Saturday Happies

** Have I mentioned E plays basketball? This is her first year. I don't want to jump the gun, but I think she's a 'natural'. It could be the fact that I LOVE basketball. I wanted so badly to play on a school team, but it seems I did, in fact, jump the gun on that assumption because ... ummm ... I never made the team. I tried 4 years in a row before I got the hint.

Anyway, in my humble opinion E is good. My sweet, delicate girly-girl wrestled SEVEN times today to get the ball from her opponent. I couldn't believe it. She was tough. It was so out of character for her, I thought she must be working out some bottled in aggression. Then reality kicked in when she fouled her opponent and then went to apologize.

Cracked me up.

I love to watch basketball.

** We made a trip to Sam's. O's new beloved friend is Olivia the pig. Here are the 2 of them in Sam's ....

Safety first.

** My girls would eat at P*nera Bread every single day if we would let them. They both love the broccoli & cheese soup. E was really bummed when we wouldn't let her eat there for lunch today. Imagine her surprise when we found this at Sam's ...

So, guess what's for dinner?

** After dinner, we're heading to the movies to see this ...

Good, peaceful Saturday!

What's Really Important

As I was sitting in my class at work yesterday, I was 'halfway' listening to the teacher talk to the kiddies about the letter 'S'. I checked out. I already know the letter 'S' and my mind tends to wander.

I usually think of things I need to do when I get off. Errands I need to run. Instead I was thinking about E, my 8 year old. She's been really quiet lately and that always bothers me. "What's going on, Lord? Will you tell me?" I prayed for her.

Then, I did something I rarely do. I snuck out of my class and walked to hers. I peeked in and saw her working quietly at her desk. I asked her teacher if I could talk to E for a moment.

"Is something wrong, Mom?", she asked.

"No, I was just thinking that you and I could do something tonight. Just the two of us".

Her eyes lit up and she hugged me. (Affirmation I'm on the right track).

I went back to my class and it wasn't long before I was trying to rationalize what I just committed to. What about homework? What about baths and bedtime? It's so cold out. What about this or that? A lot of what ifs?

An hour later, O and I were leaving the school when E's teacher stopped me. She said E had told the class she was going out with JUST HER MOM. She said, "I don't know what you have planned, but you have one excited little girl on your hands".

Planned? I have nothing planned?

Here's the deal ... I always assume with Eric's travel schedule and the time he is away from home that my girls need one on one time with him. Not me. The thought rarely crosses my mind because I am always under the assumption they are sick of me and the amount of time it's just us. But, I realize the time we are together is consumed with time constraints and distractions ... 'get your homework done' ... 'it's bedtime' ... etc. I rarely take the time to just sit quietly while they talk.

We went to E's favorite restaurant and I TURNED OFF MY PHONE. She had my undivided attention. It took a little bit for her to open up, but half-way through dinner the flood gates opened. My word. She talked and talked and talked. I didn't think she would come up for air :) I tried to appear like I wasn't shocked, but inside I was so happy she was talking.

Talking about school, teachers, church, books, friends, her play, etc., etc.

I was learning so much and at the same time felt guilty I hadn't taken the time to listen before now. Ugh .. I hate that feeling.

I asked her where she wanted to go after dinner and she chose B*rnes and N*ble (see, a girl after my own heart :)

We looked at books together. I didn't let myself go to the section I would normally go to ... tonight was all about her.

Do you know what she chose to do?

She asked if we could sit in the middle of the children's section at a table we used to sit at when she was little. She wanted ME to read HER some books. Not just any books ... books I read to her years ago. My avid, chapter-book reader wanted to sit and listen to me read Click, Clack Moo, Goodnight Moon, Knuffle Bunny, Snowy Day, Where the Wild Things Are, etc. More than 15 books!

What on earth?

That moment wasn't wasted on me. I couldn't get that thought out of my mind as I was going to bed last night. What did that mean?

I realize at that moment, E wasn't responsible for anything. Nothing was expected of her. She had no rules to worry about. She just wanted to feel like a little kid again and know her Mom was giving her undivided attention to her.

When will I ever get that right?

My sweet girl that has been so withdrawn and quiet lately happily skipped into school this morning like she had received a re-charge.

The truth is, we both did.

I feel a celebration coming on ...

I'm not really sure what is going on with Blogger, but I've had a hard time posting the past few days. The main one I wanted to post today just will not happen. So, I'll try to say it here ...

Happy Birthday, Eric. You're the best Daddy and Husband I know!

O has a new saying ... "I feel a celebration coming on!" We don't really know what she's talking about half the time, but it seemed appropriate today :)

Although not specifically for his birthday, we had some friends stop by last night. They came bearing platters of Chick-fil-A and a gallon of sweet tea. Brought a tear to my eye - ha!

Then, we played Apples to Apples and the jury is still out on whether or not I like that game. I did win, though. So, maybe I'll give it another chance :) We had a lot of fun! Thank you, sweet friends! What a nice, unexpected treat.

I'll leave you with this video. I think this is so cool. (If you look really hard mid-way through, you'll spot a milisecond of Travis. Not that it's about him or anything ;) Oh, and if you haven't read about his new adventure, go here and start at the beginning. I've learned so much from this recount of God and how He purposes our lives for Him.



How's that for the most random post ever?

Very Random so try to stay awake

I am happy to report it is Friday and we have no snow. That hasn't been the case for the last few weeks and I am loving the sunshine today. Loving it.

I went to the doctor this morning about my headaches. I'm not even having one right now, but I made the appointment when I was, so I decided to keep it. I was told again by a different doctor that I needed a shot to relieve the very tight muscle in my shoulder. (I was offered a shot a year or so ago and refused). I started to freak a little and then said, "Will this guarantee I feel better?" Dr. said, "No". So I replied very maturely, "Me have no guarantee, me have no shot!" Don't you think it's a joy to be my doctor?

Anyway, I left with a prescription and was happy with just that.

Since I was already 'dressed' for the day, and both girls were in school, I decided to head to my old stomping grounds ... the library. Oh, how I miss dropping off my girls at school and heading to the library to study! I could've cried when I walked in. Hey, I could put that on my list of things I love today .... the smell of a library. Nothing like it.

I went to pick up O from school and saw her teacher walking towards me like she had a story to tell. Oh, dear Lord. What now? She says, "Deidre, I hear you have a date this weekend with your hot husband?" Hmmmm .... what's that? It seems O shares a lot with the entire class during snack time. Today she told the class her Mommy thinks her daddy is hot. And that they had to stay at their grandparents this weekend so we could have a hot date.

I thought, "please excuse me while I tear out of here and go apply to change schools". Geez, that child.

Now, we're home and heading out to enjoy the sunshine. We still have to work around the snow in the back yard, but it is atleast warmer. We only have a few hours, though. My hot husband will be home at 3:00 today :)

I Love Exercise!

Today I love the gym.

Hahahahahahaha ..... who am I kidding? Even I can't pull that off.

I do not love it. Not by any stretch of the imagination. But I did go back today after a month-long absence.

Eric was going at the same time so I was motivated to show up. When we talked about it last night I had asked him to 'make me go'. Well, those are tricky words and I could see the worry on his face - ha! He said, "Do I say 'get out of bed and go workout!' or what do you want me to say?" I had to laugh. Mornings here are fragile minutes and he's right .... I would retaliate with him saying, "Get out of bed and go workout!" I'm so stubborn, it would never happen.

Geez. Is anyone else that stubborn????

As it turns out, he didn't say anything and I knew I had to go. A month is a long time to go without running and I really want to run in another 5K at the end of March.

FORTY is quickly approaching and I'm finding it strange that I feel I need to experience some things before then. Get in shape. Running. Hiking. Etc. Etc.

How weird is that?

Happy Day

Photo: Yahoo Image

Today was a genuinely good day.

Around 10:00 am, I thought about how happy and good I felt. Then I gave myself permission to accept it. Didn't even care if anyone else wished it for me :) What a relief it was.

I have had a headache(s) for 8 straight days. Not mild, but the want-to-cry-and-make-yourself-throw-up kind. Miserable.

I've done everything I know to do to help it. I went to my Chiropractor twice, had an hour-long massage on my neck, took naps, sat in dark rooms, dug out year-old pain medicine and begged E to please.stop.all.the.whistling (something she recently learned to do and oh my word, she does not stop!)

Relief was not coming, but then all of a sudden ... today at 10:00 .... I felt good.

So good I cheered a little too much over one of my students learning to tear a piece of paper into tiny pieces. I was so giddy over his new found fine motor skills, I fear I may have frightened him :)

I thought about my day later. When you have been in pain for so long, or maybe just down (for months!), you do need to give yourself permission to be happy. God is trying to give that to us anyway and it's certainly His desire, but so often we have a hard time accepting happiness. Women often feel guilty for answering the 'how are you?' question with "I am great! Couldn't be better!"

Try it sometime. People stare at you like you've lost your mind or feel sorry for you that you don't get you're suppose to appear humble. We have a distorted idea that humility means being miserable.

Yuck!

Today, I'm happy. Not just blessed, but genuinely happy. I may have even laughed.

Even if over tearing bits of paper.

It feels good.

I Love My Sunday School Class

Yesterday was a good day.

After having to cancel twice because of snow, I was finally able to have my Sunday School class over for the afternoon. I teach high school girls. And they are the best. I love them so much.

We've all been through a lot over the past few months. I didn't just lose a best friend in November, but they lost a youth leader as well. Our class has been heavy and weary. Or, atleast that is how I have felt teaching them.

But, yesterday was fun! We made valentines, ate lots of chocolate, drank cherry-limeades, played games and just had fun being together. I needed that. We needed that.

I often think about why I teach these girls. Why on earth would God have me doing this for this season of my life? Will He always?

Aren't they beautiful?

I don't have all the answers, but I know it's where He wants me right now. When I first started teaching them, I felt incredibly inadequate. Talk about insecurity! My past (explained here ) used to keep me from feeling effective or even credible. Now, I teach them with confidence knowing God redeems all things ... all situations ... all decisions.

"Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
For the LORD has called you
Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
Like a youthful wife when you were refused,” says your God.
Isaiah 54: 5-6

How about you? Does your past keep you from allowing God to use you? Do you doubt God's ability to use you? Every single one of us has a ministry and your testimony is the one thing God wants to use to lead others to Him.

My Valentines

I love you!

The LOVE Month - Day 13

To explain today's post, I would have to go back several years and talk about little 'glimpses' God has given me concerning adoption. I won't be able to do that and I honestly don't understand it enough to put into words at this point.

I will say that the 'thought' crossed my mind when trying to conceive my first child wondering if that was the direction God wanted us to take.

Now, it's different. And sometimes the 'feeling' is overwhelming.

I'm learning what it all means from a biblical perspective. I believe God's Word is a lamp to all things .... all situations ... all decisions. So, we wait. And we learn. It could all just mean to make us aware. To pray. Who knows.

I saw this video last week on my friend, Faith's blog. I've watched it more than twenty times since. It reminds me how we are all adopted into the family of God and without that gift, we would not have the promise of eternity in heaven. More than just a 'better life' ... a life in general.



I'm grateful for this gift of love in my life.

Flashback Friday with some LOVE thrown in

So, I have a love-hate relationship with this post. Because I love my husband, I'm going to follow through with a promise to post my own high school pictures since I sold him out a few weeks ago. But, let's be clear. I'm not excited about it.

However, I'm in the middle of reading So Long Insecurity so I figured I would just embrace my 'teen' self and move on.

I also realized I could title this post The One With All The Hair.

Geez.

As a ninth-grader ....

Maybe you're not familiar with the feathered wings. It took a lot of skill to 'feather' your hair back and keep it in place. Especially when your hair is super-fine and not meant to umm ... feather. This is where an extreme amount of Aqua Net comes into play. Maybe this was the 'Farrah' stage although I'm pretty sure that stage had long passed. I'm slow to jump on any trend :) (which makes me never in style.)

In tenth grade ....I fell in love with hot rollers. They were my friend.

And apparently Miss Clairol ultra-blond became a friend as well.

Then came a hair revolution. It changed everything. It brought new heights to my otherwise flat, flat world. It was ....... the perm.

It rocked my super-fine hair world. Combined with deep blue eyeshadow, blue eyeliner and a flipped-up collar? Well, I was a fashion icon.

Cathy and me. Notice the careful placement of my graduation cap.

The biggest lesson I learned about the perm: never let your mother perm your hair. Especially your bangs. And never let her color and perm your hair the night before the school pageant. It will only turn out bad. Your boyfriend will stare at you with mouth wide open and whisper, "Will your hair always be that way?"

Or, so I've heard.

I've had an epiphany today. All of the above could be the reason I am reading So Long Insecurity. Yay, for the book club! Can you hear the chains breaking?

Edited to add: Just got the following email from my friend, Barbara ....

When the Lord says he knows every hair on our head, he had his work cut out on you don’t you think?

Now, that's funny.

Day 11 - Surprises

Photo: Yahoo image

Today I love surprises.

Today has been a little crazy. We had a Valentine's party in my preschool class and the sugar had the kids in overdrive. I wanted to lie down when it was over :) I had the best time helping them put valentines in each other's pouches. That brought back such great memories and I realized this was the first time for these children to do that kind of thing. They couldn't get over all the stuff they were taking home with them. How many times I heard, "Is all of this mine, Mrs. Whale?" (That isn't my last name, but it sounds the same which cracks me up every time they say it :) A few of them surprised me with valentines which I thought was very sweet.

Then, right after school I was having my weekly prayer time with some other teachers and I looked up and saw my cute husband standing in the doorway. He surprised me by showing up to take O and me to lunch. He was out of town last week and this week (only home on Saturday). He got home late last night after we were all in bed. So, that was a great surprise.

I'm still dealing with a headache. I have not been my best this week and have just felt rotten. I went to my chiropractor on the way home. I love the staff there so much. When I walked in, they handed me a flower and some chocolate. Hello? Yum! Great surprise!

When I got home this afternoon my neighbor had put some treats on our front porch for us to enjoy. What a blessing! I forget how simple little gestures can brighten someone's day ... all a part of loving each other. Just to know someone is thinking of you is such a treat, isn't it?

The LOVE Month - Day 10

Let's start today with the things I do NOT love. I do NOT love going on a field trip with O's class to our local airport. Why? We went this morning when it was 26 degrees with a windchill of 10. TEN. The wind was blowing 42 MPH. I know this because I was OUTSIDE most of the time with a giant wind-measurer-thingy flashing. For the love. I had to refrain from using poor language when the guide stopped at the first plane OUTSIDE to talk about its history.

Really? Really, Mr. Tourguide? You're going to make us stand out here with 8 four year olds and talk about the history of all ten planes?

The wind was blowing so hard we couldn't look him in the eye. Just as well. I was probably shooting daggers.

In love, of course.

So, right this minute I love that I am home. My migraine is worse and I'm secretly hoping E can cook us all dinner. It's okay that she's 8, right?

The LOVE Month - Day 9

Today I love ....

** Tylenol PM
** Advil Migraine
** Hot tea with honey
** Quiet, dark rooms
** A day with no alarm clock (although today is NOT one of those)
** My girls laughing
** The smell of vanilla
** E going behind closed doors to read
** My blanket
** My bed
** A HOT bubble bath
** My heating pad
** Watching O eat an M&M (no one enjoys them as much)
** Checking on my girls before I go to bed and realizing they fell asleep holding each other's hand

That's all.

The LOVE Month - Day 8

Working through a gazillion things today. And with a major migraine at that. Ever have one of those days? When you feel like it's taking foooorever to reach lunchtime? Whew. Eric sensed my heaviness today and prayed for me over the phone. I perked up with these words ... "Father, we ask for the grace today that Deidre didn't know she would need, but is available to her". Don't know why that got me, but I tear up each time I think about it.

Today I love God and the way He writes a story that only He could.

I don't know if you've followed Debra's journey in the adoption of her son. I found her blog a couple of years ago and was on pins and needles last week as the story unfolded. I think I screamed out loud when she was finally able to hug her son.

Just beautiful.

Read this.

May God pour out His grace on you today that you didn't even know you would need .... but is available!! Praise you, Lord!

The LOVE Month - Days 6 and 7

It was not my intention to skip posting yesterday. I thought about it many times, but just couldn't work it out. I've been busy setting up a blog for my Sunday School class and posting there.

BUT .....

I have loved watching my girls love others this weekend.

Friday night was messy here as far as weather. It was pouring rain! But, all day E had an idea to bless the neighbors with baked goods. So, we baked breakfast cheesecake and brownie cookie bars and packed them up for our neighbors.

I personally felt it appropriate that it was pouring rain outside. Instead of dismissing the idea, we talked about the importance of following through with what God lays on our hearts eventhough it's uncomfortable.

So, my girls got dressed with raincoats, rainboots and umbrellas and went out in the cold to deliver the goods.

The biggest lesson was the discussion on whether or not to give one to a certain boy who had been 'ugly' to my girls all week. E and O were pretty adamant about skipping that house. So, I sat down with them and read Luke 6:32-35 ...


"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil."

Goodness, that's a hard lesson, isn't it?

E was all giggles when she got back home and had visited the one house she didn't want to visit.

The funniest part was when O came home visibly upset because she was short baked goods for 3 houses. She was begging me to let her give them a bag of cheese crackers. Bless her heart! She wouldn't let us rest before giving those houses something, so I helped her make 3 goody bags of chocolates. She made Eric take her right then to deliver them. So funny!

It's a start. We're learning a lot and having many discussions about how to share God's love.

The LOVE Month - Day 5

No school for us today. We had freezing rain all night and the roads were too icy this morning. I'm okay with that. Al though, all this is making me a little nervous we will spend some of our Spring Break making up snow days. I do NOT love that idea. We have vacation plans and we will NEED that time in a few months. So, here's hopin' that doesn't happen.

You have no idea what lengths I went to yesterday to dig out my old high school pictures like I promised you I would. It took me a sweet forever to find them in the attic. The very cold, dark attic. Once I found them, I did a happy dance and then looked at them with O. I'm sure she didn't see the excitement. Quite honestly, after looking at them, I didn't either. Geez. What was I thinking?

Anyway, all this is one big teaser because I cannot for the life of me get my scanner to work (maybe God is trying to protect me?). I am thinking it's because my print cartridge is out (would that keep my scanner from working?). I don't know, but I will continue to try.

So, with all that nonsense said, I'll tell you what I love today.

Today, I love (and am thankful for) O's glasses.

One year ago this week, I took O to the eye doctor for what I thought was an allergy - expecting to get some type of cream. I was shocked to find out during that appointment that my baby needed glasses.

It was a complete God-moment that I was there. She had an allergic reaction to my parents' dog months before which caused her right eye to swell shut. She woke the next morning holding her eye shut to talk to us, read a book or watch television. I thought it was just irritated.

She did this for a few months (I'm quick to react to things), so I took her for an eye exam. If my good friend didn't work for this eye doctor, I would have taken her to our family doctor instead and we feel sure he would have missed the real problem.

Here she is one year ago. Bless her heart. Her eyes were dialated and we were waiting for the doctor. Completely clueless as to what the real problem was.

So, on that day, O got glasses. A whole new world.

We went back for a check-up on Tuesday and she needs a new perscription. Here she is waiting on the doctor.

It was a long wait.

So E decided to entertain us a little.

Well, a lot. I think she was 'cheering'. Or dancing. Not sure which.

I got bored and took a picture of my rain boots.

Because I love them.

But, I love this little girl more! O, you are so beautiful in your glasses! Mommy loves you!

The LOVE Month - Day 4

Oh, I already have a million things I want to share that goes right along with these posts. But, most of it will have to wait. Let's just say God is working in the minds of my precious girls (and mine!) and I love how it's all coming together. (Hint: O shared with her class yesterday what Valentine's is about in her home and HER idea is spreading into something bigger. That has E thinking and so now the possibilities are through the roof.)

God is amazing! My girls are believing it this week. We can believe Him or not, it's our choice. I love it when He does things that prove to my girls' young minds that He is faithful, present and down-right GOOD.

I'll share more later.

Today I love my Scripture Spiral.

Or maybe I should say I love the WORDS in my Scripture Spiral (I'm capitalizing it because it's just that important :)

Memorizing scripture in an organized way has been life-changing for me. When 2010 rolled around, I went out and bought a new Spiral, but felt so attached to mine from 2009, I just decided to use it again. I'm going to keep it going and continue to say the 24 verses I learned in 2009 along with my new ones.

I love having it with me at all times, ready to pull out when I need a reminder or I sense an attack from the enemy. Nothing scares him off like God's Word.

I have some really great scriptures I'm working on already.

The LOVE Month - Day 3

What I love: my girls' ideas!

I have to tell you that posting about things I love each day is going to be a favorite for me. I'm not only going to post about things I love, but how we (as a family) are going to use this month to reach out to others. Things are falling into place and I am excited.

Let me explain ...

In June, I read The Hole in Our Gospel and felt such conviction to change my life in the area of giving. I tend to get caught up in my everyday life and want to shut my family behind closed doors and keep to ourselves. That's me. Which is fine except it contradicts everything Scripture tells me is right.

I won't go into all the other details, but let's just say God is teaching me what this should look like for me and my family. I'm not anywhere close to where I need to be ... nowhere close! ... but, I'm listening and praying for guidance.

I feel like we live in such excess and always want more. It's a difficult balance, but I admit I've been tipping the scale too much on the selfish side.

Now, I'm reading Crazy Love and it only drives home more the message God is sending me.

Just look at both of these books. The sticky notes hold the place of pages I felt important. They are both loaded with them! I think I just need to read each one in it's entirety again :)

So we've had a lot of conversations and we're seeking God's direction in many areas that need improvement. And my girls are listening.

During prayer time last night, I told the girls again I wanted them to really think about what God would have them do this month. How will He ask you to serve someone else, which is ultimately serving the One True God?

It comes as no surprise that E is making a list

But O, my 4 year old, that doesn't get into such discussions sat up in bed, looking so giddy and saying, "I know! We can send gifts to the military!". Alright, then. After she said it, E told us she knows of a person (through school) who is in Iraq and she has the address and list of what they need. So, an idea was born .... and my girls fell asleep discussing what they were going to do to help.

I am so excited about this. It's a baby step, ofcourse, to what I feel God is calling us to do. But, I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to see it all come together - even in my girls' minds. My prayer is that I will allow them to think of their own ways to serve. I will help them with little decisions as they need it, but I want their outreach to be a complete product of what they envision.

God, you are good! And clever! We love you!

The LOVE Month - Days 1 & 2

I used to despise this month. As a young girl, I would beg to lay out of school on Valentine's Day (either that or just pretend I was sick). At the end of each period, announcements would be made over the intercom calling names, summoning girls to the office to pick up flowers sent to them by their boyfriends.

Yuck! I hated that. My name was never called.

It's not that I never had a date in high school. I did. Just never with a guy that thought enough of me to give me flowers - ha!

Not sure what made me think of that.

Moving on ...

Now that I have a beautiful family, I actually enjoy this month. I even put out a few decorations.

And let's face it, it's a perfect time to talk with your children about perfect love and how that only comes from a perfect God. My girls and I have had conversations just this week about how sometimes the only way to love people well is to love God first and with all our hearts. Without a close relationship with Him, we cannot possibly love His creation.

During the month of February, we're making a list of things we love. (We're even doing it on a paper chain - I know! - another one, but my girls are visual learners). I told them it's okay to list something 'trivial'. What is important to them is important to God. We're also doing a few things as a family this month to show love to others. I'm excited about these things and will post about them as we do them. I've asked E and O to come up with their own list of how to show love to others. I am already amazed at what they've come up with. This will be fun!

So, I plan to post each day on things I love ... some things may be trivial, some spiritual, but honest. I can't wait to see how God stretches us this month.

Yesterday, I said I loved snow .....

The girls are having fun playing with neighborhood friends and we are enjoying our days at home!

Today, I love my girls ...

Sounds like a 'given', but I can't let this month pass without listing how thankful I am for such beautiful, kind and funny girls. I am blessed.

Happy LOVE month! Wanna play along? Let me know if you do.

Yummy for My Tummy

First of all, I need to mention my new design my friend, Faith did for me. I know I've had more than a few new designs, but what can I say, I'm a girl who likes change. I love it so much! If you're looking for a new design, you should click here. Faith is the best.

Now, for some recipes.

Both of these recipes are from Paula Deen's Cookbook for the Lunch Box Set.

It's actually a kid's cookbook, so I bought it for E. Let's just say we're both enjoying it.

We finally polished off the last of the breakfast cheesecake. So delicious.

Breakfast Cheesecake

2 Cans 8-count crescent rolls
1 16oz. block of cream cheese
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 stick butter
2 tsps. cinnamon

Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Open one can of crescent rolls and lay on bottom of dish so they make one large rectangle (pushing sides together).

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla. Mix well with electric mixer. Using rubber spatula, spread over crescent rolls.

Open second can of crescent rolls and lay over cream cheese so they make one large rectangle.

Melt stick of butter in microwave. Mix with 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon with a spoon. Using the spoon, sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the casserole.

(Here is where the recipe says to cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. We were too impatient and cooked it immediately.)

Bake at 350 degrees (uncovered) for 30-35 minutes.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortillas

1 lb. Strawberries
2 kiwis, peeled
2 Golden Delicious Apples, peeled
1 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. brown sugar
1 Tbs. frozen limeade concentrate
1 pkg. 8 inch flour tortillas
Cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Finely chop the strawberries, apples and kiwis by hand. You can use a food processor, but make sure to use the pulse button. You do not want puree.

Place the fruit in a medium bowl. Stir in sugar, brown sugar and limeade concentrate. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to serve, no more than 4 hours.

Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut each tortilla into eighths. Lightly brush each one with water. (This is the part I would do different next time. Al though they were delicious, I would brush with butter - because everything is better with butter. Hey, that's a Paula Deen quote, isn't it?).

Sprinkle tortilla pieces with cinnamon sugar. Back on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes. (I'm telling you, when the first batch came out of the oven, O had them eaten before the next ones were done).

Serve with fruit salsa. Yum!

Very Random

No school today! Yippeee! I'm not sure why that makes me so happy today, but I am. And praying for no school tomorrow!

Funny thing about being snowed in ... we knew the snow was coming so we stocked up on groceries (way more than just bread or milk) so we wouldn't have to go out. We realized yesterday afternoon Hershey (the guinea pig) was out of hay. Hershey whines if he doesn't have hay. Mama can't stand to hear Hershey whine. So, we ventured out. I'm glad I did because now I know I can go out today because the main roads are fine. My neighborhood streets are covered, but even those are manageable.

So, I have a few things on my mind ...

1) If you have sent me a comment and/or email lately and are not hearing back from me, it's because I cannot respond to you. Some of you have asked me questions that I really want to respond to but can't. Your profiles will not allow me to. So, if this is you, please leave me your email addresses so I can get an answer back to you.

2) Anonymous commenters. Oh, how I love getting your comments. I sense that most of you are women I go to church with. Why, oh why, won't you tell me who you are?? Just leave your initials at the bottom of the comment or something hinting to who you are.

3) Yes, we made the fruit salsa with cinnamon tortillas last night. Delicious! I know for a fact I will make cinnamon tortillas often to store in a ziploc bag for my pantry. O has deep love for them. We used strawberries, kiwi and apples for our fruit. E doesn't like most fruits, but ate this. I told her afterwards what she was eating. I'm sneaky like that. Maybe I'll post this recipe later.

4) Possibly the most important. I'm looking for a bread machine. Yes, I could make it all from scratch but I am told a bread machine would make my life easier. And fulfilled. I am looking for easy and fulfilled in my life - ha! I'm checking Ebay and Amazon, but need some guidance. Any ideas?

5) O just snuggled up next to me and said the sweetest thing. She said, "I love snuggling with my Mama. She wouldn't snuggle with me all weekend cause she snuggled only with Daddy". For the record this is completely false, but it cracks me up coming from her.

6) Still going through old pictures and found some from vacation last Spring. Makes me want to plan a vacation ....