Spider Bites

I had started to reply to the comments, but since it was going to be so long I decided to make things easier and post. : ) I want to thank you all for your concern. As far as the spider bites, I did not go to the dr. Marilee, however, I did call to inquire about them. I was told to keep a watch (since I wasn't sure what had bitten me) and I did go online. After viewing some pretty disgusting pics of the brown recluse bites I was a bit worried. I had met the first couple of symptoms. (YIKES) and the thought of my flesh turning black in those areas (or anywhere for that matter) had me praying! The Lord was gracious as always and other than the red places, the wounds look much better! They had been scabbed over for a few weeks and amazingly enough two of them came off yesterday! After reading about Sharon's brother and Karen's sil I am truly thankful.

Melanie, you made me chuckle. Yes, I would say you have quite a ways to go! hehehehehe But then again, who knows? It may not take yours as long. One thing I have learned is you just keep doing what you know is the right for YOU and YOUR family with a Christlike spirit at ALL times. Sorta like Dory on Finding Nemo "keep swimming, just keep swimming" :)

Beth blessed me right before Thanksgiving with an awesome surprise. I am planning to post about it next. I wanted to have pictures first, so keep on the lookout!

How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin

See updated post below this wonderful video!

A Slight Update

Where does the time go? I have been so neglectful of my blog. It's not that I have meant to, it just that everything else seems to take priority over computer time. I hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did. I decided a few years ago that it was time to start cooking at my own home I wanted this for my children's memories. No matter how many times I tell myself that I won't cook as much food next year, I repeat the same mistakes! You would think I was feeding 20 people or more. I would rather have more than less, you know, in case of surprise guests. Which is what I had this year! My wonderful daughter invited a young man over for Thanksgiving dinner before clearing it with me. I didn't mind, but I was a bit surprised that she ask him since she hasn't known him that long. He seems to be a very nice fellow. Very polite and respectful. His mother should be proud. This is the first one she has gone out with since the break-up last year.

I didn't take pictures, as I was too busy to even think about it. We had a nice big turkey, dressing(stuffing, for those of you who may not be familiar with the southern term), chicken and pastry, corn, potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, biscuits, pumpkin pie, let me see, what else? I think that's it, but it was way too much food! All that starch!! (no, I didn't cook collards this year)
My mother in law came over for awhile. She didn't eat the main meal with us this year since she had plans to eat with her granddaughter. She made a plate to take home and enjoy later. I love my mil, but she is so negative, Lord bless her heart, so imagine my surprise when she called me the day after Thanksgiving and actually complimented me on my cooking! This is BIG, I tell you, BIG!! I've been married to her son for almost 23 years and this is the first time........oh well.....you know where this is going right? I'll just say that I felt very honored that she actually admitted enjoying the food. God is sooo good!

Oh, we finally got the new furniture. I was so disappointed when I got the couch in with the rest of the furniture. It just didn't look right and it seemed that no amount of arranging could change that. I wanted something to go with my current loveseat and it was just not happening. I could tell the hubby wasn't happy with my seeming discontentment. I was so glad that we didn't get rid of the current one before bringing the brown one home!

The Lord was gracious to us, as always. My hubby's mother wanted it and we were more than happy to accommodate her. My wonderful hubby delivered it and removed her old one. It went straight to the dump. I hope someone who needed came by and rescued it. She had it for a few years, but it still had some time left.

We returned our "old" one back to the livingroom to rejoin the loveseat. We kept the chair, however and the hutch. The hutch is another story. It wasn't the one I wanted. It turned out to be more of a curio than china hutch. Oh well, I am still blessed and thankful...... definitely not complaining!

OH....something else I haven't told you about. Sometime during the furniture switch, I was bitten by something. Not once, but 3 times. This happened about 4 weeks ago and the wounds are still visible. Two of the bites are on my left br*ast and the other was on my lower back on the right side. I was really sick for a few days. I had no idea that I had been bitten until after the fact. I noticed I had chills and felt terrible on a Thursday night and ended up going to bed very early. The next morning I just casually ran my hand across my back and that is when I felt something there. After further examination is when I found the other two bites. They were very red and puffy with a definite hole in the middle. I know that sounds gross and it was! I think it was a spider bite from the sofa we purchased in High Point since it was stored in the warehouse. I don't know what it was, but I don't want to ever get bitten again.



Here is a picture of one of the chairs that I decided to keep. It has become one of my favorite places.





Something more important than anything I have posted so far is the fact that God brought a 2 1/2 child through open heart surgery in less than 3 hours! An hour shorter than estimated with NO complications!! This is only by the hand of God! Something else to praise God for, when she awoke she exclaimed "I've got a boo-boo!"

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!!!

Home At Last!

Well, I am back again........ I haven't had time to post about everything that has been happening around here, but I have some of the promised pics of my bil's return home. Ahh...yes, I thought that would buy me a little forgiveness! *smile* I can't post all of them that I would like because we were asked not to take any that could identify where they were taken, therefore putting our men in danger. I definitely don't want to do that.

This is just a random pic outside while waiting for the airplane to shine through the clouds. There was so much excitement standing out there as I watched the children anxiously peering into the sky wondering "how much longer?"



I can't tell you what I felt when I saw the lights of that plane coming through the clouds. I also hate to tell you that my camera decided to hesitate between shots, so I missed getting a shot of that, but here is one of when it first touched down.



This is when everyone is waving and shouting as loudly as they can, all the while hoping that their loved ones could see them from the plane. It was pure torture as we waited for them to unload.




I went inside the waiting hall before they unloaded. I knew they would have to march in and this was going to take a little while so I wanted to get a good spot to watch them come in. I cannot describe for you all the emotions I felt as these guys marched in after being deployed for 15 months. Most of them had not had a shower for at least 3 days and sleep was another issue. This did not deter them from making us all proud. The lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes were in the same company of others. You just couldn't help yourself! The children, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, girlfriends stood cheering, crying, and waving small flags and handmade posters greeting our heroes. This is a day that I will never forget.




As these men stood in formation I saw their faces searching and scanning the crowd looking for a familiar family member. I was heartbroken for those that had no one there. There was one young man in particular whose eyes met mine and I could see his difficulty in "keeping it together" I so wanted to cross that roped off barrier and give him a big hug.




At last the ropes are taken down and everyone is scurrying to find their loved ones.



And just like before, my camera decides to keep me from getting a shot of what I wanted the most. I missed the first kiss, but I think this is the second one. Either way, when I mentioned that I needed another kiss, I was told "no problem"



These are few more of my favorites.






I don't know if you can read the *relief* I see on my sister's face in this picture. Definitely a favorite of mine. Something else about this photo is if you look closely you will see a young man standing behind my bil. He had no one there to greet him. When I realized this I went over with my daughter and one of my nieces and we thanked him for his service to our country. He told us that it was too far for his family to come since they were across the country. I was so sad for him.




I took this one before we left. I thank God for His protection and grace. I know my bil's return would not have been possible without it.

Recycled Email

I got this email from my sister. I thought it was cute and hope to make you smile, especially since I wasn't prepared to post something any better right now. *smile* I have something good, but it will have to wait until later.

A TRIP TO WALMART
You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house. Mowing
the lawn, putting a new fence in, painting the living room, or whatever.
You are hot and sweaty. Covered in dirt or paint. You have your old
work clothes on. You know the outfit, shorts with the hole in crotch,
old t-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes.

Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize
you need to run to Wal-Mart to get something to help complete the job.
Depending on your age you might do the following:

In your 20's:
Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush
your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror
and flex. Add a dab of your favorite cologne because you never know, you
just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. You
went to school with the pretty girl running the register.

In your 30's:
Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You
married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb
your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your
favorite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is
the kid sister to someone you went to school with.

In your 40's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the
hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash
your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want
to waste any of it on a trip to Wal-Mart. Check yourself in the mirror and
do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the
register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.

In your 50's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto
your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dirt in your new
sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that
shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The cutie running the
register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it.
Then you remember the hat you have on is from your buddy's bait shop and it
says, "I Got Worms".

In your 60's:
Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose the dog crap
off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You
hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants.
The girl running the register may be cute but you don't have your glasses
on so you are not sure.

In your 70's:
Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Wal-Mart until they have your
prescriptions ready too. Don't' even notice the dog crap on your shoes.
The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her
grandfather.

In your 80's:
Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember
that you needed to go to Wal-Mart. Go to Wal-Mart and wonder around trying
to think what it is you are looking for. Burp out loud and you think
someone called out your name. The old lady that greeted you at the front
door went to school with you.

Costly Weekend Trips

Well, we went and did it again. My hubby and I decided to spend some time alone this past weekend and we ended up going to High Point. For those who are not familiar with High Point, this is a small town in North Carolina referred to as the "Furniture Capital Of The World." I knew better than to go there. I have been desiring a China Hutch for some time and I thought I would just have a look around and it something caught my eye, well, then............BIG MISTAKE!
Not only did I find a China Hutch, but I have also picked out a new sofa and chair!

Since we had driven my daughter's Ford Focus, (to save on gas) we were not prepared to transport anything. We have these pieces and another odd chair on hold for us. You know what that means don't you? Another trip for hubby and I. Yay! I hope to get everything picked up by next weekend. Meanwhile, I have tons of things to do......the fall festival, my bil's return, removing my teapot collection from my current curio, and I need to shampoo my carpet and decide the placement of the new sofa....whew! We didn't get the matching loveseat. I was hoping there would be one available, but there isn't. I have thought about changing the pillows on my current one, hoping to make a match. I don't know, but we will see......

Templates And Other Goodies

I was itching for a change (especially after visiting Sharon) and decided to play around with my template a little bit and this is what I came up with.....for now, anyway. *smile* This is one of my favorite pictures. It just takes me back to a much simpler time. *sigh*

Praise God for the rain! We didn't get a whole lot, but WE GOT SOME!!! I don't know about anyone else, but we have been in a drought around here. If all goes according to predictions we should get more tomorrow and maybe through the weekend. This is much welcome news. We are suppose to have our annual church Fall Festival Saturday, but I think everyone would trade it for a nice, soaking rain.

I have something else to praise God for. My BIL is coming home!!! He should be in Saturday morning! I thank God for protecting him. He has been through a lot and seen some horrible things. Please continue to pray for him and all the other men that return home that they will adjust to being back from the war zone. It is not easy.

My sister has been so busy getting ready for his return. She has been redecorating her home all while working full time. I am so proud of her........ I love my little sissy.

I decided to change speech therapist. Some of you may remember my concerns a few months back. I won't be able to get Nathan in to see the new one until December. I was hoping to get him in sooner, but with everything I have to keep me busy it will be here sooner than you know it.

Ummmm..........

Let me see.............................


what else?................


Oh yeah, I got my biopsy results. It was normal.....Again I praise God! He is always faithful!!
I found out that I have a small hernia. This was included in the report that was mailed out to me. Funny how the dr. didn't mention it previously.

I think we will be changing phone companies. Can I hear a big PRAISE THE LORD, Anita?!! The hubs has spoken. He says he has had enough! Digital phone is on the way out. I hope they have some type of promotion that will save some money. (please, Lord)

Testing.....123....check...Is this thing on?

Hooray! My laptop is out of the shop!! Shortly after my last post my laptop decided it had taken enough. I had to get the internal electrical receptacle replaced and another tip installed on the power cord. Up until this time, I had to turn it "just the right way" to get the battery to charge. Very frustrating, to say the least. It seems to be working properly now.Thank you so much for nice emails and prayers while I have been offline. They mean so much to me.

I hope to get around to everyone's blog to catch up on what's going on. I have emails to reply to and a few other things, but I hope to get those finished soon.

Wow! What's it been? 2 weeks? A lot has happened in that time. Can you believe it is the middle of October?! I can't and neither can the weather. It was over 80 again today. Hot, hot, hot. I am having sinus issues. I don't know if it is because of the weather or because I spent most of the afternoon cleaning out a dusty closet. I won't mention whose it was...........*smile*

I have had a long weekend and a long day as well. I am too tired to stay on much longer, so goodnight for now.

I'm Back!!

I have been a bad blogger lately. I have to say that I have been very busy. I have checked in here and there, but haven't had time to post or comment. Please forgive me. Here is just one of the activities that has kept my family busy and here is another. We've had so much going on!
This is another thing that has kept me busy. The last one was a bit scary for me, but Praise God for keeping me. I have 2 ulcers and a polyp that is being biopsied.

Oh, and I have to announce that ANITA IS COMING!!! Yes, my friend is going to make a special stop on her vacation to visit me!! I feel so honored! We have talked about it before, but now we are in the actual planning stages! Isn't this exciting news!?! There are so many things I would like to do while she and her family are here, but because of time limitations we won't be able to do them. :( However, I am looking forward to having her family attend worship service together with my family. Did I mention that she has an accent also.....*snicker* we talked on the phone for only a short time. My lovely digital phone service left me in silence. It reminded me of one of those wireless commercials where a comment is made and met with silence on the other end, only it wasn't funny.

Speaking of my phone service I called them and was informed that my software (phone) is corrupted. Now what are they going to do about it? He said they would send someone out, but I have yet to see them. I guess I will make another call.........

HE Loves Me!

Although I have read the scriptures convincing me of my Father's love and how He orders my steps, I am still amazed when I experience the reality of it. To know that my Lord loves me with an everlasting love..........

I am just overwhelmed.

Me.

I mean.........

ME!

I know there is a reason for all things. In fact, everyone that serves our Savior can probably testify to this and the times that we felt such a wonderful peace knowing that God is in control. I for one, am so glad that He is. I have made enough mistakes on my own.....

Spent time in prayer asking for forgiveness from my forgiving Lord. How merciful He is to me.....thank-you, Jesus, so unlike man and the ways of man. Again, I thank YOU Lord!

The past few weeks I have struggled with a bad decision.........

One that has been more aggravating than anything else. No one forced this decision. It was one of pure human error.....

MINE.

Maybe this is why I have re-lived the moments over and over in my mind. (kicking myself over and over again)

I knew better. The Holy Spirit warned me with just a whisper "Don't"

I didn't listen. I listened to man instead. Haven't I heard the Spirit's voice enough to recognize it?

Yes, I have asked repeatedly for forgiveness. My Father forgave me the first time I asked.

I couldn't forgive myself.

I asked for a way out......all the while feeling unworthy......

and I have seen God at work.

No....not in the way that I would think He would, After all, His thoughts are much higher than mine.

And no, I haven't seen completion of the escape that He has made for me....

BUT I have this PEACE about my situation that PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!!

ASK me again why I love Him so........

My answer won't be one of a list of things He does for me.....(although He does)

It won't be one of how He has prepared a mansion in heaven for me (although He has)

It will be BECAUSE He FIRST loved me.


HE LOVES ME!!

Free Coffee

You ladies know how I love my tea, but I sometimes have a nice cup of coffee. Recently, I received a free coffee sample from Folgers and wanted to share. All you have to do is click on the link and sign up. Enjoy!

Lunch Is Served!

I attended one of the best luncheons yesterday. There were so many delicious things to choose from that it took a few minutes to decide. There were salads, dips, appetizers, kabobs, fruit salads, and the list just goes on. One of the best things about it was at the end we were allowed to purchase a recipe book with all of the dishes that were prepared for the day!

Because several of these menu items became a quick favorite of mine, I made a beeline to the area to purchase my copy. I plan to share a few of them from time to time. Many of you may already be familiar with some of these, but if you aren't they will be worth your time to try. One of my favorites of the day was the Cucumber-Tomato Dip. There is only one word. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. If you decide to try it, please let me know what you think. You will not be disappointed.

Cucumber-Tomato Dip

1 8oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 8oz. carton of sour cream
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup chopped tomato
fresh cilantro, chopped to taste

Beat together the cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy. Stir in cucumber, tomato and cilantro until blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (I would prepare this as least a couple of hours ahead to allow the flavors to blend)


This dip was served from a cabbage that had the insides carved out, but the outside leaves intact. Very pretty. I think a purple cabbage would have been an extra touch of color.

I tried Grape Salad for the first time in my life. This was another favorite of mine. It was so, so good! I may post that recipe next. This is sure to be a hit at any church function and I can't wait to awe my fellow church members with it.

I regret not taking pictures as I had my camera in my purse, but I didn't know how well that would have went over with the hosts. I apologize, but there is only so far I will go to risk my invite for next year! *grin*

The Gift Shop Is Open For Business!

I know I have been a little slack about posting, but I have been busy since we got back. Please forgive me. As the weekend drew near, we were off to the Biltmore House again! NO, I am not sick of it yet....

As usual, I have left the pictures clickable so you can get a closer look. I hope you enjoy browsing as much as I did.


Since I am pressed for time, I have decided to post some of the more important pictures *smile* first. Those of you that know me will understand why. The gift shop was under construction the last time we went, but look at it now!



These are the replicas of the Biltmore tea service. Aren't they just lovely! Expensive!



I like the cake server in this one and the tea for one pots.


Ahhhh..... a tea lover's dream! Look at all these! They have really expanded their tea accessories. It has been worth the wait.


Although this one looks as if it were taken in the house, it isn't. Remember the "no camera" policy? This one is also in the gift shop. I think this setting would have looked a little more authentic if the hardware on the door would have been Victorian. Hmmm....I think when they send me the questionaire about my visit I may suggest this.


In case you're wondering, I did ask before taking pictures inside the gift shop.
I hope to share the others later.

We're Back!

We're back from our wonderful vacation. I want to thank everyone for their prayers. We came very close to being in a car accident, but God was gracious to us again! I have been trying to catch up on everyone's blogs, so I haven't time to post right now. Hopefully I will get some pics on later! Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Happy Labor Day!

I'll be away for a few days. I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Please be careful and if you don't mind, please keep my family in prayer as we travel. God Bless you all!

What The World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love....

I received this in an email today and wanted to share. How often are we frustrated by other's actions not realizing what may be going on in their life? *sigh*If we could only remember to at least whisper a prayer for them instead of being aggravated!


Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the" jerk" who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.


(Author: Unknown to Me)

Schools In!

This is probably going to be one of those rambling post about much of nothing! Let me see....... where do I begin? School started back this week and this has made me a little bit sad. All of you know how much I like my children home with me. My son is an official 7th grader. I cannot believe my once arm-held bundle of joy is now trouncing the halls in the middle school! If we could just keep them smaller for just a little longer! *sigh* I know it's just as well that we can't. All of mine would still be toddlers and that would not be a good thing. *smile* Just think, we would then deprive ourselves of all those precious memories of their growing up years.

Speaking of school, what about all those forms we must fill out the first day of school? Not only that, I had to write a paragraph about my son this year. I'm serious. The teacher noted this was an actual homework assignment for the parents that the student would be graded for! Thankfully, it was an easy task to write about my son. After penning how wonderful and helpful he is, she should make him the star student. *smile* I realize her goal is to get a better understanding of the child she is entrusted to teach for the next few months. Hopefully, she will see the same child I do.

Along with the forms what do you think about the "Student Suppy List?" It gets longer every year doesn't it? When I was going to school...ahem....and it wasn't that long ago, we usually needed the basics, paper, pencils, composition books, notebook, and a bookbag was optional. Here is my son's list:

1. 1 dozen pencils
2. 1 pocket folder
3. 3 packs of index cards
4. 3 marble composition books
5. colored pencils/crayons
6. personal pencil sharpener
7. 1 pack pens (no gels)
8. multilple packs wide-ruled paper
9. 2 highlighters
10. Kleenex
11. 1 full size bottle of hand sanitizer/soap
12. paper towels
13. calculator
14. 1 can of tennis balls
15. protractor
16. compass
17. clipboard
18. 1" 3 ring binder
19. large 3 ring binder with dividers for each class
20. bag of candy (individually wrapped- no gum)
    

I am thankful I don't have to purchase the textbooks.............. at least not yet........................

Let's Go Antiquing!

As promised, here are some pictures of my trip antiquing.



This is a huge home turned into an Antique shop. Although some things were not antique it was still fun to look at and remember. I kept all the pictures clickable so you could get a closer look at the items.




These aprons look huge, don't they?


This room was an assortment of all types of things. *sigh* I wished I would have gotten a pic of the children's toys that were in the corner. Notice the window to the right. I am assuming those large wire looking sock shapes are sock dryers, maybe? Hmmmm....if anyone knows for sure please feel free to let me know.



Most of the rooms were set up as if someone had just left them, such as this one.


I thought these mother/daughter photos were lovely.



My next venture was on to but what else? These little darlings.


This was my favorite, but I would not pay the asking price and continued to look. this was getting difficult for me because we were upstairs and the floor was creaky. Ever so often when I would step on board that creaked loudly, my stomach would turn. I hate that feeling. I was hoping not to fall through the floor. Thank the good Lord He didn't let me!



This is the one I finally chose. Very pretty, don't you think? It was the least expensive of all.



This room had clothing much like that of today, I thought. I didn't take a pic of the basket of patterns. Some of those were very interesting. Afterthoughts, huh?



This is one of those retro-rooms. Check out the canisters and dessert dishes. These kind of remind me of Brady Bunch days.



This is the only place I went on this particular day. I hope to visit some others in the near future. I have a few items on my mind that I want to search for. I will try to remember to take my camera.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I also purchased a picture from one of the rooms. Can you guess which one?

How Sweet!

I want you to look! Precious Melanie at Our Happy Happenings has awarded me the Nice Award. Isn't she sweet!?! She is definitely deserving of this. I enjoy her daily "happenings" as she adores her husband and her precious baby girl. If you haven't visited her already, stop by her place sometime!


This is what The Nice Matters Award is given for, "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."

These awards always present a dilemma for me and that is HOW to choose just the required number to pass it on to. ALL of my blogging friends are nice. *sigh* But in the process of keeping the rules here are my 7:

I will start alphabetically with Anita at Ask A Lutheran Definitely nice. Although she is from the northern part of the country, she is full of southern hospitality!
Sharon, from Days Of Gladness is from the opposite end of the country and another nice one. She is very active in her women's ministry and able to keep up with her home.
Marilee, Joy In Frog is not only nice, she is a great encourager. She is taking some family time right now and is missed. I have known and loved her since FaithPrint days.
Angel Mama from Pearls Of Wisdom is always eager to lend a helping hand. She hasn't been around lately which is unlike her. Please join me in prayer for her.
Lisa from Sound Proof Room is another nice one. She has been very busy over the summer, but pops in and out to check on everyone. We've *known* each other since Faithprint days, as well.
Iris from Sting My Heart is another most deserving. She gives of her time to encourage us ladies all over the blogosphere.
If you're not a regular reader of her blog, I suggest you go on over and check her out. I think you will agree with me.
Last and definitely not least is Sara from Toward The Mark She is such a sweet, sweet young lady with 2 precious babies and another Faithprints alumni. She knows how to present post that make you put on your thinking cap.

So, there you have it. The 7 I had to choose, but I think the remainder have already been chosen by someone else. Like I said before, ALL of my friends are nice!

This And That

Wow! I can't believe it's been over a week since I had anything significant to say. As hot as it has been around here you would think I would have stayed inside and written a novel. I have visited over at a few blogs and commented now and then. Forgive me if I haven't been to yours and left a comment. I have tried to do what time will allow so please don't take it personal. : )

I have been feeling a little sad lately thinking of the summer days that have passed so quickly. I think being a mother causes me to pause more often and wonder if I have met my children's expectations of summer events. I want our memories that we have made together to be special ones. We have spent more time together and that is a good thing.


My wonderful husband had a birthday yesterday. We celebrated after church with our pastor, his wife, and a few friends. We went to a popular Italian restaurant for our main meal and then had a lovely cake. It was nice. I know your aren't going to believe this, but I didn't take pictures! I guess I was too caught up with everything else to think about it. I am thankful for another birthday shared with my mate.

I wanted to share this pics of these watermelons. I am hoping you can actually see how huge they are. I took this at a produce stand on my way back from the beach. I wanted to put the average size one beside these for comparison, but I don't think the owner would have thought it was as great an idea as I. *smile*






I had a few other things I wanted to ramble on about, but changed my mind. I hope to post something more awe inspiring later. *smile* Much love to all!