Winner of the Prayers and Peanut Butter Book & Blessings Giveaway - one day early.

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Okay.  Let's wrap this up.  Shall we?

If you been hanging on to the edge of your seat waiting for this GIVEAWAY to end, then today is the day to find out who wins.  More likely this is what happened; you've forgotten about it! And, I don't blame you.

My goodness.  I loved every single one of your thoughts and comments that ensued.   You fellow-moms out there... you are a real blessing and true inspiration to me.  I hope you know that.  If you wanted to "know" more of my own "nobody told me" mothering moment(s) -you can read  MY STORY here, if you want to take the time.  Follow your nose to the end... there are three parts to this "story".   As well, Ladies. I really hope you enjoyed being a part of this Mugs & Muffins as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.  And, the book - Prayers and Peanut Butter ... my dear Winner-Friend... you're going to love it.  I hope!!

Not to drag this out any further.. well, wait. There is one more thing.  I wanted to let you know that  I planned to give you all a reply comment so as to bump up your chance of winning "by adding another comment" - plus it would increase your dollar amount for the giveaway.  I had capped it at $25.00 and we nowhere hit that.  So...

Tonight is the actual event of  my Blessings Gathering.  I decided,  I wanted to the winner of the giveaway to have as much of a chance to browse as they would like.  I will contact her with these details..

Without further adieu:  The winner's name was lovingly drawn...  (smile!)

~Lindsay~

Here is Lindsay's comment:

:: No one told me how much I'd want my littles to stay little and all the while still be so committed to helping them grow and mature. And I never realized how much being a mother would grow and mature me and at the same time keep me "little"!

(Lindsay.  I will be getting that book out to you and $18.00 credit towards an item from Blessings Unlimited.  I'll be contacting you.  I'm glad you're a local and sweet, sweet friend of mine. )

 ***
Thank you, my friends for "joining in" and reading here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  I hope you know I truly value and appreciate your consistant friendship, your comments and your prayers.

Speaking of prayer..

Can I leave you with this and ask you to pray for my baby, Jayne?  She has been running a full week of the "Philadelphia Quick-step" and this. has. not. been. fun.  I think it's a combo of teething - working on those two year molars and who knows what else?  It could have been from the chunk of dirt I found her spitting out of her mouth the other day.  The "brown" that I thought was chocolate??  Who knows...

I've called the Doctors and they are patting me on the back for doing what I'm doing. Just sayin'.   And they been encouraging me to just hang in there.  (I've been working with the B.R.A.T. diet, too, for her.  Have you ever heard of that?)  Putting my ole Pediatric Nurse Aid experience to use around here.  I suppose..

This is just another one of the MOM - MOMENTS... eh??

Thank you, again, for your thoughts and prayers.

Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

1000 Words :: my three little sillies!

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 ***

Join along...if you would like!  My friend Kaitlin, from Homemaker Design, she is the Mastermind here.
Join along in the Visual Journal of the Everyday.

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A Daybook in May

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FOR TODAY (I wrote this last night..as in, anticipating the events of today.

Outside my window...
The day is now over, as I type.  The night sky has settled on like a woolen blanket..it's cozy and very dark outside.  The Littles are by now - hopefully - asleep in their beds.

I am thinking...
that I'm glad this day is done. But what a good day!! And, I'm thinking back six years ago...

Keep reading...

I am thankful...that six years ago, today - our son Caleb arrived safely into this world, via an emergency C-section.  I'm so, so grateful for hospitals.  And competent doctors and nurses who love what they do and do it well.

In the kitchen...are freshly baked cookies ready for my son to take into his class at school.  I asked what he wanted to treat his class with and he answered ... "your Chocolate Chip cookies, Mom!"

I am wearing...
My PJ's.  - of course.  It's near bedtime for myself (remember, as I type.)

I am creating...
actually, it is more like I will soon be baking a birthday cake for my big boy!!  A 2-layer Chocolate cake, with white icing.  Oh, and he wants baked Macaroni and Cheese for his birthday dinner.  I won't complain.

I am going...
for my first ever Mammogram, in the morning.  This is just a baseline...but it is what you get for turning the soon-to-be Big 4-0.

I am wondering... should I be nervous, worried, scared or calm about this Mammo-slammo??  Maybe it isn't as bad as I've heard...?

I am reading...
For only approximate ten minutes at a time while waiting to pick up my son at school.  As I'm sitting in the car, I am (still) reading... For Women Only - by, Shaunti Feldhahn
 (the best book - ever...I mean ever.)

I am hoping...
there will be a good turnout for my Blessings Gathering on Friday night!! If you're local and would like to come - please contact me via email.  It's starts at 7pm.  I would love to see you!!  By the way, the Giveaway is soon over.  You have until the 1st of June.

I am looking forward to...
spending some time with our dear friends this Saturday.  Eating Jerk Chicken!!!!!!!!!!!!  and visiting, with them..of course!

I am learning...
to appreciate the simple things more and more.

Around the house...
A few more bags are off to the thrift store - again.  (ahem!  we're still doing that Spring Cleaning thing..)

I am pondering...
How on God's green earth - have we "collected" so much stuff and when in getting rid of it... why it feels so good to move it on?

A favorite quote for today...
"We don't stop laughing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing." ~ anonymous

One of my favorite things..
Getting an unexpected email or snail-mail letter, from a friend, come my way!!  That always, always blesses me. (smile)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Well since I'm writing this on a Tuesday night and the post is slotted for a Wednesday and it is so close to the end of the month...(I'm barely making it for the month of May - this Daybook) let's just say... I've already talked about this.  Blessings Gathering on Friday evening.  Together with friends on Saturday.  Oh, and our budget night is Thursday night... and with that comes food prep and regular meals.  Particularly a Birthday Meal.

A peek into my day...
I love this picture and wanted to share it with you, because it makes me smile.  Since planting of the flowerbeds have been finished - I've added a few hanging baskets to the front porch.


This is what I get to see from my kitchen window every day.  The late afternoon sun comes in and the red of the flower just catches my eye ...

***

I hope you have a great rest of the day, too!

May it be full of sunshine and roses... or geraniums and vinca vine, in my case. ;)

Happy Birthday to my handsome son and many more... ahead.  I love you, buddy.  I cannot believe you are six years old.



Joining up with Peggy from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Can and Can't (Once Ran a Race)

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I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. 
~ Philippians 4:13

Can and Can't

Can and Can't once ran a race.

Can fell down and hurt his face,

But up he jumped and on he ran,

The persevering little man.

In spite of all Can't did or said,

Can kept on going straight ahead.

Can't did not wish to be the last,

Nor did he like to run so fast,

And so he shouted, "Don't you see

That you can never outrun me?"

But Can replied, "That's just your way.

You're telling people every day

They can't do this and can't do that,

That black is white and the earth is flat;

But you'll not conquer me, for I

Intend to win this race or die."

They kept on running for many years,

And Can at times shed bitter tears

Over the troubles that he met

And oftentimes would weary get.

His feet were sore, the way was rough,

The road did not seem short enough.

He sometimes ran and sometimes hopped,

But never, never, never stopped.

At last Can't halted by the way,

And said, "Now I will rest and play."

And so he waited while his friend

Kept on until he reached the end.

And Can't was left far in the rear

Because he would not persevere.

Can won the race while Can't stood still;

He always has, and always will. 

~ unknown (taken from the Ideals and Moral Lessons Book)

***
I just realized I shared this poem with you before, a couple of years ago - RIGHT HERE. You just might want to go back and reread that post, instead.  ;)  I don't mind..seriously.

 As I reread it, this morning - even I was encouraged.  The reasons for sharing it again - hold true and are still the same as before.  I guess the Lord brought it to mind, today, for a reason.
So...enjoy!  and take heart.

Remembering...and, Thank you!

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The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
Minot J. Savage

I thank my God, every time I remember you... 

(Philippians 1:3)

Happy Memorial Day!

***

I want to encourage you.. there is still time to enter the Book & Blessings GIVEAWAY! It's going strong till the 1st of June.  See HERE for all the details. 

I would love to hear from you..

feel the rain

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Recently, I came across these words and have been pondering them ever since. Especially, in the recent heavy and reoccurring rainfall that we've received and have been experiencing.  (smile!!)

"Some people feel the rain.  Others simply get wet."

Yesterday, I was outdoors planting the rest of my wonderfully gifted flowers/plants... when the rain drops began pelting softly.. getting more and more intense.

My two young daughters stood just off to my side, laughing and twirling...feeling the rain!

I did too.  But (instead) I was getting wet and so were they.

However.  There was, and is, a difference.

As much as I love me a rainy day I wish I had taken the time. (with my girls!)

I wish we had the time. (we had a schedule to stick to)

To stay.

And feel the rain.

***
As I sit and reflect on this.  It's true.  More times than not.. I'll call the kids indoors (in a safe rain) to keep from getting wet.  Of course, there is wisdom that needs to be applied here but I wish I could be a little more laid back.. as in water off a duck's back - about getting caught in a bit of rain.  I want my children to have good memories of feeling the rain..not the implied nuisance of getting wet.  I want them to in turn, instead - thank God! who created all these raindrops and to count them each as blessings...


May blessings, not trouble, fall like rain, on you and on your Memorial Day weekend.  Together, lets feel the rain. Shall we?

1000 Words :: Caught! (on the counter, on camera)

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***

Joining up with my sweet friend Kaitlin.  She can be found at Homemaker Design.

Will you join in?  Share your photo(s) of the week that speaks for itself, a 1000 Words!  Click on the photo below to add your own post.  She would love to have you join in.

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This just might be the longest post - ever!!

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Happy Wednesday to you all!  I like this middle of the week day.

Let's talk about this past Saturday - shall we?  The family knew of my desire to get some flowers to fill the already once worked up flowerbeds.  But because the beds had been worked "so long ago"... there were weeds already filling them.  I know.  All but one little volunteer.  A pansy.  Making her pretty appearance alongside this wooden crate that I have sitting there.

So, everybody pitched in and I soon found my way to the local greenhouse.  It wasn't long till I came back and the rain clouds were rolling in.  It didn't look like we were going to get to plant anything at that point.

Aubrey and Jayne were having fun "talking" to the cows and I snapped a few photos before Aubrey took a turn on the camera.  I figured I had better include a photos (of me!) that she snapped... but I really can't stand em.  Well, I do like the one of Jayne - where she is losing her ponytail.  It's fun seeing photos from the kids perspectives...

I can't tell you why there are no photos here of Caleb and Scott - working so hard.  Oh my word!!  I sure do love it so much when my husband helps me with the "gardening".    He just gets it done so much better, faster and efficiently.  But anyway, because Caleb was so filthy and the storm was rolling in... we decided to quickly give my son his much needed haircut on the front porch, after which we threw him in the shower.

Soon the rain came.  But because by now everyone had their bath and had done so well... we treated the kids to the Golden Arches for dinner.. and play land.  (no pics of that either! sorry.)

Here is the fun part of this whole day.  One day at school - Caleb's class read a book that spawned a need for a persuasive letter to be sent home to the parents.  This letter was requesting permission to stay up late - for one night - handwritten and addressed to mom & dad sent to us via the US mail from school to home.

Well.  We couldn't deny.

Tonight was the night, we chose, and something that was looked forward to ALL. Day. Long.  So after getting home from Micky D's - we (never do this!) initiated an Ice Cream Treat at 9pm.  Oh boy...

How else to keep a kid up all night or at best to stay up late??  We don't know...we didn't know.

In the plans.  There was going to be "a camp out", with Dad and sissy, downstairs in the living room...with an air mattress and everything.  That changed and the mattress moved upstairs instead - now Jayne wanted to be involved.

Calming everyone down and finally getting Jayne to settle for the night.  We pulled out a game of Candy Land.  Daddy came in first.  Mom second.  Aubrey in third and Caleb brought in fourth - (I was so proud of him - being a total true sport!  This isn't always common...at times).  But... getting up outta his chair and walking over to dad to shake hands and say congratulations??  I was impressed.

Aubrey could hardly hold her head up straight playing the game.  But all of a sudden she got her second wind and managed to hang in there longer than her bro.  He zonked somewhere near the end of the now-being-watched movie.

Have you ever seen the movie -The Red Balloon?  Picked on purpose for its calming affects..
This is a cute movie... but no words in it.  Just music and this little boy with his red balloon.  Anyway.  When Caleb realized that he had fallen asleep - oh you would have thought it was the end of the world.  He "woke up" enough to let us know that perhaps that movie was NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!!!!

And, what a time... to finally settle down - again! - and actually enjoy this chance to stay up late.

Let's just say...

We might still be dealing with the effects of purposefully staying up late.  (Well, it is getting back to normalcy!, by now I suppose.  But it took a day or two.)

 ***

But today the young man is off on a field trip, to the Zoo, with his School.  I can't wait to hear how his day went.

Here is how I sent him off to school,this morning, with his bagged lunch.

Talk about somebody being super excited.

***

How was that for a super long post?  Wowzers!!  I hope you enjoyed..

Seriously.

Oh, and in case you're curious.  The flowers/plants almost got completely planted last evening.  And - that could almost be another "the longest" post ever!!  No worries... I'll leave it be.

Hey.  If you haven't taken the time to sign up for the GIVEAWAY, I have going on right now - please take the time to do so now.  It's still open.

I would love to hear from you!!

Thinking of Friends over Homemade Granola!

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This just makes the best breakfast!

A bowl full of creamy yogurt and sprinkle of homemade granola, on top.  Having this in front of me makes me think of the friend who first gave me the recipe.  And thus, the trickle of thought down friendship and memory lane...

I should call her today and let her know I've been thinking of her.

Here is the recipe..

~~

Granola

4 cups. Oats

1 1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 cup raisins

(optional additions are: ground flax seed, hemp seeds, coconut, dried fruit, etc.)

Mix the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, oil, honey and vanilla in a saucepan - warm on stove, just to get thin enough to pour and stir.

Mix all dry ingredients (EXCEPT RAISINS) and pour liquids over the top - stir until well covered. Place on greased cookie sheet, with sides.

Bake at 300* for 40 minutes.  Stir only a few times in between.  Add raisins at last 10 minutes of baking or they'll become hard and crunchy. 

***

Also thinking of a friend - a regular reader, here - who has family directly involved in the situation out in Oklahoma.  Lots of prayers sent heavenward on behalf of Connie and her family..

UPDATING to add:  Another blog friend - who's blog is so wonderful - has recounted how close to home this devastation was for her and her family.  Their neighbors...

Thinking of friends who are currently in China - their last few days there - as they've welcomed their adoptive daughter into their family.  Lord willing - that 15 hour flight home will be a breeze as they walk into welcoming arms of their friends and family awaiting for them here, at home.

I've been thinking of my friends and their housing situations... The Lord just might reveal HIS long-arm maneuvers after all...in that proverbial eleventh hour. 

and my thoughts trail on and on...

Enjoy your day, my friends.  I'm off to plant some flowers - and hang up a few more loads of laundry.

~ my thirst ~

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"God is the kind of God who will be pleased with the one thing I have to offer ~ my thirst.

God delights not when we offer him our strength, but when we wait for his."

- Benjamin Coleman, Presbyterian pastor of Boston Brattle Street Church (1699-1747)

***

Good Morning, gals!

It's one of those contemplative mornings, here for me.  Beautiful foggy morning, outdoors.Yes!  even rain..
I've been thinking on this above quote for awhile now and wanted to share it with you, today.
The dishes are soaking in the dishpan, leftover from yesterday's lunch, due to guests in our home. (smile!)
An effort must soon be made to wake everyone up. It's about 7:30am, as I type..  (yes! it is that kind of morning...I love it)
My hubby is working from home today - as I have a Dr's appointment, for my leg - later this morning.

Oh, and I wanted to remind you.
You're invited.

The invitation still stands to bring your comment to the table on my Mugs & Muffins post - from last week.
Mom's, share your "Nobody told me!" moment and enter to win a giveaway.
The book, Prayers and Peanut Butter, along with an undisclosed dollar amount for a Blessings Unlimited Gift Credit.  Your comment will boost the amount to be given away!!

This GIVEAWAY is on till June 1st!

All the details are here!

I really hope you enjoy your day, today.  God bless..

1000 Words :: Wishes! (for your Weekend)

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Following along with Kaitlin's (Homemaker Design) 1000 Words link up, and you can too! 
Oh, please do!!

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***

May your weekend be blessed!  Funfull wishes are sent your way...

Remember, the door to this GIVEAWAY is still open.  I would love to hear from you!!!

singing in the rain

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{via}

When it all comes pouring down.  It's looking torrential.

Can you do it?

Can you still keep singing - in the rain?

 Can you say... I will praise you in this storm. 

And in the next..

***
Be encouraged.

Reading from Psalm 84:5-7, this morning.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca (a weary, teary, sorrowful and dry place), they make it a place of springs;  the autumn rains also cover it with pools (overflowing blessing).
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Are you singing, this morning??

:: 8 ::

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Every year, about this same time.  A bouquet of delicate Lily of The Valley make their way into my kitchen.  The smell, their fragrance, is overwhelming.  Beautiful.

They're a gift from my Mother!  Of course, perfect for Mother's Day! and, intentionally, a sweet reminder of my Wedding Day - (celebrating) eight years ago, today actually!

I wanted lots of Lily of the Valley - in my wedding.

This photo, which is my favorite, makes its presence about once a year - somewhere.  I just LOVE it of us two..
I know I have shared it here before.  I just can't help it..there is something about this photo that gives me a squeeze.  :)

I wish I could share with you a few more of my favorite photos..it's always fun to pull out the wedding albums (especially for our kids) and or listen to our wedding service which was recorded for our listening pleasure.
But, for right now, I'm just going to share 8 reasons (ooh, that is going to be hard! to stick to eight..) of why I would marry this guy all over again.

In a heart beat..here we go!

1.) The Lord answered some very specific prayers and heart cry's on my behalf.. I prayed the scripture, Psalm 112:1-9, in my hopes and dreams for a man.  And God was faithful..

2.) I am WELL cared for... beyond all that I could even imagine, and probably can even understand.  This man lives with intentionality and has purposed in his heart to do and be the best husband and father that he could possibly be.  Learning from his past and moving forward in  honor and with honor!!! 

3.) along came Caleb..our blessing #1

4.) He loves the Lord - and though not perfect, is growing in leaps and bounds in love with HIM more and more every day.  And, that is his desire.

5.) along came Aubrey..our blessing #2

6.) I find him to be humble, patient and amiable. Smart, good-looking, diligent.  He is hard-working, generous and lovable. Devoted, loyal and is... all-mine!

7.) along came Jayne.. our blessing #3

8.) He eats my food - and loves it.  He gets my humor - and throws me some of his own.  He daily adds to the laundry...and doesn't complain, one bit, if he has to help out with it.


And, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!


**Scott ~ I love you!  Thank you.  Thank you for choosing me.  And, for committing and wanting to live life, laugh long and "keep love" - with me! - for as long as we both shall live!
Babe, just remember - I am the lucky one!

Here's to another....

Happy Anniversary!  Happy 8th Anniversary!

 ...To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part. 

 ~The Book of Common Prayer

***

The door to this GIVEAWAY is still open...and will be until the 1st of June.  Closing then at 10:00pm, EST.

Mugs & Muffins :: Nobody Told Me! :: Book & Blessings Giveaway!! (GIVEAWAY - NOW CLOSED!)

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***

Good Morning!!  Welcome Back to another session of

Mugs & Muffins!

Wow... it's been too long since I've hosted one of these.

I'm excited, today, to share with you...
A Great (two-fold) Giveaway!
A recipe for these delicious Raisin Bran Muffins.
and a few thoughts, from...

one of my most favorite books on Mothering:

Prayers and Peanut Butter.

So, scoot up your chair.  Gather round. You do have your coffee in hand, correct?  And, please, help yourself to one of these warm, tasty Raisin Bran Muffins pulled fresh the oven... with the butter melting all gooey inside.  (I'll share the recipe at the end of the post.)  Yum!!  You do like butter on your muffins, yes?

***

Okay, so this book. Prayers and Peanut Butter - The Mother Book, by Barbara Classen. 

I know I've talked about it many a time. So, to some of you this isn't really an introduction but perhaps more like a "repeat", so to speak. But, this book, it is one of those flip open and let your eyes random fall on lines written and you're sucked in.  It is so relate-able.  Easy to identify yourself.  Easy to read.  A NEED to read!  Especially, if you're a mother to young children and or early (pre)teens.

I, personally, would love to meet this author someday.  I don't know much about her, per say, other than I feel she is a certainly a kindred spirit.

Here is part of an essay written by Barbara, located in the front pages of her book, that I would like to share with you today.

What Nobody Tells You

(about Motherhood)

Nobody told me that children need old shoes and school shoes and Sunday shoes and winter boots and summer sandals and warm slippers and various skates, and that in six months they outgrow them all.

They never warned me how children scream when they get hurt, or how often I'd think that now for sure, every mother's nightmare has come true and Junior has cut off his toe!  They didn't say that when you approach forty, you are unsure how many more frights you can survive.

And nobody told me that there would be golden hours when time stops for a little while, hours spent curled in the big chair, rocking and reading and talking.  Maybe, they didn't know how to explain those moments of perfect contentment that suddenly wash over you...

Nobody ever said anything about socks, either -- that there would be seventy-nine socks in the laundry every week and that thirteen of them would be odd.  Nobody told me that some children manage to wear three pairs a day, or that a missing sock at leaving time can throw a whole household into pandemonium.

Nobody told me how exhausted and anxious I would feel when my child's temperature reaches 105 at night and I don't know what is wrong.

They didn't say how sweet it is to answer a small child's questions about God, or how dear to our hearts it would be when he flops his little head on his hands to pray and tries to be good.  That is, his top half is good, but his bottom half is full of wiggles.

I didn't know that...

That girls could play dolls for thirty-six hours running...or that boys will dismantle spiders and lay all the legs in a heap or that they try to slice ants in half and things like that...

For sure, nobody told me that if you ever want another snack alone, you have to smuggle it into the bathroom or eat it in the dead of night.

Nobody told me that some days I was going to wish I wasn't a mother.  And no one told me that someday I would step out of the grocery store into the sunshine with my youngest little boy's hand in mine, and realize that this stage of life isn't going to last forever.  And now... I  kind of wish it would.

  ~ Barbara Classen  (This is not the full essay..in it's entirety.)

I'm giving away one copy of this book today!!

This is a book you'll enjoy!!  I'm sure of it.  It is FULL, and I mean FULL of insight... and reality... and perspective.  At least, what it means to keep our perspective clear and proper in and throughout Motherhood.   If you're not a Mother - I'm sure you know of someone who is a mother and who would be blessed..

***

The SECOND part of the GIVEAWAY, is this!

I'm hosting a Blessings Unlimited Gathering, on Friday evening, May31st. 

The Gathering will be held at my home, at 7pm.  I sent out invites, however, if you're reading this and your local and would like to attend - email me and we'll talk details.  But, as part of this giveaway, today.  I would like to offer a monetary gift credit amount, to the winner of today's Giveaway.  The amount of the credit is currently unknown...

As of yet!  

Here is how this will work.

For each comment left, below, on today's post only!, one dollar will be accrued toward the amount of the gift certificate... with a cap of $25.00, to be placed against your order placed with Blessings Unlimited. Clink HERE for the link you'll need, in order to check out the catalog. 

:::NOTICE:::  THIS IS FOR United States Citizens ONLY!!  (I'm so sorry, my dear Canadian... and beyond... friends!  I'm just about in tears that you'll not be able to participate..)
The (book & gift certificate) GIVEAWAY will end on June 1st!  I know that is a long time out... but the actual Gathering isn't until the 31st of this month.  So - you have time to browse and ponder this... as you desire!!

In order to enter the giveaway - I would like to hear from you!  I would LOVE to hear your own "NOBODY told ME {this}about MOTHERHOOD" moments..

To keep it fair.. we'll allow ONLY one comment to count as your entry.  But make them as long as you'd like.  You're allowed to comment even if you don't want to, or can't be part of the giveaway!  Just mention that in your comment if you so desire.
Again, I'm so sorry.  It is to my understanding that Blessings does not ship out of the US of A.

I will even allow Facebook comments.  Please, share this with your friends...

***
Thank you so much  for coming by today...
Did you have fun?  Did you enjoy this post?  Have you commented or still plan to?  Do you hope to win and benefit with this exciting giveaway?
I hope all of the above.

Let's wrap this up with today's select Muffin Recipe, shall we?!

~ Raisin Bran Muffins ~

4 cups Raisin Bran Cereal
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup applesauce
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/3 cup oil

Mix all ingredients together.  Bake in cupcake pans at 350* for 20 minutes.   You can bake as needed.  Batter stays fresh in refrigerator for awhile.  Yield: 30 muffins.

***

Happy Mothers Day!  One day late.

I can't wait to hear your Motherhood Moments... bring em on!

~ Gather Them Close ~

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So, we've had a little excitement around here this week.  A new calf was born.  We soon await another...and the children can hardly wait.  They like to name the calves as they're born.  Which, come to think of it.  This calf has so many names in the hat - they can't agree on which one it will be.  We're going to have to resolve that dilemma soon.  I just thought you would enjoy the few photos, I put together. 
I just enjoy watching the close bond this mother has inherently with her calf.

In the meantime...

A lot more is and will be happening around here over the couple of days.

First.  I would like to wish every Mother a Happy Mother's Day - on Sunday!

On Tuesday, Scott and I will celebrate our 8th year Wedding Anniversary!  We just went on a wonderful Weekend To Remember - so I'm not expecting too much more to happen.  Maybe a special meal together... we'll see.

But on Monday - the 13th - I would like to welcome you back, here on the blog, for my upcoming Mugs & Muffins.  It's been awhile since I've hosted one of those.  I really have some exciting things (a fun Giveaway!, etc.)  planned and so I hope you'll join in.

Start thinking of ..What are your "Nobody told me {this!}about motherhood" moments?

In closing here..

I would like to leave you with a challenging poem.  This is a poem that I found in the pages of a book I plan to "introduce" to you, on Monday.  The poem was written by an unknown author and appears to be untitled..

Gather the children, Mother,
  The little heads close to your knee
In the hush of the beautiful twilight,
  And talk to them tenderly.
When the bright eyes grow tired and restless
  And gaze at you wistfully
And the sweet lips beg for a story,
  Then gather them close to your knee.

Not long will your little ones linger
  So talk to them while you may.
A world may be better tomorrow
  For the story you're telling today.
So tell them the story of Jesus,
  For the child's heart is tender and true;
And not all the teachers and preachers
  Can guide them, oh Mother, like you.

~Author Unknown

***

Blessings over your weekend!!  And, Gather Them Close.

See you on Monday??

1000 Words :: For you, Mom!

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 ***

 Joining up, today, with Kaitlin from Homemaker Design.  And, you can too!

She picks the best cards!

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This little card is a from my sweet sisterfriend!

Every so often I get a little encouraging note in the mail and it just blesses my day.

It makes me want to turn right around and bless someone else in the same way.

**

I was reading this morning from Deuteronomy 33:27, which says:

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Already, this morning, I was able to share that verse with  two different friends who are facing some challenging days ahead.  Exciting...but "rattling" just the same.

What a comfort it is to know that our God - who is our refuge - has arms that never tire or wear out.

These everlasting arms...

Hold us.

Support us.

Comfort us.

Surround us.

Lift us up.

Guide us.

Encourage.

Calm.

Sustain.

and on and on..

And, I got to thinking how neat it is that as part of the body of Christ we get to "help" do this for others.

You know?

And as we encircle around our friends, interlocking arms and hands in prayer and support, it is like a HUGE HUG that only can be felt, rippling through the body of Christ.

We can go on in Faith... simply because of that bit of encouragement.

~~~

Pick your best card and send it on to someone today - will you?

Appealing to the Senses :: Sight

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Awhile back I brought to you the idea of doing a little mini series on "Appealing to the Senses". 
At that point - I guess I covered taste and well, today - this here just might be a runner up.

Flipping through the pages of one of my favorite magazines, the other day, I came across this photo and recipe.  I'm telling you, this photo appeals to me so much so I can almost taste it.

Strawberries
Rhubarb
picnics

It is that season.

And, the sight of...
home baked yummy hand pies
flowers (hydrangea, at that!)
 baskets

 cute embroidery on linens

Oooh, la la!!

It calls my name.

***

We had a beautiful (somewhat fast & heavy) rain shower here, late this afternoon. 
So refreshing!!

How has your day been?

Smothered Chicken

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Good Morning, friends.

There is nothing like getting your taste buds off to a fast and running start first thing in the morning, is there?

Well, I know I've talked of this recipe in the past and yesterday, we were blessed to have dear friends of ours graciously agree to have their arm twisted (rather spontaneously); to come over, after Church, and stay for lunch -  it didn't take much convincing on our part.  In other words, we didn't have to twist to hard.

This recipe for Smothered Chicken is an easy throw-to-together... but it looks like you've spent a lot of time on it.  It's really fun to make this if you have everything on hand.

I just thought I would share it with you - this morning!

~Smothered Chicken~

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin - is best.  You can either pound, slice horizontally making two out of one or buy the  Purdue Chicken breasts that are individually wrapped and frozen.)
1 onion
4 oz. fresh, sliced mushrooms
8 slices bacon
1 green pepper, sliced or chopped
several handfuls of fresh spinach
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
cracked black pepper, to taste

Prepare the chicken breasts your favorite way.  Grill, bake or fry...

Saute the onions, mushrooms and green pepper.  Fry your bacon.  When your chicken is done, layer with the onion, mushrooms and green pepper and top with bacon.

 (I just use a large frying pan with a lid - and do everything right in there.  I will fry my chicken with olive oil and some seasoning of my choice; throw my veggies in there and let them saute up.  I do everything in this pan, except the frying of the bacon. That I use a separate pan, for.)

Top with fresh spinach and cover.  Let it wilt down and "cook".  Lastly, sprinkle generously with shredded Mozzarella cheese - cover again - or if your pan is oven safe, you can stick it under the broiler until the cheese is melted.

Throw some black pepper on there for taste and presentation and you've got yourself a quick and delicious main course meal.

:: NOTE!  The recipe's ingredient amounts are all given to variation.  Do as little or as much as you would like.  Those are just numbers up there... as a "dump" cook - I just have to tell you that.  :)

***

Having someplace to go is home,

Having someone to love is family,

Having both... is a blessing.

~ unknown

"Voice of One"

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:: Voice of One ::
Custom ORDER!  Large Hip Bag
$55.00
(SOLD! to Anne K.)
 Thank You, Annie...
***

May I leave you, my dear reader, with this A.W. Tozer thought as you go about your weekend?

God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace.  I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing;  I thirst to be made thirsty still. 

 ~ A.W. Tozer

 
 Have a Blessed Weekend!  
Consider your many blessings...