Diet

I have a lot to learn about eating.  You would think that someone who eats 3 squares a day plus snacks would have a better handle on things.  I do not. I need help. Fortunately, I have friends who love me enough to challenge me in this area.  My desire in eating well is to be healthy and to set a good example for my family.  God has a good plan in this-one I need to learn.  Hopefully, you have already learned lessons of good, healthy eating to bring glory to God as well as health to your life and to your family. 

Memorial Day

Just taking a moment to remember those who have fought and served and continue to do so that I can lead the live that I live.  Thank you servicemen for your hard work and your dedication to our country.  Blessings. 
Now on to the pool and bbq's and a huge welcome to summer. 

indoor picnic

I knew yesterday was going to be kind of a long day for the girls. A lot of car time, time at the bank, a short time of playing with some friends, so I decided to let them eat in the living room while watching Caillou.  They had a blast.  I just spread out a big blanket and let them have their lunch and juice on the floor.  I really wanted to eat out on the deck but it was sprinkling so we opted for the house.  It was great.  Maybe we'll get to move our picnic outside soon, but I'll have to remember this for another rainy day.  Have a great Friday.

People watching in cars

The other day while driving I took a moment to notice what others were doing in the cars around me ... of course several were on cell phones talking and texting, but one lady was so capable that she could eat an apple as well.  Another lady managed to have the eyelash curler up to her left eye while making a right hand turn and another lady was putting on powder. I also saw several smokers and dancers and one nose picker.  Not a bad day for people watching.
Blessings.

Soul Surfer

Last night was date night.  Andy and I went to see Soul Surfer.  It was a great movie about Bethany Hamilton, the young girl who survived a shark attack. I love stories about faith, overcoming obstacles, family and realizing there is more to life than self.  A line from the movie as Bethany was on a mission trip to Thailand "you don't have to be afraid of compassion."  It is true. Opening your heart can be hard, but the joy that is found in doing so is amazing. Blessings.

Walk in the park

I think Mollie was highly disappointed last night when Andy said that we were going to the park.  She wanted to go in the wagon to the playground (park), instead we went to the park (fields, woods, walking trails) to walk and she was in the stroller with Betsy.  She didn't cry, but she had a hard time figuring it all out.  We'll have go to the playground soon, maybe I'll even pull her in the wagon.  Blessings.

$0.49

Right now McDonald's is selling their cones for $0.49, so after church Andy took the girls and me out for a treat.  Not a bad bargain.  It is going to be hard to resist for the rest of the summer if the days continue to be this hot.  It's also going to be hard to convince Mollie that the restaurant's name is just McDonald's and not Old McDonald's and that we need to go get a special treat.  Blessings.

exercise early

My friend and I walk at 6:45 a.m. three days a week. We'll probably add in a 4th day soon.  I have found that I have more energy and am much more productive on my walking days than on my non-walking days.  I get my Bible time in, my cleaning done and am generally in a better mood all day.  Hmmm, I guess I need to get out more.  Hope I get a family walk in today!

smoke detector

This morning at 4, the smoke alarm in the girls room starts beeping due to a low battery.  Thankfully, I was the only one that woke up to the noise.  However, I kept waking up to the beeps off and on (I'm sure I slept through some of them) so I was not in the best mood at 6:30. After walking with my friend, and after Andy replaced the batteries in all 9 smoke detectors I am a much happier camper. He also told me that he would have replaced it at 4.  Such a nice guy.  Next time, I might just wake him up.  Too bad, he had to get the extension ladder due to the vaulted ceiling in the pink room.  Since these batteries expired in 2008, my guess is that they won't need to be replaced for a while.  :)  Blessings - and if you've not done so in a while you might consider replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms. 

babysteps

My nephew, Colton took 5 steps yesterday.  It is so amazing hearing about a baby growing up - my brother now has a toddler :) Life is so fun.  I'm so happy that my brother is a daddy.  I know that being a parent brings you closer to your spouse and to the Lord in so many ways.  I am praying that Colton's steps are always ordered by God.  He looks amazingly like my brother and has a lot of my sister-in-laws looks as well. He is a handsome lil fella and I'm proud to be his Aunt.  I just wish we lived a little closer so I could love on him more. 

dinner

Last night we drove an hour to have dinner with my mom and sister and her family.  Originally, we were going to meet a man so Andy could look at his truck, so we made dinner plans. The truck was sold to another on Andy's way home, but we decided to keep our dinner plans.  It was fun. It was a quick visit, but worthwhile nonetheless. The girls love their Mamaw. We got to meet her new dog too. Lady-she is sweet. Hope you all have a fantastic day, making the most of the changes and impromptu plans that are sometimes necessary in life. Blessings.

Betsy 15 mos.

I took Betsy to the doctor yesterday, he said she was perfect.  Well she is a little small in weight, (8th %ile) and her height is just under 50th, but her head is in the 77th - not bad for overall stats.  She is much more picky than Mollie. We pretty much force feed her any vegetables that aren't pureed and she takes issue with meat sometimes too - unless it is the play kind from her "kitchen". She is putting words together more and more.  She is very sweet and likes to be held and cuddled and kissed.  She is precious for sure. 

peeps

My mom brought another box of peeps for the girls. I swear those marshmallow bunnies must multiply in the pantry when the door is closed. The girls don't really like them that well, I guess that is why we are slower at eating through the candy.  I may try them in hot chocolate later, I think that might be a good way to enjoy a pink peep.  :) Blessings.

A good friend of mine shared this poem by John Paul Moore with me several years ago in a note card along with a saucer.  I love it now as much as I did then. I hope you do as well. Blessings.

Drinking From The Saucer

I've never made a fortune, And I'll never make one now But it really doesn't matter 'Cause I'm happy anyhow As I go along my journey I'm reaping better than I've sowed I'm drinking from the saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed I don't have a lot of riches, And sometimes the going's tough But with kin and friends to love me I think I'm rich enough I thank God for the blessings That His mercy has bestowed I'm drinking from the saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed He gives me strength and courage When the way grows steep and rough I'll not ask for other blessings for I'm already blessed enough May we never be too busy To help bear another's load Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer When our cups have overflowed

Stone Soup

We checked out Stone Soup from the library a few weeks ago, and I returned the book last week.  But for the past couple of days, Mollie has been asking me, "Mom, do you have any food to spare?" It finally dawned on me that she is quoting the book.  She is a hoot.  If she asks you for any food to spare, feel free to tell her no, you gave it away to the soldiers that came before her.  Blessings.

Oh self

It's hard to remember when I'm tired and didn't rest well that I still do not have the right to be a jerk to my family.  Times like that make me realize that I can't "be good" in my own strength, Oh how I need Jesus. Maybe I should count blessings and assist others, getting my eyes off of myself can only be helpful. May your day be blessed.

sand box

The girls have been enjoying playing in the sand box.  They really love it. They share the toys and keep themselves occupied for 15-30 min.  It's a great time for me to be on the deck, reading and catching some rays. I love it too.  Now that I've added a big tub of water to the deck for rinsing off, getting out of the turtle has not been an issue either, which I really love.   

My mom

I love my mom.  It has been such a blessing to see her grow in faith in the past few years. She is a breast cancer survivor and a life-time member of Weight Watchers.  What defines her most is her devotion to my dad, her kids, grandkids and family.  She is one of the kindest women I know.  I love her.

65th anniversary

This weekend, Andy's grandparents celebrated 65 years of marriage.  The party was wonderful. All but one of their children was in attendance and many of Andy's cousins.  It was a great time.  Frank and Eleanor Rogers Day in Hopkinsville May 7, 2011 - what a tribute from the city in which they have lived for 52 years.

Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be - the last of life for
which the first was made.
Robert Browning

no complaints

Well, this morning, I decided that I would try a day with out complaining. Andy took a vacation day and we were to spend the day together.  I didn't even make it through breakfast! It didn't help matters that Andy squashed my Chaco clad foot under the high chair and then got my order wrong at McDonalds.  Boy oh boy, do I need God.  Thankfully, God got my attention about not doing things in my own strength - like changing my attitude.  The rest of the day went well-a good visit with Nana, a trip to the zoo, lunch at the Empress of China and a visit with the girls great-grandparents and a smattering of other relatives.  God is good all the time...I just need to wear steel toed boots and put my order in writing.  :) Blessings.

powdered sugar

Mollie used to eat strawberries, but lately she has been refusing them. She likes other berries fine but not strawberries, so this morning I sprinkled some powdered sugar on them and she ate them up.  In fact, she palmed the plate to get all of the sugar off and proceeded to lick her hand.  Funny girl.  Betsy ate her sugar dusted strawberries without complaint.

productivity

I love getting up early and getting things done before the girls roll out of bed for the day.  It makes me feel great!  My friend and I are walking before the kids get up.  It has been so good for me, not only to exercise but to get home while they're still asleep to get a jump start on the day.  If I could be better about getting to bed at night, I'm sure I could get up 1/2 hour earlier.  I was reading that Susannah Wesley rose at 5 every day.  I have no such aspirations, but I bet that she got a lot done in those early hours.  Blessings.

crock pot chicken

I love using the crock pot ... just pop in a chicken moderately sprinkled with Italian spices cook on low for 6 hrs dinner is ready.  Especially nice when I combine the work of the rice cooker and steamer basket full of broccoli. Easy dinner. Love it.  Hope you have a great day.

the animals

The other night Mollie woke up crying loudly, she was definitely needing me.  I go to her and she is clutching her pillow and blanket talking about the animals.  Andy asked her about it the following morning, she said "the zoo animals got me." Poor thing, she had a nightmare.  I am praying for more restful sleep for my little girl.  Hope this phase does not last too long.  Blessings