Southern Blessings

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:38:00 +0000

1,000 Gifts- Week 21

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

I'm a day late again for my 1,000 Gifts post. But yesterday was spent with family and friends! Hope you had a good Memorial Day too!

My gifts from the past week:

429. The amazement in Hunter's eyes when he sees something unexpected

430. A hawk that landed on our porch railing

431. The power a group has to make a difference

432. Fried squash that was so yummy last night

433. New homeschool materials that aim for the heart and soul

434. The ability my youngest has to forgive so easily

435. Discounted medicine

436. A cookout at our church for Memorial Day

437. The countless men and women who have fought for our country

438. Watching crawdads in the creek

439. My faded camo t-shirt

440. The chicks being let loose to free-range

441. The sweet feet of a 6 month old

442. Memories of a family member that passed on this past week

443. Being able to tape something on the VCR to watch later

444. Hot fudge sundaes

445. Holding and talking to Kid Rock (my rooster)

446. A hen that flies on my shoulder

447. Support from friends and family when needed

448. The jobs my husband and friend have

449. Making chocolate chip cookies with my kids

What are you thankful for this past week?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

1,000 Gifts- Week 20

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:04:00 +0000

Welcome to week 20 of counting our blessings from above! I hope you're counting with us! Here are some of my gifts from the last week:

408. A beautiful flower holder Mitchell made me for Mother's Day

409. Picking up a toy left on the floor

410. My smile

411. Pink nail polish

412. A week of rain

413. The phone company replacing my router/modem after lightning messed it up

414. Thankfully nothing else was fried in the storm

415. My chicken named Taurus ( hen or roo?)

416. All the greenness after the rain

417. My silly laugh

418. Answers found in His word

419. Hunter finally drinking something after having a fever for a couple days

420. Putting up an outfit Hunter wore as a baby

421. An old toy typewriter that belonged to an uncle who died as a teenager

422. Memories of playing outside as a child with cousins

423. My husband taking the kids off all day on Saturday to an air show

424. Hunter wearing a box looking like a turtle

425. Funny things that happen during homeschooling Mitchell

426. My mother always being there for me

427. Hope found in the Bible

428. A fun baby shower yesterday

Visiting the Smithsonians and the White House

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:23:00 +0000

A Metro Station

One morning before the conference, we drove to a Metro station and took the Metro (train/subway) into Washington. You can buy an all day Metrorail pass for only $9.

The Capitol

We wanted to see some of the great museums in DC. While walking to the Smithsonians we had a great view of the Capitol.

A replica of an African Elephant in the rotunda

First we went to the Museum of Natural History. The day we were there this museum was packed!

Hunter looking down on the elephant

There were a lot of fossils of dinosaurs and marine animals and everything in between. The T-Rex was huge!

T-Rex close up

There was also a huge exhibit of rocks, gems, and minerals including the Hope Diamond, which is a rare blue diamond that is just over 45 carats.

The Hope Diamond (blurry-it was in a glass case and on a turntable)

Next we went to the Museum of American History. One of my favorite things I saw was The Star Spangled Banner- the actual flag that inspired the National Anthem! It was a very dark exhibit and they didn't allow pictures there.

The Flag (image courtesy National Museum of American History via Flickr)

Mitchell loved The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit. He is into the military and guns.

Mitchell looking at military memorabilia

Another cool thing we saw was the Gunboat Philadelphia. It was sank in 1776 during the war and sat at the bottom of a river for over 150 years. It's amazing how well the water preserved it!

The Gunboat Philadelphia

I also liked the pieces of the Berlin wall that were on display. I guess it's cause I remember when the wall was still there and when it came down.

Part of the Berlin Wall

Finally we went to see the White House. We saw the back first, that's where the vegetable garden is. It was interesting because there were police on the top of the White House. You can get tickets to go inside, but it takes months and background checks, so we didn't do that.

The back of the White House

Then we walked around to the front of the White House. I was surprised at how close to the road it is.

The front of the White House

Of course that road has been blocked off for a long time to traffic.

A Secret Service vehicle on the blocked off road

Not Love At First Sight

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:16:00 +0000

Sugar

From the first time I held a chihuahua, I fell in love! They are just so small and you can carry them around with you anywhere. Plus, they're too short to put their paws on the table and since they are small they shed a lot less than bigger dogs. They also take up less room in the bed, so they can sleep with you, without pushing you out of the bed.

My husband had chihuahuas growing up and he loved them also. When we got a chance to adopt one, we of course said yes! That was many years ago and that particular dog has since passed away. After him, I knew that I would always want one in my life.

Sugar begging

I met the dog I have now about 5 years ago. Her name is Sugar. She was living with a cousin of mine at the time. Sugar ran up to me and was barking and nipping at my heels just like a typical chihuahua. She bit me so hard one time that she made my ankle bleed.

For a couple of years Sugar wouldn't even come near me unless she was biting me, lol! Then about 3 years ago my cousins decided they weren't able to keep her anymore and asked us if we wanted her. I knew my husband would, but I wasn't really thrilled about the idea since I knew she didn't even like me. But, I gave in for my husband.

Ronnie's other love, Sugar

Chihuahuas usually bond with only one person, so for the first week I didn't even hold her because she was going to be my husband's dog. But since he works and I'm a stay-at-home mom, Sugar didn't get any loving during the day. One day she just hopped up in the chair with me. I was surprised and a little scared, lol! I wasn't sure if she was going to bite me or what? It was then that I started learning how much of a people person she really is. She needs to be touching someone all the time, weather in the bed or on the couch. If she's not touching you, she'll move over until she is.

Since then, Sugar has warmed up to everyone in our family. She doesn't even bite Hunter like a normal chihuahua would when he aggravates her. When Barb still lived with us, Sugar could not stand Barb's dog Zoe. It was funny because if Sugar was sitting with someone and Zoe came up, Sugar would bite whoever was near her. Which was usually Barb, but no one was immune. She even bit me a couple times. I never could figure out why she just didn't bite Zoe instead of the people around her.

Sugar barking at Zoe

The change in Sugar since she moved in with us has been incredible! She seems happier and calmer most of the time than she did in her last home. Sugar is everyone's dog now. Something that I didn't even think was possible! She's the best napping companion and will hop in the bed whenever I'm ready to sleep.

Waking up from her nap

She's such a different dog today than the dog I met 5 years ago. Even though it wasn't love at first sight, I cannot imagine my life without Sugar in it.

Me and my Sugar booger

This tender memory is being shared and sponsored by DogFenceDIY, the dog containment system pros. Together we are promoting effective dog safety practices and wish everyone a fun and enjoyable summer!

I am being compensated for posting about meeting Sugar.

1,000 Gifts- Week 19

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Have you been counting your blessings this week? If not, it's time to start! Here are some of mine from the past week:

391. A pink flower Hunter picked for me
392. Chocolate I received for Mother's Day
393. Bath and Body Work's lotion they gave the Moms at church
394. The men cooking breakfast for the ladies at our church
395. Bacon....mmm!
396. Watching Cars 2 with my little one
397. Having a great pediatric dentist
398. Mitchell having no cavities
399. Finding good deals at Burkes
400. My hubby cooking dinner for me
401. Continued relationships with my 2:1 Conference friends
402. Mitchell's excitement at finishing Biology for the year
403. Barb getting a perfect job
404. Having the sweetest ladies at church
405. Getting stuff out of my bedroom, so I have more room
406. An old Sellers flour cabinet that was my grandmothers that I love
407. Cheese grits

Sunday's Song- Leave It There

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

All too often I say I'm going to leave my problems with the Lord, but then pick them up and take them with me! Why do we do this, he'll take care of them, if we'd just let him. This song has been on my heart because the lyrics match the way I feel.

I hope all you Moms out there have a Happy Mother's Day!!!

Leave It There

If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care;
He will never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

The Smithsonain National Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:23:00 +0000

A turtle being shy

On our first day in DC we decided to go the Smithsonian National Zoo. I figured that way Hunter could run off some energy from the long drive.

A gorgeous cheetah

One of the first animals we saw were the cheetahs. I have always loved cheetahs ever since I was a little girl and did a report on them. They are just such beautiful creatures.

Mr. frog sunning

The guy above you might remember from my post yesterday. He was enjoying a swim in the pond at the zoo.

Panda from far away

The pandas are one of the things I most wanted to see. However, none of them were really wanting to have their picture took that day. This was the only one who was outside. The rest were indoors.

Mitchell in the Mist, lol

There were some interactive things for kids to do.

Learning about the pandas

None of them held my 4 year old's attention very long, though.

Amazed!

But when we found the aquariums, Hunter was amazed. He couldn't believe that everything in this one was alive.


Can you see the little guy in this pic?

I thought this elephant was cute toting around his toy tire.

Wanna play?

Tips for visiting the National Zoo:

There is no entrance fee to visit
Parking at the Zoo costs $16 for the first 3 hours and $22 for more than three hours
The parking lots were kind of small and may fill up during busy times
There is transportation to the zoo by Metrorail and by Metrobus. Info can be found here.
The zoo is on an incline, so be prepared to walk uphill and downhill a lot
There seemed to be a lot of construction going on right now, so some areas are closed
It could have just been the time we were there, but we were a little disappointed because the animals were not out and about like we expected
Be prepared if you enter the ape building, the smell will knock you out!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Where was this fellow in Washington DC?

1,000 Gifts- Week 18

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:25:00 +0000

370. My swag bag from 2:1

371. Cream cheese

372. A nap after hubby goes to work

373. All the goodies that were in the swag bag

374. Patientce

375. The ability to hold my tongue (sometimes harder than others)

376. The smell of Honeysuckles on the vine

377. Hunter having fun playing cars in the dirt

378. Cinnamon rolls

379. My Partridge Cochin rooster, Kid Rock

380. A new map

381. New friendships

382. Having fun with an old umbrella

383. My kitchen island

384. Getting to watch what I want on TV

385. Lil Bit my pretty little bantam hen

386. Traffic signs that tell me where to go

387. Lindt chocolate truffle candy bars

388. Mitchell shooting targets with his new gun

389. Fun at a ladies party

390. Wild pink roses

The National Museum of The Marine Corps

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Fri, 04 May 2012 03:16:00 +0000

Jet hanging from the ceiling

Hey y'all! I've missed you! I've been so busy, but hope to visit with you soon. Since the conference I just attended was about 20 miles or so from Washington, DC, I decided to take the family with me. It was a homeschool field trip for us and what a great place for one! We saw so much, I'm going to break it down into different posts.

Mitchell standing in front of the National Museum of the Marine Corps

We had about a 7 hour drive up there, but we stopped on the way in Quantico, VA, and went to The National Museum of The Marine Corps. It's right off of I-95, so it's really easy to get to. Admission and parking are both free, so that is a huge plus!

Mitchell in front of a tank scene

Let me tell you, this is a wonderful museum. We were welcomed upon entry and told a few facts about the museum. We were told everything, except one thing, I believe, was equipment actually used by Marines. Also, each face used on the Marines in the exhibits, actually belonged to a real Marine. How cool!

Some of the weapons of war

The museum is beautiful in design and huge, but well laid out. You start out in 1775 learning how Marines defended the republic and you continue on up until Vietnam. There is also an exhibit called A Marine's Life In Afghanistan.

Scene from a war

There are realistic looking scenes of warfare and artifacts including weaponry, vehicles, medals of honor, and much more.

Fragment of the Pentagon from 9/11

While we were there we saw the 9/11- We Remember exhibit. It included a beam from the World Trade Center and a piece of the building from the Pentagon.

Beam from the World Trade Center

You were able to touch these and when I did, I was taken back to that fateful day and reminded how thankful I am to those who put their lives on the line to defend our country!

Mitchell leaving his memory

There was a wall of Memories where you were invited to leave your own memory of 9/11. Mitchell decided to write something. He was only 4 when it happened but he has learned more and more each year about what happened.

9/11 Memory Wall

The Gallery is amazing with aircraft hanging from the ceiling and beautiful granite walls with famous quotes from Marines.

Plane hanging from ceiling

I loved this quote:

Quote on the wall of the museum

There were lots of interactive things for kids to do. My 4 year old loved pretending to be a marine and dressing up in different outfits. He also liked the phones and he loved to pretend to "talk" to people on them.

Hunter pretending to be a Marine

There was also a place for kids to sit and read or color some. I love that it was so colorful and inviting to children.


Hunter sitting in the reading area

I highly recommend visiting The National Museum of the Marine Corps! My whole family enjoyed it!

10 Things I learned at the 2:1 Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Well, I'm ~~almost two days late~~ a day late for this, but that's how I roll! I learned so much, but I'm going to narrow it down to 10 things I learned from going to the 2:1 Conference.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Pichea

I didn't know anyone there, but everyone was very friendly.
Comparison is the death of contentment.
Don't expect your kids to listen to you if you don't listen to God!
There are so many cool blogs that I have never read, but now I will.
I need to get control of my e-mail.
Small communities are better than large audiences.
Raise your children, then release them to God, they are his, not ours.
To step out of my comfort zone. *This will be a hard one for me, I think*
To choose JOY!
Even some of the most important bloggers are nice, down to earth people!

Toni-The Happy Housewife and me

I would like to say Thank You to all the sponsors who made 2:1 happen- Apologia, Classical Conversations, HSLDA, Bright Ideas Press, CurrClick, New Blog Hosting, All About Learning, Grapevine Studies, The Homeschool Lounge, Home Educating Family, and HEAV.

Also, a special Thanks goes out to my anonymous sponsor who bought my ticket! THANK YOU!

Linked up at:Many Little Blessings

Wahl Deep Tissue Massager Review & Contest Info

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:12:00 +0000

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to sit down and unwind. You know how it is when you're a mom!
Last week I received the Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager to try out. It's an early Mother's Day gift for me. Massagers are a great way to relieve pain, increase blood flow, reduce tension, and they just provide a wonderful feeling of relaxation.

The Wahl Deep Tissue Massager comes with 4 attachments. Included are a four finger flex attachment, which replicates human touch massages, an accupoint attachment that goes deep into tissue for a concentrated massage, a raised bump attachment, which is good for all-over wide muscle massages, and a deep muscle attachment, which is great for a gentle, soothing, relaxing all-over massage. You can also turn the intensity of the massage up with the roll of a switch.

When I opened the package I was surprised at the size of this massager! Check out the picture above and you'll see it's as long as my laptop is wide and that is 15 1/2 inches! Then after trying it out on my back, I realized why. It's so long, so you can reach your whole back and give yourself a massage without having to wait on someone else. This is great for me because by the time my husband gets home from work he doesn't have time to give me a massage. My favorite attachments are the four finger flex, because it's similar to a "real" massage, and the raised bump, because I think it's good for all-over. I could feel the tension draining from my body after using this massager.

From now until May 13th, if you like Wahl on Facebook, you can nominate a mom you think deserves relief. To enter, all you have to do is post a comment on their Facebook page saying why you think a particular mom needs relief. It could be that she's a single mom who works hard and never takes time for herself, or a grandma who has taken care of everyone and deserves a break. It could be you! Just leave your comment and be entered to win one of 50 Wahl Thearaputic Massagers. Entries will be judged on their uniqueness and sincerity. Just let it come from your heart and maybe you can win a Wahl Massager for someone for Mother's Day!

I was given this product from Wahl in association with Mama Bzz Media in exchange for an honest review.

1,000 Gifts- Week 17

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:10:00 +0000

I'm back from the 2:1 Conference and I will post more about it later. Today it's time for counting our gifts from God! Here are mine for the past week:

347. Attending the 2:1 Conference

348. Meeting so many ladies who not only love the Lord, but whose passion is overflowing!

349. Attending sessions that gave me encouragement as a homeschool mom

350. The ability to take my whole family with me

351. Trying new foods at the conference

352. Seeing history come to life in DC

353. Getting up there and back safely

354. Having a microwave and fridge in the room- that helped us to save money

355. Not getting too lost in all that traffic

356. Meeting all the wonderful sponsors who made the conference possible

356. Advice I received on teaching reading

357. Chocolate candy that the sponsors gave us

358. Mitchell smiling because he is in DC

359. How good Hunter was in the car, not crying or whining, just saying it's taking longer

360. My hubby watching the kids while I was in sessions

361. Seeing a beautiful pigeon on the sidewalk

362. Walking in the rain with my family

363. Hunter and I being able to walk the miles and miles around Washington without giving out

364. Hearing and now realizing I am a Princess of our heavenly Father

365. Getting home where there is NO traffic!

366. Hearing the Whippoorwills singing at night

367. Hunter taking a rest with me

368. Being able to climb into my oh-so-comfy bed after our trip

369. Hunter not getting sick AT ALL during the 7 hour each way trip

1,000 Gifts- Week 16

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:58:00 +0000

It's week 16 of the year of 1,000 gifts. I'm joining in with A Holy Experience and lots of other bloggers in counting our gifts from above!

328. A family movie night

329. Mitchell's 15th birthday party

330. Orange balloons Hunter loved to play with

331. Chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream... Yum!

332. Seeing my youngest son's room clean

333. Good friends who still play together like kids

334. Cubes of ice

335. A cousin who is like a sister to Mitchell

336. Receiving a gift of homeschool supplies

337. Having a washer and dryer

338. Finding a way for Mitchell to fix his Xbox 360 for free

339. A low power bill this month

340. Pink feathers

341. A lanyard to wear to the 2:1 Conference

342. Having my guest room back

343. A new jacket that was on clearance

344. A new purse and wallet

345. A crocheted potholder

346. Hubby getting an extra job doing what he loves

10 Things About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:42:00 +0000

I am so excited! It's only 10 days until the 2:1 Conference! It's basically a conference for homeschoolers with a heart for God. Today everyone who is going is doing a getting to know you post and linking up at Bowmania.

Here are 10 things you should know about me:

My name is Nancy and I've been married for 19 years.
I started homeschooling about 5 years ago after numerous problems with my oldest in public school.
I have two boys. Mitchell will turn 15 next week and Hunter is 4.
My husband and kids will be coming with me to the conference. If you hear extremely loud kids, they will be mine! Sorry in advance!
I am from rural South Carolina. I love living in the country!
I have lots of chickens and they all have names and are like my babies.
I am unorganized and a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl. Although the older I get, the more I try to be more organized.
My favorite color is pink, I love chocolate and Disney World.
I don't know anyone who is coming to the conference very well and I'm scared I will feel all alone.
I believe that I will be blessed by attending 2:1 and will learn a lot from everyone there.

1,000 Gifts Week 15

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:41:00 +0000

No pics again this week! Seems like a pattern, hmm? One week tons of pics, the next none. I'm very blessed either way!

307. Cleaning and getting rid of "stuff" we didn't need

308. Donating the "stuff" to our youth's yard sale

309. My son trying to fix my recliner for me

310. Being there for a friend

311. Sampling the brownie batter

312. My hubby's smile as he ate the brownies

313. Seeing all of Barb's pretty flowers she planted

314. Hearing Amens in church service

315. My pink camo shirt

316. Seeing my husband wearing my pink slip on shoes (shh, don't tell)

317. A spring pencil holder that hubby found and gave to me

318. Finding a light for a dark room

319. The pretty stars in the sky

320. Hearing people who have an accent talk-Love it!

321. Finding something that reminds me of a long, lost, friend

322. A dove I saw in the yard

323. Pluto

324. Seeing all the pretty prom dresses girls wore to the prom

325. Mr. Potato Head

326. Countryside magazine

327. Getting the stove extra clean

Advice Needed?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:10:00 +0000

If you've been around here lately, you may have seen some strange looking things on my blog. I've been playing with the design and the buttons and such. I like my design, but I just wanted to change a few things.

I wanted to ask your opinions on the header. I made it a little smaller, and also changed the bar up that links to different pages on here. I put chickens on either end and between links I put hearts. Also changed are the icons that link to my Facebook, Twitter, and the like.

What do y'all think of the smaller header and the bar? One person said they didn't think the hearts really fit with my blog. I just thought it was a cute way to break up the links. But, it can be changed.

And how about my networking icons? Before they were more square and I think more severe looking. Do you like the new ones or the old?

Thanks for any opinions!

1,000 Gifts- Week 14

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:43:00 +0000

We are on week 14 counting our gifts from above! We have so much to be thankful for, won't you click on the picture above and count your blessings too?

285. Finding eggs

286. Finding my glasses

287. Not being too old to hunt eggs

288. Finding a new way to make meatloaf in muffin tins

289. Seeing what surprises his eggs hold

290. Cows grazing

291. A field of yellow

292. Sunning on a rock

293. New chicks

294. Easter with family

295. Roses on a city corner

296. Dogwoods in bloom

297. Using the metal detector to find a lost egg that held a quarter

298. An empty tomb

299. Tomato chicken

300. Chocolate eggs

301. Little Man

302. Deviled eggs

303. Hunting eggs with cousins

304. Scrap metal sold that will help me make it to D.C.

305. Getting nibbled on

306. The song Because He Lives

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:44:00 +0000

Thank You Jesus for dying for my sins!

I hope y'all have a wonderful Easter!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:05:00 +0000

1,000 Gifts- Week 13

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Are you counting your blessings? I am! Click on the banner above and join us! No pictures this week. I forgot to take my camera with me.

My gifts for the past week are:

264. Mitchell being baptized yesterday

265. My husband, Ronnie, being baptized yesterday also

266. Our family becoming members of our church

267. Hugs and welcoming from other members

268. The song- This is my Father's World

269. Cheese crackers

270. A creek that little boys love to play in

271. Finding crawdads in the creek

272. A bridge with benches

273. Barb's youngest son's birthday

274. His surprise as he opened each gift

275. My hubby being one of the few people still working at his job

276. How hard he works for our family even on the weekends.

277. Marinated steak cooked by my husband

278. Chilly nights

279. Good sweet and sour chicken I cooked at home

280. My chickens chasing crickets that hop around

281. D.C. dreamin'

282. Planning a trip

283. Watching a cousin's goats play with each other

284. Living in a state with cheaper gas than some

1,000 Gifts- Week 12

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:39:00 +0000

242. Finding a rooster tablecloth

243. BBQ chicken

244. Blogs that inspire

245. Pretty Wisteria

246. Spring-like temps, finally (instead of summer, lol)

247. Faithful friends

248. Playing dress up

249. Headphones

250. Getting Mitchell's application in for Summer Service

251. Not being allergic to all this pollen

252. Days when I don't feel like a complete failure

253. Comfort

254. Pink Azaleas

255. Ruffles potato chips

256. Understanding friends

257. Chocolate milkshakes

258. The guineas pecking my door trying to get the bugs off, silly birds

259. Celebrating a family member's 90th birthday

260. Talking with a cousin I hadn't seen in forever

261. Ceiling fans

262. Uninterrupted sleep

263. Snickers

Sunday's Song- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 04:06:00 +0000

I don't think I've posted a hymn on Sunday in awhile, so I thought I would today. It's an oldie but a goodie! I haven't heard it in forever, but saw it online, so here it is.
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit;
let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.