Carnivals, Memes and Mr. Linky

I'm a fairly new blogger and am still learning lots of stuff as I go. I know some of you who read my blog are too. So, go to this article at 5 minutes for moms if you want to learn more about carnivals, memes and Mr. Linky.

A Memory Meme

Nan at life is like a lunchbox has tagged me. She's started a Mr. Linky about your favorite toys as a child. Click on over there to check it out and join us in our walk down memory lane. Because Nan tagged me, I had to think real hard and dust the cobwebs off certain portions of my brain to remember what toys I enjoyed as a child. I had fun going through some old pics for this post, too.

One of the first things I remember are the books that were read to me or that I read a lot myself. One was The Poky Little Puppy. I don't have the book anymore, but I found this picture on ebay.
Another book I remember is The Three Little Kittens. I still have the actual book I read as a child and my children enjoy it as much as I did. They especially love it when our friend, Mr. Larry recites it to them from memory.

I remember that I loved to play with dolls. I especially remember a doll given to me by my paternal grandparents for Christmas. It had dark brown hair and a pretty yellow dress. I don't think this is the actual Christmas and doll, but obviously I asked for a new doll more than one Christmas.
I had and enjoyed one of these. And I bought one not long after my oldest was born so they could enjoy it too. Tupperware still sells these.
And in the fischer-price department, I have very fond memories of the castle....
and the house....
I know my mother still has the castle and I think the house too. I grin just looking at these pics, because I remember how much fun my siblings and I had with these.

Last, but not least, I have lots of memories of our swing set and pool. When my dad got the swing set, he thought it would be easy to assemble. Somehow, it took a lot more time and frustration than he expected. That's why, on the day he assembled it and this picture was taken, it was dark by the time he was finished, he has a stressed look on his face and the instructions in his hands.
We did a lot of playing on this swing set including sliding down the slide into our little pool. Here's my dad again. Apparently the day's work (yard work, painting?) had made him hot and sweaty (not surprising since we were living in the humid south at the time) and he jumped in clothes (and socks) and all!
I hope reading this post has sent you on a fond trip down memory lane. If so, sign Nan's Mr. Linky and take her up on her challenge to

"find and share some pictures of your favorite childhood toys, places to visit or games. You can post just the pictures or you can post a story (or two or three) with the picture(s). ..this will prove to be a really fun meme, especially if (you)... go scouring (your) memory boxes or the internet for pictures.

Sunday Reflection in John Newton's Words

With my burden I begin:
Lord, remove this load of sin;
Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,
Set my conscience free from guilt.

Lord, I come to Thee for rest,
Take possession of my breast;
There Thy blood-bought right maintain,
And without a rival reign.

While I am a pilgrim here,
Let Thy love my spirit cheer;
As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
Lead me to my journey's end;

Show me what I have to do,
Every hour my strength renew:
Let me live a life of faith,
Let me die Thy people's death.

Hair Accessories For My Pretty Girl!

5 minutes for moms is having a drawing for hair accessories from Madison's Room, a mom-owned boutique that features beautiful, unique hair clips, hair bands and caps. Click on over there and check it out. My first born loves pretty things in her hair. Hope I can win these for her.

Michael W. Smith and David Meece

I was cleaning my kitchen tonight after my kiddos were asleep. The radio was on to fill the silence, motivate me, and keep me company (my hubby wasn't home). The old song, "Place in this World" by Michael W. Smith came on. That's one of those songs that brings back floods of memories and nostalgia. It took me back to 1991 when I was in college. The song was the theme of the Jr/Sr Banquet at JBU. I wasn't a Jr. or a Sr., but I was invited by my boyfriend, Bob, to attend the banquet. Every time I hear the song, I think of that night. It was fun. The banquet was not actually in the same town as our college, so there was somewhat of a drive. Bob had a David Meece tape playing in his car (a red mustang, by the way; I drooled over the car as much as I did him:D). So David Meece makes me think of Bob, too.

Speaking of David Meece: he did a concert on the campus of JBU that year. The word around campus was that they had to replace the stage floor in the Cathedral because Meece's stomping on the piano pedal with his boots messed it up. Don't know if that's true, but its a good story.

Bob and I were pretty serious for a while. He graduated that year and we tried to have a long distance relationship. We eventually went our separate ways, and I have no idea what he's doing now. I met the person God had for me several years later, and I am very grateful for my hubby, Joel. The curious part of me still wonders what Bob ended up doing. My best guess is he's farming in the Treasure State.

My Nephew's Big Dream!

A conversation between my brother and his 4 year old son:

My nephew: Daddy, I want to be an astronaut when I grow up.

My brother: Really? Do you know what an astronaut does?

My nephew: It's easy, Daddy!

My brother: Is that right?

My nephew: Yeah, all he has to do is count down from ten!

Quotes

Worry is overstating what could happen.

Pessimism is the product of a lazy mind.
- Rush Limbaugh

A person who is habitually late is an arrogant person.
-Dr. Phil

Morning Jaunt in a Small Southern Town

As I left on my morning bike ride, I waved to the next door neighbors leaving for work. I turned into a neighboring subdivision and started to pedal. The first car to pass me was occupied by a young man who attends our church. He was either heading to work or to class at a local college. We waved as I sped through the first long downhill portion of the route. I said "good morning" to the little old man who is watering the plants in his front yard just like he does every morning. He's a sweet man who is partially blind, but somehow always knows you're there and is quick to call out a greeting. I took the big curve that winds around the pond (it's covered with scum and always makes me pedal faster for fear of swarms of mosquitos suddenly attacking me) and began the first slow ascent. The huge great dane came out to wag his greeting and my legs started to burn from the climb. I noticed a mom loading her kids into the car on their way to school. I got a little break as the terrain leveled out and I admired the rose bushes, yellow, pink and red blooming beautifully in someone's yard. I'm gonna have to plant some of those in my yard soon! I climbed another hill then turned around to do the whole thing again in the opposite direction. As I was savoring the fragrant smell of the honeysuckle vines that covered the trees, Chad's (a member of our church) shiny red truck drove by. At the turn heading back by the scummy pond, a lady drove by with her window rolled down and yelled, "have a good day!" After climbing the last loooonnnngg uphill portion of the route (formerly the first long downhill portion), I turned into our driveway with my heart pumpin' and ready to start my day. I thanked God for the friendly people and beautiful sights afforded me because I lived in a small, southern town.

Strawberry Pickin' Time!

It is one of our favorite things to do: go to the strawberry farm and pick our own bucket o' berries! And that's just what we did this week. The sunny weather was glorious and the berries were luscious! The kiddos did a good job of finding the "big ones" and the "red ones." What is almost more fun is eating the fruit. We love 'em "as is" or in smoothies or pies (both of which we've already consumed!). Other favorites are Grandma's Strawberry Cake and of course, strawberry shortcake. Go on over to my recipe blog for some yummy strawberry pickin' time recipes.

No Honor Among Bandits!

You know the phrase, "There's no honor among thieves"? And do you remember when I told you about my friend Lindsay and the pranks we like to pull? Well, there is a group of friends (of which I am one) that likes to refer to themselves as the "flipflop bandits." Its a long (but good) story how we got that name. Someday I'll tell you the whole story, but let's just say for now that one night a couple of years ago, we were at supper wearing flipflops that had been given to us as a gift. During that meal, a prank was hatched. We carried out that prank later that night while wearing our cute little flip-flops (we pulled the prank on our pastor). Other pranks have followed over the past two years, and we're proud of our little name and our work.

This week, we turned on one of our own. We waited until a sufficiently late hour on the night before her birthday, and we T.P.ed Susan's house. Now this was not your everyday, run of the mill. T.P. job. In fact, no toilet paper was used. We used leis, balloons, stuffed animals, wind socks, windmills, posters and more to decorate her front porch. And we did something we've never done before when carrying out one of our pranks: We rang the doorbell when we were done. I know it sounds crazy, but we were afraid the balloons wouldn't last the night, and we really wanted to see her reaction. We then hid behind bushes and the cars in the driveway to watch.

Her husband, who had been forewarned of our activities, came to the door, then went to get Susan. Susan was sound asleep in her bed. In fact, she hadn't even heard the doorbell. Her hubby had to wake her up. Well she came out on the porch and was looking around, when we jumped from our hiding places and yelled "Happy Birthday!" She pretty much jumped out of her skin. The next day, she informed us by email that she had taken a sleep aid that night. When she woke up the next morning, she thought she had dreamed the whole thing. However, when she left for work, there was our handiwork to remind her that there is no honor among flip-flop bandits.

Pictured are Lindsay, Brook and Dianne

P.S. Janet is also a bandit, but when we called her to go with us, she said she was already in her PJs. We now know who the real adventurous bandits are!:)

Be Unto Your Name

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the Ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name

Chorus:
Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name.

Lynn DeShazo, Gary Sadler

Toddler Language Sequel

This morning when I was getting ready to fix my son's hair,
I got out the hair gel. He saw it and said,

"That's Daddy's hairdude jello!"


(For toddler language part 1 click here.)

Last Week in Review

This post is for the Grandma and Nana who like seeing pics of their grandkids. I hope you enjoy!

MONDAY: I can't remember what happened. That was a long time ago and I am a busy mom with way too few brain cells left. Sorry.



TUESDAY: We went to home school coop. It was our last one until next fall. The kids will miss it. So will I. Its fun to visit with other moms while our kiddos are in classes! That evening, Joel gave "golf lessons." I think he wants his love of golf to be theirs, too.








WEDNESDAY: Library party. This was the last day for the weekly library program we attend.The librarian hosted a party at our local park. She read to the kids, then they decorated cupcakes and played on the equipment until it started to rain.





Does he look like trouble, or what?








THURSDAY: Our son had his first dentist appointment. He was a lot less nervous than his sis was a couple of weeks ago. He was so proud of the "no cavities club" t-shirt the dentist gave him that he insisted I put it on him immediately.








FRIDAY: We attended a Physics and Chemistry demonstration at a nearby college. This was fabulous. Two professors and some of their students did several fascinating demonstrations including ones about sound and light waves, chemical reactions, electricity, magnets, air pressure, minerals, static electricity and more. This photo is of a student on a bed of nails.
We also attended a fine arts recital produced by our home school coop. Those who have been working on a fine art this past semester were able to showcase their work at this evening's event. A children's musical was performed. We listened to violins and vocal solos. Then we saw our first born and her class perform a ballet number. It was sooooo cute!















SATURDAY: A friend passed down 2 adult bikes to us. We enjoyed a family ride through the neighborhood this morning. I hope this is the beginning of a family tradition.

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!

Have you had one of these? It is Hershey's Cacao Reserve candy bar. I saw an ad for it in the Southern Living magazine recently, but hadn't seen it on the shelf until yesterday. I snatched one up and am working on it now. It is too wonderful for words. I love chocolate and I love this bar. Its too rich to eat in one sitting. In fact, if you eat one square per day, it will last you 8 days (this is day 2 that I've had mine and I have 3 squares left... need to work on moderation!). This bar is one of several new bars, but this one's got to be the best. It is 65% cacao WITH cacao nibs in it. mmmmm ( said in a low moaning way)

The Digital Frame Is Mine!

Or at least I want it to be. I LOVE photos, taking photos, scrapbooking with photos, mailing photos, posting photos and so on. So don't you think I should win this Phillips digital frame from 5 minutes for moms? I do!!

Saying Good-bye to a Sentimental Rag

I threw this t-shirt away this weekend. I put it on to help my husband work in the yard. I mean, isn't that what you are supposed to do: find your oldest, grungiest t-shirt to work in the yard so you can get all kinds of dirt and grime on it without guilt? My hubby took one look at me and said, "you need to throw that shirt away." I realize I should have gotten rid of it a LONNNG time ago, but as I've posted before, I am one of those crazy people who can't throw away anything that has any kind of sentimentality attached to it. I graduated from John Brown University in 1993. This t-shirt was purchased for me at my Senior Banquet by my date. I have literally worn it to pieces. I am forced to throw it away, because it has holes in it. What a sad day!

Embroidery project

Just wanted to show you what I spent a lot of time last week doing (did you notice I didn't post for an entire week?). A friend and I make these burp cloths occasionally to give as gifts or for others to give as gifts. We had several to do this time, so I spent quite a bit of my time babysitting the machine. The machine belongs to my friend, but she has returned to a full time job away from her home. She programs it for me and I make sure all goes smoothly. I also add the ribbon to give it an extra flair. I have one more to make before I pack it back in the closet (In all, I made 12 burp cloths). Then, I will pull out all the scrapbooking and start working on it for the first time in years. Needless to say, I am very behind on those!

Family Guests

As I've mentionned, we had guests in our home this past week. Joel's sister and family came to see us for a couple of days. We talked, shopped, went to a church league softball game, ate, went to coffee shops (yes, that is plural), attended church and more. My kiddos were so excited to see their older cousins and GR and BR were so nice to play with their much younger cousins. GR brought his guitar and BR brought one of his practice drums. My son couldn't contain his excitement at getting to "play" along with them. He looked up to them and even decided to dress himself like BR one day.

Toddler Language

My 3 year old son caught a glance of himself as he was getting out of the tub a couple of days ago. His hair was sticking up on end, and he said, "Mom, I've got a hairdude!"

Sister-in-law; Friend

One of my hubby's sisters (he has four) visited us last week. Cassie lives in NC with her hubby and kiddos. We used to live in NC, too. I moved there right after our wedding to join Joel who had already been living there a little while. We said our vows in Oklahoma, said good-bye to my family at the church and went on a week long honeymoon. That honeymoon ended at our new home in NC. So, after the whirlwind of wedding stuff, I was immediately transplanted to a new state! Cassie was the only person besides my hubby that I knew. And she was great! She welcomed me with open arms. She was careful to include me in so many activities and make me feel right at home. She helped me stencil a border in my new kitchen. She invited me into her home on the nights my hubby traveled to seminary. We spent lots of time doing scrapbooks, making Christmas cards and other craft projects. Our families spent Easter and Thanksgiving together. We celebrated birthdays, she babysat my daughter....We became more than sisters-in-law. I count her as friend!

It was fun to have her and her family here this past week. Even though we see each other a lot less than we used to, and don't talk on the phone nearly as much as we should, I still love to be around her. Their visit was way too short, but lots of fun. Cassie and I stayed up way too late talking, but it was worth it. Friends are blessings...family who are friends are even better!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Memories

We had guests in our home this past week (more about that later). So, part of my preparation was to bake cookies. I made chocolate chip! I LOVE chocolate chip cookies, but am not usually successful in making them. They never turn out the way I like them. I like them a little gooey and chewey, not hard and crispy. But when I try to make them they turn out too "cake-y". I don't think that's a real word, but the texture of them is like cake with a few chips in them. I don't like them that way. Well, my pastor's wife can cook a mean chocolate chip cookie. I finally broke down and begged her for the recipe. It turns out the secret is vanilla pudding and 1 T. of applesauce...who knew?

Anyway, I was baking cookies and took a trip down memory lane. It was the early 1990's. Her name was Kathy. We lived in a dorm, so we didn't have easy access to a kitchen, but every once in a while, we'd find a place to bake. I remember one time we made cookies in the Honor's Building kitchen to send to my then boyfriend, Bob. He had already graduated and moved back home which was very far away. Another time I remember was in DeAnn's apartment. We had just returned to JBU but classes hadn't started yet. We stayed at DeAnn's apartment that night and had a slumber party which included baking cookies. I know there were probably other times, but my memory is fading. Kathy liked her cookies (and waffles and everything else) underdone. So when we baked cookies, they had to be taken out of the oven before they were completely cooked. And she was right. The cookies were always soft and gooey -- just right.

Kathy is still a dear friend! She lives in Alaska and we've only seen each other once since the "good ol' days." But she is always close in my heart. I miss her lots, especially when I watch "Anne of Green Gables" and bake chocolate chip cookies. I love you girl!

Kathy and me in 2003.
(top picture: Kathy and me in 1992)

For Grandma and Nana

Easter Story Revised

During tonight's telling of the Easter story, Joel asked the kids,

"Why was the tomb empty?"

Our 3 year old piped up,

"He distappeared!"

Oreo Balls

I just posted one of our favorite dessert recipes on my recipe blog. We made them this week to give to a friend. The kiddos loved helping me make and eat them. Check it out, but only if you love Oreos or just love chocolate in any form.

Cold Easter Egg Hunt

I recently posted about how beautiful the spring weather has been in our corner of the world. I even posted pictures of the breathtaking dogwood and azaleas that are in bloom! Well, this morning we woke up to a bery beautiful sunny day with a wind chill factor of 32 degrees (and it IS windy)! Now those of you living in the far northern regions of North America are saying "What's the big deal?" The big deal is that the weather has been in the upper 80's for weeks. We've bought our Easter clothes accordingly. Now, the day of the big Easter Egg Hunt, we're rummaging around the backs of our drawers and closets to find something to wear! I can't remember ever wearing ski bibs and coats to an Easter egg hunt. It was lots of fun, though! We can't really complain!

Dress Up Clothes

Ever since my daughter could walk, she has loved to play dress up. She would find clothes in the laundry basket that belonged to me and would prance around the house in them. She was always clomping around in my shoes too. Then, when her younger brother started to walk, she started dressing him up too. By now, she had progressed t0 dress up clothes that included sparkly tu-tus, princess outfits and cheerleader costumes. She decided that her brother needed to wear these too. Their daddy would come home from work a little disturbed to find his only son looking like a ballerina or a female cheerleader. In this picture, she has dressed him in one of her dresses (and very proud of herself as you can see).

Thankfully, an older cousin handed down some "boy" dress up clothes like Batman, race car drivers and football players. This was a huge relief to my hubby. My son loves dressing up as much as his sister now. He changes costumes many times a day. His most recent favorites, however, are his cowboy boots and hat. Our neighbors came over to play this week and my son and his friend spent the entire day running around like this.

Happy Birthday, Heather!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my North Carolina buddy!

Heather, Jennifer and I enjoy lots of laughs together. I just wish I didn't live so far away. (I was going to post a picture of you, Heather, but couldn't find a digital one!) So here's a birthday cake for you - notice its NOT chocolate!

The Death of Christ for Me

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." I John 4:10 (KJV)

I know You had me on Your mind
When You climbed up on that hill
For You saw me with eternal eyes
While I was yet in sin
Redeemer Savior Friend

Every stripe upon Your battered back
Every thorn that pierced Your brow
Every nail drove deep through guiltless hands
Said that Your love knows no end

Redeemer Savior Friend...

So the grace You poured upon my life
Will return to You in praise
I'll gladly lay down all my crowns
For the name of which I am saved
Redeemer Savior Friend

© 1999 Integrity's Hosanna!/Integrity's Praise! Music

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" I Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
"It is finished!" was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we'll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss

I Love Contests!

5 minutes for moms is always having great contest. You need to check this one out. It is for Presto, a great way to communicate easily with someone who doesn't have a computer and is not online. I had never heard of this service, but already know someone who could benefit from it. So go to Presto and check it out, then sign Mr. Linky at 5 minutes for moms for a chance to win.

Who Do You Know?

Nan over at Life is Like a Lunchbox has started a game of tag. She's trying out Mr. Linky. Here's how it works. Go to her blog (here) and "sign" her Mr. Linky. Then, on YOUR blog answer her questions:

Who in the blogosphere do you know in real life? Tell us how you know that person. Show us a picture (or a few) if you can. Tell us how excited you were (or how nervous?) when you found out they were blogging or when you convinced them to start blogging.

If you don't know someone in the blogosphere in real life, what blogger would you most like to know in real life? Why?

Well, here are my answers. I know several people in the blogosphere. I found them after I started my blog (which wasn't too long ago). I was very excited to find them!

One of the people from my past that I found was Stephanie at Olive Tree. Stephanie and I were roomates at JBU for one semester our senior year. DeAnn was my roomie for 7 of the 8 semesters that I attended there. When our senior year rolled around, DeAnn wanted to move off-campus to an apartment. I wasn't ready to do that yet. I thought I was lovin' dorm life too much. So, Stephanie moved in with me for one semester and then when I started student teaching, I moved off-campus with DeAnn (we did our student teaching at the same time and in the same school). I enjoyed living with Stephanie, but I think I drove her crazy. I wasn't quite as neat in my habits as she was. Sorry, Steph! Anyway, its fun to see how she's doing. She's expecting baby #3 soon and its fun to get her updates!

I also know my sister-in-law, April, who just this week started her own blog! I was first of all thrilled to find out she was reading my blog and now I'm glad I'll be able to read hers. April is my hubby's "baby" sister (there are 5 siblings in his family).

And then there is Shawn. I also found his blog while searching for people from the past. Shawn and I were friends in college and I saw him a couple of times during the time I lived in TX. I lost track of him for many years and was excited to find his blog link on another friend's blog (Still Reforming - I know him from JBU, too). From there I linked to Nan (Shawn's wife), whom I've never met in person but am enjoying getting to know in the blog world. Her posts and comments always bring a nod of the head and a grin. You go girl!