I know, I know … I am suppose to be posting birthday pictures of the littlest princess … but I’ve encountered a problem.  I have no attention span.  I found myself half way around the world, tears flowing down my face and my check book out trying to find an extra $38.00 per month. 

I read lots of blogs, way more than I read my own blog.  I write this, so I’ve pretty much got the info prior to posting it.  And truly, my blog post haven’t been anything overly inspiring and not really humorous as of late.  I’ve been in some what of a blogging slump.  It isn’t that I don’t enjoy blogging, I just sit down to write and my mind goes blank, so I’ve just spent that extra time trolling around other blogs I enjoy. 

Tonight, I made the fatal mistake of heading over to pastor (who really isn’t a pastor per say) Ryan’s blog.  For the next hour, my fingers nor my eyes, not to mention my heart were leaving his blog until I soaked in every last drop of his current experience.  If you are brave, grab a box of kleenex and head over.  If you aren’t brave, just don’t go.  It’s the best plan.

I find myself now, sitting here in the comfort of my own home, and believe you me, it’s no glorious mansion … but it is spacious and it’s warm and clean.  I have running water and an actual toilet.  It’s the little things that get me.  The fact that we have 3 tv’s … why do we need 3 tv’s? (thats just a small random example)  I’m not trying to guilt myself in to making a decision.  A decision to sponsor a child I will most likely never meet … but I am spending some time in fervent prayer, asking God to show me that additional $38.00 that I just don’t see in my budget.  You know what, that’s a flat out lie.  I know where the money could come from, so let me rephrase that … I’m spending time in prayer asking God to grant me some will power to hand over a vice or two that I have long sense needed to let go of. 

This post isn’t for the purpose of asking you to sponsor a child, that’s what the other bloggers who are on the trip are doing.  This post is to ask you to take 2 or 134 minutes out of your schedule and spend some time looking at photo’s and reading accounts of what bloggers, just like me but with much larger audiences, are doing to make a difference in the life of one child at a time. 

It makes me uncomfortable in my own skin that I don’t sponsor a child nor have I ever felt any great need to.  I get the instant Sally, whats her face, image of my money being sent straight to her pocket book in my head when I see sponsor children commercials.  I just flip the channel, it’s much easier to just look away.  And I rationalize by telling myself that I try to do good things for people here in our community … not nearly what I should, but enough to make me feel satisfied for about a fraction of a second.  And that my friends, is a terribly raw and hard thing to admit.  Maybe God is convicting me about some areas of my life that I need to deal with and He is using bloggers far around the world to bring some of that to my life in a real way. 

I won’t leave you with an “enjoy the other blog” comment tonight … you shouldn’t enjoy it.  But hopefully, it will make you think.

me.

happy birthday to you …

happy birthday to you.

happy birthday emma joy

happy birthday to you!

love

m&m

Hi!  I missed you.  We have arrived home safely and soundly from a great birthday weekend in TN with my brother, Brad & Emma Joy.  I took lots of pictures (not as many as I would have liked because my camera decided to die about halfway thru the party) and I’m working on getting them resized and edited (no red eye for your viewing displeasure).  It may take a bit but I will hopefully have some posted either later tonight or tomorrow evening. 

Mostly, I was glad to get home to see the man of the house.  He’s been on dog sitting duty with Sadie, Dozer, Tulsa, Janie and Bentley … along with the devil cat Belle, while we were gone.  He’s a good guy!  I decided I might ought to fix him some actual dinner tonight, I think he’s grown tired of fish sticks and hot pockets.  I was kind and left him a freezer full of them, kind of like a survival package.  I’m hoping he enjoys PW’s meatloaf , potatoes, corn & biscuits a bit more.   Ahhh, to be such a good wife takes practice. 

I had hoped to get to the church house tonight, but by the time we got here, slung stuff in the door, fed all the animals and sat down to say hi to each other, it was a bit on the late side so we stayed home.  I hear that our youth had a great time Friday night and they were all very well behaved.  A big thanks to James and Lorri for being brave and filling in for us.  I owe you both a big favor.  And to Cathy & Eric … Cat for arranging all the financial stuff and Eric for getting the info & agreeing for the church to foot the bill.  I am very appreciative to each of you and I’m sure the teens are too.

Now, I’m off to unpack, eat dinner and work on those photos.  Please check back to see her birthday pictures.  She is so so cute.  I’m not sure I could ever hear “m&m” too many times! 

I’m leaving on a jet plane in a Ford Focus don’t know when I’ll be back again I’ll be home Sunday.  I decided to leave you with some delicious bible study recipes for your reading pleasure while I am traveling over the mountains and thru the woods. 

I posted the recipes from the 1st week here.  If you haven’t tried them, you should!

The 2nd week’s theme was picnic … Donna and crew prepared a yummy spread.

We had chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad with these cool little round bread things.  I think they are called thins, I had the honey oat variety, it was tasty.  I’m not going to post the recipes for the different salad concoctions, if you want them, please just let me know. 

For dessert that week, we had the following: (which were both mmm mmm good)

Becky’s Chocolate Cake:  you will need the following ingredients …

3 cups  flour

2 cups sugar

6 Tbls cocoa

1/2 cup veg. oil

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp vinegar

2 cups water

combine all ingredients and beat well with an electric mixer.  Pour in a 9 x 13 greased baking pan or dish.  Bake at 350 deg. for 1/2 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Just as a side note here … this was my Poppi’s favorite cake, my grandmommie called it her quick chocolate cake recipe and he kissed her on the mouth when she made it.  Actually, he kissed her for any reason under the sun.  Try it, maybe your love will kiss you on the mouth too! 

Next up are some … Buttermilk Cinnamon Bars (this taste so much better than it sounds)

You will need …

2 cups flour

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, just add a Tbps of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk to make homemade buttermilk, it will work fine for most recipes, be sure to use real buttermilk if baking anything with yeast)

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

combine flour, sugar, brown sugar and butter, blend well.  press 2 cups into bottom of 9 x 13 greased baking pan or dish.  add remaining ingredients to the rest of crumb mixture and mix well.  pour over top of crumb mixture in the bottom of your pan.  bake at 350 deg. for 20 – 25 minutes.  let cool and then add icing.

icing:

2 cups of powdered sugar sifted

4 Tbls milk

1/4 tsp vanilla

beat until smooth.

I actually thought this was some type of carrott cake bar, that’s what it tasted like, but there were no carrotts.  I had never had this before, but I plan to make it soon.  I will be keeping this one close at hand in the recipe book.  It would make a great dish to take anywhere.

Enjoy … I will catch up with you tomorrow, when we are safely on the other side of that big ole mountain range. 

me.

I am proud to announce that I went to the groomers today got my hair cut today.  I do this about once a year … actually this makes twice this year.   I have 2 friends who alternate cutting my hair, love them both, so I go to one and then the other, it’s a good plan.  Lets just say that my hair fashion sense is almost as acute as my other fashion sense.  It’s sad really.  My idea of a good hair day is all of my hair fitting nicely in to whatever hair contraption (pony tail holder, clip, etc) that I can find on my bathroom cabinet at 7:23 am every morning.  Besides, fixing hair is realitive when you have some Rave #4 on hand, you can just kinda comb & paste your hair wherever it may need to stay for a few days.  Mostly, I just want my hair to stay away from touching my face or neck.  This wouldn’t be nearly as difficult if my husband didn’t really like my hair being long.   I would love to tell you all how I respect his wishes and wear my hair longer solely because I’m such a submitting, caring wife … but alas, that would be a bit of a stretch.  I wear it longer because it is far less trouble to throw it up in a pony tail than try to coral the mess it becomes when it’s short.  Me with short hair resembles a stump with a disorderly shrub on top.  Not such a good look if I do say so myself.  Right now, my hair is a medium shoulder length … I haven’t decided if I like it or not, I’ll get back to ya on that. 

While I was at my hair appointment, I also got my eyebrows and lip waxxed.  Yes, I felt the need for some self torture.  My eyebrows were starting to look a bit on the were wolfish side and my mustache lip hair was beginning to be noticeable.  In retrospect, maybe I should’ve told the resident caveman I was going to grow a mustache to match his unless he got a hair cut.  I’m not sure why I pay good money for someone to put scalding wax on my eyes and mouth and then rip it off at a rapid pace.  Maybe because tweezers are worse?  All I know is … it hurts like the dickens.  However, I did not cry like Earpie did.  I know it isn’t nice to make fun of anyone but the day Earp got her lip waxed and came back to work in tears was funny.  She nearly pee’d her pants.  I laughed so hard I nearly pee’d mine too!  To my knowledge she has never done that again.  If she ever decides to, I really hope she invites me to go with her.  Don’t act like you wouldn’t have laughed to. 

Now that I am finely coiffed, I need to start packing for my trip.  I keep checking yesterday’s post to see which one of you will be doing what but so far y’all are wimping out on me.  I feel a bit abandoned.  Is the guilt kicking in yet?  No?  Somehow I didn’t think so. 

me.

The biggest reason I need for it not to be yucky is this …

I have an extremely important date this weekend.  The youngest princess is having a birthday!  Her princess party is on Saturday and it’s a must that her auntie m and crew are in attendance.  How could she possibly celebrate without us?  Her Bapa is ahead of the game, he left for TN today.  To say I am a bit jealous would be an understatement.  I absolutely cannot wait to see her.  The girls, Jeff, my aunt and my cousin will all be loading up Friday to head that direction.  I will be posting lots of birthday pictures over the weekend so be sure to stop by and check them out.

Between now and Friday I have about a gazillion things that I need to get done.  I thought I would share them with you and each of you can pick one off the list that you would like to do for me!  Yay … it’s an ingenious plan.  So where shall I start my list?

#1. the 16 piles of laundry that are now seperated in my bedroom floor.

#2. cleaning my bathroom … I promise there is no mold, no mushrooms growing behind the toilet or any skid marks in the toilet.  I do not promise that you won’t find enough stray hair in there to make some sort of small animal. 

#3. grocery shop so that my husband does not starve while I’m gone.  or if you are cathy, you can cook him individual meals, label them, put them in order by days with explicit instructions of what to eat when.  then he can tell all the other husbands what a wonderful wife you are as their wives are giving him the stink eye.

#4. birthday shop for a 2 year old. 

#5. pack my clothes.  this will include having to fold them when whomever volunteers to do the laundry is finished.  feel free to volunteer for both of these task at once, it will earn you extra brownie points.

#6. bake brownies for whomever chooses #5.

#7. make sure both of my children are packed and ready to go at a reasonable hour on Friday, so that Jeff nor myself has to blow a gasket while waiting on them to get ready.  this will make my 7 hour drive much better.  it will also probably include refereeing at least one knock down drag out between the girls concerning who packed what of the other siblings.

#8. remind richard every hour for the next 3 days that nothing, and I mean nothing had better happen to Janie while we are gone.  it would be bad enough if something happened to one of the other dogs but if he neglects Janie we will so be cut out of any inheritance we may be in line for. 

#9. remind me that I will need to actually pay attention when my youngest daughter tells me that we just missed the detour sign … this will save me approximately 6 hours and a lot of repenting. 

I think that should be a good start.  It’s only Tuesday, the list could grow.  Please feel free to scurry right on down to the comment section and sign up.  I’m sure the options will narrow quickly so you may want to hurry.  I will sit right here, patiently awaiting your response.   I’ll bring you a cup of coffee or something while I watch you work, and I promise to be quiet and stay out of your way.  It’s the very least I can do.

me.

I unintentionally didn’t share with you all yesterday about Denise, except that I’m scared of her, which is true.  What I didn’t tell you is … I aslo have a deep admiration, love and respect for her.  Like me, one never really has to wonder what Denise is thinking … cause she’ll tell ya, whether you want to hear it or not.  I don’t mean she’s ugly about it, she’s not, she’s just an upfront kinda woman and I like that.  She is also an extremely hard worker and does lots of nice things for others that most people never even know she did.  I admire that.  And I love her, just because I do. 

Yesterday at bible study, she and her daughter Kristie shared something really funny with us.  Let me just show you …

The dreaded stink eye! 

We were having a discussion about how parents, mothers in particular, give looks … looks that we often don’t even realize we are giving.  Kristie named her mama’s look the stink eye!  I’m not so sure Denise thought it was nearly as funny as I did, but I admit, I laughed really hard.  I feel for Denise and Kristie, I’ve been where they are now, twice over with my girls.  Learning to let teenagers grow to become young adults has got to be one of the most difficult parts of parenthood.  But the stink eye, that’s just plain funny.  I’m sure my girls would tell you all that I have many variations of the stink eye … in fact, I probably have an entire repertoire of stinky faces! 

Denise even has different variations …

sometimes she gives the double stink eye.  This one means business, you better run if she flashes it at you!  Or in my case, walk briskly, cause I don’t run … ever.

me.

I get to bible study this morning and grab my camera out of my bag … instantly I hear “oh no, melinda’s got the camera out, she’s gonna put us on the bawg!”  They may know me a little too well!  So, don’t tell them I posted their pictures … it can be our secret. 

Today’s lesson:  How to love your children better.  Look, I was practicing even before the actual lesson.  I was sucking up trying to be the teachers pet.

Sherry was our teacher today.  I’m not sure who decided who would teach each lesson, but I have to say, the choices of which ladies taught what lessons have been an added bonus and blessing to our bible studies.  Sherry is the mother of 2 great young men.  She is an outstanding example of a caring mother.  I have admired her mothering skills for many a year now.  She did not disappoint today.

My favorite picture of the day …

I have nary a clue what the conversation between miss Betty and Kristi was, but this picture alone embodies the very foundation of what our bible study is all about … older ladies of the church mentoring younger ladies.  I watched them for several minutes before I snapped this picture, they were deep in conversation, I was almost scared to click the camera because I didn’t want to interrupt.  What an incredible gift the older ladies at my church are, they are definately one of our biggest treasures.  And the young lady in this picture … she has grown up to be such a beautiful, intelligent, fun young woman. 

She was all smiles this morning … I think one of those handsome boys that belong to Sherry had taken this one out to an early breakfast, maybe that had something to do with this smile!

I think I have a little selfish motivation in my enjoyment of our bible study.  You see, my oldest daughter gets to learn so many things from so many wonderful people.  She is gaining knowledge that will serve her well as she grows in to woman hood, one days becomes a wife and mother herself, she will have some really good advice stored up in that pretty little head of hers.

She’s already a pretty smart kid … she knows to suck up to her other mother for some good advice.  Heaven knows Cathy is my role model when it comes to the wife department.  Richard is greatful daily for all the lessons I’ve learned from Cathy over the years.

And her relationship with Bobbi is blossoming.  They have a very common intrest … Chrisi has Bobbi’s son Caleb in her Wednesday night class.  They get to learn new ideas from eachother.  Bobbi is such a great mom too, her patience amaze me, Caleb is growing to be a great young man.  I’m so glad she and Kevin found their way to our little church family, it just wouldn’t be the same without them. 

It’s funny how we just all fit together like a puzzle, all unique and different but each of us part of God’s bigger plan for our church house …

Like Susan for instance … I’ve just really gotten to know Susan over the past year.  She’s been at the church house forever I guess, and even though we were certainly aquaintance before, this past year, we’ve really taken the time to get to know eachother.  We’ve done several service nights together and just some other doors have been opened for us to get to know eachother more.  I admire her so very much.  She is exceptionally kind hearted, she’s a great, caring, involved mom, wife, daughter and daughter in law.  Today was the first time she got to join us at bible study, I am so glad she did and I really hope she’ll be back, she had so much to add to our lesson.

And Lorie, she always brings a new perspective to the discussion.  I’m so excited that she is learning new and useful things for her future.  Her mom, Judy, wasn’t with us today and we missed her! 

Our hostess with the mostest …

That would be Donna, she’s the one on your left … each week, she opens her home to us.  We are greeted by great smells and stuff like this …

Beautifully set tables with nice dinner ware …

Scrumptious food and lots of it.  I posted some of the recipes here, I will try to get some more posted tomorrow.  I haven’t eaten anything yet that wasn’t delicious.  My family and yours will enjoy these recipes, be sure to check them out. 

And that’s not all …

Each week, she has some sort of nice gift to send home with us.  She made these crosses herself, I’m impressed!  But then again, I do not have a crafty bone in my body.  I think I’m jealous.

Please meet Donna’s secret weapon … her mom Karen.  I just have to tell you that I think Karen moonlights as a mom/hostess, she’s really wonder woman in disguise.  I enjoy just talking to her.  Her talents are beyond belief and the simple fact that she is willing to come cook and clean for all us to be able to enjoy our bible study is a blessing beyond measure.  I may have to work out something with Donna to borrow her mom every now and again.

It was yet another morning of good conversation, great food and wondeful fellowship.

And I included this picture for one reason and one reason only … it was the only one I had with Denise in it that didn’t look like she was telling me I was #1 in not so nice a fashion.  This may very well be the last blog post you have to endure because I would say there is a 50% chance she will mame or kill me tomorrow when I see her. 

For those of you who didn’t get to join us today, we missed you.  There was some laughter, some tears, some deep lessons learned but most importantly we all learned how to love our children or our future children just a little bit more.

just as a side note to the post … tomorrow is bring a friend to church sunday at the church house.  if you don’t have a church home, i would love for you to come be my friend tomorrow at my church house! 

me.

I have died and gone to heaven.

Oh wait!  It’s not heaven, it’s just a big fat yeast roll with enough butter to overdose on.  I think I’m in love!  Is it wrong to eat 72 yeast rolls at one time?  No? I didn’t think so either. 

me.

Once upon a time in the land of Bethlehem a little boy and little girl were being raised by their parents.  Their parents did an excellent job of parenting and the children seldom if ever needed discipline.  (please excuse me while I acknowledge that I just straight out lied to you … moving on).  The children closely resembled little angels.  But one day, the little boy and little girl decided it would be a good plan to misbehave in church.  They were well aware of the fact that misbehaving in church was a worse sin than running buck naked thru the public square, but their mama was in the choir and they were willing to take their chances with their daddy.  It was a fifty fifty shot.  They wiggled, they squirmed, they talked out loud during the sermon.  They got the look from their daddy.  Then they got the ever popular leg pinch and then it happened … their daddy leaned over and quietly told them “when I get you home I am going to whip you both”. 

The little girl, being the wiser of the two wee ones, instantly reformed her evil ways.  The little boy followed along.  Church ended and the wayward children were transported home.  Most likely in the back window of floor board of  the car without the benefit of seat belts.  Upon arriving home, the little girl dutifully attached herself to her mama’s heels … helping fix lunch, eating quietly at the table, using her best manners.  The little boy did the same.  The wheels were turning quickly in the little girls head, she figured she was well on her way to her daddy forgetting his need to beat her behind for misbehaving.  She was going to be saved!  Not a word had been mentioned about their impending doom.  And then, out of nowhere the unthinkable happened.  The little boy sold his sister right down the river.  He looks right at his daddy and says “Daddy, are you gonna go ahead and whoop us so we can go play now” … Whaaaa?   Did that just really happen?  I think their mother nearly fainted.  I’m very certain that the little girl did.  What was the dad to do?  Either be a liar or whoop um!  Those were his two choices.  Can you guess which option he chose? 

The lesson to be learned here is … duct tape your little brothers mouth if you are ever trying to suck up to your daddy!  Some rules should just never change!

me.