My Reflections

Hello World!

2013-01-13T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hello world! I'm still alive and well. I had all but forgotten about my blog. I'm not even sure what made me think of it now.

I'm not on the computer as often as I used to be. Being a stay-at-home mom I had a little more free time while the kids were in school. Now that I'm a working mom, I'm at work while they're at school. So I don't find that free time, quite so often.

Life is great. No complaints here. I love my new job and I'm hoping it will be permanent, soon. My boys are doing well. It's hard to believe that one will be 18 and the other 15. Where does the time go? I don't know. The husband is well, too.

This winter has been an odd one. Not very "wintery" if you ask me. I'm the sort that likes a lot of snow and a bit of cold. But this winter as been lacking in both. I'm hoping for at least one good snow storm before spring has sprung.

I've made and broken my New Year's resolutions already. I'm planning a reboot soon! I have many pounds to shed and many miles to tread in order to do so. In that respect, I'm looking forward to spring.

Well, I think that about catches everyone up to speed on my life. I hope to devote a little more time to my blog in the very near future. Talk to you soon.

Mrs. Tree

2012-05-15T08:54:00.000-04:00

A warm welcome from Mrs. Tree and me.

Along with a quote or two or three!

"I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree."

~ Joyce Kilmer, "Trees," 1914

"Alone with myself

The tree bends to caress me

The shade hugs my heart."

~ Candy Polgar

"Happiness is sharing a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry with a shade tree."

~ Terri Guillemets, creator of The Quote Garden website.

'Taters On a Tuesday

2012-05-08T14:17:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been on a baked potato kick! I've even found myself day dreaming about that perfect loaded baked potato.

Here's what I like MOST on my baked potato: Sour Cream, Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese, Real Bacon Bits and Green Onions.

Just finished one up for lunch, yum! Tuesday's a good day for 'taters.

What do you like best on your baked potatoes?

Enjoy this short video of "The Potato Song," by Cheryl Wheeler.

Thrifty Thursday: His & Hers

2012-05-03T19:16:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the His & Hers edition of Thrifty Thursday!

There's nothing better than a good day of thrifting, unless it's a good day of thrifting with PETE! Not only is he my husband and my best friend, he's also my thrifting partner.

Thrifting with Pete is a lot of fun. He gets really excited when he finds something he likes. . . a LOT!

There are BIG differences in what we look for at the thrift stores, garage sales and Estate sales. He is definitely a gadgets, gizmos and tools man!

AND . . .

he always goes for the cast iron and camo!

HIS . . .

A few weeks back, we had visited the Goodwill right by where he works. It was a good thing too, because we stumbled upon something that put a BIG smile on his face!

Pete had been contemplating the purchase of a dehydrator for quite some time and had decided against it, because of the high prices. So you can imagine his excitement, when he saw what I had found hiding on the bottom shelf of an appliance rack.

(Side note: There was a Mennonite lady breathing down my neck and eyeballing the unearthed dehydrator. Since she followed me over to Pete and commented on it, I could only assume she was being "thrifty-wise" and waiting to see if we'd put it back on the shelf. To which, I'm sure, she would have swooped in and snatched it up.)

But, unfortunately for her, it was Pete's lucky day. He held in his hands the Nesco Dehydrator he had wanted--complete with all the accessories--for just $10.00! No more contemplating and denying himself.

As if the deal wasn't sweet enough, the knowledge of a 50% off coupon in my purse made it even sweeter.

Woo-Hoo!

I wish I would have thought to take a picture of the dehydrator BEFORE Pete cleaned it. You wouldn't have believe how filthy it was. Now, it looks like brand new.

Speaking of brand new. This same model sells for $65.00 new. We paid $5.00!

What did I tell you about the camo print? He loves it!

This was a great find at The Salvation Army for $2.50. It fits him perfectly.

There are plenty of spots to put fishing tackle and whatever else a man carries with him in a boat. Each side has a smaller pocket on top and a larger pocket on the bottom.

What a bargain!

Something Pete always look for, when thrifting, are toys for our cat, Toby. He found this velvet, cow print tunnel for $2.00 at the Goodwill.

Toby's pretty fond of it! It has 3 noise making balls, hanging from strings, evenly spaced down the length of it. There are 4 different openings where Toby can come and go.

Beneath the velvet, the entire thing is lined with a material that crunches when you move it. This drives Toby crazy!

And there's nothing Pete loves more than to drive that cat crazy!

What is it with men and guns or BB pellet guns? Must be like women with shoes and purses.

My guy is no different from the next. He loves guns! He found this scope for the BB pellet guns, for just $2.00 at the Goodwill. Brand new the scope could run ya' anywhere from $15 - $20 bucks.

That's a BIG savings!

As you can see in the picture, it's a Daisy 3-7X20 scope. It fits perfectly on the Crossman BB Pellet Guns he and our boys have. It was quickly installed and each of them had a little target practice, out back.

Here is my husband's prized item. It qualifies as thrifted in the "gifted" category. A co-worker of his, gave him this Singer sewing machine, cira 1958. He has been a sewing fool ever since!

You can't beat FREE!

Pictured above is the camo fleece he has been working with. The bulk cost of his 5 yards of fleece was paid for with his safety money, earned at work. So he only spent a little bit out-of-pocket.

He has already made a fleece top quilt, a stuff sack for his top quilt, a neck gaitor, a neck gaitor that works as a beanie and a pair of wristies. Who knows what he'll make next!

Here he is sewing on some Nylon taffeta to the top of his fleece top quilt. This will make it wind proof for those cold nights hanging in his hammock, out in the woods.

Well, that does it for the HIS portion of Thrifty Thursday.

Now on to . . .

HERS . . .

I have been in need of a salad spinner for a while now. I was really happy when I saw this KitchenAid brand salad spinner, in apple red. It matches my kitchen perfectly.

I'll wash it up, disinfect it and it'll be ready to spin!

Speaking of apples, here are my apple Estate sale finds.

I thought the bucket of apples and the milk container were adorable. They are so tiny and fit right in on my miniatures shelf.

This decorative tile is so pretty. It matches a tea pot I already have. Like the tile says, I love it.

I'm an enamelware tea pot collector and I didn't have a green one. So I picked this little cutie up at a Relay for Life garage sale last weekend. It'll look so nice with all the other colors.

Look at those BIG eyes! Who could leave this .25 cent cutie behind? I found him and this polished rock at the Goodwill. I thought he looked like he was sitting on a lake.

This is one of my favorite thrift finds from the last couple weeks. I love it! They make me think of the Dick & Jane series of books or of Pete and I, whispering sweet nothings in each others ears.

So cute and only $1.50!

Here is another Estate sale purchase. It is a Lefton figurine and I thought it had so much character. It has found its place on our bookshelf.

Now I just have to hope it doesn't get broken. In a house with three boys--that includes the husband--porcelain is always in danger of breakage!

More Estate sale goodies. Lots of kitchen items. I am a big fan of mixed-matched silverware.

I think this is a toy and thought it was cute. I remember having one with green wooden handles on it, when I was a little girl playing Molly homemaker in my playhouse.

Tupperware! Who doesn't LOVE Tupperware? These storage containers are so cheerful in their pastel colors. It will be like getting out leftovers from a rainbow.

I was excited when I found 18 yards of lace trim for $1.00!

The best part is it was Made in the U.S.A. and is old. I love that about it.

I will be using a considerable amount of this to trim out some aprons I'm going to be making. I'll be sure to take pictures of that project and write a blog post about it and show you the finished products.

Well, that does it for this week's edition of Thrifty Thursday.

Until next time . . .

"May all your thrifty adventures, yield you thrifty treasures." ~ Me

Each week I link up with:

Selena, over at Apron Thrift Girl on Mondays

AND . . .

Sophie, over at Her Library Adventures on Sunday, for:

Thrifty Thursday: Bits -n- Bobs

2012-04-26T18:22:00.000-04:00

It's time for another edition of Thrifty Thursday.

I didn't actually get out thrifting this week, but I did have a few things to share from the past couple weeks.

I've been in need of bookshelves for some time now. This little shelf, for cheap, comes in handy to store a few the books I've accumulated.

Once I save enough money, I have plans to put bookshelves over both of our radiators and all across our country redwood wall. It should look great!

Here are a couple picture frames that found their way into my shopping cart. Now to fill them with special pictures.

Anybody that knows me, knows I love FROGS! This little stapler HAD to come home with me simply because it was a frog.

I loved this set of Amish people. The larger lady is a penny bank and the smaller man and woman are salt and pepper shakers.

This hen made me smile! She's a bit sassy and fits right in with my kitchen farm animals.

This ceramic violet covered egg is for a very special friend. I can't wait to give it to her.

I LOVED this apple sink stopper.

I'm a fan of refrigerator magnets. So this set of apple slices, apple, strawberry and peas will add a bit more character to my fridge doors.

I really thought this ceramic basket of nuts was dainty and pretty.

It says Made in Italy on the bottom. I'm not sure what company made it, though.

This Willow Tree ornament really appealed to me because it is of a family with two boys. I really love the simplicity of the Willow Tree figures and items. It was only .50 cents!

Another refrigerator magnet that adds a bit of cheer and is a good reminder of what life is all about.

These plates are one of my favorite finds. This one has The Lord's Prayer on it.

This one, as you can read because of the larger print, is The Golden Rule.

And then this one has The Ten Commandments on it. I really like them!

Well that does it for Thrifty Thursday this week. Next week will be an ALL man edition. The husband has found some really good things lately and I thought his stuff should get a little attention. Maybe I can even have him help me write it.

Until next week . . .

"May all your thrifty adventures, yield you thrifty treasures."

~ Me

Each week I link up with:

Selena, over at Apron Thrift Girl on Mondays

AND . . .

Sophie, over at Her Library Adventures on Sunday, for:

Shorts-4-Cheap!

2012-04-20T21:39:00.002-04:00

Where do I begin this SHORT tale of SHORTS . . .

It all started with an MGB Goodwill 50% off postcard for an exclusive MGB member sale. That's the stuff that cranks my engine right there! SALES at THRIFT stores are AWESOME! You just can't come up with the SHORT end of the stick when you're talking sale prices on already inexpensive items. Items that are sometimes brand spanking NEW!

Like these $12.00 SHORTS pictured below.

Really nice beige Open Trails SHORTS, complete with a belt.

Looky there, $12.00 brand new. I only paid, $1.50!

Lucky for the guys these happen to be the cargo type of SHORTS. Zach and Pete's favorites!

Unfortunately our little shrimp Christopher, a/k/a SHORT fuse or SHORT stuff, wasn't so lucky. Like usual, there were no SHORTS in his size. But, that's normal when you're 14 years old, weigh less than a 100 lbs and grow as tall as weeds. It makes thrifting for him VERY difficult. Actually, it would be nothing SHORT of a miracle if I found SHORTS in his size.

He definitely got the SHORT end of the stick this thrifting trip and he made that known!

Come to think of it, it's usually pretty hard time find the right sizes for ALL the special guys in my life. Pete, Zach and Christopher alike. However, this week the thrifting stars aligned and instead of being a day late and a dollar SHORT, I was saving the difference.

Here's another pair of cargo SHORTS, St. John's Bay.

If memory serves me correct, I'm pretty sure St. John's Bay is a JC Penney brand. That's pretty good stuff!

This plaid pair are so nice, I really liked them! I think Zach will be happy with them! He has a couple shirts that will look great with these.

American Eagle Outfitters makes really nice plaid SHORTS.

This next pair of SHORTS really hammered home how much I was saving! Because lets face it, paying brand new, full prices for clothing is NOT on the SHORT list for me!

Calvin Klein is one of those brands that screams EXPENSIVE! But NOT this time, $1.50 and that's the SHORT and sweet of it all.

In all, I got Zachary 4 really nice pairs of SHORTS-4-Cheap! I definitely did NOT get SHORT changed on this deal. I have plenty of change to put in the bank!

Another big name brand, that I associate with expensive and quality stuff, is The North Face. Chris and Pete like to say, "What's better than The North Face? The South Butt." Jokesters!

These are like brand new! I swear, whomever had these wore them once and took a SHORT-cut straight to the donation box. Lucky for us!

My man Pete, was really excited about these carpenter SHORTS. Nothing shouts manly man like Carhart!

Again, these were in excellent condition. Nothing to get SHORT tempered over, that's for sure! Just deals, deals, deals as far as the eye could see.

Pete really likes the carpenter style pants and SHORTS. If I come home with pants other than carpenter, their stay in our house is usually SHORT lived; and I'm making a return trip to the store.

So these Wrangler carpenter shorts will make Petey McPetester smile! In SHORT, I done good!

Sometimes my efforts at shopping for the guys can leave me feeling weary and like a long walk on a SHORT pier would be nice. Okay, not really. But it fit in with my use of the words SHORT and SHORTS.

But it can be frustrating shopping for someone else. That's why I was SO excited about scoring 11 pairs of SHORTS for a total cost of $16.50!

I mean really, isn't that the long and SHORT of it all, $16.50 is like half the price of one new pair of the Carhart shorts alone!

This was a new brand to me. I had never heard of it before.

They're really cool because they have so many compartments and drawstrings on the legs. Pete'll be able to stuff all sorts of things in these babies.

This last pair of SHORTS were Steve and Barry's, camo print. That suits my man perfectly!

To make a long story SHORT, I love a good deal and I GOT several!

Now the quest begins for SHORTS for SHORT fuse. . .

"May all your thrifty adventures, yield you thrifty treasures." ~ Me.

I'm linked up with Thrift Share Monday at Apron Thrift Girl and Flea Market Finds with Her Library Adventures.

A Return to Thrifty Thursday!

2012-04-19T23:25:00.013-04:00

Welcome back to Thrifty Thursdays!

I can't believe it's been SO long since I've done a Thrifty Thursday post! Over the past several months, I've tried really hard to keep my thrifting to a minimum. My husband and I--he is my usual accomplice--have spent some quality time in the Goodwill(s), as of late. We've found some amazing deals and cashed in on some EXCELLENT savings.

When I gathered some of our more recent finds to start taking pictures, I quickly realized I had too much for one post. Even with putting some things back, I still have 14 pictures to share with all of you today. Without further adieu, lets get started on the bargains. . .

As you will all remember, my kitchen is decked out in Apples, Apples, APPLES! What would a Thrifty Thursday be without a few Apple items in the mix. I picked up this lovely ensemble of apple-ly things just today . . . and ALL for 50% off!

I was really excited to pick up that file cabinetesk recipe box! I will have to get my things together, sit down and organize my MOST used recipes to fill that little gem up. Next are an apple wooden plaque and a metal APPLE arched wall hanging. The last apple-ly item, is a Yankee tea light candle holder. It has an original price tag on the bottom of $9.99. Want to know what I spent on all of the above?

The total cost (for EVERYTHING APPLE) . . . $4.25, that's just a little over a $1 per item. Not bad!

OH! I almost forgot to add this Granny Smith Apple find! How silly of me. It was just .50 cents and I thought a little green apple never hurt nobody!

I don't know what it is about pressed flowers and dried deceased butterflies, but I just love them. There's something SO Jane Austen and romantic about the whole process. I have several framed pressed flowers and preserved "expired" schmetterling, around the house.

This oval framed piece was priced at $2.00 and I got it for 50% off.

I'm a big fan of decoupage art--outdated, I know--but I LoVe it! I also love it when country scenes with children, dogs and birds . . . Oh! and apple trees are depicted. The saying on the wooden plaque is very sweet, it reads:

FRIENDSHIP PRAYER

Our lives are filled -

With simple joys

And blessings without end.

And one of the greatest

Joys in life

Is to have or be a friend.

Now isn't that just the sweetest and truest thing! I thought so, SO I brought it home with me.

Anybody who knows me, knows I love to collect stationery. Especially adorable sets like this Hallmark hedgehog and bird set. At only $1.00 who could leave it behind? Well, NOT me!

Here's another $1.00 stationery set. Pretty little pansies. I've always thought that pansies were one of the happiest flowers, with dainty little faces in such vibrant hues!

REALLY got stoked over the 1978 Uno Deluxe set. You gotta love that the Goodwill sells their games for just $1.50! Everything was there and in really GREAT shape!

The retro camping table cloth was also another cheered for score! I only paid .78 cents for it (at the Salvation Army) and can't WAIT to put it to good use this summer!

I'm a sucker for angels and children in art. I really don't know where I'm going to put this but I thought it was so cute. I'm sure, in my totally eclectic decorating, I'll find it a home somewhere.

I also really liked this floral picture album. In the day and age of digital pictures, I so rarely have them printed. But I think I'll go through and pick a special few to fill its flowery pages.

Asking anyone if they have ever heard of or seen glass like this? It is stamped Joseph A. Rice on the bottom.

Okay, I answered my own questions. Here is a YouTube video about Joseph A. Rice House of Glass:

After watching the video I found their website, The House of Glass, and discovered that the pieces I purchased for a total of $2.00, would have cost over $50.00 new.

I really like them and was so disappointed that the 2nd of the two candle holders, was chipped and its handle broken off. I left that one behind, but brought home this one.

I sort of wish the pen holder was just a paperweight. I have my suspicions that it originally was and someone decided to ADD the pen piece. (After visiting the website, I discovered my suspicion was wrong and it WAS in fact made that way from the start.)

Oh well, at $1.00 a piece you can't beat it. They're really pretty, don't you think!

Tea Time anyone?

I'm a tea drinker and I fell in love with this homemade, ceramic tea bag holder. Just .25 cents, what a bargain!

Does anyone remember good ole Home Interiors? I sure do! I went to so many of those parties that I thought I'd go broke, but I sure did eat a WHOLE lot of good food and visited with a WHOLE lot of lovely ladies!

This was a set of two different stacks of books. One set of three, the first picture I shared and then this set of 8 books leaning all different directions.

The set was priced at $5.00 and I had a $5.00 coupon on a $10.00 purchase--and lets face it, we ALL know I spent at least $10.00 to get the savings--so I considered these little bookshelf decorations to be . . .

F-R-E-E . . . FREE, to me!

Last, but definitely not least, is this little blue daisy goose. Isn't she cute!

(On a side note: I have been looking for shorts for all of the guys in my house. We have two sons, ages 17 and 14, and my husband. Today was my LUCKY day! I found 11 pairs of shorts--ALL name brands like Calvin Klein, Aeropostle, Carhart, Wrangler, The North Face, St. John's Bay, American Eagle Outfitters--for a total cost of $16.50!!!! I had an MGB Goodwill 50% postcard and CASHED in! Can you believe that? I plan to write a quickie post and some pictures of them tomorrow.)

Well, thank you for stopping by and taking a look around at all the goodies I found.

Until next time . . .

"May all your thrifty adventures, yield you thrifty treasures!"

~ Me.

I'm linked up with Thrift Share Monday at Apron Thrift Girl and Flea Market Finds with Her Library Adventures.

Stay Tuned . . .

2012-04-17T21:26:00.000-04:00

This week there WILL be a Thrifty Thursday post.

I did NOT fall off the face of the earth, I HAVE been thrifting!

To be continued . . .

Michelle's Monday Kitchen: Goulash

2012-01-30T19:31:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the first edition of Michelle's Monday Kitchen. I thought it would be fun to share a recipe a week with my faithful readers.

Cooking is something I really enjoy and I love exchanging recipes with family, friends and other bloggers. I hope you find something here to give a try and that your family enjoys!

Today I'm sharing my mom's recipe for Goulash (with a couple modifications). This was always a family favorite when I was growing up and now my family enjoys it as well.

Ingredients:

1 - 2 lbs. of Ground Beef

1 med. Green Pepper, diced

1 small Onion, diced

3 - 4 stalks of Celery, diced

3 - 4 cloves of Garlic, minced

1 box of Large Elbow Macaroni

1 lg. can of V8 Juice (I use generic)

1 - 8 oz. can of Tomato Sauce

1 - 29 oz. can Diced Tomatoes, undrained

Salt and Pepper, to taste

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and garlic (my mom does not use garlic).

Half way through the browning process, add the trinity (green peppers, onion and celery).

Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender crisp and the meat is no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

While meat and veggies are browning, in a large soup pot cook the pasta according to the package directions. I always add 1 cap full of olive oil and a dash of salt to the pasta water. Drain pasta and return to pot.

Add meat and veggies to the pasta and stir.

Pour in the tomato sauce and V8 juice. (If using diced tomatoes, add them now. I omit them for my husband. Occasionally I add fresh diced tomatoes, this he likes!)

Stir to combine and simmer on medium-low for 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent any scorching.

Simmer until the Goulash has thickened and is well combined. Serve with a dash of Texas Pete Hot Sauce (hot sauce is something my family has added) and bread and butter.

One Mournful Sentence

2012-01-28T18:03:00.001-05:00

Today we yielded to God's timing and said goodbye to Thern Leroy Pope, a good man taken home too soon, he will be truly and dearly missed.

WORDY Wednesday: White Chili

2012-01-25T17:13:00.006-05:00

What goes great with a cold winter's day?

A warm bowl of CHILI. . . of ANY kind!

Today it's cold outside. Tonight, we're having White Chili for supper.

It's warm, it's filling and it tastes great!

Here's the recipe for my White Chili:

INGREDIENTS:

1 large jar Randall's Beans (I add 1 extra 15.5 oz. can Great Northern Beans)

2 - 15oz. cans Cannillini Beans

1 medium Onion, diced

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1 - 4 oz. can Chopped Green Chilies

1 - 7 oz. can Salsa Verde

2 - 14 oz. cans Chicken Broth

2 tsps. Ground Cumin

1 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Oregano

1/8 tsp. White Pepper

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 lbs. Cooked Diced Chicken Breasts (seasoned w/ olive oil, salt, pepper)

1/2 Cup Warm Water

1/4 Cup Masa Flour

DIRECTIONS:

1. Line baking sheet with foil. Placve thawed chicken breasts on foil, brush each side with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast chicken for 45 min. in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Remove chicken, let it cool and then dice.

2. Put all the ingredients into a very large crock pot. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours.

3. In the last 1/2 hour of cooking time, mix warm water and masa flour. Pour into the chili and stir to combine. Be sure to let it cook for at least 15 min. more, after adding the masa flour mix. (If you like a more soupy chili, omit the masa flour mixture.)

4. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese on top, yum!

A Single Sentence

2012-01-21T23:11:00.001-05:00

It has been a most wonderful day full of all sorts of delights like, delicious breakfasts, free exercise in the form of snow shoveling, a cup of hot cocoa, a bowl of homemade soup, a hot bath with aroma therapy crystals, delicious Italian food, tons of laughter, a game or two and the BEST part, a heartwarming amount of time spent with the dearest of friends.

Poetry From The Heart

2012-01-19T18:23:00.006-05:00

{photo credit}

It was so much easier when they were little.

I'm frustrated and when I'm frustrated, I write poetry. It's just a part of me.

Wasted Time
by: Michelle McCarty

Wake up! WAKE UP! There is no time to spare.
Stop wasting precious study time, a burden you will bear.

I hope you wake up soon, and realize your need to care.
Enough to do what's right, in order to prepare.

Time stands still for no one and leaves a barren trail.
That time you wasted yesterday, will haunt you even still.

For once its wasted it's gone for good, never to be reclaimed.
I'm hoping that you realize, life is not a game.

Time in school is fleeting too and further behind you fall.
The halls you walk will soon close in, as to the end you crawl.

Freshmen year has faded and your Sophomore year off course.
When Junior year rolls round, you'll feel a twinge of remorse.

Remorse for what you didn't do, in order to prepare.
You'll really have to give it your all, that final high school year.

That final year will soon be here, when a Senior you will be.
I know that you can do this son, have some faith in me.

If you put your best foot forward, you're sure to finish the race.
Then when graduation comes, you'll be proud you kept the pace.

Graduation sends you out, through the high school doors.
Out into this great big world, to make a life that's yours.

If inside that folder you hold, the diploma isn't signed,
Your life will be much harder then, because of wasted time!

Christmas: An Acrostic Poem

2011-12-15T19:30:00.004-05:00

C hrist was born in Bethlehem
H is birth a gift for all.
R emember that 1st Christmas night
I nside that lowly stall. Where
S ilently shone the King of Kings
T radition does recall.
M ary & Joseph their babe did name
A nswering the Lord's great call. The
S avior, Christ Jesus came, to save us one and all.

by: Michelle McCarty

Word(LESS) Wednesday: Christmas

2011-12-14T16:37:00.000-05:00

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

~ Oren Arnold

It's December and I Want SNO*W!

2011-12-13T09:21:00.010-05:00

Please forgive the random photos of snowfalls past. I'm consoling myself. They are mere reminders to me, that December should be WHITE!

Well, like the title says, it's December and I want S*N*O*W! But, that isn't really what this post is about. Actually, the title has no real relevance at all. What this is, is a rambling of the mind.

I decided to sit down, see what pops into my head and write a blog post about it. There really isn't a theme. Oh, well, unless you consider the underlying fact that there is a significant lack of S*N*O*W, as well as my constant complaint of that fact, to be a theme. In which case, the title has complete and total relevance.

I'm happy to announce that I've finished my Christmas shopping. Yes, I said finished. F-I-N-I-S-H-E-D! Each and every person has a gift. That is a Christmas miracle. There's something to be said for a little help and a lot of planning.

The only thing left to do is wrap the presents and the ONLY thing MISSING from my wrapping bonanza is a little bit of S*N*O*W! I do so love a white Christmas. Come on weather of Indiana, produce some of that fluffy white stuff . . . please.

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted anything on my blog. I guess I haven't been in a very bloggy writing mood. Not sure why! I'm hoping this little randomness will remedy that.

Another factor to my lack of blogging, I haven't been taking many photos. That definitely has an affect on things. Hey, maybe if I were to get S*N*O*W*E*D in I would write more! By George, I think that would do it.

I'd love to see oodles and oodles of pristine snowflakes, each delicately falling to the ground, covering my town in a blanket of white. Then I could go for a walk, with my camera of course, and shoot some pictures.

THEN, I could come back home, have a cup of hot cocoa and write another blog post! See, some S*N*O*W would definitely help my blog along.

The kids will be out of school on December 22nd. They're all a buzz with excitement over that little tidbit. My husband, too, will be off work as of December 22nd. The company he works for has a company wide shut down every year at Christmas time.

Not the best time of year to do an unpaid shut down, if you ask me. But we're used to it and plan ahead for it. If there aren't vacation days saved, it makes it a little rough. Thankfully, he saves some each year! It'll be great having everyone home together for two whole weeks. Now all we need is a little bit of S*N*O*W to go with it.

If we had S*N*O*W we could go sledding, have snowball fights, go snowmobiling (if we had snowmobiles), make lots of snow angels and even build a snowman or two. That would be so much fun!

Speaking of fun, I've been having a lot of fun baking. Last week I made chocolate chip cookies and cherry-pecan icebox cookies.

Then I switched gears and got on a candy making kick. I made loads of buckeyes, several cherry chocolate cordials, holly fudge, caramels with pecans and a few other confections. I made enough to share with friends and family.

All the goodies are gone now. I would normally say that's a good thing--for my waistline, that is--but, it's the Christmas season and I think I'll make more to replenish the supply. BUT, come January 1st, NO more goodies for me! I'll be paying particular attention to said waistline then. Did I mention some S*N*O*W would be nice?

I suppose this post is long enough. I must have run out of things to talk about, because nothing else is popping into my head. I guess I'll go eat some breakfast, get the housework done and dream of S*N*O*W.

Here's a little video I love, all about S*N*O*W!

Have a wonderful day, everyone! I hope you all have a White Christmas! OH! The theme was S*N*O*W!

Word(LESS) Wednesday: Ladybug

2011-11-02T12:04:00.000-04:00

"I'm sending luck and wishes all wrapped up in a hug. Good things should come your way with this tiny ladybug." ~ Author Unknown

Autumnal Joy

2011-10-08T21:05:00.001-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus

"Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter." ~ Carol Bishop Hipps

"The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many."

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

"October's the month

When the smallest breeze

Gives us a shower

Of autumn leaves.

Bonfires and pumpkins,

Leaves sailing down -

October is red

And golden and brown"

"October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band."

~ George Cooper

"The one red leaf, the last of its clan,

That dances as often as dance it can,

Hanging so light, and hanging so high,

On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky."

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows." ~ Doug Larson

"Colors are the smiles of nature." ~ Leigh Hunt

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The milkweed pods are breaking,

And bits of silken down

Float off upon the Autumn breeze

Across the meadows brown."

~ Cecil Cavendish, "The Milkweed"

"Come said the wind to

the leaves one day,

Come o'er the meadows

and we will play.

Put on your dresses

scarlet and gold,

For summer is gone

and the days grow cold."

~ A Children's Song of the 1880's

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

2011-10-07T17:38:00.000-04:00

It's a Five Minute Friday, the part of the week where I link up with The Gypsy Mama. Each Friday we're given a topic and challenged to write for 5 minutes flat! No correcting, no incessant re-writing, just type from your heart and hit Publish Post. Ba da bing, ba da boom. That's all there is too it.

I've not participated in 5-Minute Fridays in forever and it feels pretty good to be back.

So here goes nothing . . .

Today's topic is: ORDINARY . . .

GO:

When I think of the ordinary, I also think of the extraordinary. Every ordinary moment has the opportunity to be extraordinary. Sometimes I think the extraordinary is in fact the ordinary. I believe we're all extraordinary, in our own ordinary way.

I try to go through life, each ordinary day after the next, making my way toward the extraordinary which hides within my ordinary day to day events. I just have to tap into it. If only I'd look for it and I'd see that it was there all the time.

I hold the extraordinary inside of me and sometimes I let it hide, out of fear of rejection. But if I give my ordinary self a chance, I know I can shine in my own ordianry way; and MY ordinary, just might be someone elses idea of extraordinary.

Yes, I'm quite content to know that ordinary doesn't just mean so, so. I can make any ordinary path and extraordinary journey. I just have to believe in myself and where I'm going. Ordinary is not a bad thing, it's good. It's a path to everything extraordinary.

STOP.

Wordless Wednesday: Accuracy Counts!

2011-09-28T17:27:00.000-04:00

Checkmate!

2011-09-26T20:19:00.000-04:00

The kid is ruthless, when it comes to Chess. No mercy for momma!

Kings, Queens, Knights, Bishops, Rooks and Pawns.

I'm much, much better at Tic-Tac-Toe!

"Chess is intellectual gymnastics."

~ Wilhelm Steinitz

It's Tuesday!

2011-09-20T12:28:00.004-04:00

Happy Tuesday, everybody!

Here's a list of TWENTY things, starting with the letter "T", that I'm Thankful for!

In no particular order, mind you:

1. Tuesdays (I'm alive!)

2. Thanksgiving (It'll be here before we know it!)

3. Trust (It is the basis of every relationship.)

4. Trees (They serve a great purpose. Providing food, shade, shelter, beauty, building materials, paper, Christmas cheer and warmth from a fire.)

5. Toilet paper (Sometimes used in Trees.)

6. Tulips or TWO lips (Flowers are delightful and I love lips for giving kisses and making sounds.)

7. Tape (It holds a lot of things together, especially presents. I love giving PRESENTS!)

8. Teeth (Makes eating so much easier.)

9. Tongues (I love to TASTE and to TALK!)

10. Taste buds (I love savoring the flavors of different foods.)

11. Tea (Especially mint tea of any kind!)

12. Teenagers (Mine, in particular!)

13. Teachers (They share a wealth of knowledge and help shape the minds of our children.)

14. Trails (Whether I'm biking, hiking or just exploring, there's nothing like a meandering trail.)

15. Tents (A great way to spend quality family time in the woods.)

16. Time (I wish that it would slow down, just a wee bit.)

17. Twilight (Such a beautiful time to savor the end of a day.)

18. Twinkling stars (There's nothing like a clear night sky, speckled with brightly shinning stars.)

19. Togetherness (Is there anything better? I think not!)

20. The Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit.)

An Acrostic Poem: LAUNDRY

2011-09-19T18:58:00.001-04:00

L oads of clothes
A waiting a washing
U ntil mom receives
N umerous complaints of
D epleted supplies of socks
R eaching her ears, as she
Y ields to the endless demand, LAUNDRY!

by: Michelle McCarty

WORDY Wednesday: Butterfly Love

2011-09-14T11:29:00.000-04:00

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder." ~ Author Unknown

"I've watched you now a full half-hour; self-poised upon that yellow flower and, little butterfly! Indeed I know not if you sleep or feed. How motionless! - not frozen seas more motionless! and then what joy awaits you, when the breeze hath found you out among the trees, and calls you forth again."

~ William Wordsworth, "To a Butterfly"

"Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes."

~ Author Unknown

"The green grass and the happy skies court the fluttering butterflies." ~ Terri Guillemets

"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun, and find your shoulder to light on. To bring you luck, happiness and riches today, tomorrow and beyond." ~ Irish Blessing

Wordy Wednesday: Bicycling

2011-08-31T12:39:00.001-04:00

"Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use." ~ Charles M. Schultz

"Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." ~ Albert Einstein

"Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I have hope for the human race. " ~ H.G. Wells

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike." ~ John F. Kennedy

"Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling."

~ James E. Starrs

My Reflections

Hello World!

Mrs. Tree

'Taters On a Tuesday

Thrifty Thursday: His & Hers

Thrifty Thursday: Bits -n- Bobs

Shorts-4-Cheap!

A Return to Thrifty Thursday!

Stay Tuned . . .

Michelle's Monday Kitchen: Goulash

One Mournful Sentence

WORDY Wednesday: White Chili

A Single Sentence

Poetry From The Heart

Christmas: An Acrostic Poem

Word(LESS) Wednesday: Christmas

It's December and I Want S*N*O*W!

Word(LESS) Wednesday: Ladybug

Autumnal Joy

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

Wordless Wednesday: Accuracy Counts!

Checkmate!

It's Tuesday!

An Acrostic Poem: LAUNDRY

WORDY Wednesday: Butterfly Love

Wordy Wednesday: Bicycling

It's December and I Want SNO*W!