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, August 26, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. It's hard to believe, but next week's Hodgepodge will find us in the month of September. What's one thing you want, need, or hope to do still before summer officially ends?
I really have nothing special in mind, except to just really enjoy these beautiful days we've been having.

2. When were you last at 'your wit's end'?
Probably when we were going through everything in my parent's house and also my brother's house and preparing them for selling.  I think at times all of us were at our wit's end.  That's is a lot to do within just a few months of each other.

3. Describe a time you were figuratively thrown into 'the deep end'?
When we adopted our girls.  They were just turned 2 and almost 5 years old at the time.  Talk about the deep-end.  Going from hubby and me and our dog, to us and 2 girls.  Definitely the deep end.  We were so scared we were going to do the wrong thing.  But God blessed and they survived us and have turned into 2 beautiful ladies that we love beyond all measure.



4. Does the end always, ever, or never justify the means? Explain.
I guess my answer would be maybe sometimes.  But, no, I don't think the end ever justifies doing something that is flat out wrong.

5. What makes your hair stand on end?
Spiders

6. I read an article on the website Eat This! Health, that listed 11 foods we can eat to help end bad moods. Basically it's a feed your brain so you're less anxious, grouchy and lethargic. The foods are-mussels, swiss chard, blue potatoes, grass fed beef, dark chocolate, greek yogurt, asparagus, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs, and coconut. Which of those do you think would most help end your own bad mood? Which do you fear, if forced to eat, would put you into a bad mood?
Good mood - beef     Bad mood - swiss chard

7. What project around your home, office, or life in general feels like there is 'no end in sight'?
Getting rid of the clutter.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We helped pack 100 shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse last night.  It was so much fun and we know the children will have so much fun with their gifts when the receive them.



Click the button above to play along with Joyce and the Wednesday Hodgepodge 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Pictures of My Week Volume 12

Hubby and I took a drive up to Indian Lake State Park last Friday.  It was a beautiful day.  Not too hot and not much humidity.  We had a really great relaxing time.

Two big windmills in the distance

A duck playing at the water's edge

A couple of more ducks swimming around.

We had another beautiful day yesterday.  Blue skies and white clouds and little humidity.  I love days like this.
So how was your week.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Thankful Thursday

http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/08/thankful-thursday-link-up-33.html

Things I am thankful for today:

**Weather - the beautiful, cooler weather we are having today.  No humidity and blue skies and big white clouds.  There are a few darker colored clouds, but I think they are left over from yesterday.  I've heard we are supposed to have 3 days of weather like this.  Yay!!

**Scripture - I have been enjoying my morning time of devotions with the Lord.  It just starts the day out right.  Even though this morning's chapter was a difficult one to understand, I know it's true.  And even in the hardness, they was some things that really stood out to me.  I love it when God does that.

**Family - Last night Tracy and I met Kerri and Charlie for a quick dinner.  We had to be at church at 7:00, but it was nice to sit down with them for a short time and just eat and visit.  I love having adult children to spend time with.

I am so thankful for all these things and many, many more.  But I'd like to take a quick second to ask for prayers for my mom.  She is not doing well at all.  She has definitely taken a turn in the last couple of days.  If you would be willing, please just pray that God will have His way and that whatever happens, she won't have to suffer.  Thank you.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge



Thanks Joyce, for another week of questions.


1. Way back when (the Hodgepodge bicentennial to be precise) several of you submitted questions as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I went back to that list for inspiration today and found a question submitted by Marla, who blogs over at Marla's Musings. Thanks Marla!
She asks-At what age did you feel like a 'grown-up'?
 I'm not sure I've ever felt like a grown-up! lol  But maybe when I got married (age 31). 
What keeps you young now? My kids when they talk me into trying something new. 
 
2. When did you last buy a vehicle?
Last fall.
Was this by design or because you had no other option?
By design.
 Was the car/truck purchased for your own personal use or was it bought for someone else to drive?
It was for our use (hubby's and mine).
  On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being delightful and 1 being 'pass the Excedrin') how would you rate the experience?
I always hate the experience, but this time it really wasn't all that bad.  I really like the vehicle though, so I guess it's worth it.

3. Corn bread, corn chips, corn pudding, corn on the cob, cornflakes, corn chowder-your favorite of the corn-y foods listed?
Corn Chips
 What needs to be served alongside your selection?
Salsa or Chuy's creamy jalapeno sauce!

4. What's something in your life that regularly requires you to 'put your thinking cap on'?
Some of  the Hodgepodge Questions

5. Share a favorite movie set in a school or classroom, or whose theme relates to school days in some way.
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips"

6. Reading, writing, and 'rithmatic' are commonly referred to as the three R's. What are the three R's in your life right now?
Retirement (planning for and looking forward to), Restaurants (who wants to cook if you don't have to), Refreshing (any time spent with my hubby)

7. What's something you've learned or tried recently you can say was as 'easy as ABC'?
I can't think of anything for this question right now.  See Joyce, this is one of those times I need my "thinking cap" for the Hodgepodge.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We went to a funeral on Monday for a wonderful saint of God.  You know, when someone is that close to God in their life, it's more of a celebration than a sad time.  I hope when I go, people will celebrate me home more than be sad.

 

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Thankful Thursday

http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/08/thankful-thursday-link-up-32-with-lots.html
It's Thankful Thursday again.  Click the button above to join in at "Knit by God's Hand".

Things I am thankful (in no particular order):

**a beautiful, gorgeous day today.  Blue skies, sunshine and it was only 62 degrees on my way into work.  We were able to turn the AC off last night and it was wonderful.

And this is what it's like right now. 
**a wonderful husband who just brought me an orange freeze to drink with my lunch.

**a three-day weekend coming up.  I took tomorrow off and hubby and I are planning a day trip to get out an enjoy this beautiful weather.  Can't wait.  Don't know what we are doing, but we'll not be at work and we'll be together.

**our oldest daughter started a new job yesterday and so far loves it.  It's a full time job and guarantee of the hours she needs.  She also started her master's program last Thursday.  So excited for her.

**our youngest daughter just got a new position at her work.  She will be training to be a vet tech.  She is so happy and excited, so, naturally, mama is too. 

Lord, you are so good to me and my family.  Thank you for your many blessings on us.  Amen

So, what are you thankful for today?

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. When was the last time you relocated? Did you move yourself or leave it to the professionals? Are you happy staying put or is there a move in your future? Best thing about moving to a new city or town? Least favorite and/or hardest thing about moving house?
We last relocated 19 years ago when we built this house and moved in. 
We hired movers. But they called us the morning of the move and cancelled on us because they claimed they were under contract with a big local steel mill and they had to go there. I asked them what about the contract they had with us but they still refused to come. So we moved ourselves because we have such wonderful families that stepped up and helped. I don't know what we would have done without them. 
At this time we've decided to stay here. 
We've always lived in this area so I can't really answer that question. 
Least favorite and hardest is packing. 

2. When were you last 'moved to tears'? Explain.
I'm not sure. Maybe at my brother's memorial service. 
No explanation needed 

3. Do you have rules about eating in the car...any forbidden foods? What's the last thing you consumed in your car? Your go-to car snack when traveling long distance?
No rules. 
Last thing I ate was a McChicken sandwich from McDonalds. 
Trail Mix is my travel snack. 

4. Share a favorite song relating to cars and/or driving.
"On the Road Again". Hubby has always sung that as we are leaving on a trip. 

5. What's your most frequently visited drive-thru...Starbucks? the bank? the pharmacy? some other window?
McDonalds. See #3. 

6. "He who hesitates is lost"...would you agree? When it comes to making decisions do you generally act quickly or do you more often than not fall into the 'lost' category?
Not necessarily. 
Depends on what's being decided. 

7. When was the last time you got lost? Was it stressful or an unexpected happy adventure?
I'm not sure when the last time was but the worst time was 26 years ago in Golden, Colorado. We drove in circles forever trying to get out of that town. 
Yes, it was a little stressful. I mean 26 years later and I still remember it. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I am so ready for vacation. I'm thinking I may take Friday off and have a three weekend. Sort of a mini vacation. 

Friday, August 7, 2015

Thankful Thursday and Pictures of My Week Volume 11

I was having medical tests run yesterday and didn't much feel like writing a post.  However I don't want to miss being intentionally thankful.



Because of my mother's diagnosis of cancer late last year and because of my brother's death last year from cancer, my doctor felt it was important for me to not wait the full 10 years for a colonoscopy and she also wanted and also wanted a scan of my esophagus because that is where my brother's cancer started.  So, yay I got to do the prep (which can I say is just pretty nasty tasting haha) on Wednesday and then went yesterday afternoon for the actual tests.  Everything was great on the lower end and they took one biopsy in the esophagus, but she really thinks its just from reflux, but wanted to test it for sure.   I should get the results in about a week.   She is starting me on prilosec and then I'll go back in 6 weeks to see if it is healing.  So, I am thankful for doctors who care and want to take precautions. 

I'm thankful that now these tests are over, I can go out this weekend and really celebrate my birthday!

Below are some pictures from my week and at least one of these I posted earlier in the week.

Little Carina eating chicken strips and refusing to smile for me

I love the sky in this picture, and if you look closely you'll see the hot air balloon I was trying to get a picture of.
Another thing I am thankful for is my friend that brought me these beautiful flowers last week from her yard.  I have enjoyed them everyday for over a week.  God creates such wonderful and beautiful things for our enjoyment.
Here and below are some single photos of the flowers I received last Monday.  Over a week later and these were still beautiful
My phone camera just doesn't do them justice.  These were a bright orange.

And this was a brighter orange-red color.
I love my Bible app that allows me to make these signs and this is a favorite verse and of course, if you've been here before, you know how I feel about the ocean!
Hope you all have a great weekend!


Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Bluegrass, Little One, and Birthday

Monday night Tracy and I had dinner at a little pizzeria and listened to live bluegrass music.  Carolyn came and brought little Carina, who is not so little any more.  She turned 3 years old last month.  She loves the music and she loves chicken fingers and pizza.  

Carina eating her chicken fingers

She would not smile for me for the camera, but I can see the smile in her eyes.  lol

Driving home there were some great big, beautiful clouds in the sky.
And as for birthdays: 


Monday, August 3, 2015

My Weekend

We had a nice weekend.  It was fairly quiet, which I like.

On Friday, hubby worked at home.  By the time I got home, he had supper made.  Green beans with salt pork, corn and mozzarella bread sticks.  It was delicious!!

Saturday, I slept in some and did some reading.  We then went to Red Lobster for lunch and then picked up Kerri after work and she came and mowed our grass.  She brought Oscar with her.  He is so adorable, but he's getting so big.  He weighs almost 30 pounds now! 

When she finished mowing, we went and visited mom and dad.  She took Oscar inside with us and mom especially enjoyed seeing him.  My mom loves dogs and Oscar is so fluffy and laid back, it was pretty easy for her to get to pet him.  In fact, after getting some attention, he laid down on the floor and didn't want to leave when it was time.  I wish I would have thought to take a picture of him.  Here's one Kerri took and put on FB from sometime this weekend.


On Sunday we had church and then we met Tracy's family at a little Mexican Restaurant in their town and celebrated my Father-in-Law's 81st birthday, which was on Friday.  Kerri and Charlie came too.  It was fun getting to see everyone again.  Then we went to his parent's house and had birthday cake and ice cream. When we got home, we both had a short nap and then back to church and a quiet evening at home.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend.  I hope you had a nice weekend too.