Friday's Finds | Pampered Chef - love (Amanda, this one's for you!)

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{Welcome to Friday's Finds! For those of you who are new to this blog and/or just poppin' in - Hello! and welcome.  On Friday's I like to try and feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned. You'll never guess what I'm going to find, next.}

Many of you know - especially those of you who know me well - that I am a lover of pretty much all-things Pampered Chef.  I've never been a consultant - although, sometimes, I feel like it, due to the many cabinets  of mine laden with product from this great company.  I love using (most) everything, that I own, and using them so hard and often, it's sometimes to the end of them.  Meaning.  If something goes out of their product line... I'm devastated if I can no longer replace my original item that I've just used over and over until it has become no more.  I will be honest - there are a few things I do not love about the Pampered Chef products... but that's not what I'm here to talk about - right now.

You see, I have this Large Baker's Bowl (with lid) that I found myself telling someone over this past weekend - that "If this thing ever dies, so will I".  It is one of my favorite stoneware pieces and IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE... in their product line.  They've replaced it with something else - which I have as well... but I don't love it quite the same.

Here is a photo of my Baker's Bowl (w/lid) - in action. 

(If you want to read more on what I love doing with bowl - It's time... to read HERE!)

 I also like to make Calico Beans in this bowl.  I forgot to get a picture - when I made them last weekend.  But beans are beans.  I've since had several requests for this recipe... so today is the day, I'll share the recipe at the end of today's post.
ENTER: FRIDAY'S FINDS.

It's Monday... of this week.  My hubby walks in the door, at the end of the day, with these two boxes and I about fell to the floor.

Brand spanken' new - never been used - NEVER TO GET PAINTED - Stoneware Baker Bowl and Lid (also known as the Deep Dish Baker).  My mouth could hardly close. 

This was like Christmas, in July!!! 

(Shoot.  I should not have just said that.  My husband will probably remind me of this come Christmas - by reminding me that he already gave me my gift... back in July.)

Thankfully, I still have my original set - unscathed.  But, I was like: Scott?!?!?!  Where in the world did you find this?  He said one of his co-worker's was cleaning out her mother's things and they've never been used  and that they were "free to good home".  AHHH - yeah! 

 He jumped at it knowing it was exactly what his country-cookin' gal needed...

Another Bowl and Lid - in my kitchen.  Especially if mine ever decides to "die".

***

Here is that Calico Bean recipe, I promised.

1/4 lb. bacon**

1 lb. hamburger

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup ketchup

2 T. vinegar

1 T. mustard

1 tsp. salt

1 can Great Northern beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can Butter beans

1 cup cooked green beans

Brown bacon, burger and chopped onion in a pan.  Then add remaining ingredients and mix well. 

Bake at 300 for 1 1/2 hours.

 ** I used our own hickory-smoked, thick sliced bacon...cut up and laid on top of beans while baking in the oven.  Because I had leftover hamburger and onion (fried together) from something else... so I just put that all in the Baker Bowl - and let it come together - stirring occasionally, after bacon has browned up, while baking.

***

Happy Friday to you all!!!

(Especially to you Amanda.  You know I love you and that I'm just giving you a hard time about the bowl you painted...) :)

Beans on the Brain

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While my family is HERE, including my Aunt Mary (who just lost her husband a couple of months ago) and her family, we were told to go ahead - up to her place- to pick green beans out of their garden.

My mom (and brothers) told us they planted three L.O.N.G. rows of beans and they're meant to be shared between my mom, us and one of my other married sister's.

Not a problem.

Keeping in mind the weather forecast - due for rain and thunderstorms later in the week - we set out Tuesday evening with Beans on the Brain.

We grabbed our 5 gallon buckets, our bug spray, and our stamina ... our saving grace, my brother Justin (who was back already from the family vacation) to join us - so we could get the job done quicker.

Knowing me in my condition (pregnant and all) it would be a little tough to bend over - too much. :)

Grandma Susie (Scott's mom) wanted to go, too. "I can do beans", she said.

Truth be told...

till it was all said and done - maybe 45 minutes later - we got a total of about half a 5 gallon bucket's worth.  Here, the deer had been having a FEAST like there was no tomorrow. 

About half of the rows were already chewed off. 

So.

Knowing me... who wanted to take pictures of this family event...I did just that.  I basically would pick as much as I could, stand up and stretch it out, grab my Lil ole camera outta my pocket and took pictures from where I stood.  Then, back at it again...

Here are just a few of the other pretties... scattered around the garden.

 ***

I managed to put away about 6 quarts of green beans, yesterday.

Every little bit helps.  Doesn't it?

We honestly all enjoyed our dusky evening outing... it's been awhile since we've had beans on the brain, at least in getting them in from the garden to the freezer to enjoy at a later time in the year.

The Blessing Bandit

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Could there really be such a thing?  I think so.  I know so.

A blessing bandit is when a person decides to be a sort of serious outlaw-bandit, but in the reverse.  They are sneaky.  As in, how much blessing can they do and get away with? - all in the name of anonymity.

I once knew of a gal who did this.  Often.  She would sneak by others homes; leaving things in their mailboxes, on front porches or steps, or on their car windshields.  Simple & thoughtful things like bouquets of flowers, something baked or notes of encouragement.  Such random acts of kindness that left one scratchin' their heads.  Never with an expectation of getting something in return. Purely - just because.

And then.  She disappeared - totally skipped town - as it were.  I never really heard much from her again.  It's a shame.  Really it is.  Oh, to be like her.

We need more Blessing Bandits in our lives. 

Wouldn't that be nice?

Would you consider joining the gang?

***

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."

Proverbs 3:27

I love this quote from Nicole Johnson...

"Encouragement is to a friendship what confetti is to a party.  It's light, refreshing, and fun, and you always end up finding little pieces of it stuck on you later."

Amen??

..wanna talk about blessings?!!!!!

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There is nothing quite like when a day ends in total satisfaction.

The next morning I wake up - feeling refreshed - but still "quite overwhelmed"

by the blessings of the day before.

It's like the gates have swung open wide. 

Wider then ever anticipated. 

The way before is still cloudy and uncertain

and yet its comforting to know and feel - peace. 

True Peace!

You wanna talk about blessings?

God is faithful to meet us - abundantly, more then we can ever ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

***

Like I mentioned on Friday (If you read Friday's post) - we had a very busy weekend ahead of us.

That was an understatement, to say the least.  It was a very full weekend.  I was to go shopping with a friend of mine who is also expecting.  That got canceled, but I went anyway to do my own errands in a van whose thermometer reading was telling me it was 107* inside the vehicle.  Come to find out later - it wasn't me, my fault or just the fact that the day itself (heat index of 110*) was hot and high in humidity... but that the AC truly is not (currently) working in our van.  Yikes!  I thought I was going to die...

On Saturday, I/we watched all five of my nieces and nephew... for pretty much all day... plus preparing for our picnic social (here at our home) on Sunday.

On Sunday, the festivities began around 3pm-ish and I think Scott and I were pretty much wrapping everything up yet at 10:30-11:00pm.  True satisfaction at the end of the day - for a day going so well and so full of blessing.

****

I'm going to let my list of counting the thanks, all the way to One Thousand Gifts include what I mean about my past weekend.

#322.  nieces that love to help, offer their help and beg and beg to do so - again and again: doing dishes, sweeping floors, cleaning up toys, setting the table, making brownies, etc.

#323.  guys (Sam & Joe) from care group offering their help to set up tents, tables, chairs, etc. on one of the hottest days

#324.  a hubby who sweats his way to a job-well-done

#325. a Sunday Morning Service - reminding us that "fasting is the new feasting" - when you're hungering for God... great thoughts.

#326. Caleb's (4yrs old)  "deep" questions.  (IE: Does God love us?  Why?  How come? Did he die? When is Jesus coming? Can we say our memory verse?  - currently Philippians 4:13, etc.

#327. a care group who participates gladly in bringing food to the social

#328. friends: Kristy and Mike who helped to organize, prepare pulled pork and coleslaw, and who did way more then they were supposed to.

#329. friends: Jan and Becky for being such wonderful care group leaders; Jan who, off the cuff, offers to dead head my Lamb's Ears and water my tomato plants - I don't know if he pulled any weeds - but I'm sure grateful if he did.

#330. the group surprised us with a small baby shower: gifts and tokens of anticipation for this new little one.

#331. a Sit and Stand Stroller, which was on our to-do list, to purchase, now sits in our dining room - a complete shock and blessing

#332. sharing the leftovers at the end of the evening; along with zucchini surplus from gardens

#333. just watching all twenty kids play together. so well; water activities, trucks in the dirt, croquet (though not the real game, but "pretending"), bean bag toss, climbing trees, football, on our hammock, etc.

#334. our kids who promptly fell asleep - heads hitting the pillow

#335. the ladies offering their future services of cleaning and meals, etc. to us - after the baby is born 

#336. sitting at the island (in our kitchen), after everyone left, chatting about the events of the day

#337. dancing to sheet music - because we can

#338. waking up feeling refreshed - but still overwhelmed

#339. the hiccups of the morning - as Scott car is out of commission - AGAIN! - the kiddo's not sure how to act with each other because "everyone" is GONE (Where did all of the company go?) begging to take a nap, already at 9:30 AM

#340.  my next door neighbor Amanda who sensed my overwhelmed soul, this morning, and who saw my literal tears - who offered to watch the kiddo's for the time I need to regain myself.... I cried some more and fell asleep on the couch for 45 minutes.  Bless her heart.

#341.  the best sound in the world... right now.  Thunder overhead.  Lord, let it rain.  Please!!!

#342. that the rain drops are currently falling - HARD!!  and I find myself arms wide open - willfully getting wet.

I'll be missing this...

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The rest of my extended family is up here for the week.

~ Dutchman's Paradise ~

All but us and two of my other sister's, with their families.
We just couldn't get a way this year.

Friday's Finds | Safety First

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These photos were taken awhile ago (back when I was having "severe" computer issues) and I've just now gotten them up.  They're not the best.  But, work with me...

I was thinking about - wait, let me start over and say hello!  first.

I know I've been absent around here, for awhile.... a little low and slow.  You've been probably wondering - perhaps concerned? and well, to put it quite simply you're probably plain bored - with me.

 But, I think you'll forgive me - knowing I have baby-to-be on the brain and where busyness (absolutely) abounds. 

Besides the fact that the temps around, our parts, are "out of this world!". 

 HOT!!!!!!! and MUGGY!!!!! 

 and above all.... nearly unbearable for a preggo mama.  It's the heat index that is unbelievable.

The high of 102* with the heat index to be 110* for today and tomorrow, too.

Anyway.

***

Like I said, I was thinking about my kids and their up and coming growth of imagination at play.

Hey!  If Easter Buckets work and improvise as for a measure for Safety First

- then I'm all game.

HOWEVER

It's all gotten honestly... at least not from me... this down-home

R-e-d - Ne-CK

in-ja-ma-nu-ity. 

(however ya spell it)

****

Happy Friday to you all.

Be safe this weekend.  I know I'm preaching to myself here.

 We have a lot going on - today through Sunday. 

This morning, I was to go out with another friend of mine who is pregnant.  We were going to work on her baby registry (I was going to go along for moral support).  But, she called and said she is not feeling well - and would like to cancel.  It's probably wisdom - given the temps for the day.  However, I still need to run and do a few other errands.  The kiddo's are going to go to Grandma's - since that was the original plan anyway.  It just won't be as long of a day for me...

Tomorrow - I'm watching all of the cousins (most of the day) along with my two (total of 7 kiddo's) with another day of soaring heat.  And then began some preparation for a Social Gathering at our place, on Sunday.

We're praying for a break in the weather.

But on Sunday... I'm expecting at least 15 adults and 20 kids at our place for a pulled-pork picnic social.

I'm just to sit back and let everyone else do the work - but I know me - I'm not very good at delegating, but hey, I can always start.  There is a first time for everything, right?

Maybe I should wear "the bucket"...as protective head gear... for all the things that'll get thrown at me as I delegate instead of do. 

What do you all think?

the loves of my life

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Love is that condition

in which the happiness of another person

is essential to your own joy.

~ Robert A. Heinlein

Thankful for Obstacles

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My 4yr-old son took this picture and it got me thinking....

It got me thinking about obstacles and how we all have them come up in our lives.

The other evening, my husband Scott and I were talking about us being in a good place - financially.  Although, not perfect, it's been a REAL blessing to be debt free for the past four years, or so, of our lives.

The reason the conversation came up is because our Health Insurance is about to change on us.  Six mere weeks from a delivery of a New Child into our hearts and home.   The changes include:  finding new doctors (both Pediatrician and a Family Doctor)...thankfully my OB doctors and Hospital are still in network.  However, the biggest change is to our favor.  Blessing?  yes!!

Get this.

The fact that any retroactive payments made to meet our current status of a very HIGH DEDUCTIBLE will essentially be reimbursed to us... and where we thought that this just might be the biggest cost (most expensive pregnancy) turns out to basically be a free-ride.

The next evening (after this financial conversation) we took Scott's beat-em-up car into our mechanics for it's annual inspections and emissions test.  The next morning the shop called us with the news that while they were putting the car on the lift - one of the main brake lines broke.  Ching -caChing to fix it.  There were a few other severely "rusty" discoveries made, making the car impossible to pass inspection - enough to call it quits to Scott's Blue-Bomber - deeming it necessary to replace the car with something else.  (I think we'll drive it until the Inspection runs out in a few weeks).

Great timing?  ehh, more like an unexpected obstacle.

But, you know, it's not like we purposefully go out looking for obstacles in our life's way.   No one does. They just happen.  It's a natural part of our life.  The question is - can we?  Do we choose to be thankful for those obstacles that come our way?

***

Continuing to count the thanks... towards One Thousand Gifts.

#306. that we have a second vehicle to work with

#307. Health Insurance - in general

#308. unexpected turn-of-events.  (a. k.a. blessings in disguise)

#309. AC units

#310. (humble) love in the small things... clipping and painting toe-nails

#311. cookies and milk

#312. friends and family who call and invite themselves over -on last minute whims

#313. things slowly getting checked off the baby-to-be "to-do" list.

#314. green crickets and picnic tables

#315. 67th annual family reunions - where folks still come from miles around

#316. the aches in our hearts for those who are hurting

#317. singing together

#318. "Dad, will you play football with me?"

#319.  pony-tails and red ringlets

#320.  green beans coming on the vine - tomatoes soon to follow

#321. Ice Cubes - provides some cool entertainment.  Yes, they do.

friends who frequent :: it is more blessed to give then to receive

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The ornament of the house is the friends who frequent it.  

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

****

Just another posy-friend my little gal snuck into the house for me.

You know?  I've always enjoyed seeing how my son would stop, take the time and smell the flowers.  But it's the smile on my daughter's face as she brings the plucked off blossoms to me, that reminds me - this girl knows what it means to "give and to receive". 

She gives me me a gift but she is more blessed in the giving.

And just like hospitality.

When you give the gift of opening your hearts & home to others...

You, in turn, are more blessed in the giving then the folks are of the receiving.

Daddy's Girl

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A little girl after dad's own heart...

But sometimes it's mommy's heart that matters more....

I love you, big girl!  We both do....

Our dewy blessings

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#288. a dewy cobweb

Before last week - I never really gave dew (or cobwebs, for that matter) much thought.  But, this patch of a dewy cobweb caught my eye and I remembered how much I do appreciate seeing the nature of a web in it's formation.  It's one thing to walk into a cobweb but oft times they're really hard to see - at quick glance - unless you notice dew droplets or a light mist hanging on to it - and then, they are really fascinating.  Aren't they?
 
When we see dew covering a web - it completely reveals the intricacies of its design.  I like to think of dew as a form of blessing.  When I began looking through scripture to see if there were any references that would confirm my thoughts - I found many mentions of dew likened to a 'blessing' given.  But, here is the first mention of dew found in the Bible, in Genesis 27:28 ~ "May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness - an abundance of grain and new wine."
 
Switching gears a little bit - here is what got me thinking about webs and 'dew blessings' in the first place.
***
A couple of weeks ago - while at church - I couldn't help but notice the tangled web of friends and relationships there.  It is so beautiful.  It's not high school - people!   Although at times, webs are rather fragile and webs are quite tangled, it is a beautiful thing to see how closely knitted folks are to one another... particularly the ladies.  The men and kids, too.  But, when I see someone who I feel pretty close to, also having a sweet conversation with another woman friend...its not a sign of being a traitor to that relationship; it's not a seclusivity of our relationship that is broken; it is not mature of me to think otherwise.
 
Rather, it is encouraged in scripture to have real, genuine love and care for our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.  I love the verses (12-17) in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, where it says.
 
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  (blessing?)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all of these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (a dewy cobweb?)  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body your were called to peace.  And be thankful...."
 
When there is a dew blessing covering the "tangled web" (It is exactly that, tangled and very fragile.) of friendship and relationship, it is evident that God's love is in action. It shows,  it reveals,  it's rich and it blesses.
 
And, I am thankful.

****
Continuing to count the thanks toward... One Thousand Gifts.

#291. community of believers - at church, in blogging, in family, at work

#292. a place to gather

#293. a knock on the door

#294. sharing of cookbooks, cans in the pantry, leftovers

#295. windows wide open

#296. steaming hot, buttery ears of corn on the cob - fresh from the farm

#297. little helpers - willing to pitch in

#298. loving kindness and tender mercies - memories of my grandfather

#299. a call to prayer; to deepen our prayer lives

#300. deep questions - that make us think

#301. my husband's cleaned out car - with the kiddo's help.  WOW!!

#302. a quick reply to a hand-written note - another letter in return!

#303. tears of joy - even when not understood

#304. wrapped up dollies and a little mommy sweetly (and seriously) loving on her babes...she is going to be this Mommy's big helper in just a few short weeks.  Ahh! just six  more (plus) weeks to go...

#305. YOU!! ~~ my readers, this blogging community, who are faithful to encourage and bless

***
I want to leave you with this thought and prayer, quoted from Thelma Wells. 

This day, LORD, thank you for the believers in my life who have testified to your goodness.  Show me how to bring to others the blessings I have received from these dear brothers and sisters in Christ.  Amen.

Friday's Finds | Old Faithful's

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Friday's Find ~ two dear old faithful's... gettin' er done

 

This isn't too unusual to find these two, in our flower beds, at the end of the day.

((And, my son looking just as dirty.))

{Welcome to Friday's Finds! For those of you who are new to this blog and/or just poppin' in - Hello! and welcome.

On Friday's I like to try and feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned. You'll never guess what I'm going to find, next.}

****

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

#280. pink hydrangeas popping through the "ambush" of wild morning glories

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You know, last summer, if you were here reading much of my blogs posts you would've read quite a bit of my constantly pulling away at these pesky Wild Morning Glories, which would happen to choke everything else out.  In their own right, they're beautiful, I'll give them that.  I love (cultured) Morning Glories. 

But, it was the way they were taking out tomato plants and pepper plants and several other specific plants I had planted.  You know?  Killed them.  Dead.

Well.

This summer I've decided and maybe it's because I'm now 8 months pregnant and can't keep after them to pull them out like I'd like to - but, I've decided to relax and just enjoy them for what they are. 

I've been very thrilled that my Hydrangeas are still popping out through the ambush...in pretty pops of pink!!

Yes!  I've seen the light and started smiling...too.  

But, if they start wrastling my tomato plants again...I'll.   I'll....

a little bit goes a long, long way

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"I can't encourage others if I'm dry and empty of encouragement myself."

This often sounds like the excuse - the lie- we believe.  I know it, because it's one I personally can struggle with.

Here is what my prayers often will sound like.

"Lord, my heart needs (your) encouragement, today- especially in my mothering..."

And, you know what struck me this morning, as I was reading in my devotional (on encouragement)?

I  have many "blessed" moments throughout my day(s) that I fail to notice.

My children are so little and already they are full of encouragement to me.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I know I don't always see it, hear it, accept it or acknowledge it, like I should. 

~~~

When Aubrey (who is two and a half in age) will look at me and say - "Mommy, you're pretty".  That should make me EXPLODE with JOY.  I've never heard that growing up.  How does a two year old "get that", and use that phrase consistently?  Why do I struggle to believe it?  I ask.  And, I pray for the Lord to forgive my unbelief.

~~~

When my son - Caleb - who is four will say to me after I sing him a song: "great song, mom!"... as he has a real tear in his eye and a trembling lip.  ((I'm serious - he is his mother's son)). 

I know that is God using Caleb to encourage my heart in a very real way.

~~~

When a freshly picked flower blossom is handed to me, by my daughter, with a smile...

that is really from God.

My son's manners are really coming into "play" here of late.  It's truly encouraging... showing us that our hard work and efforts are paying off.  (we still have a ways to go... trust me)

~~~

When there is a hand-written note in the mailbox - waiting just for me.  I get them pretty regularly from one of my sister's.

~~~

When I receive an unexpected "thinking of you" phone call in the middle of the afternoon - from my man.  That is surely encouragement that is needed.  God is aware... and obviously has met my need for the moment.

~~~

And.  Just this afternoon.

A friend of ours unexpectedly drops by with "tons" of nearly fresh produce left over from an available source.

Plenty for us and plenty to share with our immediate neighbors.

Blessing?  Encouragement?

Sure.

At even just the right time.

~~~~

I don't know how many phone calls (from friends and family) I received today, that I'm sure were God-placed, to keep me humble.  I rarely get personal phone calls...

My day, today, was challenging and I was rather tempted to NOT see the encouragement in any of it.  But - I noticed.

These were just friends, checking in...

*****

Have you ever had these sorts of moments?  Can you at least identify?

Be encouraged... a little bit goes a long, long way.

Freedom ~ Thanks

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Happy 4th of July!!

As I was thinking about the post for today and today being the fourth of July.  My mind naturally went to thoughts of our country's birthday: it's freedom, our rights and our liberties... and how grateful I am for those things.

But, it went much deeper than that when I began to reflect on what freedom feels like for me, as a Christian.

It's incredible how much more the significance.

Friends.

We are truly free!

Amen?

******

Continuing to count the thanks... towards One Thousand Gifts.

#271. we are FREE to worship our Lord & Saviour

#272. we have freedom to gather safely and peacefully, as believers

#273. the truth that sets us free

#274. we are free from this world of sin

#275.  freedom to testify to his great goodness

These are a lot of freeing things that I would consider as blessing...and, I could list on and on.

But I have other things, today, that I consider to be part of my gratitude list -
things that I love, that are maybe considered somewhat common... but I'm growing and grateful.

#276.  MY HUBBY PASSED his final exam, on Thursday, with flying colors... this was the last one... after three years of (tough) consecutive self-study. He is now MCSA certified. This particular exam sure gave us a run for our money.  Basically, it was his third attempt of taking this final exam and he finally came through. The only one that he had to retake in those three years. Oh, how grateful we are to have this behind us.  I wonder if I'm not more relieved than he is.  I cried - a lot - when he called to say that he had passed.  God is good.  Now, onto his Bachelor's .  He's hoping to resume studies sometime here in the fall.

# 277. that we can be back to being a normal family,  for a couple of months

#278. bowls full of dreamy, creamy ice cream
(black raspberry with a side of Tom Sturgis Little Ones pretzels, for me)

#279. kids splashing around in the kiddie pool

#280. pink hydrangeas popping through the "ambush" of wild morning glories

#281. lollipops from the bank

#282. neighbor's squeals and fits of laughter as firework after firework light the night sky

#283. the smell of skunk

#284. the colors: red, white and blue

#285. that I live in this house, this town, this county, this state, this country, but my HOME is out of this world.

#286. foggy mornings

#287. smell of freshly mown hay - the fields of bales left behind

#288. a dewy cobweb

#289. "twinkle, twinkle, wittle star...", sung by my two year old

#290. my children asking to pray at mealtimes. 
(I wish I could video/record them without getting caught.  It's so precious.)

I'm tired!

. ... . . .. .. .. . ... . . . .. . ... .. . .. ... .. .. .. .

Happy Saturday to you!

I have had such a couple of busy last couple of days that I haven't been online here much.

I apologize for no advance warning.

However I did manage to have a few design changes made to my blog.  In case you haven't noticed.

I got a few more bag orders finished.

Got some "nesting" done.

Yes!  you read that correctly.

My mother was here on Friday - all day - to help me.

I was so blessed because my Mother-in-law took the kiddo's, watching them, while my mom and I cleaned and sorted and rearranged and plain just wore ourselves out.

This morning I was at a ladies breakfast - kinda early.

I volunteered to make the main breakfast dish.

So, that being said...

I was late to bed last night and up rather early this morning.  Making ready.

I'm tired.

I think I may go take a nap - which makes me feel like I'm old. 

Very old.

And, very pregnant. ;)