MyMemories.Com - A review - A Sample and A Giveaway!

Several years ago some friends encouraged me to "scrap". I was in love with the idea but couldn't get in love with the time that it was taking to get started. I made about three pages and sorted lots of pictures. That is as far as it went.

Along came facebook and twitter and blogland. And now, Pinterest. All of these lovelies have given me the desire to take lots of photos and so now all of my photos are suddenly on computer and not being printed. So - scrapbooking is still on the back burner. I've wondered how what on earth I would do with my photos. I still want to have them in hand to be able to show. It' rather inconvenient when visiting family to say "Let's pull out the computer and I can show you my pictures". 

Alas, MyMemories has entered the picture and I am free from the anxiety of what to do with my pictures! I CAN scrapbook my pics with my memories suite, but from the comfort of my laptop and there will be no materials to deal with. Holy Cow! This is right up my alley. I can have the awesome layouts digitally and then have them printed in a beautiful little book! How cool is that? A digital scrapbook? I am also blessed to be able to offer this wonderful software to one of you as a sweet prize! I am so very new to this and my work will be so bland compared to what most are already creating - BUT I am looking forward to expanding my abilities with a little practice and with the help of some great tutorial videos offered by Lisa at mymemoriessuite.com. Follow along on facebook and see what others are creating.

This is my very first page. It is a work in progress but we were celebrating a certain birthday for a couple weeks, so I will be adding to it soon. Lots and lots of pics to scrap!

I know this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a great company. I can't wait to share some projects that I have planned for the future. Mod podge and my memories suite sounds like a match made in heaven.

MyMemories Suite software is regularly priced at $39.97 but you have the chance to win it for free. So - how about you stop over at MyMemories.com and tell me what your favorite paper pack is. Leave me a comment letting me which one and that will give you the entry! Easy as that! For extra entries visit their other sites:

They have a wonderful blog over here. 

Go and "Like: them on facebook. 

And you can follow them on twitter.

Leave me a comment for each thing that you do and I will give you an entry for each one.

And, if you want to go ahead and get busy digitally scrapbooking - here's a special discount code for you to use. My Share the Memories code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) Use the code: STMMMS11896 and you will automatically be given the discount.

So - go ahead and check them out and let me know what you like. I will end the giveaway on Friday night, October 24 at 9:00 and  have a random drawing.

Start entering. 

Guest Poster - Survivors and Exercise

Trevor Bradshaw has written and article on the importance of exercise - more particularly about making it an integral part of Life as a Survivor. He is my guest today - in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Exercise an Integral Part of Life as a Survivor

This past Monday, I was a little taken aback to see bright pink wristbands and cleats adorning several football players- even with how important National Breast Cancer Month is it’s a bit of shock to see it embraced so thoroughly in such a masculine, physical arena. Except in one aspect it makes complete sense for athletes to embrace the fight for a cure. After all, they may be actively involved in one of the best treatments for cancer there is- exercise.

New reports by the American Council on Exercise show that while breast cancer survivors tend to be more overweight and sedentary than women who never have had cancer, exercise not only plays a crucial role in decreasing breast cancer patients’ chances of recurrence but also is directly associated with a 30 percent decrease in mortality rates. Unfortunately, as any cancer survivor knows well, when you are undergoing treatments like chemo and radiation therapy commonly the last thing you want to do is exercise.

But exercise has many benefits for cancer survivors- it can lower fatigue, lessen nausea, and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, as well as contribute to better fitness and a better body composition. Body composition in particularly is an important factor for breast cancer survivors as obesity is known to increase mortality rates by nearly 30 percent but even cancers from environmental toxins like pericardial mesothelioma and papillary mesothelioma have much higher survival rates when patients have regular exercise.

Of course it can be difficult for patients who have just received chemotherapy to begin exercising again as the treatments often leave patients exhausted. One key recommendation is to begin with very low intensity, moderate workouts, and take advantage of a regular exercise program. A routine similar to the one offered by the American Council on Exercise, which encourages aerobic activities that engage all the major muscle groups at moderate intensity for 150 minutes each week, is an ideal fit for most breast cancer survivors.
As with everything, patients must be careful to follow their doctor’s recommendations about exercise, since severe anemia can delay any strenuous activity and patients undergoing radiation therapy must avoid swimming pools. Ultimately however, the importance of exercise after cancer simply cannot be overstated.


“Trevor Bradshaw is a recent college graduate, an aspiring freelancewriter, and a health nut. After his brother was diagnosed with melanoma while he was in high school, he has been extremely passionate about writing and talking about cancer and health. If you have any questions or would like to work with him feel free to contact him at trevorsendeavors@gmail.com”

Rag Wreath

I've been looking at these rag wreaths since last fall!  It only took me a full year to decide that I really wanted to make one.  I had the fabric bought and well....... bought.  That was as far as I got.  Til now.  I decided that I wanted to make one and well I did.  About two hours of cutting and tying ribbon onto the wreath and it was finished.  Complete!  I love the colors and am very pleased with the outcome!. 

This is what I started with (actually - it's what my next wreath will start with).  Since - well - I didn't take the before or during pics. (as usual).  I took before pic of my next wreath!

Scissors, fabric and wire wreath!  How simple is that?  I saw these wreaths all over blogland and Pinterest.  No clue where I saw it first or I would gladly give them credit.  I should give all of the credit to Pinterest.  It is that awesome (time consuming wildly addicting) website that makes me think I am crafty!  It just looks to wonderful and makes you think you can do all things Pinterest!  Anyway, it was easy and I think it's cute - so that's what matters most!

I'm linking up this post over at  the CSI Project.

and over at Itsablogparty.


Pin It

Dining Table makeover

A certain table and chairs were stored for a couple years without any attention.  The purchase of a new home brought about many projects and this table and chairs was one of them. 

Naturally I have zero before pictures to share - some work in progress but zero before.  I have really good intentions about blogging about make-over projects.  As it happens, somewhere down the line I forget to take pictures.  I forget either before, after or during!  Get the picture?  haha

Here are a few in progress pics. 

We removed the vaneer top from the table since it had dry rotted and was not usable.  Did some serious sanding and then put on stain and poly.  That was all for the top. 

We merely painted, glazed and distressed the two pedestal's. 

We then did the same thing for the chairs.  (aside from recovering the seats) 

The best part of this project was the  cost. I had a gallon of mis-tinted paint on hand.  We had the stain from previous projects as well as the poly.  The seats were covered with a drop cloth that cost around $10.00.  So - the project was a $10.00 project and Ashley adores her new furniture.  The picture at the top is the finished project sitting in her dining area.  She had a small space so we left out the leaf.  This fits perfect with her new home. 

This is one of my favorite projects to date.  We have actually done several - that I have neglected to post to the blog.  Those are forthcoming!  They really are :)



Brenden's buddies turn 3

This summer we enjoyed celebrating the 3rd birthday of some special friends.

Is this the cutest cake or what?

Alex is wondering if he gets a turn on "his" new tricycle! 

What a special day for these two best buddies.  Celebrating their birthdays together.  Alex has an awesome story.  If you want to read more about him - check out his family's blog right here. 

Our little guy had the best time playing on the playground.  He didn't have much time for socializing or eating. 

Couldn't you just eat up that sweet face ?? 

We sure are crazy for him. 

Alas, he scored a turn on the bike.  Can you see one in his future?  Yes - probably so!

How Fitness Helps Cancer Survivors by David Haas (Guest Post)

David Haas is a cancer patient advocate who believes in helping people who are going through treatments and in remission. He believes in the subject of fitness because of the extensive research he has seen and the first hand knowledge that fitness and a healthy body can create a better lifestyle. He wrote this article that I am sharing today on the blog.  His blog is http://haasblaag.blogspot.com/.  Check it out when you can. 


How Fitness Helps Cancer Survivors


People diagnosed with cancer often undergo many treatments, but fitness is one treatment often overlooked. Recent studies consistently show that high fitness levels result in a smaller risk of cancer recurring and even a longer survival after being diagnosed.

The problem is most research indicates that people become less active because the diagnosis causes higher levels of stress, depression or fatigue. It is a common belief that the best thing to do after a cancer diagnosis is to relax and get plenty of rest. However, most medical experts warn against this advice. If possible, a person diagnosed should start a moderate fitness program that is best for them and their type of cancer. Fitness has been proven to have significant benefits for cancer survivors, such as improving mood, increasing self-confidence, increasing energy levels, and may increase life expectancy. In addition, it also leads to increased muscle strength and less body mass.

According to WebMD, three types of exercises are specifically recommended for cancer survivors. Flexibility exercises are the first type, and this type of exercise is important because stretching will keep the body moving and mobile. Aerobic exercise is the second type highly recommended for cancer survivors. This involves several activities, such as walking, jogging, etc. Aerobic exercise is beneficial because it results in lots of calories being burned. In addition, it boosts cardiovascular health, which in turn means a lower risk for heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Resistance training, such as lifting weights, is the third type and also is important because it helps build muscle and get rid of fat gained through cancer treatment.

The best types of exercise can vary, depending on the type of cancer a person is diagnosed with. For example, people diagnosed with rare aggressive diseases like mesothelioma that is triggered from asbestos exposure often have trouble breathing, so exercise can become extremely difficult. In spite of this difficulty, medical experts still strongly recommend fitness as a key aspect of mesothelioma treatment because regain energy to fight the negative effects of the medicine associated with treatments and increase appetite. Fitness levels will not only vary from person to person but also varies with what cancer a person has been diagnosed with. Someone who has been diagnosed with skin cancer will definitely be able to perform more normal activities than someone diagnosed with prostate cancer and so on.

Exercise will not cure your cancer, but it can have a very positive effect on your ability to fight the cancer. It must be noted that some people diagnosed with cancer are simply too exhausted for fitness. In this case, medical experts suggest a short period of rest before beginning a gradual, slow return to fitness. Cancer survivors should always consult with a doctor before beginning any fitness program.


By: David Haas

Blogs I love

I don't get the time to post and write the way I want to.  But I do take the time to read some of my favorite blogs. 

You will be inspired to the bones if you jump over here and read the LPL blog.  Your funny bone may be tickled a time or two as well.  Her daughter also has her own blog.

You want to enjoy some great inspiration from a Godly mom who happens to write some pretty awesome books.  If so, go on over here and check out Vicki Courtney. 


Someone who is such an inspiration at what she is doing for young expecting mothers in Africa can be found over here.  She may even give you a bed if you get over there today (8/25/11). 

If you want to balance beauty and bedlam?  Head over here.  Balancing faith, family and frugality is what this blogs all about.

Some local lovelies can be found here and here and here!

If you want to wonder through Pinterest land forever and a day jump over here and check out the master list of these crafty ladies.  Link up your boards so that it would be impossible for me to ever stop finding things to look at.  Brilliant is the creator of Pinterest.  I mean brilliant. 

That's enough for today - I'll share some more soon.  I do happen to read lots and lots of them!

God's Love Letters to you by Dr. Larry Crabb (a review)

Dr. Larry Crabb is a well known physochologist, seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author, and founder/director of new Way Ministries.  This was my first book to read penned by Dr. Crabb.  He is certainly a teacher by way of his writing.  He doesn't offer fluff with the book God's Love Letters to You.  He offers lessons and just enough food to make you hungry for more. 

Love Letter's is a 40 day devotional based on 40 books from the Bible.  Day Eighteen is written from Habakkuk.  The key verse is Habakkuk 2:1 and says "I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected."  He states that only those who struggle in confustion and wait in hope will be strengthened to struggle well and to wait with confidence.  He encourages us to struggle well when we face struggles and wait in Hope.  What a powerful message from one day of this wonderful book of encouragment. 

I love the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to dig deeper in scripture.  You can't read this book and not need to dig deeper.  In my opinion, it is not written for immature Christians.  It is written for those who wish to grow and learn.

I was provided a copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my review.  My review is my opinion and I was not asked to write a favorable review. 

Beth Moore Simulcast- SAVE THE DATE

I am very excited to announce that Parkway Baptist Church will be hosting the Living Proof Live with Beth Moore Simulcast again this fall.

Ladies, please mark your calendars and plan to attend. This is such a special time of worship led by Travis Cottrell and Bible Study with Beth Moore. You will be blessed beyond measure. It's a great time of fellowship with other ladies and we would love to host you.

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir (A review)

I'm all about crafting and tinkering with crafty things.  I'm not really good at being imaginative and creating from a blank canvas.  I really was excited to receive and review the book The Elemental Journal and hope to get some great ideas.  I was a little out of my "element" after reading through the book.  The author, Tammy Kushnir, is a talented lady and is especially talented at making beautiful things from what we would consider junk.  Although there are not many things in the book that I would try to tackle and re-create, it is a motivation to see what can be created from what I have on hand.  To seek out some treasures from my stuff! 

The book is described on the BookSneeze site as:  Create Expressive Books from Salvaged Treasures


Rusty doorknobs, cardboard containers and plastic packaging may seem like trash to some, but through the creative mind, they are transformed into beautiful expressions - equally parts artful book and assemblage. The Elemental Journal will show you how to craft a wide variety of journals to hold your secrets or express your inner thoughts, and discover new ways to use wood, paper, fabric, plastic and metal in your art.

This is an accurate description.  I enjoyed looking through the book but can honestly say that is as far as I would have gone if picking it up in a store to purchase.  That is not to say that it is a poorly written and  illustrated book.  By far it is a beautiful book with some great works of art. I purchase these types of books to get ideas and that is not what I get.  I get motivation but not ideas.

*Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I received no form of compensation other than the free book.   The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reading Reading Reading - It's a boy's life!

This is super duper short notice - but hey I'm all about flying by the seat of my pants.  Today is the deadline to sign up - but hey - maybe someone will benefit from this post just I hope my son will.

We are going to take the challenge to read and chart my son's progress.  If anyone knows my man child - you know he LOVES to read.  He is all about going to the library.  (Daily if possible)  So we are going to link up over at Literacy Toolbox and chart his progress.  He made the AR 500 point club in two years and is already a member a couple times over in the Million word club. 

Here goes.... come join us.  Not sure what our goal is - but I'm thinking in June he's already read more than 10 books - so we will keep that in balance by saying 5 so that he can read chapter books and Encyclopedia type books (lots of pictures but lots of good information). 

Here's our bookworm "bridging over" from Webelos to Boy Scouts.

And this would be hog heaven for him....

He has his own private library and now his own private Librarian (his sister). 

He does love books. 

Now - if I can only find the time to enjoy my new Kindle with my many free books loaded to it.  Owen loves to read and go to the library so I don't think a Kindle is in his future yet.  I loves to watch his progress in reading a very long book by measuring the pages.  So - we'll see if I can get back on schedule myself with some good books. 

Enjoy - and link up with us. 

Broke

Nothing says broke quite like a can of spray paint. 

 

May 21, 2011

What will you be doing on May 21st? Me? Cleaning the yard - the house- cooking and playing with the kiddos. It's Saturday and that's what we do. Will tomorrow be any different? No - not at all. This article made me sad when I read it. Houses divided.  There are other articles out there and some I wanted to link to but the comment section was so rude and crude I refrained. A very long time ago a Pastor said these words to someone who was arguing Heaven and Hell. He said "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it". I am 100% certain that God is real and that there is a Heaven and Hell. I have never waivered on that thought. I don't always live as though Jesus may be returning in that hour. In fact, I would be very embarrassed at times if He chose to come back at a time when I am not in line with what I believe His Will is.


Jesus said in John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV) and in Revelations 2:25 he said "Only hold on to what you have until I come. (NIV) and further in Revelations 22:7 he says "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.". What about what the Angels said in Acts 1:11? "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

The Bible is clear that He will come again.  I'm not a scholar and certainly have NEVER tried to predict when He will return.  What I know is that I am saved by His grace and am promised eternal life with Him.  He reigns and He lives.  If May 21, 2011 happens to be the day He chooses to return then glory to God! 

So I pray that you know Him and that you have that security. 

Love you guys.

The Mighty Mississippi

I live near the Mississippi river - but fortunately far enough away to be on the safe side.  I have many friends and family members that are not so fortunate.  I just popped in and read a great blog post full of  pictures to give you an idea of what things are looking like around here. 

Go check out Stephanies blog at http://the-echols-every-day.blogspot.com/2011/05/rising-river.html?showComment=1304604925102#c8922753796689039004 and see what a great job she did posting for others to see. 

Please pray for the communities that sit and wait to see what the river will do. 

UPDATED: Proverbs 31 Mom

I introduced my mom to my blog last year and hope that you enjoy reading about her again this year.  Mother's Day will be a very difficult day for me.  I can barely stand to pass by anything labeled Mother's Day.  I attempt to tune out all advertisements.  I am so proud that she burned the midnight oil praying for her family.  I am so blessed to be able to have her example to strive to be like.  She loved  unconditionally.  She was a treasure to me and to many others.  Missing her this year. 

So proud that my children were able to know and love her. 

Praying that you love and cherish your mom this Mother's Day. 

Diane

UPDATE:

Mom made her journey home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2010. She was ready to see Jesus. Praise God for a godly mother. I love her dearly and she will be missed. Praise God for her reunion with my dad. I am blessed to be her daughter.



ORIGINAL POST:



Mother's Day is fast approaching and I don't want the week to pass without honoring my mom. My Proverbs 31 Mom. Growing up I thought she was shy and quiet to a fault. I wanted her to be vocal and bold. I wanted her to be different. What I didn't know (because of my lack of spiritual maturity) was that she was exactly what God wanted her to to be. And that she possessed the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman. It was much later in life (you know when you have your own children) that I realized that my mom was a great example and one that I should strive to be like. Not one that I should have spent time trying to Not be like.

She was the wife of noble character. 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. My dad spoke highly of her and had full confidence in her. He adored her. He was proud to be her husband. He cared for her until his death. He made certain that she would be cared for when he was gone from this earth. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life. My mom worked hard her entire life. She was able to be a stay at home mom her entire life. But that most certainly did not mean she didn't work. She sewed clothes for us. She prepared three meals a day. She kept our home clean (even our bedrooms). We never had to wonder if dinner would be ready at 5. We never went to the cupboard and found it bare. She made enough food to share with others. She was up long before our family was each morning. My dad never woke to a morning that coffee was not prepared. She didn't HAVE to do that. She WANTED to do that. She took pride in caring for her husband and family. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. My dad would plant a garden and she was the one that would get out with the hoe and take care of the weeds. She loved to cut the grass. My dad worked long days, but my mom worked equally as hard. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. There was a song that I thought must have been written for her. "Midnight Oil". It is about mom's who burn the midnight oil down on their knees in prayer. My mom never rests without praying for her children and the needs of others. She has prayed me through some tough times. I never have to wonder if my mom is praying for me or my children. I KNOW she does. She faithfully prays for my siblings and their families. She is a prayer warrior. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

My mom has strength that is unmatched. She is suffering from many life threatening illnesses. Most people suffer from one disease. She suffers from multiple diseases. She has been sent home to "live out her days" time and time again. Yet - God has a plan for her. He sustains her time and time again. Recently her blood pressure was so low at her doctor's appointment that two nurses took it to be sure - then the Doctor walked in to take it. He asked if she was really alive. She politely said "Yes - The Lord keeps me going for some reason". And He does. Medically she should have gone home to be with Jesus a very long time ago. I am thankful for the time that He has given me with her. Her days are difficult - filled with pain and suffering, yet she continues to get up each day and worship Jesus for each day. She knows where her strength comes from. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: My mom has no degree. She has no awards here on earth. But she is faithful and she loves The Lord. She is not vain. Her true beauty lies in her heart. She has a heart for Jesus. She may not be able to get out and serve others physically but she serves through prayer. She does not sit idle. She studies scripture. She prays and she worships as she is able. She could have given up years ago and she has plenty of reasons to say I am not able, but she does not. She is still faithful to attend church. She will be praised at the City Gate. She is worthy to be praised. 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I pray that this Mother's Day you are blessed with a mother here on earth and I pray that she is a Proverbs 31 woman. If your mom has gone on to be with Jesus - I pray that you have the fondest memories of her. More importantly, I also pray that you and I strive to be more like a Proverbs 31 woman. It took me many years to understand that I was the one that needed to change and not my mom. How do we stack up to Proverbs 31?

Please share your mom stories with me. Introduce others to your Proverbs 31 mom. I hope you have a blessed Mother's Day this weekend and that you are a blessing to others.

Love you all,

Diane

Easter 2011

What an awesome  Easter weekend!  I hope you celebrated the Resurrection with family and loved ones like I did. I loved reading all of the inspirational tweets on Friday and then again on Sunday.  It really kept my mind focused on what the weekend was all about.  I learned on Sunday that I am not too old to learn a few things teaching 6th graders in Sunday School.  The scavenger hunt for the lesson proved to be a fun and educational experience.  You had to find the questions in the room and then find the answers in your Bible. They were not simply included in the lesson overview.  We had to get into God's Word to find the answers.  Being a little arrogant - I assumed that I would instantly know all of the answers.  Hmmm  that was not the case.  There is so much to learn in God's Word and so often I fail to look for the hidden treasures that lie in His Word.  I was reminded how important it is to read God's Word for a fresh lesson.  We also made Resurrection rolls with the class.  That is a great way to show a visual story of the death, burial and Resurrection.  Great kids - great class. 

Our church service started out with a father baptizing his daughter.  What a beautiful picture on Easter Sunday.  We also experienced the Lord's Supper and some awesome worship music led by some beautiful voices praising God.  It is fantastic to belong to a church body that loves Jesus and serves Him faithfully.

On the home front, it was a weekend full of family and fun.  Way too much eating, but boy was it ever good.  Spenser cooked some awesome Ziti for us on Saturday night and Mike cooked up some finger licking good baby back ribs on Sunday.  We could have fed an army with the spread but alas it was only us and that was ok.  We enjoyed every minute of the day to the fullest.  We enjoyed our first homemade ice cream of the year and some strawberry refrigerator cake to make certain we were completely stuffed! 

We had a couple of "firsts" as well.  Our little guy got his first haircut on Friday. 

He was not really impressed - but he made it and his little wings are now gone and he has a precious little boy hair cut.  Growing up too fast. 

He also hunted for a few eggs so that he could enjoy the treasures within.  He does love M&M's. 

He hunted like a champ. 

The bigger kids enjoyed dying the eggs.  Always a favorite of mine.  My mom would always dye eggs even if she was alone and had no one to help out.  I foresee that in my future.  I love watching and dying. 

We had some super cute veggie tales egg wrappers.  I was quite surprised with my nieces asked "what are those".  Ok Sheena - you must expand the kids horizons!  Love the egg wrappers too. 

I love Easter! 

Love you guys,
Diane

Swinging - Sweet Summertime (Review)

The weather, as unpredictable as it is, has warmed up and it's time to hit the yard for some great outdoor activities.  One of the favorites for me and most everyone I know is swinging.  Whether on a front porch swing or  underneath a great shade tree, it's a great past time.  When I was growing up it was swinging on a great big tire swing hanging from an old oak tree.  If the truth be told it was not really THAT big - but to a little girl it was huge.  The fact that the tire held water after a rain or turned our legs black didn't matter a bit - we just went on about our business of swinging.  Swinging holds some great and not so great memories for me. 

One swinging adventure landed me in the emergency room for some stitches along the back of my head.  As fun as swinging high was, it was not wise to swing  high in a stationary swing.  That baby would turned over with me in it.  Hard lesson learned :)

Our children have the great pleasure to hit the yard and swing from nice wooden swing sets. Unlike the swing sets of old - these things have play houses and great big slides and all sorts of fun things  built right on them.  What a step up from the tire :)

If you are in the market for a new wooden swing set or trampoline or even a play tent then you need to head on over to CSN stores and see the great selection they have to offer.  They have many different stores and thousands of things that ship free.  I truly enjoyed my shopping experience with them during Christmas and know you will to. 

So - let's get outside and enjoy the weather before it gets too hot. 

What are some fun things you are up to?

Diane

Eat Your Peas Daughter by Cheryl and mom Karpen (A Review)

What a treasure filled little book.  The heading says a 3-minute forever book.  Place no emphasis on the 3 minute part.  There were certainly sentiments in this book that are forever sentiments. The book is a book of promises from a mom to her daughter.   I thought that I would pass this book on to one of my daughters after I read it.  That was the point in choosing this particular book.  After I read through the book - I longed for my own mom.  I mean ached for her.   My mom lived out  these very words "If you ever need someone to talk to (really talk to), someone who will listen (really listen) to your worries, your joys, and your dreams...I promise to stop what I'm doing, give you my undivided attention, open my heart and listen."  It game me reason to ponder - to really think about how often I have NOT lived out that sentiment.  What a treasure this little book is. 

The scripture reference of Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward form him" was so fitting for this book.  It is certainly more than a 3 minute read.  It is a forever lesson in the love of daughters by their moms.  I am so glad my mom loved me this way. 

I think this book will make an awesome gift on very special occasions. 

I certainly recommend you check it out if you want to encourage your daughter or give her a special gift. 

BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.    Any review is my own opinion whether good or bad.

Disney 2011

His Dream makes lots of dreams come true!

We made the long 14 hour drive to Disney last week and this is the face that tells it all..

He was truly in "Mickey" Heaven all week long.  I never dreamed that a toddler could love Disney World as much as he did. 

The big kids loved Mickey and Minnie also - but not nearly as much as they loved doing things such as this....

That thing was as wicked as it looked!  Believe me - I know (twice). 

We all got into the Mickey mode at one point or another...

It was a magical week and one that we are sure not to forget. And yes - Memories were certainly made there for this family. 

A special time with some special people :)



SAVE THE DATE

Ok ladies - This is an event you don't want to miss.  Priscilla Shirer is doing her first ever Simulcast.  I am fortunate to be a part of a Host church so I know that I will be there.  There are sites all across this country and you need to look one up and get registered.  We are fortunate enough to offer ours at no cost because of a generous soul that donated the cost of the entire event as well as the Living Proof in September. 

So - mark your calendars and Save The Date.

A long rough road lies ahead

Some days the road seems long and rough.....

and the task at hand impossible......

But one thing is certain.  The faithful love of the Lord never ends.  His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.  Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NLT)

...and in the end

It's all worth it.

Mercy House Benefit Day

We are That family is having a benefit day today for Mercy House.  Thirty great items up for bidding. 




Can you stop by and bid on some great things?  It is a great cause and I know you will be blessed.

So head on over to here and get busy bidding. 

Love you guys,
Diane

Rambling

Wow - it's been a long time since I blogged.  I've missed my blog and missed reading blogs.  We are in a new stage of adjustment at my house and all of my energy has been focused there.   More on that in a minute. 

Christmas was great.  I never once got stressed about shopping.  This year I made my decisions and stuck with them.  We spent lots of time together as a family and enjoyed a simpler less stressful time.    On Christmas Eve we read "The Kings Christmas List" by Eldon Johnson.  Loved the book.  Great message.  My  brother cooked Christmas lunch - that was a first for me.  Hope that is a new tradition!

I've wanted to  blog about bad drivers many times over the past few weeks.  I mean seriously - I witnessed three different people within two days just flat out run red lights.  Not - stretching a yellow into red - flat out RAN a red light.  I had to stop for one so that they would not hit me in the process.  I had more than one occasion that people wanted to share my driving lane - hmmm thanks but I don't need to see you that up close and personal while driving - I can handle my lane - and you bad driver should handle yours!  Thanks.

New Years Eve - in bed and fast asleep at about 9:30.  I am the party animal.  Actually - I was asleep courtesy of NyQuil.  Just today I decided that enough was enough with the croupy cough and went to the Doctor.   Two shots and four prescriptions later, I hope to be on the mend soon.  Bronchitis and sinus infection.  Yes indeed that has been a real treat (seriously heavy sarcasm here). 

Things I never dreamed I would be doing at 46 years old are how my 2010 ended and 2011 began.  I've spent the last week searching, seeking and interviewing day care centers.  I've heard the word "Full" more times than I can count and gasped at the fees way too many times.  Do you guys know how much day care is these days?  Seriously?  God opened the door for one today and I have only to sign our little guy up.  It hurts my heart to think about dropping him off each day - just not what I want to do.  He's done so well adjusting to living in our home full time these past three weeks and I would love nothing more than to be here with him keeping his routine in his home - but that is not to be.  After all -  we are still raising a 10 year old and a few young adults.  He brings such joy to our home and I pray that God's Will alone be done with regards to his future.  If you are reading this and want to add him to your prayer list it would be much appreciated.  We want the best for him and God's Will in our lives.  It will be a journey that has unhappy ending all over it for some involved.  But he is a baby and he needs a voice for him.  Thanks for loving on him with prayer. 

I've been a reader over at Living Proof for several years and wanted to join in on the scripture memory team but allowed fear of failure to control that.  BUT not this year - I logged in and signed up.  I am in and I want so much to succeed with memorizing my 24 verses this year.  That should be an easy task - but being committed to seeing it through may not be easy.  I'm going to do my very best to succeed - it is only gain - I have absolutely nothing to lose - I need to spend lots more time learning scripture.  Check it out right here and get on board with us.  Then I'll see you in Houston next year :)  My dear friend Martha is my inspiration and my accountability partner in this - but we can always fit you in.  hint hint to some of my friends!!
My first verse to commit to memory is II Timothy 1:7 But God does not give us a spirit fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  Seemed fitting to one who fears failure....  So - cheer me on if you like and join me if you will.

Love you all - Happy New Year - May you be blessed abundantly in 2011.

Diane