Pages

Sunday, May 30, 2010

{ All Gave Some....And Some Gave All }







Let us not treat this gift as a cheap one.

Let us honor the liberty bought for us by men in uniform.








Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!!!

I decided to make a quick theme for this long weekend and leave it up until Tuesday, hence the different header and background!

We all know when Memorial Day is, but how many of us know the true history behind it or even remember why this day is celebrated?

I thought I would share it today, not only for those who have forgotten, but for those like my family and friends overseas who may not know the reason behind this day.

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.


The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.


The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

Tens of thousands of names are inscribed on war memorials and headstones all across this country and in a number of overseas locations. From a distance, those names may seem indistinguishable. Yet, every husband or wife, mother or father, brother or sister, son or daughter, who visits, will always see his or her loved one’s name first. This Memorial Day, we also honor and thank them – those who placed so much on the altar of Freedom and for whom the pain of loss remains undiminished.
I thank every single soldier who served and continues to serve this amazing country.

Like Mari's son Andy, Michelle's husband Joe, Courtney's husband Matt, Laina's husband Eric, Christina's husband Dominic, Autumn's husband, Keri's husband Jason, Eden's husband Steve, Andrea's husband Daniel, Niki's husband, Laura's husband Brandon, my friends back here on base....Katrina's husband Joe (currently deployed), Heather's husband Troy, Alicia's husband Stephen and Jen's husband Charles..........

and last but certainly not least....my very own soldier, who I love more than life and am extremely blessed to still be able to thank in person, to his face, something that other families unfortunately can not do.

Tech Sergeant Stripes

And I certainly can't leave out my wonderful father in law Doug, who unfortunately is no longer with us. He was a very proud Marine and loved his country!

Friday, May 28, 2010

{ Promotions, Pity Parties and Perfect Coffee }

How's that for a blog title?

First I have to start by announcing that the USAF has a new Technical Sergeant. My wonderful hubby, Curt. He has worked so hard for the past 19 years and has devoted his life to serving his country and protecting us all. He more than deserves this promotion and I'm so proud of him.

Tech Sergeant Stripes

He's so handsome....and he's all mine.
My wonderful soldier

Now for pity parties.

I have come to realize that I'm not a very patient person, matter of fact I can't stand anything that gets in my way, that interferes with my daily life, that leaves me feeling yucky or with no energy, or just not in the mood to do anything.

Hence the reason I just don't have the time or patience to be unwell. Yes I'm sure you think I'm a whiny baby and usually I'm not but teeth things.....oy vey.....teeth things are just so annoying.

Technically it's only been 3 days since my tooth was pulled and I'm not going to say that I'm really in a lot of pain. I'm not, I'm just annoyed with the wound in my mouth, and tired of eating on the opposite side and washing my mouth out with salt. I am thankful that it is healing well, but I'm just impatient and want it healed and done with already. I really am a whiny baby aren't I?

My kiddos have been enjoying the pool and I haven't been able to go in there. Not just for teeth issues but other womanly things. I don't need to spell it out.

2010_05280013

I have to sit out. Watch them having fun. At least I get to work on my tan.
2010_05280003

And then the punks started gloating about being in the water....so I splashed them. Cause that's what mommies do right?
2010_05280008

Yeah take some of that!!!

Then I got too hot and moved my chair under the canopy and pulled out my book. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn. I love her....Miss Quinn I mean, not Miranda, well I mean I really like the character, but I was referring to the author.

She is my favorite Historical Romance Author.

2010_05280030

And then I got really thirsty for something sweet and yummy. Not just plain water. So I moved inside and pulled out the Iced Coffee recipe that the sweet Jen had shared with us through a link on Facebook.

I made myself one and halfway through it hubby walked in the door and took a sip. Then asked me to make him one too because it was oh so good. I asked him if I look like a waitress.

Iced Coffee

I'm kidding! I got up and fixed him one too. Now he thinks I'm the best cook in the world cause I mastered Iced Coffee. HA!

No really, if you love Iced Coffee but don't want to go spend money at McDonald's or Starbucks or whatever, go try this recipe. So good and so easy.

Now you're all caught up with my day and I'm out of things to say. And after that little doozy I feel like a poet LOL

I'm out of here, I have to start grilling chicken breasts and pork chops for dinner, gonna throw in some baked potatoes too and some grilled corn. Yummy!

Go on now skidaddle, go make some coffee and then come and tell me if you like it. Okay????

Thursday, May 27, 2010

{ The Hot Mom to Be Handbook Giveaway }

Remember the review I did just a few days ago? Or yesterday or whatever, I don't even remember, I think it was during my pre tooth pain days. LOL

Anyway, I as you know, am not pregnant and as much as I love the book, I think it would definitely be a good addition to a "mom to be".

So I'm giving away my review copy.

All you need to do is leave me a comment and let me know if this book is for you or someone else.

The contest will run until Monday the 31st of May. I will draw and announce the winner on the 1st of June.

Open to US and Canada only. Good luck!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

{ Cooking Thursday }


Won't you join me and share with us one of your new recipes, or an old family favorite, you can even throw in a recipe for homemade soaps or detergents (just remember to specify).

For the guidelines, you can go here.

********************************************
Homemade Pop Tarts

Homemade Pop-Tarts
credit: The Crepes of Wrath who adapted from Genesis of a Cook

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening, cubed
1/4 cup butter, cubed and at room temperature (I mean it – if it’s cold, it won’t cut into the flour the right way)
2-3 tablespoons cold water

Filling:
2-3 tablespoons of jam (any flavor is fine)

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons of milk
sprinkles (any kind will do)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine the flour and the salt in a large mixing bowl, then add in the cubed butter and shortening. Mix everything together with clean hands until the dough is crumbly.

Add in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball. I used a bit less than 2 tablespoons. If your dough gets too wet, add in a bit more flour to compensate.

2. Separate the dough into two balls. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a square, to about 1/8 inch thickness (mine was a bit thinner than that). Cut out long strips about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long. You might have to collect up scraps of unused dough and roll it out again to use up all of the dough.

3. Take one pie crust rectangle and place 1 teaspoon of jam on top (do NOT use more than this, seriously).

Fold the top part of the dough over on to the bottom part (see the above photos). Use a form to crimp the corners of the dough shut. Repeat with the rest of dough. Place the Pop-Tarts on a lined and greased baking sheet (I covered my baking sheet in tinfoil and sprayed it with non-stick spray) and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and set.

4. Remove the Pop-Tarts from the oven and place the entire baking sheet on a cooling rack; don’t try to remove them from the baking sheet until they’re completely cooled. When they’re cool, place the powdered sugar in a medium sized bowl. Whisk in about 1/2 tablespoon of milk at a time, until the icing is a thick consistency, like syrup. Use a spoon to pour the icing over the Pop-Tarts (you can also use a knife or a spatula). Sprinkle the sprinkles over the wet frosting and allow to set (I put mine in the fridge for about an hour to speed this process up.

Enjoy! Makes 5-6 Pop-Tarts. Stores well in an air-tight container in the fridge for a week.


Homemade Pop Tarts


{ The things I see and do }

Thank you all for the sweet comments about my tooth. I'm still in some pain but that's understandable, one thing I HAVE stopped taking is the Vicodin. I don't like it ONE.LITTLE.BIT.

I was trying to avoid it at all costs but this morning I woke up miserable and felt like I had no choice, never again. It's just no use, these strong narcotics make me sick to my stomach, I would rather have the pain.

My morning started with a cup of coffee, a bowl of oatmeal and two bottles of pills. Blech!

Morning breakfast

After breakfast was taken care of, it was time for me to step outside and get the sprinklers going, water the plants etc.

Just wanted to show you my lemon tree, we pruned it a few days ago and it looks so much better.
Backyard

While I was under there trying to take some pictures of the baby lemons, something caught my eye.
Buzz in lemon tree

What the heck is Mrs Nesbitt....errrr I mean Buzz.....doing in my lemon tree? Is Toy Story 3 being filmed in my back yard?
Buzz in lemon tree

That is one weird looking lemon. I could say SO many things about it but I won't.
New Lemons

Love this one, you can clearly see the blossom turning into a lemon. Isn't it amazing?
Blossom becoming a lemon

You know one thing that I love doing when I'm not feeling well?

Cooking!

No really, you may think I'm crazy, especially if you don't like cooking, but I think those that do will understand what I'm saying.

So I've been in the kitchen today, but before I show you what I made I have to show you what I got while in the middle of cooking.

I went outside to move the sprinkler and ended up soaking a delivery man. How embarrassing!

I was hoping he was going next door so I wouldn't have to face him, but nope, he was coming for me and said "it's like a free car wash around here". LOL I apologized and he said it was no biggie, it felt good because it was so hot outside.

Then he handed me a big white box, said goodbye and left. And I came inside, opened the box and screamed with joy.

Look what my husband got me, and it couldn't have come at a better time because my floors needed sweeping and I am really not in the mood.

Roomba Vacuum

It's a Roomba iRobot 530. My word this thing is my new best friend, I love her already, I'm naming her Sally. Yep, it's Sally from now on.

She charges herself, then goes out and sweeps my whole house, then returns to her charger. How cool is that?

And she cleans really well too, she moves from carpet to bare floors, goes under furniture and around walls. She is one smart cookie, this Sally.

Anyway, now let me show you what I was doing in the kitchen. The first thing was getting dinner going and I'm sure you'll love this Mexican Chicken, but you will really really love the other thing I made. Oh yes you will. You can go ahead and thank me already for what I'm about to share with you.


2010_05260060

Are you ready for the other one now? You may want to sit down or something.


Homemade Pop Tarts

Father forgive me for I am about to sin, I'm about to eat way more than I should.
Homemade Pop Tarts

Your kids will love you, I promise.

Mine have showered me with hugs and kisses since these came out of the oven, I'm like Super Mom right now.

So go, these are pretty quick to make and you will want to do it right now, this minute, don't leave for tomorrow what you can make and EAT today. *teehee*

{ The Hot Mom to Be Handbook Review }

About the Book
Are you simply “pregnant” . . . or a Hot Mom to Be?

A Hot Mom to Be is confident and empowered. She’s a woman who meets the needs of her family but refuses to get lost in the madness of motherhood. And she will never sacrifice her sense of style or self.

Founder of the Hot Moms Club, and monthly “Mommywood” columnist for Pregnancy magazine, Jessica Denay is on the pulse of Hollywood mom trends and baby products. The Hot Moms Club has coordinated nurseries and hosted star-studded baby showers for dozens of celebrities including Brooke and Charlie Sheen, Trista Sutter, Alison Sweeney, Ana Ortiz, and Angie Everhart to name a few. And now Jessica Denay offers the very best advice, products, and stories for moms-to-be everywhere. Wise and funny, helpful and hip, The Hot Mom to Be Handbook contains a wealth of information on:

  • Avoiding McSteamy or McDreamy ob-gyns
  • Working the perks of pregnancy—and playing the “I’ve Gotta Pee” card to your best advantage
  • Bump on a Budget—money saving tips that won’t cramp your style
  • Creating decoy baby names and coping with Dad’s “Post-Party” Depression
  • Earth-friendly tips for the Eco-Minded Mama . . . and more!

Chock-full of Hot Mom bare necessities—as well as $tuff to Drool Over sections—here’s how to do it, how to strut it, and where to buy it.

Plus thousands of dollars’ worth of discounts inside!


My Thoughts:

I recently was chosen to review a book for Mom Central on behalf of Harper Collins. It is called "The Hot Mom to be Handbook".

Now while I am not a mom to be at the moment, I have been and I do love all the pregnancy books out there getting you ready for your new baby, and giving you information on what to expect.

The book is set up pretty much like all the others, every chapter taking you through a different stage of your 9 months of pregnancy.

I have to say though, I truly wish it had been available when I was pregnant with my kids, I could have used a book like this telling me not just what to expect with baby but how to feel good about myself during these months.

I love that the Chapters are not too long but they are long enough to be filled with great ideas and resources, but it's also pretty funny. The author is hilarious and she keeps things fun which makes for a breeze to read, I didn't want to put it down.

You can find this book on Amazon and you can also read more about other Hot Moms at the Hot Moms Club Online.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of The Hot Mom to Be Handbook to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

{ Toothless...oh so toothless }

http://www.layoutlocator.com/graphics/dldimg/ebcd193658c9d778b04186643fcb78ef_Cocaine-toothache-drops.jpg
(I'm a little perplexed by the Cocaine word)

We interrupt the Summer Days schedule to bring you the story of a toothless wonder.....namely ME.

See on Saturday morning I started getting a bit of pain on my back right tooth, on the bottom. I think it's my molar, but who knows, I'm not a dentist and I really don't know much about teeth other than they help me eat and that is like major for me *teehee*

So anyway, being the mom that I am, I thought "ugh, it's just a little toothache, it will go away, I don't have time for teeth problems"....and I kept on going, trying to ignore it.

Problem is that it didn't go away and it just got progressively worse, to the point where eating was becoming a pain. I was feeling throbbing on the side of my face and it was just really bothering me.

I tried to hold off until the first of June because our dental insurance is not really that great and I knew that I would be paying a LOT to get this taken care of.

Let me just say that at my last appointment a few weeks ago the doctor had talked about a crown and root canal and something something which I blocked out as the dollar signs started flashing before my eyes, and not in a YAY I just hit the jackpot kinda way...more like in a "dangit we're going to be broke and eating ramen noodle for a couple of months".

But by this morning, I could not bear it anymore and if you've been through toothache before, you KNOW it's got to be one of the most irritating things ever, right up there with standing behind someone in line when they seem to have bought the whole store....OR....going outside to turn off your sprinkler and slipping on the wet ground with your flip flops and doing a matrix move in front of the neighborhood....OR.....well, you get my drift.

I made the call and was lucky to get an appointment this afternoon.

Dentist tried to tell me I needed a crown and maybe a root canal, but see she wouldn't know that until she got in there and when I asked how much was this going to cost me out of pocket, she gave me a paper. $574 just for the crown, more for the root canal. WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Yeah, um, NO, I am not rich and I don't have money growing on trees, there is no way I can afford that right now. So I asked for other options and was told, a temporary crown WHICH the insurance company doesn't cover because you know, it's temporary and it can break or fall off or explode.

It came down to, either paying $574 OR paying the $574 PLUS the root canal cost, OR, paying a ludicrous amount for a temporary crown.

That's when I said "PULL IT".

Of course she gave me the cock eyed look and tried to talk me out of it, but really, I'm about to turn 36 years old, this tooth is all the way in the back, it's not in the front and it's just a pain anymore. Just pull the thing, I won't miss it. And it's not like it's one of my front teeth or I'm a young spring chicken looking for a husband. I just want it gone.

So she did and after doing so told me that there was pus forming in there which meant an abscess forming AND a root canal if we hadn't done it.

Score for me.

So here I am, the numbing finally having left my mouth and face and now all I feel is pain, but a good kind of pain. It's a relief just knowing that it's gone and it won't bother me anymore, it also doesn't hurt that I have antibiotics and vicodin. Yes, I think I'll be ok.

There was talk Dry Socket and all that non fun stuff, so I'm just going to be really careful and pray that doesn't go there.

Moral of the story.....well, there really isn't one, other than instead of $574, I paid $54 and I'm very happy.

Monday, May 24, 2010

{ The Last Christian Review }

The Last Christian by David Gregory
Genre: Speculative Christian Fiction, Thriller
Pages: 407
Date Published: May 4, 2010
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Publisher's book description:

A.D. 2088. Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.



Before I even begin, I'm going to let you watch this trailer for the book:



I know I often say that this book is one of the best I've read, but in this case. It absolutely is one of the BEST books I have EVER read. PERIOD!

And I have read thousands of books over the years, but this one has left something in my heart.

The Last Christian is so well written, and I think as a Christian it leaves a lot in your mind, a lot of food for thought, it certainly makes you think and ponder and wonder and I love that about a book.

I wish I had the words to describe what an amazing book this was, let's just say that I didn't have to wait until the middle of the book to find it interesting, it pretty much caught my attention from the get go and then it was like a fast paced train, I kept turning the pages, wanting to read more, wanting to know more and by the time it ended, not only did I love it but I was also left with a little to think about.

I'm love endings where everything is sort of set straight and put in it's place, but I also enjoy those where you are left to wonder, left with a few what if's. That's what this one did for me.

I encourage you to pick it up at your local library or bookstore and read it, then come back and tell me what you thought. I'm sure it will touch you like it did me.

For more info, you can check out Random House.




This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

{ Summer Days #1 }

2010_05240017

Oh boy, Summer is definitely upon us and for us here in the Bourland Household, it's begun!

Today was officially our first day of Summer Break and what a day it's been. From sleeping in late, to a filling breakfast of bacon and eggs....to puttering around the house, planting and watering and decorating and ending with a couple of hours outside in the pool and under the canopy.

First I have to show you my progress in the gardening department. I'm quite pleased with myself, seems my Thumb of Death is either on vacation or decided to leave forever. If so, Thank the Lord above because I'm finally able to grow things around here.

2010_05240002

Tomato and my Sage
2010_05240003

Starting from the top: Parsley, Lavender, Marigold, Johnny Jump Up and Zinnia, all growing, all pretty and I couldn't be happier.
2010_05240004

Closer look at my parsley
2010_05240005

If you turn around, right behind you you'll see this.
2010_05240007

Now turn the other way because....oh my word....real strawberries. Yes, and I grew them. *GASP*
2010_05240010

Strawberry and Tomato plant. I think it helps that I keep the instructions on there and follow them to the letter LOL
2010_05240011

Tomato plant, look it's all thriving and doing good. I'm shocked I tell you, beyond shocked that I have been able to grown anything at all.
2010_05240015

I'm not sure if you noticed on my Stove Top Cover yesterday, I have this little mini muffin pan.
2010_05240031

I wanted something cute, so I grabbed this old pan, added some tea lights here and there, then filled in the rest of the holes with beans. I then took my Sweet Pea and Jasmine scented oil and dripped a few drop over the beans.
2010_05240034

It smells SO good in my kitchen and I don't even need to light a scented candle. Just love this, so easy and so inexpensive.

After my puttering around a bit, the kids asked if I could put the pool up again, and that's what I did next. But not before pruning my lemon tree, which I forgot to take a picture of, I'll do that for you tomorrow.

2010_05240043

2010_05240037

2010_05240039

Their friends came down to play in the pool too. Just give kids a pool and watch them have fun for hours on end.
2010_05240084

Little Miss Lola went in for a swim too and then came and sat down on the chair with me to dry off. She really does think she's human.
2010_05240073

5 PM rolled around and retreat kicked in, which means the taking down of the flag and the playing of the National Anthem. At that time, cars have to pull to the side of the road and remain there until it's over, and anyone outside during this time needs to face the flag or the sound of the Anthem.

2010_05240089

The kids were jumping around and having fun, but being the military brats that they are, they KNOW that when the first note sounds, they are to stand up and remain quiet.

I love watching them all with their hands over their hearts, paying respect to their Country. It's adorable!

So there you have it, the first day of summer. Just like my Spring Break series, I plan on doing a daily Summer Days post with one or more pics of the day. If you want to join in, let me know through comments so I can come by and check your post out.

It's not going to be a strict every day thing, if you want to participate today but then don't for a few days and then come back again, that's perfectly fine.

I'm off to work on my Knitted Gifts.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

Before I start, just wanted to let you all know that I apologize for not getting a chance to come by and see your posts last week. But I will definitely visit you today, I have time set aside for that :)

hhm



The weather in my neck of the woods:
Blue skies. The wind has finally left, it was so annoying and kept trying to blow my outside canopy down.


Things that make me happy:
Goodwill


Book I'm reading:
I am Hutterite - Doing a review and so far I'm really enjoying this book


What I'm enjoying on TV:
Weird or What
Ancient Aliens
Robin Hood (2010)


On the menu for dinner:
Portuguese meal - Ground beef with sausage and fries. (will post recipe tonight)


On my To Do List:
Laundry
Mopping
Bathrooms


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Didn't try anything new last week


In the craft basket:
Folk Dolls
Bath Mitts for gifts


Looking forward to this week:
First week of Summer with my kids


Tips and Tricks:
Got dirty walls? Chances are if you have little ones in your home, you DO. But it's not always that easy to get them clean, so here are a few tips I found while searching online for myself.

  • To remove dirty fingerprints on the wall, a pencil eraser is an effective tool.
  • Dirt marks on wallpaper can be removed by rubbing a soft India rubber or a small piece of stale bread over it.
  • Ceramic-tiled walls will freshen up by brushing white shoe polish into the cracks of the tiles. Remove the excess polish streaks with a damp absorbent cloth.
  • Moss that have accumulated on walls can be removed by pouring hot water over it and wiping with a cloth or scouring with a brush or scouring pad.
  • Oil-paint walls can be cleaned with soapy water.


My favorite blog post this week:
I'm just going to send you all Jen's way at Reflections in the Window. She has got to be one of the luckiest ladies on earth by living so close to the one of the most amazing Living History Museums. She's been sharing tons of pictures and I'm loving every single one of them.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Gettysburg Homestead - I love this Primitive blog


No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Prim Candle in Kitchen


Lesson learned the past few days:

Align CenterThat as much as I love my children, they can drive me completely insane at times and it's OK to admit that. It's OK to feel overwhelmed and helpless and frustrated. It doesn't make me a bad mom, it just makes me a MOM...period.


On my mind:
The knitted gifts I'm making, got a lot of ideas floating around.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
1 Chronicles 16:11-12