Very Special Day

My baby of the bunch turns 8 years old today!

She has grown so much in the last couple of years, but she knows she will always be my "baby."

And even though she's not a little girl anymore, she is still sweet, sensitive, affectionate, and loving. On top of that, she's very bright. Did I mention she got all A's the first quarter of school!

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with my precious girl.

Scripture Sunday

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."-Romans 12:1

Friday Photo Flashback

 I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

Here's another one out of the archives!!

I thought it would be fun to dig out a photo of Isaiah in a costume. He was 2 1/2 in this picture (1998), and I remember this day vividly! I was still working, but my husband was already off of work and had already picked up Isaiah & Miranda from daycare. Their costumes and makeup were ready, so all he had to do was dress them up for me. I had him hurry up so he could bring them to my work so all my co-workers could see them. I know I have a picture of Miranda somewhere, but I'm too lazy to look for it. She was dressed as a tiger and looked so ADORABLE! And here is Isaiah in his little clown outfit! What a cutie!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1985

I'm not sure if I've ever shared this picture, but I'm too lazy to look back in the archives! This was when short/big hair was in style! Think of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode..and all those types of bands!  I so thought I was cool...but, I was so not!! And I can't believe how much makeup I wore at 15 years old!! 

 

"I Do"

My husband and I went to another wedding this past weekend, and the venue was absolutely gorgeous! It was an outdoor ceremony and reception, and the weather was perfect! The colors were neutral, the bride looked romantic, and the food was delicious! AND, the DJ was great! We had a fun time dancing with our friends, and enjoying the night together! 

This is at Fortino Winery. Isn't this gorgeous???

The favors! Inside the box was a homemade sugar cookie made by a friend of mine!

The gorgeous couple!

The food looked simple, but the flavors were outstanding!

School Is Kewl

Last week, my two Freshmen had their poster book reports due! Even though they waited till the very last minute to do them, they still did a great job! I'm so glad their teacher took a picture of them!

All my kids are doing well in school, and they all have been working so diligently! I'm so proud of them!

Here is Isaiah with his report on Ip Man (Bruce Lee's master in Wing Chun Martial Arts).

And, my daughter with her report on none other, than Bear Grylls!

My New Fave!

Everywhere you go, there is some kind of pumpkin dessert, bread, and beverage being offered! I just had my first pumpkin spice latte from Peet's, and I have yet to get one from Starbucks! Well, just the other day, I drove by a Jack In The Box and saw a poster advertising their pumpkin "milk" shake! So...I naturally wanted to try it because I love me some pumpkin!!!

And it was sooooo good!!!! Too good, if you ask me! It was like pumpkin pie in a cup!

Who Said Paper Doesn't Grow On Trees?

Well, in this case, it sure does look like it!

Let me just begin by saying that this is an on going prank between teens and adults!

Last weekend, it was our friends house that got TP'd (for like the tenth time..lol), and I guess our turn was due since it was MY husband that drove some of the teens to her house!

Anyway....the great thing though is that whoever does the tp'ing goes back the next day to clean it up!

So..here's our front yard, and my poor van! My husbands truck got TP'd too, but he had to leave for soccer early, so my son cleaned it off.

My truck! Not too bad. They were nice about that..lol.

And here are the teens the next day to clean it ALL UP!

And he made it look so easy climbing up the tree!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs! 

2004 

This was taken when our kids were ages 7, 6, 3, 2, & 1 years old!! They're so little, and oh so cute!  I can't believe my "baby" will be 8 years old on the 31st!!

Jury Duty...Really?

This is what I'll be doing today!

Why does it always feel like an inconvenience when I get these in the mail?

It's not like I get them all the time, but when I have/do, I automatically think of my schedule and how it's going to alter my day!

I had ample time to postpone this, but all I did was neglect all the fine print. So, too late. No can do. I HAVE to report in person due to my "group number."

Then, I started to think of all the possible cases, and also what kinds of questions the lawyers may ask me (if I get that far). I'm a little nervous, and I don't know what to expect! You always hear of the things that you can say that will automatically dismiss you. But, would I "really" want to do that?

Have any of you served on a jury? How was your experience?

The Four F's

Friendship
  

Food

Fun

Fellowship

And that's what we had last Thursday..at The Cheesecake Factory!

My girlfriends, L& C.

Me, & L

Garlic Noodles. To Die For!

Miso Salmon

Shrimp Scampi

Filet Mignon

And you have to get cheesecake if you're eating here!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs! 

 

1977

Do you ever look at a picture of yourself when you were little and wonder, "What were my parents thinking?"

Not to sound like I'm bragging about myself, but I have to admit that I was a pretty cute kid! I had long hair and cute bangs.

Makes me wonder why my mom didn't just let things be as it were/was?

Did I really need that haircut?

A simple trim could not suffice?

I was around 8 or 9 years old in this picture, and if I didn't know any better, I would think this was a little boy (or my son Isaiah)!

Mom...please...tell me why???

Nutella Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

We are somewhat new to Nutella.

I've never even heard of it till I started blogging!

I was always curious about it, and one day, one of the kids at school asked if I wanted half of her bagel that had Nutella on it! I was excited to try it, and I was not disappointed! I have become a fan ever since. My husband, not so much.

Yesterday, I had a craving to make chocolate peanut butter cookies, but realized I didn't have any chocolate chips. Then, it dawned on me that I had a jar of Nutella! I instantly googled recipes when I got home, and I found one that was super easy to make!

They are light, moist, delicious, and has the right amount of chocolate and peanut butter in them! 

This is how they turned out!

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy preferred)
1 egg
1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup Nutella

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. Mix butter, sugars and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Add flour mixture into wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly stir Nutella into the mixture. Place batter in spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Being A "Superwoman" Is Definitely Overrated

Just the other week, I started to feel like I was in a "funk." I couldn't really pinpoint where these "emotions" were coming from, but it was a feeling of being overwhelmed, and not being able to catch up with my things at home (laundry, cleaning, cooking). I even contemplated if it was worth me working at my kids school to have those things get behind. I figured it was going to be so much easier sending my kids to a public school, and this way, I could have the time "I" needed to get back on track.

Then, reality started to sink it, and the Lord was showing me how blessed I am to be in the position that I am in. He reminded me of how I felt with homeschooling and how done I was with that, yet I wasn't ready to send my kids off to school. Only He could have opened those huge doors to answer my hearts desire. My children are getting a wonderful education at a private Christian school, and I am fortunate enough to be there with them. What more could I ask for. I know more than enough woman who would trade places with me in a heartbeat.

Then, just to confirm those "emotions" I was having, I came across something that my friend posted on her Facebook page. I realized that I took my eyes off the Lord, and put them on "me." Looking back, I can see how the enemy was totally trying to discourage me, and make me feel doubtful about everything I was doing.

I would not want to be labeled a "Super Woman" after reading this. I think that title sounds so prideful. What I want to be known for is someone who always wants to be in God's will.

Scripture Sunday

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"-Psalm 46:10