Whoa...where has the time gone? I can hardly believe that this year has come, and in a few days, will be gone. There are days that I wish time would just slow down a bit. Then there are those days that I can't wait for the day to end! No matter if I'm having a good or bad day, I want to savor every minute that God has given me. I don't ever want to take my life for granite. We are told in the New Testament in James that life is like a vapor. It appears for a short time, then it's gone. So I want to live my life to the fullest and live in such a way that will be pleasing to my Lord. A friend emailed the following to me and I wanted to share.

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe... That just because two people argue, Doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, Doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... That we don't have to change friends, if we understand that friends Change.

I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is,....they're going to hurt you every once in a while...and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe....That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for True Love.

I Believe....That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for Life.

I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. Because it may be the last time you see them.

I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe... That either you control your attitude...or it controls you.

I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing,
and have the best Time.
I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down....will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.... Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken...the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, But we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you....... You will find the strength to help.

I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Emmaus Walk

So, I haven't blogged in a while, and I had intentions of blogging on Monday after my return from my Emmaus Walk, but I was very tired, and smacked back into reality when I came home. {chuckle} My kids didn't have school on Monday, and after being on a "Spiritual High" all weekend I soon remembered that kids fight, laundry still needs washin', floors need swept, bathrooms need cleaned....No, the world didn't change. Just me. I never expected to receive what I did from my Walk. It was life changing. If you haven't been, or don't know what in the world I'm talking about, get online and do a search for the Emmaus Walk, find your local chapter, and get signed up. You do have to have a sponser, if you don't know anyone personally that has been, I'm sure they'll find one for you. You won't regret going. I promise!

Emmaus Walk

Thursday evening I will be going to a local chapter of the Emmaus Walk. I really don't know what to expect. I just know that it's supposed to help strengthen your spiritual walk with the Lord. I'm kinda nervous about being out of my "comfort zone." Being away from home and surrounded by strangers is a little unnerving to me, but I've heard nothing but good about the ministry. I'll be gone from Thursday evening until Sunday evening. Cell phones, cameras, computers, even watches are not allowed. Hopefully Monday I'll be able to blog a little about my experience. So please keep me in your prayers that I won't get to homesick. Thank you!

God is in control. He does all things well. I have to keep a positive attitude this morning after hearing the results of the election. No matter how badly I wanted McCain/Palin in office that's not how things turned out. Now it is our job as Christians to keep praying for our Country and our future leader. I pray that the Lord would open his eyes to the truth and he would change his views on abortion and marriage, and other issues as well, but that's all we can do now, Pray!

Election Day!

Well, I've performed my civic duty, all I can do now is pray that people will vote with conviction and for the Lord to have mercy on our Nation and whomever He would have as Commander in Chief will be elected. We must remember that our God is Sovereign no matter the outcome.

After voting stop by Life in the Craft Lane with Mandie and pick up this cool badge!

Special Exposure Wednesday

Do you have a special photo you want to share? Stop by Special Exposure Wednesday to join!

I'm posting this late, but this is the 2nd time I've planned a 2 week meal plan. It works quite nicely and I'm not waiting until 4:00p.m. trying to decide what to fix for dinner. So here goes. If you would like a recipe for a meal, just let me know and I can email it to you. If you are interested in Menu Plan Monday you can join here.

Monday 10/20

Turkey cutlets in mushroom sauce served over rice and green beans

Tuesday 10/21

Spinach Quiche

Wednesday 10/22

Heart Grilled Cheese and tomato soup

Thursday 10/23

Quick Tortilla pizza

Friday 10/24

Goulash

Saturday 10/25

BBQ Chicken wings baked beans and carrots

Sunday 10/26

Left overs

Monday 10/27

Chicken Caccitore Pronto

Tuesday 10/28

Ham Steaks, mashed potatos, and corn

Wednesday 10/29

Chicken Salad

Thursday 10/30

Tomato Basil chicken tenders, broccoli and cauliflower

Friday 10/31

Presto chicken and pasta

Saturday 11/1

Perfect Roast chicken, lima beans, and mac and cheese

Really....Where does she come up with this stuff??

"The only thing that I know is love and love is hope and hope is faith and faith is rithisnis (righteousness) I Love you and you love me."

The above was written in a card from my seven year old daughter to me. I don't know where she's getting these things, but it sure is cute!

MHR Friday!! It's the little things.

Love isn't just in the extravagant, but it's also in the little things of life.

Things such as....

The phone call in the middle of the afternoon to say, "I was thinking about you. How's your day going?"

When he grabs my hand when we're walking through the mall.

When he'll do a load or 2 of laundry on a Saturday.

When he tells the kids, "I Love Your Momma!" And they giggle and roll their eyes and say..."We know."

When he picks up his towels after a shower.


When he'll take both kids to the grocery to give me some mommy time.

From the mouth of babes!

Sometimes I'm amazed at the truth or the relevance behind a phrase that my children come up with. Just last evening we were trying to get ready for church, and clean up from dinner when Alyssa is chasing me around the house asking me for money to put in the offering for Jr. church. I'm all but ignoring her...putting her off...telling her, "Alyssa, go brush your hair." Then from her intelligent, wise beyond her years mind, she says, "Mom, what's more important, your looks or giving money to God?" "Ouch!" Needless to say, she got some offering.

No Matter Who wins the election!

I received this in my email and found it quite comforting.

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praises to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross for you.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost if they turn to Him.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?!

My Husband Rocks-Acronym-

Masculine

Yakışıklı (I really struggled with this one, but it means handsome in Turkish..=o})

Hard working

Unselfish

Steadfast

Beloved
Amazing
Nice

Devoted

Rare

Out-going

Compassionate

Keen

Strong

♥That's my man!♥

O.K.I have a ton cleaning, and other stuff to do, and it's raining, but I have a surprisingly positive outlook. I'm having a Premier Jewelry Party Thursday, and I've gotta think of something to fix ....any suggestions? I was thinking about making some pumpkin bread, and maybe some choc chip cheese ball...I don't know....ugh, decisions.
Anywho, so I took Alyssa to a Girl Scout meeting last night thinking it was an established troop, WRONG! They're trying to start a new troop. If we start this troop, we're gonna combine Daisies with the Brownie Girl Scouts which is K-4th or 5th grade, because there aren't enough girls to do just Daisies or just Brownie Girl Scouts. I hope they decide to do it, and of course they were asking all the parents last night who would want to be a leader....and we were all looking at each other like, not I. I told 'em I didn't mind to help, but I'm not committing myself to another thing. Which, if they do form the group I'll help out as much as I can, I just didn't want that title of being a Leader over my head.
Well, I'm gonna scoot for now. I may return later. In the meantime, if you all have any good, quick recipes please send them my way....Thank You!! Love ya.

Sweet Lil' voice

It's 9:08pm and my daughter is up 38 minutes past her bedtime. She's in bed, but she's hosting her own Songfest 2008. With her favorites like, On top of Ol'Smoky....Itsy Bitsy Spider....Swing Low, Sweet Chariot....and last, but not least....Amazing Grace. Normally I'd firmly tell her to hush and to to sleep, but there was something so sweet about hearing her sing "Amazing Grace" and as she creshendoed into the big ending..... "was blind but now I seeeeeeeeee--(up an octive) eeee" I had to chuckle. But then I thought, does she really know or understand what she's singing about? Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found. Was blind but now I see. Grace. Unmerited favor. I didn't deserve it. But before He laid the foundations of this world he had it all planned. And I...You, would be a part of that plan, I guess that's what makes it so Amazing. He loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son. Can you name one person that you would give your child's life for? Me neither. But God did. He had a whole list of people. And You and I were on it. Well, it's 9:23pm and Miss Alyssa has sung her little self to sleep.

God is Good!

Showin' bloggy luv

Just wanted to show some love to Life in the Craft Lane with Mandie. If you are looking for some cute country graphics and such hop on over to her site and check it out. I'm sure you'll find something you'll have to take with you!

All Pro Dads

Saturday my hubby took the kids to an All Pro Dads event at Bengals field near Cincinnati. They had such a good time.



Bryan, Tre', and Alyssa with Anthony Munoz (he's huge!)

The kids running drills
Bryan with Jim Breech ( I think that's Jim Breech) Alyssa
Tre' practicing his throw
They got to see some of the players boarding their bus leaving to go to Dallas for their big game against the Cowboys. Unfortunately, they lost. =o(

I believe this is Chris Henry, and Chris Johnson.

My Husband Rocks!

My Husband Rocks simply because, I LOVE HIM!!!!! He's the bestest!! =o)

My Husband Rocks Giveaway!!!!

You heard me right folks!! GIVE-A-WAY! Sweet, rockin' Katy Lin over at the great adventure has a fabulous giveaway going on right now! So what are you waiting for??? Go. Go check out her blog, and enter for her awesome giveaway. Go!

My Husband Rocks because....

...he is a volunteer chaplain down at our county juvenile jail. Every other Thursday evening Bryan and another guy from our church goes down to share the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ with the juveniles that are locked up. They don't go to "preach" at them, they go to let them know that there is another way. Bryan and Henry let them know that just because they have made a few mistakes, there is still hope. Alot of these kids have grown up with parents that have been in and out of jail or prison, and they just follow suit. It's a way of life for them. And then there are some that come from homes whose parents are just to busy for them. They're more consumed with their social and economical stature to give the proper love and care to their children, and in turn the child ends up making some bad choices. So, I'm very proud of my husband for taking the time to breathe a little hope and life into these young lives.

Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee shared a cool website where you can make a collage of the words used on your blog. Here's the link. Go check it out!
http://wordle.net/

Thanks for sharing Sarah!

Mini Meatloafs

I seen this idea somewhere else before, and it was a big hit. I found this variation in the Kraft foods magazine that I get periodically, which has great ideas and recipes! Here is what you do.

1lb. lean ground beef (we use ground turkey)

1 pkg. Stuffing mix

1tsp. garlic powder

3/4 c barbecue sauce

3/4 c shreded cheese

Heat oven to 375. Mix your meat, stuffing mix, 1 cup water and 1 tsp. garlic powder. Press into muffin cups, recipe says to use all 12, but I only used 8. Make sure you spray your muffin pan. Make an indention in the center of each mini loaf with a spoon; fill with sauce. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through (160* F). Top with cheese; bake for 5 min. more or until cheese melts. Mmm..mmm Good!!

Let me tell you my kids were complaining before hand..."We don't like meatloaf..blah, blah, blah." They loved them as did my hubby!! Next time I'll probably use 2lbs of meat instead of 1lb.

My Husband Rocks!! "Shoe Freak"

My husband rocks because he has a total shoe fetish. He is way worse than any woman that I know of when it comes to shoes. I just love that he thinks that his shoes have to match his shirt. =D


He has shoes here.....


and here....


and here.

It's a Wonderful Life!!

I've got a little catching up to do. Sorry I haven't blogged in a few weeks. I'll try to remember everything. O.k. so, I photographed my first wedding! Yay!! I was so nervous, and excited at the same time. It was a favor for my mil, but it was so much fun! And since then, I've had quite a few peeps ask me to do some pics of their family.

Let's see what else.....oh yeah, my baby turned 7!!! *tear* *sniff* It's so hard to believe. Where has the time gone. I can remember like it was yesterday bringing her home. I keep telling dh it's time for another, but he won't listen. He says 2 is enough, one for each parent is his motto. But there's still that deep desire in me to mother and nurse and rock a baby...UGH! Alyssa is the one on the left hugging Abby. My awesome mil made her cake. She wanted a Hannah Montana bday party.

What else I have I been up to? Well, the last couple of Thursdays(the only day I don't babysit) , I've subbed in the cafeteria at my kids' schools. One is at the middle school, and the other at the elementary. It's only for a couple of hours during lunch, but I'm at least getting "my foot in the door" so hopefully one day, when Abby (the little girl I babysit) goes to preschool or kindergarten I can work in the school and not have to worry about sitters and such for my kids. I also will be subbing for my friend who owns a daycare. I'm really excited about that as well. Maybe that will quench that desire for a baby?? ;o) We'll see. It may only make it worse. I've been fingerprinted twice. When you work with kids in a school or daycare they do extensive background checks which is a comforting thought these days. You never know what weirdo is scoping out your kids. They not only do the BCI&I but they also do an FBI background check. I guess they've had people that would get into trouble in one state and then move on to the next state to prey on their next unsuspecting victim.

Yesterday was our 6th annual Ladies Day of Renewal conference at our church, so for the last several months we've been busy planning and preparing for that day. It's always awesome! The Presence of God was there and we had a great time in Him. I can't wait to hear the testimonies of the lives that was changed as a result of the Renewal.

Tre' was asked to be on the student council. I was soooooo excited. I mean, he may just be President one day! =o) It's for the whole school, 5th-8th grade. I'm so proud of him. I explained to him what a responsibility that was, and how others would look up to him, hope I didn't scare him to much. He had his first meeting Friday after school. They voted on having a "special" day at school. 50's day, backwards day, hat day...etc. I believe backwards day won. The kids get to wear the clothes backwards. Whoohoo! Well, I don't want to keep rambling. I just wanted to give a quick update on the happenings around here. I'm probably missing something majorly funny, or important, but if I think of anything else, I'll blog about it. Thanks for listenting. God Bless!

Oh yeah, one more thing, I got the new Natalie Grant CD Relentless from the Library, and it's awesome! I love every song on the CD, so go get it!! I put a few songs on my playlist at the bottom of my page, so scoll down there and listen to some of the songs, you're gonna love it.

My Husband Rocks!

If you are just tuning in, today is My Husband Rocks Friday. This is the place where I get to brag to the world...or whoever is reading this thing...how awesome my husband is. While I'm sure there are many other women who would say that her husband is the greatest, I would have to argue, that my husband is the greatest of all the great husbands in the entire world, (I sure hope he is reading this ;o> *wink*). He is so thoughtful, and caring. Wednesday was the kids first day back to school, and he went into work late so he could be there for their first day back. That might not mean a whole lot to you, but to me, and I'm sure to our children, it meant alot to have their dad to see them off for their first day of school. Well, I guess that's my post for today. To all those dad's....and Husbands that rock.....Hoorah!!!!

Back to School!

Alyssa's first day of Kindergarten...
1st grade...
2nd grade!

It seems like only yesterday Tre' was starting pre-school.
Then, Kindergarten graduation....

1st grade
2nd...
3rd...
4th...
Now he is beginning the 5th grade, middle school! My how time flies. I'm afraid I'm going to wake up in the morning, and he'll be starting his freshman year of college. Before I had children, I can remember people with kids saying how time flies after having kids, but I never understood until I had them myself. I love my kids and thank God for blessing me with 2 healthy children. I never want to take them for granite. Children are truly a blessing from the Lord!

My Husband Rocks!

Yay, it's Friday, and we know what that means, it time for another installment of My Husband Rocks! He's a kid at heart. He loves to have fun. If our life was a reality show, people would so make fun of us. We have to be one of the kookiest families around. LOL! It's not uncommon for one of us at any time to break out in a random dance, and song. Sometimes Bryan will even bust a move right in the middle of Wally World. I absolutely love to hear him laugh. He has one of those contagious laughs. You may have no clue as to what he is laughing about but when you hear it you have to join in. He's hillarious! And that's another great reason why I love him so much, and why I think my husband rocks!!

It's About Time!!!

I finally have found one meal that I can fix that my whole family can agree on. It's so simple. Chicken Salad. I make it from scratch, including boiling my own chicken. No can stuff. Although, you can use the chunk chicken to save time. Anyways, it was like music to my ears hearing both kids complementing the same meal. Usually, I can please one, but not the other. My recipe varies everytime I fix chicken salad, usually because I forget to add something, but here is the basic recipe. Everything I just add to taste.

Boiled chicken
celery (chopped)
red grapes (cut in half)
onion
crushed pecans
Light Mayo
Light Miracle whip
squirt of lemon
salt and pepper

I just throw everything together, and mix equal parts mayo and miracle whip. If you don't like one or the other just omit the one you don't like. You can serve with crackers on wheat bread or an all time favorite is on crossiants. =o) Enjoy!!

My Husband Rocks!!

My Husband Rocks!!!!! My hubby of 12 wonderful years rocks because he is an awesome dad, companion, provider, and he is the Spiritual head of our home. He always puts our needs/wants before his. Bryan is a great provider for his family, and even at one time worked 2 jobs so I could stay home with our children. He's a great listener, he's artistic, compassionate, wise, loving, funny, godly, and a great singer. He is our worship leader at church, and I count it an honor and priviledge to play the piano beside him. I think we have the greatest love story ever! I had a crush on him ever since I can remember. He's 4 years older than me, and I can remember being 4 yrs old and turning around in the pew at church and trying to blow a bubble to impress him...LOL! In JR high I would always write "I ♥ Bryan" on my notes to my friends, knowing he prolly didn't even remember me as his family had left our church and my step-dad was in the army so we moved around quite a bit. To make a long story shorter, we eventually ended up back in the same church, I was 15 and he was 19, and 31/2 years later we were married, and have lived happily ever after....=o) We've had our ups and downs, but more ups than downs. When you make the Lord the center of your life, marriage, family, every thing just falls into place. I love my family and I thank God for it!!

I was in the bathroom yesterday, when a fly was buzzing around bugging me, no pun intended, so I grabbed this can of Freeze It hairspray and shot the little sucker and instantly he fell to the ground. So, it truly lives up to its name, Freeze It. I guess you could call this a multi-tasker, you can use it for hairspray, and bugspray, only not the kind you apply to your skin...that could get pretty sticky. ;o)

Thirty-something!

In less than an hour, I'll officially be 31. To tell you the truth, I never thought I'd live to see the day that I'd be in my 30's. I guess when I was younger I just couldn't fathom "30". It seems much older when you are a child. Let me be the first to say that I don't feel 31. Sometimes my knees try to tell me otherwise, but I really don't listen. ;o) I still feel like I'm about 17. I also thought for sure we would have seen the second coming of our Lord by now. But I'm pretty sure that's closer as well. I would like to express my gratitude, and my love for my friends and family. I love them all! I have a host of wonderful people in my life, and if I began to start naming them I'd forget someone...not because of old age, just because I'm human*wink*.....So if you are reading this, you know who you are! So before I get all sappy and my eyes get blurry from tears, I'll just sign off. Thank You for all of the birthday wishes!! I love you all.....really, I mean it.

Kristi

We Are Back From Vacation!

Vacations are great, but it's always great to get back home and sleep in your own bed. We had a really good time, and the weather was good. There was one day while we were at Colonial Williamsburg that we had to use our umbrellas but it wasn't a total wash out. I would recommend visiting Williamsburg for vacation. There is so much of our Nations history in that town. That is a picture of the Governor's Palace.

The 3 days we were at Virginia beach was awesome. The ocean is just incredible! A little intimidating as the waves would crash onto the beach with such force that could knock down a 200 something lb. man.

Alright, well now it's time for me to get busy, and get back to the whole reason I began this blog. To basically advertise my bows and clippies. Perhaps you want to know how to make them yourself. I'll do my best to explain how and the best place to purchase supplies. But if you rather skip the fuss, and just buy them, let me know what colors you need and I'll do my very best to provide what you are looking for. Btw, I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing so bear with me as I'm learning.

VACATION!! *woot*woot*

Sunday after church we will be leaving to go on vacation. I'm so looking forward to a little r&r. We are going to Williamsburg, VA, and then off to Virginia Beach. I've never been to Virginia on vacation, I have been to campmeeting in Richlands, VA, doesn't really count as vacation though. Anywho, we are going to be driving and we decided to break it up a bit, as the kids will probably be ready to tear one another up after having to sit so closely for 9 or so hours. They both have handheld video games they'll be taking, and each have a portable dvd player along with earbuds. I'm going to prepare them each a bag with goodies and things to do. I bought a book at the library that has some car games so hopefully I can keep them occupied and they'll not get to bored. Well, better go for now, I still have lots of house to clean, and we're going over to my mil's for a 4th of July pizza party. It's raining here in Ohio so no cooking out today. That's o.k. At least I don't have to cook, and pizza is just fine with me!

God Bless!

Yay! The rain didn't keep the fireworks from going off! I'm so glad. Even though they are not extravagant fireworks, it's just the spirit of the 4th I guess, and the gathering of friends and family to commemorate our freedom. I love get togethers! Alyssa wanted her face painted, so doodled a flag across her face. She loved it.

My flowers

I absolutely love the Spring and Summer time. Partly due to the beautiful colors of all the blooming flowers. This year I planted quite a few annuals and perinnials. One of my favorite colors is purple, so I bought all purple flower this year. Some impatiens, and petunias.

It's raining =(

It's a beautiful, rainy day here in the heartland. We're supposed to have fireworks this evening, but I'm afraid they may be cancelled due to the rain. I look forward to fireworks every year because we can pop popcorn and sit out in our street and watch them. The local VFW puts them on every year, they're nothing fancy, but it's nice to be able to sit here at home and not have to fight possible drunken drivers out on the roads.