WHAT CAN YOU MAKE OUT OF "JUNK"?

SOME "TAG SALE" FINDS...

I love "junk"! I don't mean trash but "old things" that some may call junk. I can just see ................something in that robin egg blue frame; those old frames; a bowl to mix my cookies in; even an old jar to hold some cinnamon....

It seems I like to turn something old into something useful and new. I also enjoy the history behind some items such as an "old vintage children's book" use by a mother years ago as they sat reading to their child. A potato masher used back in the 40's by a mother making Sunday dinner. Old raspberry and cream dishes that donned a table set for guests in a home.

Most things I find are inexpensive or even thrown away! If I can find a use for it I take it a make it a part of my home. If not; I let it go and be on its way....

Isnt that how some people are to us? They dont look new on the package outside. They may be not as bright and shiny as others. They may have rough spots on them. They may have been through a "flood" in their lives or scorched by the sun....

But..........we can help by trying to "love them back to life"............
A simple smile. Sometimes an encouraging word or note given. Picking them up; dusting them off and giving them hope......... Looking for the "good glittering" inside of them Leading them toward the One who can change lives and give hope! Being a friend. Giving them time to grow....

What can you make out of "junk" in your life?

HE LEADETH ME.....HE LEADETH ME....

I HAVE ENJOYED WATCHING MY SWEET
GRANDDAUGTER THESE DAYS....
SHE REALLY ENJOYS THE "BALL SET"
HER GRANDPA BOUGHT HER FOR CHRISTMAS
SHE TAKES THE LITTLE PLASTIC COLORED
BALLS AND PUTS DOWN THE MIDDLE
AND LITTLE MUSIC PLAYS AND SHE LAUGHS
AND LAUGHS...WE ALL DO TOO!
ENJOYING THE FIRST REALLY WARM
DAY OUTSIDE....NOTE WE STILL NEED
A JACKET AND MAYBE A HAT.....
SHE CAN USE HER LITTLE PUSH BIKE
AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE....
" I CAN CARRY MY OWN LITTLE PUPPY"
GRANDMA.......

I have been singing the song "He leadeth me all morning long".... I remember when a friend (Mrs. Julie Fink") told how she would choose a song to keep in her heart and mind all day long.

As I was walking my granddaughter outside on the sidewalk the other day.........I was reminded ...how "He leadeth me" each day. Sometimes I choose to go my own ways. Sometimes my emotions may tell me to go another way and I end up in my own mud and muck wondering why and how I wandered into this. Sometimes I think I can walk alone and do my own thing
controlling and leading my own ways only to find myself walking into danger or away from the one that loves me the most............

As I stood by my granddaughter I would let go of her hand ..... and she would walk alone to
sit on her scooter and then take off but always looking back to see if I was there. And I was. I love her sooo much that I only want the best for her. I want to protect her. I want to love her.
I want to teach her so that she can someday go on her own. But..........you know what I will always be there. Maybe not by her side as a "young child" but in her heart as a "grandma" that
loves her with all my heart!

Isnt that how our God is? He loves us with all of His heart.

I pray that I never loose sight of knowing that He is always there for me. I am never alone.

He leadeth me...........He leadeth me!

BARGINS AND BLESSINGS...THIS AND THAT

THERE DOESNT SEEM A WEEK TO GO BY
THAT I DO NOT FIND A "BLESSING" BARGAIN
ON MY GROCERY'S. THIS WEEK I FOUND
SEVERAL TINS OF ORGANIC BABY LETTUCE;
OUR FAVORITE DANNON YOGURTS; GREEN
AND YELLOW PEPPERS (A COUPLE OF THESE)
AND DELICIOUS APPLES ALL .99 ! THE
CASHIER TOLD ME THE DAYS THEY MARK
THESE DOWN.....
I MADE A RUN TO THE "THRIFT STORE"
NEAR-BY TO PICK UP SOME MORE "BASKET
SHREDS FOR .25 A PIECE TO REPLACE THOSE
I HAD USED. I FOUND THESE FRESH "CRATE
AND BARREL" KITCHEN TOWELS (LOOKED
NEW) FOR .25 A PIECE AND A NEEDED LADLE
FOR .25.........
MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR SOME
SHEETS TO BRING "SPRING" INTO HER ROOM.
I FOUND THIS NICE SHAM; SHEET AND PILLOWCASE
AGAIN UNDER A $1 AND THIS LITTLE BIRD CAGE
SHE MIGHT USE FOR .50.



I WANTED TO SEND SOME COOKIES TO MY
FRIEND WHO'S MOM WENT TO HEAVEN LAST
WEEK ..I WAS IN A HURRY SO I USED A LITTLE
MIX ON SALE FROM THE STORE...SOMETIMES
ITS JUST THE THOUGHT TO SAY I CARE...
CHOCOLATE CHIPS COOKIES SEEM TO MAKE
EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT SOMETIMES......


It seems life has been busy this week. My daughter and I attended a really sweet baby shower
this week. She helped me put together a pretty basket filled with things the baby might need in
the coming months ahead.....I thought it turned out nice. I will post pictures soon. Its so nice
for ladies to get together and be excited for another as they begin a new part of their lives....

I had another friend I just wanted to do something for but didnt have the time to make a big
meal so chocolate chip cookies went in a pretty bag along with a homemade card. I try and ask
God to show me in my "corner of the world" who needs His love......

In this time when everyone is "running like chicken little" about the economy .....I go to the grocery store ( asking God for His leading) and am "Surprised" of the bargains he gives me
to care for my family.

I made a stop at our local thrift store....(it seems everyone is seeing the bargains there now as even their prices go up)..and again (I ask God for His leading).... I see many pretty things I could use later but I try and stay focused on my spending and my purpose for an item. If I have a
few dollars to spend ; then that "beautiful picture" must be put back to be found for later at a
discount or for someone else to find...... But I come out with what I need and feel better that
I stayed in my budget.

God wants us to lean on Him in everything we do......just as we lead our children

Have you had any bargains are blessings this week??

GOOD MORNING MONDAY...SPRING FUN

I SAW THIS CUT CENTERPIECE ONLINE
AND THOUGHT I MIGHT MAKE IT FOR
MY TABLE CENTERPIECE FOR MY LADIES
MEETING IN MARCH.........SO SPRINGTIME!
I FOUND THESE BRAND NEW EASTER BASKETS
FOR .50 A PIECE AT THE THRIFT STORE AND THE
GRASS AND EGGS FOR .25 ! I KNOW OF 10 BASKETS
I AM MAKING.......
IF I BEGIN NOW....I CAN FILL THEM LITTLE
BY LITTLE AND THAT CUTS DOWN ON COST
MRS. BUNNY WAS ONLY .50 THAT DAY SO
I COULDN'T PASS HER UP. I THOUGHT MY
MOM WOULD ENJOY HER.............


I pray you had a wonderful and blessed weekend. We had some snow but the biggest snowstorm went elsewhere and for that I am thankful....

You know how much I love Mondays!!! Sunday is such a great boost of encouragement after going to church and hearing such a great and encouraging sermon. Our pastor reminded us again that with all going on in our country and its financial ups and downs we need to remember God is in control and knows all this. God wants us to pray for our country and the needs of others. He loves us and cares even for the smallest sparrow!

As I was walking toward the car yesterday morning my body shivered with the icy cold winds ; yet there they were....those Spring birds that came early to my area. They were up and singing their beautiful songs just for me! They remind that Spring is coming ......

I put out all my bright colored Easter baskets on my craft table ready and waiting to be filled with fun little items for some well deserved children. I am also planning for guest to come to come in March to stay for about a week so extra cleaning ; bedding ; little bags to have in their rooms will be filled. My ladies meeting will be a potluck but I want the ladies to enjoy "Springtime" when they come and am planning a dish to have and some goodies to pass out.

But......as I prepare for March Madness I cannot forget my dailys . Today I must change sheets; do laundry; sweep and clean other areas; wipe down and clean kitchen and bathrooms; plan dinner ( Pork Chops; potatoes; and broccoli) and go to a baby shower this evening.

I pray you have a wonderful Monday!!! Are you thinking Spring where you are??

STUFFED SHELLS...................A DINNER

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS


I tried this the other evening and my husband loved it! It was easy; and smelled so good.
This is a great potluck dish to take. PS. I didnt have bacon so left that out and it was great and
Sub the ricotta cheese for sour cream ( I used less).

Ingredients

1/2 box (20 shells)	BARILLA Jumbo Shells
1 jar	BARILLA Italian Baking Sauce
1 tablespoon	extra virgin olive oil
2	bacon slices, chopped
1 cup	chopped onion
1 bag (10 ounces)	fresh baby spinach, trimmed
3 cups	ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon	salt
1/8 teaspoon	freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup	freshly grated Parmigiano cheese

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees.
COOK Jumbo Shells according to package directions; drain. Cover and set aside.
HEAT oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and onion; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat; stir in ricotta cheese, salt and pepper.
RESERVE 1 cup of Italian Baking Sauce; pour remainder into 13x9-inch baking dish. Fill shells with spinach mixture; place in dish. Pour remaining Sauce over Jumbo Shells; cover with foil.
BAKE for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese; broil 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned
BEEF AND SPINACH

CLEANING; RIDDING; AND ADDING FRESH ANEW

THIS WEEK I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO
A LITTLE "SPRING CLEANING".....
FOUND THIS BASKET FOR .50 AND ADDED
SOME WHITE TULIPS. I WILL ADD SOME
PINK TULIPS TO THESE.........
I HAVE LAUGHED AND LAUGHED AT THIS
PROJECT. I TOOK AN OLD BOARD I FOUND
IN THE GARAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE
A NEW HEADBOARD FOR OUR BED WITH THE
PRETTY BLUE AND WHITE FABRIC. THIS IS
A PROCESS IN WORK........
I MADE A SHELF WITH THIS PRETTY CREAM
BOX AND IT WAS PERFECT FOR THIS PRETTY
BLUE AND BROWN BOX FOR MY "SPRING ROOM"
THIS IS THE CLEAR BOX I MADE INTO A
SMALL SHELF...........
THIS IS THE "NEW SOFA" GIVEN TO ME
FROM AUNT LYN. THE PICTURE IS OF
A B & B I LOVE THAT MY SISTER BARBARA
BROUGHT FOR ME ONE TIME. I WILL HANG
IT ABOVE THE SOFA.............
I TOOK ONE TABLE OUT OF ANOTHER ROOM
TO MAKE A WHOLE NEW LOOK.......
THE DINING ROOM TABLE DONS PRETTY
SPRING/SUMMER COLORS... I GOT THE
RUNNER FOR .50 THIS WINTER
HERE IS A HALF PICTURE OF A BEAUTIFUL
TABLE FROM MY SISTER IN LAW. ITS HUGE
AND I HAVE ADDED SOME "EASTER SPRING"
BUNNIES AND A LARGE WHITE BASKET TO IT.
THIS LITTLE BUNNY SITS IN THE CORNER
OF MY BATHROOM WITH PRETTY FRENCH
SOAPS.....
A PRETTY YELLOW "SPRING" HANDTOWEL
BRINGS SUNSHINE INTO THE BATHROOM.

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN A BIT OF "SPRING CLEANING" EVEN THOUGH SNOW SITS UPON MY FRONT LAWN....

I HAVE BEEN RIDDING OUT BIT MY BIT IN EACH ROOM WHILE DOING MY DAILY THINGS. AS I TAKE OUT ONE THING AND PUT AWAY I HAVE ADDED SOME "SPRING" TO SOME ROOMS.....

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING OUR BEDROOM INTO A FRESH ROOM FOR SPRING .... I HAVE ADDED SOME IDEAS AND WORKING ON OTHERS.......

I AM HAPPY WITH THE NEW THINGS THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN . I WILL BE HOSTING A LADIES MEETING IN MARCH AND HAVING GUEST STAYING FOR A WEEK SO IT IS NICE TO SPRUCE THINGS UP FOR THEM TO ENJOY AS WELL.

I LOVE THE CHANGING OF SEASONS AS THEY COME....(EVEN THOUGH WE ARE EXPECTING A SNOWSTORM TONIGHT HA). THEY ALWAYS GIVE US NEW BEGINNINGS AND GOALS TO ATTAIN.

YOU MAY BE IN A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHERE THERE IS NO HOPE.... NO VISION...
BUT YOU MAY REMEMBER ; GOD KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE...... AND IN THAT PLACE KEEP LOOKING UP AND TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME IN YOUR DAILY WALK WITH HIM.........

I CAN REMEMBER WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE HOSPITAL (2 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH) HOW I WOULD GET UP EACH DAY; PRAY/READ MY BIBLE AND GET DRESSED UP AS NICE AS POSSIBLE. WHY??? WHEN I WOULD BE JUST SITTING IN A WAITING ROOM OR HOSPITAL ROOM. BECAUSE ........"I AM A CHILD OF THE KING" AND I HAVE A PLACE. WHEN MY HUSBAND WOULD BE AWAKE DURING THOSE TIMES I WANTED HIM
TO SEE A SMILING PLEASANT WIFE. DID I FEEL LIKE DOING ALL THAT? NOT ALWAYS. BUT.........I WAS DOING MY BEST WHERE I WAS.

WHERE ARE YOU TODAY? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ADD TO YOUR DAY? CLEAN OUT UNDER THAT BATHROOM CABINET? GO TO THE GROCERY WITH A PLAN EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT YOU FAVORITE THING TO DO? SIT IN A HOSPITAL HOUR AFTER HOUR WAITING? ...........

TAKE THIS DAY AND WALK WITH HIM WHO LOVES YOU.....

A GOOD DAY...........THIS AND THAT

TODAY WAS A DAY FILLED WITH SUNSHINE
I HAD A BUSY FULL DAY AND THEN A GUEST FOR OUR DINNER..........
I FIXED A SPECIAL CHICKEN DISH;BAKED POTATOES
BISCUITS AND TOSSED GREEN SALAD..............
THE CHICKEN WAS TENDER AND HAD A GREAT SAUCE...........
WARM BISCUITS WITH HEALTHY "BUTTER" SO GOOD...
AFTER DINNER MY GRANDDAUGHTER GOT TO ENJOY
HER FIRST COLORING BOOK.............
SHE IS TRYING TO MAKE IT PRETTY BUT
NOT ON THE CHAIR!.....
HER GRANDMA WILL ENJOY ANY PICTURE SHE
MAKES AND HANG IN ON THE REFRIGERATOR.

Today was a good day........

A day filled with good things like a warm breakfast and sunshine. A day to go to my ladies missions meeting where our leader told us of many good things others are doing and prayer needs. Where fun and fellowship and a nice breakfast was made for us. Where we made a couple of baskets to give out to others to say we care....

A day filled with family that worked hard. Dinner made. Guest. Tummies full and then relaxing watching our granddaughter..........

A day to be thankful for His goodness in your life................

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING.........

"OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING"....................


A touch of "Spring" is in the air here today. .. as I sing "Oh what a beautiful morning"......
Yes there is snow on the ground and the air is crisp and icy cold but I can hear the "Spring birds as some of flown back into the area to start a new season.

Valentines day is now gone but was a treat in so many ways. My husband surprised me with a beautiful red and black sweater for Spring and a pretty silver necklace. I wore it to church on Sunday. But as life would go he became ill due to a new medicine he was given last week and his sugars were all over the place ( diabetes).
Even though he felt bad; he and my son in law drove out of town that afternoon and brought back some new pieces of furniture given to us by my sister and brother in law. I was taken back and blessed completely of the pretty new things to add to my home. They are beautiful!

Other blessings included that my mom had some skin cancer surgery this past week and they got it all. My sister took her to have it done and said she was so brave at 89. Many of my family members came down with a "bug" this past week including "grandma (me)" but it all cleared up by Sunday. Then we enjoyed a wonderful church service filled with many precious things.....

I am looking forward to many things as "Spring" approaches. I look forward to working on our garden and getting it ready early this year. I am planning on making over my bedroom to bring in "fresh new colors" and brighten it up. I have already began organizing. I am looking forward to Springtime walks and enjoying the pond and hearing the birds sing their songs and bring joy to my heart. I am looking forward to holidays and have purchased "baskets" early for .50 a piece to fill and give away. I also take this time of year to organize different areas and rid and clean out
and have things in their place for Spring /Summer to come.

"Oh what a beautiful morning" Oh what a beautiful day" .............What do you have to be Thankful for today??"

SPRING SEWING PROJECTS....THIS AND THAT

HERE IS SOME FABRIC GIVEN BY A FRIEND
I THINK I WILL TAKE HALF OF IT AND MAKE
A SPRING SKIRT AND THE OTHER HALF AND
MAKE A SWAG CURTAIN FOR MY BEDROOM...
I ALSO FOUND THIS LITTLE BASKET FOR CENTS..
AND WILL ADD IT TO MY "SPRING BEDROOM"
I AM WORKING ON............
MY OLDEST DAUGHTER MADE SEVERAL BRIGHT
CRISP "SKIRTS" TO GO WITH MY YOUNGEST
DAUGHTERS "SCRUBS" FOR HER NEW JOB!
I FOUND THIS FABRIC AND LOVED THE COLORS
IN IT. MY DAUGHTER MADE IT INTO A SIMPLE
SKIRT FOR ME TO WEAR THIS SPRING.

SHE HAD FABRIC LEFT OVER SO SHE MADE
BABY ELLA A CUTE SUMMER SKIRT TOO!
ISNT SHE ADORABLE???

THIS WEEK WE HAD "ONE DAY" OF SPRING!!!!! IT WAS ALMOST 62 DEGREES! WHAT A HEATWAVE! AFTER ALL THE SNOW WE HAVE HAD THIS YEAR IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!

I WAS ABLE TO GO WITH MY DAUGHTER TO LOOK FOR FABRIC FOR HER TO USE AT WORK. I LOVE THE FABRIC STORE!! ITS FUNNY THOUGH AS I AM "NOT" A SEWING PERSON. I CAN READ A PATTERN; MAYBE CUT IT OUT AND SEW SOME ON A MACHINE BUT IT DOESNT NOT LOOK REALLY NICE WHEN I AM DONE. HA

I LOVE TO SEE ALL THE COLORS OF FABRICS AND I CAN LOOK AT A SCRAP OF FABRIC AND SEE A PILLOW; CURTAIN; SKIRT; TABLECOVERING BUT I ASK FOR HELP WHEN PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER. MY DAUGHTER SEWS AND HAS HELPED ME OUT THAT WAY........

I WAS ALSO ABLE TO SEND OUT MY "COOKIE PACKAGE" TO MY SON AND DAUGHTER IN LAW! THEY CALLED LAST NIGHT AND I THINK BY THE SOUND OF CRUNCHING THEY ARE ENJOYING THEIR VALENTINE PACKAGE!!

I WENT TO GET MY HAIR CUT AND STYLED. THE SALON LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL AND THE LADY WHO DOES MY HAIR IS ALWAYS SO KIND AND HELPFUL AND ANSWERS ANY QUESTIONS I MIGHT HAVE. THE PRODUCTS SMELL SOOO GOOD THAT I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A SPA! WHEN I GOT DONE MY HUSBAND CALLED AND WANTED TO TAKE ME OUT TO LUNCH ! I FELT SO SPOILED! IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL TIME WE HAD AND I THANKED HIM!

I WAS THANKING GOD HOW SIMPLE MOMENTS IN OUR LIVES CAN BE VERY SPECIAL. A LUNCH WITH HUSBAND; ROCKING YOUR GRANDBABY WHO WAS SICK WITH A FEVER QUIETLY SINGING TO SOOTHE HER; LAUGHING WITH YOUR DAUGHTERS; PRAYING FOR A FRIEND; TALKING WITH YOUR SISTERS FAR AWAY;
SHARING COOKIES WITH THOSE YOU LOVE SENT WITH LOVE; PRAYING FOR OUR PRESIDENT AND HIS FAMILY; ENJOYING THE WARM SUNSHINE ON YOUR FACE;
WAITING WITH YOUR HUSBAND IN THE DRS OFFICE AND HAVING A SURPRISE VISIT
FROM YOUR HEART SURGEON AND SEEING HIS EYES FILL WITH TEARS AND BOTH OUR HEARTS OVERCOME; WATCHING YOUR DAUGHTER COME IN FROM A LONG HARD DAYS WORK OF HELPING OTHERS............

SO MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR..........HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU!!

PINK...PINK... AND MORE PINK............

PINK.....PINK....AND MORE PINK


VALENTINES DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER AND I AM SEEING PINK EVERYWHERE.
I ENJOY THE COLOR PINK..........IT SEEM SO FEMININE!!

WHEN I MARRIED 30 YEARS AGO I CAME FROM A FAMILY OF 5 GIRLS AND 1 BOY AND MY HUSBAND CAME FROM A FAMILY OF 3 BOYS AND 1 GIRL. MY HUSBAND ENJOYED ANYTHING HIS BROTHERS DID. THEY WRESTLED; LOOKED FOR SNAKES; PLAYED OUTSIDE IN ANY WEATHER; RODE BIKES DOWN DEEP HILLS; PLAYED BASEBALL; WORKED ALONGSIDE THEIR DAD LOADING AND UPLOADING FURNITURE. HE WAS ALL BOY AS THEY SAY....

MY SISTERS AND I ENJOYED PLAYING WITH DOLLS; WORKING IN OUR GARDEN; HELPING MY MOM COOK AND CLEAN THE HOUSE; READ BOOKS; SKIPPED; RODE BIKES ( WITH OUR BANANA SEATS) HA HA ; DOWN THE ROAD; PLAYED DRESS UP; AND WORKED ON OUR EDUCATION.

BUT WHEN WE MEANT AND FELL IN LOVE; HE "LOVED" MY SWEET SMELLING PERFUME THAT HIS BROTHERS NEVER HAD.....

STILL 30 YEARS LATER; HE SAYS HE LOVES WHEN I AM "FEMININE". THESE DAYS IT TAKES SO MUCH MORE EFFORT TO STAY THAT WAY. BUT SOMEHOW WHEN I AM SURROUNDED BY PINK I REMEMBER THINGS LIKE "LOVE"...... AND I DONT EVER WANT HIM TO FORGET THAT "GIRL" HE MEANT YEARS AGO SO I TRY AND :

. KEEP MY HAIR CLEAN AND SOFT
. KEEP MY SKIN SOFT AND SMOOTH
. KEEP MY NAILS DONE SIMPLY OR WITH SOME POLISH
. KEEP MY CLOTHES PRESSED AND FEMININE
. KEEP MY "SPIRIT" KIND AND LOVING

THESE ARE JUST A FEW THINGS THAT "PINK" REMINDED ME OF TODAY.
"SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE"............."PINK"

VALENTINES EVERYWHERE....THIS AND THAT

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN BAKING THESE
LITTLE VALENTINE COOKIES
THE RECIPE IS FROM MY RECIPE ON
THE SIDEBAR "MAMAS FOLD OVER COOKIES
THEY MADE SO MANY....WE FROSTED THEN
ADDED HEART SPRINKLES........
FIRST I MIXED THE BUTTER AND SUGARS..
ADDED FRESH EGG YOLKS............
ALL PUT IT ALL TOGETHER...........
MY HUSBAND MADE THESE AND OTHER
ANIMAL SHAPES FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER
FOR A FUN BREAKFAST...........
SHAPES ARE JUST MAKE THOSE PANCAKES
FEEL MORE SPECIAL TO EAT..........

I HAD A VERY BUSY WEEKEND! MY HUSBAND AND I WATCHED OUR SWEET GRANDDAUGHTER WHILE THEIR MOMMY AND DADDY WENT TO A VALENTINE RETREAT SPONSORED BY OUR CHURCH.

WE LOVED IT!!! MY HUSBAND MADE BREAKFAST SPECIAL BY MAKING ANIMAL; AND HEART SHAPED PANCAKES. I EVEN GOT TO ENJOY SOME OF THOSE! I REMEMBER WHEN OUR CHILDREN WERE YOUNG HE WOULD ALWAYS MAKE THEM THESE SPECIAL PANCAKES. ... THEY LOVED IT AND LAUGHED AND OOOHED AT WHAT SHAPE
HE WOULD MAKE FOR THEM NEXT.........HE TOLD ME LATER MOST OF THE TIME HE WOULD MAKE ANY SHAPE AND THEN THEY WOULD SAY THINGS LIKE "ITS A MOUSE; A TREE; A HORSE.... AND SO BE IT!! HA

I MADE "SPAGHETTI PIE "ONCE AGAIN FOR A MEAL. MY HUSBAND LOVED IT! I FOUND THIS RECIPE THROUGH "NO PLACE LIKE HOME". I FEEL ITS A DELICIOUS; INEXPENSIVE AND NICE MEAL TO HAVE OR GIVE.

THEN ...I WORKED ON FINISHING MY VALENTINE COOKIES. I MADE THE DOUGH ONE DAY THEN PUT IT ASIDE AND TOOK IT OUT ON SATURDAY TO CUT OUT AND FROST AND SPRINKLE. SOME HAVE ALREADY BEEN EATEN...........HA

THIS WEEK IS VALENTINES DAY.............SOME MIGHT BE SAYING "POOR ME I WONT GET ANYONE TO REMEMBER ME?" I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ALL THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME...... CAN YOU REMEMBER SOMEONE ELSE??? WHAT CAN YOU DO THAT IS SPECIAL? CUT OUT SOME LITTLE TINY VALENTINES OUT OF PAPER AND SCATTER THEM ALL OVER THE TABLE; MAKE SOME COOKIES; MAKE A MEAL ON YOUR BEST DISHES; PURCHASE YOURSELF A FAVORITE TREAT AT A COFFEE SHOP; MAKE VALENTINE PANCAKES FOR YOUR CHILDREN; PUT HEARTS ALL OVER THE BATHROOM MIRROR; BLOW UP TONS OF BALLOONS AND HIDE THEM IN YOUR CLOSET FOR THE CHILDREN TO OPEN LATER..............SO MANY IDEAS ............... WHAT WILL YOU DO??

THIS AND THAT............A SIMPLE LUNCH FOR A FRIEND

THIS WEEK A FRIEND CAME BY TO HELP
WITH A SEWING PROJECT NEEDED DONE
MY DAUGHTER HELPED ME MAKE CHICKEN
SALAD WITH CROISSANTS AND A SIDE OF
MACARONI SALAD AND TEA.
I PURCHASED SIMPLE DELI CHICKEN SALAD
AND ADDED MY OWN GRAPES; APPLES AND
NUTS. THEN ADDED SOME NICE LEAF LETTUCE
ON A CROISSANT. YUM!
IT WAS SO NICE OF MY FRIEND TO HELP
OUT ON THIS PROJECT SO I WANTED TO
MAKE SURE SHE FELT WELCOME. SHE IS
SO CREATIVE IN EVERYTHING!
ONE MORNING MY HUSBAND AND I TOOK
OUR "SWEETEST GIRL GRANDDAUGHTER'
OUT TO OUR FAVORITE SPOT FOR BREAKFAST!
SHE REALLY ENJOYED BEING WITH HER
GRANDPA!!


SHE LOVED EVERYTHING HE SHARED WITH
HER............

FUN TIMES IN OUR LIVES CAN BE SOOO SIMPLE IF WE LET IT. THERE ARE WONDERFUL TIMES WE HAVE DOING THINGS THAT COST ALOT OF MONEY BUT ITS
THE SIMPLE TIMES WE SOMETIMES REMEMBER THE MOST.

TIME BEING WITH YOUR HUSBAND AND WALKING ALONG A RIVER AND TAKING
SOME DAY OLD BREAD AND FEEDING IT TO THE DUCKS!! LAUGHING WITH YOUR SISTERS UNTIL TEARS COME DOWN YOUR FACE! WALKING WITH YOUR GRANDCHILD
HAND IN HAND AND SHARING A MEAL. GIGGLING WITH YOUR CHILDREN AS YOU
ALL PLAY A GAME. HAVING A FRIEND OVER FOR A SIMPLE LUNCH ON PRETTY PLATES DOING A PROJECT..............

SIMPLE TIMES OF WHAT YOU MAKE IT............

I AM THANKFUL MY HUSBAND TOOK TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN EVEN WHEN HE WOULD WORK MANY HOURS IN THE DAY. DOING THINGS LIKE A GAME; WRESTLING;
CAMPS; BOWLING; FEEDING THE DUCKS; TAKING THE GIRLS SHOPPING; DIVING LESSONS WITH OUR SON; ICE CREAM ; PICNICS ALL IN MOMENTS OF TIME.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK???