Happy Birthday Chandra!

To my Sweet friend,

I hope you are having a great day. A day filled with laughter and love.

I am so glad that we were able to meet that one fateful summer when we shared an apartment together. Our memories we made still make me laugh. You have been such a blessing to me. I am so thankful that I was able to walk along side you in prayer with Canon's transplant. That time forever transformed my prayer life and for that I am so very thankful that God brought us together again for that time.

I love you, miss you and hopefully one day soon will get to hug your sweet neck.

Enjoy your day!

Love

Susan

P.S This is still my favorite photo of yours because of what you are wearing. I love that you are wearing pink with your camo skirt. That is the perfect combination in my opinion.

Taking Time Out

Life has been going non-stop.

I'm trying to find balance so that I can enjoy the ride.

I will be back at some point...

possibly a few days from now.

But until then take some time to relax.

Life is better when you live it fully!

Simplifying My Life One Topic At A Time

It's no secret that I love order. I like everything to have it's place and a place for everything. If I don't have a place for everything I get rid of it.

I recently realized though that my need to have order comes from a direct result from the events that took place between 1994-2000, when my life was very hectic and very much out of my control. Someday I will share this with you but those years aren't really the subject of this post.

The point is, I am working on a few things in order to simplify my life. Oh and before I forget, let me give a shout out to Marcia, the author of "Simplify Your Life" and "Simplify Your Time." I started reading her book in Barnes and Noble every Friday night when Jeff and I would go there to catch up on our reading. Who knew that one day she would have lunch with my mom and attend the same church where my mom and brother work? In the meantime, she has blessed me with a copy of her books so that I can read in my own home at my own pace. And one day soon, if we can coordinate our calendars we plan to have coffee or something to get to know each other better.

But again, Marcia is not the reason for this post. I just felt like I couldn't tell you about my simplifying without telling you about the person who has inspired me to do so.

Topic #1

The Blog. Who here has been overtaken by the blog? I know I have. I created a gmail account separate from my personal account. I also signed up with a thing called Google reader. Google Reader is a lot like bloglines, where you can subscribe to certain sights and they will notify you when a new post has been added to that blog. Before I just stored all my favorite blogs in a favorites folder on the Internet and clicked through each one at random times throughout the day to see if anyone had posted something new. Talk about a joy kill when everyone but you is taking a break from blogland. Plus not to mention the time that was wasted clicking through every single blog of mine. So...Google Reader is a must have for me.

I signed up, picked out my all time favorites, like family and friends. Then picked out my blogs who I consider friends but never have met. Then I deleted the favorite blogs from my favorites so that I would break the habit of clicking through every blog. I click on Google reader once a day. At the same time, I look to see if anyone has left a comment on my blog at gmail, since now my blog comments go to my gmail account rather than my personal email. It takes a big ole helping of self-control but I know that once I break this habit my life will be so much more balanced.

And that after all is the key to a well rounded life is in my opinion, balance.

So friends if you are looking for a good book to get your life in order so that things can be simple than check out Marcia's book. It is a must read for new mothers especially. You will be glad you did!

If you have ways that you keep the blog from overtaking you I would love to hear them!

Please Close Your Windows...

I will post pictures of our weekend fun later but I am not in the mood to hassle with it tonight.

But I had to share this story with you all before I forgot. Get ready it's a great one...

We surprised MIL and FIL with a 40th anniversary party this past weekend in Downtown Fort Worth. My BIL's girlfriends mother (are you with me? good) has a loft apartment in Fort Worth that has a Garden Terrace that overlooks the city. To say I was not some what jealous would be a slight overstatement. It was fabulous!

So the apartments are located next to a hotel that also overlooks the city. As we were sitting up that afternoon, I mentioned to BIL's girlfriend on how fun it is to be this close to this hotel. She says "I know I am always afraid that I am going to catch someone in the act."

"Seriously, you think someone would keep the windows open knowing they are in the middle of Sundance Square?"

To which she replied with something along the lines of it could happen or I wouldn't put it past them.

So through out the night, as we are refilling drinks, setting out food, cleaning dishes we kept one eye out on the hotel. It was right next door y'all. We saw someone blow drying their hair, talking on their cell phone as they looked out the window, sitting on the bed watching television, children jumping on the bed and a parent grabbing by the arm to "park it." But then. THEN oh my gosh I can't believe what I am about to tell you.

Later into the evening we were sitting out on the patio enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of Downtown Fort Worth. When I happen to look over my shoulder to the hotel behind me. And here is the part where you must know me to really find this funny, I am not a quiet wallflower by any means. Okay?!

"OH MY GOSH! THERE 'BOUT TO DO IT!"

All heads at the party turn and we start to see what is going to happen next. Oh yes, we did. Although Hayley (my 9 year old niece) was trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. I think every single person at that party said at one time, "Whatever you do Hayley-do not turn around." Which she didn't because she knew we all meant business.

Here is what we saw:

Young 20-something female in black nightie on the phone with a friend. Young 20-something male in boxer briefs walking around hotel room. Female hangs up. He kisses her. She jumps on top of him and they start to wrestle. Truly it was just a wrestling match folks. He gets up, puts on pants over his boxers and turns to the window to "adjust himself." And at this point, all the males in our party are yelling things like, "Score!" "Sweet!" You know the typical congratulatory remarks that most men do after one of their own species happens to uh, mate!

And the girls at the party, well let's just say we were a little more disgusted with the 20 something females behavior.

Do remember the FRIENDS episode where Phoebe catches Chandler and Monica "doing it" from ugly naked guys apartment? And she starts to yell, "Oh my eyes, my eyes!" That was my reaction. I could not believe (actually I can believe it) that someone would keep the windows open when they are half dressed, either about to do it or just finished their romp in the hotel room.

Way to make your mother proud, 20 something chick in black nightie. Way to make her proud!

And no, the pictures I will post are not from this story. Get your head out of the gutter!

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Today I was typing the "Sunday Word" post when Jeff walked in the room. He says, "Oh are you writing about me again?"

I said, "No not today."

"Why? I thought I was your blog material. Am I not good enough anymore?"

To which I replied, "Yeah, when you keep saying stuff like that I guess you are great blog material."

So for his birthday I do what any good wife with there own blog does, I make a post in honor of Jeff.

Jeff's favorite song these days is "Rock Star" by Nickel back. He knows every single word and sings them proudly. And when I saw this post today I knew there was no greater post for my husband on his birthday.

So in honor of my favorite Rock Star, on his birthday, I give you his list.

1. He knows every single word to every Van Halen song ever made.
2. If he doesn't know the lyrics he makes up his own. His version of the lyrics are hilarious and often make me laugh very, very loud. (And for those of you who know me and know my tendency for loud laughter can only imagine the sound that echos through our car or house during these times)
3. He is loyal.
4. He knows when to say no when he has too much on his plate.
5. He listens more than he speaks. But when he speaks, people stop to listen because you know if he is speaking up then he must have something important to say.
6. He can perform the dance called the "White Man's Overbite" better than any man out there.
7. He likes to perform this dance when I am in a bad mood. I start laughing and the bad mood slips away.
8. He spends wisely. I found a Christmas card from my grandparents two years ago when cleaning out one of his drawers, the money they gave him is still there. When I asked if he was going to use it he says, " When I find something I can't live without I am there."
9. He is a great uncle which can only mean he will be a great father one day.
10. He loves me warts and all.


And now for my newest favorite picture of Jeff.
We were having a party this weekend for his parent's 40th anniversary. I had a bunch of songs downloaded to the IPOD so we could party like it's 1967. I downloaded the Beach Boys, "California Girls" in honor of niece Hayley who was born in Cali. Her sweet Uncles Jumped at a chance to dance with Miss Hayley. I will let the picture speak for itself.

Happy Birthday Jeff! Thank you for all the joy that you have brought into my life!

Oh, by the way, if you aren't going to use that money my grandparents gave you, can I have it? I have my eye on a cute little dress that I saw today while shopping in the mall...without you to nag me! :)

Yeah, yeah I know...wait until it goes on clearance.

Sigh...

Sunday's Good Word

This morning I woke up with the following scripture circulating in my head. It was like God was speaking this directly into my ear this morning. So if you are struggling with a life changing decision or even if you find yourself at a crossroad, I believe this scripture is for you.

This is one of the main reasons why I continue memorizing scripture. You never know when God will bring that same scripture back to you-sometimes it is for me other times it is for others. Please know that if these words speak directly to you than God must of had a plan in waking me from my slumber early this morning to get these jotted down for you. May you be blessed.

My Precious Child,

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 13)Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for you an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So fix your eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.(1 Corinthians 4:17-18)"

With Love ,

Your Heavenly Father

Thankful Thursday #1

Last night after my husband left for work, I realized that there have been many times that he has gone over the call of duty yet I am not saying thanks near as much as I should. So in an effort to get it all in writing so I can tell it to his face when he wakes up, I am joining in on Thankful Thursday.

1. Jeff kept the house clean while I was away on a business trip. There is nothing better than walking into a house that is clean especially when you weren't the one keeping it that way. But you did stay up late the night before getting it that way.

2. He made dinner Tuesday night when I got in hours earlier than planned. He didn't have to do this but he did and didn't even grumble about it.

3. He made dinner because I was taking a nap. I slept for 2 hours that day because I did not get much sleep on my business trip. He didn't wake me or bother me. In fact at one point I realized he was reading quietly while holding my hand. I was thankful that he recognized my need for uninterrupted sleep.

4. He gets up an hour early to head into church while I practice with the praise team on Sunday morning. He does not need to do this, I have offered to take my own car so he can sleep. He says "Nah, I like having our Sundays together." And I totally agree because this is the one day we get to spend together when we are awake at the same time. It is a precious time for us.

5. He brought me a slice of banana bread that they had served during Sunday school but I missed out because I was downstairs practicing. And he filled a water bottle with lemons so that I could sip on it during the sermon after I got done singing. For those of you who may sing, you understand the need to keep your throat from getting dry. But the fact that he stuffed lemons into the water bottle before we left for church, knowing it was my favorite way to drink water is so precious to me. The guys in our church that sit by us were so amazed that he was able to get the lemons inside the hole. They would say, "How did you do that?" and Jeff replied, "Very carefully!"

6. He always tells me when I sit down, "Beautiful job." Not good job but beautiful job. His encouragement makes my heart soar.

7. He is working on something right now that I need to keep private but I watch him working and organizing and I am simply amazed by this. He is doing such a great job! I have really been proud of how he is going over and beyond the call of duty on this one. I am watching this realizing how blessed I am to have a husband who gets things done. Great job, Jeff!

8. And the last thing that I will mention is that every morning when he comes home from work (I am usually am still sound asleep) he will get into bed and say, "I love you, Susan." I have realized that he will keep saying this until I finally wake from my slumber and say, "I love you Jeff." Seriously today he said it maybe 5 times until I finally woke up and said, "I love you, Jeff." I wonder what would happened if I never woke up to tell him, would he keep going until I did. I hope so, it is a sweet way to wake up.

His birthday is coming up on Monday so hopefully this will be a nice kick off to his birthday celebration. Jeff, I truly thankful for you and all that you have blessed me with in the last 7 years.

Blessings from the Little Things

I woke up in my hotel room today, the coffee pot did not work. Later I plugged in my curling iron to the same plug, it too did not work. That is when I realized that I needed to push that little red buttoen in between the plug holes to "recharge" the outlet. Curling iron turned on, coffee pot started doing it's thing. I did the "Praise Jesus" dance because it was 5:30 a.m and I really, really needed a jumpstart today.

God is good to give us what we need if we just plug ourselves in and let him hit the little red button to "recharge" our outlet.

I am praying for consistency in meeting with Him first. I have a horrible habbit of logging into the computer before I log in to God. Somehow that just doesn't seem right to me.

Lately God has been blessing me with the small details. Like today, I thought I wouldn't be home before my husband went to work. I was home 4 hours before he had to go to work. I curled up in our bed and slept while he read a book and held my hand. And also today, I was told that my meeting in Frisco tomorrow is cancelled. My boss realized I had enough on my plate and did not need to add more stress to my day by driving out to her office when I could easily work out of mine, in my pajamas, with my favorite coffee cup to the left and my cute little mouse pad to my right. There is something so sweet about working in the comfort of your own home surrounded by the things you love.

I continue to see ways that God is molding us and blessing us during this time of waiting and for that I send Him nothing but praise. In the Sunday post I wrote the quote from Nancy's talk last week. When I find myself getting moody and irratible with life's happenings-I fall back to that quote. (If you have yet to read, let me just say you are missing out.) I don't ever want to look back on this phase of my life and say, "I wish I took more time to do this or I wish I did this more." I want to live each day to the fullest and just wait for God to reveal the plans He has for us. It is a wonderful journey when you stop pushing and just start trusting. I just wish I was trusting more than pushing.

Oh and yes, that's a cheetah chair on my profile picture. I am so in love with this chair. I found it and now I am saving up for it. Too bad it is not one of the chairs I sell because I could maybe talk one of my dealers into selling it to me at cost. Did you know that I work for a huge furniture company but I don't a discount when I buy? Yes, it's true-sad but true. So I am doing what every good rep does-get to know the competition and beg for a discount! Cross your fingers, all you can do is ask, right?


Oh I live a blessed life, yes I do, yes I do!

Weekly Menu Planner #2

Monday-Going on a Business Trip


Tuesday-Still tripping with the biz



Wednesday-Chicken Salad Sandwiches and Salt and Pepper Chips



I posted the Chicken Salad Recipe here because it is so good that you shouldn't have to wait on me to post it for you.



Thursday- Cobb Salad



Friday- Ordering Pizza, because this chick is tired!



Saturday-Eating out for the start of Jeff's birthday celebration




This week the menu is being kept very simple because I have a busy, busy week. Poor Jeff will be fending for himself on Monday and Tuesday. This means he will either show up at his parent's house with fork and spoon in hand or he will raid the meal cart at work. I on the other hand will be sitting with my co-workers talking non-stop on ways we can improve the bottom line and cushion our pockets in the process. Fun times! The only saving grace is that I will not be paying for these meals.



Hope you all have a great week! I will be laying low the rest of the time, unless I get bored in the hotel room and decide to log on don't expect to see much of me this week.

Funny side note in a funny God sort of way: I am in the middle of the Daniel Study by Beth Moore. Each day has met me where I am for that paticular day. Today was talking about being a light in the dark world and not neglicting our work. Now if you knew all the things on my to-do list and how many times I have said to myself, "Let's just put it off until I get back." Then you could fully understand how this grabbed me today. Thankfully I have disciplined myself this past week so that when I get back I can have some downtime around here. But in case I don't, at least I am staying on schedule and not falling too far behind! And why did the song by Brooks and Dunn just pop into my head, "I'm in a hurry to get things done..."



Now head on over to see Laura's Menu and what everyone else is cooking up this week.

Sunday's Good Word

May this quote from Nancy speak to you today, soak it up, read it at your leisure, you will be glad you did.

"But Ruth has been willing to forfeit the possiblilty of ever having a husband, ever having children because she knew that ulitmately security is not found in any man, any person, any thing, any experience, or any place on the face of this earth. Ultimately, security is found under God's covering and His protection, under His wings.

A woman who has come to find her resting place in God, whether she's married or single, whether she has children or no children, will be a woman who is protected and cared for. She will be a woman with a refuge.

As I think about Ruth's life, I see in her the result of a woman who takes refuge in God. She was a contented woman. As you read through that story, you find a woman who's got a free spirit. She's free because she's not controlled by her circumstances because her ultimate circumstance is God.

She can trust God to work through others. She still has this bitter mother-in-law but she can trust God to give direction through that mother-in-law even if the person giving direction may not be all that spiritually mature or sensitive, because her trust isn't in her morther-in-law or her husband. She has none.

Her trust is in God. As a result of taking refuge under the wings of God, she has a quiet spirit. She doesn't need to strive to manipulate her circumstances. Thers' a restfulness in the spirit of this woman. Thers' no sense of being frantic, or being in turmoil, but there's a quietness.

I think much of the moodiness and the rowdiness that sometimes characterizes us a women is a reult of insecurity and lack of trust in God. As a result of finding her refuge under the wings of God, she put herself in a position where God could bless her. The blessing begins in her life and God begins now to turn her circumstances. He been planning this all along."

Nancy Leigh Demoss, lesson titled " A Life that Speaks Volumes from her series, "Ruth the Transforming Power of Redeeming Love" originally aired Wednesday, July 11 2007 on Revive Our Hearts

God bless your journey wherever you are today!

A Quick Post Because My TO-DO list Runs A Longer Distance Than ME!

I posted the Turkey Spinach Lasagna recipe here for those of you interested. Check out the other great recipes there too. Yummy! And a big kudos to Rachel for putting this together for all of us cooks, wanna be cooks or cooks in dire need of cooking lessons!

I will try to get the others posted soon but it may be a few days, weeks or months. Have I told you how crazy it is in my house hold this week, next week and the week after that?!? No?!?!

Well boy howdy, I am busy! Work is super, super crazy. You should see my task list I have working in my outlook right now. It would make anyone want to run for the hills. I don't necessarily want to run, I just can't wait to click on the check next to each task to watch to show one more thing complete.

Got to run, my timer told me time is up!

And well, you already know how I like to goof off.

MUST. TAKE. COVER

I just spent $40.72 on ITUNES at one time. I thought I was only buying just a few songs.

Hubby is going to be mad! M-A-D!

No, not really mad but I feel a "We need to go back on a budget" speech coming up soon.

If you don't hear from me for a while just know I have recently started collecting donations door to door. Hopefully I won't be abducted on my adventures!

Mom, you better hide your piggy jar. I feel a strong noreaster to the left may swoop in and suck it dry!

But hey, the music will be good so atleast I will keep myself entertained while I walk door-to-door...collecting spare change.

Guiding Principles #1-3

Sadly I have come to realize that I still require boundaries in my adult life. I work better, I eat better, I live better if I have rules and regulations set forth for my day. At camp we used to call the camp rules "GP's-Guiding Principles." Who knew that in my adult world I would still require a few GP's to live by.

I have been teased by Jeff over the recent months because of my new found love for a regimented schedule. I finally got tired of the taunting one day and asked him in a not so kind and gentle manner, "Don't you see a difference in our house and in my overall attitude when I am following these simple guidelines?!" And of course, his reply was a muttered, "Why yes, yes I do."

Now I am all for guidelines but I have also learned that we have to be flexible to allow ourselves to go as the Spirit moves us, so to speak. I am almost embarrassed to admit this next thing to you. Even though I love a good routine, I am horrible at keeping them. Horrible. I have way too much down time these days and the old saying "Give them an inch and they will take a mile" seems to apply to me and how I handle free time. I will run with it, if it means that I can goof off at my own pace-I run like the wind. Maybe that is why I am always working late into the night or feeling like I never have enough time in my day. Because I am not disciplined enough to use my time wisely.

But it is those days that I wake up early, workout, eat a nutritious breakfast work for a long period, blog for an hour a day, watch an hour of TV or no TV at all, read, cook a balanced meal, a load of laundry a day and so on and so forth. It is in these days that I go to bed happy and satisfied with all I have accomplished. And let me tell you, for a girl who struggles with depression this is a good feeling, no make that a great feeling.

So imagine my surprise when God started showing me scripture that matched up with my desire. Did you know that God can use scripture to transform us? (I am being funny here but seriously did you know this?!?!) The Word of God is an amazing tool for setting up GP'S.

And today's GPs comes from Ruth 2:7

"She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."

Indulge me while I break it down for you, myself and anyone else who has read to this point on the blog without getting scared away.

1. She started work in the morning
2. She worked steadily
3. She only took one short break

Point # 1 shows me that she didn't sleep late-she rose early to start her day. This shows me that when I wake up earlier I tend to get more done in my day

Point #2-She was not idle throughout her day. She worked steadily.

Point #3- She only took one short break. Friends, I love break time. I take one every hour. Yes, that's right-work 45 minutes take 15 minutes off. But remember when I said the old saying above. Well my 15 minutes turns into 30 minutes than to an hour and sometimes more. So no more, my GP's for today are the three I listed from Ruth2:7

1) Wake up early
2) Work Steadily throughout my day
3) Only take a short break during my work hours-not 5 to 10, 30 minute breaks

By the way, this deep thinking is brought to you today by Nancy Leigh Demoss, God bless her! So you can catch her full series on Ruth by clicking the nice words that says click here!

And stay tuned, I will share my GPs as God shows them to me. Doesn't mean I will be perfect at them or have them down pat but atleast I am taking the first step. And didn't God send His Son to die on the cross so I didn't have to worry about perfection? Yes, I think He did!

Thank ya Jesus!

Proof that this Chick Is Getting Organized

This is my first time to join Laura in the Menu Planning Monday post.

I have been looking in each week to get ideas but have never gotten my act together far enough in advance to have a whole weeks worth of meals already planned out. But, drumroll please, I have finally gotten my stuff together!

Here's whats cooking in my kitchen this week:

Monday-Spinach Turkey Lasagna

Tuesday-Toasted Almond Chicken with white rice

Wednesday-Beef Stew and Cornbread (slow cooker recipe)

Thursday-Tortilla Pie with Mexican Rice

Friday-Saturday-Depends on the weekend plans

Lately we have been cooking something light and quick on Fridays and renting a DVD to watch. I have realized that keeping it slow on Friday nights, helps my husband, who works nights Monday through Thursday, get back into the swing of things for the weekend. But I NEVER cook on Saturdays, the kitchen is closed that night! It is Saturday night after all!

Let me know if you want a recipe in the comments. These are all from my favorite cookbook and sadly there is not a link on the Internet.

"Uh What," Says Jeff

We were sitting by the pool soaking up a few rays of sun yesterday. Yes that's right, it didn't rain yesterday. I had just mentioned that I was hungry to Jeff.

As we were sitting in our lounge chairs, in walks another tenant who looked like she was about to give birth any minute now.

Jeff says, "Looks like we may have a WATER BIRTH today."

To which I replied "Mmm, WHATABURGER that sounds wonderful!"

"Uh What?!?!" Says Jeff. "I said WATER BIRTH not WHATABURGER!"

And oh did I die laughing!

In my defense, I did just tell him I was hungry.

Deep Thoughts By Susan!

You know, all this rain here in Texas puts a whole new spin on the song by Casting Crowns, "Praise You In The Storm!"

Lord, I'm trying to praise you I promise. It's just that 30+ days of constant rain makes it hard especially when it is summer! Oh and Lord, if I can be so bold please hold out on the rain long enough for me to watch some Rangers at the ballpark this Saturday. I've got me some memories I need to make this weekend in honor of my great grandmother. But thanks for the rain this afternoon, it was the best background music for a great two hour nap. As it was the day before and the day before that and that day two weeks ago. I guess you knew I needed some good quality rest the last 2 months!

In Jesus Name AMEN!

It's the Simple Things

It's the simple things that keep us going through out our day.

The sunrise in the morning.

The first cup of coffee that gets your mind jump started.

The first prayer uttered before the throne in the first hours of the day.

The sound of rain falling...again.

The morning jog-in the rain.

The warm shower that jump starts us even further than the morning Cup of Joe but leaves you smelling super sweet.

The hugs from your husband (or wife).

The emails.

The updated blogs-the sweet comments that take place.

The Christian radio program that speaks directly to you.

The encouragement note received via snail mail. (Thank you friend!)

The prayer answered.

The prayers not answered.

The hearts changed.

The to do list getting done than adding more.

The smell of clean laundry filling up our small space.

Dinner cooked.

Dinner served.

Prayers of blessing for our meal.

Sweet Conversation with my family of two.

Kissing your husband good-bye as he heads to work.

Knowing that you have a few hours to spend doing the things you love.

The good book you can't keep down.

The Bible Study that convicts your Spirit.

The bubble bath after a long day.

The clean, cotton pajama's that feel so good against your skin.

The sheets cool and fresh.

The final prayer for the day-thanking God for the simple things He brings our way.

Happy Fourth of July!

Ususally we spend the weekend before the fourth watching the fireworks at Cousin Doug's house. This year we had no fireworks, a few random ones thrown into the air but nothing like last year. Usually the kids run up to Cousin Caroline's clubhouse and watch the scene high above, this year they ran to the clubhouse but kept yelling, "Where are they? Come out come out wherever you are!" But due to the rain, we did not see fireworks and due to the rain, we will have no picnic out on a blanket tonight with good friends. We could sit out on a blanket but we would look like we would be covered in mud.

So things are a little strange in our neck of the woods. I can tell you what we will be doing. Eating good ole barbeque at Spring Creek tonight and possibly watching a movie at our friend's house. And I can tell you another thing we will be doing. We will be waiting with joyful anticipation for the news that Cousin Kanyon is home. In his own bed, sleeping soundly. 100 days in the hospital and little Kanyon is having his very own independance day. We celebrate with Kory and Jaymie. And we mourn with Kory and Jaymie because words can't describe the feelings they must be feeling. To enter the hospital with two and come out with one. It's in these moments that we take it one step at a time and trust God to bring glory to this situation. If we dwell to long, our hearts may grow bitter or angry and that is not what we are called to do. And if the truth be told, I am not sure how to react to all of this. I just keep praying for God to reveal Himself to me but it seems like He is playing a game of hide and seek. Anyway...enough! I will leave the rest for a post on another day. For now, I am celebrating with my cousin and enjoying my day off with my husband.

God bless you on this 4th of July!

Thank you for Indulging Me!

I promise to come by your space if you have left a comment during the "Unveiling of the Lurkers" week. I love meeting new friends and talking to old friends. It's just that I have a lot on my plate these days so it may take me some time to get there.

Now you are more than welcome to go back to lurking if you would like. But just know that I may do another post to get you to come out again and say hello. If you are like me, I read lots of blogs but comment on a few. I don't always have time to post a comment or even read a post in it's entirety. So I find myself looking in rather quickly then coming back later when I have time to read the post fully. Preferably with a cup of Joe and quiet music playing in the wee hours of the morning. That is why you may see strange time stamps on my comments. Strange because they are done in the small hours of the morning! I am a morning person what can I say.

Okay on to other things. My friend Rachel put together a blog for our group of friends to post recipes called "Whatcha Got Cooking." I thought I would share with you the link so you can get ideas for yourself. I already have a few items in mind that I will post on this blog and some that I may have to try. Thank you Rachel for putting this together, I love seeing what everyone is cooking in their homes. Good times I tell you!

Alrighty roo, I have to run but I have so much more to tell you so I will hop back in when I get the laundry finished, bills paid and the work done. It's Monday and it will be a great week because babies are coming home, babies are being born and babies are celebrating first birthdays! (Deer Run Chicks we need Legs to start her own blog now don't we!)

Love you all!

Got to run! Stay dry if you are in my neck of the woods!

Oh and guess what? It just started to rain...again!

Uncovering the Lurkers Week!

It's not just my blog that has lurkers, this one has the same but what is most frustrating is when it is your friends and family who lurk. Come on peeps where is the love?!?!

So since I am extremely busy with work this week (it always happens this way when I am trying to get out of town for the weekend) I thought it would be fun to bring out the lurkers!

Lurker-anyone who reads the blog but NEVER comments!

Leave a comment say hello. And if you read someone else's blog daily, weekly or every time they post then spread the love to them as well. And if you have a blog and have been feeling the same frustration then by all means play along on your blog as well. Let's just see how many people we can uncover this week.

I am off to work.

So comment away, I won't be back for a few days. But what a treasure, joy and delight it would be to come back to the blog and see my old friends back in business. I will comment on your blog, you know I already do because I love to stay in touch with my peeps even if it is via the Internet!

:D!