Did You Miss Me?

Be sure and say "YES!" for this gal's ego can always use a boost. Truthfully, I missed all my bloggy buddies and the smiles you all bring. Sorry, but it has been a crazy week, so the computer time had to be put on the back burner for a while.

I honestly have so much to say, I just don't have the time to share today. I promise pictures and posts on my my new furniture and the big Luau party I pulled off for our youth group, soon.

Today, I just wanted to check in, let you know I am still alive and kickin' and so on... I am going to go try and catch up on all the news in blogland. Here is hoping you all have a beautiful weekend.

Oh, one more thing... I have an "unspoken" prayer request today. I totally believe in the power of prayer, especially when two or more call upon the Lord together. So, although for now, this request needs to remain unspoken in bloggy world, I asked that you pray. Thank you.

Happy Friday!

"Girl Drama."

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:8-12

Happy Monday, friends!

Have a beautiful week.

Blessings and prayers...

(Sorry, can't chat long. Still conquering the laundry and cleaning my mess after a little redecorating. However, we a have a girl's Bible study that is meeting on Sunday afternoons. I am one of the small group leaders. Yesterday's theme was "girl drama." The verse above was the passage studied. Sadly, I still need that verse. Us big girls are certainly not immune to a little drama of our own from time to time. So, I thought I would pass the verse along, as a reminder for those days when the temptation is great to gossip, hold grudges, be impatient, pass the blame, or simply think we are a little better than someone else. Honestly friends, you know we all do it. Let us hold each other accountable to try our hardest to be righteous each and every day, not just on Sunday. Are you with me? I hope so, I for one would love to "inherit a blessing.")

What kind of couch do you have?

If you don't see me much this weekend, it will because I am drowning in a sea of dishes and buried under a mountain of laundry. It has been one of those crazy weeks where not much has gotten done around the house. Unfortunately, I know that we only have one more week of school left and if I don't at least start the summer off with a "clean" house, with the kids being home... UGH!!!

On a high note, I did purchase a new couch and love seat, which I'm hoping the hubby will pick up tomorrow. We are cheap. Why pay for delivery, when you have a hubby with a trailer. Yep! We are kind of redneck like that. :)

I also purchased a cabinet for my hall, to help sort the laundry in my hallway. I unfortunately don't have a laundry room. I just have a washer and dryer in my hallway. So, needless to say, I have had trouble with sorting the laundry, and keeping the hallway clean. Hoping that will change. I will try to post pictures of the new cabinet and furniture soon.

So, I guess my weekend will be filled with lots of cleaning (yuck!) and decorating (fun!).

I want to end with a question or two:
If you had to describe your decorating style what would it be?
Are you a "just get by" kind of cleaner or a "neat freak?"
What kind of couch do you have?

I will have my answers next post.

Oops! I realized when I was rereading my post that I used the word "unfortunately" several times too many. Sorry about that. I know I'm a blessed gal!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

We are celebrating the big guy's "40Th" birthday today. I am so blessed to have him in my life.

He is a great husband, dad, son, brother, student minister and friend.

Happy Birthday, Kev!

I love you very much.

And so very grateful to be able to call you "mine."

*********

Say a little prayer for him, for he is really trying to lose weight. I think he is doing well. He just started and has lost around 13 pounds in about ten days. Praying he keeps it up...

*********

Happy Thursday, Friends!

Hope your day is beautiful.

I'm all "smashed" up... but for a good reason.

Today I did something I have NEVER done before. According to who you talk to, I'm long overdue too.

I went and had the dreaded mammogram.

Can I just say "OUCH!"

All yesterday, last night and this morning I had been worried about it. My hubby thought I was funny. "Mich, you have had two babies and been to the doctor over and over again for you know what, how hard can this be?"

Of course he is right. However there is just something about the unknown that scares me to death sometimes. Count it up to the "worry wort" gene that I inherited from both my dear grandmas and I can worry a situation to death. Not to mention that when people hear what you are about to do, they all have a "horror" story to share. Then when I walk into radiology and see a cute, young man sitting there behind the desk in scrubs, I'm thinking; "Lord, what a cruel joke..."

But actually, I was saved by a mother of one of Jordan's friend. So in the end it turned out just fine, 'cause we talked about one of the things I can jabber all day long about... my kids. Mammogram forgotten... well truthfully there is no way you can forget about the discomfort of having your breasts squeezed beyond reason. But her cheerful conversation did help me relax and forget my embarrassment about baring all for the camera, while grimacing.

In the end, I am glad I went. However, it is just one more sign that I am getting older, I guess.

So friends, have you had your mammogram this year? If you haven't ever had one before, don't worry, I don't have a "horror" story to share. I will not lie, I was smashed and squeezed like no body's business, but in the end, it really wasn't that bad. In fact I am pretty proud of myself. My family totally gets this statement for they know how much I dread and fear anything medical...

I was a "big" girl today, Mama. My Grandmas would be so proud. :)

(Of course I am not even going to start worrying about the results... Nope, not even going there.)

So what did you do on your Wednesday? Hope you are having a beautiful day!

I Chopped it off...

Not sure how I like it, for I'm still getting use to it being so short in back, but Saturday I went and had my hair cut pretty short. There are several ways I can fix it, which is good. Today, I have the ends rounded, rather than flat ironed straight.

Sorry, for the "no makeup," I look so old and tired picture (I am!) but I thought I would put all pride aside and let you see the new do. This is what the cut looked like right after I had it done. I should have taken one before church yesterday, but forgot. Oh well...

Kayla also went and had a few inches cut off plus bangs. She went straight to the beauty shop after a birthday sleepover at a friend's house, so she was tired. I still think she is adorable, tired eyes and all!

As a side note, after Kayla took a long nap Saturday afternoon, we went and saw this...

It was such a sweet movie. I really liked it.

Hope you are having a beautiful Monday!

I Love My Kids More Than All The Red M&M's In The World...

Mother's Day came and went, but I realized today that I never shared my goodies from the day. I love homemade cards the best. Why? Because anyone can get a card and sign their name. It takes thought to put together a small masterpiece of love.

My camera is dead tonight, so I will just have to describe my treasures. Since my kiddos are older now and more wordy anyway, you aren't missing much. In other words there were not any drawings of houses and smiley suns or dad's pick up truck. This time there were WORDS. Oh, they were written out in colorful markers, rainbow stickers and even typed on pretty scrapbook papers, but for the most part, there was just beautiful words. Love letters that touched this mommy's heart.


See this young lady?

She wrote me a poem.

Sunshine

A mothers love is like the sun shining through the clouds on a rainy day

It brightens up my world leaving nothing but sunshine to make way.

When I'm sad she hugs me and I'm filled with happiness from within

Then I see the sunshine and I remember that she is there to fill it with love over and over again.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I love you more than all the red M&M's in the world and more.

Love Kayla

Since Kayla was little we have always played a game. "I love you more than..." I think the fact that she signed her card that way meant the most. It is one of those childhood memories you will always hold close and treasure.

But that is not all...

See this guy?

He wrote straight to the point;

"Mom, I love you so much! Jordan"

It may have been simple, but those seven words meant so much. They still do. I don't know about you, but I love to hear my kids say "I love you."

I also was able to have lunch at the school with Jordan, last Friday. Over chicken strips and mashed taters, cafeteria style, he handed my a braded book with a big rose, he had colored on the front. The teacher had made a book compiled of the class' poetry written about their moms. This was my son's page;

My Mom is... (the whole book was made of words describing "mom")

Modest

Optimistic

Thoughtful

Happy

Exciting

Radiant

Happy Mother's Day!

I Love you,

Jordan

Hello? Really? Is that how my son sees me? If it is, then I will take it. Those six precious words were like a gift from heaven, that day. It was like God had said "Good job, daughter!" Oh, how I needed to read them and be so very encourages on my mommy journey. I just pray as we enter the teenage years, that a few years from now, he will still see me in such a positive light. What a blessing!

I am going to end today's post with a quote. I found it and fell in love with it's simple message.

"Each day keep your eyes open for someone who needs a helping hand or words of encouragement. Become their answer to prayer." (Author unknown)

May we all go through life hoping to be a blessing to others. As my own kids showed me this past Mother's Day, it doesn't take much to feed another's soul.

Happy Friday! (tomorrow)

Doing the happy dance, for I am so ready for the weekend!

YIPES! My Baby Sister is a Year Older...

Do you know what that means? It means that in about five months I will turn a year older too, only I am about six and a half years older than her, which means... oh, I don't want to even think about it.

Even though I am just a wee bit jealous of her much younger age, I wouldn't change a thing. I love being her big sister.

Happy Birthday, Amb.

I love you bunches!!!

Smiling even with a zit on the end of my nose...

It popped up on Saturday. This little white bump shined bright on the tip of my nose. I barely touched it and heard a distinct "POP!" Another look in the mirror proved my worse fear (well, maybe not my worst...), I had a BIG, RED ZIT smack dab on the end of my nose.

So God and I had a little chat...

I asked him "why?" I still feel like I am in high school, giving in to peer pressure. (Seriously, I didn't want to be a part of the gossip at work, I just found a few words slipping out before...)

I then asked "why?" I still have moments of insecurity. (Even now, unfortunately, I have those moments when I don't "fit in" or feel "left out." Even now...)

Of course I had to ask "why?" I still care so much what people think. (I fuss at my kids about not worrying what other kids think, yet find myself wanting to please...)

And I still want to know "what?" I should be when I grow up. (No, I have not reached adulthood yet... oh, I still have so much to learn...)

Of course the "cleaning of my room" still kills me. (Only now I have a whole house...)

And of course I still "babysit." (Only now I get paid by the hour, less money than the average teenager makes sitting for the night. Now that really isn't fair!!!)

But then I take another glance at the mirror and I have to ask the biggest "WHY?" question of all; "WHY DO ADULTS HAVE TO SUFFER THROUGH ACNE?!!! We have already been there, done that. SERIOUSLY.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing this gal to vent a little today. Forgive me, for I feel like I am starting puberty all over again and have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe I will ask my daughter for advice... :)

Learning humility one day at a time...

I'm beginning to think the little zit has decided to move in and stay for a while.

(Yes, that would be me in 9th grade.)

Hope you are having a "zit free" kind of week.

When it rains it pours...

I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and concern over my mother-in-law, the past few months. She is doing well. She is a little "crisp" these days from the daily radiation treatments, but overall her spirits are high and she is feeling good.

Last Friday, since she had her treatments, my hubby took my father-in-law to his doctor in Little Rock. He did not come home with good news.

My FIL was diagnosed with prostrate cancer about fifteen years ago. He had surgery and the recovery time was good. Then a few years ago his PSA levels started to rise again. How can that be? After many tests, they found that he had some cancer cells hidden in scar tissue. Since it is a slow moving type of cancer, they put him on hormone therapy. He has done very well on it, in fact many tend to forget he even has cancer, because he seems very healthy. Fast forward to Friday... the hormone treatments are no longer working. The numbers are rising fast and decisions are going to have to be made very quickly. Right now Kevin and his brother are looking into some alternative treatments, but if nothing else he will need to start chemo in about two weeks.

Please pray for this sweet man. He is a fighter, but unfortunately he isn't getting any younger either. I just pray that God will bless him with the strength to fight off this crazy disease. He is so very loved.

Also pray for my MIL as she is dealing with her own treatments and can't help but worry about the man she loves so dearly.

And I ask that you pray for my hubby. Dealing with one sick parent is never easy, but both at the same time... not to mention that he had to increase his BP meds the other day. He is starting a diet to lose some much needed weight, but going into the summer is never an easy time to cut back the calories.

Thank you, friends and family. I appreciate all your love and concern for our family. Sometimes when it rains, it does pour. We are thankful for a God, who provides shelter as the rain pours down. He will not fail us and whatever comes our way, He will provide us the strength to handle it. God is so very good.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!!

What a GREAT day!

I received a flower, a plaque and two handmade cards from my kiddos. I had told hubby not to buy me anything since I just purchase a new cabinet (I will post about it soon.) and I am fixing to get new furniture (Just haven't had time to shop!). Homemade cards are my favorite anyway!

We had baby dedication at church. It is always such a sweet moment to see all the young families and their beautiful babies, surrendering them to the love and care of the Lord. It also makes my heart ache, for it seems that just the other day I was standing up front dedicating my own babies. Oh, how time flies by...

My babies aren't so little anymore...

I would like to take a moment and say "thank you" to the precious mothers in my own life. Although they have passed on and are celebrating with the Lord today, for all the jewels in their crown they earned here on earth, I was blessed to have two very precious grandmas, who loved their Lord and their family more than anything. I miss them dearly.

I am also thankful for my sweet mommy, who I love dearly. I am thankful for the role model she has been and still is for me. If I could be half the mom she is, I will have accomplished something. I have been one blessed gal. I love you, Mom.

I also was blessed beyond measure when I married my man, for I gained a second mom in the process. I admire her strength, especially right now, as our family deals with many health issues. From the first moment she met me, she sewed for me, taught me how to cook and encouraged me in my journey as wife and mom. Thank you, Grandma. You are loved.

As for myself... I am just plain thankful today. I know today is a day in which we celebrate those special women in our lives, but I see it as a day to celebrate the blessings in my own life. I am so honored everyday that God thought I was capable of raising two of His most precious people. It is not a job I take lightly or for granted. I am in total love with my children, even on the "bad" days. There is nothing they could do to stop my love... In turn, I am thankful for a Lord who loves me even more than I could imagine loving. WOW! Thank you, Lord.

So in honor of this special day of celebrating, I had a giveaway planned. For I also wanted to celebrate my bloggy friends, who pray with me, cry with me, encourage me and inspire me to be the best mom and servant of the Lord I can be. Thank you for the daily sunshine your comments bring.

I think I asked if you were a mother or grandmother...

I am a mom of two. One girl and one boy, who certainly keep me on my toes, but bring me so much joy too.

My favorite color is pink. Not any just ordinary kind of pink, either. I love the exact shade of pink roses picked from the garden. Since I am so picky, I usually just say I like most greens. I love to take pictures, scrapbook, read, shop the flea markets and watch reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol.

What does being a mom mean to me? The world. I see it as being the greatest gift, yet the hardest task set before me. I totally love my kids and I'm thankful every day that God picked me to love on them.

And this of course is the part where you say "blah, blah, blah... stop blabbering and get on with business!" :) I asked for a little help from my beautiful assistant:

The basket of "mommy" names.



Drawing...

The winner for the "mommy" prize is Bridget from Among the Chaos.

Drawing for the "granny" prize...

The winner is Angel of All the Mus

Congrats to Bridget and Angel. Please leave me an email so I can find out how to send you your prizes. Please remember it might not be the same colors as mine, but will be similar. There will be a few extra little surprises added as well. :)

Thanks friends! I had so much fun with this little giveaway... I might just have to have another one real soon.

Hope you and yours are having a beautiful day full of rich blessings.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Final Countdown...What's Your Letter?

Have you entered my Giveaway? If you haven't, please comment ASAP, for Saturday is the last day. I will pick a winner on Mother's Day.





If you need a reminder on how to enter, here is the lowdown;





1. Tell me whether you have the blessing of being a Mother or Grandmother.



2. How many children/grandchildren do you have? (Please include step kids, foster kids, etc...)



3.What is your favorite color?



4. What are your hobbies?



5. Tell me what being a mom/grandma means to you.





Pretty simple, huh?





I've been debating on what to give away. ( Yes, I know it truly is a "SURPRISE" giveaway. Fun, huh?!) I went back and forth between a couple of things and then I got this little surprise for Teacher's Appreciation week...

Isn't it too cute?! So, I have decided to give away this little monogrammed baby to the two winners...with their own initial, of course. I will say this, since I am waiting to buy until after I draw a winner (because of the initial) it may vary in color, design or size. And if for any reason they do not have in stock the letter I need, the winner will be given something very similar and just as cute.

The best part? I plan on filling the bag up with goodies.

So, I guess I will see you here Sunday! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Beauty Around the Corner...

What do you think of my flea market find? I found it a few weeks ago for 10.00. For right now it graces the spot next to my back door. I LOVE it!

I read this quote the other day. It was one of those quotes that really left me thinking. I thought I would share it with you today.

"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we will let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner." - Beth Moore

WOW!!!

Or maybe "OUCH!!!" is a better word.

Prayers and blessings on this Beautiful Wednesday!

You can still enter the Mother's Day Drawing. Just go here.

The Requested Recipe and a Birthday Wish...

Today, I would like to wish a very special person a very Happy Birthday! My youngest nephew, the baby of our family turned six today. SIX??? Where has the time gone...

Tatey, your Auntie 'Chele loves you. Hope your mom gives you a big hug for me. Happy Birthday!



Yesterday, I posted a picture of my hubby's masterpiece that he made for our senior luncheon at church. So by popular demand I will share the recipe...


This recipe came from Taste of Home.

Swiss Swirl Ice Cream Cake

10-12 Swiss cake rolls

2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened

3/4 cup of hot fudge ice cream topping

2 pints of chocolate ice cream, softened

Line a 2 qt bowl with plastic wrap. Cut each cake roll into eight slices (does better if they are cold); place in prepared bowl, completely covering sides and bottom. Cover and freeze for at least 20 minutes or until cake is firm.

Spread the vanilla ice cream over the cakes. cover and freeze for at least an hour. Spread with fudge topping. Freeze for one hour. Spread with chocolate ice cream. Cover and freeze up to two months. just before serving, remove from freezer and invert onto a serving plate. Remove bowl and plastic wrap. Cut into wedges.


Enjoy! As you know, if you have read my stuff in the past, I can't eat chocolate. So I wasn't able to try it, but everyone at the luncheon said it was yummy. Word of advice, keep it frozen as long as possible before serving.

For another look at what your making, here is the picture...

Have you entered my Mother's Day giveaway? If you haven't left a comment to enter, go here.

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

The Hubby's Yummy Masterpiece and a Giveaway Hint.

Sunday, we had Graduation Sunday at our church. That is where we recognize all our graduating seniors. We had about fourteen this year. There was a slide show, a gift given by my hubby, a few tears (by my hubby) and a luncheon for the seniors after church. My husband decided that he would make one of the desserts. Although, I couldn't have a bite (it was chocolate) I was told that it was pretty yummy....*********
Are you sure you don't want to enter my giveaway for mothers and grandmothers? I have part of it picked out, so I will give you a hint today. In other words it is going to be a package full of goodies... The hint: It is inspirational, hopefully represents what you stand for in this world and I like it.

I know, I know, I'm a tease. I really am excited about the whole thing, this being my first giveaway and all. So if you haven't already, make sure you comment for the big prize on Sunday. You can go here.

Happy Monday friends!