Annie, the Puppy

Today we went to visit our puppy, Annie. She is 7 weeks old, and will come home with us next week when she is 8 weeks old. She is a golden retriever. My girls LOVE the puppies (their are 9 in the litter), and would bring them all home if they could. Cici held every one of the puppies. She doesn't care which one we bring home! Gigi is a one dog girl, and only had eyes for HER dog.

My oldest is now fever free and I hope she will STAY that way!! Back to school for her (and blogging for me!) next week. Have a great weekend!

(photos taken with my cell phone, so they're not the greatest.)

On a Coffee Break!

I don't have a latte to say! Have a grande'.

I'll be back next week with devotionals and real content!

Thanks for understanding, as I am home Day #5 with a feverish child today.

In the meantime, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,

Read my article at Examiner.com here.

Thankful Thursday - 10/22

1 Chronicles 29:13 -- Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

1. For God's unfailing love and wonderful deeds.
Psalm 107:8, 15, 21 & 31 ALL four say, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men."

2. For answered prayers.
Psalm 118:21 -- I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

3. For communion, taking the bread and cup to become part of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16 -- Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

4. For fellow believers to strengthen and encourage me.
1 Corinthians 1:4 -- I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

5. For victory over death.
1 Corinthians 15:57 -- But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.


I am also thankful that my 5th grader is recovering from her flu, and that no one else has caught it. It's been a long & tiresome week, but I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect and be thankful!

What are you thankful for this week? Leave a comment, or click the button below to link up at Truth 4 the Journey.

Random Dozen 10/21

Having a feverish child, this may just be the week of the meme over at Chatty Kelly's. No time for deep thoughts. Enjoy.


1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?


Candy corn is the 2nd yuckiest candy out there. It's like hard plastic. What, you may be wondering, is the first yuckiest candy? Neccos. BLAH!

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse?


Our first conversation went like this: HE: "Is (boss's name) available?" ME: "Yes he is, may I tell him who is calling?" Deep stuff, huh.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?


Well, we were originally made as vegetarians, before God released us to eat meat, (Gen. 9:2-4) so I'm going to say yes I "could." However, would I? Not unless I felt lead by God, and I don't.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?


It's not exactly a costume, but it is a dress. I have children, they wanted to dress the dog up. We tried it, he hated it, we don't do it anymore.



5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).


I don't miss anything about my childhood. I watch all the specials on TV with my kids and still enjoy them.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?


I don't think I've ever won a trophy. I probably don't deserve one either. So it's all okay.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?


This is a controversial question, people feel strongly about. I like it to start the Friday after Thanksgiving.

8. What's your favorite board game?


I'll take you on in any board game. I'm competitive. I like to win. But I don't have a favorite.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?


I'm not a big fan of surprises, control freak that I am. But if you want to slip me a gift, I'm okay with that.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"


Depends on who I'm apologizing to. It's easy for me to say I'm sorry to my kids, because I want to instill that value in them. The stranger I just bumped, no problem. But in the heat of an argument, it's not so easy.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?


Depends on the season! I like linen during non-holiday times. Pumpkin spice in Oct/Nov., and Christmas wreath/evergreen during the Christmas holidays.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?


I would showcase my published works. I have a nice little file of them now. I would serve my famously delicious stuffed mushrooms, cheese/crackers, fruit, meatballs, spinach dip w/Hawaiian bread. I would have a champagne punch with strawberries floating in it. Everyone would have a lovely time. I've had enough parties, that even though I get stressed out about it, I've pretty much got the routine down to a science.

Daybook Entry - 10/18

FOR TODAY, Sunday, October 18, 2009... (published Monday)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

It's after 10 p.m. I don't have a post for tomorrow (Today!). So a day book entry seems like a good idea. At least I'm being honest!

I AM THINKING...

I'm ready to go to bed. Why didn't I write something today? It's nice to take a day off now and again. :-)

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

The weekend to rest and recharge. I haven't felt very good this weekend (neck pain), so it was nice to take it easy and not do much of anything for a change. And I don't have any plans for Monday either...just grocery shopping and housework. I'm looking forward to it.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...

I'm doing the Esther study by Beth Moore and really enjoying it. Both my kids love school and are doing great.

FROM THE KITCHEN...

Made a pot of chili for dinner, perfect for the cold (58 degrees), rainy day. We had some cornbread too.

I AM WEARING...

My pjs

I AM CREATING...

This blog post, so I have something on my blog in the morning!

I AM GOING...

to bed! I can't wait. I'm exhausted.

I AM READING...

Just finished an advance copy of a book that is being published in January. I can't say more, except I loved it. I'll be completing a questionnaire on it later this week. Fun times!

I AM HOPING...

My neck will feel better. I visited the chiropractor on Friday, so I'm thinking it will improve.

I AM HEARING...

The hum of the PC

AROUND THE HOUSE...

Kids asleep, hubby watching the military channel. Time for bed!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Kissing my kids goodnight one more time after they are sound asleep. Their little faces are like cherubs.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Bible study, heading to a brunch, Thursday is my cooking co-op day, and a field trip with my 5th grader. So Monday (today)is my big day to do stuff around the house. **Updated this morning to say I have a sick 5th grader who will be staying home from school today too.**

HERE ARE THE PICTURES I AM SHARING:

The girls with the puppy we are getting on the 31st.