Christmas 2010

We had a great Christmas this year, even if BK was sick with bronchitis (by the way, we all have it now). Our tree was surrounded by an insane amount of gifts.














This was the first year that Anne had a little one in the house for Christmas. We did it up right.












Jeremy, Angela and the grandkids came over for dinner on Christmas Eve. I bought a pre-cooked and sliced beef brisket at Kroger that was so easy and tasty. We also had mashed potatoes, creamed corn, green beans, BBQ meatballs (especially for Austin), dinner rolls and a Butterfinger cake for dessert.













When they opened their gifts, I think the Pillow Pets were the hit of the night. Everyone had a great time.
















I got Jeremy a Grumpy t-shirt. Nuff said.

Thanksgiving - Day 30

Well, today is the last day of the 30 Days of Thanksgiving project. I wasn't able to post every day, but 21 posts in a month is pretty good for me and hopefully I will be encouraged to write more often now.

Today I am thankful for Facebook. I know, it probably sounds nuts to some of you, but it has turned into more than just a "social networking" website for me. It is my connection to friends and family that I don't see often. Even with family members that I do see more often, it is still good to keep up with what is going on in their lives.

Facebook is also a great place to find out about where to find good deals. Last week I did some major online shopping and got most of my info there.

Tonight I saw that someone posted that Rudolph was on television. I didn't know that, so I quickly turned it on so BK could watch the rest of the show. I also posted a photo of BK in her new Christmas gown and a Santa hat, which generated lots of comments.

Since finding myself a single parent, my social activities have diminished greatly. I have to be home to get her to bed early every school night. Taking care of her is my priority. That leaves little time and energy for much else. So in a way, Facebook is my social life too...as pathetic as that may sound. I can keep in touch...feel connected...share a few laughs...and just have fun. And for that I am thankful.

Thanksgiving - Day 28

Today I am thankful for rest.

Sometimes we go and go and go, until we just can't go anymore. It is easy to get overwhelmed during this time of year as we contemplate gifts to buy and filling our calendars with places to go.

Tonight I sat in the dark living room, looking at the Christmas tree lights. What a peaceful time to rest and enjoy the quiet.

As the hustle and bustle of the season threatens to sweep us away, let's remember how important it is to make some time for rest. Our bodies require it and our souls crave it.

Thanksgiving - Day 27

Today I am thankful for internet shopping.

After many years of fighting the crowds, I now do most of my holiday shopping online. I don't just shop for gifts, but other items including clothes, toiletries and over-the-counter medicine.

I replied to a Facebook friend's request for online shopping tips a few weeks ago, so I decided to post them here as well.

First, go to www.retailmenot.com to look for a coupon for the store you want to shop. When you find what you want to buy and are ready to checkout, there will be a place to enter a coupon code and it will deduct it from your total.

Next, go to Ebates and sign up here. Then when you get ready to shop, go to Ebates first and look at their list of stores, click on where you want to shop and you will automatically receive a rebate check for a certain % of what you spend.

Be sure to check out customer reviews. I have avoided some items because of bad reviews. Amazon.com is pretty good at having customer reviews, so I look there even if I end up buying on another website.

Amazon.com offers free shipping on many items if you spend at least $25.00. Sometimes I will pick out what I want and put it in my cart, but just wait until I have $25 of stuff so I can get free shipping. Coupon codes don't work there, but sometimes their prices are lower, so it's worth it.

There are also Facebook groups you can join that tell about great deals. If you are on Facebook, do a search for http://www.dealfindingchik.blogspot.com/ and go to their page to "like" it (click the like button). Then when they post deals, you will see their posts on your live feed.

Go to websites like www.Walgreens.com and www.CVS.com to sign up for their emails and then you will get info on their online sales and coupons. I just recently ordered four Pillow Pets from there. I got exactly which ones I wanted, had a coupon code to get $10 off a $50 order, they offer free shipping with a $25 purchase and I will get 4% cash back through Ebates...that's a deal!

I didn't venture out yesterday for Black Friday deals, but I was shopping the deals online. Cyber Monday promises even more online deals.

In this economy, when it helps more than ever to save where we can, I am very thankful for shopping that I can do in my pajamas.

Thanksgiving - Day 25

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Instead of a list of things that I'm thankful for today, I want to focus on the One to whom I am thankful. Without the love of God, my life would be empty, regardless of the "things" I may have.

I am thankful that God loves us all enough to send his Son Jesus to live and die and live again so that we can be adopted into His family. I am thankful for His forgiveness and mercy. I am thankful that He knows my name and how many hairs are on my head. He knows what I will do and say before I do and say it...and He loves me anyway.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

Oh how I am thankful.

Thanksgiving - Day 23

Today I am thankful for the wisdom of my years.

One of my friends mentioned that it would be great to be 30 again. I agreed, but added that it would only be great if I could know then, what I know now. I have learned things after living fifty years that you just can't read in a book. Wisdom is a gift of a long life. After all, we have to have some compensation for wrinkles, right?

Thanksgiving - Day 21

Today I am thankful for my friends through the mail. I have had pen pals on and off since I was a young teenager. My first two were from Japan and Korea. Most of them have been from various parts of the U.S. This summer I decided to take up this "hobby" again and now I have four people that I write.

I think that writing honest to goodness letters is almost a lost art, especially with the instantaneous communication of email and Facebook, combined with the rising cost of postage. But there is something special about a letter. It is hard to describe the feeling I get when I open the mailbox and see a letter with my name on it. I consider it a gift that I hold dear.

Over the years I have gotten to know many wonderful and interesting people, who enrich my life. Hopefully I add some joy to their lives too.

Thanksgiving - Day 19

Today I am thankful for good health care.

BK is sick again. It seems that this time of year she always has trouble with upper respiratory junk. I am so thankful that we are able to have her seen by her pediatrician and get the medicine that she needs.

When we lost our health insurance earlier this year, I wasn't sure what we were going to do. I did some research and found out that BK was eligible for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), which is a state program that provides health coverage for uninsured children. This has been such a blessing for us. She was able to continue going to her pediatrician and it pays for her medicine. It covers her dental care too.

I am still without health care, although I have found some alternatives. A free after-hours clinic has opened in the town where I used to live. It is staffed by local doctors who volunteer to see people who are working, but just cannot afford health insurance. I have also joined Christian Healthcare Ministries. This is a group of Christians who share each others hospital costs. There is a monthly payment, but it is much less than traditional insurance. I like the idea of us all sharing - kind of like the Early Church.

Thanksgiving - Day 16

Today I am thankful that I don't have to be perfect.

If you are following my blog, you will notice that I have already missed two days of this 30 Days of Thankfulness blog project. It's not that I was not thankful on those days, but rather that I just forgot. Once upon a time that would have bugged me immensely. But now I am much quicker to cut myself some slack, take a deep breath and move on.

Maybe that's just one advantage of getting older...or perhaps it is a gift of freedom from the bondage of perfectionism. Either way, I'm thankful that I can mess up and it doesn't have to mess up my whole day.

Thanksgiving - Day 14

Today I am thankful for my daughter-in-law Angela on her 30th birthday.

Angela is married to my son Jeremy and they have four sons. Each of these boys is so special in his own way and I love them dearly. But I know that raising four boys is a LOT of work, at least if you raise them right, which she is doing. Angela is a stay-at-home mom and she keeps her household running.

Like so many mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships, ours has take a while to grow into friendship, but I am so glad that it has.

So here's to you, Angela on your special day. I tip my hat to you and say "Well done!"

I'm thankful to have you in my life.

Thanksgiving - Day 12

Today I am thankful for adoption, for without it I would not have my beautiful daughter, nor would I be the daughter of a King.

What a wonderful thing it is to know that as Christians we are all adopted into His family, with a forever family and an eternal home.

Good stuff.

Thanksgiving - Day 11

Today is Veteran's Day and I am thankful for the men and women who fight bravely and selflessly to ensure our freedom. I am proud to say that my Dad was a Veteran of WWII.

I am also thankful that there are still folks who are thankful for those who serve us by putting their lives in harm's way.

I will never forget the tragedy of the Vietnam War. I was a a teenager toward the end of the war and one of the things that haunts me to this day was seeing the way the service men were treated as they returned home...not as heroes, but rather to be blamed for the war. I guess those same people who were doing the hating forgot that many of the troops were drafted and did not even volunteer. They were simply serving their country.

Whatever we may feel or believe about war, the men and women who are willing to sacrifice anything in order to protect our way of life should be honored.

Thanksgiving - Day 10

Today I am thankful for my glasses.

Since I have been wearing glasses over four decades now, I would venture to say that there were many times that I was not thankful for them at all. My vision is so bad that up until a few years ago, the lens in my glasses looked like Coke bottles (for those old enough to actually remember what a Coke bottle looks like). They were heavy and uncomfortable, not to mention UGLY. I look back at my school pictures and I see pair after pair of pitiful looking glasses.

I got my first pair of glasses when I was two years old. I'm told that on the ride home, I looked out the car window and saw all sorts of things that I had not been able to see without them and I was amazed.

Thankfully, my vision is fully corrected by glasses. Without them I'm sure that I have to be legally blind. So even though I've had a love/hate relationship with my glasses over a lifetime, I am truly thankful that I can see normally.

Thanksgiving - Day 9

Today I am thankful for good Southern food (those of you who know me would expect this to make my list) and for those who know how to serve it well.

My Mother was a good cook. I've heard that her Mother was a good cook, as were Southern mothers for generations before them. Grits and eggs, homemade biscuits, chicken and dumplin's, sweet potato and pecan pie...good enough to make you eat another serving even if you're full...just because.

Here are a few tidbits about Southern cooks:

They hover around the table asking "What can I get you?" I'm not sure that my Mother ever actually ate a meal with us.

They LOVE to see folks enjoying their cooking. I think that while they are hovering, they might be listening for "yummy noises" too.

They never think that what they are serving is special. "Oh, it's just something I threw together!"

They always have something to "throw together" in case unexpected company shows up.

But the most important thing is that their kitchens are filled with love and that's usually where visitors like to hang out.

I'm thankful for my heritage of Southern cooks and I hope that one day my children and grandchildren will say that I carried on the tradition well.

Thanksgiving - Day 8

Today I am thankful for friends.

Six months ago, I felt like my world was suddenly falling apart. I was scared and there didn't seem to be many options. Not only was I responsible for my own well-being, but for that of my small daughter as well. Did I mention I was scared?

I sent out some emails to tell a few friends what was going on. What happened next still makes me shake my head in amazement. Friends called...and emailed...and prayed...and encouraged...and offered all kinds of help...and gave money...and prayed some more...and helped me move...and opened their home to us...and spoke words of healing and hope.

I learned more about being a true friend during that time and I know that each of my friends are a blessing from my Heavenly Father who loves me dearly. And I am thankful.

Thanksgiving - Day 7

(It's after midnight, so technically it's Day 7)

Today I am thankful that Daylight Savings Time has ended and I will be able to sleep an extra hour.

How appropriate that this happens on the Lord's Day...a day that He ordained for rest.

Thanksgiving - Day 6

Today I am thankful for provision.

There are many people out of work these days. Even I was looking for a job all summer long...sending countless resumes and going to many interviews. But God finally opened the right door and, according to His plan, I am where I am.

Four days a week I work at a non-profit ministry that gives partial scholarships for leadership training in Africa. The fifth day I am the bookkeeper at a church. I have been placed in a Christian environment, working with people who love God and want to serve Him...it just doesn't get much better than that.

Jehovah Jireh...God my provider...I am thankful.

Thanksgiving - Day 5

Today I am thankful for family...for my children and child-by-marriage...and their children...and my siblings and their children and their children's children.

My family gets together at different times during the year to eat and to have fun visiting. The food is always excellent (good cooking genes came from my mom) and the laughter is plentiful. There is ALWAYS something to laugh about...it's just what we do...and so much fun.

I love my family and I am thankful for each and every one of them.

Thanksgiving - Day 4

Today I am thankful for Fall. It has to be my favorite season of the year.

All of the seasons are of God's design and bring good things. But Fall brings back fond memories of special times to me.

Crisp mornings and overall cooler temps, falling leaves, and upcoming holidays (including good food and family fellowship) are all reasons for thankfulness...and I am.

Thanksgiving - Day 3

Today I am very thankful for good health.

Around mid-morning yesterday, I realized that I was getting sick. Before lunch the vomiting began and did not stop for hours. I will spare you the details of the rest of it, but suffice to say, I was a sick puppy.

I know that there are people who struggle with chronic illness and pain every day. That has to be a difficult life. I am so thankful that after the bug passed, I am back to my normal, relatively healthy self. I pray that I will never take that for granted.

Thanksgiving - Day 2

Today I am thankful for the privilege of living in a country where I am free to vote my convictions.

It was raining as I pulled into the parking lot of the Community Center this morning. I had valid reasons for staying in the car. I had to be at work...and did I mention it was raining?

As I sat there trying to talk myself into waiting until later today (or quite possibly not voting at all...after all, it's only ONE vote, right?), out of the corner of my eye I saw a young couple walking across the parking lot, sharing an umbrella and pushing a baby stroller. Suddenly I felt a little embarrassed about my hesitation and crawled out of the car.

Voting is not convenient. There are often long lines and rain. But I smiled as I left the building this morning, proud of myself for making the effort, proud of the young couple for inspiring me, and proud to be an American, where my one vote does indeed count.

Thanksgiving All Month - Day 1

I am taking a cue from a few of my friends who are posting 30 days of Thanksgiving this month. Of course there are multitudes of things that I have to be thankful for, so that part should not be hard. The challenge will be to actually log-in and post on my blog every day for 30 days. Once upon a time that was not a challenge at all, but alas, that was before Facebook stole my affection. So here is Day One:

I am oh so thankful for the children in my life. My precious daughter and four grandsons fill my heart with joy. Last Saturday I had a chance to babysit three of the four grands and we all had such a good time together. I will post some photos so you can share in the joy with us.

New Game

BK and I have discovered Skip-Bo Jr. and what fun we have had playing almost every night.

Our friend Anne bought the game for BK and she has become quite the dedicated player. This is a great card game for her age. Not only does it reinforce number sequence skills, but it teaches strategy as well.

My two oldest grandsons came over last night and we taught them how to play. Before the first game was over, we were all laughing and having a great time.

I recommend this game as one to add to your family's game box. If you don't have a family game box, I recommend that you start one of those too. The memories that are made sitting around a table having fun together will last with our children a lifetime.

New Beginnings

When I received a comment from a sweet friend this morning on my last post, I realized that it has been several months since I have written and my blog seemed to be in a perpetual state of mourning. An update is definitely in order.

Summer was a time of healing and self-discovery. Whenever there is a major change in our lives, I think it forces us to redefine who we are. I have come through all of this with a new appreciation of my determination not only to survive, but to thrive. However, I could not have made it to where I am in my journey without the Lord's grace and goodness as He watches over me. Good friends, lots of prayers mixed with hugs and laughs...this is the recipe for healing in community.

My circumstances are much better now. I was able to sell my house and I am working five days a week at a non-profit and a church. I am renting part of a house from a precious friend, who has become more like family to BK and me. I am at a new church that is closer to where I live and the Word, worship and fellowship there are changing my heart.

Change is never easy, but I am settling into my "new normal" quite well. I am content, at peace and very thankful.

The Death of a Marriage

I have heard it said that divorce is like a death. I believe that is true.

When a man and woman commit their lives to each other, a bonding is suppose to take place. In Mark 10:8, the Bible says "The two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh."

When something happens to rip and tear them apart, it does feel like a death. The grieving is real. I am speaking from experience.

My divorce will be final this week. I neither wanted, nor expected my marriage to end, so I am having to face the reality of the situation. Fortunately, I have friends and family who are helping by offering their love and support. My faith offers hope when there doesn't seem to be any.

I understand that it will take time to process all that has transpired in the last few months. I am trying very hard not to let bitterness make a home in my heart, because in the end, only I will be hurt by its powerful effects.

But grieve I must...and grieve I will...for the death of the life I will never fulfill.

Looking For The Light

It's dark in my world right now, but I am so glad that I know The Light.

Please pray.

I Am One With Him in Spirit

But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17 NIV)

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

I have been thinking a lot about freedom lately. It seems that there are so many people living in bondage - even in the Christian community. Freedom often seems like an elusive dream.

According to scripture, when we unite ourselves with the Lord, then we are one with Him in spirit. That is huge. Think about that for a minute. We are ONE WITH HIM.

I don't claim to understand everything that encompasses, but I know that even if I can't wrap my head around it completely, that doesn't change that fact that it is true.

I remembered another verse that goes hand-in-hand with this one.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)

If we are one with Him in Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, then our freedom is fully secured through Him.

Right?

Then I can't help but wonder why so many of us are still in bondage. Is it just unbelief? Or could it be that the very thing that holds us in bondage is the thing that we depend on to help us make it through the day and we cannot imagine living life without it?

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

Spirit of the Living God
Break the chains that have me bound,
My heart's desire is to worship You
No other comfort can be found.

Spirit of the Living God
I need courage to depend on You alone,
These idols I've built in my heart
Have displaced You from the throne.

Spirit of the Living God
Who lives inside of me,
I want You to be my all-in-all
And make my spirit free.

I Have Been Justified

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1 NIV)

I have been justified.

It is fitting that this particular post is being written today since tomorrow is Good Friday. My justification was purchased by Jesus when He died on the cross at Calvary. He willingly paid the price for my sin because I could not.

But before Good Friday, there was a Thursday night of betrayal and agony. He met with his disciples and revealed that one of them would betray Him. Then He took his closest friends to Gethsemane, where He agonized in prayer over what His Father was asking of Him.

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36 NIV)

He knew what faced Him. He knew the physical pain He would have to endure. He knew the crushing rejection He would face when His Father turned from the sin He would carry. He knew the fear and despair that His friends and family would endure.

He knew...and He obeyed.

I am so thankful for His obedience.

I am so thankful that I have been justified.

I Am a Friend of Jesus Christ

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 NIV

As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.

Today I am pondering what it means to be a friend.

Friends want to be known and accepted for who they really are.

Friends want to spend time together.

Friends are there for each others when times get hard and to share a laugh when times are good.

Friends are loyal to each other.

Jesus is my friend and I am His...or am I?

I'm afraid that I am often found guilty of being unfaithful to that friendship, but He is always faithful. What an awesome privilege to call him friend.

I Am God's Child

But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 ASV

I am God's child.

As I begin the journey to rediscover my identity in Christ, I can't help but think how easy it is to be a little flippant when we utter those words - I am God's child.

I mean, perhaps it should at least give us pause to think about how wonderous it is to be a child of the Creator of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

He is my Father and I am His child. He loves me with an everlasting and unconditional love that will endure until the end of time.

I have access to Him 24/7. Not only can I go to Him with the desires of my heart, He wants me to depend on Him for everything...just as my daughter depends on me to take care of her.

The storms are raging in my life right now. Those close to me know that the future looks uncertain. I do not have all the answers. In fact, I'm not sure that I know all the questions.

But I am God's child and I know that He will take care of me.

For today, that is enough.

Who I Am In Christ

Years ago, Mike and I discovered Neil Anderson's book Victory Over the Darkness. This is such a powerful book that discusses how Christians can find freedom from bondage through knowing their identity in Christ.

Bondage is such an insidious thing. It rarely attacks all at once, but rather beckons...entices...little by little, until a person has relinquished control and their freedom is stolen.

The world has other names for the condition, such as addiction, or even disease, but it is bondage. There are many things that people use to help them handle the stresses of life and to attempt to escape; cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, food, sex, even Internet "relationships."

The first step to find freedom is to realized (or remember) who we really are, because of who God is. Anderson compiled a list of Bible verses that affirm who we are in Christ. It is a great resource to read out loud daily in the process to renew our minds.

In the next few days and weeks, I will be featuring each of these verses. If you can't wait and want to see the whole list in it's entirety, click here.

If you would like to join me in the journey to rediscover who we really are and take back any area of our lives that the enemy has stolen, I hope that you will take a few minutes to leave some comments so that we can encourage each other.

Lord, You're Holy

I love this song. It's one of my all-time favorites.

What makes this video even more special is that the woman who is signing the song has Down's Syndrome. Watching her sign and praise the Lord had me in tears.

What's for Dinner?

This is a new recipe that I tried tonight. It came out pretty good.

Baked Chicken & Potatoes

2 - 3 lb. boneless chicken
3 large russet potatoes, cut in large chunks
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained
2 tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
2 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 375. Place chicken and potatoes in pan. Sprinkle tomatoes, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper over the chicken and potatoes. Lastly, sprinkle with the oil and grated cheese. Bake for 1–1 ½ hours or until chicken is done.

My CVS Deals

I just LOVE a bargain! Today's deals came from CVS. Here is what I got:

4 boxes Kellogg cereal - sale price 4/$10 minus two $1 off 2 boxes coupons = $8, plus I got back $5 Extra Care Bucks (final price $3.00)

2 bottles Pantene shampoo - sale price 2/$6.97 minus $3.00/2 coupon = $3.97, plus I got back $2 Extra Care Bucks (final price $1.97)

This sale ends Saturday and the coupons I used came from the Sunday paper.

Have you found any good sales lately?

Free Samples

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• One box of Ziploc® Brand Storage Bags (quart size)
• One Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel
• One pouch of Pledge® Multi Surface Wipes

Click below to get a sample of Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Faith Under Fire

My friend Elysa and her family lost their home to a fire last night. She and her husband have seven wonderful children. This precious family loves the Lord and wants above all else to follow Him. I know that they would appreciate your prayers for the challenging days ahead.

I learned of the fire from Elysa's FaceBook post this morning, in which she was praising God for their safety and for His provision. She also told of the work that He had already begun in her heart to help her to be able to "let go of stuff and be ready to GO!" This is in reference to the mission work that she had done and plans to do in Swaziland, Africa.

One of the comments from her friends spoke to my heart: "Thanks for the gift of your faith and attitude!"

The more I thought about that statement, the more I realized how true it is. We all go through trouble of varying degrees every day. Being a Christian does not exempt us from problems, but the difference between us and the other people in the world should be our response.

Do we grumble, complain, whine, speak words of worry and fear?

I admit that I am guilty of doing this way too often.

What a gift we offer to our family and friends when instead we speak words of faith. Not denying our trouble or even our pain, but looking to Him to provide and work all things for good as He has promised us.

I am so thankful for the friends that God has put in my life who share this gift with me. May I be found more faithful to Him in sharing this gift with others.

Busy Day - Fun Times

Yesterday was a day full of fun for Bonnie Kate. We met Angela and the Bubbies (my 4 grandsons) at Wendy's for lunch. After we ate, we had an impromptu birthday party for Seth, complete with decorated cupcakes. It's hard for me to believe that sweet little Seth will be four-years-old tomorrow. Of course there were Valentine's treats for everyone.

Then we headed to Pump It Up for another party. The birthday girl is one of BK's classmates. Kids absolutely love that place and BK had a blast. I have to admit that it makes me a little nervous, starting with the waiver that is required for admittance that said I would hold then harmless if my child was seriously injured or killed. Seriously.

Thankfully no one was hurt and a good time was had by all. I forgot my camera on my mad dash out the door, so no photos. :( I will try to do better.

Snow Day

We woke up Friday morning to a Winter Wonderland. I don't think I have ever seen snow like this in Mississippi before. Schools were canceled and children played all around our neighborhood. Our electricity went off around 8:30 and I started wondering what we were going to do if it didn't come back on soon, since our gas heat is dependent on electricity to run. Thankfully it was only off about four hours.

Here are a few photos of Mike and BK playing in our front yard.



















The trees were just beautiful, thickly covered with snow.

















Of course, there has to be a snowball fight. Get ready.....

















TOSS!



















SPLAT! What a good sport Daddy is.
























Here is BK with her first snowman. He only has one eye because one grape fell off and she couldn't find it. She was so proud of her creation.

The snow was still there Saturday too, so she was able to play again. I heard on the news last night that there was snow on the ground in 49 of the states. The government has no record of that ever happening before. So much for global warming...heh.

He Did It!

Massachusetts voters sent a loud message to Washington today.

Let's hope that they are listening.

Find the full story here.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

It is so hard for me to believe, but my angel-girl is five years old today.

When I think about the last five years, it is hard to even put into words what a blessing this little girl has been for her Daddy and me.

Happy Birthday my precious daughter!