Merry CHRISTmas!!!

I hate to admit it but this year I have been feeling a little bummed about CHRISTmas.  I am usually all go, go, and go but this year I am like, not now, not now, not now, oh shoot just get it over with.  I'm not really a scrooge but this year has not been the best for my family and yes, I know, there are a lot of people way worse off out there than us, but it just seems like one thing after another.  I know I'm being childish, but it's just a phase and I will soon me out of it because I still believe my God is a great big God, a great big God is my God.  So just please keep me and my family in your prayers.  Don't worry, like I said its really not that big of deal,(mostly just me feeling sorry for myself) but when one things keeps happening after another (for the worse) I just get this way.  Anyway, I am still trying to stay in the Spirit of CHRISTmas, not the commercialism of CHRISTmas, so that helps.  I pray that each of you have a very Blessed CHRISTmas and a wonderful new year with all the JOY you can imagine.  God Bless you all and thanks for hanging in there with me, even when I go long periods without blogging.

"The Map" A book review

If you haven't heard of book sneeze you should check it out it give free books to bloggers in exchange for a review.  This is my first book and my review is way over due.

The Map by David Murrow
It's definitely a book for men, it shows a very interesting path that men need to take to become more "Christlike".  It was interesting to me (as a woman) to read through it.  I didn't realize it was a story and a guide but it is interesting and I have never read a book that was written quite like it before.  David Murrow did a wonderful job describing it and I love the way he presented it in this book.  I would definitely recommend it to any man.  He mentions possibly writing one for women if the Lord wants him to and if so I would love to give it a read.  I am going to give this to a male in my life to read I just haven't decided which one yet. 

Happy Thanksgiving (late)

I hope  you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did.  My first time cooking for 20 people went well, I got lots of compliments from my family and my sister even said everything looked very nice and Martha Stewart would be proud of me.  I am just thankful my family still loves me after all this, let's just say I haven't been the nicest person to be around lately, I was just a little stressed but it all went over well without a hitch.  I really couldn't have done it without my Mom and my girls (19 & 12) they helped me alot with the prep and cleaning.  My husband said he had a really good time and all my food was good.  I might have to do it again next year if my husband and kids think they can deal with me over all this again, but I have asked for forgiveness and it has been given to me, but next year it won't be so bad, I just wanted everything to be perfect for my first time, so I don't think (at least I hope) it will be as stressful next year.  This was our menu:
Turkey and Ham
Sweet Potato Casserole
Broccoli Casserole
Green Beans
Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Deviled Eggs (mom made)
Dressing (mom made)
Homemade noodles (m-i-l & f-i-l made)
Giblet gravy (mom made)
Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Pie
Homemade Pecan Pie
Cherry Cheesecake
Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks and wine
I believe that was all, but anyway it was all good.

Here are a few pictures that I took;

Test

Just testing to see if I got the color thing fixed.

One of our favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

I am having the big day here at my house this year, it's my first time so I have been a very busy nerd, researching various menu items, making lists, after lists of things I want/need to do, it really is exhausting.  While going over many ideas I have finalized our menu and I thought I would share this recipe with you and maybe a few more if I get the time.  This is one of those foods we only eat on Thanksgiving, I'm not sure why because we all love it, it tastes great fresh out of the oven or even cold almost like a dessert, it's not low fat at all, but who cares, I claim that Thanksgiving is a fat free, calorie free day, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 cups cooked sweet potatoes (peeled, cut up and boiled)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 stick of butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup milk

After potatoes are done, mash and mix in all other ingredients (I use an electric mixer) until well blended and spread into a casserole dish

Topping

1/2 stick of butter (melted)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (I use pecans)

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add in butter, mix add more flour if mixture is not crumbly enough, sprinkle all over top of potato mixture.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

That's it, pretty easy peasy and that's just how I like it.  I am also going to try my hand at a couple homemade pies and a few other things, we'll see how it goes.

What about you, do you have any special food that you are looking forward to this Thanksgiving?  Have a great evening!

Hello, It's me again

Good Morning!  I was reminded by a blog friend (thanks Faith), that I hadn't updated anything since September, sad, I know, please forgive me. 

I have been busy and it doesn't seem to be letting up for about 2 more months.  If it weren't for kids, I would be completely bored.  Here's a starter update and then I have a few things running through my brain for the next couple weeks.

A few things I am thankful for:

Marriage - going very well right now, I just love the good seasons of marriage, it makes you want to hang on tighter when the season's aren't so great.  My husband is a wonderful hard working man, he take such good care of us and it's only getting better every year.  Thank you honey for your devotion to all of us.

Oldest daughter - Finally her very stressful senior carnival is over with and it was pretty successful from what I hear.  This has been a tradition at her high school for 52 years, it's the biggest fundraiser for their Senior prom which is usually the end of April.  It's been stressful because she has had to sell raffle tickets, tour our county and surrounding counties every Saturday for the last 2 months asking for donations for the auction, plan, and decorate their booth for the carnival and spend lots of money, time and energy.  I am proud of her she has grown up so much since the start of her senior year.  I am feeling much better about the young woman she is becoming and I thank God for taking care of her every day. 

Oldest son (16 yrs.) - He has his driving permit and his class ring in the last couple months he's a sophomore, he is really working hard at school this year and growing up so fast right before our eyes and getting ready to start 4-H (he and his brother will be showing two of our cows that they have been working with at the fair next July)

Youngest daughter - She's the one keeping me the most busy this year, she is 12, finally finished basketball and is starting cheer leading (we really don't like the idea of her being a cheerleader but as long as she behaves we will give her a chance), she is also in Girl Scouts.  She is in the 6th grade and blooming into a fine young lady.  She is doing well in school, we just need to work on her being responsible for her things, school work, chores etc.  she is getting better but it's been a little rough lately, but she will do just fine.

Youngest son (9 yrs.) - He doesn't have much going on yet, but he will soon be starting 4-H with his older brother they both are going to be showing a cow.  He's has jumped a 1/2 grade level in reading this year, he is really starting to enjoy reading, which is wonderful news for us because last year he would rather through a fit than have to read. 

Myself - well just busy as usual, running kids around, taking care of work, home, holiday's, yes, this  year we are having Thanksgiving at our house and I will be making almost everything, my mom will bring the stuffing, because she makes the best cornbread dressing you have ever tasted, then the rest of the family will bring little things like soda's, rolls, relish/veggie tray.  I have to admit I'm a little nervous about the whole dinner thing, I've never had to main responsibility of making dinner, hopefully I don't ruin everyone's Thanksgiving.  The Lord is always faithful but sometimes I fail to see it or acknowledge it but I've been trying really hard this year to be thankful for even the little things and it is all paying off, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

I am looking for a good devotional to read next year, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.  This year I have been reading the Chronological bible in a year along with my women's devotional bible in a year.   I also read the Upper Room everyday as well, but I think I am looking for a different kind of devotional but I'm not really sure exactly what I'm looking for, so any suggestions would be very helpful. 

We had a mini camping vacation a couple weeks ago during our kids fall break, it was so nice, that's the first vacation I have had all year and I think we all needed it everyone has been in a much better mood since then.

That's about all I got for now, but I do plan on listing a sweet potato casserole recipe here soon, I'm not the best most creative cook but I have been making this for years for my family and its one of the few things everyone loves to eat (I actually got it from a woman I worked with about 17 years ago or so, Thanks Crystal). 

Have a blessed day!!!

Michelle

A Little House on the Prarie Study Giveaway

I’ve entered to win the Little House on the Prairie curriculum from #raisinghomemakers! You can too: http://bit.ly/bS3hY4

If you love the LHOTP series, you gotta check out this study giveaway.  I never get tired of the series, I have read all the books, way more than once.  Check it out and enter!

Michelle

Hello Again!

Wow this summer has just flew by.  Our kids have been back in school for about 2 weeks now so we are getting into a new routine, slowly.  I have so many things swimming around in my head right now, I just need to get it organized and put it into sensible blog reading style. 
My oldest started her senior year this year, it's gone by so fast.  We are scheduling college visits and filling out applications, plus regular senior things that she needs (and it's getting pretty expensive), I just want this to be a year she will remember forever.  She definitely has mixed feeling about being a senior, but I told her that it was all natural and she would be fine. 
The oldest boy started he's sophomore year in high school and he's doing better than last year, which we are grateful for because he had a rough time last year.
The youngest girl started 6th grade this year, I just can't believe she is in 6th grade it seems just like yesterday when we were dropping her off at Kindergarten for the first time.
The youngest boy is in 3rd grade this year and let me tell ya he is the one that is going to give a run for our sanity before he is done with school, he's definitely the craziest out of all the kids.  The good thing is that his teacher this year is his Aunt (my husbands sister) so she will help us keep him in check. 
The weather has been nice for a few days now and it is only going to get better by the end of the week, I am so ready for fall this year.  I have already started thinking about birthday's coming up within the next month (all 4 kids have birthdays between Aug. 27 - Sept. 27) then it will be time to start thinking about Christmas actually I have already started thinking about Christmas and I am determined to not wait until the last minute this year as in years past.  We have a few very busy months ahead of us then it will be 2011, it just seems the older you get the faster time passes by.  There you have it your a little more caught up now, I know the suspense between the posts was killing you, hahaha!  Have a great day and God Bless ya!!!!

Friday Five Favorites

For more FFF Fun check out Susanne's blog, thanks girl!
http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/

Well so far this has been the best week all summer, I can't believe our children's school starts in less than 4 weeks, I better get busy if I want to have all the fun I can this summer with the kiddos.  Here are some things I have enjoyed this past week:

Saturday night my husband treated me to a date (which hardly ever happens) we didn't have any kids, the two youngest stayed with Grandma, the two oldest had dates of their own, so it was just me and hubby, we bowled 3 games then went out to eat and had a great time together just the two of us it was great.

Tuesday we went to an amusement park all day all 6 of us it started out cooler and rainy but by the time we got there it was clearing up, the rain stopped, there wasn't much of a crowd so getting on the rides was easy, we had ice cream, then on the way home he treated us to dinner out again, I don't think we have gone out to eat twice in one week before (it costs too much for 6 people) another great time.

My oldest got her Senior Picture proofs back, and oh my gosh they are beautiful, I can't believe she will be a senior when school starts, now the hard part comes of picking out which ones we can afford (we want all of them but whew they are expensive)

Our garden has almost come to it's peak so we have lots of fresh veggies, so I have enjoyed trying new recipes this week.

And last but definitely not least we purchased a Rainbow home cleaning system, they have a great reputation, other relatives of ours have had theirs for 15-20 years, so it should be worth the money, it not only vacuums carpets, but sweeps floors, dusts, and freshens your home air, like nothing I've ever used, I also ordered a load of cleaning supplies this week so watch out house when it comes in, I will be a cleaning fool.

Well there are many more favorites from this week, so choosing was hard.  Thanks Susanne!  Have a blessed weekend everyone.

Michelle Thompson

Homestead Blessings Giveaway

Check this out for a chance to win a Homestead Blessings dvd set of 10, http://bit.ly/9tUDsS.  This looks wonderful, I would so love to win it.  God Bless you all and have a great day!!!

Michelle

What a day!

Have you ever had one of those days, you know what I'm talking about, don't ya!  Yesterday was just that for me, I wake up in a crabby impatient mood, got my coffee, read my daily devotions (in vain by the way), got the 1st kid up and I didn't even want to mess with him (are you still with me?), got him off found out that the stray dog they brought home got in the house sometime/somehow in the middle of the night and found her this morning under my bed, bad mood made ever worse by the fact that she could be loaded with fleas or ticks or whatever and I certainly didn't want her in this house let alone under MY bed, ok move on I get to work and still in my crabby mood, the fax machine was beeping and it took me like forever to figure out what the heck was wrong with it, getting a headache by this time, got a few emails that made me smile so I thought hey this day is looking up, right? Wrong, it seems like everything was going wrong today, had to make brownies and beans to take to a banquet for one of the kids tonight, they turned out ok but still I wasn't in the mood, got home and had to get homework done right away because we would be leaving in an hour and we wouldn't have time once we got home, let's just say he didn't want to do  homework anymore than I felt like messing with it either so another tantrum (by him and me), so the banquet went ok, got home it was hot and I was tired and totally embarrassed by how I had acted ALL DAY LONG, did I mention that it was my birthday,hmmmmm, nice huh?  And then somehow my camera deleted 3hundred and something pictures that I had not yet printed off, totally bummed and ready to cry, by this point I just wanted to go to bed and be left alone, I took a shower got the kids in bed then went to bed and didn't sleep very well.  So all in all it was just one of those days, I knew I was about due one since it had been so long since I had one, but what a miserable way to spend your birthday.  I woke up this morning and thought, man am I glad that day is done with.  Such a sad way to waste a God given day, but I did and now I need to ask for forgiveness and start all over again.  I am so thankful we have a God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on chances.   But the good out of the day was that my mother and sister drove 45 minutes to bring me lunch, flowers and a card and ate with me, it was a nice break in the mood, but it didn't dissipate it totally.  I still feel horrible about the way I acted yesterday, I know God and family has forgiven me, but I am really bad about forgiving myself.
So just another reminder that we control our moods and this saying is true sometime "if momma ain't happy, no one is happy".  But when I look back on yesterday I think maybe my attitude has been going south fast and I just needed a "gentle" push from God to snap back into reality. I do believe He allows those kinds of days as a way of pruning us to grow how He wants us to.   That God of ours is one smart cookie, He is good all the time and all the time He is good.  Thanks for letting me vent here and you can carry on with your day now, just try not be too grumpy today.  God Bless!!!!

P.S. today is much much better, it's all in your attitude, you can control great things with that.

Michelle

FFF

Well I think I did better this week with pictures.  I have even kept notes so I wouldn't forget anything for this week.  For more FFF fun head on over to Susanne at Living To Tell The Story  http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2010/04/fridays-fave-five-85.html  here's my list for this week
My beautiful daughter going to Junior Prom this past Saturday, see post below for a picture, she is so pretty, and this momma is so very proud (I don't think I am being biased, do you? ha)

our cat had her kittens aren't they cute, anyone want one?

I signed up for this

yep, the weight watchers 5k walk it challenge I started training this week, wish me luck, I'm really doing this for exercise for myself but I still get a little 5k charm.

This is the Easter set my mother in law bought me, I have had it for a while but I was looking at it and I thought yeah, I love this it would make a perfect FFF

And finally since I have been on Weight Watchers since September, I don't get treats very often but I did make these dark chocolate brownies and they were so delicious and yes I ate about 5 of them

There you have it know what about you, what are your favorites from this past week?

Michelle

A sweet memory and prom pictures

I just can't believe my daughter has gone to prom.  It's amazing as she was getting into the car to go I had a vivid memory of putting her in her car seat once when she was about 2 years old in a little cute red strawberry outfit, oh how time flies, I wish she were still 2 sometimes, but God has wonderful plans for her I know. 

Here is my beautiful girl before prom

Here is another picture of her and I before prom

 

Five Friday Favorites

It's been a long time since I have done one of these I guess because I haven't been taking many pictures lately and for some reason I feel like I should have pics for these things, but not this week I don't have pictures for everything but here are mine, thank you Susanne at susannesspace.blogspot.com for hosting this every week.

The beautiful spring like weather we have been having, it's sunny and warm during the day and cooler and night but not too cool that I can sleep with the windows open, love it.

I finally met my goal weight watchers so now I am a free lifetime member, yahoo!!

Our purple martins have finally came back we have about 20 now we love to hear and watch everyday and the hummingbirds should be here soon.

I kept my nephew Saturday night to Sunday and took him to church with me and he was awesome, I forgot to download a picture of him but just let me say he will be 2 next month and he is so very cute and sweet, love him, love him , just love him.

And finally this actually happened 2 weeks ago this Sunday, but our first baby calf was born on our farm he is so cute.

Sorry it's so blurry, but believe me he is cute.
There you have it my Favorites from the past week or so. Thanks for visiting.

Michelle

Want to win an ice cream maker

That's right, this blog joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com is giving away 2 chances to win an ice cream maker, go on over and check it out and tell her I sent ya.

Hello, Again

I have been terrible with keeping this blog up lately, sorry again. There just really hasn't been much going to talk about. The uncle I have been asking for prayer for passed away last evening, please keep our family in your prayers, it was expected but still sad for our selfish selves, but great for him for now he is in the arms of our Heavenly Father. My husband was out of town for a few days and this week has been super slow, whew I am glad it's Friday. My daughter is a junior in High School and is going to prom tomorrow night I will post pictures of her as soon as possible. I am a little nervous about fixing her hair, you see I have to use rollers and I'm not very good at it but we pulled up some information on the internet and we found a step by step guide to a style that she really likes so hopefully we can wing it. I can't believe she is going to prom. This one is not that big of a deal for her so she just borrowed a dress and is letting me do her hair and makeup, but she has informed me that next year for Senior prom she wants a new dress and her makeup and hair done professionally, and I'm ok with that, she sure deserves it she is something special just let me tell ya, do you think I am a little biased? I am getting ready to work on some FFF's from Suzanna's blog so get ready.

Sorry again and a few prayer requests

Well hello again cyber friends!! I have had a lot going on since I last posted and I am sorry for the long absence again.
First of all, my uncle is not doing well, he is on the verge of death and I just can't believe how fast he has gone down hill. He went from being on the right track to near death in a few weeks. I will still be asking for prayer for him and for my family as we face loosing another uncle in the matter of 3 months. Please keep my family and Uncle Joe in your prayers and I am more than willing to pray for any you need as well if you will just leave me a comment and let me know and you can get as speacific as you want to. I believe we are all here for each other on this earth whether we physically know each other or not, I still think God wants us to pray for each other as if we have know each other from birth.

Also I have been doing some spring cleaning latley, I try to pick a room a weekend so far I have top to bottom cleaned the kitchen, living room,foyer, hall way and the kids bathroon. Tomorrow I am going to work on the laundry room, the hall closet and then my oldest girls bedroom and after that we only have 3 rooms left and I will be glad to get it all done and over with for a while. I think the hardest part is trying to keep the other rooms decent while you are working on the room of the weekend.

I am so excited about tomorrow and it being the beginning of Holy Week. I love Holy Week and I try to really take in each day and think about what Jesus might have been going through on this very day a couple thousand years ago.

I have met my goal weight at WW so now I need to try to maintain, but I have to say with the stress of my uncle and looking for another job to make more money and then there's Easter that's almost here I do feel a bit overwhelmed and all I really want right now is a big sundae banana split or a browning ice cream thing, but I'm trying to be good.

Some of our flowers and trees have buds on them that are trying to open and I can't wait.

Well it's been a long day and I am ready to hit the hay, have a blessed day everyone and I hope you have a great night.

Remember to leave any prayer requests you might have for me and I will pray specifically over each and every one and remember you can be as specific as you are comfortable with or as vague as you wish, it really doesn't matter to me because God knows even before I pray a single word. Again have a blessed evening and good night!!

In Christ,
Michelle

P.S. Please excuse any typos I have somehow I have managed to lose my spell check icon and I haven't figured out how to get it back again.

What's Up

Good Morning All!  I have been busy getting this blog set up a little better, it's still a work in progress though, so please be patient with me.

I just signed up for blog sneeze, you can get free books to read, just click on the icon at the bottom of this page.  I love to read and now I get to do it for free.

No onto personal business...
I gave up facebook for Lent, it may sound wimpy but it's not for me, it was where I would always go when I was bored, when I should have been feeding my soul with God's word I would play those silly games and catch up on the gossip of my friends.  It hasn't been difficult up until today, I have been a little tempted but I haven't caved yet so I would say that was progress.  I am so excited about this Lent season, and getting my soul ready for Easter.  I think of it as a cleansing process, I get all this junk and dirt built up in my soul (when in reality I should make all year the Lenten season) and then the Lenten season comes and it brings a new passion for the cleansing, it's a wonderful feeling to know that I can always turn to my Lord to get some help with spring cleaning my soul. I just feel giddy and I get butterflies in my stomach when I think of Easter and the wonderful blessing that God has bestowed in my life.  I am off on Good Friday (I work at the church that I attend so it comes with the job) so I plan to watch The Passion of the Christ on that day, it's always a good reminder for me to watch that movie and then I go through a range of emotions, I cry, get angry, smile so on and so on, but I still love it and I will continue to make it a Good Friday tradition for me and my family.

So what did you give up for Lent?  What are some things you want to work on this Lenten season?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a comment.  God Bless and may we enjoy each day of this most precious time of the year!

Michelle

Valentine's Day and Snow Days

Hello all, I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's day with your sweeties.  I got up made my husband breakfast, we exchanged candy and cards then he had to go to work.  We went to church then to Grandma Violet's house for lunch like we do every Sunday, it had snowed again so I had to drive the Big truck, which I am totally NOT comfortable with, you see my car could probably fit in the back of his truck, so, yes it makes me a little nervous to drive his other baby.  We have had so much snow that I can't even get my little car out of our driveway, we live in the country and have a long driveway from the main road.  But all in all we were safe.  We got abut 6" of snow over yesterday to this morning so at about 4:30 am they called off school, again, so today we were at home all day, well I was, husband had to go to work so it was me and all 4 kids in this house all day long, which really wasn't all that bad but we do get cabin fever a little and what can we do with that.  Not sure, but like I said today wasn't all that bad but they have already called school off tomorrow, so by then we will have to have some entertainment or we WILL be going stir crazy.  but anyway today, I made 3 meals, cleaned up the kitchen 3 times did a few loads of laundry and a few other household chores just to pass the time, now I'm tired and ready to go to bed, but that's not going to happen for a few more hours.  But all in all we had a nice Valentine's day and today wasn't bad either, but we will see how well we all fair tomorrow.   I know this has been a rambling post, but I was getting bored so I thought I would write a little something.  Have a great evening and God bless!!!!

Michelle

Bible Studies and Snow Days

We have had an unusual amount of snow for our area this year, don't get me wrong I think it is absolutly beautiful and I love when we all get to stay home together and just hang out, but I think I am almost ready for Spring.  However I started a bible study last night of Beth Moore's (it's The Revelation one and it was awesome), I can't wait to go next Monday.  Anywho she asked us to ask God to reveal himself to us in someway everyday and I think He did just that for me today with the snow.  There is something just so peaceful about the snow, especially on crazy days that just brings a sense of peace to my soul.  It's beautiful as well and as I look out my living room window right now, it's snowing very hard, but we have plenty of wood, food and all of us get to spend the day together, so at this moment it's very welcome.  Maybe this is God's way of telling us to slow down, get off the computer (btw our internet connection hasn't been that great for the last few weeks) and just enjoy time together, by talking, cooking, playing in the snow or whatever, so that's just what I intend to do today.  Have a blessed day!

Friday Fav Five

It's Friday and it's time for FFF.  I did take a couple pictures of my FFF but they didn't turn out so well so I will just list without pictures this week.  For more FFF head on over to http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/

1. Irish Spring Soap - It's not the best for my skin especially in the winter months, but I just love the smell of it and it was on sale so that's the soap we get to use for the next couple weeks.

2.  Almay Foundation, I just love how it makes my skin look so smooth, the coverage is great.

3.  My oldest daughter started clinicals at a local nursing home and she just looked so beautiful in her scrubs.  She wants to be a nurse so this is part of the training.  Momma is so proud of her.

4.  I have been craving, chips, salsa and or queso all week long so I ate it two nights in a row and man was it delish.  I also have been on a Mexican kick this past week so we had Mexican lasagna one night and black bean quessidia (sp?) but everyone but was getting tired of the Mexican theme (the horror I know, how dare they) so I have to switch up the menu for next week.

5.  I was cleaning out underneath my bathroom sink and I found a natural fiber back brush that I had never used and I forgot that I had bought it.  But now it's hanging in my shower and I use it everday I absolutly love it. 

This was a weird week, but that's just how it goes sometimes. 
Have a blessed weekend.

Michelle

Almost Wordless Wednesday

It's from October but this is my beautiful girl who had just woken up at the time this picture was taken.  I didn't have my camera with me so I had to pick a picture that was on my computer.

Michelle

Random Dozen

I thought I would throw this in today since I have been a bad blogger for a couple weeks now. For more Random Dozen head on over to www.2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/

1. How good are you at delaying gratification? Not very good, but sometimes you just have to try.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting? Right now I would have to Chocolate, but we did have these homemade fried jalepeno poppers the other night and I probably could have eaten them all myself.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you? This really depends on the time of the month (tmi I know) but I would probably give myself an 8.

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.? Not that I can think of right now

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts? Not usually but sometimes life does take a rushing turn and you just have to.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in? the exchange line after Christmas.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth? Well I didn't want to know but my mother did and since she was with me, I left the room when they told her, but who was I kidding, I HAD to know since she knew, my mother couldn't know and not me. But I already knew she was a girl.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly? I'm usually a patient person, but if you would ask me a few years ago I would have said children, but now I would probably answer, elderly.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present? When I was a child I did, but I have been tempted to unwrap and then rewrap when no one was around but I have not caved, but if there's a rip in the package, I just have to look just to see if I can guess what it is.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything? 2 years for a job closer to home.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other? I would definatly have to say me, unless of course it's that time of the month then him.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)These choices I would say, C, Right here waiting for you, but I do like, While I'm Waiting from the movie Fireproof.

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

Well there you go, I have lost my spell checker somehow, so please forgive any typos. I will have to work on that problem, I need my spell checker.

Michelle

Friday Update

Wow I can't believe that it has been 2 weeks since I last posted. Time flies, the weather here has been kinda weird. One of our boys (the 8 year old)got hit right in the corner of his eye with a plastic bebe, so that was a trip to the ER but thankfully he is fine and we were in and out in about 2.5 hours which is great for an ER if you ask me. He ended up with just a bruised eyeball so he had to wear a patch and use an antibacterial ointment, but he thought it was cool to look like a pirate. His vision should be fine and I'm happy to report he is back to his sweet little ole self again, thank God.

I am still reading my "read in a year chronological bible", I have to say I really love it. I read an NIV all the way through last year, but this one definatley makes way more sense and did I mention I love it.

Let's see what can I say about the past two weeks, well my uncle had major surgery a week ago yesterday, and the surgery went well, but they are having trouble getting him off the respirator so prayers would be appreciated about that. My mothers family (all her brothers and sisters)flew in for the surgery, from Florida and Nebraska and it was nice to see them all again, but it's weird to see how old we are all getting. They all wanted to be here for their brother and my mother. She is the oldest of them all and she has been through a lot latley, actually for about the past 7 years, that's when my little sister was diagnosed with leukemia and died 6 months later and left her 2 kids to my mother and she is no spring chicken, I wouldn't call 68 that old by today's standards, but I know it has been hard on her. Well they have all gone back home now, but it was nice to visit with them while they were all here, you just never know when the last time you will see someone will be so cherish those family moments as much as you can.

We had a couple snow days within the last 2 weeks, which was fun, but why we had a snow day this past Tuesday, I have no idea. Well we do live in the country so I'm sure some of the back roads where way more slippery that the main ones, but now the kids will have to make up 3 snow days, and winter has just really started around here, we may have school through June, but better safe than sorry.

Well this post has been a little boring, but I figured I better write something before my 2 followers abandon me. I am working on a Five Friday Favrites and I will try to get that up today or else it might just be a Five Saturday Favorites, I hope Susan over at Living to Tell the Story doesn't get upset with me. Well I'm off here for now, God Bless and have a safe trip home or wherever you are going this afternoon.

Michelle

Blog Frog Community

I just signed up for my own Blog Frog Community. I'm already doing better with this blog than I have ever done. Keep visiting and commenting. I would love to hear from you and have you link your blog to mine if you wish. Have a blessed day!

Michelle

For more random dozen head on over to http://www.2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave? A whole Hershey chocolate bar, no I didn't cave I just took 2 squares (as I'm patting myself on my back)

2. M & M's or Skittles? MM's

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through? Yes

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning? about 10 minutes about 1/2 through a big cup of coffee.

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to? I have never been on a cruise but I would so love to go someday.

6. Who is your favorite actress? Either Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand. Murder

8. How much of a technology junkie are you? I'm usually a year or so behind on on the modern gadgets and popular things (like blogs, fairly new at this)

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you? I enjoy making them with my Cricut Cutting Machine.

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut? 3 months ago, yep, it's defiantly time again (at least that's what the gray hairs are telling me)

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most? Household items, (I'm not really a clothes shopper)

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house? Do I have my cell phone and my lunch

Prayer

I used to consider myself a good prayer warrior, but last year I don't remember praying all that much, I'm ashamed of that fact. Sure I prayed when someone asked me to, or if I needed something but to actually pray daily because that's what Jesus asks us to do, shamefully, I did not. Last year was sort of a weird year, even though I didn't pray much, I still felt like God was with me, I guess you can say I didn't really feel like I was missing much, until I started praying diligently again, man talk about feeling like you were totally disconnected. It kinda felt like, when you talk to an old friend you haven't spoken with for a long time, you know that, "man I can't believe how much I have missed you" kinda feeling, yea that's the one. I realized how much I truly missed Him. So with all that said and done this year I have rededicated myself to daily diligent prayer and I can tell you it already feels good, like we are truly making up for lost time, that Merciful Forgiving Father and I.

Can I offer up a challenge for you? Well OK, if you insist, try it, pray it, whatever you want, just talk with God, everyday diligently even if it's only a week at a time and you will see what you've been missing, because when you finally look back then you will see that one week will turn into a month, then before you know its been a year and you and God are back in touch, it really is a wonderful feeling.

Lord, thank you for loving and forgiving me no matter what. I am truly grateful for endless opportunities you give me to stay in touch with you.

Michelle

Sickness ugh...

Well I have been reading about this sneaky little thing on many of the blogs I read daily, it comes suddenly and it doesn't last but about 24 hours then it's off to it's next victim. The dreaded stomach virus, yes that's what I'm talking about. I was up and down most of the night with our 11 year old with it, first her little brother got it, then Grandma, her, Grandpa now oldest is saying she isn't feeling all that great along with myself and my husband. Hubby and I were talking this morning and we said, "who do you think is going to get it next?" so now we are waiting to find out who the next victim of this nasty little bug will be. But for now I'm off for some coffee to try to stay awake for awhile, I'm getting pretty sleepy right now. But hey ho, so life goes. Prayers would be great though. God Bless!!

Michelle

Five Friday Favorites

I have never done a FFF before, in fact my blog isn't much of anything yet, but what better way to start the year with trying something new (fff) and improving something older (my blog).
My Five Friday Favorites are as follows:



1. A nice quiet day to myself on Monday, it was the first day back to school for the kids and my last day off work, it was a nice leisurely day of Face book, coffee in my favorite winter mug, movies and I did throw a little laundry in there as well.



2. Diet Swiss Miss Hot Coco, since it's cold and I'm watching my weight it came in real handy more than once this week.



3. It's been really cold here for about 2 weeks and this week we had bitter cold and snow my mother bought me these incredibly warm pj's for Christmas and they are good to lounge around in to. They are fleece and thick and so very comfortable. Don't they look heavenly?



4. The snow. We finally got a measurable amount of snow for around here, about 5". Isn't it pretty.



5. And finally on one of the very cold nights we got in our hot tub. It sounds crazy I know but it's nice when you are in, but not so much when you get out. Good thing it's only about 3 ft from our back door.

There you have it I gave it a try, let's see how it goes. It's not as exciting as some others I have seen, but hey, I'm a blogging beginner.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

If you would like to see more FFF visit, http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/.
If I didn't do this right would someone please let me know?

Michelle

Happy New Year

Well, here I am again saying I'm going to keep up but not sure how that will work out. We had a great Christmas and New Year, I got a laptop for Christmas from my husband, love it, love it, love it. My uncle passed away on December 21st, my poor mother I worry about her, now she has lost a mother, father, daughter and now a brother, please pray for her. I hate that she has to go through so much, but she trust in the Lord and knows he won't give her anything she can't handle. The kids went back to school today from Christmas break, I go back to work tomorrow, wow time flies so fast these days. Last year I had a read the bible in one year plan and I made it through, it was a nice feeling, this year I am reading the Chronological bible in a year, so far so good. God is Good all the time, all the time God is Good. It's been really cold here for the last week and it's going to stay cold for the next week or so, we might get 2-4" of snow Friday. I'm ready for some real snow. My other uncle is having major surgery in a couple weeks, so all the other aunts and uncles are coming home for it, it will be really nice seeing them all together at one time again. My beautiful 18 year old daughter never ceases to amaze me with her kind/loving heart she is so giving and kind, mommy is so proud of her. Marcus (my 15 year old step son) is growing into a fine young man, he is also very kind and has a very gentle heart even though he doesn't like to show it around his friends, Violet (my 11 year old step daughter)she is so motherly and usually kind to everyone she is a little emotional latley, (she has been missing her mother and it's sad, her mother died when she was like 3), and what can I say about Nathan (my 8 year old step son)he's just crazy but sweet a lot, he is definatly a ladies man, he does love the ladies. My husband Jason is a hard working man and takes care of all of us, he a firewood cutting, car working on, keeping the stove filled with wood, kinda guy, I do love him. Anyway there is a little update, I will try again very soon. God Bless