealing with that and watching him like a hawk all afternoon, I was too spent to read blogs.
I will for sure get to them today!




I am joining Linda at 2nd cup for her Fall into Flavor today.
I love this meme, because I love trying new recipes.
I made this recipe last week and my boys loved it!

Beef, Cheddar and Potato Pie

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 carrots, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 med onion, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 lrg baking potatoe, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 cup dark beer (I used miller lite, it's what I had)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed but cold
1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tbls water

Preheat the oven to 375. In a skillet, combine the beef, carrots, onion, celery, garlic and potato and cook, breaking up the meat, over medium high heat until the beef is cooked through and some liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. lower the heat to medium, add the beer and cook for 10 minutes. add the cheese, 2 tsp salt (add slowly, mine was a bit salty) and 1/2 pepper. Let cool.

On a floured surface, roll 1 puff pastry sheet into a 12 inch round. place in a deep pie dish. roll the remaining puff pastry sheet into an 11 inch round. using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat mixture into the pie. lightly brush the edge of the crust with some of the egg wash, then place the 2nd sheet on top. press the edges to seal.

Place the pie on a baking sheet. brush the top with more of the egg wash and cut an "S" into the pastry. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. bake for 45 minutes, tenting with foil if the crust darkens too quickly. Transfer to a rack to cool for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Head over to Linda's for some more fall recipes!!

Project 365 - Week 43

Week 43!! It was a rainy, dreary week here in AR and I trudged through most of it with a killer headache. But we have ended the week with SUNSHINE and the perfect weather for City Fest!! This is a huge outreach put on my Louis Palau. Churches in our city have been planning this event for over a year. It has been a blessing seeing our churches unite together to reach the lost of LR and central AR!! And we have perfect weather for it!!! Praise God!

Happy 18th Birthday today to my son!!!
I love you so much!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

Here some of the older kids are acting out a drama from Jonah. This is the part with Jonah on the boat with the sailors (they decided to be pirates!) and the storm. They practiced last week and are being videoed this week. What they don't know is with that green screen behind them, we are going to substitute a storm. so when they get their DVD it will have that on it. They are going to be so surprised!!!

Monday

Had a dentist appointment today.
This was the view out of the window that I watched while she cleaned my teeth. Most relaxing 30 minutes of my day!!!

Tuesday

Tried a new recipe tonight...a savory hamburger pie
It was amazing.....EVERYone like it...which equals a keeper!
I will be sharing it next Monday for Fall into Flavor!

Wednesday

It's spirit week! and today is super hero day.
Meet Superman and News paper Man....
...they so crack me up!

Thursday

With the weather going from the 50s to the 70s back to the 50s again....

....even the trees are confused!!!

This maple has turned for fall and then now has new growth!

Friday

It was cooooold at the homecoming game last night!!!
But we won!!
And one of our boys broke the state rushing record!

Saturday

After over a year of planning, City Fest is here!
This is Louis Palau speaking on stage!
What a great day, can't wait for tomorrow!!

Time to post your week!!!

Friday Fill-ins

I want to thank everyone for the sweet comments yesterday. I was able to get rid of my headache (with lots of meds) by the afternoon and good news!......I didn't hurt any of my family!!! Today is a new day!



1. The crickets sing, and it drives me crazy.

2. Be content in Christ wherever you are.

3. I want to get far away from the the rain as possible.

4. I was frozen, debuting my first cooking show and as the cameras started rolling...I went blank; this was a dream thank goodness.

5. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

6. I love the sun and the heat because I come from Arizona originally.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to our homecoming game, tomorrow my plans include helping out and praying at City Fest with Louis Palau and Sunday, I want to worship at church and enjoy City Fest!

Dark Day...

.....all the way around.

It is currently 9 am, but because it is so dark out it looks like it is 6 am.

It's dark because we have more.rain.

we are supposed to receive 3.more.inches....in ground already, completely saturated.

Have I mentioned how much I dislike the rain?

The shift in weather, heater one day AC the next and back again, has caused my sinuses to rebel and I have had a pounding headache for 2 days.

So you can imagine my mood.......

.....if you are my family, and you are reading this....
...fair warning.

Random Dozen

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts? One word.....YUCK!!

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.) You really expect this menopausal, non detail, dumps anything unimportant brain to remember a conversation that happened 26+ years ago? Not a chance!

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian? Absolutely! I love all veggies, but one problem....I love me a good burger or steak too! So I could be a vegetarian for about a week!

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume? Nope.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year). I had to laugh here because I just cracked a fake egg on 2 kids heads in sunday school last week....they thought it was hilarious!! I miss being able to play outside and roam all over the neighborhood without a care. I wish my kids could have done that.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for? yes, I have won trophies for sports, tennis and swimming. I think I deserve a trophy for surviving teenagers!! :)

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year? Thanksgiving weekend.

8. What's your favorite board game? Oh this is hard. We are a board game planin' family and love just about all of them. Favorite is probably Life, least favorite (not that you asked) is monopoly....although my kids and husband love it.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)? love, LOVE surprises....giving or receiving!!! I NEVER sneak a peek at presents. In fact, when I was young, my dad locked himself out of his office at the house. I was the only one small enough to climb through a connecting closet and unlock the door. But my parents said "don't look..your Xmas presents are in there" I climbed through the closest with my eyes closed and felt my way to the door never opening them once!! I get very disappointed when I find out a surprise early.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?" Most of the time it is, but there are times when my pride gets in the way and it is hard.

11. What is your favorite candle scent? I don't really have a favorite, but I like any fall spicy smell.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?I would serve homemade salsa and chips, crabbed stuffed mushrooms, and a great cheese ball. I think I would show them all my pictures on my walls. I take lots of pictures (I know you are surprised) but as you look at them in my house, they would tell a story about me and my family!

Happy Wednesday!!!

Fall Into Flavor

I am so glad that Linda at 2nd cup brought this meme back!! I loved all the recipes last year. We are starting today, but will be posting on Monday's from now on.

Here is one of my newest fall favs. Be sure you have lots of good bread for dipping because the sauce is beyond great. My pickiest son actually went back for 2nds on this......truly amazing! I found this recipe at one of my favorite food blogs, Proud Italian Cook. Check it out, her recipes are always great!!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of Olive Oil
4 or 5 Cloves of Coarsely Choped Garlic
1/2 of a Thinly Sliced White Onion
1/2 to 3/4 lb. of Italian Sausage with Fennel, casings removed
8 large Basil Leaves, chopped
1/4 cup chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
One can of Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups of Chicken Stock
3tbl of Butter
1 cup of grated Romano Cheese
3 slices of Prosciutto rolled up and thinly sliced
12 ounces of Dried Rigatoni
10 Broccoli Spears, 3" long
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan, add the onions and garlic.

2. Add sausage, basil and parsley, cook till sausage is nice and brown. Raise heat, add stock and butter, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes till sauce thickens a little. Stir in half of the grated cheese and cook for about 3 more minutes till sauce thickens. Add beans, sliced prosciutto, season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

3. Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water for only 4 minutes. Add broccoli and cook another 3-4 more minutes. Pasta will be nicely al dente. It will cook more in the sauce so don't worry!

4. Drain pasta and broccoli, add to sauce, now add more cheese!

Enjoy!

As the mountains surround Jerusalem....

the LORD surrounds his people now and forever. Ps. 125:2

As I studied this Psalm this morning, it was 5:30 am. My son was 1 1/2 hours late coming home from the U2 concert in OK. He hadn't answered the txt I had sent him (he was most likely asleep in the car, but my mind was running) and I didn't have the cell phone number for the youth pastor who was driving them. I was worried and had been up since 5.

As I dug into this Psalm, peace just ran through my heart and I was reminded that my God encamps around us and hems us in behind and before. At no time is God caught off guard with our circumstances. He knows right where my son is.

Remember my post on letting go?

This is the part that is the hardest. Letting them out from under my protective wing. Not being able to control the circumstances around them and not knowing what is going on.........trusting God to take care of them.

Yet, God is so good. And as I turned to His word to calm my worries and fears, He met me right there and gave me the sweet reminder that I needed......

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, the LORD surrounds his people now and forever!!

Jason walked in about 5:50 and I gave him the biggest and tightest hug ever.....


.....he had no clue why.

Project 365 - Week 42

Here we are at week 42!!!

It's so hard to believe that we have only TEN weeks left in this project. When I started this, I wasn't sure I would make it for 365 days.....but I wanted to! Doing it with ya'll has kept me going and I really want to encourage everyone of you to stay strong till the end!! It's been wonderful doing this with you.

In fact, I think a giveaway will be in order. On the last week, I will pick one person from those who have stuck it out all year....and there are many of you!!! So, I have 9 weeks to come up with a fabulous gift!!! Stay tuned....

Here is my week:

Sunday

We were to start a puppet ministry this Sunday, but do to unforeseen circumstances we couldn't pull it off. But the puppet stage we repaired was already up. So we put up this sign..

The younger kid's craft....
the whale spitting Jonah out.
You can't see it, but Jonah is taped on the end of the blow horn

Monday

It was cold and rainy today.
Good day for homemade potato soup and corn bread.
The soup is Michelle's recipe....yummy

Tuesday

spent the morning today taking down the set of the belly of the whale
and putting up a new one for this Sunday

Wednesday

all of our TVs at the church have died and don't work.
Yet, we really need one.
So last Wed. MOPS and our ladies bible study prayed about it.
The staff put together a letter to send out to the congregation asking if anyone had an extra TV they would be willing to donate to the church.

BEFORE the letter could go out, someone from our congregation called to tell us that he had a TV that he would like to donate to the church!!!
God is SO GOOD!!!

Thursday

Worked on Jason's Senior Ad today with
the yearbook staff.
This is one of the pictures in it.
I can't show you the ad b/c my boy has been known to visit my blog...but it turned out GREAT!!!

Friday

Is it football or mud wrestling?
we have had so much rain, our FB field is a mess
It is so saturated that the grass could not hold up.
I was very sad that the band did not march b/c of it.

The worrisome thing is that we are to get more rain this week and I don't think the field can recover.

Saturday

Jared tried out for and made the LR Youth Symphony Academy Orchestra this morning. He was then asked to stay for the first rehearsal. He's in the back left.

Ok, it's your turn to show us your week. And if you didn't take pictures this last week, share another group of pictures with us1

Friday Fill-ins

Yea! It's Friday!!! And I am glad to have this busy week over with!

1. So are we going to ever see the end of this rain?

2. blood work, saliva testing is what's up ahead for me to figure out how to control these symptoms of menopause. I hope it works!!!

3. I love to cook this time of year....hearty food is so fun!

4. Reading is a form of relaxation of some sort I wish I had more time to do it.

5. I walk a thin line of the right amount of exercise to be able to eat whatever I want.

6. Jesus Christ is the true elixir of life!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the marching band and football, tomorrow my plans include taking my son to try out for the Little Rock Youth Symphony and Sunday, I want to worship God and rest (and worry about my son as he travels with the youth pastor & friends to OK for the U2 concert, please pray for safe travel. They will be coming home very early in the morning)!

Happy Friday!!!

Random Dozen

Ok, I am going the route of positive thinking.......

I love the rain, I love the rain, I love the rain, I love the rain....

It's not working.

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.) You know I actually write in a sort of combo of each....so I guess....prinsive.

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist? This one is hard, I am an otter so therefore a dreamer, but I have a bit of a realist in me too. So far, I can't give a decisive answer.

3. Billy Joel or Elton John? Ok, here we go....Billy Joel all the way.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan. The Hills have Eyes (the original) was the scariest movie I ever saw. Halloween a close 2nd.

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had? When I was a preteen and I would be left at home alone, I would shut my self in my room with a big stick. If I had to leave the room, I would fling the door open and whip the stick around....so if someone was there I would hit them. Typical preteen thinking....so what would I do then? Anyway, the phone rang one night...no cordless phones back then so I had to answer it in my parents room. I flung the door open and whipped my stick around but as I got to my parents room I heard someone pick up the phone and say "hello". My parents and brother were gone and my brother and I had to answer the phone "Willingham residence, this is Sara speaking"...ya back before you didn't let your kids give out their names. I froze and my heart stopped. Turns out it was my brother, but since the parents weren't home he felt he didn't need to answer the phone properly. Funny thing is that I scared him too because as he came in the door all he saw was a stick flying out of my room!!!

6. What word do you misspell without fail? any word that is not spelled phonetically. I am a bad speller!

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at. I love to dance and I am not good at it at all. I always say I will be a fantastic dancer with my new body in heaven!

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time? I am definitely recharged by being around people. The more the merrier!

9. Have you ever been on TV? Yes, I was an extra in a 70s TV movie filmed in my hometown.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.) If I have to choose.....apple.

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have? 4, through Maghound and if you haven't seen this you need to check it out. A great way to get magazines for less $$!!!

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning? To think before I speak. Will I ever learn it?


Happy Wednesday everyone!!

The art of letting go......

Letting go of something you love is always hard.

But it is especially hard when it is someone you love fiercely.....your child. As a parent of teens, this is the time when we have to step back, let go and let our child step out on their own. We are no longer the "teacher".......really our teaching words become, at this point, like the teacher in Charlie Brown "Wah Wah Wah..."......we are now, the encourager/supporter.

It is a hard shift to make. For so many years, we have been working at teaching our children to be able to stand on their own, now they must take the first steps in trying that out. Natural consequences now become their teacher.......and sometimes that is hard to watch.

It is amazing to me how much I have learned about God's love for me from my love for my children. God spends a lot of time teaching us to walk in His ways after we accept him into our lives. Through others, His word, our quiet times with Him. He doesn't point out every change we need to make all at once, that would over whelm us. But after a time, he lets us go a bit. Lets us step out. If we have allowed him to build a firm foundation, though we may/will stumble and even fall....we won't collapse. And He is always there when we turn back to Him for help.

It's the same with my kids. I have done my best to teach them what they need to know in life. Now I will take a step to the side lines. And though I won't run out on to the field each time they stumble or fall (even though I want to).....I will always be there encouraging them. And I will always be there when they turn back to me for help.

And I will always love them......fiercely!

I've gone through this season already with one child. It doesn't get any easier with the next. In fact, my grip might even have been tighter because I am realizing that it is another step closer to them all being gone.

The art of letting go........I'm still learning it.

Thank goodness that I know that even though I am letting them go.....I'm letting them go into the hands of their Father.....who has had them there from the beginning.

So Proud

Many of you saw my Saturday picture for Project 365 yesterday.
Jared made 1st chair French Horn for all-region Orchestra. This is the first time that he has competed in this arena. And to be honest, our first time to really hear a HS orchestra. We are more familiar with band.

I was so amazed at these kids.
They are given the music the week before and then come together for an evening and part of a day to put it together. They are playing music a professional orchestra might play and it is really amazing to hear them.
I love it! and am so proud of my son.

Just wanted to give you a little taste.....

Project 365 - Week 41, on schedule!

Project 365 is in week 41 and ON TIME!!! Woot!

I had an awesome day today. My son had his all-region clinic and concert today. He had to be in a town 30 minutes from here by 8:30 am (not the awesome part) and since they didn't provide lunch and he had to be taken out, I got to spend the day with my wonderful friend, Wendi!!! She lives in this town. Any excuse we have to spend time together...we take it! We dropped Jared off and then spent the day window shopping. Then she came to Jared's concert with me. It was a very fun day!

Here is my week:

Sunday

this is one of the things I miss about my home...
..the amazing sunsets!!!

Monday

Had to say good bye to my friends this morning.
I miss them already.

my family got together tonight to celebrate my dad's 78th birthday!!
Love ya, Dad!

Tuesday

Mom, Dad, Larry and I went to lunch today.
With all the kids and spouses, this doesn't happen very often.
It was really nice!

Wednesday

Internet on the airplane.....amazing!
sure made the trip go faster!

Thursday

My friend, Holly, and I were repairing a puppet stage we plan on using Sunday for Children's Church

Friday

Jason tested positive for H1N1 today...
...he didn't want his picture taken

Saturday

Jared had his all-region orchestra concert today.
these kids were together for 1 day of practicing...
..they were amazing!!

Jared was 1st chair French Horn
Carina was 1st violin, seat 12

How was your week in pictures?

Friday Fill-ins

1. Sweet dreams my sweet babies....and yes, they are still my babies even though they are grown.

2. cloudy weather is very depressing, especially for me.

3. Silliness is a must in my family.

4. I am hoping for some colder weather this Halloween so we can have our fire pit out and offer s'mores. We will do that anyway, but it is not fun when it is hot out!

5. Outstanding or not I love being a mom.

6. A big bowl of ice cream with hot fudge is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening with my hubby (older son at a all-nighter, younger son at all-region clinic, tomorrow my plans include spending the day in Conway with my good friend, Wendi, while Jared is at the all-region clinic and then enjoying his concert and Sunday, I want to worship and then get caught up around the house!

Happy Friday!

Better Late than Never....Project 365

Well, I can't believe that after 39 weeks, I missed week 40!!! I have to tell you though that I really needed this week off....from everything! I probably would have made it, though, had my dad not had a dinosaur computer....uploading pictures was just too long. Not only did I miss posting on Sunday, but a missed a day this week. That has happened only a couple of times this year, but I was on overload by that day......hence the need for a break.

And I had a great one!!! So good to see my family. My best friends from Indiana came to spend a few days with me and I even had 2 good friends from my childhood drive down from Phoenix to visit with me (Thanks Margaret and Susie! So great to see you both! Btw Margaret, that book was GREAT!!)

So here was my week 40:

Sunday

our drama for this week's children's church
The sailors are confronting Jonah and about to throw him over board into the sea.

Monday

We spent the morning at the school taking pictures of the band kids for spirit buttons. This is my oldest goofing off!

Tuesday

Completely missed a picture today.
I had to work extra hours, had some stressors going on, needed to clean the house and still had to pack for my trip the next morning.

I got it all done, but no picture...:(

Wednesday

The sure sign that I am home!!!
it's the first place we stop on the way home from the airport!

Thursday

Lunch with my mom and brother!
I don't get to do this very often.

My hero brother killing a rattle snake at my mom's house.
Notice the shelf he is using for a shield and the golf club to kill it. Not really very smart, but he nailed the snake on the first whack!!

Super man!! :)

One big snake.....glad it is gone!!!

Friday

my mom and dad left town last night
and my 4 best friends from IN came in to spend the weekend with me!

Saturday

Today I took them up the mountains. To show them how you can be on the desert floor and within 1 hour up in the forest

This was taken 1/2 way up.
It was 87 degrees when we left Tucson and by the time we got to the top of the mountain, it was 50 degrees....too cold for these ladies to get out and get a picture! ha!

This was taken in Sabino Canyon
The AZ desert is known for the sahauro cactus.

Sunday

Today we had brunch at the Congress hotel where Dillinger was captured.
they have an awesome bloody mary bar.

my brother and his wife joined us.

this is one of the things I miss about my home...
..the amazing sunsets!!!

I know that many of you still posted your 365 post on Sunday. But I will have Mr. Linky here so that you can link up to this post if you want!