A new thang…

A few things are going to be changing on my blog.  How is that for bluntness?
I know some of your read for the EASY recipes, some for the crazy adventures, and some because I bribe you but I appreciate each and everyone of you!  You encourage me and writing just seems to keep me sane.
You may have noticed a few ads in the sidebar, the last couple of months, they are called Blog Her Ads.  (If you ever wanted to click on them – go ahead, they are not viruses but actually give me a little revenue.  Mom – did you get that?  Seriously, no pressure!  You are a blessing regardless.)  
However, due to Blog Her rules – I need to set up a sister site to do reviews and giveaways. 
Guess what – this is so simple.  My link to the new site is at the top of all my posts.  How is easy is that?!?  Just click it every once in a while (hint hint) and you might just be surprised to see what is going on over there.
So many things are changing in my life right now.  Including a major life change – I’ll give you a hint – it rhymes with orange.  Oh, wait -  nothing rhymes with orange.  Okay, I’ll give another hint…what was Joshua famous for in the Bible?  (Truly that was 2 hints.  Lame – but hints.)  
I can’t wait to start sharing but as of right now, I won’t.  (I just put 2 negatives in a sentence and I’m not correcting it.  Okay, now I’m getting a little sassy and need to go to bed.)
Head on over to the new site and tell me what you think!
Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

A most treasured gift

Back in the fall, my step-mom passed away.  Before she died, she had bought my baby this fireman’s helmet for a Christmas present.It is the most obnoxious gift ever. It makes noise, annoying loud noises.  My Dad enjoyed giving it to my son - just before we went on a 7 hour car trip.  The batteries never wavered…they must have been the Energizer bunny kind.  It kept going and going and going.  This was a very special day to all of us.  I would even venture to say, this gift, is probably one of the most cherished gifts my kids have ever received, no matter how annoying the sounds tend to be. My kids adore their Grand-pa-pa.  We don’t get to see him very often but the times we do – they are precious!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Texas Longhorns

One day we are driving down the road and we came upon this pasture.  Can I just say I’ve lived in Texas all my life but have never seen a pasture full of longhorns?  (Okay, I’ve probably never looked real close or cared.)

These animals just amaze me.  How strong!  How long!  How stinky!

Cows always remind me of the scripture…

Psalm 50:7-12
"Hear, O my people, and I will speak,
       O Israel, and I will testify against you:
       I am God, your God.

⁸ I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
       or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

⁹ I have no need of a bull from your stall
       or of goats from your pens,

¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
       and the cattle on a thousand hills.

¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
       and the creatures of the field are mine.

¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
       for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

God owns it all!  He doesn’t really “need” us.  Yet, He desires us to follow Him.  Isn’t that humbling to know that a God who has it all - still wants us?

I don’t mean to sound preachy…I’m just enthralled with the fact that a Mighty God can love someone like me.  (Someone who loses her cool when standing in line at a certain store because the person in front of her has 56.8 items and the sign says 20 items or less.  By the way,  I’m truly sorry for saying out loud that you can’t count past 19.  I’m sure you saw that I had only one item but I should have had more patience.)

Thank you Lord for being never-ending patient and having never-ending love!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

IAH – Houston Intercontinental Airport – The waiting game…

Guess what happens when you are waiting for your husband to come in on a plane and you have 6 children waiting for him in the car? You could play games.  You could make fun of the airport security (well, I did silently - forgive me if you work for the airport - You kept whistling at me and I couldn't hear you until you knocked on my window).  You could play I spy.  You could sing silly songs.   You could appreciate your family or at least smile like you do.  You can have to go to the bathroom but don’t dare try to park and take 6 kids in the airport.  You can make fun of the fact that the airlines has lost your husband’s luggage and now the wait is even longer.  (Did I mention I have to go to the bathroom?) See that guy.  He never saw me.  So I took picts of him.  I made up a story about him in my mind, with 6 kids in the backseat (I needed my own entertainment). 
Here is my story…  He just came in from some cold place like Greenland. He wanted to surprise his wife.  Instead, she surprised him by going out of town, to visit her Aunt Ruth in Duluth.  Now he has to live at the airport, with the 6 kids that are in my backseat because I have to go to the bathroom. Poor guy.  I think he had to walk home.  He didn’t want the 6 kids or to turn around.  He is a typical man with a wife in Duluth, who could have went to the bathroom whenever he wanted, yet decided to stay on the phone.  (By the way, I’m sure this guy was really nice in real life and I truly never saw his face.) Back to reality…48.9657 minutes later we were now making funny faces to each other trying to get the other one to laugh.   Which by the way is bad for the bladder when you really have to go…just saying. No, we didn’t have another kid.  This guy is my sweet nephew.  He is such a sweetie and I’m his favorite aunt.  (Don’t tell his other aunts – they might get jealous.) Finally, headless Dad shows up.  They have to Fed-EX his luggage the next day.  But, that is okay.  My baby was so excited to see his Daddy (or finally glad he is out of the car) – he is flying.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Texas Sunset

Howdy!  Glad you came over!

I know I could have put more pictures of Texas for Kelley's Korner...but this just makes me happy to be in Texas period. 

However, if you would like to see some of our adventures, our family likes to visit the World's Largest ___________.  (A lot of them are in Texas, just another reason to come visit the Friendly State.)

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Just an informed twitter party wallflower…

I have a Twitter account.  I’m still new to the Twitter World.  I get on and update what is happening in my life, at that certain moment.  I follow people who Tweet and encourage me.

Tonight I happened upon a Twitter Party, #getasponsor.  I found it from one of my FAVE companies, Tommy Nelson’s tweet.   They were having a party about getting blog sponsors and an upcoming conference.

Right away, I won a book!  Have I mentioned how much I love Tommy Nelson???  They edify and encourage my children and my family to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Again, blogging and twittering is still so new to me and quite honestly, I have so much to learn. 

They were giving a free ticket to this conference…Relevant 2010.

This conference will be in Harrisburg, PA.  Can I just say Hershey???  They are speaking my love language! 

I went to their website, and fell in love with the conference and the speakers.  It is something right down my alley and I feel like a Kindred Spirit!

I enjoy blogging about my kids, our adventures, and my learning trials as a mom and a Christian.  This would definitely be a encouraging trip to take and is on my wish list!

Moral of the story:  Twitter Parties can be a WEALTH of information!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Health Museum in Houston

  A few weeks ago, we went to the Health Museum in Houston.  My sister in law brought her two boys, I had my five kids, and my other nephew.  The rest were my sister in laws siblings and her mom.  (Now that is a LOT of kids.)

We had a wonderful time.  I’m not sure if all  the children actually made it in the picture.Do you notice the mouth?  Yes, my baby was on the other side.  Now that is a mouthful.We learned so much.  I’m not sure if the kids gained as much as the adults.We each had partners.  It worked out well – although, we took over the museum by force.  By the way, it is free on Thursday afternoons.The museum had many hands on exhibits.  The kids also got to see a 4-D movie about germs. It was an amazing film.  The kids couldn’t wait to wash their hands.  It really made a difference. I was a little worried about the little guys, if they would have fun.  But, I was worried for no reason.  They had a blast.  Overall, the museum was worth the effort and the 5:00 afternoon Houston traffic.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Japanese Food – music to my mouth!

For my birthday, which was in December, my hubs took our family to a local Japanese restaurant.  I forgot to take a pict of the chef.  But, he was awesome!

The kids really didn’t care for the food except for the sushi but they did take “thank you” bites.  I’m so glad my kids love sushi. It was Hibachi style.  My kids enjoyed watching the chef flip and “play” with his food. No – you can not throw your food, honey. This sweet girl was in tears because she couldn’t figure out how to hold her chopsticks.  I was in tears trying to show her how. He figured it out – he stabbed his food. This was my plate. YUM!!!  I love Japanese food! I was hoping they would not jump in. Do you know how hard it is to get five different personalities to look at the camera and smile at the same time? Still didn’t work…but I love each of their sweet personalities, just the same.  I’m was so thankful for my birthday celebration.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Open mouth insert Bulldozer

My blog is sometimes used to post recipes, sometimes to inspire others, and sometimes to write about difficult times so that my children will know the “true” me when they get older.

This is one of those difficult ones.

My mouth has been known to get me in trouble a time or two.  Okay, maybe a few million times.  It is something that I have to work on constantly.  I seem to speak out loud and think later.  I tend to think something is funny when others might not get my sense of humor.

This past week has been extremely difficult in more than one way.  Life just seems fine then all craziness breaks loose.

Do you remember as a child and your Mom gave you a certain job to do?  Then your brother walks in and takes over your job.  Then your Dad walks in and scolds you.  It was your job and you were doing what you were supposed to do - even though you really could care less about the job.  You even tried to tell your brother and Dad that it was your job from Mom but they wouldn’t listen because now they were mad at you. 

Well, that happened to me this week only in a grown up way.  But, it made me feel like a child.  I have never cried so much in my life.  I couldn’t even talk without making those little hiccup noises.  Not a pretty sight.
I know God is ultimately in control of all circumstances and I’m trying to act like a big girl.  But, my insides hurt.

However, when it comes down to it, my “feelings” really should not be my entire focus.  My entire life is given over to the Lord and it really is not “my job or my anything”.  It is His.  As a Christian, we give all our “rights” to Him.  However, it is hard especially in times like these.

My hubby encouraged me the other day.  He is a quiet and listens more than he speaks.  I crave to be like that.  He said – "Some people are like Peter. (Peter was known to stick his foot in his mouth a lot.) But, he also got to walk on water.”  Not that is an excuse to go around sticking feet in your or my mouth.
I’m just a girl who is not perfect in any sense of the word. I know there is a God who loves me, in spite of my many-many-many imperfections and I have to call upon His name for rescuing.  He is the only one that can truly make things better.  But, to tell you the absolute truth – that is easier said than done.  Emotions take over and the “truth” gets hidden.  

When all is said and done – humans are going to make mistakes and no matter what you or I have ever done or said -  we are still adored by the Creator of the Universe.

I’m not writing this for sympathy.  Please know that I’m just sharing the real me.  Life is too short not to be real and I want my babies to know that they can still grow in times like these.  In fact, when we are weak – He is strong!

Blessings to you!!!  You and I are LOVED no matter who you are or what we have ever done or said!

Building a Table with brotherly love

This is my eldest.  He is great at putting things together…unlike his mother. Notice Parker the Cat.  She is good at taking things apart. This is my second born, he is good at following instructions, unlike his mother. My first born can use a hex key with his eyes closed. My second born has other plans…like not listening to his brother. So, the eldest has to do it by himself. They built it for their baby brother who was taking a nap. Isn’t brotherly love precious? 

Thank you Grammy and Deetah for the Thomas the Train table.  Baby boy loves it!

Blessings to you!!!  You are LOVED!!!

BEST BANANA BREAD ever, seriously!!!

I just have to share this recipe!  I had a few over-ripe bananas and I was going to make banana bread tonight.  My husband walked in the kitchen and said “Why don’t you make the recipe you used last time?  It was like a pound cake.”  I honestly, couldn’t remember what he was referring to…but I found it typed out with no reference stashed in one of my cookbooks.  (I so dislike when I do that – you would think I would have learned by now.)
So, then I searched the name of it and found my sweet friend had posted it.  Her site has tons of yummy recipes but this one is now my hubby’s favorite.  If you are looking for some family friendly recipes – check out, Jaime Cooks it UP!

Buttery Blonde Banana Bread
1/2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
2 eggs well beaten
1 C mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
4 T buttermilk
(I don’t have buttermilk, so I used 1/4 cup of milk and 1/2 tsp vinegar.)
1 3/4 C flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/2 t vanilla
dash baking soda
1. Cream butter and sugar together.
2. Add the eggs, bananas, buttermilk and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
5. Mix until just combined....don't over mix.
6. Grease loaf pans generously. Pour the batter into the pans.
7. Bake for 55 minutes at 350.
8. Cool on a wire rack.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Tasty Tuesday
Tempt-My-Tummy-Tuesday 
Tuesdays-at-Table 
Works For Me

Just a FREE tip…

I went to my eye doctor today and I told her I had dry eyes – A LOT!  She handed me a piece of paper, apparently she gives this advice out to a number of her patients.

Basically the advice given was to take supplements with 1000 mg Omega fatty acids per day.  Within 1 to 2 weeks – I should notice a difference. 

Omega fatty acids can be found in fish oils and flaxseed, which both come in capsules.  (They even make non-burp fish oil capsules – ladylike pills.)

Well, I started researching this when I got home and found out that fish oil can be awesome to a person’s health.  But, it doesn’t come cheap.  I learned a lot more but quite honestly my fish oil hasn’t kicked in yet so this is a little blurry.  (I guess I could wear my glasses….don’t tell my hubby – that I’m not.)

Please check with your doctor or someone who knows more than me, I just I would pass on some info that my doctor gave me – hopefully it might help someone.

This works for me – I hope.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Random and yet not so random.

I have a few random thoughts…

First of all, I’m selfish!  Yes, I already knew that one.  Hear me out – before you throw in the towel or throw the towel at me. 

I hear a lot that “Moms” need their “TIME-OUTS” but I wonder if this is as true as it seems.  Yes, Mom’s need to have some time alone from their children and to refocus but I wonder if the more time we have alone - the more time we want alone and the more selfish we tend to become.  Ouch! 

Second of all – I have more than enough.  God has blessed our family with a home (even though it is not finished), God has blessed our family with a steady income, God has blessed us with our health, God has blessed our family with sweet friends, God has blessed our family with family – that would drop everything at a phone call and come running to help us, if needed.  God has blessed our family with matching shoes and clothes.

I’m truly grateful even though I tend to complain.  I’m thankful for those dirty dishes in the sink, it means we had food.  I’m thankful for those little dirty socks, it means we had kids healthy enough to run.  I’m thankful.

Third – I’m glad I married for God’s “perfect” man for me.  Many times – I hear single ladies wondering if God truly remembers that they are lonely and have a desire to get married.  Yes, He hears you and knows how many strands of hair are on your head.  He loves you and He knows!  Don’t settle for something “good” when He has the “BEST” in store for you!  Marriage can be a wonderful or dreadful thing…if you are married, you might want to encourage someone single, just a thought.

Lastly, I love the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  There is no other name – quite like His.  He has so much mercy and grace.  He is real lover of your soul and desires you to follow Him.  There is NOTHING you or I have ever done that would cause Him to quit loving us! 

Nothing.

Blessings you!!!  You are so LOVED!!!

Love your heart by Tim McGraw

Book:  Love your heart by Tim McGraw
ISBN: 1400314739

What a precious book!  When I saw this book on the Thomas Nelson’s website, I thought what a precious gift for my own girls.

I was not disappointed.  The little girl Katie, who is full of life, has a choice to make, what is she going to do in her school talent show.   Her Daddy gives wise counsel to ask God what He thinks she should do.  She ends up giving up something important to her - to bless someone else. 

The colors in the book were very feminine.  This book would certainly look pretty in a “Princess” room.  My favorite picture is on the back cover, where the little girl is singing in her hairbrush.  What girl (or lady) hasn’t sang into a hairbrush?

This story is so delightful!  I love to see stories about a Daddy and a daughter that display a sweet relationship.  Daughters need to know that they are loved unconditionally by their Father, this book would be an excellent gift from a Dad to a daughter, no matter what the age.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

 I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

7 Blogging Tips

I’ve been wanting to share some tips that I have learned along the way.  Some of these, I have learned the hard way by researching and some I have learned by asking around.
I’m no way an expert and this site or myself is not responsible for any errors or glitches that may happen along the way. 

These are in no particular order…

1. Write something interesting.  I can hear my teenage voice coming out… “Duh?”  Okay, sometimes I find myself reading other blogs and wondering what is drawing me to that particular post – it is because it calls me.
2. Tell the blogger that they encourage you!  Really, nothing inspires better writing than a little cheerleader leaving a comment once in a while!
3. Have someone proofread your blog!  My hubby is awesome in the English language, I’m not.  I speak with a Texan accent and stink at realizing where commas go and make up words constantly.  Thus – LANAguage.  With that said, my blog is not perfect in the grammatical aspect and my hubs doesn’t have time to check my posts before they go out.  But, if he does find errors – I quickly change them. 
4. Don’t forget about your family!  It is easy to get caught up in bloggy-world and forget about dinner.  (My hubby is saying Amen!)  I’m doing my best to have a balance.  I used to do all my blogging on Sunday night and just read blogs during the week. 
5. Have fun with it!  Don’t be discouraged if no one visits – just keep writing, if you feel led.  You never know when your posts might encourage someone.
6. Focus on why you are blogging!  Mine is for my children, while encouraging others along the way!  Writing your purpose might encourage you if you get in a slump.
7. Learn some HTML.  Ah yes, the ultimate challenge.  If you learn just a little – you will have so much power over what your blog will look like.  Plus, look at other blogs and don’t be afraid to ask other questions.  The worse they could say is “No – I’ll charge you for that!” – Then you say, “Ugh, no thanks!”

Hope this helps someone!!!  You are more than welcome to follow me or leave me a comment saying you read this!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

This Works for Me!

Book Review: Plain Pursuit

Book:  Plain Pursuit
ISBN: 1595547193
ISBN-13: 9781595547194

I jumped at the chance to read an Amish fiction book by Thomas Nelson.  The Amish have always intrigued me and I thought this would be a great chance to learn even more.

Carley Marek, the main character hails from Houston, Texas.  (Immediately, I knew I was going to like that girl – I’m also from Houston.)  Carley has experienced a few very traumatic and sad events in her life that causes her to take a “forced” vacation.

She ends up in the Amish country.  Instead of “resting,” she gains new experiences that tend to change her life forever. 

This book was written in a way that kept me intrigued and delighted.  I didn’t want to put it down and even gave my children extra television time so I could finish reading it.  From tears to laughter, my emotions were constantly being challenged.

At the end of the book, the author even includes some great Old Order Amish Recipes.  I can’t wait to try those out!

Would I recommend this book? The answer is definitely  - YES!  It is an easy read and is such a fine story.  This is one book that is going to stay in my personal library.

Out of one to five stars, (five being the highest), I give this book 5 stars!

Blessings to you!!!  You are LOVED!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pressing toward the goal...

Sundays just seem like a hurried maniac day instead of a day of rest and rejuvenation. Yesterday started out no different.

I got up and prepared to make myself into something that wouldn't scare the natives.  In the middle of curling my hair, (I had left my flat iron at my Mom's house, which she still is holding hostage) my curling iron crumbled in my hands.  Literally, it fell into pieces as I was making a beautiful curl.  I was on my last curl, thank goodness.

I then had the hardest time to find something to wear.  Yes, I know I could have prepared the night before, but the outfit I usually pick out never fits my mood.  Yes, I dress according to moods.  (Who doesn't?)  In the middle finding the "perfect" outfit, I notice my nails are half-way painted.  Really, I look horrible. 

I start wondering if I should go back to bed and skip church.  It is easy to forget the reason why we strive to get to church.  It just seems like we are rushing like crazies to go sit in a pew for an hour.  However, out of guilt that all my kids and hubby are ready to go, I continue to make the mundane effort.

After painting my nails on the way to church in the car and breaking two more nails, we finally arrive. 
My hubby takes the kids to their classes and I go to "Big Church".  I'm greeted my an usher who hands me a little grape juice and cracker for the Lord's supper.  I said to myself, are you sure you can trust yourself with this purple juice - your morning hasn't been such a winner thus far?  (Yes - I constantly ask myself questions.)

Well, I get to where we normally sit and just enjoy the peace.  I honestly start laughing out loud.  Can you imagine missing this moment - when the kids are in Sunday school, I'm getting a breather, no one cares if my nails are painted, or if my hair is in disarray?

A sweet friend walks in and just spreads a smile and a hug.  The music starts and a sweet calm spirit fills the auditorium.  We begin to praise the King of Kings, who loved me so much and still does.  We celebrate together the resurrection that changed all mankind.  Our Pastor starts speaking of being in the middle of God's will - there is no better place.  AMEN!

Was the crazy morning worth the mundane efforts?  Yes and YES!  God was truly glorified in every way!

Does my day get better?  YES!!!  Our family gets some true relaxation.  Plus, we were to do a little shopping and founds some awesome sales.

I can't imagine what my Sunday would have looked like, had I missed because I had thrown in the towel and gave up.

Blessings to you!!!  You are LOVED!!!



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