Grammy's Sweet Nothings

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to wish all of my blogging friends a very Merry Christmas. I hope to be back soon, as Robert is getting me a new computer for Christmas and I am sooooooo excited about it. It has been a long time and I have missed blogging, but it has also been very beneficial as I have done some things I would not have done had I been at the computer. Wishing you a Happy New Year too!

Missing You!

2011-10-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am missing you. Maybe one of these days I can start again! Until then, have fun blogging!

More Fires

2011-09-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I cannot post pictures from here and show you the devastion. I still do not have a replacement for my computer. There are more and more fires popping up in east Texas. We have now lost better than 30 thousand acres here and a number of homes. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be more fire. We would so appreciate your continued prayers as our firefighters battle these blazes. Please pray for them as they are at the point of exhaustion.

Prayer Please

2011-09-06T18:59:00.001-05:00

Please pray for east Texas. We have already lost better than 14 thousand acres in the town next to us and many homes. They have not contained the fires yet. Some of the people that I work with are in danger of losing their homes. Three have alread lost their lives. God is able to send us the rains we so desparately need. We need your prayers.

For The Time Being

2011-06-14T18:37:00.001-05:00

I will be away from my posting for a while. My computer is down and I do not have access to any of my pictures or other things that I blog with, so until I get a new computer, I will be away! Hope to see you soon! I will use another computer to try to keep up with your posts, but may not be able to all the time. I've already missed many of your posts. I'll miss all of my blogging buddies!

You Learn It From Life

2011-06-08T05:09:00.022-05:00

I've learned...

that life is like a roll of toilet paper,

the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes!
And boy, is this true. I was just getting married
a couple of days ago and now we've lived a lifetime together!

I've learned...

that money doesn't buy class!
That's one thing you earn
by the way you live.
No matter how much you want it,
if you don't live it, you wont have it!

I've learned...

that under someone's hard shell is a person

who wants to be appreciated!
We should tell others how much we appreciate them.
It feels so good when someone tells us!

I've learned...

that we should be glad that the Lord

doesn't give us every thing we ask for!
Thankfully, He gives us the things we need
and not always the things we want.

I've learned...

that the Lord didn't do it all in one day

so why should we think we can?

I have to stop and think about this last one often

for I think I can do it all at times, and I try to.
But I have learned that if I do, it catches up with me.

We don't learn these things strickly from a book,
but from living life!

But the thing I have learned most is that

with God in my life, life is good.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Rita

Strawberry Cake Recipe

2011-06-05T05:24:00.002-05:00

Now that you are thinking about strawberries after my last post, go bake a strawberry cake! It's good and it's easy!

Strawberry Cake

1 box of white cake mix or your own white cake recipe
1 1/2 pkgs frozen strawberries, thawed
4 eggs
1 - 30 oz box strawberry Jello
1 cup Wesson oil

Sift cake mix and jello mix together, blend in oil, adding eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add thawed strawberries and mix well. Pour into a greased cake pan. May be baked in layer pans or a rectangular pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or till toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake cool for a few minutes, then pour icing over the top.

Icing

1/2 pkg strawberries, thawed
1 box powdered sugar
1 small bar cream cheese, softened (if desired)
1/2 stick butter, melted

Sift powdered sugar, add softened cream cheese (if cream cheese us desired), melted butter and strawberries. Mix well. Spread on warm cake, cut and enjoy.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
Rita

The Strawberry Patch

2011-06-02T18:46:00.002-05:00

I've been away for a few days, as my computer wouldn't work. I couldn't upload any pictures, I couldn't answer any e-mails, and it was frustrating!

I was thinking today about a time when I was a little girl. My parents went to the "strawberry patch" to pick strawberries. I was given a small pail to put the ones which I picked into it. But guess what? By time we got to the end of picking, I didn't have any in my bucket! They were all in my tummy! Mom said I wasn't feeling too well after eating all those strawberries.

My sister would not eat strawberries, because they had "little seeds" all over them. After she was grown and married, she and her husband had dinner with some important people that would have been offended if she had not eaten her strawberries that were served with their dinner. She found out what she had been missing all those years! Today she loves strawberries and I love her!

Try it before you decide you don't like something and thanks for stopping by!
Rita

She's Gone Home

2011-05-30T05:48:00.005-05:00

Love Is... having someone comfort you when you lose a friend.

It started out by overhearing a conversation. She told someone that her fan in the master bedroom needed cleaning, but that she just couldn't get up on a stool to clean it. I told her that I lived near by and would come do it for her. It was the best good deed that I had done, for you see, it started a good friendship. The lady I am talking about was on my post a couple of weeks ago. You can find that here.

She always had a Dr Pepper in her fridge for me when I went over. We would sit at the table or on her couch and talk, talk, talk. The last time I talked to her she told me that she still had a DP in the fridge ready for when I came again. She loved the little "baker" which is quite evident by her kitchen.

Today, a friend of mine called me and told me that Norma has gone home to be with the Lord. We have talked from time to time since we moved out here and I will miss talking and visiting with her. I missed her and visiting with her so much, after we moved here. She and I could talk about anything and everything. We didn't always agree on everthing that we talked about, but both of us agreed that it was ok to disagree! It didn't change our friendship one bit. We agreed more than we disagreed. I am going to miss her. She was a lovely lady. She is in her Heavenly home now and I know she is happy.

Thanks for stopping by.
Rita

If you want to see a picture of her (at the bottom of my post here) I would love for you to see her. Blogger is not uploading any of my pictures, so I have none to show tonight. Maybe tomorrow!

Freedom Is Not Free

2011-05-29T05:33:00.000-05:00

That old saying that "Freedom is not free" is quite true. It cost the lives of many men who were willing to fight for our freedom.

This was so impressive as we watched him guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We are so blessed to live in a nation that has lived free, free to go where we want to go...

This was a vacation we took when the boys were young.

Free to do what we want to do...

Even ride a bike where we want to!

And free to say what we want to say as long as it doesn't hurt others...

The boys looking at the Liberty Bell.

Ah, we are soooo blessed! Have a very good Memorial Day and tell those who served, especially those in your family, how much they mean to you and thank them for your freedom.

Enjoy eating hot dogs and hamburgers and thanks for stopping by,
Rita

Over the Fence

2011-05-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

Now, what woman doesn't love to gab with her neighbor over the fence? I have two very good neighbors that I love to visit with, be it over the fence or sitting in a lawn chair. We love talking about our kids, our homes, our grandkids, the weather, good things to eat, pets, on and on and on! Sound familiar? We never seem to run out of things to talk about. Is that the woman in us? Don't you love neighbors like that?

Friends come into our lives and we value them like treasures. They add value to our lives. They are there to help us laugh and they are there to help us cry. Even if that friendship is only for a season, it is well worth the time to cultivate it.

When we moved to east Texas, my daughter-in-law asked me, "Mama, what are you going to do? You are leaving all your friends." I told her, "I'll make new friends!" You see, I grew up in a Military family, so we were used to moving and making new friends. Everyone was accepted, for you were all in the same boat and you all had to make new friends. And yes, I have made new ones since I've been here.

We have good neighbors on either side of us and when we get our patio finished, I can invite them to come and sit a spell, offer them some lemonade, cookies and if it's cool even a lap-quilt for their feet. I've already met them "over the fence" and I look forward to meeting them now on the patio when we get it finished. It's always good making new friends!

Make a new one today and thanks for stopping by.
Rita

Have You Changed and Grown Through the Years?

2011-05-24T20:33:00.001-05:00

This was the first home that we bought (this was while it was being built.) It had white brick and was in the Spanish style. The inside was in blues and avocado greens. We had wrought iron furniture. It had a tiny kitchen. I had wallpaper put in the kitchen and thought it was real kool! After all, if you had wallpaper back then, you were up-town! Ha! We were so excited as we watched them building that home. We went every day to see what they had done. I thought that it was wonderful, because it was the first time I had ever owned a home! Now when I look back, I see that I have come a long way since then and... I never want avocado in my home again! I lived with it a long time. A lot of things have changed since then.

I love the brown brick on my home where we live now. It is such a warm color. My home is done in taupe's, blues and burgundies, mainly. I hope eventually to change out the counter tops in my home to a taupe color, being that it is such a soothing color. For years we only had white walls, but I am sooooo enjoying all the taupe on the walls and the white woodwork now. I was sick of white walls. Isn't it funny how our taste changes over the years?

I find that I not only have changed in my decorating, but in many other areas of my life also. What colors do you like and how have you grown through the years, not only in your decorating but in your life?

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of color and the changes of your life with me.

I've Enjoyed the Flowers

2011-05-23T05:19:00.006-05:00

My kids sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Mother's Day. They still sit on my table and I am still enjoying the beautiful roses, even though the calalillies have gone by the wayside. Thanks once again, for the lovely flowers! I love you guys and I so enjoyed your visit! This is not the bouquet... Every time I tried to upload it, the picture was sideways. I could not get the picture to upload right but it had these lovely flowers in it.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you could imagine smelling those roses!
Rita

Stress Management ~ in the Glass?

2011-05-17T05:29:00.020-05:00

Have you heard about the lady who was teaching a stress management class? She held up a glass of water and immediately everyone thought that she was going to ask if it was half full or half empty. But she surprised them. She wanted to know how her arm would react if she didn't put the glass down. She told them it was a little like stress, if you didn't put it down at the end of the day, you had big problems. If you hold that glass for ten minutes, no big deal, if you hold it for an hour, you are going to be very tired. But if you hold it for a day or a month without putting it down, you're going to have some serious problems.

How many times have I taken my troubles to bed with me, only to lay awake instead of sleeping? I ask the Lord to help my mind calm and to go to sleep, then I pick the same old problems up again and remain awake. Isn't that the way with life? If we hang on to problems or the baggage in our lives, we're going to have some serious problems, but if we let go of them at the end of the day and trust them to the Lord's care, we will sleep so much better. Will we be able to sleep anywhere like my little fella did when he was young???

Thanks for stopping by and have a good sleep!

A Great Weekend!

2011-05-16T18:54:00.001-05:00

Oh, it's fun to play horseshoes!

"I'd sure like to have that bone ~ I'd sure like a sip out of that cup!"

Oh, catch those bubbles!

Catch me, Granddad!

You lay down and rest, I'm having fun!

Picnics are so much fun!

Bye Grammy, it's time to go, but I'll be back!

We so enjoyed our son, daughter-in-law, and the

grandsons coming out this weekend.

We had a great weekend with them and

can't wait for them to come again!

Thanks for stopping by to see us!

Rita

Around the Globe

2011-05-13T05:20:00.001-05:00

For many years after we came home from Germany, I corresponded with a sweet and lovely girl that I met while living there. When we lost contact, it was with great regret. The last letter that I sent to her was returned to me with no forwarding address. I've often wondered about her and what she did with her life. I've also wondered about a girl I communicated with who lived in Japan. It is with bittersweet memories that I think of them from time to time.

As I think of those around the globe who were once friends, it brings to mind other friendships that have been made along the way. I have been blessed with two lifelong friendships, which I've written about here. This one I am still in contact with, the other had cancer and is no longer here.

Friendships are for

A Reason

A Season

A Lifetime

This is a friend who became very dear to me before we moved. She and I spent many hours talking together. We could talk about anything and everything. I've been blessed with friendships in the past, friendships now and certainly look forward to the friendships that I will make in the future.

Thankful for your friendship and for stopping by!

A Dream Unfolding

2011-05-10T19:48:00.000-05:00

I won, I won and I am so excited!!! I won a book entitled A Dream Unfolding by Karen Baney. Because I did not have a Kindle, Karen so kindly sent me the book in the mail. At the time I had three books that I was reading and trying to finish them all. Two of them I had borrowed from our library and one from a friend. So I haven't gotten to read this yet. But I am so excited to do so.

The book is about life on the frontier, in territorial Arizona. It is about the promise of a new life and a chance to start over. It sounds like a really good book. I can't wait to read it. It is the next one that I will read. There is a second book coming out and I am eager to get it also.

Have you been to visit Kat at Reviews from the Heart? She has some really good give-aways on books. She is an excellent reviewer; you will enjoy each one of her reviews. She also has a blog entitled Heart to Heart. Be sure and visit her there also and I promise you that you will be blessed.

Enjoy reading and thank you for stopping by!
Rita

Love Is...

2011-05-09T05:06:00.004-05:00

Did you eat out for Mother's Day?

Robert wanted to take me out to eat

and I opted to go on Friday night,

instead of Mother's Day, as there is

always such a crowd then.

We went to eat a seafood buffet

and it was soooo good!

I love to eat out, but don't like to

be there when there are

many, many people as I knew

there would be for the holiday!

I got to talk to all my children,

grandchildren and my sister today,

so I had a wonderful day.

I hope you had a wonderful

Mother's Day!

Rita

Thankfully, God Made Mothers

2011-05-05T21:01:00.003-05:00

God could not be everywhere, therefore he made

mothers - A Jewish Proverb

Mother may be called by many names in many different

languages, but "Mothers" are who God gave us to

not only take care of us but love us unconditionally!

French - Mere
German - Mutter
Hindi - Maji
English - Mom, Mummy, Mother
Italian - Madre
Portuguese - Mãe
Albanian - Mëmë; Nënë
Serbian - Majka
Czech - Abatyse
Dutch - Moeder; Moer
Greek - Màna
Hawaiian - Makuahine
Hungarian - Anya, Fu
Indonesian - Ibu, Biang, Nyokap
Spain - Madre, Mamá, Mami

Mothers come in all sizes and shapes, but no one can take your mother's place. Though my mother is gone, I thank Him today for Mothers and the influence they have on us throughout our lives!

Happy Mother's Day and thanks for stopping by!

Rita

Effects of the Tornado

2011-05-03T20:43:00.001-05:00

Robert and I drove around this afternoon to look at

some of the affects of the tornado we had this past

Saturday. It took half of the top of this building off, yet

left the other half and demolished the small building

beside it, yet left the silo beside it unscathed.

There were several large trees that were

totally uprooted like this one.

It took out this sign and some of the limbs

on the tree and tore up the ground, yet it did

not even touch the building. Amazing!

It just totally took out some trees,

like here and dug a ditch.

It came down between these trees in this yard,

yet did not touch the house!

We are so thankful that homes were not

destroyed nor lives lost.

It could have been so much worse, but we thank

the Lord that it was not and all were safe.

Thanks for stopping by to see the pictures.

Rita

A Give-Away

2011-05-03T07:52:00.000-05:00

Rebecca at a Gathering Of Thoughts is having a wonderful Give-Away. Go see her!

Thanks for stopping by!

Rita

A Scary Night

2011-05-01T13:10:00.003-05:00

It was a scary night! I was in the bedroom working on some things and talking to my sister when Robert called me to hurry into the den. As I approached the den, he was pointing to the television. On the radar was a tornado approaching our neighborhood. It looked as though it might go just west of our street, but they were telling us to take cover. That will make your heart thump. The picture above is not one I took, but there was not only a tornado, but lightning flashing all around us. As our den has no windows, I brought pillows in there for us to cover our heads should it hit. We prayed, my sister and her family prayed and we waited. The TV went out and we had no communication except for our cell phones. My sister, who is in another state, went to her computer and kept us updated as to what was happening since we had no way of knowing otherwise. And then, all was calm, the lightening gone and everything was in tact! And we praised the God of Heaven who had kept us safe. The tornado bypassed us!

It made me think of all those who lost their lives and their homes this past week and I am praying for them. It made me know that I am blessed with a wonderful home to live in. As I watched the Royal Wedding, I know that I am blessed, for I am a child of the King of Kings!

PS: an update ~ we found out that the tornado turned before it came to our neighborhood and most of the damage was done on the other end of town. Several reported that large trees were completely uprooted plus barns and buildings were destroyed. We drove out to look and it looked like the tornado lifted and just stripped the tops of trees at the other end of town. But no lives were lost, so that is good.

Thanking Him and thanking you for stopping by!

Rita

I Pray You Enough

2011-04-30T08:50:00.003-05:00

A mother and daughter were sharing their last moments together at the airport before departure. They hugged one another and the mother said, "I pray you enough."

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough too, Mom."

They kissed and the daughter left. The mom took her seat on the plane. She turned to the person sitting next to her and asked, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

The person sitting next to her asked, "Why is it a forever goodbye?" To which she replied, "She lives far away and I have some challenges ahead of me. The reality is that the next time she will see me will be at my funeral."

"When you were saying goodbye, I heard you say that you would pray for her enough. What does that mean?" The mom replied, "That prayer has been handed down in my family and it means that we pray that the other person will have just enough good things to sustain them."

Then she recited this from memory:
"I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you have.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbyes.

To all my friends and loved ones... I pray you ENOUGH!
Rita

A Glow In The Dark

2011-04-26T17:10:00.007-05:00

It was a dark and stormy night. The electricity had gone out and I was groping in the dark looking for a light. A flashlight wouldn't last long for the batteries would run down fast. Ah, there's a box of candles that will keep us from sitting in the dark!

We are so blessed to have electricity and a lot of other conveniences our parents did not have while they were growing up. I've heard my mom talk about doing her school lessons by a kerosene lamp.

I'm thankful for:

a dishwasher instead of dish pan hands

an indoor potty instead of going to the outhouse

the electric light bulb instead of having to use candles

But what I am thankful for right now is candles when the lights go out!!!

Thankful that you stopped by to visit.

A Gift?

2011-04-25T05:23:00.005-05:00

Did you get a treat for Easter? Did you give one? It feels good both ways, doesn't it? I love to get, but I also love to give!

Have a good Monday and thanks for stopping by!

He Lives!

2011-04-23T16:46:00.015-05:00

He may have gone to the cross, but He is alive and loves us today!

We talk about the Easter bunny and the

good treats he brings us at Easter,

but the best treat we could ever have is the "Son"
who died and gave His life for us!

Happy Easter and thanks for stopping by.
Rita

Easter Wishes

2011-04-22T17:47:00.000-05:00

Have a wonderful weekend!

In Threes

2011-04-20T20:20:00.003-05:00

Three things in life, that once gone can never come back:

Time

Words

Opportunity

Three things that are never certain:

Sucess

Dreams

Fortune

Three things one should always have:

Hope

Peace

Honesty

Three things most valuable:

Love

Friends

Self Confidence

Three things I wish for you today:

Love

Happiness

A Relationship with God

Blessings and thanks for stopping by
Rita

Honored

2011-04-19T17:12:00.013-05:00

I am so honored that Doris of "Hold My Hand" A social worker's blog has given me the Kreative Blog Award. If you have not visited her blog, you have missed a treat! During the month of April, she has posted every day and it has been such a treat! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry! Please drop by and visit with her. I feel honored not only to receive this award, but to have gained her friendship.

Each time I go to my "Dashboard" to see the new posts of those that I follow, I get excited to see what they have to say. Some are funny, some are sad and others make you think. I so enjoy reading your posts. I am supposed to give this award to others and that is so difficult, for all of you deserve that recommendation. So I am going to award it to some that I have not awarded it to before.

Honored and thankful for your visit to my blog.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Link back to the person who gave you this award

2. Tell five facts about yourself.

1. I love to quilt and sew (but haven't done much of it recently since I went back to work)

2. I'm a picture hound (my family will tell you this, they call me the keeper of the pictures!)

3. I love my pup (as you can see if you've read my blog)

4. I love to travel (just wish I could do more of it)

5. I'm enjoying meeting so many people through blogging (I've made some good friends through here.)

3. Give this award to others. (This was so hard as I wanted to give it to all of those that I follow. They all have such wonderful blogs.)

1. Marydon of Blushing Rose

2. Sherry of Country Wings In Phoenix

3. Kat of Heart to Heart

4. Lisa of Hospitable Pursuits

5. Julie Marie of Idyllhours

6. Mary of Visits with Mary

PS: Sorry there are so many spaces in between here. I cannot get them to single space! No matter what I do it hasn't worked.

Where Shall We Go?

2011-04-18T05:46:00.003-05:00

It was a very cool morning and the smoke was puffing away. The engineer was waiting and ready. Was there a train on the other track? Was he waiting for the cars that he was going to pull? Why was he waiting?

As I drove down the highway, I was fascinated watching the smoke coming up out of the engine. So over I pulled and took this picture. We can see the trains that pass from our back porch. One day while we were watching, we spotted a couple of hobos riding the rails. We had not see that in many a moon. When I was a little girl, my grandparents lived several blocks from the railroad. My cousins and I would walk down there and wave to the engineers as they passed. I wonder if they would wave back now? They did then!

My other grandmother lived in California and would travel back to Texas by rail. She made many trips that way. How many travel by train nowadays? Have you traveled by rail? Where shall we go? What shall we see?

Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by once again.

What Happened Here?

2011-04-15T20:50:00.010-05:00

It was tattered, it was falling down. Where did they go? What happened here? Have you ever wondered about a place that you see, like this?

It makes you wonder about the family that lived here. Was there a mother and father? Were there children? Can't you just see happy little kiddos running and playing around the yard! Did they pick pretty flowers to bring to Mom? The mom yells, "It's supper time, come on in and wash your hands." Papa is reading his book while Mama sets the table with luscious smelling food, all for a happy family.

Where is the family now? Why did they leave this home behind to fall to the ground? Questions and more questions as we glimpse a home that may once have been a beautiful place! Sad to think of a home that may once have been filled with laughter and happiness, and now sits falling to the ground. Makes you thankful for your family and your home, doesn't it?!!

Blessings and thanks for stopping by.

Alphabet Poem

2011-04-13T05:31:00.002-05:00

Although things are not perfect,

Because of trials or pain;

Continue in thanksgiving.

Do not begin to blame.

Even when the times are hard,

Fierce winds are bound to blow.

God is forever able,

Hold on to what you know.

Imagine life without His love.

Joy would cease to be.

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Life imparts to thee.

Move out of "Camp Complaining".

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield power

Praise can do alone.

Quit looking at the future,

Redeem the time at hand.

Start every day with worship,

To "thank" is a command.

Until we see Him coming,

Victorious in the sky;

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most High!

Yes, there'll be good times and some bad ones too, but

Zion waits in Glory... where no one is ever sad!

Author Unknown

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to ANYTHING!

Blessings and thanks for stopping by.

A Big Texas Welcome!?

2011-04-09T22:30:00.020-05:00

This past weekend, my sister and brother-in-law invited me to join them for his family's reunion. We had such a good day together. On the way back to my home, this is what we saw...!

My sister said, "Did you see that gate?" I said, "No, what did it say?" She told me it was a "Big Texas Welcome!" and laughed. We turned around and went back to see it. I couldn't believe someone would put such a thing on their gate, much less a "Texan", but there it was! Then we looked and... they had a "Marine" sign there also. I told my sister that I couldn't belive that someone would hang a Marine sign if they were going to hang a "go away" sign beside it. Yuck! That's not hospitality.

...but I assure you, that is not a Texas welcome, nor is it a Marine welcome! Surely, they must have been from someplace else!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by!

Forget Perfection

2011-04-07T17:02:00.002-05:00

It's impossible in this life to achieve perfection in anything, be it homes, jobs or relationships. You get that bathroom remodeled, have new countertops put in, new tiles installed in the shower, brand new potty installed and bingo, what happens? In comes someone to shave, another in to take a shower! There goes the spic and span, for now there are shavings in the sink and water on the floor where they stepped out. And... there goes your perfection!

We don't need perfect homes, we need ones that we can live in and be comfortable in. Wooh, what a load off. Now we can enjoy our homes. Sit back and relax and enjoy yours this week. It doesn't have to be perfect, just clean and comfortable!

Have a good rest of the week and thanks for stopping by once again!

You'll Have To Go...

2011-04-05T17:10:00.000-05:00

For my post today, you'll have to go and visit Relyn at Come Sit By My Fire on her 4th of April post. She is so passionate about writing. I am so honored that she asked me to do a post on her blog. If you have not visited her before, you will certainly be in for a treat reading ALL of her posts!

My post is on Scrapbooking Vacations!

Thanks for stopping by and for visiting her blog.

Blooming In Texas

2011-04-04T05:13:00.001-05:00

Here's what's in full bloom in Texas. All the wisteria's are blooming well. Isn't this a beautiful time of the year when everything is new once again? The trees are budding out, the flowers are blooming; it's a great time of year! God knew that we would need that time of renewal and I'm so thankful for the season of Spring to bring us that "newness".

Hope you have a great "new" week! Thanks for stopping by!

The Playhouse

2011-04-01T05:08:00.007-05:00

What fun it would have been, to have a playhouse, when we were young. It could have been one outside or inside. There would have been cozy chairs, curtains on the windows, a table and chairs to have tea parties, make believe appliances to "cook" on and maybe even some flowers to water outside. Don't you think that would have been fun?

As we grew up and had the "real" thing", it changed our perspective. All those curtains to wash and meals to cook took on new meanings, didn't they? Life started happening, problems arose and suddenly life was different. It didn't mean that it had to be bad, just different.

I think of those who have had to face a diagnosis of cancer or heart disease or Alzheimer's and how their lives changed. What if it happened to me? What if it happened to you? How would we react? Hopefully, our homes will be a reflection of the love that abides within and we could pull through all the difficulties by depending on God to help us. Our homes don't have to be ones of grandeur; they can be as simple as a double wide trailer or as grand as a mansion. It's what happens inside that makes the difference, just like it does in our lives.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your home is a happy one this week.

Being Different

2011-03-30T05:04:00.006-05:00

Roses are probably the most loved flowers that God made. Nearly everyone loves roses! They are beautiful, delicate and they smell wonderful. They come in all different sizes and colors. My wedding bouquet was full of white roses.

Being different is what makes each one of us so unique. Our personalities, as well as our homes, are different. I love blues, taupe's and burgundies. My sister teases me because I have bird pictures all over my house. She always tell me, "You and your birds!" One year for my birthday, she gave me a lovely antique bird cage, that I filled with flowers and artificial birds! (I don't want to clean up after the real birds, so the artificial ones are the best ~ ha!) I do want to change out my counter tops. That will come sooner or later! And I have the material to make curtains for that window too! Just got to get them done. What colors do you like to decorate with? What makes your home unique? What makes you unique?

Thanks for stopping by!

Love Is

2011-03-28T05:49:00.001-05:00

Only it's not my dog getting hair all over my hubby.

It's me complaining that she has gotten up against my

good clothes and gotten hair all over them.

Bandi

This is how she lays in the bedroom in the mornings while I am getting dressed. She keeps me "company". When we had the flood in the den and had to pack up all the "stuff" in there, she laid on the floor watching us pack. She's so funny! We would sure miss her if she weren't here!

Now I Know, So I'm Gonna Change

2011-03-27T15:00:00.003-05:00

Now that I know what is causing all this, I'm gonna change ~ to the liquid dish washing soap! Wooo, do you think I'll get skinny now?

I visited Mary's "Visits With Mary" and liked what she had to say about blogging being fun. I thought this cartoon was fun and decided to post it. Stop by and visit Mary, she's a fun lady! I hope you are having fun blogging too. I know I am!

Thanks for coming by and and having fun. Come on, get skinny with me!

Growing Up

2011-03-25T05:40:00.002-05:00

When I was a young girl, my sister and I shared a room. We lived in military quarters while we were in Germany. My room was very small as you can see in the picture above. It had one high chest, a bed and a nightstand. It was not big enough to have any other furniture. Also, it was the only time that I had a room of my own.

I always wished that I had a desk like the one above where I could write, do my homework or just draw. There are so many beautiful desks out there that would have thrilled me back then or now. Only now, I need a much larger desk than I would have then. I spend a lot of time at my desk. Do you have a place that you like to go to, that you can call all your own? Do you still write letters, draw, or do art work of any kind? Ah, how wonderful to have a beautiful desk! What kind of desks do you like? Do you have one that you like?

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories with me.

Ooops, I Dropped It

2011-03-23T17:16:00.003-05:00

That is exactly what I said Sunday morning! I decided I could either cry or just say, "Oooops, I dropped it." and truck on. We were having a pot luck lunch after church Sunday morning, so I decided what I was going to make. One of those things was a strawberry cheesecake. They are sooooo good! I got up early and made it so it would be fresh. As I opened the oven to take it out... You guessed it! I dropped it and it went all over the bottom of the oven! The morning was too pretty to cry, so I laughed!

Here is the recipe, if you'd like to try it out.

Strawberry Cheesecake

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 Tbsp butter, melted

3 Tbsp sugar

3 - 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened

3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

strawberry preserves ( I use the low sugar kind)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Mix the cracker crumbs, melted butter and 3 Tbsp of sugar together and press firmly onto the borrom of the pan. (or do like I did, which is why I probably dropped it, and buy one of the large graham cracker crust already made) Beat the cream cheese and the 3/4 cup sugar on medium until blended well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low after each addition until just blended. Ad vanilla and mix well. Spoon preserves into the mixture and cross-hatch with a table knife. Pour into crust. Bake 50 minutes or until center is almost set. If not serving shortly, refrigerate. Top with a fresh strawberry, if you like.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by. Just don't drop it!

Cleaning and Computers

2011-03-21T23:15:00.009-05:00

I asked the Lord to tell me

Why my house was such a mess.

He asked if I'd been 'computering',

and I had to answer "yes!"

He told me to get off my fanny

and clean up my house.

And so, I started cleaning up...

the smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside;

that really did the trick...

I was just admiring my work.

I didn't mean to "click".

But "click" I did and ooops ~I found

a real absorbing site,

that I got so way into it ~

I was into it all night.

Nothing's changed except my mouse.

It's very very shiny.

I guess my house will stay a mess,

while I sit here and visit, on my hiney!

Author Unknown

I have so enjoyed getting to know you and wish it could be on a

one on one basis, but this is the next best thing!

I'm so glad you stopped by, thanks for coming!

A Warm Home

2011-03-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

"Why do we love certain houses, and why do they seem to love us? It is the warmth of our individual hearts reflected in our surroundings." - T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Have you taken the time to make your home warm and welcoming? It was time well spent. I always want people who come to my home to feel that it is warm and inviting. My home is not a decorators dream, instead it is filled with things that I love or that have many memories.

The things in it either have a memory behind it, have been given to me by very special people or are things that I have made and treasure. Your home can bring peace and harmony into your life like nothing else.

Thanks again for stopping by. I always enjoy your visits!

Day Light Savings Time

2011-03-19T17:53:00.000-05:00

A week ago tomorrow, we changed to Day Light Savings Time. What do you think? I think this guy is a pretty wise man! I wish they'd leave the time alone, just as God made it! It's always hard the first week to make the change. A friend of mine sent me this who lives in Arizona. Did you know that Arizona does not participate in day-light savings time?

Where's Your Treasure?

2011-03-16T05:08:00.001-05:00

At work, I have a leprechaun holding a pot of gold sitting on my station for St Patty's Day. Some of my ancestors were Irish. The closest I have been to Ireland is England. From pictures, I see that it is a beautiful land and would one day love to go there to see it for myself.

Where is your treasure? Are you looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or is your treasure someplace else?

Here is a puzzle for you to find your way to the pot of gold. Hope your day is as bright at gold!

Happy St Patty's Day and thanks for stopping by.

"Love Is" Never Telling Her...

2011-03-13T22:57:00.014-05:00

This is one thing I can say Robert has never done. Am I thankful? Wooo, yes! Is that the woman in me? We all like to look younger than we are.

Audrey Hepburn wrote these beauty tips. I couldn't think of any better.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

These were read at her funeral year later!

Robert and I collected the "Love Is" cartoons when we first married. As I got so many, I found a box to put them in and marked them for what they were! They are old and yellowed now, but I treasure them still!

Joining Marydon at Blushing Rose for Love Is Mondays! Stop by and see her.

Love and thanks for stopping by!

The Sun Will Shine Again

2011-03-11T18:14:00.017-06:00

Over this past week and a half, there have been dark clouds at our house. Not literal clouds in the sky, but clouds of dispair! Do you remember that new carpet we had laid this past Fall? Well, the pipe in the laundry room started leaking and we didn't know it. I walked in one morning and all the new carpet in my den was standing in water! Talking about being sick...

But the Lord promises us that He will never leave us, nor forsake us, nor put on us more than we can bear. I was very downcast after seeing all the mess, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel and I'm waiting for it to shine. We have the carpet dried out and put back in place, just waiting for all the drywall in the laundry room to dry now. The sun will shine again!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beauty to Behold!

2011-03-04T05:33:00.001-06:00

This is what I saw on the way to work yesterday morning!

Isn't it beautiful?

God created such beauty in this world!

Hope your day today is as glorious as this morning sky was.

Thanks for stopping by! I always enjoy your visits.

Hide Your Eyes and Hold Your Nose!

2011-03-02T05:51:00.005-06:00

Tammy mentioned in "your sweet comments" that one of the things she was grateful for was the toilet, as there were people who did not have one. It reminded me of when I was a young girl. My grandparents did not have indoor plumbing. We used an "outhouse" when we went to see them. They were so excited when one was finally installed in their home!

Have you ever used one? Gross! Hold your nose and oh, that wind would whip under the back when you sat down and it was so cold. I hated those things, but I too am very thankful that we have indoor plumbing now and don't have to use them anymore!

My dad used to go on vacation with us. He was always a very good traveling companion and was such a good sport! One time while we were on vacation, we saw an old outhouse. He sat down and let me take his picture in it! Isn't it hilarious? We had so much fun with him.

A grateful lady and one who is thankful that you stopped by!

Counting Our Blessings

2011-02-28T21:25:00.000-06:00

We don't always stop and count our blessings as we should. Week before last, my washer went out! Ugh! I did not realize how very spoiled I was to having a washing machine, right in my own home, until I had to take all of it to the washateria. Our son and daughter-in-law were here the week before. At the end of the week, Barbara started washing their clothes and getting ready to go home. All of a sudden we smelled something burning. You got it... it was the washing machine. She was going to wash all the towels and sheets, along with their stuff, before they left. After they left, I told hubby that we really needed to go to the washateria. They had to order a part and it wasn't going to be in for at least a week, so I didn't want to wait for that.

I've had to use a scrub board before and am really thankful that I don't have to do that anymore! I've also used the old hand wringer washers too. Don't want to do that anymore either!

We got to the washateria and, you guessed it... I wasn't used to going, so I forgot to take the soap! I didn't have any laundry baskets, but we had some plastic boxes down in the shed, so we used those! Oh my, I'm so thankful for my washer! And I am thankful that I've had no problems with it in the 23 years that I have had it, until now. Can't beat that! It's been a good one.

I am thankful for so many things that I often take for granted. How about you?

A Surprise

2011-02-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

I looked up from my station at the bank and in walked my son and daughter-in-law with a beautiful lilac rose and a Valentine balloon. What a nice surprise for Valentine's day. I brought it home at the end of the week and it was still blooming so pretty. I enjoyed my surprise for over a week before it finally began to droop. It's nice to be surprised, isn't it? Thank you, Darren and Barbara!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Note of Thanks

2011-02-26T11:17:00.005-06:00

Thank you for all the prayers you have said for my dad and for all the lovely wishes you have sent to me saying that you were praying. You have blessed us both. I spoke with him this morn. The doctor came in very early and reported that his lungs have cleared of the pneumonia and that he is on the mend. He has been in the hospital for almost three weeks now, but wont be released for a few more days due to his strength being so weak. Thank you again for praying for him. Prayer is the answer. Only the Lord could have pulled him through this!

A thankful daughter and thanks once again for stopping by!

All Things Beautiful

2011-02-24T05:13:00.000-06:00

All the things that God made were beautiful. The fowl of the air, the lovely flowers that He created, our wonderful world was all made by Him! Look at their plumage, look at the lovely colors of the flowers, look at the different shapes. Absolutely wonderful!

Now who could make such beauty? I used to sing a song to my children when they were small.

"Oh who can make a ........... (insert flower, bird, cat, tree, etc)

I know I can't can you?

Oh who can make a ..........

No one but God, it's true!"

I can draw, I can paint, I can take pictures, but I can't make the real thing! I know I can't. Can you?

I'm so looking forward to Spring and seeing all of these beauties during that season. Spring is in the air and my daffodils are blooming, yeah! The daffodill was my mother's favorite flower and every time they bloom, I always think of her and her love of the flower. We had the daffodill put on her tombstone. I really think she would have liked that. And I really can't wait for the hummingbirds to come back. I so love watching them feed out of the feeders at our back porch. Have a wonderful Spring!

Loving His creation! Thanks for stopping by!

Morning Prayer of a Homemaker

2011-02-22T05:13:00.003-06:00

Even though I clutch my blanket and

growl when the alarm rings,

thank you, Lord, that I can hear.

There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against

the morning light as long as possible,

thank you, Lord, that I can see.

Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,

thank you, Lord, that I have strenght to rise.

There are many who are bedridden.

Even though my children are so loud,

thank you, Lord, for my family.

There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never

looks like the pictures in magazines

and the menu is at times not balanced,

there are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous,

thank you, Lord for the opportunity to work.

There are many who have no job.

Thank you, Lord, for life.

Morning Prayer of a Homemaker

This grateful homemaker thanks you for stopping by.

And PS: after spending most of the day Saturday in bed,

I'm feeling much better. Thank you for your

kind expressions of encouragement.

The Rooster

2011-02-21T05:57:00.001-06:00

Did you ever feel like this rooster? When things are not going well, or you have a sore throat or larengitis, or just any number of things, you can certainly feel like you look like him. That's me this week. I have larengitis and I feel plucked. I hope you are doing well and it is beautiful in your area of the country. Spring is coming!

A "plucked chicken" thanks you for stopping by today!

His Wonders

2011-02-19T05:18:00.000-06:00

In this cold weather, I'd rather think of the warmer things of life like the sea in summer! What is under the sea? Color and more color. God must have loved color! He made some of the most gorgeous colors in the wonders of the sea. Just look at all those colorful fish and that beautiful coral. Are they not scrumptious? Wouldn't you love to see it for yourself?

Have you ever been deep sea diving? I don't think that I could do it myself, but my brother brought me a big conk shell from one of his dives and I treasure it. When I get out in water over my head, I get very nervous, but thankfully, I learned to swim enough to be able to swim out of deep water.

Enjoy His wonders and thanks for stopping by!

A Long Time Ago

2011-02-17T08:10:00.001-06:00

My dad gave me a treasure of my past ancestry, a few years ago. A "long time ago", my great grandparents were given a lovely mantel clock for a wedding gift. It was passed down to my grandmother, then down to my dad and now down to me. When we moved, it quit working and I can't find anyone who works on clocks that old, but it still sits on my mantel, for I treasure it so. It has a few dings from years past and the glass that encloses it is not quite as pristine as it once was, but it is beautiful for all the memories it brings. Isn't that just like our lives? We have a few dings, we may not be quite a beautiful as we once were, but how wonderful that people still love us anyway!!!

I loved my grandmother and have many good memories of her. She is the one who taught me to sew, to crochet and do many other things that I love to do to this day. When we would go to visit her, she would make doll clothes and show me how to put them together. She had so much patience and I will always be grateful to her for her patience in teaching me so many things. I was thrilled when Dad gave me the clock to keep.

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my memories!

Were These Before Your Time?

2011-02-15T17:24:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when "cancan's" were in style?

We thought we could not go anywhere with our petticoats.

Styles have certainly changed, haven't they?

Madame de Pompadour had an elaborately embroidered

gown with a matching petticoat.

Mine was showing in this picture.

Long ones!

and short ones!

I'm thankful we don't wear them anymore, but I saw a very cute little girl in one the other day. She was adorable! It made me think of the days that we wore them.

Thanks for stopping by!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:42:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a great day. Thanks for stopping by!

My Valentine - The B'day Dad

2011-02-12T05:05:00.001-06:00

He was just a young man when he went into the military. He was such a handsome guy. He had cold black hair, high cheek bones and was tall.

Today he is now celebrating 90 years of living! He still has a lot of dark hair, sprinkled with gray around the temples and is still a very handsome man! He is in the hospital with pneumonia. Please pray for him. We're very thankful for all the prayers that have gone up for him over the past several days.

This is the two of us together. Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day, Dad!

Lovingly,

"Sissie", as you always called me.

Around the Corner

2011-02-09T05:19:00.005-06:00

Valentine's day is just around the corner. What do you have for your love?

The rose is red, the violet's blue.

The honey's sweet, and so are you.

Thou are my love and I am thine.

I drew thee to my Valentine.

The lot was cast and then I drew,

And fortune said it should be you.

from a collection of English nursery rhymes

In the first grade, I had a crush on a boy in my class. On Valentine's Day, he gave me a Valentine card with a bunny on the front, that said,

"I'm a funny bunny,

who would like to be your honey!"

If you think I had a crush on him early in the school year, wow did I have one on him then! Ha! I kept that card for many years (even after hubby and I married) and in our last move, it disappeared. I don't know what happened to it, but was saddened by the fact that I kept it for so many years only for it to be lost! Oh well! That was a long time crush, but my hubby didn't mind! and... I still have the memory!

Do you have flowers, candy, a sweet card for the love of your life? Better hurry, the time will soon be here! Thanks for stopping by!

, the "bunny girl"!

A Recipe

2011-02-07T05:18:00.001-06:00

I'm so thankful that the Lord gave us a sense of taste.

When food is cooking and that smell hits you in the face,
ooooh, isn't it wonderful?

Here is a:

Recipe for the Good Life

A heaping cup of Kindness

Two cups of Love and Caring

One cup of Understanding

One cup of Joyful Sharing

A level cup of Patience

One cup of Thoughtful Insight

One cup of Gracious Listening

One cup of Sweet Forgiveness

Mix ingredients together, toss with Smiles and Laughter.

Serve to everyone you know with Love forever after!

It'll make for a Good Life!

Blessings and thanks for stopping by!

Brrrrr! It's Cold Outside

2011-02-04T23:04:00.017-06:00

With four inches of snow on the ground, brrrrr, it's cold outside. The roads became slushy today and will freeze over tonight with more snow predicted for tomorrow!

Even my flowerbeds were covered over with the snow and you couldn't even see the stones around the edges! I know that for you who have had so much more snow, that doesn't seem like much, but here in Texas, that's a lot of snow! We rarely get more than just a little.

But Bandi didn't let it bother her. She had a good time in the snow today. I wish I could have gotten a picture of her playing in it, but when I stepped outside, she just wanted to be with me and didn't want to play anymore. She was throwing her ball up in the air with her mouth and when it would land in the snow, she would "dig" it out and throw it again. I don't care to play in it anymore, like she did. But it sure was fun watching her!

Hope you're warm tonight! Thanks for stopping by.

Enough Said!

2011-02-03T18:36:00.004-06:00

The picture says it all. Enough said! I'm ready for Spring!

The sign says,

"If you have had enough snow and cold,

please raise your hand!"

A Spring "wanting" girl,

A Thankful Heart

2011-02-01T17:36:00.012-06:00

My heart is full to the brim today. I have a very thankful heart. My friend Mary, of Visits with Mary, has so kindly given me a blogger award. Thank you, Mary. I feel so honored to not only have received the award, but to be your friend.

There are many very deserving ladies and gentlemen out there in blog land that should be given this award. Each time I go to my "Dashboard" and see that there are new posts by those that I follow, I get excited to see what they have to say. Some are funny, some are sad, some really make you think, and some make you relax and ponder. I especially love to see their smiling faces and wish that I could meet each one individually.

I would like to pass this award along to eight of those that I love to follow and that I have enjoyed having a lot of communication with.

Beside Still Waters

Anita writes about her family, her faith and life's celebrations of simple joys. She is such a warm and inviting person. She shares her heart with you. You will certainly be blessed by her posts.

Lady Bug Creek

Karen is a very lovely lady that is also a fellow Texan. She is one busy lady that loves her family and always has very interesting things on her posts. You will enjoy reading her blog.

Old Sweetwater Cottage

Janean has some really wonderful things on her posts. I love the diversity of things that are on there and all the beautiful pictures. She really gives you things to think about concerning your home.

Sassy Granny

Kathleen will really challenge you with her love of words and her curiosity. She always has something really interesting to say on her posts.

Countin' My Blessings

Kelli will bless you with her warmth and with both of her blogs, one that has many wonderful recipes. I'd love to sit in her kitchen while she makes all those yummy treats. She is such a sweet person.

Creative Cottage Dreamer

Patti always has lots of interesting things on her blog. You will enjoy reading what she has to say and enjoy all the pictures she posts.

A Gathering Place

Rebecca has some absolutely gorgeous things that she has painted. She is such an industrious person. I can't believe all the things that she accomplishes. She is such a generous person. You will see some really beautiful things and a beautiful home on her lovely posts.

And last but definitely not least:

Come Sit By My Fire

Relyn, as many of you know, is my niece, who has such a way with words. I would love to see her write a book someday. She has blessed my life so much through the years and even shared her daughter with me as a "grandmother". I love reading her blog. It is always filled with so much that captures your thoughts and your imagination. She is the person who started me blogging! You will be blessed to read what she has to say.

Please visit each one of these blogs and be blessed as they have blessed me.

And once again Mary, thank you so much for blessing me with the award! I am so very honored!

A very thankful heart,

If I Had My Life To Live Over

2011-01-31T05:28:00.002-06:00

Erma Bombeck was a lovely lady and had some pretty serious words about this. Here were her words after she found out that she had a fatal disease:

If I had my life to live over, I would talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for a day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guarenteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for supper."

There would have been more "I love you's"... more "I'm sorry's"...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it... live it... and never give it back.

It got me to thinking, what would I do different?

My dad took me to see an Air Force Recruiter one time. I wanted to go to nursing school, but didn't have the money to go. So I looked into going into the military, but they would not guarentee me that I could do that. Therefore, I decided not to join.

I've often wondered what my life would have been like had I made that choice. But you can't go back and you'll never know what would have changed in your life. So, I just know that I need to take Erma's advice and seize every moment and really live it. How about you?

Thanks for stopping by,

Time Wasted?

2011-01-29T05:23:00.002-06:00

There is a saying...

Time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted at all.

One Friday, one of my co-workers stopped by my desk and asked, "Is it time yet?" Everyone was very eager to start their weekend. It was a holiday weekend and was muchly anticipated.

Time is such a precious commodity in our society today. Most women today do not have the pleasure of being a homemaker as in days gone by. So when it is a holiday weekend, it causes excitement.

Just think, it is the end of January already. One of the twelve months has already passed. We can never regain that time. I hope that you enjoyed spending that time and if you enjoyed it, it was not wasted!

Savor your time and thanks for stopping by!

The Mailbox

2011-01-26T17:13:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the Postman had just delivered the mail. I went to the mailbox and opened it to find a package inside that I was not expecting. Who could have sent it? It didn't take me long to find out that it was a package from my lovely niece, Relyn. With great anticipation, the paper came off quickly and inside I found a truly inspiring book by one of my favorite authors. Oh how exited I was!

Upon opening the book, the realization hit me that she had sent the book to the author for her autograph and then had placed a beautiful ribbon inside to use as a bookmark. The book was Daring To Be Yourself by Alexandra Stoddard. Now how thoughtful can a person be to do such a thing?

Relyn is a very thoughtful lady. Go read her blog at Come Sit By My Fire. You will enjoy her writings. I'd love to see her write a book! She definitely has a way with words.

What gifts have you surprised someone with?

That Old House

2011-01-24T16:11:00.000-06:00

Did you see that old house? It looked as though it were falling down. I wonder how many tales it can tell?!!

How many children were born there?
Who got married there?
What tragedies happended there?
How many people died there?
What job did the husband have?
Did the woman quilt or sew?
What were the people's lives like there?

What happy occasions took place there?

Questions, questions! Many questions that will never be answered. I've often wished that I had written down more things, kept better records, took more pictures! Unfortunately, we don't always think of those things until we grow older and we begin to wonder about things that happened to our parents, to our ancestors. Many times I've wished I'd asked more questions of my Mom about a lot of things.

Ask before it's too late and write down your own memories!

PS: We saw this old house on our way to Colorado last summer.

Diamonds in the Rough

2011-01-22T05:41:00.012-06:00

Diamonds sometimes have flaws; they are not always perfect.

Many times, our lives are like those diamonds, not perfect.

Even though they aren't perfect, we can find a lot of

beauty in our lives if we just look for it.

There is a lot of beauty in this wonderful world that God gave us.

At times when things are going wrong,

it is hard to find that beauty.

But look around...

lovely trees, swaying in the breeze with the sun glistening on the leaves,

a beautiful, sweet smelling rose with soft velvety petals,

fuzzy kittens, softly mewing or playing with a ball of yarn,

the big blazing sun up in that azure sky,

a little buzzing yellow and black bumble bee,

that gets nectar from the flower,

a tiny red lady bug with little black dots on it's back,

that beautiful golden leaf that just fell to the ground,

a dark haired , soft cuddly baby to make life sweeter.

Life may not be perfect, but it's oh so sweet to live!

He Answers

2011-01-20T05:02:00.003-06:00

My Lord answers prayers. My friend came through surgery and the doctors think they got all the cancer and got to it fast enough that it was contained to the one area. Isn't God good?

Thank you for all of the prayers on her behalf. All of her family and friends are so thrilled with the results.

Grateful for answered prayers,

Important Things

2011-01-18T05:46:00.006-06:00

The other day, a friend of mine told me that she has cancer. It was devastating news, until I thought about the fact that she loves the Lord. That makes a difference in how she felt about the news.

As I thought about it, having everything in my home organized, each item having a place of it's own, all the pictures hung just right or all the closets arranged just so, suddenly didn't seem so important. I'm not saying that those things aren't important, but just not SO important. We sometimes get caught up in all the trivial pursuits, so that we don't think about "what if this were my last days." What do I want to do with my last days?

I want all these things done in my home, but I want to be there for my friends even more! How about you?

Blessings,

The Friend Test

2011-01-15T05:26:00.008-06:00

In blog land, it is hard to make really good and fast friendships, although it has been done. I feel very close to a couple of the ladies that I blog with and have gotten e-mails from. Several ladies have gotten together after meeting in blog land and have formed some really close relationships. Some have even met together and had weekends to visit with each other.

This e-mail came to me and I wanted to share it with you. It says a lot about friendships.

A simple friend

has never seen you cry.

A real friend's

shoulder is soggy from your tears.

A simple friend

doesn't know your parents first names.

A real friend

has their phone numbers in their address book.

A simple friend

makes sure she is at your party.

A real friend

comes to help cook and stays to clean up.

A simple friend

wonders about your romantic history.

A real friend

could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend

talks with you about your problems.

A real friend

helps you solve your problems.

A simple friend

expects you to always be there for them.

A real friend

expects to always be there for you.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart!

What kind of friend are you?

Feeling Unappreciated?

2011-01-11T16:10:00.005-06:00

All of us have felt unappreciated at one time or another in our lives. We do something special or we take on a big task that no one else wants to do and no one even notices! How many times have we failed to let someone else know that we appreciated them?

Wouldn't it be wonderful to give that gift to someone else. How about a card in the mail, a telephone call, a gift or even just telling them. We can brighten others days so much by showing our appreciation. I so appreciate one of the guys at work that came to get me during

all the ice and snow we have had here the last few days!

I didn't have to drive on it! Whoopee!

Here are some people for whom we can brighten their day.

teachers

waitresses

neighbors

co-workers

bus drivers

policemen

health workers

clerks

sales persons

yard workers

sanitation people
members of your congregation

Can you think of others?

A Great Big Hug

2011-01-09T05:28:00.004-06:00

Here's a great big hug just for you,

To make you smile when you feel blue,

To make you happy when you're sad,

To let you know... life ain't so bad.

Now here's a hug to you,

And I'll feel better too.

Hugs are better when you share,

So pass them around and show you care!

Blessings,

For the New Year

2011-01-06T05:39:00.002-06:00

1. Take a 10 - 30 minute walk every day and while you walk, "smile" for it is a great antidepressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes every day and talk to God about what's going on in your life.

3. Be thankful for the day when you wake up each morning.

4. Eat more food that grows on plants and less that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink plenty of water. God made it just for you.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day by giving them your smile.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, negative things or things you can't control. Instead, invest in the present, positive moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and supper like a college kid who has very little money.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. You're still alive.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself too seriously. No one else does.

12. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it wont spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to anyone else. You don't walk in their shoes and they don't walk in yours.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Ask yourself "Will this matter in five years?" before going into a tizzy.

17. Forgive and be forgiven.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business. Mind your own business.

19. God heals everything, but you have to ask Him to.

20. Things never stay the same. Situations always change.

21. Strangers wont take care of you when you are sick, your friends will. Stay in touch with them.

22. Envy is a waste of time. Be thankful for what God has given you.

23. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

24. Remember that God loves you and will always be with you if you follow Him.

Blessings,

Time Waits for No One

2011-01-03T05:47:00.004-06:00

To realize the value of a brother or sister,

ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years,

ask someone who has recently divorced.

To realize the value of four years,

ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year,
ask someone who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of one month,
ask an editor of a newspaper or magazine.

To realize the value of one minute,
ask someone who has missed their plane.

To realize the value of one second,
ask someone who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.
Value every moment you have.

When we are young, we think we have

all the time in the world.

But as we grow older, we realize that

time passes quickly.

Do the things you really want to do now,

for you may not be able to do them later.

We don't know how much time we have, so...

I wish for you plenty of time

and that you value that time!

And So We Begin

2011-01-01T10:39:00.007-06:00

We never know what the next moment hold for us. What a way to start off a new year... Just after midnight, I started off the new year with a fall. As I started up the stairs, with a lovely tri-section dish, I missed the last step and fell. I broke my pretty dish, cut my hand deeply on it and mostly, embarrassed myself. Many times things happen that are not so good but they can always get better. The rest of the year has to go better than that, so I'm looking forward to the great things this year has to offer.

Many things were planned for today that aren't going to happen because of my hand. Instead, I will work on some other things that I have been putting off. So something good has come out of it after all. God's love is the best gift that we can have. So as we begin this year, may you have His love, may you have many good things happen in your life and may you be blessed. Here's hoping that your year started off good and will get even better!

Happy New Year!

Time Is Ticking By

2010-12-30T19:27:00.004-06:00

Time has slowly been fading into the past and it is time for a new year. As we think back over the past year, there have been many things to remember. Some were happy, some were sad, but all were memories that will go with us into the New Year!

As I opened the Christmas cards that I received this year, I so enjoyed hearing about what your families have been up to this past year and about the memories that you will hold in the future. I hope your past year has been a very memorable one and a really good year and also that the new year will bring you much peace, joy, happiness and many wonderful new memories into your life.

Happy New Year!

Rita

All Done

2010-12-26T20:47:00.009-06:00

All of the packages have all been unwrapped,

that wonderful Christmas food has been eaten,

and Christmas is over.

I hope your Christmas was a wonderful

time with family and friends!

It will soon be time

for a brand New Year and

I am really looking forward to it.

Hopefully, it will be a very good one.

Rita

Christmas Gifts

2010-12-24T13:05:00.004-06:00

I want to say "Thank You" to all of the special people that I have met and blogged with over this past year. You have been a special gift to me. Your words have been an encouragement. We have laughed and cried together. We have had fun together. You've been a blessing.

As this year ends with lots of pretty gifts around the tree and wonderful food to share with family and friends, it makes me very thankful to have the gift of your friendship. I hope your holidays are very special and you have a terrific time with your families. It has been a good year.

Merry Christmas to all!

Rita

Oh My Goodness - Just Look

2010-12-21T14:06:00.016-06:00

I got a notice from Janean at Old Sweetwater Cottage stating that I had won her give-away! Oh my goodness, just look at what she sent me! I just got beside my self when I opened

the package. There were many wonderful items in that box.

How very excited I got.

Here are the items that were in the box. Aren't they treasures?

A lovely apron to do my baking in!

A gorgeous "love" plaque to hang,

a beautiful necklace in a "treasure box",

a yummy box of hot chocolate, a beautiful frame, some good smelling soap,

some wonderful lip balm and lotion, and a lovely "Love" plaque

and a beautiful ornament that is already hanging on my tree!

What treasures!

Please go by and visit with Janean, if you haven't already.

Her posts are always filled with such beautiful things.

You won't regret visiting!

Again, Janean, thank you so very much. You made my day!

A very grateful winner!

Rita

I'm Here

2010-12-17T07:38:00.003-06:00

Christmas will soon be here!

Rita

The Path

2010-12-12T19:36:00.002-06:00

See the path? Where does it lead? Have you ever looked at a picture and wondered just where that path leads to?

This one appears to be leading to a farm house. What is inside there? There is probably a blazing fire going in the fireplace, maybe a Christmas tree in the corner with lots of packages under the tree, perhaps some hot chocolate sitting on the stove just waiting to be sipped and maybe some yummy Christmas cookies.

Oooooh, soon it's going to be Christmas! What will be under the tree for you? Will you make Jesus a part of your holidays?

Thinking and wondering

Rita

Not Far

2010-12-10T18:59:00.007-06:00

Christmas is not far away! Have you got your tree up? Have you wrapped your presents? I went to a smaller tree this year and as you can see. I still don't have the doors painted and back on the hutch cabinets, but that's ok too. I decided they can wait. I don't even have my curtains up yet, but they can wait too. I've got the packages wrapped and my cards in the mail. Now, I'm ready for Christmas! Are you ready? What did you do to get ready?

Waiting for Christmas!

Rita

This Time Last Year

2010-12-04T17:43:00.010-06:00

This time last year this little fella was waiting for Daddy to come home. In fact we were all waiting for Ryan to come home from Iraq. That was the most wonderful Christmas present we could have had. He made it home before Christmas.

How blessed we are to have so many things to be thankful for at this wonderful season. Here are a few things that I am thankful for, how about you?

nuts

homemade candy

fruit salad

ham

the smell of pine branches

Christmas trees

ornaments

Christmas cards

stockings hung by the fireplace

the smell of a good fire

presents wrapped and under the tree

the hustle and bustle of shoppers

Christmas music

surprises

but most of all

family

friends

grandsons opening presents

and Bandi

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Rita

The Calendar Is Full

2010-12-01T05:55:00.009-06:00

The month of December is here. Wow, this year went fast! And it looks like the month is going to be full. The tree has been put up and is ready to be decorated, the presents are all wrapped and ready to put under the tree, there are parties to attend, family to visit and goodies to be baked. I can already smell that fresh aroma, can't you?

Are you ready?

Sometimes when things are in full swing, it makes me stop and think, "am I going too fast to slow down and really enjoy the season?" It is so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that we forget to stop and really, really enjoy our families and all the things that go with the season. Are we so busy baking that we don't have time to sit down and talk? Are we too busy wrapping presents that we can't take a moment to go have a cup of hot chocolate with our best friend? Are we too busy decorating the tree to stop and talk with our neighbor? I want to enjoy this season, how about you?

Blessings,
Rita

Awakened

2010-11-29T07:38:00.003-06:00

I awakened to a light gentle rain this morning. There were soft pitter patter sounds falling all around. My first thoughts were a prayer, thanking my Lord that I was alive and feeling decent after feeling miserable for so many days. Thoughts came to mind of how wonderful it is to have a gentle rain after the storm, when things are no longer in full gale, but just a soft quiet time. After I've been through a storm, I always appreciate that tender reminder.

It is wonderful to think of going into a new month that will be full of excitement, joy, visiting, good food and family. It is a new month and a new beginning again. Aren't you glad that we have such blessings? We live in a wonderful country and have so many blessings.

May those blessings be yours today!

Rita

And This Too Shall Pass

2010-11-28T09:04:00.004-06:00

Wow, the last three days have been tough ones. I think I have had an allergic reaction to a pneumonia shot that I had four days ago. My arm had a large knot on it with about a 6 inch diameter red circle around it. I ached all over like I had the flu, ran fever and had chills. It has not been a pleasant experience. Sometimes it is hard to wait to get past these things, but this too shall pass and I will feel better.

Has anyone else had this experience with the shot?

Feeling better today, thank the Lord.

Rita

That First One

2010-11-24T22:02:00.006-06:00

After we had been married about five years, Robert's mother told me that she would not always be around to do it, so she thought it was time that I learned to fix the Thanksgiving dinner. I didn't have a clue. Go here to read about that first one!

I did it though. It was not perfect, but it has given us all a good laugh through the years AND I never forgot to cook the giblets again!

Now I can't imagine not having her dressing every Thanksgiving! Since we will be alone this Thanksgiving, we decided not to fix a turkey, but have a small ham instead. BUT, we are going to have her dressing! I never liked dressing till I ate hers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rita

Expressing Gratitude

2010-11-21T13:16:00.005-06:00

When Thanksgiving rolls around, many families love to sit around the table and express their gratitude for all their family members and the many blessings they have had for the year. What a wonderful way to spend the day, expressing our gratitude.

It's one time of the year that we don't want a fast dinner, instead we plan ahead for the very best meal that we can cook.

We bring out the best tableware we have to set the table, maybe even with a nice centerpiece, maybe just a simple table touch.

The best pies we can make will grace our sideboards.

We want to strike a balance between preparation and celebration, for we sure don't want to be in the kitchen while everyone else is sitting at the table enjoying each other's company. That's the fun part of the day!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Rita

Life Long Blessings

2010-11-18T17:29:00.004-06:00

I have been so blessed! I have had two life long friends. One of those friends died of breast cancer, which is a devastating disease. Shortly before she died, I was able to go and spend the weekend with her. Oh so many good times as we had. There were times she would show up on my doorstep in a "funny" hat, which would cause me to peel into laughter when I opened the door to her. She has been missed these last four years. There is thankfulness in my heart for having known her a whole life time. How I miss her now.

My second life long friend, who was also my roommate back in our early twenties, came to visit this past weekend. What a good time we had. We were up late each night reminiscing! It was sad to see her go, but I count my blessings to have known her throughout my life time. We've shared so many things through the years. She is such a blessing in my life. I'm so glad that she was here.

Let's count our blessings in the coming week!
Rita

Blessings Galore

2010-11-16T22:53:00.007-06:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Robert and I will be alone for the first time ever, as our children have moved to Colorado and the other ones are going some place else. We are counting our blessings in spite of it. We are thankful that they love it where they have moved to, and thankful as well for so many other blessings. We got a ham tonight instead of the turkey that we usually have, so we are looking forward to a good meal in spite of being alone.

We went shopping tonight and got a lot of our Christmas shopping done. That is a big blessing! Our son bullied me into putting up a tree last year, but he's not here to do that this year. So, do you think I can get by without putting one up this time? I usually put the tree up on Thanksgiving night.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and count all your blessings!

Rita

Winter Is Coming

2010-11-14T15:02:00.007-06:00

Winter is coming on very quickly. It seems we just went from Summer to Winter this year. There was not a lot of Fall to our year this year. The trees are turning such beautiful colors right now, but the weather feels more like Winter.

Sometimes our lives feel that way too. It seem like just yesterday I was getting married, having children, embarking on a whole new life. All of a sudden the years flew by. The boys grew up, we've started turning grey, and suddenly I find myself wondering, "where did my youth go?" I look back on all the things that I wanted to do in my life and... Wooo, where did all that time go and why didn't I do more things? It seems that I went from Summer to Winter, just like our weather!

Life goes by so quickly, so don't wait to do all those things that you really want to do. Live life to the fullest and enjoy all the seasons of your life, one day at a time!

Thanks for stopping by,

Rita

Flight of the Butterflies

2010-11-12T05:45:00.004-06:00

A butterfly, what a glorious sight! Who doesn't delight in watching a butterfly flitter by? The are so graceful and delicate.

As we came back from Darren and Barbara's in Colorado, we saw the flight of the butterflies! What a wonderful sight it was. It's that time of year!

Butterfly eggs are lined with a coat of wax to prevent them from drying out before the larva has time to develope. The eggs are attached to a leaf. The egg last a few weeks unless laid close to Winter, then te hatching may take place in Spring. The larva turns to caterpillars, which spend most of their time searching for food on the leaves or flowers. The caterpillar then turns itself into a lovely flying butterfly.

Now, who could make a butterfly?
I know I can't can you?
Oh who could make a butterfly?
No one but God, it's true!

A few years back, we went to the Butterfly House in St Louis, MO and oh, what a treat we had in store for us. The butterflies would light on you as you walked around. They had an incubator that was just about ready to hatch some of the butterflies.

It brings back memories of the Butterfly Kiss lingering on my cheek, when my children were small. They loved butterfly kisses! They are grown now and don't give butterfly kisses anymore, so I guess I'll just have to teach my grandsons how to give them!

Thanks for stopping by,
Rita

Happy Birthday Marines

2010-11-10T22:03:00.018-06:00

My son is a Marine and I am so proud of him. I was so thankful when he came back from Iraq safe and sound. Many of our servicemen have given their lives that we may be free.

I'm thankful to my dad for the 40 years he served with the Army. I was thankful that he came home from WWII and the Korean war safe and sound.

My husband served in the Air Force. He was not in the war, but I thank him for his service and protection of our freedom.

My brother-in-law served many years in the Army. He came home from the Vietnam war safe and sound.

To all our military men, I'm proud of you!

Thanks for stopping by,
Rita

One More Time

2010-11-07T20:23:00.002-06:00

I had one of those "One More Time" things today! I'm blessed to have lived this long and be in good health! I'm thinking of many blessings today that I didn't think about when I was in my younger years. God is good and family and friends are wonderful!

Family and friends made my birthday a very special one. I received so many wonderful wishes that I was overwhelmed! Thank you for making my day super. It will be one we wont forget for a while! Let me tell what happened. We traveled about an hour away from home to eat at the Olive Garden. Always before, we would get there pretty well after everyone else had eaten and would go right in. Well, today everyone in town must have had a birthday. Robert took his insulin just before we got there and low and behold, the line was out the door and down the sidewalk. We looked at each other and said, "Well, we aren't going to eat here today." Chili's was the same way. Everyplace else was the same. So guess where we ended up (because after taking the insulin, Robert couldn't wait any length of time to eat)? At Jack-In-The-Box! We laughed and said, "Well, this will be a memoriable birthday!" Thought you might like to laugh with us.

Loving and laughing each day!

Rita

In Between We Live

2010-11-06T12:17:00.026-05:00

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat, relax and view the in between...

Me & my Mom

Young me

Four generations

What fun we had! My father-in-law loved to fish with me.

He was always cheering me on to catch more!

When the boys were young!

Barbara wasn't tall enough for the picture!

So Ryan gave her a boost! Ha!

Robert and the boys

Those sweet grandsons!

Granddaughters having a good time!

Enjoy living,

Rita

One Door Closes... Another One Opens

2010-11-04T05:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that when one door closes, another one always opens? Sometimes it is very difficult when a door has been closed to us, but later we find out that new things await us as another door opens. The door closed on my last job as I retired, but in moving here, another door has opened to me in the way of another job. I've met so many new people and made new friends. When I was young, my dad was in the military and it was not uncommon for us to move to a new place and in doing so making new friends. I'm thankful for all those times, as I think it has helped me in my adult life to make new friends wherever I go. I'm thankful for the new friends I have made not only here, but also on this blog. So I would like to say, "Thanks to all of you!" There are many doors out there that can open to one and many new experiences that one may enjoy if we only step through. I hope that I always have the courage to walk through and enjoy life.

Stepping out!

Rita