Wordless Wednesday: Silly Girl!

Memorial Day

I want to take a moment today to remember the men and women that gave their lives so that I might be free. There are people that don't agree with the war - you don't have to. Let's put that aside and take some time today to pay respect for those that did believe that they were doing what our country needed to have this freedom. The freedom that allows us to even voice our opinion about the government. You can't do that everywhere in this world. I went to church with my family yesterday. We sang hymns of praise, we read our Bible, and we prayed. We are free to do all of that because there were and are men and women who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I am a proud American. I come from a line of men and women that proudly served this country. I am an Army brat and proud of it. My husband is a Pastor and I believe he is doing what he can to help America spiritually. Today, say a prayer, observe a moment of silence, hug your family, and enjoy your freedom - most of all, be thankful for those that felt that "it was worth it". Watch this video. It's called Arlington by Trace Adkins.
http://digg.com/music/Memorial_Day_Arlington_Trace_Adkins

SS Blog Challenge #18 - Change the World...

I have been extra busy and have not been able to really get to my blog much this week. One week left for school and then...watch out! I'm going to be a blogging fool! LOL Anyway...

This blog challenge is presented by Amanda (MandaPanda).

With all the issues going on in the world today, earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, etc., I thought it would be nice to take some time to take a look at the bigger picture. This weeks challenge? Blog a list of 30 things you can do in 30 seconds each to change the world.

Okay...let's see....

1. Say a prayer.

2. Sing a song.

3. Hug my kids.

4. Say "I love you".

5. Smile at someone.

6. Turn off unused lights.

7. Pay for the person behind you in the drive thru.

8. Use re-usable bags at the store.

9. Share a Gospel track with someone.

10. Pick up litter.

11. Recycle

12. Give to the needy.

13. Walk, ride a bike, car pool...anything to get one more car off the road.

14. Write an encouraging note to someone.

15. Pay someone a compliment.

16. Buy local when you can.

17. Listen.

18. Think.

19. Vote.

20. Wash your hands.

21. Forgive

22. Say "I'm sorry".

23. Read

24. Let someone go in front of you in line.

25. Put change in someone's parking meter if they are close to running out.

26. Laugh

27. Try to look at things from someone else's point of view.

28. Say thank you.

29. Say no to hatred.

30. Comment on my blog. It might not change the world, but it always makes my day. ;0)

27.

SS Blog Challenge #17 - Prized Pocessions

This challenge is from Lisa ~ I think she did a great job for her first time handing out challenges!

We all cherish our families and our homes and many of the bigger things in our lives. . .but what about something small? What is your most prized pocession? Is it a picture? Is it your great great Aunts tea set? Is it a family recipe? Is it something silly or sentimental? Tell us about it and why you value it and what makes it special to you. Please post a picture of the item if you can!

Wow. This one was really a hard one for me. I am pretty sentimental and find that I value a lot of the little things in life. Because of this, I tend to hang on to a lot. I am also on a journey to de-clutter my life, so I've learned to try to let go of some things. After thinking long and hard about this, I finally came up with one of my most prized pocessions - and here it is:

This is a heritage album. My grandmother, that I often speak about, gave me these photos. She knew that I would do something special with them and I have. I have pictures in this album that date back to 1909. I have wedding photos of my grandparents, great-grandparents and even my great aunt's. I have baby pictures of my father and my aunt that were taken in Japan while my Grandfather was stationed there during his service in the USAF. I am sure that there are older pictures of our family floating around somewhere, but to think that she trusted me with these precious memories mean a lot to me.

I have a very diverse background. My mother is Korean. My father is French/German and grew up around the Pennsylvania Dutch. I married a Bolivian. Isn't that a great hodge-podge? I think so. Just imagine the potlucks at our house! LOL Unfortunately, we are all many miles and miles apart. I take comfort in knowing that I have something that helps me to trace back my roots, what makes me special - what makes me different.

Friday Find: Gadget Holder

So - I have discovered the Goodwill stores. Yeah, I know. I'm way late to the party. Anyway, here is one of my "finds". I guess it is one of those holders for napkins and cutlery. It's not old, (has a Target label underneath) but kind of reminds me of Shaker furniture or something. It was love at first sight and I knew what I would use it for right away!

It holds a beloved spot in my Scraproom. Right now it holds pens, scissors, punches and other odds and ends. I love it!

May 12 on 12...barely!

Okay, so imagine my shock when I went to read Shirley's blog and saw her incredible 12 on 12 post! I screamed! Scared my family. Seriously. I had already started the challenge late into the year, but I couldn't go and miss a month right in the middle! Ugh.
Wait, I still have time to sum up my day. I can do this... My family just looked at me like I was nuts (again). Let's start with something that might just send some of you running...sorry.

Here are some NY Strip steaks I got on sale. Seasoned and waiting for the grill. Yum!

The newest thing in our house is our new Webkinz. Yup. We are just figuring out what they are. We got this one for free from Limited Too for spending a certain amount. Probably $1,000,000 or something. The prices there are just ridiculous. That's why my girls love it I guess. *sigh*

This is a wall hanging that Hannah made for me. They are altered CD's. I just hung it up. Eventually, I will have the walls in my scraproom painted and it will look even better. Isn't she great? However, she did ask (after the fact) where that one adhesive was that you use on vellum. LOL

Got the towels folded and put away. Yes. They are a sad sight, but hey - they are clean and put away!

I have several globes. I love them. Must be a History Teacher thing. Anyway, my little one just loves this one. It lights up. She likes to play with it and incorporate it into her games. Hmmm.... I wonder if she can name the 7 continents yet....

I got this orchid plant from my mom when I had Naomi. It's been almost 3 years. The blooms are year round and beautiful. This is just one of the most recent ones to open.

Awww...man! Naomi's Croc broke. They are her favorites. Oh, well. She probably needs new ones, but she said, "Dat's okay mom, I fix it." =]

Another picture of Naomi. I can't help it. She loves the camera. She got these sunglasses from Cousin Sherri. She loves them and of course wears them like a 2 year old should.

The exciting purchases at CVS today. Don't you hate spending money on stuff like this? Yuck. I would've loved to have bought something more fun, but such is life!

Our beautiful bed broke. We've taken it apart so many times that part of it was sure to go. Hubby decided he could fix it. Now. Right after dinner. Guess what? It worked! Yea! I get to keep my pretty bed. =D

Okay. This is the book I'm currently reading. About a year...maybe two years ago...my sister brought a trilogy for me to read. She was raving about it. I just.could.not. get into it. Well, guess what Esther? Read all of Voice In the Wind on my way to and from Grandma's. I couldn't put it down. I am trying to read this one now, but my kids keep bothering me! LOL

And last, but not least....a final load of laundry for the night. It's the never-ending story in this house. I sit on the floor to fold my laundry and I am very picky about how everything is folded. How about you?

Well, there you have it. Not very exciting, but I got it done. Phew! That was close. Thanks to Shirley, I made it. ;o>

Wordless Wednesday: Webkinz in the house...finally.

Create in me a clean heart, O God...

The theme of our Ladies Banquet this year was Spring Clean Up. I chose Psalm 51:10 as our theme verse. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." The speakers and I talked about not only getting our homes and lives in order, but also focusing on our spiritual lives. The same problem we have with dust, grime and clutter in our homes, cars, etc. often transfers over to our spiritual condition. I wanted this banquet to not be a reprimand, but more of a reminder (especially for myself) that we are not perfect, but in reality are on a constant journey to improve and enhance our lives every day. It would be sad to think that you have finally "arrived". Then what?

I know that many of you are like me. You want the best for your family, your home, yourself. You have good intentions, but at the end of the day - it seems you fall short of your goal. The laundry is never done, the homeschool stuff has a way of taking over the house, the dust magically appears two seconds after you dusted, your kids are hungry AGAIN, you fed them pop tarts for dinner... It's okay. Why lie? We all have those days, weeks, whatever! Don't beat yourself up over it. On the other hand, don't throw in the towel and wallow in your mess either. Start with one thing and work on it. A little each day. Some people call it Power 15's or they schedule two loads of wash a day. Decide that it's okay for your home to look lived in. Whatever. Make a dent. It will matter in the long run.

Our spiritual lives are the same. We have good intentions. We vowed in January to read the entire Bible, cover to cover. Now that you've let it fall by the wayside, you've only got 93 chapters to read today in order to catch up. Ugh. Forget it. Instead, set a new goal - a realistic goal. What's wrong with reading just a chapter a day or even a verse a day, or when you can and really getting something from it - thinking about it, claiming its promise and really knowing what it means for you? How about all that clutter in your heart. The feelings of anger, bitterness, low self-worth, hopelessness? You've got to work through those things and get rid of them. How about doing something great for someone today? How about spending time with your children and showing them how special they are? Sing a song of praise and worship to Him. Aren't those the things that really define a Christian? Spend time getting to know Christ more through prayer and meditation. This does not have to happen while you are prostrate on the floor at 4 a.m. for two hours. This can be done all day. While you're doing the dishes, driving (don't close your eyes), waiting in line somewhere... Keep a journal, make a list, whatever it is that works for you.

Let's stop acting as if we all have it "together" all the time. You know you get all crazy like everyone else trying to clean the house in a 911 fashion because a visitor is coming, you know you and hubby fought all the way to church...you don't have to tell everyone, but you also don't have to act like something you're not. To be a Christian means to be like Christ would be. To be real, not fake. Nobody likes a fake. Give yourself permission today to be real!

SS Blog Challenge #16 - Perfect Picture...

This week's challenge was from Joanie. Perfect timing for me!!

I had a conversation with my friend, Denise, last week and we were talking about our children and their relationship to their Grandpa's. Denise was talking about a special time her son, Garrett had with his Grandpa and how you could just see the love between them. I love pictures that capture that essence of who we are. It got me thinking about my own loved ones and how much I treasure those few photos that capture the magic of that person I love. So the challenge this week is to post a picture of someone you love. It can't be just any picture, it should be one of those pictures that you look at and you really see something about that person.Once you find that special picture, post it in your blog and tell us what it is that makes it special.This is not limited to children, or spouses. It is for anyone, even beloved pets.

This is a picture of my grandmother with my youngest child. She is the grandmother that I recently talked about in another entry. We were able to go up to visit her this last weekend when we had other business in the area.

This is the first time she's held my youngest. Her health has been very well, but I am still thankful to be able to have this picture. He took to her right away (of course) and I got many more pictures that weekend.

I love my grandmother's eyes. So blue! She is still beautiful, but you should have seen her back in the day. Wow! She has an unconditional love for everyone in the family. It's unbelievable. I will always think back to my time living with her. The many trips to Lebanon and Lancaster. The books, cooking, and more. She has worked at a little Diner/Bar in her neighborhood in Johnstown and retired on her 80th birthday and then moved out to California. Such a hard worker and servant - yet I never heard her complain. If I could be just a little bit like her, I would be very happy.

Husband Tag~~~

I have been tagged by my dear friend Carrie! **waving**

I've been tagged with Husband Tag... keep reading to see if YOU have been tagged!

So here we go...

What is his name? MARCO

How long have you been married? It will be 15 years this August!

How long did you date? We started dating during our 2nd semester of college - about 4 years.

How old is he? One month younger than me!

Who eats more? He does.

Who said I love you first? He did.

Who is taller? He is definitely.

Who sings better? We both sing, but I sing more often. =]

Who's temper is worse? Me. Hands down. He is the Gentle Giant (((Hugs)))

Who does the laundry? Mostly me. Sometimes he will do it in a pinch.

Who does the dishes? Usually my oldest dd, but sometimes I do it and sometimes he does.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed (when you are facing it)? He does

Who pays the bills? Me. I just started doing this!

Who cooks dinner? Usually, I do.

Who drives when you are together? He does! He has only had me drive if he is extremely exhausted (on road trips)

Who has more friends? Me for sure. I'm an extreme extrovert. And while he's an amazing preacher and teacher, he is an introvert on the more personal level. (Carrie - they'd get along perfectly!!)

Who has more siblings? I do! He has 1 sister and 1 brother while I have 3 sisters and 1 brother.

Who wears the pants in the family? He is definitely the leader of the home. That being said, he has never tried or needed to act like he is "in charge". We make decisions together.

Ok, I'm tagging... Esther, Lee, and Desiree!

Friday Find: Great Deals and Great Ideas!

I've been up all night trying to get things in order for our Ladies Banquet on Saturday. I will be spending all day tomorrow with my oldest at the LA Museum of Tolerance. (I'm sure that will be an interesting blog entry)

Anyway, I needed to do a few centerpieces and some favors and what not. Our theme is Spring Clean Up! Our verse is Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Here is what I've come up with.



These were flooring sample chips from a hardware store. They were going to be thrown out - so yay for me! I cut up a sponge to make a bunch of little ones. Glued on a little wooden heart, some Prima flowers and added the text with a fine-tipped paint marker. On the back, I hot glued a small magnet. There are some in English and some in SpanishHere is a close up:



I needed center pieces for the tables. I got these items at the dollar store and then put them together. I still need to add verse tags to each item, but you get the idea. Scrub brushes, mini broom and dust pan, dish soap, all-purpose spray, sponges. Just hot glued the flowers on the brushes and tied ribbon to the bottles.

I am also going to use these for photo ops and general decor. They were props at the Bath & Body Works my sister worked for. They were going to throw them out. They are about as tall as me. I bought them for about $4.00 each. Yay for me again!

Wordless Wednesday: Balling Fun

Life Lessons...

This challenge was presented by OkieScrapper (Gaye).

Life Lessons - When was the last time you had a life lesson -- one that made you feel "BETTER" about "YOU"? It doesn't have to be a life altering lesson; it can be something small, it can be something very minor, but it must be a life lesson. And it must be a GOOD life lesson. What was it?

Like many of you, I am usually burning the candle at both ends. I have a lot on my plate. Sometimes, it gets down right over-whelming. Lately, I have had several ladies at church ask me how I "do it all".

First, it humbles me that they think that I've got it all together. I am just a good juggler, I guess.

I have 4 children - the two youngest are 2 years old and 9 months old. I homeschool my two oldest. I am married to a pastor and we have a congregation that is very young and because we are a new church, I am a Sunday School teacher, Junior Church teacher, Kids Choir Director, Choir member, Ladies ministry leader, Kids club director and leader...*sigh*. I also have a household to take care of. I love to have company, so I try to keep my house presentable - I try to have a home-cooked meal for dinner every night for my family... Are you tired yet? Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I work a part-time job, as well. Technically though, don't all moms and wives have a list a mile long with all of their responsibilities?

Secondly, I honestly answer them and explain that I don't "do it all". I can't. I used to beat myself up for this and I refuse to do it anymore. I tell the ladies that no one is perfect. There is no need to try to be Super Mom or some kind of Domestic Goddess. Of course, if that's what you like to call yourself, that's fine too! LOL Just don't let others (or yourself) make you feel like you have to perform. I want the people in my life to know that I love them. I want them to feel special.

Lastly, I tell them that we can help each other to be better moms, wives, friends, followers of Christ, etc. Romans 14:19 says: Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Why should life be a contest? Why can't we all win? I don't ever want anyone to think that I can "do it all", because then no one would feel like they could help me - and I need help! I don't want to act like I can get by on my own. Let's BUILD each other up, instead of BEAT each other up.

Sharing this lesson with my ladies at church has helped me to learn a great lesson. I hope it can encourage you too!

Friday Find: Reminisce Magazine - On Line!

I have a confession. I am Sherry and I am addicted to magazines. (Hi, Sherry)

No, seriously. Most of you know how much I love to read. I couldn't even tell you how much money I've spent on books. Well, sometimes, I don't feel like reading something serious or something that takes a lot of concentration...but I have to read! That's where magazines fit in perfectly!

The problem with magazines though, is that they really start to pile up. I never know if I should just pass the whole magazine on to someone, clip the recipes and great pictures/articles, or just throw the whole thing out.

One magazine I loved reading was Reminisce.(click on the name) Most of you also know that I love history and Americana. Well, this magazine had it all. It even had funny stories and recipes. I've given many subscriptions of this magazine as gifts. Well, this was one magazine that I could never throw out. I even saved them and kept them in my classrooms. My students loved flipping through these to ooh and ahh over all the strange things of the past.

Well, today I found this wonderful magazine on line! Not the same as holding it in your hand and cuddling up on the couch, or reading it at pool-side...but there it is. No waste of paper or chance of it cluttering up the house - just pages and pages to read. You can even go through back issues. Check it out. I am sure that probably every magazine is on line now. I just didn't think to look for this particular one on the computer...know what I mean?

What say you?

I rarely talk about my weight loss journey here on this blog, but I wanted to share this with you all. It helped put things into perspective for me. What say you?

Hello, do you know me?

If you don't, you should.

I'm a pound of fat, And I'm the HAPPIEST pound of fat that you would ever want to meet.

Want to know why? It's because no one ever wants to lose me; I'm ONLY ONE POUND, just a pound!

Everyone wants to lose three pounds, five pounds, or fifteen pounds, but never only one.

So I just stick around and happily keep you fat.

Then I add to myself, ever so slyly, so that you never seem to notice it.

That is, until I've grown to ten, twenty, thirty or even more pounds in weight.

Yes, it's fun being ONLY ONE POUND OF FAT, left to do as I please.

So, when you weigh in, keep right on saying, "Oh, I only lost one pound."(As if that were such a terrible thing.)

For you see, if you do this, you'll encourage others to keep me around because they'll think I'm not worth losing.

And, I love being around you - your arms, your legs, your chin, your hips and every part of you. Happy Days!!!

After all, I'm ONLY ONE POUND OF FAT!!!

ONE WORD SURVEY...

Someone posted this at one of the message boards I read.

I just thought this was fun! Not as easy as you might think... answer each question with only one word!

1. Where is your cell phone? PURSE

2. Significant other? FOREVER

3. Your hair? MESSY

4.Your mother? KOREAN

5. Your father? HERO

6. Your favorite thing? BOOKS

7. Your dream last night? NONE

8. Your favorite drink? COFFEE

9. Your dream/goal? REACHABLE

10. The room you're in? FAVORITE

11. Your hobby? PAPER

12. Your fear? FAILURE

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? SKINNYTOWN

14. Where were you last night? CHURCH

15. What you're not? FAKE

16. Muffins? MEH...

17. One of your wish list items? WASHINGTON

18. Where you grew up? EVERYWHERE

19. The last thing you did? DIAPER...:P

20. What are you wearing? SWEATS

21. Your TV? OFF

22. Your pets? OSO

23. Your computer? DAILY

24. Your life? BLESSED

25. Your mood? GOOD

26. Missing someone? FAMILY

27. Your car ? VAN

28. Something you're not wearing? SHOES

29. Favorite store? TARGET

30. Your summer? ANTICIPATION

31. Like someone? FRIENDS

32. Your favorite color? ORANGE

33. When is the last time you laughed? TODAY

34. Last time you cried? MONDAY

35. Who will repost this? LEE