Friday's Fave Five #90

It's the start of a beautiful, hot, long weekend here in the heartland of America.  Before heading out to celebrate the first holiday weekend of the summer, let's look back to the highlights of this past week.  Join Suzanne at Living to Tell the Story and share your favorites!

1. Friday night, we watched our second daughter, Alexa Janae, graduate from high school.  It was a bittersweet moment seeing her accomplishing a milestone as a young adult, yet sad that the adorable toddler was no more. Yet we have 18 years of memories, and with the advent of digital cameras, tons of pictures of her teen years.

Here she is as a baby.

Adorable toddler holding her new baby sister, Malia.

One of her senior pictures

Janae in her cap and gown in a group.

(I've got more pictures on my camera but haven't transferred them in time for this post!  Bad mom!)

2. On Saturday, Jim and I took a drive to a place called Garden of the Gods.  What beautiful scenery!  I just wished it was named Garden of the One True God!  It is a great place to take pictures.

You won't believe where I was standing to take this picture!

I was worried that I would become dizzy and fall.  Did I mention I have a fear of heights?

This is called the Devil's Smokestack
(Who names these things?)

I don't know if you can tell, but my hubby is standing at the base of the smokestack.  Unfortunately, his clothing blends right in.  He should have worn red!

Here he climbed up and sat in this opening.

I just love taking pictures of God's creation!

3.  The rest of the week, I managed to get some things done around the house.  I had found a lot of goodies at the first yard sale of the year, but had not found places to put them!  I also had to get rid of a couple things to make room.  Decluttering is always good, and always a favorite thing of mine to do.

4.  One of my yard sale treasures was a pair of shutters (actually a bifold door made out of two long shutters). My sweet hubby took them apart and painted them and hung them up in our bedroom for me. It seems that having shutters on the INSIDE of your home is fashionable now.  I just wanted to hide some holes in the sheetrock!  Anyway, I think they look very interesting and it only cost $5 for the shutters and about $12 for the paint.  (Sorry, didn't think to take a picture yet.)

5. 24 years ago today, I became a Mother for the first time.  Elissa Joy's birthday is today and totally a highlight in my life. I am proud to be her mama.

Here she is at about 18 months.

Here she is today, doing one of her favorite things - driving her car!

Okay, that's been my week!  Hope you had a great one as well.  Link up here at Susanne's and share!

Random Dozen - May 26, 2010

Have you ever wondered ...


1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?

Attend!  I'm need to work on my hospitality skilz ...

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.

Hmm... the last party I attended, I managed to trip over a room divider (?) and fell slow-motion from the dining room into the living room.  Quite a feat, actually ... That's really the only thing that stands out in my mind about parties, which proves I'm not a party girl.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?

I believe that I will experience communion with my Lord, reunion with relatives who have lived for God, peace, neverending joy, and a beautiful dwelling place.  I also hope for the ability to eat whatever I want and remain the perfect size!

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

I love light, and sunshine just invigorates me and motivates me to do something!

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?

I always bring my own gift.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?

This is a toughie, but if I had to choose, I would like to have all my meals cooked for me and my family. I would also like to have whoever cooked those meals to clean up after themselves!

7. What song describes your mood today?

"Something Good is Going to Happen To You" - I'm in a mood of expectancy.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)

I still have several kitchen items that I received 34 years ago that I still use:  tupperware canisters, rolling pin, hand held can opener, a set of Corelle dishes.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

Mint chocolate chip

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"

October 2009 through January 2010 (Those in leadership with me at my church know why those dates are significant.)

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."

M & M's

12. "-----" is the best motivation.

Desperation is the best motivation.  Sometimes it is a blessing to feel desperate because then you care enough to get something done!
 
Do you like randomness?  Join in with the crowd at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee!

Friday's Fave Five #89

It's time for Friday's Fave Five!  Visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story and share about this week's highlights.

1.  Last Saturday, I went to my first garage sale of the season with one of my daughters. (It was my first free Saturday.)  We had lots of fun and I found several things on my "garage sale wish list."  I didn't take any pictures though ... why is it that I always forget to do that?

2.  New fave pizza:  My hubby and I tried Digourno's new Pizza and Breadsticks combo.  We got the Supreme. It was really good, and I see myself stocking several in the freezer for those days when I'm too worn out to cook.

3. Unfortunately, this week I came down with a sinus infection (which is NOT a fave!), but I'm grateful for earned time off so that I could stay home a day, and also for Alka Seltzer Plus Cold formula tablets.  They help me better than anything I've tried so far.

4. My hubby grilled some meat for us for the first time this year.  I love when grilling season starts.  This year, I plan to be a little more adventurous with grilled foods.

5.  Quote of the week:  "He who sings his own praise is usually off key." - Unknown

BONUS:  I won the giveaway at Nancy C's blog, "Homemade Blessings"!  I've been enjoying Hershey's Kisses all week long (I only eat a couple at a time to savor them), and as soon as my sinuses get back to normal, I'll enjoy the Yankee candle, too.  She also included a book and some fun fabrics! I love me some giveaways ...

Friday's Fave Five #88

I hope y'all had a great week - I sure did. Every Friday, I join in on one of the greatest memes - "Friday's Fave Five." The object is to look back on your week and choose 5 highlights and then link up at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and share.

1.  Mother's Day Banquet - Last Saturday, the men of our church cooked a meal and served it to the ladies of our church to celebrate Mother's Day.  It was awesome!  I love it when guys cook ... I love it even more when they wait on me hand and foot and THEN do all the clean-up!  Thanks, men of Cornerstone! [As a good blogger, I should have gotten pictures on them in their white aprons carrying plates of food to us! Alas, it didn't even occur to me ...]

2. Favorite Restaurant - My family took me to O'Charley's for Mother's Day.  I love to go there!  I love to get the combo appetizer plate.  I always have to get a to-go box because I can't eat it all.

3. Sentimental Cards - what can I say?  I'm tender.   I totally love to get "mushy" cards and I especially like the sender to write their feelings inside the card.  This year, all three of my daughters and my husband gave me cards with touching memorable letters inside!  It really made my day and caused tears to come to my eyes. I just love a good cry!

4. Besides words of affirmation, I also love gifts.  Two of my favorite things to get are blouses and jewelry.  Mother's Day gifts were a bonanza of the aforementioned items.  Love it! My family knows what I like.

5.  A great week at work.  This week just went by like a dream.  Very little pressure, no big problems, enjoyable conversations with all who came by the church - life was good!

How about you?  Did you have a good week?  Come tell us about it, here.

Random Dozen - May 12, 2010

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

I tripped going down the stairs from the platform after receiving my diploma. Praise the Lord there were no photos of that little faux-pas. But what sticks in my mind more than that is what happened AFTER graduation.  My Dad wanted me to come home at midnight after a graduation party but I stubbornly argued that now that I was 18 (boy, those words have came back to bite me), I could stay out later.  So at about 2 a.m. I headed home.  Terrific rainstorm blew in.  I lived down a little dirt lane.  I sunk my car up to the frame of the car in mud about 1/4 mile from home. So, here I am at 2 in the morning, walking home in my graduation dress and heels holding an umbrella! Once again, Dad was right!

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

Flashlight.  I'm considering adding a complete change of clothes to be always kept in my van.  Not for my kids - for me!

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

There are some parties after graduation ... but not really open houses.  No bridal showers or weddings on my horizon ...  yet.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

I believe your job is never over, the job description just changes.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

I can't remember ...

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

At home, 3 and at work at least 5!

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

Catalog?  You mean, by internet?  Yes I do, if I can get free shipping - except for shoes.  That never works out!

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

Definitely lawn maintenance is a "his job."  That is the way my folks handled it, and his folks handled it - who are we to buck against tradition?

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

Our bedroom could stand to be redecorated ... seems like all the cast off decorations are in there!

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

I read the headlines on my home page, that's about it.  News makes me depressed ...

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

I sure do.  I believe that as a child of God, my steps are ordered.  He knows where I'm going and what will happen to me.  Nothing can happen to me that He doesn't allow, and He only allows those things that will produce His desired will for me.  Anything that happens to me - He will bring good out of it.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

 

Well, I am a perfectionist ... but it's more important that I want to do the right thing.

 

Would you like to see how others answered these questions?  Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee!

Friday's Fave Five #87

Today is Friday, a day where the gang over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story link up to share the highlights from their week. Come on and join us!

This week flew by in a blur, so it's a little difficult to choose highlights ...

1. The first thing I thought of was how much I enjoy trying to take pictures of nature.  I have a lot to learn about it, but I keep trying.  (I'm dreaming of a camera with better zoom!)  Anyway, here is my attempt to capture raindrops on the leaves of a plant.

Yup, those specks on the leaves are raindrops!

2.  Peaceful mornings:  One morning this week, my daughter and I noticed this deer standing next to our shed.  It was a foggy morning and she got a shot of her through the window screen.  I think it just added to the fogginess. This doe was joined by a couple of her girlfriends and then a few minutes laters, two young bucks moseyed along after them.  After a snack in the field adjoining our house, they were on their way.

3.  Believe it or not, it will soon be graduation time.  Monday night, Alexa, Elissa and I sat down to get Alexa's graduation invitations sent out.  I don't know if I can call this a highlight or not, because I'm sad she is grown-up, but I'm also proud of her.  I did love the senior pictures we put in with the invitations.  Here is one:

What's even cooler is that the photographer of this picture is none other than my youngest daughter, Malia!

4.  Thursday night, we attended a regional choir program at the community college that Malia participated in.  It was awesome!  Their theme was big band music and I loved it.  There were 230 voices in the choir comprised of area high school students and the college students.  They sang their hearts out and really made the rafters ring!  I love attending this event every year.  There is something so emotional about hearing great music and seeing all those fresh faces singing with joy written all over them.  It gets me every time.  (One year, I actually cried at their song selections ... what can I say?  I'm tender.)

5. Quote of the week:  "If you're experiencing a trial right now, recognize its ultimate outcome: a deeper dependence upon God and gratefulness for your victory in Christ." … David Jeremiah, Turning Point Devotional, April 27, 2010

Thankful Thursday - Wearing True Colors

It's been a long time since I was able to participate in Thankful Thursday.  This month, thankful ones are gathering at Laurie's Women Taking A Stand blog to share their blessings.


Today, Laurie challenged us by asking if people could tell we were on the Lord's team by looking at us.  Just as wearing sports jerseys identify which team we support, or uniforms tells us the location of our workplaces, would something about our outer appearance let people know we were God's child?

Some feel that, yes, you can tell who belongs to the Lord by looking at the apparel and hairstyles. Unfortunately, some (not all) who dress a certain way can be judgmental, self-righteous and down-right rude to those who do not feel called to dress as they do.  What a shame!  I've had two daughters who had jobs as wait-staff.  They tell me that the whole restaurant shudders when people dressed "Christian" come in.  They tend to be rude to staff, messy, hard to please, and worst of all - lousy tippers.   (I've heard the same complaint at Wal-Mart - they dread when church lets out and all the worshipers come to Wally world for supplies!) This shouldn't be!

Instead, as God's child, our true colors are not demonstrated by our apparel, but in our manner!  Actions speak louder than words.  We should be characterized by love.

Jesus said:  "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 NIV

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. " 1 John 3:10 NIV

Our true colors show in the way we treat people. 

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:13-14 NIV

Today, I'm so thankful for my Christian friends who treat me with love.  My church family means a lot to me.  They are there when I go through seasons of grief and disappointment.  They celebrate with me in times of joy.  They laugh at my jokes and pat me on the back when I try to do something for the Lord. We just do life together. 

I hope you have a church family like that, too!  If you don't, I pray that you will start right now searching for the body of believers that Christ has for you.  He says in His word that He sets the solitary in families, and I believe that also means a church family.  Somewhere, there is a group of worshipers that will welcome and accept you.  They won't be perfect ... you're not perfect, either ... but they will bless you, and you can bless them.  You'll be team-mates working together!

Random Life, Random Dozen

Hello, everyone!  I feel like I have been away forever from you! Life has just been so busy lately ...

Anyway, I figured I would get back in the groove with participating in the Random Dozen.  I'm actually posting it on the right day ... all this time, I thought everyone ELSE was posting on the wrong day!


1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?



(I'm glad the question is not: "What are you procrastinating about, now?")  I had an audit at work that I just kept putting off ... now that it is done, the relief is huge!  I don't know why I keep doing that to myself ...


2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?


I had to smile at Linda's before bed routine, I have one too, but I don't think it is that involved.  Basically, I must have my outfit for the next day laid out - even if it's Saturday - and I must read SOMETHING (even if it's just a short magazine article) before turning out the light. Once that light is turned out, BAM, I'm fast asleep.  Just call me sleep-deprived.


3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?


I was also going to say the 70's because I love jeans, T-shirts and sandals, but then I remembered that in the 70's women wore miniskirts.  Let me just say that I do not want to go there again. So, then I thought about the 80's because I love shoulder pads and big hair. But wait, the 80's had those awful stirrup pants ...  I guess I'm just going to have to be eclectic and wear stuff from all decades!


4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?


My two mainstays of dishes to take to potlucks (that's the kind of crowds I feed) for years was Taco Dip (which is actually a layered bean dip) and Peanut Butter Bars.  But I'm tired of making those, so I am on the lookout for new dishes.

 5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?


I am a impulse shopper on things under $20.  If it costs more than that, I have to mull it over awhile ... Anyway, my weakness is to buy shirts.  If I see a shirt that is cheap, I don't think twice.  I grab it, and if it's in more than one color, I'll buy two ... or three ...


6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?


I want my funeral to be a celebration and that people will say that I had a life that was well-lived.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?


I'm loving this time of year with beautiful sunny days and nature is blooming everywhere and the air feels wonderful (not too hot). It feels heavenly! The best part is knowing that God loves me and that no matter if I mess up and make mistakes, He is still going to love me.  That brings me more joy than anything!


8. What is your favorite type of bread?


Mostly I eat wheat bread, but I do love all types of homemade bread.  Fresh out of the oven, with real butter, it's a feast for a queen (or king as the case may be). Let's don't think about carbs ...


9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)


Laziness ... I feel sometimes that it is just waiting to get me!


10. What trait would you like most to develop?

I definitely want to develop self-discipline.  Lack of self-discipline has always been an issue with me. I have overcame this lack in a lot of areas, but still have a long way to go.  I think lack of self-discipline is an area that most people struggle with in our culture.  It's something I believe that we have failed to instill in our children.


11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?


I guess perhaps the kitchen shows my personality best.  I display my beloved dishes, centerpieces, candles, fresh flowers if I have any, and linens there.  Also, right by the door, are all my tote bags which reflect all my different interests and activities.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

I don't do a very good job at balancing (see my answer #10).  I think finding the right balance is a life-time goal!  I'm like Lid, if something has to go, having a perfectly clean house is it.  However, it does really bother me when my house is not perfectly clean ...

Say, why don't you hop over to Lid's blog at 2nd Cup of Coffee and read everyone's random answers?  I bet you'd enjoy it!