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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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Click the button to join in the fun!


1. In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl. What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?
Probably a Women of Faith conference in Columbus, OH about 3-4 years ago.

2. Share something you're a fan of these days?
Walt Disney World

3. How do you feel about wings? In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind. What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other? Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?
Can't say as I'm a big fan of wings at all.

4. As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story? Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?
No, I really haven't followed his story, nor did I watch his interview.  For his sake, though, I'm glad he confessed, because the truth will set you free.

5. What's a question you hate to be asked?
How much do you weigh?

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers. Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens. Were you and your sibling(s) competitive? In what way? Are you still? If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?
I'm sure we were a little competitive when we were young like most siblings. However, I don't think as adults that we are at all.

7. What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?
Volleyball is my favorite and it's been a really long time since I've played, but I loved watching my kids play.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
More things to give thanks for:
37. watching TV at home with just me and hubby
38. my new steam cleaner
39. hot apple cider from my Keurig
40. my puppy who always meets me at the door when I come home.
41. a husband who helps clean the bathroom. 
42. a miracle baby that wasn't supposed to live, but who is thriving and doing well (I need to tell you about this).

Monday, January 28, 2013

The Way of Grace by Cathy Bryant

The Way of Grace by Cathy Bryant


In pursuit of justice, in need of grace . . .

A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Sidetracked by a desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor. Then a disheveled free spirit turns her perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging her concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves Grace teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves her dreams in a heap of ashes. Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from perfect–but one completely immersed in His grace?

This is the 3rd book in the Miller's Creek series by Cathy Bryant.  I reviewed book 2, "A Path Less Traveled" here. Cathy Bryant's website is here.

Here's an interview with Cathy Bryant from her blog:


Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, Nana, musician, teacher, and writer. I enjoy just about anything outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping and gardening. I also enjoy creative activities—home improvement projects, scrap-booking, painting, composing, and of course, writing. I love watching movies and reading books, though since becoming a writer, I can’t stop analyzing what I’m watching and reading. I’m a big reality TV fan, my favorites being Survivor and The Amazing Race–both great material for analyzing human behavior for my books!
Where do you write?
Our little homestead is short on space, so my “writing room” also serves as a bedroom/library/office. I’m a cheapskate at heart, so my desk consists of a used bookshelf, two file cabinets, and four wooden crates which serve as extra drawers. The “drawers” and file cabinets are topped with MDF to create a desk-top, and a shoe caddy serves as an organizer for office supplies.
What are you writing now?
I just finished The Way of Grace (book 3 in the Miller’s Creek novels), which tells the story of Gracie Soldano, a young woman motivated by justice and the illusion of perfection. Matt Tyler, the story’s hero, challenges her belief in personal perfection, which comes in handy when her perfect world is thrown into a tailspin. Through the course of the story Gracie not only learns that God’s plan is better than hers, but that His grace is wider and deeper than she ever realized. I hope to soon get started on book 4 in the Miller’s Creek novels, Pilgrimage of Promise.
What inspired you to write The Way of Grace? As with all my books, the spiritual theme follows my spiritual journey. I’ve battled perfectionism my entire life, and Gracie also struggles with it. Though her story is different than mine, the issues she deals with are very much the same.
What do you want readers to take away from this book in particular? I want them to realize that grace isn’t something we earn. In fact, if we could earn it, it wouldn’t be grace at all. God’s grace is vast, not just a drip here and a drop there, but an ocean—wave upon wave of divine favor—a gift He bestows because of His great love.
Tell us how you come up with characters. The characters actually introduce themselves to me. (I know, I know, they’re not real. I promise I’m not certifiable…) After they make their appearance, I fill out extensive character charts, including taking online personality tests for them! (Hmm, maybe I am certifiable…) And by the way, for all you aspiring novelists out there, I’ve just started a new series on my blog, WordVessel, entitled “Wanna Write A Book?” My hope is to share with others what I’ve learned about the process of creating a book.
Of all the characters you’ve created, which is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt the answer would have to be Mama Beth, the wise woman in all the Miller’s Creek novels. She is everything I want to be when I grow up—wise, kind, and loving. She’ll be the main character in the fourth book of the series.
What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? I want my writing to honor and glorify God. If only one person is touched and moved closer to God as a result of my writing, then the hours of hard labor are worth it. One early reader of Texas Roads (the first book in the series) told me the story brought healing to her life. I can think of no higher compliment.

My Thoughts:  I loved this book.  The character's were well written and the storyline was very interesting.  There were several twists and turns I didn't expect.  To me, the overall theme of the book was grace and Grace or Graciela was the lead character's name.  Grace learned about not only the grace God shows us, but that she (and we) have to show grace to others.  Forgiving and helping our enemies, which she learned wasn't easy.  But when we provide that grace, lives can be changed.  And when we forgive ourselves and accept God's grace, our lives can be drastically changed. One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Grace attended a very small church in a very small town.  During that service they sang the wonderful old song "Amazing Grace" and it was neat how she related the song to where she was in her life at that point.  As in book 2, I loved that the author was able to teach us more about living for God without coming off as being preachy.  I totally loved this book and highly recommend it. And I can't wait for Book 4, "Pilgrimage of Promise".


Disclaimer:    I received this book for free from the author and these thoughts and opinions are my own and I am not required to to give a positive review.

Weekend Wrap-Up

There's not a lot to share to wrap-up this weekend.  It was a great weekend, but just very quiet and relaxing.

Friday night we stayed home and had "Hamburger Helper" for dinner and watched a movie.

Saturday, hubby and I went out for lunch at Ponderosa and then went to Wal-mart and then Kerri and Charlie came and visited Saturday afternoon.  Carolyn made baby food for Carina and Carina loves it.  So far, she just made sweet potatoes, but it seems to be a big hit!  We had planned to go to my parents, like most Saturday nights, but instead we just stayed home and relaxed and watched "American President".

Sunday we had a wonderful morning service with lots of great praise reports.  Went out to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant and then relaxed at home.  Before we got home we went to Meijers and I bought a Shark Steam Cleaner.  Hope I like it.  I watched Carina while her mommy did laundry that afternoon.  There really wasn't a lot of watching to do though, as she slept most of the afternoon.  It was so sweet to just get to hold her and watch her sleep.  I wonder if God likes to watch us when we sleep and does he enjoy it like I did.

So as I said at the beginning, it was just a quiet weekend, but I loved every minute of it.  How was your weekend?

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

It's time for Friday Fragments. If you want to play along, why not click the button above.

painted by my daughter!
This is a painting my oldest made me for Christmas.  It is one of my most favorite quotes by Erma Bombeck.  I haven't hung it yet, but I love it.  I'm not sure where I want to hang it yet, so I'm enjoying it on my computer desk.



Well we've finally made a decision.  We're going to do Beth Moore's, "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place for our spring Bible study.  Should be a good one.
picture from internet


Well, that's about it.  Have a great weekend!

(I've edited this post and removed information about a movie I recommended.  After some of the comments and thinking about it, I decided, I really wasn't comfortable recommending it to others to watch. Sorry, if this causes confusion.  I'm just more comfortable with what I said, removed from here.)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

A Gift

My youngest daughter, Kerri bought this lovely Vera Bradley purse for me.



Isn't it pretty? She is such an awesome shopper and is always finding great buys. This is used, but it looks brand new. It seems when I find used stuff, it always looks used, but not Kerri. She just seems to have an eagle eye when it comes to bargains.

I can't wait to get it sanitized on the inside (which we always do with used purses and shoes) so I can carry it. I love the dark chocolate brown color. It will really go with a lot of my wardrobe. Brown seems to be a favorite color this year for me.  Thank you Kerri for thinking of your mama.

Some more thanks:

33. A wonderful daughter, who just happens to be a terrific, thrifty shopper.
34. A new Vera Bradley purse.
35. A good service last night on hearing the voice of God using the story of Samuel and Eli. I love this story.
36. Having the opportunity to ride to work with my husband each morning and then back home again. I am so thankful for this extra few minutes each day alone with him.

Hope you all have a great day.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?
No, I don't think so.

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?
Yes, I like cereal and my favorite kind is probably Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms.  I also like Raisin Bran Crunch and Frosted Flakes (as you can see, mostly anything that has lots of sugar). 

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story click here for details).
As the newscaster says, we don't know exactly what the child said, but it sounds pretty bogus to me.  I mean come on, it's bubbles.  Just from what they said in that newscast, I would say she doesn't deserve a suspension, nor should it be a permanent record in her file.  However, that being said, I suppose there could be more to the story that what they are releasing.

4. Whatever happened to my mind? I believe it is totally missing some days!

5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?
I don't really like my handwriting, but I don't mind my printing.  I prefer printing.  The last thing I signed was my time sheet at work.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?
I have never been to Philadelphia, but I would love to go some day.

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.
My oldest used to call country music, crunchy music and pancakes were pantycakes.  We still use both today when we want to give her a hard time.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
More things to give "thanks" for:
26. a nice warm house to come home to when it is sooooo cold outside.
27. a pretty good report from the doctor at my check-up.  
28. reading the Bible through chronologically for the first time and I'm up to Joshua.
29. a wonderful supper of ham and beans last night.
30. beautiful falling snow

 31. and that it didn't accumulate any more than this.


32. another beautiful sunset tonight



Don't forget after you make a comment to click on the Hodgepodge button above so you can visit others and hopefully play along with us.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I'm Shrinking!!!

I had my regular check-up yesterday at the Doctor's. I don't know about you, but I really hate going to the doctor. I definitely have that white coat syndrome. If I were honest, I'd have to say I think it's mostly because I hate getting on the scale! ha!

Anyway, first thing I walked in, I had to get on the scale and I survived that, but then they wanted to check my height! 5'3 1/2" Really!!  Are you kidding me?  I've always been 5'4 1/2".  I mean, I've never been tall, but now I'm an inch shorter!!!  I said something to the nurse and she said it happens to all of us!  If I shrink any more, I'll be shorter than my oldest daughter and then she will win!  She's always wanted to be taller than me and now there's just about a 1/2" between us.  Whatever will I do?

So really, getting older and forgetting things, and having extra aches and pains, and needing glasses, and hot flashes, etc aren't enough! Now I have to get shorter too!  I mean, come on, if I have to shrink, why in the world can't it be around instead of up and down.  Heaven knows I really need to lose weight.  But no! I have to shrink in height instead of weight!  Oh well, guess I might as well laugh about it, otherwise, I might start crying!  haha

I want to know one thing.  Who in the world said these are the "golden years"?  Are they crazy!!   Tell me, are you shrinking too?



Monday, January 21, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up

Spent Friday night at home. Planned to just relax and watch TV. Our youngest came over and Carolyn cut her hair and dyed it black. Her hair is normally very dark, but this summer she put Sun-In on it and it lightened quite a bit and turned rather reddish and she wants it dark again. I watched the baby so they could do it. Fun evening.

Saturday, hubby and I were alone. We went to lunch and then did our Walmarting. It was rather nice. Then we came home and took a nap (love me a good Saturday or Sunday afternoon nap). When we went to my mom and dads and visited with all the family except my youngest brother and his wife. I love my family.

Sunday we had a good morning worship service and then met hubby's family for lunch. Then we just relaxed for the afternoon at home. I tried to watch Downton Abbey online, but could never get it to work without tons of pauses on my computer. So I gave up. Now I'm 3 episodes behind. So I guess I'll have to catch it on my Kindle through Prime after the season is over. Sunday nights at my house is not a good time to watch it on TV as the rest of my family isn't interested in it. Actually we're watching "Lion King" right now. I love Disney movies! Pumbaa just had a good line.

"Home is where your rump rests." Made me laugh.  
I think I'll wrap up with some more things I want to say "Thanks" for:

16. Time with my family
17. Time with my husband's family
18. Visiting with my youngest daughter
19. Time alone with my man
20. Walmart
21. A nice relaxing weekend (a three day weekend at that)!
22. Naps
23. Holding Carina while she napped Sunday afternoon.  She is so cuddly.
24. Disney movies
25. Beautiful sunshine - it's cold but the skies have sure been beautiful


Friday, January 18, 2013

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

It's that time again. Friday Fragments.

I need to get the treadmill moved out of the room Carolyn is using and into the bedroom Kelli used while home from school. I'm also going to set my computer and stuff in that room. So while Kelli is gone it will be our guest room/my office & exercise room. Hope to paint it this spring.

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Went shopping with one of my sisters and my mom tonight. We had a good time together and I got 3 new sweaters and a couple of tops to layer under the sweaters. Love CJ Banks.

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Still looking for ideas for fun things to do and see and eat in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area.  You can comment on this post or add them to my post about our upcoming trip here.

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Beautiful sky Thursday night. See...





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Some more Thanks:

11.  Beautiful evening skies...love God's handiwork.
12.  Time spent with one of my sisters and my mom.
13.  Wonderful discussion about prayer at Bible Study last night.
14.  Lily and how she almost always meets me at the door when I come in and she is always so glad to see me.
15.  Books on audio files, downloaded from the library...listened to one about Mr. Walt Disney today while at work.  Makes the day go so much faster.

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Well, that's pretty much all the frags I have this week.  Hope you all have a great weekend.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Seeking Some Input

Hubby and I made reservations for 5 days/4 nights in Pigeon Forge next month. Have you ever been there? It's been a couple years since we've been there, but we totally love Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & the Smoky Mountains. In fact, 24 years ago, this is where we spent our Honeymoon. We've gone multiple times since then as just a couple, but for the past 17 years, we've gone as a family and this will be just the 2 of us. I am so excited and can't wait.

Anyway, I'm looking for some ideas from any of you who have been there, of new or different things to do while we are there. Maybe places you like to eat, or entertainment you've enjoyed, or walks in the mountains you've enjoyed (notice I say walks and not hikes-we are too out of shape for hikes! haha), etc. Is there a particular dinner show or just a show that you recommend?

Sometimes planning a trip can be almost as much fun as taking a trip. And that's where I am right now. I just want to have fun over the next several weeks planning and preparing and looking forward to our time together.

Thank you for any ideas you may share.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Click above to join in with Hodgepodge.  You will definitely enjoy it, plus you might make some new friends.

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.
To be honest, I haven't heard any of them used overly much to where I've gotten tired of them.  So in my opinion they should all stay.

2. When was the last time you rode a train? Where did you go?
In September, we rode a train at Disney World.  It's at Animal Kingdom and goes to the the Animal Nursery called Rafiki's Planet.  I have a picture of the train, however my pictures have not been loaded back on my computer since it had the virus.

3. Bagels-yay or nay? Favorite 'flavor'? Favorite topping?
Yay, but I rarely ever have one.  I really think I've only ever had the plain ones with cream cheese. 

4. 'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?
"Lake House".  I love that movie and I love that house.
 Both of these pictures are from the internet


5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you? Do you think kids perform better if seperated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination? If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?
I didn't know that was being discussed.  I really don't have a problem either way.

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
Someone else cleaning up the room and making the bed.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013? What's the story behind your choice?
 This is my word for 2013.  You may read my 2 previous posts to see why.  I thing while I'm here I'll add a few more thanks:
6. a good supper made by my husband
7. the chance to spend time with this little sweetie.
She loves playing with her mama's phone

8.  Home made potato soup
9.  A good book I'm currently reading "The Way of Grace" by Cathy Bryant
10.Blogging Friends

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Little by little we're getting our house a little more organized.  Still have a long way to go though.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Christmas Break Is Over Now! And One Word 2013 "Thanks"

The month is over and Kelli left today to go back to school. It surprised me because it was a little hard to walk away at the airport. My husband said he felt the same way. Normally, I really have no problem when she leaves because I know she loves school and is doing what she wants. For some reason, it was different this time.

I know she is still doing what she wants, but I don't think she was quite ready to go back either. She said she wished she could have stayed just one more week and we would've loved it to. But, time goes on and we have to also.

Here are a few pictures from her time at home.

Kelli in her banana costume (I have no idea why!)

Kelli and Kerri

Kelli and I at "White Christmas"

Kelli with her new guitar

Kelli and Carina

Doesn't she have the most beautiful hair!

At the airport Monday morning

Having fun at the airport

Kelli and her daddy

It's been a really good Christmas break. Kelli, I hope you have a great semester back at school. Love you bunches.

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On the 15th of each month, Melanie at "Only A Breath" is sponsoring a Link-Up Party to encourage us to keep on keeping on with our One Word for 2013.  Today is the 15th and though I just original linked up on Sunday, I still want to give thanks for some things.

1. I'm thankful for my husband, the spiritual leader of our home.  I have learned so much from him over the years and I love him with all my heart.

2. I'm thankful for Kelli.  I believe you can tell that by the first part of this post.  She is just so fun and full of life.

3. I'm thankful for Kerri.  She is such a hard worker and has so many things she wants to do.

4. I'm thankful for a good job.

5. I'm thankful for our home.

Thank you Jesus for these wonderful blessings.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

One Word 2013 "Thanks"

I've thought and thought and decided my one word for 2013 is Thanks.  Lots of things have happened in our lives in the last three months and some of them have not been too great.  However, I believe that God has been with us through all of it and I just want to give Him thanks for all He's done.  I'm hoping in 2013 to be very deliberate in looking for things in our everyday life to be thankful for. 

So I'm joining in with One Word Three Sixty Five where I can find encouragement from others to keep on through the year trying to remember to give God thanks.

Melanie at "life is Only A Breath" graciously has offered to make the buttons for anyone that asks.  Also you can sign in at Melanie's site too.  I believe on the 15th of each month she will be having a linky party so we can join in with the community and what their word has meant to them in the past month.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Bill of Rights

I was thinking about how long I've been blogging and realized it's been over 4 years now. I started in September of 2008. Anyway, I was looking back at some of the early things and ran across this "Bill of Rights" and just had to post it again. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

'Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known
As 'C.S.D.'

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, 'Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D .
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best.'

I said 'No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine.'

He asked 'Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?'
'Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D . Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D..?'

From a M.O.M.
(Mean Old Mother.)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge


1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close? Do you have a plan to make it happen?
My whole house.  Starting one closet and/or drawer at a time.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?
I had to wear a police type outfit when I was a full-time dispatcher. White shirt, black pants, badge, patches, the whole bit.  It just wasn't all that comfortable. Plus if I stopped anywhere on the way to or from work, I felt like a fish in a fishbowl.  Everybody would look at you (thinking I was a police officer).  Just not my thing, although a lot of people like it. 

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'? This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!
The last one was just last week.  I burned a grilled cheese sandwich I was making.  Yuck!

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?
I just try not to stick around too long when things are getting really negative.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree?
Probably my younger sister in looks, but in actions I believe I'm my mom made over.  People say our girls look like their dad.  They're probably right as they definitely have his coloring.  

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?
No, I much prefer a shower.

7. Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah), Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnivale (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China). Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?
Maybe Mardi Gras just because I'd like to go to New Orleans again.  I probably wouldn't go to the Festival, but just visit the city.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This little one and her mama are staying with us for a little while. So you'll probably be seeing a lot more pictures of her here.  I have to say it's kinda fun having a baby in the house.