It's almost Christmas!

Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us and it has been quite some time since I have given you all an update. Unfortunately, our situation has not changed. However, as I write, Hubby is at an interview in Kansas. So far, we have only checked into our hotel and had a bite to eat at Jason's Deli. So far, so good. :-) Well, at least we have seen plenty of civilization (familiar eating and shopping places) and everyone has been nice to us. I haven't investigated schools or much about the community yet because everytime that I have, it hasn't worked out. That doesn't mean that I am superstitious, just don't want to get my hopes up. So, I will wait...

We have had a hard time looking forward to Christmas. It is hard to "get in the spirit" when we don't have any of our decorations. None of our trees, ornaments, stockings, etc. However, because of family generosity, we were able to visit our old church and see the Christmas program. It was such a great gift for us and just what we needed as a family. An incredible memory!

I must go for now but promise to give a better update soon...

           Merry 
                           Christmas 
                                                   everyone!  

Still Wandering Through Our Desert...

I thought I would give a quick update to those few of you that are wondering where I have disappeared to. We are still staying with family in Texas and still job searching. We thought that we were moving to Alabama and spent 6 weeks of prep, etc. but all that came to an abrupt and unpleasant end. The afternoon before moving we found out we weren't going. Even without all of the headaches it caused, it was an emotional upheaval. Kind of like a death in the family. Hard to explain and hope I don't ever have to go through it again.

We are learning to live in small town Texas again. Because our internet access is so limited, I haven't been able to keep up or catch up with any of you. I hope to be able to do that before too long. I feel like I have lost a part of me.

So, for now, we wait...

Hope you are all doing well and having a great  F
                                                                           A
                                                                                L
                                                                                     L! 

It's a New Day

Well... guess where we are?

Yep, house sitting again. And glad to be here. It really is a treat. We feel connected to the outside world here and get to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Reflecting off of the lake water. (I would post some pictures here if I could. Cords are packed away somewhere, etc., etc.)

I have been able to see my brothers and parents this trip which is nice. To see how our families have all grown, however, makes me long for "days of old". At least a little. Time does seem to shoot by and I try to hold on tight enough to enjoy the sights. We have the first great-grand (actually she is already a year old) and she is a beauty. To think of my brother and sister-in-law as grandparents is odd but they wear it well. And have the pics to prove it. (I will  ask for permission to share some.)

This afternoon we did make the time to take a dip in the lake. The weather was beautiful and the water was warm. The evening has been relaxing. Tomorrow however, our "job" will end and I think I can speak for my whole family by saying that we are not ready. We wanted more time. We needed more time. I had hoped it would be a weekend for relaxing and letting go of our stresses and concerns. Turns out... they are still strapped on. Kind of like trying to get out of the car without taking off your seatbelt first. As we head home in the a.m., maybe they will fly out the window! :-)

Thank You...

I just had a moment to stop in and say...

Thank you all for your prayers!!

I hope to have the chance soon to catch up with everyone.
For now there are no changes to report so I would certainly appreciate your continued support.

Miss you all!

Simply Saturday

Our time of house sitting comes to an end tomorrow. There have been some challenges but more blessings. It will be sad to go but I will be glad to see Hubby again. We have enjoyed this beautiful home. Kind of like staying in a resort for us. (Except no one to do the cooking and cleaning!) However, we have been treated to many wonderful meals and have been so many places that we had never seen before. Let's just say that we have been the recipients of some extreme family generosity.

Saying goodbye to my mom and dad was not easy tonight. To watch them be so feeble has been hard. I don't know how much longer my mom will remember who I am. Each time we visited her, she seemed to study my face more intently. This is something that I refuse to think too much about right now. I pray that God will bring my family through our immediate struggle soon so that my mother and I will have more visits while she still knows who I am.  

My dad can still care for himself so he lives in a different place. They are about 15 minutes apart and only see each other 2 - 3 times a week. At least they are able to see each other and my mother looks forward to Dad's visits. He doesn't hear or see much at all but has learned to cope. He still helps people do odd jobs where he lives. It is fun to hear people call his name to come and help them. I think that is what keeps him going.

We have had fun here and I have certainly enjoyed being back online. Tomorrow that will come to an end for a while. I will miss my blogging friends again but hope to be back soon!

miscellany monday

So happy to be able to link up with Carissa today!

#1 - I've said it before, but I can't help from repeating... Texas is HOT. Sweaty, stinky, nasty HOT. I'm still proud to be a Texan, though.

#2 - Pet birds are not my thing. There are times when it is pretty neat but other times when it's not (Like when you are watching a movie and they want attention so they squawk louder than the volume on the tube.) I think it must be like a grandchild... you know, love to care for them for a short period but then you can give them back.

#3 - Watching a storm come in on the lake is a lot different. The way the clouds build up and the lightning seems to go from God to the water is a sight to behold. To watch the rain come at you like a freight train is just... well... COOL. As long as you are safe indoors.

#4 - I have missed my ever-so-sweet blogging friends. It's amazing to have people praying for you that you have never actually met. To have their encouraging words and thoughtful insight is a blessing I won't ever take for granted.

#5 - Night lights are becoming a huge "like" for me. In this home there are unique lamps, lighted vases, and little nooks with overhead beams that sparkle through the dark. So soothing. Like a lighthouse for the sailor.

Don't forget to hop on over and visit Carissa and some of her friends for a bit of miscellany. 

Have a blessed day y'all!

If Only...

House sitting is an unusual experience. You are in charge, but not "home". You have responsibilities, but they are different. The house noises are different too. We are adjusting, though. Not too hard to do in this mansion of a place on the lake.
If only...
there were no mosquitos,
a cool breeze blowing,
and a chef...
I guess that might be a little much. I can dream though, can't I?

We visited the coolest shopping place yesterday. It is like a little city in itself with plenty of unique eating places, quaint shops and some familiar but smaller chain stores. Hubby gets to come down and we plan to show him around and explore some more ourselves.
If only...
the wallet were as big as the eyes...
Hmmm. I'll leave this open ended.

I suppose I have been away from this Texas heat so long that I just am not adapting. I feel like I am going through menopause. Always hot and sweaty. Seriously, how do people do it?
If only...
I was a man...
I would get a buzz cut for sure.

Hot in July

Well, where should I begin? It's been so long since my last post, that I am not even sure I can remember what has happened... but there have definitely been some new experiences.

We were able to experience the 4th in small-town TEXAS. The drive down into my home state was a bit nostalgic. With  little fireworks stands scattered along the side of a 2-lane hilly road... just as the sun was beginning to set. Made me wish I was a photographer to catch small-town America.

We have been met with a few challenges... one shower for 6 people due to some plumbing issues, no cell phone service, no TV, and virtually no internet. Enough said. However, we have had gracious hosts as we wait for what God has planned. We know we are blessed to have somewhere to go.

Now, the girls and I are house sitting for a family member, and as I write, a conure sits on my shoulder bobbing up and down. "Skittles" has taken a shining to my James Avery necklace and is convinced he can take a bite out of it. Did you know that conures poop a lot? Even when sitting on your shoulder? Yep, when it is time to go, it is time to go. Ick! Not used to that. Never will be. At least he is a little thing.

Here, I am able to visit my aging parents. Normally it is only 2 - 3 times a year so this is a blessing. It is sad to see the changes in them. I know that it is all a part of this life, but to see their memories fade and their feebleness increase... well, it's a bit heartbreaking. So thankful for this time with them.

So, we are off to begin a new day here. One that won't be free from challenges I'm sure. (Did I say that it was hot-as-Hades down here?!) With God by our side, we will make it through. And will be stronger for it.

Bless you all~ 
I have missed you!

Linking up with Carissa to share some miscellany.

1) POD 2 is packed. Everything didn't fit. U-Haul trailer will arrive tomorrow. Grrr.

2) My body is so sore and tired! Hopefully sleep will come easily. Lots more to pack up and clean up tomorrow.

3) When moving, always get 4x the amount of paper you think you will need.

4) Loved the questions for God that everyone posted on my blog yesterday!

5) This will be my last post on a somewhat regular basis for a bit. At least I think. I don't know what kind of service we will have at the in-laws (out in the boonies). Might be surprised. Hopefully!

Love getting your comments and I will do my best to keep up with everyone in the "interim". 

Bless you all and thank you for your prayers!

Questions for God

This topic has been on my mind for the last couple of days. I have come across things that make me wonder. Serious questions. Not serious topics. 

Such as these:

  1) Why on earth did You create mosquitos?

  2) And brown recluse spiders?

  3) Why am I so dad-gum stubborn?

  4) Why does so much hair grow in men's ears as they get older?

  5) Why don't they trim it?

  6) Why do paper cuts have to hurt so bad?

OK, here's just a small sampling of my questions I want to ask God when He calls me home. What are some of yours? No serious topics allowed! 

We have plenty of seriousness going on around us right now. So, this is meant to "lighten us up". If only for a few moments... 

Press On

I had promised to share about the Father's Day gifts that Hubby received. Since we are going through such a transition right now, gifts are small but ever so thoughtful. Our girls have that awesome ability of making a thoughtful gift.

Youngest wanted to use the verses that we are claiming for our family right now. Hubby loves for them to be "in front" of us and so this is what she created for him. Now we can all see it as we face the challenging days ahead. She also made bookmarks for each of us.

Oldest wanted to do something that went along with the U2 book she gave her dad. The 2 of them went to their concert last year in OKC. Something they will never forget, I'm sure. Her creativity came in a card, of sorts, using song titles from U2. I stacked them together so you could see what they looked like.

These were the last 2 pages that I wanted to share so that you would get the gist of it. 

Aren't they creative?! I am so proud of them for accepting this challenging time that we are going through and handling it so well. We are blessed by these 2 beauties!

Since the POD arrived on Monday, we have been packing our little hearts out. Today will be our toughest day yet since the pros will be here tomorrow to pack her up. She will be leaving on Friday and her sis (POD 2) will arrive in her place. 

If you have ever moved, you know that as boxes get packed, it seems like little things seem to just appear. Out of the blue. Where does it all come from? What box should it go in? There is definitely one thing that I have learned. Clutter multiplies. Like rabbits. Grrr.

Off we go... to Press On!

(I have received my first blog award! I will hopefully be able to share about it later this week. Thank you, Judy!)

Tips Tuesday

My tips for today are going to be for the dog lovers out there. I have always known that chocolate is bad/poisonous for dogs, but never really knew why. I also thought that was about the only thing. Well, apparently not. Here's an updated list of harmful foods for you to learn about.

1) Garlic and onions: damages their red blood cells which causes anemia.

2) Macadamia nuts: causes muscle and nervous system problems.

3) Avocados: cause damage to the heart muscle.

4) Grapes and raisins: damages their kidneys.

5) Bread dough: forms gas in their digestive tract and the fermenting yeast can cause alcohol poisoning.

6) Xylitol (in sugarless gum): lowers blood sugar levels because it increases insulin secretion.

7) Chocolate: stimulates the nervous system and heart.

All of these things typically cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. However, some of the more scary symptoms can be tremors, seizures and even comas. The reactions vary from item to item and dog to dog. Best advice... Keep out of the reach of dogs!

My Miscellany Monday

Linking up with Carissa again this Monday :-)

1) Forgot to take pictures on Father's Day. Hate it when that happens! So, here's my answer:

This is 

the man,

who sat in

  this chair,

and opened

  these gifts.

(more on these another day)

But the favorite one

 might have been

 this...

2) Sheee's heeerrreee...

3) Disappointed again in Design Star this week. Nobody is standing out just yet. We are having a hard time finding someone to cheer for. Tera was a Southern gal but she's history. Now who will it be? Hmmm.

4) Having to pack away some of my faves...

my Kingsbury library

Check out Carissa's blog and some more miscellany from her friends!

What is a Dad?

A dad is a person who's loving and kind,

And often he knows what you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens, suggests and defends...

A dad can be one of your very best friends.

He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong,

A dad can be patient, helpful and strong.

In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him deep in your heart.

And each year that passes, you're even more glad,

More grateful and proud to call him your dad!

                                                                                                                           ~author unknown

Flashback photos of the men in my life that I am very thankful for.

 Me at 4 with my dad and brothers.

My first Christmas with my brothers.

(I was a surprise... can you tell?)

Our oldest at 4 yrs. with her Daddy in '98.

Our youngest in '98 holding on to her Daddy .

My father-in-law with his "tuckered out" grandgirls in '99.

Happy Father's Day

to the men in my life!

Dad Life

I'll be back later to share about my dad, but just had to share this video from church this a.m. Too Funny!



Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

5 Friday Finds

I am going to attempt to link up with Traci  today and share some of my recent finds. For Some reason, I still can't use her button for 5 Friday Finds. Sorry Traci! I think it has something to do with my Mac.

1) My family has always loved sports. College football would probably rank #1, but my new like for this summer has been World Cup Soccer. My oldest is a HUGE fan of any team sport where different countries come together and compete. Olympics? Puh-leeze. My gal goes NUTS for the Olympics. Her world stops and she wholeheartedly jumps into the Olympic world with both feet.

2) My new hero is this man. Overcoming Tourette's syndrome and not afraid to tell the world about his belief in God is such an inspiration. 

I have been in Pier 1 a couple of times in the last 2 months and each time I added to my "want" list. Not need, of course. We need a house first. But even then, they probably wouldn't make it onto the "need" list.

Back to the task at hand... 

3) This bronze glass platter caught my eye and I would love to see it find a home in my possession.

4) For some reason, this rug speaks to me. Don't know yet if it would go with our decor. Maybe we should update a little.

5) Lastly from Pier 1, I would like to find myself lounging on my patio in this Papasan, but with a bright cover.

*This is an edited post. For some reason, since I use a Mac, some of my codes are transferring when I copy and paste links. Don't know why and don't have time to figure it out! Forgive me....

Tips Tuesday

Today will be quick but I just had to do some tips today since I have missed the last 2 weeks!


1) Need a cold pack? Freeze one part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water in a freezer bag. The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid and it stays moldable. Really works well!


2) If you have any artificial flowers that need dusting, place them down in bag, pour in some salt, and shake vigorously. The salt will knock off the dust better than just trying to dust them with a feather duster.


3) To remove permanent marker from wood floors or solid counter tops, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. 


That's all for now. Gotta get back to packing! 
Have a great day~

I am linking up with Carissa because... well... she is one of my BBF's (best blog friend).

1) The moving boxes are late. Actually, Hubby and I had a little miscommunication. They are due to arrive today. Good thing. The clutter is bringing me down.

2) We've been hearing our neighbors on each side enjoy their pools. At what point does it become pool envy?

3) Watched the premier of "Design Star" last night with the whole family. Pretty disappointed in the white box challenge. However, this room was our favorite this season:

Tera Hampton's room

Past favorites:

Dan Vickery's box from Season 4
(our all-time fave) 

Todd Davis' box from Season 2
(our most creative vote)

4) We are needing to make a list of our creature comforts that we want to make sure and not pack in the POD. Excluding the obvious such as your bible and toiletries, what would be your Top 5?

Just A Bit of Random

Well, another Tuesday has gone by without any tips. My apologies to my few readers who actually look forward to it. The days are all running together right now and I truly forget what day it actually is sometimes. So, in Elmer Fudd fashion, I will dub this "Wandom Wednesday".

Our boxes are due to arrive on Friday. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to it. Having crisp new boxes that need to be pried apart and put together gives me warm fuzzies. It will be kind of like getting new school supplies for me. I'm sure the excitement will last about as long as it takes to pack one box. For those of you thinking we could save money by getting used boxes... there are critters that travel in those used boxes. When you are packing up all of your belongings indefinitely, you don't want critters growing in them. I speak from experience. And yes, I know they can be in new boxes too, but the likelihood of it happening is more rare. Me and my big mouth... satan, you may not grab ahold of that!

The rain is trickling out of the drainpipes this morning as I write and it makes me sleepy. My beauties are sleeping through it and so are the fur babies at my feet. This is peace.

I received my Creating Keepsakes magazine yesterday and it had the cutest new line of products on the back. So, so cute. Makes me smile. Well, I guess there aren't many scrapbooking products that don't. I look forward to the day when I can put all else aside and scrap until my heart's content.

World Cup Soccer seems to be on the minds of hubby and my oldest. It begins this week so I know that as I pack, the sounds of soccer will be in the background. Instead of my preferred choice of football. Well, that's actually everyone's preferred choice in this family. Wrong time of year.

I want to close by linking to over to this post where Ginger at dwelling in the house has a giveaway going on. She also shares pics of her beautiful hydrangeas. Oh, how I wish we had some!

Enjoy your day, my friends! God's blessings on you today!

Sorting and Packing

Today is the day we begin sorting through our stuff. Our things. Our belongings. A daunting task that I can't say I am actually looking forward to. Normally I like to "go through" things. I suppose this time it is different because of the impending move and uncertainty.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.  ~1 Peter 5:6-10


So this is where God led me this morning. Hmmm. Certainly seems appropriate, don't you think? These are not new verses to me. However, I decided to read further into the footnotes where I found this:

God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time he will lift you up.

On the previous page, I had written these words from a sermon somewhere in my past:

When humbled:
   1) Accept responsibility.
   2) Submit to the promises of God - claim the scriptures.
   3) Rest in the knowledge that God's timing is always right.

These are the verses and words I will be dwelling on today~

Sunny Saturday

The sun was shining brightly this morning... at 6:30 a.m.! I know that it is summertime and the days are getting longer, but I didn't realize that Mr. Sun arose so early. I was obviously oblivious :-) during those last days of school when we stumbled to our feet at 5:00 a.m.

My struggle this morning was focusing on God. This is what my brain was like during my prayer time:

"Good Morning, God. Thank you so much for the beautiful sun this morning. (Thoughts that interrupted prayer... Boy, I wish it wasn't going to get so hot today, though. I am going to be sweating-something-fierce going through and getting rid of stuff before our move. Oh poo. I have to clean up and go to the library today. When would be the best time for that?)
Forgive me, God, for being so distracted. I do want to ask for your forgiveness of my sins. (Let's see... did I overeat yesterday? Oh yeah. I had too many cookies.)  Forgive me for allowing fear, anxiety, and worry overcome me. I know that You are here for me and that You will take care of me and my family. (Now which verses was I going to remember for today? I wish that dog would quit scratching. I sure am sleepy.)"

And so it went. Until I woke up enough to realize that I was WAY TOO distracted and needed a "do-over".  Please, somebody tell me that you have done the same thing!

Anyway, after a bit more focus and quiet time, I made my way upstairs to catch up on a few blogs before the crew woke up. First, I checked in on Amber at Stolen Moments to see what she had been creating lately. Guess what? I am mentioned on her Friday post. Actually, she was giving examples of her blog designs. Still... too fun! (Thanks again, Amber!)

Jumping around to look for inspiration, I stopped by to visit at All Thingz Related. Bridgette and Rebekah always have fun ideas to share and get me excited about creating something. They just did their 9th Anything Related post this past Tuesday and there are over 90 ideas that people sent in just this week alone. Ladies, this will get your creative juices flowing! You must go by and check them out and hop around from there. Let me know if you find something or a new blog you love.
Let the creativity begin!

Working on it... 5 Friday Finds

I promised to post pics of our weekend in Dallas but for some reason, I cannot upload from my phone. Says the files are unreadable. Grrrr. That's never happened before. Guess I will be spending some time troubleshooting. Ugh. That has to be one of my pet peeves. Troubleshooting. It's more like... waste. of. time. So I obviously can't promise that I will have pics soon, but I will try. They are such fun pics. 

I have discovered some fun new blogs in the past few days. So, I thought I would link up with one of them and tell you about the rest. However, for some reason I can't get her button for her 5 Friday Finds to work. (All of these techie problems... must be my Mac!) Anyway...

1) Traci is a young mom of 2 from NY that has lots of fun things to share, but it was this post that hooked me for sure.

2) I discovered Elizabeth at Just Following Jesus after blog hopping over from Traci's. She was so sweet to stop by and leave a comment on my blog and now I am a regular follower of hers as well.

3)Then I received a sweet comment from Ginger over at dwelling in the house. As soon as I started reading her blog, I just couldn't stop. She had just the right words that I needed to read with her Resting Place post. 

4) Barbie is the author over at my freshly brewed life and though I haven't gotten a chance to delve into her writing yet, I can already tell that she is going to be an encouraging lover of Jesus.

5) Lastly, I just have to reconnect you with Carissa over at lowercase letters. She's not new to me by any means but I just had to talk about her today. Why, you might ask? Because today, she had her Sweet Sage. Congrats Carissa!

Hope you will stop by and visit these blogs and maybe stay for a while. 

Have a great weekend!

Woe's and Armor

It's been almost a week since I stared at this screen waiting for just the right words to come. I try not to read back over any old posts, but at the end of last week, I was looking for something in particular. That is when it hit me. It seems like all I have posted other than tips are "woe is me" words. Yikes! Apologies to the masses. Well, all 16 of you. :-)

Indulge me for a moment if you will. If you are a regular reader, you know that my family is going through a season of change. Better yet... a season of uncertainty. Today marks the 4 week countdown to having to be out of our home. Hubby's job and the closing on the sale of our home are 4 weeks from tomorrow. We DO NOT believe in coincidences and know that it has all been orchestrated by God. We know without a doubt what a HUGE blessing it is to be able to sell a home right now. And, to close on the last day of a job? NO COINCIDENCE.

So, where do we go from here? That is something that God has not yet revealed. We would appreciate your prayers as we begin to pack up our belongings. Prayers that we will never waiver in our faith that God will provide. Prayers that we as a family will allow His peace and comfort to be felt at every turn. And that His plan will be revealed very soon. Thank you so much to those of you who will join us in these prayers!!!!

Before closing, I decided that I would share with you the ways that satan has been on the attack. We were making a quick trip to Dallas to celebrate a niece that graduated from high school the night before. Only one hour away from our destination, our truck broke down on the interstate. Not a comfy place to be when the Texas temps are soaring for this time of year. Fortunately there were huge shade trees across the feeder road where we waited for almost an hour to be towed.

We piled into the rescue truck with the lovely scent of old dirty sweat (of one) and newly acquired sweat of four. Not pleasant to say the least. After about a 15 minute ride, we rounded the corner to feast our eyes on something out of "Deliverance". No, I am not kidding one iota. It was a sea of broken down vehicles. The "shop" as you might call it, had employees crawling out of the woodwork like cockroaches looking for food. The food they spied were my 2 beautiful teens. It was CREEPY AND DISTURBING. If I were a betting woman, I would almost bet there were more teeth in my 2 girls' mouthes than in the sum of all of theirs.

The good news was that hubby's truck could easily be fixed and that it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half. "Bubba" had to go get a burger first. Seriously. So, the girls and I looked for shade to stand under and to get out of the line of sight. The only shade to be found (other than under the trees with the 5 "Deliverance" dogs in a pen) was across the street. We retreated to the shade and soon realized it was like being on stage. The girls were easily ogled from there and even began to get honks and waves from passersby. If it wasn't so comical, I would have been vomiting. VIOLENTLY.

Fortunately, Hubby had called the father-in-law and he had driven the hour to retrieve us. We left with him in the comfort of the air-conditioned car in search of food. Upon returning, Hubby's truck was fixed and we were on the road to civilization. And none too soon.

The night went well and we enjoyed celebrating the niece's accomplishment and being with extended family. The next day, we experienced downtown Dallas through the eyes of our girls. Hubby and I used to work there but many things have changed. I will post on our findings and pics tomorrow. We had a good time.

The next attack came upon returning home. My debit card was denied when I went to pick up our beloved fur babies. After being embarrassed and VERY UNHAPPY at the vet, Hubby found out that someone had stolen my card # and put almost $700 dollars on it! In Virginia at Waly world. They didn't just use my #, they actually made a fake card that was able to be swiped. GRRRRR. Hubby is at the bank this a.m. getting it taken care of. At least the company was suspicious and deactivated the card so that these hoodlums (I am restraining myself...) couldn't do any more damage to us.

Needless to say, satan sees that we are vulnerable right now and is doing his best to break us. But he is mistaken. We are strapping on the armor of God and WILL NOT let him win!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.   ~Ephesians 6:10-11

Tips Tuesday

Here I go again... posting tips at almost midnight. Maybe they will just be a welcome surprise on a Wednesday morning after you thought I wasn't going to get them done. :-)

1. Need to give that microwave the once over? Dive into your fresh fruit. Cut a lemon and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl and then put the lemon in there as well. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 3-5 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and set aside for next tip below. Wipe out the "nuker" and it will be clean and fresh.

2. To sharpen the blades of your disposal, put a few ice cubes in, plug your ears and turn it on. Or, I guess you would have to turn it on and then plug your ears.  When the ice is gone, throw that lemon (from previous tip) in as well and your disposal will be smellin' as fresh as the microwave.

3. If you have scuff marks where they don't belong (they don't belong anywhere, actually), use a new tennis ball to wipe them away.

4. Go out and buy the All You magazine that I told you about last week. This months coupons add up to over $100! I will have to let you know how much I can save when I go through them all.

I must tell you that this sweet gal tested the marshmallows in the brown sugar tip from this post. She left me a comment to let me know that she went right away to do this with ONE of two bags. Just the other day, she pulled out the brown sugar to season her carrots and just had to let me know that there was a BIG difference in the 2 bags. Very Cool!

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up with Carissa today because I love her miscellany monday posts. 

1. Miscellaneous is how my brain works most of the time. In a spaghetti bowl. Anybody ever read Men Are Like Waffles Women Are Like Spaghetti? If you haven't and you struggle sometimes communicating with your man... go and get it. It will ring true with you but most importantly, it will help your man understand why he doesn't understand you. :-)

2. Getting to do some scrapbooking this week. Actually got those excited chills when I went shopping for some paper and stickers. THOSE 2 THINGS MAKE ME HAPPY!

3. Today is my last day of freedom. I guess I should look at it as my last day to be alone. School is done. The girls will be home. Summer is here.

4. Fixin' (Yes, I am a Texan) to go try a new yogurt place with the girls as a treat for the last day. First to buy them a new book and then some Peach Wave yogurt. Sounds yummy doesn't it?!

5. I figured out that we only have 2 more Sundays with "our Andy" . At what point can I begin to mourn our loss?

Yes, this is how random I usually am on a daily basis. This is a good fit for me.

Summertime Saturday

Well, it's almost here. S U M M E R. I have mixed emotions. I am certainly looking forward to sleeping past 5:00 a.m. but I'm definitely not anticipating 100 degree temps.

The girls have half of their finals under their belts. By Monday afternoon, I will officially be a mom to a Sophomore and Jr. in high school. Excuse me a moment...

I am feeling a bit dizzy... and nauseous.

It just can't be true! Why just last week I was pulling their hair up in pigtails. I know I was. It is all such a blur. There are so many things that I still need to teach them. So many things I still need to say.

We can't go back now though, so being inspired by Kelle's post at Enjoying the Small Things, I will cherish the time we have and look forward to summer.

She has also inspired me to make a "to do" list for the upcoming months of heat. I'm not quite ready to write it all down, but one thing is for sure... a move will definitely occupy the #1 spot. Not because it is what I want the most but because it is inevitable.

This is now in my front yard. That is why there are mixed emotions as we head into summer. An incredible blessing from God that it sold so quickly. So for now, I think that much of my list will be centered around telling this town "goodbye" and savoring my time with family.

This is how we started...