A "New" Rig

We got ourselves a different rig! Our little '00 Jetta that has done us so well is really getting up there in miles... and its not so young anymore either! So we decided to upgrade to something a little newer and with a few less miles. We decided while we were at it to go ahead and get a ride with a little more room  as the Jetta gets pretty cramped for anybody in the back seat.. So the vehicle of choice was a '05 Honda Pilot that we found with low miles. We haven't had a chance to drive it much yet but the bit we have we are happy with it! So now when any of you come to visit we have room to haul you around! =)

Thanksgiving Thots

I realize that Thanksgiving has come and gone already and I didn't get a post done for it... I wanted to list all things I am thankful for etc etc. Really, tho,  I am thankful for these things everyday! So here is my list today!

Thankful Things...
* For God and all the blessings He bestows upon us
* That I am a part of God's church ~ It is only by His Grace...
* That we can worship God unmolested and without fear
* For my sweet and wonderful Hubby
* I am so thankful my Hubby is solid in what he believes and that he supports this precious Faith
* My Mom! I miss you Mom! Looking forward to next time we can see you!!
*So thankful too for my Dad and Sisters and Bro!! Love you all!
* For Hubby's family! I am blessed to have such wonderful In ~ Laws...
* We were privileged to live in Phoenix for 1.5 years! We have such special memories and wonderful friends!
* For all my special sister friends! You know who you are! =)
* It's less then a month til Christmas!!
* For our warm, cozy house
The list could go on and on.... We are so blessed! Far beyond what we deserve.....
*********************************************************************************

We had a busy, enjoyable Thanksgiving! G&L Yost and family from Iowa came Wednesday evening in time for Church and then they left Saturday morning. They have been good friends with Hubby's family for years... I had never really been with them tho so was enjoyable getting to know them! Hubby's sisters T & H both came home and was so good to be with them again!! Of course we ate turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pumpkin dessert and pecan pie and many other excellent dishes of food til it seemed we all had food coming out of our ears!! Not a good time for a diet... However, a good time was definitely had by all!

Will Clean for Dresses

I have a wonderful Aunt who I am happy to live close to again! We have made a deal and I think it is a super one!! ( I hope she does too! =) ) Yesterday I went to her place and cleaned house for her while she sewed on a Sunday dress for me! I think it is more fun to clean someone else's house then my own anyways!lol Especially when i get a dress out of the deal!! I feel fortunate to have someone do some sewing for me once in a while as it is definitely not my most talented area...Don't you think that's a fair trade?! And don't you wish you had an Aunt like that?! =)

Little Glimpses

Here are just a few highlights / happenings from over the last couple weeks!
 *It is finally starting to feel like we are not half buried by boxes!  We mostly just have a few more boxes stacked in the garage that need sorting through yet. Also I have a bit of reorganizing I want to do in some closets, cupboards etc. We did finally get the guest bed an bath set up! It can all feel kind of endless at times but on the other hand it is starting to feel more homey already!
 * I got to keep my 5 yr old and 2 yr old cousins for an hour or so last week! Was a lot of fun to be able to have them over again!
 * Mom (In~law) and I spent last Saturday together garage saling in KC! Was a lot of fun!!
 * We had company for night the last 2 nights! Hubby's cuz and his wife, A&A from Jamesport! Sure was good to spend a bit of time with them again!
 * I have a couple pieces of furniture sitting in my garage that I am wanting to redo/paint! So as soon as I have a bit of "extra" time I am hoping to work at that!
 * I have been spending a few evenings riding with Hubby in the combine as they harvest beans! Planning on doing that again this eve! Need to bring him a quick sup that he can eat with one hand as he is on the go! I saw a recipe for Chicken & Rice burritos so might try those tonight! Do any of you have any ideas for supper to bring to the fields?? Hubby is the main combine driver so he keeps going and does not stop to eat! I found out that soup doesn't work very good!=)
 * Once harvest is done and things start slowing down for the winter, we are hoping to repaint the whole inside of this house! Maybe do a few other small projects too! I'm thinking of doing all my main walls grey, kitchen red, both bathrooms teal and maybe a teal wall in our room! Hoping to repaint all the cabinets in  kitchen and bathrooms a off white or something similar..
 * My left eye has been sore and really running so went to Optometrist today and he tells me I have an ulcer on my eye(cornea)!=/ Didn't know there even was such as ulcers on the eye...He said it was small enough still that with aggressive treatment it should clear up! So today it is drops every hour and for the next 5 days drops every 4 hours...So life goes I guess!
 * I quit counting my Weight Watcher points last summer and have gained back bout half what I lost!=( So needless to say I am trying very hard to lose it again! WW seems to be what works best for me so it is back to counting points... I have lost a few pounds already so am feeling kind of encouraged! Now if I can just keep from thinking bout the Raspberry Jello Cake with White Chocolate pudding that is sitting in the fridge...
 * I WILL make time to go on a walk today!!

Good ~ Bye Phoenix... Hello Rich Hill...

Well, in about 5 hours we will be at Wendell's folks' place in Metz, MO. We plan on spending the night there and then getting moved in to the house in Rich Hill tomorrow!
 Folks and J arrived in Phoenix last Wednesday in time for a late supper. Thursday we spent the day packing and got the majority done! Friday we took the day off and did some sight seeing with them! Saturday was more packing and getting everything ready to load Monday morning. Sunday we went to S&K's with S&S for lunch after church! Was good to be with them but kind of sad too... Sunday evening the congregation had a farewell for us... They gave us a beautiful throw with a desert scene on it! Monday we packed up the last few items, did a bit of light cleaning and the men loaded the trailer! After a quick supper we went to tell our "family" good bye... Then we were all at D&W's for night! We pulled away around 6:30 am and got to Amarillo, TX for a late supper and for night around 9:00 local time. This morning folks left early in our car  and J, Hubby and I left around 8:30 in the truck, pulling our very full 20 ft  cargo trailer!
 So now we are just driving along through Oklahoma...It is still hard to imagine not being in Phoenix, however, we have a new venture a head that we are enthused about starting...

The First Load

Grandpa K's left this morning with their van loaded full of our boxes! They arrived Wednesday evening and we spent a good part of the day Thursday packing. Grandma packed up all my China and I went through my kitchen cupboards and pantry and pulled everything out I didn't need or decided I could do without for the next week and a half! With all those boxes and a few that were in storage in the garage Grandpa's van was piled right full!! Now to get the rest packed up...

Moving... and things pertaining to it

   As most of you have probably heard by now, we are moving back to Missouri! We got an offer to farm that we couldn't refuse! We have thought that someday we would go back to farm but we just didn't know when things would open up. Hubby will be farming together with his Uncle so that is something to look forward to! And even tho farming is a lot of work we are looking forward to the lifestyle it brings. Also we are going to be moving right back into the same house we lived in before!=) Someone was planning on buying it from Grandpa and then a couple months ago they decided they wouldn't buy it after all. So guess it is waiting for us!
   We are really excited to think of living close to family again and enjoying good times spent together! It will be fun to run over to folk's for supper or the day or whenever! Hubby's folk's, Grandparent's, and some Uncle's and Aunt's and cousin's live there! Also my Uncle  and Aunt, B & D and boys, who we are really close to, live there, too!
   I have to admit I do have really mixed feelings tho... This definitely has been home... I (we) have some very good friends here that will be hard to leave. Also, we love the congregation here! It is small enough that it kind of feels like family. So I have happy and sad days about going... I wouldn't trade having lived here for anything tho! Even tho it has been short we both feel like it has been a stepping stone, maybe even a growing point for us. And I am so glad for the friends I have made and they will always be very special!
   No, we do not have a date set yet. We are aiming for the first couple weeks in October. Hubby is working till the end of September and then we will get things around after that. I have been going thru some closets and packing stuff up we won't be using any more. I think Hubby's folks are planning to come help us move so our date also depends a little on when they can come as they still have soy bean harvest to do.
   Yesterday my dear friend SE and I spent the day shopping together! It was so relaxing and fun! Had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, bought things we didn't really need (LOL), tried all sorts of fun things on and of course, talked! We don't have many more of these times left so are enjoying the time we do have!
   I will try an keep you updated on when we are going to move and how things are coming along! As you probably have noticed, when things get busy around here I have a hard time keeping up with my blog... Will see what I can do tho!=)

Menu for 09.04 ~ 09.10

Tues. Supper ~ Honey Lemon Chicken, Brown Rice, Cooked Carrots

Wed. Supper ~ Turkey Sausage, Baked Sweet Potato, Cooked Green Beans

Thurs. Supper ~ Leftovers!

Fri. Supper ~ Simple Taco Casserole, Raw Veggies

Sat. Supper ~ Poppy Seed Chicken, Fruit Salad

Sun. Lunch ~ Probably leftovers... =)

Mon. Supper ~ French Bread Chicken Alfredo Pizza, That Good Salad

 

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jog!

 Yes we where gone for a short trip up to be with my family in Saskatchewan! We were gone all of 10 days which included 5 days of driving...
 A couple days before we left my little - but - not - so - little bro J flew down here! We went to the Science Center one day, did some back to school shopping for him and I put him to work some around here! Sorry J... At least you got to go swimming in between!=) Then he drove up to SK with us!
 The day we left we stopped in Ouray, CO to see some friends. (And we never mind having a good excuse to go to Ouray! I think it is probably our favorite vacation spot!!) We spent the night at their large, beautiful home which is nestled among the pines with a mountain soaring up in front of and behind them! JA popped his famous popcorn and as we sat around and ate it JA & VA enthusiastically showed us a documentary on Ouray! In the morning they made us a large fabulous breakfast and then after doing some driving around with  them we got on our way! Next destination was Billings, MT for the night.
 We drove a about a 12 hr day that day getting to MT for night. The next day we entered SK around mid afternoon! We made a bee line for Tim Horton's ~ taking doughnuts to go to tide us thru our hungry spells... We made it to my folk's shortly before 8:00 pm!! We got there a bit sooner then we/they thot we would so they were kind of surprised to hear us drive up! =)
 We spent a wonderful 5 days cooking, baking, talking, laughing, shopping, eating out, walking, sitting around the fire in the evening, doing a cleaning job together, taking the boys K babysat to the local Petting Zoo etc, etc! There was often something going on but was really relaxing!! Even had a couple days with just mom an me at home! =)
 Saturday morning we headed out around 6:00 am... Made our last stop at Tim Horton's in Wainwright for breakfast! Had a bit of delay at the border due to my Green Card being expired... (I had my travel doc along so everything was fine but it just takes a bit longer to sort things out... My new Gr. Card should be on the way tho ... Hopefully!) We made it to Pocatello, ID for night after another long day of about 13 or 14 hrs...
 Sunday morning after a quick continental breakfast we started on the last leg of our journey! Since we were going thru Salt Lake City we took the time to drive past the Mormon Temple & Tabernacle. Hubby and one of his friends had toured the tabernacle once and I wanted to see what it looked like! We also drove the Las Vegas strip... We didn't mind leaving that town behind!! We arrived home around 8:30 pm!

 Now it is home and back to work! We had a great time tho and are very glad we could go!=) Have any of you taken a trip this summer?!

Summertime Fun

NOTICE: We now have our pool set up in our back yard! If you want to come use it just give me a call! =)

 One of my good friends from here moved away...and it made me sad... but she gave me her pool!! I'm still sad she had to leave tho...
  So, the other day Hubs hauled in sand and made a nice base for our pool and last night we set it up! I finished filling it this morning and even tho I had all sorts of errands to run and cleaning etc to do today it was to tempting not to jump in! (and it was hotter here then it has been the last few days!!) So I went for a quick 15 min. dip before I rushed off to do my Cheer Lady duties! Was surprised how warm the water was! Now this eve when Hubs and I went the water felt about just right! For those of you who have never gone swimming in an above ground pool here in the middle of summer the water this eve felt about like a lukewarm bathtub!!
 Like what you say Mom, " Who would have used to dream you ( I ) would be living down there someday and have a swimming pool right in your ( my ) back yard!!" I do feel pretty lucky!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful ...

 * That I have been able to be home all week! I have been enjoying it so much!!

 * That my house smelled like a mixture of baked goods! It was definitely time to stock up again! So I baked bout a doz. Saskatoon Oatmeal Muffins, 1.5 doz. Bran Muffins, Snickerdoodle Cookies and put some Fruit Cups and a bunch of Granola  in the freezer! Was fun again for a change!!=)

 * It is soon the weekend! Hubby finally has Saturday off so maybe we will leave town and head to the mountains for some cooler weather...

 * When I can submit myself to God there is such a rest because then I know He is in complete control...

 * We have a happy, safe home!

 * For all our family and friends!!!

Night Time Wonderings!

Do you ever have nights when you lay in bed and try as hard  as possible to go sleep but you just can't?
Do you ever get up and read even if it is the middle of the night and you should be sleeping?
When you are up do you ever feel hungry and grab a midnight snack?
 My answer is a definite yes to those questions!!
 So, what do you do when you can't sleep?!

A Book Recommendation

If you are wanting an interesting book to read I suggest Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielson. It is a true story of a mom who was in a plane crash and 80% of her body was burnt... Her story is amazing as she tells about how she heals and starts to fill her place as a mom to her 4 young children again. Her husband, family and  faith are big factors in her healing! A truly amazing story...

In Sorrow...

Our hearts go out to the family from Iowa whose 16 year old son was killed in a farm accident today... Let us remember them in our prayers as they go through these tough days...and in the many tough days to come.

A Birthday Brunch

Yesterday I (together with my  friend HJ) hosted a ladies brunch at my place to celebrate my good friend SE's birthday! There were 7 of us ladies in total...
Our colors were deep aqua and deep purple! The tablecloth was the aqua and plates were purple! For a center piece we used small square glass candle holders and put in purple sand and white candles! Around these 3 candle holders we sprinkled aqua, white and purple rocks/gems.. Over the table we hung Tissue paper Pom Poms that looked kind of like these except we made 2 small blue ones and 1 large purple one! For party favors we put one of these (except the mini ones)by each place and tied a little tag around the top with their name on it and used it as a place card...
For the food we made Mini Quiches and had fresh fruit and dip which we served to start things off! While they were starting to eat we dished up Crepes with a white Pudding Sauce and their choice of Raspberry or Peach sauce! For drink we served Iced Water with lemon and rimmed the glass with purple sugar that turned out to be more blue...and we also served Texas Turtle coffee!
So there is a little peek into what the party was like! And if any of you that I am acquainted with lived here and it was your Birthday I would put on a party for you! I promise. The End.

17 Stitches...

 That is what Hubby got today...  He called around noon and told me in a very matter of fact voice that he was sitting at Emerg. waiting to get stitches cuz he had cut himself with the electric hedge trimmer!! Of course I bout panicked.... and rushed off to the hospital with a pounding heart and a clean pair of pants cause his where pretty bloody... Guess he was working in a tight spot and the trimmer slipped and got him right on the top of his left knee.. So they got it all washed up and put in 17 (blue) stitches... (thankfully it wasn't real deep!) and bandaged it up good and off he went to work again!! He just did a few minor little things so it worked ok I think... But now this eve it was bleeding again so think he will be home tomorrow and stay off it as much as he can!

Where Have I Been the Last 7 Weeks?

That is a question I have to ask myself sometimes! Seems like time is flying by at extreme rates!! Since it is impossible to tell you everything we have done since I last posted I will just give you a quick a run down so you won't have to wonder any more about the long absence...

May 12 late in the night we flew into Edmonton for Grandma's funeral... Was good to see family but just wish we had been there for a different reason... I'm glad we could go tho! Our hearts still have a Grandma sized hole and I think they always will...

After being home 1 day we flew out again heading for MO this time! (These tickets had been booked a month earlier..) Hubby's bro was graduating so was a big reason for going! Also Hubby was asked to give the grad speech so we felt some what involved! Was enjoyable to spend the time relaxing with family!

After being home a week we went a picked my Grandpa Loewen's up from the train station in Flagstaff! They spent a few days here and we really enjoyed our time with them even tho it was short!

The day after Grandpa L's got here Hubby's Grandpa Dirks' arrived pulling their RV trailer! They parked at a very nice trailer park bout 10 min. from us and just across the street from church! They spent 3 weeks here except for the 6 days or so when they flew to a funeral in MS. We really enjoyed going to "their place" for dinner in the evening and I would often stop in for lunch! Was enjoyable having family here with their own "place"!

About a week after Grandpa D's got here (Grandpa L's had left already) my sis S came for 13 days! Was so much fun and thoroughly enjoyed the sister time! We shopped a bunch (should I tell on you and how much u bought S?! lol At least most of it was gifts!!), went swimming, went out for lunch, sewed, scrap booked etc! Was hard to let her go home... Grandpa's left a few days later...

So now we are trying to get back into normal life again! Some things just get left when there are other people around most of the time and then suddenly it is catch up time!! We really enjoyed all the company but are glad things are slowing down... even if only to a brisk pace! It's still better then a dead run! But such is life and we are healthy and happy and enjoying our life so really in the end that is what counts....

Saying Good bye...

How do you say good bye to someone who is a very special Grandma and also a friend?? I am so glad it is not a final good bye but just a "see you later"... My heart is crying tho and the tears are running down my face as I think of my special Grandma being gone... No more phone calls, no more $5 birthday money to "buy an ice cream cone"! ,no more meeting them in San Diego... These are all earthly things but still, these are things I will miss! I am so glad for the special times we had with Grandma (and Grandpa too) in San Diego! Those will always be special memories...We leave Saturday to go to her funeral.. to say "Good bye for now".. and in the mean time I picture her in Heaven exclaiming over all the beautiful flowers and singing with the angels!

Spending Time With Friends

 Saturday I got to go with a bunch of my friends to the long awaited presentation/book signing by Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond)! For those of you who read her cookbooks, follow her blog etc. she is as hilarious as she writes! Maybe even more so! =) Was very interesting and well worth the hour drive! It is real neat to have both of my cookbooks signed now!!
 Sunday one of my good friends from Manitoba flew in to spend a few days here! Been having so much fun having R here! We haven't really been together since I have been married so has been a lot of fun catching up and going shopping again like we always used to do! Yesterday we shopped, today we went swimming and got lots of sun(hopefully not too much..) , and tomorrow we are meeting some other friends for lunch and might do some more shopping! It is a real holiday for me too!lol
 I know I have not done very good with my posting lately... Hopefully I don't neglect it too bad over the next couple months as it seems like we have a very full schedule...
 One more thing is that my Grandma B. (and Grandpa too..) and my mom and her siblings could use prayers over the next while.. Thanks!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...
* I got to have lunch with 2 good friends
* I went swimming with a friend
* My regular 2 house jobs are done for 2 weeks
* I can finally be home all day tomorrow
* That even tho Hubby works some long hours, at least he has work!
* For my large iced coffee my Kuerig whips up for me!! =)
* There are leftovers in the fridge to have for dinner tonight since I have been gone all day an need to do some of my own cleaning yet! I'm not lazy am I? =)
* I have 2 lbs to go til I reach my goal! (The last few are the hardest....)
* That we have such wonderful friends and family!!

This Life

My Life

My precious life, I live each day,
I work so hard, and try to play.
A simple, meaningful, conversation,
Leads to joy, and true sensation.

Occasionally confronted, with a struggle,
Countless emotions, simultaneously juggle.
Sometimes I win, sometimes I fail,
No matter what, there's always a tale.

From my life, I'll never hide,
Loving the journey, with every stride.
Wherever I go, one thing I'll take,
Smile of joy, each day that I wake.

by AnitaPoems.com

This poem kind of describes how I have been feeling! " We work so hard...confronted, with a struggle, 

Countless emotions, simultaneously juggle". We can allow life to become so busy that sometimes it is hard to see beyond the busyness! It becomes so easy sometimes to see just the hard work and the struggles.. And then we miss many blessings like "  Loving the journey, with every stride " and the " Smile of joy, each day..." Life will be busy sometimes but, it is still a good life an we are so blessed!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...
* For the Sunday School lesson we have this week on God's mercy towards us..
* That God has extended that mercy to ME!
* For my wonderful Hubby!
* I was finally home for the day! (This week has been busy..)
* That I got most of my cleaning done for the day
* For the perfect weather today
* For my Kuerig =)
* That Weight Watcher's is working and I only have 3 lbs til my goal!! Yippee!=)
* My friend has loaned me her pool while they are gone for the summer! I miss her tho..
* That my Aunt put the yummy recipe for Baked Chimichangas in our family cook book cuz that is what I am making for Dinner after being hungry for it all week!
* It is only one more day til the weekend!!

Thankful Friday

I didn't get my regular Thankful Thursday post done, so, this week we have Thankful Friday! I hope I can find something to be thankful for everyday of the week!

I am thankful...
* That Jesus died on the cross for me... Even tho I have done nothing to deserve it...
* For the inspiring Good Friday service we had this evening
* That both of us have good health
* That I have a fresh batch of Hot Cross Buns sitting on my counter! The bad thing is I have a hard time leaving them alone!! lol
* I had enough Weight Watcher points leftover to eat a big dish of ice cream with fruit sauce! Yum!=)
* That once again my house is clean
* The messy office is back in order
* That even tho my fridge is slightly messy and over-full that least we have lots of food to eat
* Hubby has the day off tomorrow so we can spend the day together
* For all my friends who are reading this!=) ( And the ones who don't!)

Have a beautiful Easter weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...
* I can trust my worries about the future (or anything else) to God, who is control of it all
* My house smells like fresh Banana Bread
* We are going to friends for Dinner tonight so I don't need to make Dinner =)
* It is a beautiful, sunny day and I got to work in the yard
* Even tho I didn't get all the work on my list done today I got some extras done
* I have a nice, organized fridge freezer again
* That it is just one more day til the weekend!!

Weekend Getaway

 This last weekend we ran off to San Diego to take a little break and relax! We hadn't really done anything yet for our 2 anniversary either! Also went to go see the Grandparents who where there! We left first thing Friday morning and went to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Toured around there, watched a couple of Imaxes, and walked the beautiful grounds of Balboa Park where the science center was located. Went on a harbor cruise in the afternoon and ate Dinner at an Italian restaurant that was right on the waters edge!
 Saturday we went to the San Diego Zoo and then in the afternoon we went for a walk a long the ocean at  Mission Beach! Got to Grandpa's in time to go have Dinner with them. Spent the evening relaxing with them and playing games in our hotel room.
 After breakfast on Sunday we visited in their room for a while and the took them across Coronado Bridge and to Imperial Beach where, even tho it was really windy, we got out for abit! Went back to hotel and had Lunch with them yet and then left! We had planned on coming right home, however, we had a bad tire so got that changed and then headed home! Drove thru some awesome mountains that where half hidden behind mist an rain! Was beautiful!!
 Was so good to just relax again and also to see Grandpa's! Now it is back to work tho..

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...

*For a warm, sunny day
*That I got all my cleaning, office work etc. done for the week
*I am done my house jobs for another 2 weeks
*That Hubby has a good job (even tho he has to work late sometimes..)
*(And excited!!) That we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning and are going to San Diego for the weekend!!
*That our car is working fine (there is a bit of a story behind this one!)
*That this busy day is winding down
*For this good life..

A Breakfast Idea

Here is a breakfast idea for you all! Actually it is yummy any time of the day!=)  It's called  cinnamon-roll-cake and it's real simple ,too ,which is always a bonus! Enjoy!!

*While you are checking out this cake recipe check out the other recipes on her blog! I love the ones I have tried and have lots I want to try yet!

A (Sort of) Wintry Day

I have been craving a rainy day for about the last year!! Ok so maybe not QUITE a year but at least 6 months! Last night I awoke to the beautiful sound of rain! So I thought "Good! Maybe Sunday will be a nice rainy day and after church we can come home and I can sit in a big comfy chair with a cozy blanket,a latte (or some other equally good hot drink) and read a book!" However, by the time we got up it looked like I was out of luck since the rain looked like it was over.. So, after going to church, and receiving a blessing there, we came home for a lunch of leftovers! ( Exciting, huh?BTW my hubby is NOT a fussy eater!Thankfully!=] ) By the time we had finished eating it had clouded over again, the wind picked up and it started to RAIN!! It absolutely poured for awhile and did some drizzling too and then it started sleeting! Our back yard turned white!! Could about have imagined it was snow!! Kind of cool when the only way to see snow is to drive bout 2 hours to the mountains! Mom, what do you think of your "Southern"" daughter?!lol  So, to make a long story short it rained off and on all afternoon and I sat in my chair with a cozy blanket, a home-made latte and my book! I loved  it!!(If you are wondering what Hubby did... He sat around too!!lol) We both had a relaxing day!Maybe my rainy day craving will be satisfied for a while now!! How did you all spend your Sunday?!

A Birthday Party

Today I had 7 ladies over for a good friend and cousins(same person!) birthday party! T turns 30 this next week so wanted to do something special for her! They all came for a 12:00 lunch. One of my friends helped me and we served Chicken Walnut Salad sandwiches on Molasses Oatmeal bread, Pina Colada fruit salad and Sun Chips for main course. Dessert was Mini Oreo Cheesecakes (baked) decorated with a dollap of whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce and had a mini Oreo stuck in the cream! For the beverage my friend made Raspberry Lemonade! Was a beautiful day so we set the table up on the back patio! Decorated with coordinating purple and aqua plates,napkins, tablecloths, etc! We had T sit on a black&white chair and tied coordinating purple and aqua balloons to it!  T got some lovely gifts!! An enjoyable time was had by all!!

One Year!!

 Yes today is a year since we moved! Seems like time has totally flown by! Sometimes one wishes we could grab onto time and slow it down just a little... We do love it here tho an this place feels a lot like home already!
 As far as weather goes, now we have been thru a whole year of different weather! I have decided that spring is my favorite!=) Right now the bougainvilleas are in full bloom and are vivid colors of hot pink and a lighter pink and even a few orange! Also the fruit trees are just starting to bloom and I think that has got to be about one of the best smells!! Sometimes when I go outside I could just stand and take deep breaths and inhale all of that smell I can! It is a slightly sweet smell and is just strong enough I can smell it when I go for my walk, when I am in the backyard, bout anywhere I go!! It is not an over-powering smell at all tho! Guess you will just need to come and smell it for your selves!=)

The Afternoon Off

Today I took the afternoon off! LOL cuz I didn't get a whole lot done this morning either.. So maybe I kind of took the DAY off!! For some reason, one thing that happens when I take off is that the work I would have done instead is still always waiting later! Time off is still good tho and I AM still recuperating from the weekend! I think!! Anyways, the reason I took off was that Hubby called this afternoon and said he had to go downtown to the mechanics and to a nursery down there! So he picked me up and after stopping at the mechanics for a while (me staying in the truck and reading my book!) we went to the nursery! Just as a side note: I love going to these nursery's as they are all out door and it is so neat to walk up and down the paths looking at all the beautiful plants! They have one area with all the palm trees, etc. and it's so thick in there it's about like a jungle! So while we were at the nursery and I was walking around on the paths I found the most beautiful bush!! I love it an now I want one!Bougainvillea is what it is called and these are plentiful around here! However this is not just your ordinary one! It has light pink blossoms that fade into white! Reminds me a little of apple tree blossoms! After we left the nursery we headed to Hubby's last job of the day. While he walked the grounds I talked on the phone to my mom. And read my book. Then to Subway for a quick supper of Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sub on flatbread! My fav sandwich from there! Then home again! Now bed is calling..

The Busyness of Life

Yes life has been busy this last week!! I am sure all of yours probably have been! I haven't hardly had time to sit down and blog and today I don't hardly either! However I want to assure you all that we are still alive and well so will ramble for a bit!
 This week has consisted of getting ready for the company who is coming for the wedding this weekend and of trying to buy a house..
 We got a bed for our guest room (finally!!) so have set that up and cleaned and arranged that room and the rest of the house has been given a good cleaning except for the vacuuming today! The fridges have been well stocked with food and right now there is fresh Lemon Poppy Seed Bread cooling on the counter along with a two batches of Granola. Sometime this afternoon I need to do a few little touch up things on my dress for the wedding! Need to make a Key Lime dessert yet today for the supper tomorrow night! Company arrives around midnight tonight..
 Now for buying a house... We are still looking since the one we really wanted didn't work out.. I believe the right one will come along in the right time tho! However we have been pretty busy meeting with our agent to look at houses and then trying to make wise decisions! Are looking at some more this evening! Will post more about our process of buying a house at some later date. Maybe after this weekend is over! =)
 Guess I gotta run if I am going to get that touch up work done on my dress! Thanks for reading my rambles! =)

Gluten - Free Company

There is going to be a wedding here March 4! We are keeping a middle aged couple who is good friends with the bride's parents and are looking forward to getting to know them! I just found out today that the lady is allergic to wheat and grains and is on a Gluten-Free diet.. So now I am feeling not quite so willing to keep them.. I want to be hospitable tho! I just have never really had experience with cooking like that and since they will be here for 2 to 3 nights I need to come up with some breakfasts and snacks...(Guess maybe it will broaden my horizons!!) I just am kind of having a struggle knowing what to make.. If any of you have any experience with cooking like this or any ideas on what to make I would welcome your suggestions! Please help!!=)

A Sweet Old Lady

I clean house twice a month for a sweet, lonely,old lady! Today was her cleaning day again! She loves to talk about the days when her Hubby was still around and all the fun things they did! Ms. D also talks a lot about her daughter who has ovarian cancer and who has been undergoing some intense chemo treatments.. Her daughter has been doing quite poorly and Ms. D says she she refuses to except her daughter may not get well.. Scares me to hear her talk like that cuz I am afraid what will happen to her if her daughter doesn't make it.. Sometimes I don't know what to tell her and wish she could find a rest with it! How can she tho without God?.. We have talked about it a bit and she seems ok with where she is at..but leave that where it is I guess..So what is my place exactly with telling her about God? She could use our prayers and her daughter too!

Thankful List for Today

I have so many things to be thankful for... today and every day!
...a beautiful sunny day
...inspirations that have come on kindness to others
...fresh Peanut Butter cookies (requested by Hubby!)
...a house that smelled like fresh cookies for most of the day =)
... a (mostly) clean house!
...book work that is piling up and needs to be done.. it means we have money to buy what we need!
...that I have a friend who will be doing the majority of my Sunday sewing from now on! Even tho there is a charge it is a load off my mind!Thanks, T!
...that I had a fairly productive day!!
...that dinner was easy to put on and clean up! Instead of burgers I made quesadillas with leftover Lime Chicken..
... My Hubby is home and is sitting right here with me!!
...looking forward to a good nights sleep and waking refreshed in the morning!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!

So do you all have big plans for this evening or even during the day?! We are just going to be home for dinner, however, I am going to make Broiled Chicken (it is just about like grilled except you do it in your oven!), Baked Sweet Potato, and Cheesy Green Beans! For dessert I think I will make Cherry Pies - in - a - jar! Maybe I will run to the store and grab a bottle of sparkling Apple or Grape juice! Think I will set the table kind of pretty too!  So what are your plans? Would love to hear! =)

Menu 02.13 - 02.17

Mon. - Leftover's
Tues. - Broiled Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cheesy Green Beans
Wed. - Lime Chicken Tacos, Mexican Rice, Guacamole & Tortilla Chips
Thurs. - Stuffed Hamburgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Raw Veggies
 Fri. - A friend's Bridal Shower!!
 Sat. - B.fast - Egg Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Fresh Fruit
             Dinner - Having friends over!

Refreshed..

Yesterday was such a nice relaxing day, especially after such a busy week! It definitely was a different sort of Sunday tho! Went to SS & Church in the morning! Sermon was on Respect.. Seems there is something for everyone in that, or at least for me! Then home for a quick lunch of home made BBQ Chicken pizza, Ceaser Salad and Bread Sticks (which by the way you may notice I had on my menu for dinner one time last week.. No I did not make them then AND again now! My menu got kind of messed up last week and some things never got made!). Hubby had a meeting in the afternoon with an organization they do yard work for.. And no this is not normal for us on a Sunday!=) However when the org sets the time and wants them there what can we say! So Hubby and his boss went off to that and I went and met my Sister Friend who happens to be the wife of Hubby's boss! Met at Starbuck's and then eventually made our way over to Barnes &Noble where we sat and read and talked for a couple hours! Sure beat spending the afternoon at home alone! Thanks Sister Friend!=) When our men were done their meeting we all met at a yummy Mexican restaurant for dinner! Spent a nice relaxing evening sitting and visiting with good friends! Now we are refreshed an ready to take on a new week! Except I think I have a touch of the flu.. Seems like it comes around too often.. At least I can know it won't last all week!=) How did you all spend your week end?!

Menu for 02.06 - 02.11

Monday - Dinner - Chicken Alfredo, Cooked Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese, Bread Sticks
Tuesday - Dinner - Going out to TGI Friday's with a friend
Wednesday - Dinner -  Stacked Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, Lettuce Salad, Guacamole & Tortilla Chips
Thursday - Dinner - Leftovers..
Friday - Dinner - Stuffed Hamburger Patties, Sweet Potato Fries
Saturday - Breakfast - Cowboy Coffee Cake, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit
                     - Dinner -  BBQ Chicken Pizza, Ceaser Salad

I had very little inspiration for meals last week.. So if you are wondering why there was no menu for that week this is why! =)

Bits of This & That for this Week

Here this week is almost over and I haven't posted anything yet! I thot this was going to be my week at home to get stuff caught up since I had no house jobs this week! However, looking back I wonder what I actually have done..

I have been trying to get a Sunday dress cut out.. Not my favorite thing to do since me and sewing don't get along so well and especially when it comes to the Sunday ones! Slowly but surely tho I am getting it cut out! And hopefully I can have it sewed in time for the wedding here on March 4! Tomorrow I am heading over to my "sister" friends place to sew with her so maybe that will help inspire me!!

Today I am going to the same friends place to see all the fabric and notions a lady from close congregation is bringing! Will see if anything strikes my fancy!

Yesterday we heard positive news on the house we put an offer on! So we are excited about that, however, I don't think we will believe it till we actually have the keys in our hands! It truly will be an answer to prayer if everything works out in the end!

Right now as I sit here I see an office that needs a good cleaning, I think of my full, messy freezers and all the other little ordinary things that need to be done.. My tendency is to feel overwhelmed sometimes.. And then I think of all I have to be thankful for and I have the courage to carry on again!

A Chai Tea Latte and a book

Today is overcast and kind of grayish.. A perfect day to cozy up in a chair with a fuzzy blanket and a Chai Tea Latte! My cleaning is done for the day and the few little odd and end things that could be done are going to wait for now! I like these kind of days once in a while cuz they seem like good days for relaxing!! Seems like normally on these days I work or have something else going on.. So day I will take this chance an sit down with my tea and read!! I sound almost lazy, don't I?! Why don't you come join me?! =)

The Cutest Dessert Ever!!

One day about 2 years ago or a little less while reading different food blogs I stumbled across this really cute idea of little pies in a jar! So I went out an bought the little jars I needed, came home and went to find the blog that said how it was done and even after much searching I just couldn't find it anywhere...  Now the other day I came across this blog, and as I was looking around I saw, listed on the side, pie-in-a-jar !! It was the exact one I had looked for earlier! I was so excited I made them for dessert last night!! They turned out so cute! I had Pioneer Woman's pie crust in the freezer and a can of (bought) apple pie filling in my pantry so between the two of them it made for a very fast, cute dessert! For the vent in the top I went with an idea they had on that same blog and used my little apple cookie cutter and just cut an apple out of the top and then set the cut out back on, half ways over the hole! (Hubby ate two cuz he said he needed two to make a whole piece of pie!!) Go ahead! Make these cute pies too,and impress your family!! =)

Menu Plan for the Week of 01.23 - 01.28

Ok here is my first try at menu planning... Since Hubby always leaves early (I get him his breakfast and then I eat at a more reasonable hour) and since I am home for lunch by myself I figured I don't really need to plan those meals so will just plan our dinners!

01.23
Dinner - Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Biscuits
01.24
Dinner - Hamburger Vegetable Soup, French Bread
01.25
Dinner - Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Lettuce Salad
01.26
Dinner - Leftovers
01.27
Dinner - Maybe Hubby and I will go to Outback Steakhouse and use gift card from our friends who are like family.
01.28
Breakfast - Cornbread w/ gravy, Turkey Sausage, Fresh Fruit
Dinner - Out with Friends

What I Have Resolved..

 I am not really one for making New Year's resolutions (actually don't think I ever have very seriously made any!) however I have thought of some new things I would like to try this year and also some things I just want to do better in! So maybe if I post them on here I will think about them more! That would be ideal eh?!=) K here goes!!

  #1. I want to have more patience with the people around me..

  #2. Being contented with what I have can be a struggle to me.. I wonder why that is when I have so very, very much to be thankful for?! This year I want to focus more on my blessings and learn to be more content!

  #3. I want to give my worries and fears to God and not let them control me..

  #4. We have moved to a wonderful congregation that has reached out to us and welcomed us warmly! I want to do my part to reach out to them and be hospitable..

    There are many more things I could put, however these are the main things I have been thinking about!
    Now for the more material things of this life!

  #5. Since we have been married I have mostly bought my bread, buns, etc ... (I know ... there goes being a virtuous wife!!) however I want to start baking mostly my own! I actually am quite enthused about it! Thanks to  
The Pioneer Woman I actually enjoy making cinnamon rolls! In my opinion these are the best cinnamon rolls there are!=) Am enthused about trying some different breads etc too!

   #6. I always envy these people that plan there menus for the week! =) I know it is probably normal for most of you!! I always think it would be nice, however, I never know for sure where to start ... So .. I am going to try it some this year! Maybe if I get it together enough I will post it on here! If any of you have simple, tasty recipes you like I would be glad to know about them as I am always on the look out for good recipes!!

   #7. One more thing! I am trying to organize myself more cuz it does not come natural to me.. I have a folder I am going to do a bit of scrapbooking on an then I found some real neat calender layout pages that have a place to write your weekly menu down and a place to keep track of the water I drink! So will print those off and put in my folder! For the last year or more I have kind of had a weekly schedule with different things (such as cleaning, baking, etc.) for certain days and that really helps me! So I am going to try and keep on with that and hopefully get a little more efficient with it! I am looking forward to having it all in one place now! Once I get my folder scrapbooked.. =)

  So now you know some thing I will be working at this year! Would love to hear what you all are trying different this year!