If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

Woke up this morning to a world covered with ice. Made it a little scary walking out to get in the van and then walking into work from the van. Driving was okay because the roads were pre-treated and the crews obviously have been working diligently over the night. Fortunately, it's warming up so the ice is melting nicely.

We got to Skype with Kelli last night. First time I've seen her face since she went back to school in January. She's got a new boyfriend and seems very happy right now, so that makes mama happy.

Talked to Kerri via FB messages last night and she's got a job interview today. Hoping all goes well for her. She said she's excited and scared both.

No pictures this week. I'm not sure why, but I just haven't had the camera out. I'm sure that will change next week as we'll be traveling and I can't wait to get some good pictures in the Smokey's.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Click the button to play along.

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'? You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.
I'm not sure when the last time was. But, Lord willing, the next time is next week when we go to the Great Smoky Mountain's National Park.

2. Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household? What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?
Probably not as close as we should, but not too bad. Don't spend more than you have.

3. Cherries-yay or nay? Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.
Real cherries...yes.  Cherry flavored food...no.  Cherry pie.

4. Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?
Depends on the people and the situation.

5. When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? Where were you headed on your last road trip?
I prefer to be the passenger.  The last big road trip was to Florida.

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?
Black

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?
Who...My parents.  Why...because they are my parents.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Looking forward to seeing some of this next week.

Douglas Dam in Sevier County taken by me a few years ago.
Another picture I took a few years ago from an overlook in the Smoky's


Friday, February 15, 2013

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea
Click the above button to join in with the Friday Fragments Fun at Half-Past Kissin' Time.

Started a new afghan this week. I haven't done a granny square in a long, long time. So I got on Youtube and watched an instructional video for just a simple square. It's going to be a baby afghan. However, I'm just making one big square and will alternate colors as I go. I only have a light blue yarn on hand, so this will be the center. Hoping to get out this weekend and buy a couple other colors and really get going on this afghan. Planning to take it on our trip next week to work on when we're relaxing in the evening or whenever.

Speaking of trips, we leave for Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge next week. I am so looking forward to time away with my hubby to just relax and enjoy. No real special plans, just to be together like we were before kids. This will be our first trip for just the two of us in over 16 years.

Lily seems to be all recovered from her ailments. I haven't seen her limp all week and the other issues seem cleared up too.

Monday is our 24th anniversary. I cannot believe we've been married that long. It seems like forever, but then it also seems like just yesterday. I love the life I have with my man!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?
We don't really celebrate Lent.  However, our church is participating in a church-wide program called Focus 40.  We are given certain readings for each day and we are also to pick a form of fasting. It starts next Wednesday.  It's pretty awesome to know the whole church (not just our congregation) is studying the same thing and praying towards the same goals.  

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?
Never heard of Shrove Tuesday.  I do like pancakes, but I don't eat them real often.  I like them with a little butter and maple syrup.

3. I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?
I don't know if this is my favorite, but it is a really good one.  "If" by Bread.



4. What are some things you do to let others know you love them?
Tell them.  

5. Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall tIs he last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?
I like yellow roses.  If I were to pick one of the three you listed, it would probably be red roses, but I'd really prefer a mixed bouquet of cut flowers.

6. President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you? Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why?
The White House - just because I've always wanted to go there.  I'd love to see Mount Vernon too.

7. Are you good at keeping secrets?
I think so.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Opinions please.....Is 7 months too young to try to break a child from screaming and crying because no one is picking her up.  If you know they are not hungry, or wet and they just want to be picked up.  Is it okay to try to just let them cry it out?  What do you think?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Arachnohobia







So this morning, we get a knock on our bedroom door.  It's Carolyn.  There is a big wolf spider in her bedroom and she needs the spider slayer (hubby) to come take care of it. When we came out of our room, she was standing in the hallway watching the spider so it couldn't hide (like it did yesterday) So hubby (the spider slayer) braved the wild and killed the spider for her.  She was so scared! And I have to admit, I didn't go anywhere near her room until the spider slayer had taken care of the problem.

Guess what though....the baby was still in her crib in the room with the spider!  Fortunately, it was no where near her and she slept through the whole thing.  I'm not sure Carolyn or I could have gone in and gotten her if she had started crying.  It's funny now....but it sure wasn't then with that big old hairy spider on the loose.


Yep, I think that pretty much says it all.  My girls either had to get their daddy or kill the suckers themselves.  Actually, they have been known to kill spiders for me before.  haha  I hope Carina will be a brave soul and help her mama out like my girls did. 

What about you?  Are you afraid of spiders?

Monday, February 11, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up

Some pictures of our weekend.

We saw this when we were out on Saturday and looked at it for a long time, trying to figure out if it was real.  I finally got out and took a picture.  Finally, figured out it wasn't real.  But from a distance it was pretty realistic.  So yep, they got me!

I bought this picture this weekend at a little antique and craft store called the Butter Street Barn.  I have a couple other Amish pictures in my house too. They are framed identical except this is blue and they are black.  Think I'll hang this in the spare bedroom/office.

Last Sunday a sweet lady from our church sent this to me.  She has not been able to attend for awhile due to illness, but she sent if with her great-grandson.  It is a collection of Shirley Temple pins.  She knows I love Shirley Temple so she gave me her pin collection.

Here is a close-up of a couple of them.

Here is one of my favorites.  I have a Shirley Temple Doll dressed in this outfit.  Isn't this just the sweetest gift in the world!
My sweet Lily is feeling better! 

Sunday night after church, little Carina really got to carrying on.  She loves having her picture taken.  I love this photo!

Well, that's some of the high points of my weekend.  Hope you had a great one too.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

Yesterday was a completely beautiful day around. Sunny and reached around 50. Today, not so much. It's rather grey and cold. At least it's not raining or snowing right now.

Lily's been limping the last couple of days. When she first stands up she limps really bad, but after a few minutes of walking she's a little better. We took her to the Vet yesterday afternoon and he says she has overstretched a ligament in her leg. We now have horse-size anti-inflammatory pills to give her. She's also on an antibiotic now for a different problem. He says she should be a lot better by Monday. If not, we'll be taking her back for some X-rays. Fortunately, she's not too hard to give pills to. We just put them in a little peanut butter or yogurt and right down they go.

Good News on Lily is that he says she's in really good shape for her age (she's 11). In fact he says, she's in really good shape for a 7 year old. So glad to hear that cause I'm sure not ready to lose her anytime soon.

Just mailed off Valentine Care Packages to my girls. Can't say any more about that as they sometimes read here.

No big plans yet for the weekend but who knows what we'll get into before it's over. Hope you have a great weekend.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here is a message from our Hodgepodge sponsor, Joyce at From This Side of the Pond:

Winter is plodding along here on the East Coast. Guess it's a good thing we have the Hodgepodge to keep our brains engaged.

You use your brain for the Hodgepodge, don't you?

We've got quite the party going on here every Wednesday, and I do try my best to get around to everyone who participates. Some weeks I don't quite make it, and some weeks it takes me until the weekend to get there, but I do try my best to eventually make it around to everyone. I also realize most people won't hop to 60 or 70 links, but I want to encourage you to visit at least the two or three who post just before/after you. That way everyone has company and feels welcome.

Hey, the Hodgepodge is nothing if not friendly. See ya back here tomorrow to share answers-

Now let's get on to the Hodgepodge:

 

1.  Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake?  Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers? 
No I am not okay with snakes.  They scare me to death.  It's been awhile since I've seen one and I'd just as soon not ever seen one again.
 
2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck.  Do you believe in luck? 
No, I don't believe in luck. I believe everything that happens is under the direction or permission of God.   However, I do love the color red.
 
3. sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?  Which of the three have you done most recently?  
Ice Skating and it's probably been about 12-15 years since I did that.
 
4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew."  Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?  
I'm not sure I even know what that means.

5. When was the last time you ate a cupcake?  
Probably sometime during our last Bible Study (last fall).  We have a couple ladies who bring in cupcakes sometimes and I probably had one.
 
6. What's something you can't say no to?  
Chocolate Chip Cookies
 
7.  Are you a doodler?  
Yes, sometimes. But not as much as my mom is.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
Today is my baby brother's birthday.  He is 50 years old!  Oh my goodness we are now all at least 50 years old.  I cannot believe it!  Man we are OLD!!  Happy Birthday dear brother!!