Brown County

We went to Brown Co. Indiana over the weekend to visit Sarah at her in-laws home.  The trip was wonderful.  Her in-laws are amazing hosts and their house is beautiful and welcoming.  I only wished the weather would have been more cooperative.  It was so nice to meet the baby and be with the family.  We are so blessed.  In every way. 

15-30

Poor Mollie, when we do calendar time she skips 15 every time, and calls 30 twenty-ten.  14, 16 .... 29, 20-10.  I know she will get it, but shew I thought it would be faster than this. Really, I know she is doing a fantastic job.  Blessings.

no shoes upstairs

Well, today we are having the stairs and some of the upstairs carpets.  I guess we will have some new rules in our house NO SHOES UPSTAIRS!  I think it will affect me the most. Hmmm. Time to get the slippers downstairs, so I can change to them right away.  Blessings.

PS  Nap time for Betsy in the bed didn't go so well.  No sleep and then a very tired girl in the evening. Hoping today goes better.  Bed time has been fine, so that is good. 

big girl bed

Well, Andy and I decided to move Betsy out of her crib last night.  She did great.  She was pretty tired so she went to sleep right away, but she stayed in her bed even when she woke up this morning.  Honestly, it went better than I expected.  I wonder how she will do at nap time.  Hopefully, the transition will continue to be smooth for her, next up - potty training.  She is growing up so fast.  I'd better not blink. Blessings.

Friday Fries

On Friday, I made some amazing loaded fries.  I called them Friday fries, but really they'd be good any day of the week.  I just wanted to do something special.  Blessings.

a big job

I am trying to teach Mollie (and Betsy) to always put one project/activity/toy away before getting something else out.  This morning while picking up pieces from her felt cupcakes, Mollie announced "it's a big job, but I can handle it."  She is so funny sometimes.  Blessings.

Orchid

My orchid bloomed this week.  I don't remember if this is the one that Andy got just after we moved here or one I carried from our other house.  It doesn't matter - it bloomed - finally.  After a year or so of pinching off dead buds, finally a flower.  I am so grateful.  It gives me hope for other things to come to fruition as well.  Blessings.

and the winner is.....ME

I won an i-pad from my dentist's office.  It was quite a surprise since I didn't even know I had registered for it.  Evidently, I was entered into the drawing for being a new patient.  My dentist changed offices and the office that she is now working at recently opened, so they are trying to build a costumer base.  I am going to pick up my new toy next week.  Yay, so excited that I won such a nice prize.  God is good all of the time.  Blessings.

PS If you have favorite apps, let me know them, so I can check them out.  Thanks in advance.

Parking lot picnic

Yesterday, we took a friend to an appointment. The girls and I ran some errands while she had physical therapy.  Then, we all went to McDonald's.  Because our friend had to return to the office to see the doctor, the girls and I enjoyed an in the van picnic.  It was fun.  Blessings.

Ruth Ann

Andy's sister and I are becoming better and better friends.  She is really finding God right now in her quiet time as well as at work and in her other relationships.  It has been very encouraging to me to pray with her through some issues in her life, seeing her trust in the Lord more each day.  I am blessed to have such a sweet friend.  It really bolsters my spirit as well.  Blessings.

Easter pictures

Betsy with her Easter goodies

Mollie with her Easter basket - the little green one she is holding is from Granny Shell

Betsy bunny

Mollie in her apron with her Princess coloring book

squirrel

This morning we had a visitor on the back deck.  Betsy was especially glad to see the mouse.  It was a squirrel.  He was quite funny though running up and down the hand rail of the deck swishing his tail.  Ah, another little thing to celebrate.  Blessings.

Neighbors

Today, while taking the girls on a walk, we stopped at the house of Jim and Dorothy a few doors down.  They were working in the yard.  We had a pleasant time chatting with them and then were asked if we wanted some flowers.  The girls were excited about it, so we said yes, and came home and planted them in the ground.  It is nice to see the fruits of your labors right away.  We've already put some seeds in a few spots, but that is satisfying at the moment, but after the watering is done, the waiting begins.  Now, I feel like they'll be asking to water the plants more because they're able to see them.  Now, we are just waiting on flowers.   We have such friendly neighbors, Mollie can't wait to give them a bouquet.  Blessings.

friends

It is good to have friends who know you in and out, the good and bad. I am blessed to have ladies that I call when times are hard as well as when good things happen.  It is not always easy being open and vulnerable but the closeness worth the effort.  I hope you have good friends who know the ugly you but love you in spite of yourself.  Blessings. 

idleness

More notes from the women's retreat - I hope you don't mind. 
There is a universal law, if we keep life to ourselves, it will be sterile.  If we give it away, it will bear fruit.  We are always an example.  If we are idle in the kingdom of God, we become a burden for those serving the Lord because we remain self centered. If you are standing around criticizing those who are taking the plow, you aren't plowing.  Having the mind of Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Empty yourself from your self, so that Christ can change you.  God puts in us the will and the work.
Phil. 2:12-13
 ¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Blessings

Easter eggs

This year I didn't manage to get any eggs boiled in order for the girls to dye them.  Oh well, they had a great time with the candy filled plastic eggs.  We had an egg hunt with my family and one with some friends from church.  It was a great weekend.  I hope yours was just as blessed. 

Good Friday

This is the day that Christ was crucified.  When visiting Northern KY, we visited a church which had beautiful mosaics demonstrating the stations of the cross.  I am using them as a time of reflection of Jesus death.  Blessings.

Maundy Thursday

This day commemorates the washing of the disciples feet and the last supper of Christ with His disciples. I pray you have time to reflect the rest of this Lenten season on Jesus and his love and service to us.  Blessings.

Humility

Another note from the women's retreat: 

A humble person is a restful person.  She doesn't worry about appearances. 
A meek person can be corrected.  She allows others to know her weaknesses. 
She is not afraid to be seen and be known. 

Blessings

gr8ness

Well, UK won the NCAA championship for the 8th time last night.  It was a fun year.  I really enjoyed listening to the team interview after the team.  It was very apparent that the young men on this team really love one another.  They definitely played unselfishly and worked to overcome each others shortfalls.  It was a great season.  Here's to a great team effort.  Blessings.

dandy lines

Mollie's favorite flower of late are dandelions or as she calls them; dandy lines.  We have a rabbit that's been visiting our yard eating her fill, hope she finds all of them.  It will save me some work weeding them.  Blessings.

These pictures were at a field nearby.  Mollie needed a break from the car after a drive in the country.  :) Don't know how to rotate these pics. Sorry.  Hope your day is right side up.