Taking Care of Business

I have several items of business that I need to take care of, and one of them will require your help:

1) Robyn left me a comment on an older post asking a question about something she'd like to do, and I emailed her and told her I'd post it today and see if any of you, my 5 loyal readers, would know how to help her... if you do, please leave it in the comments, as she'll be checking back throughout the day. Here's a summary of what Robyn said:

At one time, Robyn had received a little bag which contained things like: candle, safety pin, band aid, tissue, etc. and they each represented something and had corresponding scriptures (i.e. a tissue for wiping away tears). She can't remember all the items the bag contained and thought someone could help her. So ... Can anyone help?

2) Next, I have a Mother's Day contest (with a prize!!!) I'll be announcing tomorrow, so come on back for details, ya hear?

3) Finally, I was tagged by both Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie and Susanne at Living to tell the Story for a "Show Me Your Handbag" Meme. Lucky for both, I got the tags on Friday, and I was leaving early so I couldn't do it until today. Lucky, only because I got a new spring handbag over the weekend and it's all nice and neat, which by the way, I DO try to keep my PURSE (which is what we call it on the East Coast) tidy. So ... if you want to know what my purse looks like and what I keep in it, look below (and please forgive the quality and lighting of these pics because I used my camera phone to shoot them). And ... if you want to know what my purse looked like and what was in it when Hunter was an infant ... well, that's a whole other story, and you need to GO HERE to see that! (Aren't we extremely "curious" people by nature???)

Now -- I tag Momrn2 from My Quiet Corner (because I know she's pretty practical, which makes me curious about what she carries around on a daily basis), Beth from Life with Two Little Vikings(because we're new friends, and I'm nosey like that), and BooMama (because, seriously, WHO DOESN'T want to know what kind of purse she carries, and what she's got in her it!). Now each of you tag three victims people!

Full view of my new straw purse with cool metal detailing (which you really can't see on the picture):
















Inside view of my straw purse:
















What's in the back pocket of my purse? My little wrist bag that has my lipsticks, liner, gloss and mirror, and gum; my keys; my day calendar/planner (which is much more clean and, well, "blank" than the one seen in the post I linked above -- I guess you get LESS popular with a toddler!). I carry an "emergency" pacifier in the zipped compartment in the middle.
















What's in the front of my purse? My wallet, a pen, and a package of tissues:
















And finally, because I KNOW you're burning to know ... where does my cell phone go? Well, right here in the cell phone pocket (see orange arrow)!

Extreme Fashion KILLS!

For those of you that know me well, will read this, and will simply shake your head back and forth, sarcastically thinking to yourselves ... "What a shocker." Or, "typical."

Anyway ... I am not graceful. Oh, I try to be... but I'm not. In fact, sometimes my husband will jokingly call me Grace (as in ... lack there of), or Jane (as in, Calamity Jane). Top that off with a new fashion, and you get a disaster waiting to happen.

Today, I put on a pair of wide leg denim pants (similar to the ones down below but without the drawstring or side pockets). Mind you, this is only the second time I'm wearing these pants, so what I'm about to tell you came as a total surprise to me. Total.

I got to work, feeling all fashionable and cute, and I bumped into a friend of mine on my way in to the office, and ... as we were climbing the stairs to our cubes, it happened. I fell UP the stairs. Yes, ladies and gents ... UP the stairs.

So, why do I title my post: Extreme Fashion Kills? Because the wide leg pants are so wide, that I stepped on them on my way up the stairs, causing me to fall. And almost break my neck. And die. See where I'm going with this? Yeah.

How embarrassing.

Fortunately, my friend that was going up with me is just as clumsy, so we both had a good chuckle over it. At my expense. And now, so do you. Lovely.

So, take this as a warning: Extreme Fashion CAN Kill. Your pride.

Hey -- have a great weekend, stay away from extreme fashion, and share Jesus' love with someone, m'kay?

Down With Rosie!!!!

No, not the color ... Rosie O'Donnell!!!

People -- she is LEAVING The View! WOOT!!! it's true ... ABC has even made an announcement!

Yahoo reports that she was unable to agree on a contract. Yeah. Right. We know better. It's a God thing!

The article also said... "her outspokenness has caused continual controversy, including a nasty name-calling feud with Donald Trump that placed Walters squarely in the middle." Uh, yeah! One might say that!

What was Donald's take on it? Well, the article said that Trump said, "Barbara's the happiest person in the world that Rosie's been fired."

No, I don't think so... us "radical Christians" are.

Hallelujah!!!

Thanks, Sunshine, for sending me that link. YOU have made my day, Chickie!

WFMW: Why onions make you cry!

As anyone that cooks with onions knows, cutting up an onion can bring on a stream of tears, make your eyes sting, and really messes with the sinuses. But alot of cooks don't necessarily understand why an onion causes us to have that reaction.

Well, to make a very long story short, when you slice through an onion, you are breaking a lot of onion cells, which in turn, causes the enzymes that are inside of the cells to escape. The enzymes cause some of the other substances that have escaped from sliced cells to rearrange themselves into an acid which turns into a gas . The gas is what irritates the eyes, and the brain reacts by telling your tear ducts to produce more water to dilute the irritating acid so the eyes are protected.

You'll get the same types of acids by cutting up garlic, chives and leeks, among other vegetables, but they don't always form the same irritating gas, just a strong smell.

There are all kinds of remedies and wives tales for dealing with this problem, and some are more effective than others, but the one I find works the best, and has a proven scientific reasoning behind it, is to store your onions in the refrigerator, and only peel or cut a chilled onion.

Why? Well, when you refrigerate the onion, the release of gas is minimized because the change in temperature alters the compounds in the onion.

Quick chop tip: To easily chop onions, I cut it in half so that there is a part of the root on either half. Then, I peel the skin back to the root, KEEPING THE SKIN ATTACHED. Holding the skin to steady the onion, I'll cut in half (vertically) nearly to the root end, then to the left and right of that cut, about 3 or 4 times (nearly to the root end). Next, still holding the root end by the skin, I'll then slice finely across the onion, the result will be nicely chopped onion.

So there you have it... a quick and dirty scientific explanation as to why we cry when we cut open an onion, and the best method to minimize that gassy problems!

Dancing With The Stars

Did anyone watch Dancing With The Stars last night? Oh, of course you did ... so did you see the one, most hysterical moment of the entire episode???

The one where Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli were arguing over Ian Ziering's "dramatic performance" and Len (with his perfect British accent) said to Bruno, and I quote...

"It's a dance competition, Sanjaya!"


Oh, my word! The sarcasm was heard by all! And Bruno just flipped his hands around and pursed his lips. It was stinking hysterical, and I almost fell out of my bed from laughing so hard. Well, not really, but that would have been a hysterical sight, don't you think?

Tell me I'm not the only one that noticed that!

Lesson Learned

Saturday, the ladies from my church met for our monthly Bible study. It was lovely, with a delicious spread of breakfast foods.

I learned a very valuable lesson I thought I'd pass on to the masses... just in case you didn't already know.

When you take your 18-month old to a Bible study with you, and he hasn't had his ... morning poop, be forewarned that you might get distracted by the smell your child is emitting, and it's possible, that if you happened to bring a 32-ounce cup of diet coke, you might knock it all over the hardwood floors that belong to your nice friend that graciously opened her home to you. For Bible study. Not child care. All because of a slightly distracting smell from your kids pants.

But, in all fairness, I thought I'd share with you what I learned at the Bible study. First, the leader had us write ... stuff ... on a few index cards. The cards were very pretty, and my son liked the colors. But then, he was soon distracted by the kiddy kitchen set up with nice kiddy plates, and kiddy flatware... all of which equal ... lots of kiddy noise when dropped on previously mentioned hard wood floors... while the leader is trying to speak.

We then moved on to an actually study ... about something ... most likely prayer, because there was a book involved called What Happens When Women Pray, which fortunately, I read prior to loosing my mind with child birth, confirming in my mind that the lesson was indeed about prayer. I chased my son around, who was LOVING being in a new and exciting place, with lots and lots of new toys that he managed to noisily clank around, and was also attracted by ... are you ready for this ... BLING. He loved the little girls big purpley-blue necklace which draped down to his knees. But my friend had wisely made arrangements with her husband to watch the kids away from the home. Something I should have considered (and in all fairness, was warned by my husband).

Then my mother in law took over for a little while, thank goodness! I actually got to participate in sharing prayer requests! Yay! Five minutes of grown-up time. Until, of course, my son became a distraction, and again, I had to take him out, and missed the prayer time.

All in all, I would say -- I learned nothing Biblical. I don't remember a word the leaders said. I didn't even get to join them in prayer ... making the 3 and 1/2 hours I spent in my friends home a complete waste of time.

And -- I left with a nervous twitch in my right eye, and in desperate need of a nap.

Lesson learned: Never go to Bible study with a child. Ever. Unless they are not walking yet, because then, I'm pretty sure you're safe.

And don't take your own soft drinks, as they pose a threat to hardwood floors everywhere.

SHUT UP!!!

Let me just start by saying ...

SHUT UP!!!

Phew... I feel better now.

Well, if you're a member of the MothersClick Weekly Click for Mom's e-newsletter, then you have known all along about the cook book they are creating and putting up for sale (duh), and all proceeds -- yup, that's right -- ALL, as in 100% -- go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. SWEET!!!

And, if you're a member of the Weekly Click for Mom's e-newsletter, then you had the opportunity to submit a recipe or two to be considered for publishing in the book.

And, being that I AM a member of the Weekly Click for Mom's e-newsletter, I DID submit a couple of recipes to be considered for publishing.

And they were considered.

And at least one of them was chosen (not sure which one)!!!

SHUT UP, I tell you ... SHUT UP! Again!

In all seriousness ... I have better recipes. But for some reason, I was afraid to submit them! Don't ask me why, I just was. Just plain silly, is all!

At least they got a pro to write the forward. It written by Nigella Lawson -- and if you don't know who she is, let me tell you, she has faced more trials than anyone would care to even think about. I saw her biography on the Food Network, and I was stunned! Her mother died of cancer when she (Nigella) was 25. Her husband died of cancer. Her youngest sister died of cancer. But still, she pressed on, proving that cooking can and is rather therapeutic. She has a cooking show in England, one in America, and she has written a few cook books. I can't help but love a fellow foodie!

Annnnnyway -- the cookbook is available HERE -- It's $27.95, and will arrive just in time for Mother's day if you order no later than April 27, 2007! Woot! You can read the press release HERE. And ... you can go HERE to see what MothersClick is all about.

Yeah. I'm sure you have both of my recipes already, and you've made them over, and over, and over... but there are a ton of other great recipes in there. So ... if you happen to feel charitable, and if you happen to get the cookbook, and if you happen to see my real name in there... please don't stalk me, 'kay? (For that reason, I think I'll refrain from sharing which recipes I submitted ... although, I think they listed my blog in there -- oh well!)

Thanks for listening to me go on and on and on about this cookbook fundraiser and, hey -- SHUT UP!

How Can I Keep From Singing His Praise?!

The other day, I came across a scripture that I just fell in love with:

"Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips." Ps 145:4-7 (The Message translation)

How awesome is that? Generation after generation will be in awe of God’s works, and each one of them will tell others about his mighty acts and all of the beautiful and marvelous things he has done...

Think of all the awesome "God things" David must have spoken about ... God saved and protected Noah and his family from a great and mighty destructive flood. God gave Abraham and Sarah a baby even though she was way past her childbearing years. God sent the ten plagues on Egypt in order to force Pharaoh to let His people go. God killed the Egyptian firstborn but passed over the households of His people. God led his people through the Red Sea on dry ground while in the same sea, within probably mere moments, he drowned Pharaoh and his whole army. God made the walls of Jericho fall down with a shout. And ... that’s just a sampling of the mighty things God had done in David’s time. Even in his own life, God did mighty things -- after all -- he made it possible for David to defeat a giant with a sling and a stone, and God even made a mighty king out of a humble shepherd boy!

Have you ever stood in awe of God’s work in creation, your life, your family, your church? God is always at work in our lives! His love for us is simply awesome!

Last night, my husband and I sat back and "observed" Hunter. He was dancing to music in a funny little two-step kind of groove, bouncing along, and bobbing his head. Then, when he saw his daddy eating an apple, he stopped everything, moved toys out of his way, climbed up on his daddy's chair, and insisted that daddy share his apple with him. Then, he loved on his daddy, as if daddy had done the greatest thing in the world for him, and all he did was share his apple. It just melted our hearts ... Seriously. It did.

Yeah. I know ... nothing astounding in that little story, huh? But, let me just tell you ... the love we have for this sweet child is bottomless, powerful, and even ferocious at times ... and I am reminded daily of God’s awesome miracles in my life ... especially when he gave us this precious child. And I am daily amazed at the capacity and the depth of love I have for my child. Think how much more then, God’s love is for us? His children? He loves us more than any of us can imagine, with a deep, and all encompassing love. And, he is constantly at work in our lives, doing great and mighty things.

When we take the time to look back at God’s activity in our lives, it encourages our faith to look ahead with confidence when we are facing difficult trials. It reminds us that God truly is with us, and nothing is impossible with Him! He even loves us when we are acting "ugly" and are "unlovable." He does NOT walk away from us, but rather, he continues to love us. This all serves to create a faith story in our lives. It may not be dramatic, or earth shattering. It’s simply the story of God’s activity in our life. So -- what has he done for you? How has he demonstrated his love for you?

Store these stories up in your heart, but more importantly ... share them with your children, because one day, they will become awe inspiring stories for generations to come. In fact, take the time to share God’s beautiful and mighty acts in your life as you would "headline news," writing all the details of his greatness.

I hope that one day, when I’m long gone, people will look back and say that I made my home, my friendships, my work place, and even my blog a place to share God's fame and goodness in my life!

Thank God for His mighty acts in my life. Truly, nothing is impossible for him.

I know this is already a long post, but I just ask that you stick with me for one more minute ... I have a song I wanted to share with you. I heard it at the beginning of the week, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. I even bought the accompaniment for it to possibly sing in church.

It’s a song by Chris Tomlin called, How Can I Keep From Singing. Here are the words:

There is an endless song, echoes in my soul, I hear the music ring. And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to the rock I cling.

How can I keep from singing your praise. How can I ever say enough; how amazing is your love. How can I keep from shouting your name, I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.

I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives. And I will walk with you, knowing you'll see me through, and sing the songs you give.

I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win, I can sing when I lose my step, and fall down again, I can sing 'cause you pick me up, sing 'cause You're there, I can sing 'cause you hear me, Lord, when I call to You in prayer. I can sing with my last breath; sing for I know; that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne.

How can I keep from singing your praise. How can I ever say enough; how amazing is your love. How can I keep from shouting your name, I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.

You can go to Napster (it's the 43rd song) to hear the whole song, or to his web site, Chris Tomlin, to hear a sample of the new CD with this song.

So ... What has God done for you lately???

WFMW: Dinner in 10 -- Enjoying a QUICK meal!

Works for Me Wednesday is brought to you by the lovely Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer. Head on over there for tons of other awesome tips!

For many of you that know me well, and I mean well, WELL ... you know that I absolutely LOVE to cook (that's an understatement). My mother is part Peruvian, part Italian, and when she was growing up, her Italian grandparents lived with her family, imparting a rich, Italian heritage ... including, of course, delicious family recipes and an appreciation for fine food. Every Sunday, they would gather in the kitchen to prepare sheets of pasta, fresh ravioli (my mom's job was to place the ravioli stuffing on the sheets of pasta, and then cut them out), and other delicious gourmet foods for the traditional Sunday family meal.

And, since many of you DO know me well, then you know that free time in my house is practically laughable, causing a lot of kinks in my gourmet plans, which in turn, translates to a lot of short cuts for dinner/meal preparations. And, just to add another kink to my culinary infatuation ... my husband loves to cook, too. Which has actually been quite a blessing. He, in fact, (as I am) is an advocate of strictly fresh food ingredients and preparation, and loves fine food, which is why the following discovery took me completely by surprise.

You see ... when our son was born, our lives were turned upside down. No longer could we spend hours in the kitchen to prepare a fabulous gourmet meal that was consumed along the lines of, oh... 8:00 p.m. -- because now, we had a little mouth to feed, and he demanded dinner around 5:30. We were thrown into the "what can we make for dinner -- FAST" mode on a daily basis(except weekends), and we found that if we had an evening commitment (which, trust me ... is RARE), dinner had to be prepared faster than speed lightening, and neither one of us really cared for those frozen pre-packaged meals where you "just add chicken" and voila -- Asian stir-fried rice and veggies (or something like that). Yuck.

In comes my husband's "neat discovery" -- New, Bertolli Complete Skillet Meals. Now, I must say that we were both VERY skeptical about this, but we tried it, and found that we absolutely LOVE them. Well, most of them. The one I don't care for is the Chicken Parmigiana and Penne, because the "breaded chicken" reminds me of just plain ol' chicken tenders. They have found a way to freeze the sauces in "pellets," and still keep the pasta firm and tasty. Each meal is finished in about 10 minutes, which is AWESOME for a meal that tastes like it took 30 or more minutes.

My absolute FAVORITE is Chicken Florentine & Farfalle -- we added about 1/4 bag of fresh baby spinach leaves to the skillet (because we CAN'T leave well enough alone), and topped it with freshly grated cheese, and it was near perfect! The pasta is cooked in a way that once thawed, is not mushy, but tender and firm.

Here's a list of the Complete Skillet Dinners for two, AND a list of their new Pasta Dishes:

Chicken alla Vodka & Farfalle
Chicken Parmigiana & Penne
Roasted Chicken & Linguine
Chicken Florentine & Farfalle
Grilled Chicken Alfredo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giagantoni in a Tomato, Romano & Ricotta Cheese Sauce (durum wheat semolina pasta)
Orecchiette with Broccoli in a Garlic & Olive Oil Sauce (durum wheat pasta)
Gnocchi in a Tomato Mozzarella Sauce (potato and flour dumplings)
Spinach & Egg Fettuccine in a Five Cheese Sauce

There you have it! Dinner in 10 -- 10 minutes, that is!

You can CLICK HERE to get a coupon.

Lovin' on Heather

Today's the day!

BooMama has posted the "Make A Donation" button, and if you are feeling led by the Holy Spirit to donate towards the Love Offering to help Heather and Mark with the trip expenses to Mayo Clinic, and possibly some of the new medical bills they will be mounting as they fight back on this newly diagnosed brain tumor, then please ... GO HERE and click on the "Make A Donation" button to help out.

The minimum donation is just one dollar - but certainly, if you are feeling the prompting of the Holy Spirit, you may give more if you’d like. Your transaction will be completely secure via the wonderful folks at PayPal, and you can pay with your own PayPal account, your bank account, or a major credit card.

If you want to donate, but are unable to at this time, BooMama has promised to leave the "Make A Donation" button active for a few weeks.

If you don’t feel led to give or are not able to give, it's okay... your prayers and thoughts for Heather and her family will be greatly appreciated, as they are a mighty tool in battling this tumor!

Thanks ... and may God richly bless you for your support.

CLICK HERE to read Heather's blog... You will be touched.

A Special Contest

I am THRILLED to share that there is a contest ... in fact, a FREE contest ... that you can enter simply for mentioning on your blog (and proudly displaying the "For Heather" button) the Love Offering for Heather that is being held on Wednesday, April 18 -- that's tomorrow.

If you're scratching your head questioning what I'm talking about, you can CLICK HERE for my post called God Is NOT on A Coffee Break, and then you can CLICK HERE for my"For Heather" post.

For details about the contest, and all the great prizes (because there are MANY), visit I Should Be Folding Laundry and sign the Mister Linky.

I know, I know ... it sounds a wee bit crass to be excited about a contest like this ... and to be signing up for a free prize ... but really, it's not! Why? Because it's promoting and spreading the word on a really good thing: The Love Offering for Heather.

So, what are you waiting for??? Add the button on your blog, and add your name to the Mister Linky to qualify for the prize drawings!

There IS a moral to this hair tale!

Since yesterday morning, I have been sitting at my desk, wondering quietly what I could possibly have to blog about that would lighten the mood of the horrific news of the shootings at Virginia Tech. In their Engineering Department.

I work for a major Engineering and Construction firm who hires a lot of young college grads from Virginia Tech, and many of our Engineers have children that attend Virginia Tech ... so yesterday was a wee bit tense around the office as we waited for people to check in and tell us that their families were okay.

So this morning, when I read Shannon's hair tale over at Rocks in my Dryer, it put a smile on my face as it reminded me of my own shocking hair tragedy. And then, of course ... Shannon asked for other hair tales to help her feel better... so, Shannon ... this one's for you.

It all started several years ago, when I was diagnosed with Lime Disease. I'm not kidding ... it's totally true. One of the disease's nasty little symptoms is extreme exhaustion. As in ... you might fall asleep while sitting at a red light. In fact, there were many days where I would crawl under my desk and take a nap. My treatment entailed a pic line, a nasty dose of intravenous antibiotics for 30 days, and a missed trip to the beloved annual Youth Specialties Youth Leader Conference in Texas that I was soooo looking forward to going to.

Now, if you recall, I mentioned that one of my symptoms was extreme exhaustion. So, basically, I spent all my spare time sleeping. In fact, one time, I fell asleep at a table while we were waiting for our food to be served... but that's another story. Any way, since all my free time was spent sleeping, I didn't have time to go to the hair dresser, and since I was depressed about missing the Conference, I thought I'd color my hair a little bit ... you know ... just to pull out my natural highlights. Mistake number one.

I went to WalMart, and picked up a box of Clairol's Natural Instincts hair coloring with henna. Mistake number two. My hair is naturally brown with red highlights... so, anything with henna would naturally bring OUT the red in my hair. And ... it was permanent hair color. Mistake number three.

I went home, all excited to do my own hair. I applied the color, and went to sit on my bed until the time for the processing was done. Final mistake ... the one where I should have heard all the alarms ringing in the back of my head.

I fell asleep.

And left the color on waaaay tooooo loooong.

Can you say ... CARROT TOP??

Indeed, it was a very bad Sunday for me. AND ... I had to go to work the next day, so I thought I'd correct my own problem by going BACK to WalMart, getting another hair color darker than my natural one, and recoloring my already messed up carrot top head.

Do you think I learned from my first FOUR mistakes? No. I didn't. So, now, I had a charcoal colored head. I cried a lot of tears, and heard a lot of lectures from my adoring husband ... AND ... I had to pay a lot of money to have my hair corrected. Needless to say, I have a pretty hard head, and I did NOT learn my lesson. I tried to highlight my own hair at yet another time (cured from Lyme Disease, too!), and ... well ... I won't bore you with all the "expected" details, except to say ... I had to pay AGAIN to have it corrected.

So ... the moral of this hair tale?

For the love of everything that is good and natural don't.do.it.your.self.

Pay a professional. Seriously.

And, please keep the families of the students at Virginia Tech in your prayers. Thanks!

For Heather

Sometimes, something just reaches out and grabs my heart. Maybe it's the fact that Heather is a mom, and my "mom heart-strings" are crying out for her. Maybe it's the fact that Heather is a woman, and the "I am woman, hear me roar" part of my heart is leaping into action.

Or, maybe it's just a whisper from the Holy Spirit to help out a fellow sister in Christ who was doing nothing more than trying to live her life, and to advance the Kingdom of God when she was derailed with the news that she has a brain tumor. Regardless of the reason, I see the Spirit moving among our little internet world.

Over the last few days, I have tried to place my self in her shoes, and honestly, it's frightening to do so. I kept thinking of my husband -- this bold man of God with whom I share my life with. Then ... my son. Oooh, my son. The thought that if I were faced with a brain tumor and my days were numbered sooner than expected, and my son might be faced with years of growing up without his momma ... well, that fact alone nearly broke my heart in two. I hope that I would have the grace and strength that Heather has displayed. Frankly, I'm a bit of a drama queen, so of course, there would be drama involved... but any way, she is certainly an inspiration to me, and it is evident that she is reaching into her soul and pulling out her arsenal of "GOD TOOLS" and relying on her "GOD STRENGTH" to fight this battle.

Your continued prayers are most appreciated. And, if you want to help Heather out a bit more, a special Love Offering is being collected on April 18th for Heather & Mark to help ease their financial medical burdens as they begin their fight against this tumor. BooMama will be coordinating this effort (thank you, BooMama!), so if you feel prompted to donate (minimum is only $1.00), check back with BooMama on April 18th, and click on the "Donate Now" button she'll have. It will take you directly to PayPal, and your donation will be kept anonymous (via a PayPal account, electronic check, or credit card).

Feel free to paste the button shown above on your blog, linking it to BooMama's site. Thanks for your love, support, and prayers for this fellow mom, wife and blogger.

CLICK HERE to read more about the Love Offering, or HERE to reach BooMama's home page.
CLICK HERE to read more about Heather's Journey.
CLICK HERE to read my Call For Prayer for Heather.

God Is NOT On A Coffee Break...

Friends, I want to send out a call for prayer.

As many of you already know, Heather at Especially Heather is dealing with the shocking discovery that she has an inoperable brain tumor.

If you have read any of Heather's blog, then you know that she is a mighty woman of God. She has faith that can move mountains. And, she has a beautiful family, loving husband, and her hands are quite full with what I would call her "internet ministry" of her blog, her internet designs at Swank Web Style and her work on Faith Lifts.

Heather ministers to many women on a daily basis. The face of her miracle child, Emma Grace, (who was diagnosed with Complex 1 Mitochondrial Myopathy and Autism) can be seen on a banner on blogs far and wide reminding us to pray for her, and Heather openly shares all of her ups and downs for all of us to read, and be encouraged by God's miracles already being performed in little Emma Grace's life and the lives of Heather's family.

With that, I can confidently say that Heather believes in miracles. As do I. Heather believes in the Power of God. As do I. Heather believes that Christ has his hands wrapped around her family. As do I. Heather believes that what "Satan intends for [her] harm- God will use for His glory". Friends ... Heather believes. As do I. Do you?

Please join fellow bloggers around the country to pray for Heather as she goes through her series of initial doctor appointments, and the start of various treatments. Pray that she will feel God's strength as close as a whisper on her face. Pray that she and her family will rest in God's peace. Pray that God will bring forth a miracle of healing the likes that will touch and bless people near and far. And believe. With all your heart, soul and might.

I read somewhere something that Mac Powell said when he ministered to the families of the youth at Columbine High School after the tragedy they experienced, and for the life of me, I can't find it anywhere so that I can link to it, but it went something like this...

"God was seated on His throne when this tragedy occurred. He was still in charge. He was not taking a coffee break the moment this happened."

And friends, God is NOT taking a coffee break from Heather's life right now. He is sovereign, and he is in control. And HE can give us an unshakable, unwavering peace smack dab in the middle of life's storms. No matter how hard the winds blow, we can remain safe when we are anchored in him.

So, please ... pray for Heather. Add her to your prayer lists, prayer journals, and encourage friends to pray for her as well. We've seen before how God's mighty hand has moved through this tiny internet world when we have called on His name, and we will see it again.

Feel free to check out Heather's blog for updates on her progress and her personal journaling. You will go with the intention of encouraging her, and you will leave encouraged by her writings.

WFMW: Eye Shadow Base

Welcome to another Works for Me Wednesday Tip, brought to you by none other than Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer.

Today's tip is really silly, since I rarely use eye shadow, but on Sunday's and on special occasions, and some times at work(like today), I like to use eye shadow to dress my eyes up. I only use naturals (like cream and brown) but one thing I absolutely despise is putting eye shadow on and finding that it's gone within a couple hours.

I happened to mention this to the nice Clinique lady that was trying to sell me $5,000 worth of product (actually, most of my makeup is Clinique because I have very sensitive skin)... Anyway, she sold me a product which I absolutely love. It's called Touch Base for Eyes.

Touch Base for Eyes is a base that you put on your eye lid prior to putting your eye shadow on. It's the color of your lid, but it forms a sort of barrier that prevents your shadows from smearing, fading, creasing, and disappearing. You just smudge it on with your finger, and then apply your eye shadow.

The total investment for Touch Base for Eyes is $13.50, but if you're vain like me, and like to look pretty longer than two hours, than Touch Base for Eyes is for you! Besides ... as infrequently as I use eye shadow, it's bound to last for the rest of my days.

Now, I'm sure there are other products that do the same thing, but I found this particular brand to be trust worthy, gentle, and it works well... so why bother with other products? This one is light, nude (Canvas), and lasts all day long (using foundation on the eye lid doesn't work like this product does).

You can GO HERE if you want to read other peoples reviews on it.

The "Glory Revealed" Tour

Performing on the “Glory Revealed” tour (go here to see a video with a sample of music and interviews with Mac Powell and David Nasser), from left to right:

Trevor Morgan, David Nasser, Mac Powell, Brian Littrell, Shane Barnard and Shane
Everett.

Last night, I was privileged enough to be at the opening concert of the Glory Revealed Tour. OPENING CONCERT! Wow! And it was a concert that I'll remember for a long time. It was an evening of worship, the likes that I haven't experienced at a concert in a long, long time. It felt like it was truly coming from the artists hearts and souls, and I only wish you could have seen how they become involved in the songs through their motions, almost like their entire being was behind each word they sang.

The venue was small, intimate, and cozy. The stage was very simple, with three huge screens that had graphics and words to the songs. They had candles, carpets, and church pews. It was truly charming. They opened the concert with a medley of hymns that was presented in a rootsy, blue-grassy way that was totally kicking!!! The concert was also totally acoustic -- guitars (I counted over 6), banjo, mandolin and fiddle all worked to give it an awesome "Americana" feel. It really was beautiful, and was totally different than the modern-day Christian-contemporary feel we hear in just about every other song played on the Christian radio stations.

The singers on the album some of the top Christian artists, such as Shane and Shane and Brian Littrell, formerly of the Backstreet Boys (see the list of artists next to the picture), and they are all traveling the country with David Nasser and Mac Powell to support the "Glory Revealed" project. David Nasser also requested that a good friend of his, Candi Pearson-Shelton, be a part of the project, and let me just say, that when she sang "Glory Revealed" -- oh.my.heavens -- I felt the little hairs on my face stand up on end. It was beautiful.

The concept of the album was born with David Nasser who felt like people were searching desperately for answers ... that is ... searching in all places BUT scripture. He then contacted Mac Powell and shared his idea with him, and the flame spread from Mac Powell to the other artists that all shared the stage last night.

So what's the "concept?" SCRIPTURE. The album and the tour are all completely scripture. Scripture, scripture, scripture. Within the first 90 minutes of the concert, we were covered by 40 scriptures, and all of them were nearly verbatim!

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:9-11

Dave Nasser shared also (click on his name to download a sample chapter of his book). He is from Iran, grew up a Muslim in the USA, and converted to Christianity. He is an awesome speaker, and I can't wait to dig into his book. He said a couple things that really took root in my heart. One of the first things he did was ask everyone that was a Christian for 4 years or more to stand. Almost the entire room was standing. Then, he asked that everyone that could recite verbatim one scripture for every year they have been saved to remain standing. I think there were only 3 or 4 people standing. He then made a couple statements which really struck me: "Our love affair with Jesus is limited to our involvement in the word" and he also said that sometimes we can become "more emotional than devotional" in our walk with Christ. Those two comments are quite brilliant if you think about it. How involved are we in scripture? Are we pouring over it? Do we make it a priority to learn, or are other things more important in our lives that they take our focus off of God's Word? It really caused me to stop and think about my walk with Christ. I've been a Christian for about 27 years, and yes, I probably have memorized as many scriptures, but no, I could not recite them back to you "verbatim," including the reference.

They are playing in Woodbridge, Virginia tonight -- the second stop on their tour, and are performing in many other venues across the nation, so if you can, I encourage to purchase a ticket and attend the concert. You will leave blessed.

I would also encourage you to get the CD. It is raw. It is beautiful. It is scripture. It is worship.

For another person's thoughts on the CD, I highly recommend BooMama's review on it...

I've ordered my CD and book, and I'm anxiously awaiting them ... but in the mean time, I plan to dig into the Word and challenge myself anew to memorize scripture!!! I hope you do to.

(updated to add: As of 4/10/07, CD at Family Christian Stores is only $8.99 and the book is only $9.97)

... Coming Soon ...

They arrested him -- period.

They tried him -- period.

They found him guilty -- period.

They beat him -- period.

They mocked him -- period.

They crucified him -- period.

They killed him -- COMMA ...

He has risen ... He's alive! He did it for you and me!



Got Jesus?

Happy Resurrection Day!




(the idea for this post was taken from a commercial on our local Christian radio station. I tried to track down the original wording, but was unable to, so I re-worded it as best as I could from memory)

(the following is reprinted from Friday, 4/6/07)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you aren't saved, and don't know what to do, the following is for you:

1) First, you need to understand and acknowledge that God loves you more than anyone on this planet, and he wants you to have life -- not just any ol' life, but rather, life that is eternal.

2) Next, you need to understand and acknowledge that you are a sinner -- in fact, we all have sinned, and we all fall short of God's glory... it's not just you! ("...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24)

3) Acknowledge that because of God's ultimate sacrifice that I mentioned above -- the death of his son, Jesus Christ -- the "gap" between us as sinners, and our Holy God, has been "bridged." Jesus did this for us when he died on the cross for our sins. He took the ultimate punishment so that we would never have to face that. Jesus is the only way to God. ("For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men." 1 Timothy 2:5-6a and "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

4) Finally, you need to accept this gift. Simply, pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and then, ask him to come and live in your heart. It may sound confusing or difficult, but it's not. Just let go of your burdens and sins ... turn away and repent from them ... give God the bad in your life, and allow him to replace it with beauty and freedom. And for heaven's sake, don't carry your burdens back with you. Leave them with God! Here's a prayer of salvation you can pray if you don't know what to say:

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. Forgive my sin. Cleanse me now with your blood. Come into my heart and save my soul right now. I give you my life, and I receive you now as my Savior, my Lord, and my God. I am Yours forever, and I will serve you and follow you the rest of my life. Amen.

Yay!!! From this moment on, you are a child of God. You belong to Him, and you no longer belong to this world or to the enemy. It won't be an easy road, as Satan will tempt you from every angle, but it will be rewarding! That, I promise! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:8-13

No Greater Love...

Beth Moore once said that she could comprehend laying her own life down for another, but could not, under any circumstances, lay the life of her own child down. That's just how much love we have for our own child! I couldn't have expressed my own feelings any better.

With that in mind, the understanding that God sacrificed his very own child for us is quite overwhelming. And no matter what translation you read the above scripture in, the message is the same for each of us: God loves us with an endless sort of love that crosses all barriers. A love, that as humans, we would never be able to match. His love forgives. His love renews. His love purifies. His love saves. His love gives us peace. If you believe in him, you will never die.

There is, in fact ... no greater love.

On this Good Friday, if you haven't received Christ into your heart, might I invite you to do so today? Here? Now? Among friends? And then, let me know either in my comments section or by email that you have made the choice to follow Jesus. I would love to celebrate with you this life changing decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you don't know what to do, the following is for you:

1) First, you need to understand and acknowledge that God loves you more than anyone on this planet, and he wants you to have life -- not just any ol' life, but rather, life that is eternal.

2) Next, you need to understand and acknowledge that you are a sinner -- in fact, we all have sinned, and we all fall short of God's glory... it's not just you! ("...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24)

3) Acknowledge that because of God's ultimate sacrifice that I mentioned above -- the death of his son, Jesus Christ -- the "gap" between us as sinners, and our Holy God, has been "bridged." Jesus did this for us when he died on the cross for our sins. He took the ultimate punishment so that we would never have to face that. Jesus is the only way to God. ("For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men." 1 Timothy 2:5-6a and "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

4) Finally, you need to accept this gift. Simply, pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and then, ask him to come and live in your heart. It may sound confusing or difficult, but it's not. Just let go of your burdens and sins ... turn away and repent from them ... give God the bad in your life, and allow him to replace it with beauty and freedom. And for heaven's sake, don't carry your burdens back with you. Leave them with God!

Here's a prayer of salvation you can pray if you don't know what to say:

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. Forgive my sin. Cleanse me now with your blood. Come into my heart and save my soul right now. I give you my life, and I receive you now as my Savior, my Lord, and my God. I am Yours forever, and I will serve you and follow you the rest of my life. Amen.

Yay!!! From this moment on, you are a child of God. You belong to Him, and you no longer belong to this world or to the enemy. It won't be an easy road, as Satan will tempt you from every angle, but it will be rewarding! That, I promise!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:8-13

Maundy Thursday

Tonight, my church, along with many others, will celebrate "Maundy Thursday."

Maundy Thursday is the day that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and the disciples, in which two particular sacraments or ordinances were observed: Foot Washing and the breaking of the bread in the Last Supper. So, every year, on the Thursday before Good Friday, we wait on each other, just as Jesus did his disciples, as we partake in communion and then wash each other's feet.

Many people will wrinkle their noses in disdain or disgust when I mention that I'm going to a "foot washing service," because for many, the mere thought of having someone either touch or see their feet sends them into a panic. But I assure you, it is not a time for laughter ... no one tickles your feet ... no one critiques your toes ... no one turns their nose up in disgust. It is, in fact, a special moment in which we get to kneel before our brothers or sisters (men and women break off accordingly) and serve them in humility and with love. It's just beautiful ... We sing songs of praise and worship ... meaningful hymns ... we share special thoughts, prayer and scripture ... and we love each other. There is no other service I can think of that is quite as intimate as this one.

Friends, I hope that each one of you has an opportunity at some time to attend this type of service. If you do, but feel squeamish or hesitant, trust me when I say, you will be blessed beyond measure. I encourage you to go in faith.

And finally, I would consider it an honor if each one of you in the grand blogosphere circle of women would, metaphorically speaking, allow me to wash your feet and serve you communion.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

Bagel High

Two posts in one day ... the fun never ceases around here! But I couldn't help myself -- I just had to share.

So ... I usually save blogging for lunch. And today, I was absolutely starved at lunch, because I was so busy, that I didn't have a chance for breakfast, which is generally an "everything bagel" and a cup of coffee. It's an addiction, really. The bagel. Not the coffee. Okay, maybe the coffee is too. And usually, I feel so "cheated" if I don't get my bagel. In fact, weekends are the only time I don't get my bagel. But today, I was all droopy and sad because I didn't have time to go to the cafeteria for my usual breakfast.

So, imagine my sheer joy when I went down to our cafeteria at lunch today, and saw ... glowing under heating lamps ... bagel pizzas on "everything bagels." Oh yeah. It was like that car commercial where the lady goes to get a new car, and a huge spot light with a choir of angels gather around the "right car" and raise their hands and sing "aaaaaahhhhhhhhh" in their best operatic voices.

Of course, I got that for lunch. And, I added a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup, because it's so stinking cold and rainy here. It just seemed like the right thing to do, although it bears no weight whatsoever in this post. Anyway, after I paid, I ran back to my desk as fast as humanly possible to consume those delicious bagel pizzas.

Let me just say ... that they were deeeee-licious. If you haven't tried it, you simply must. The little bits of toasted garlic and onion, along with the crunch of the sesame seeds and the zing of the coarse salt granules made it the most-absolute-bestest pizza I have ever had. I could have gone without those blasted poppy seeds that only serve to get stuck in your teeth, but who's complaining?

Jesus truly inspired the creator of the "everything bagel" -- and the Holy Spirit must have moved the person that used the leftover "everything bagels" from breakfast for pizzas at lunch. Praise God for the little things.

My lips are tingling, and I'm still buzzing on my newly discovered bagel pizza high. So, don't mind me. I'll be the one walking around with a glazed look on my face.

WFMW: Car Edition - Happy Tires

Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer hosts WFMW....Check out her blog for lots of other great ideas!

Your tires are important ... but often get neglected! They are round, they are rubber, they have air in them ... but ironically, all tires leak a little air over time, with some losing more than just a little leak here or there (which could indicate you have a more serious problem). So, here are a few tips for you to keep you and your tires happy:

1) It's important that you check your tire pressure at least once a month -- and certainly before taking a long trip. Proper air pressure will result in better gas mileage, which at $3 per gallon is important these days. If you find that you are constantly having to add air to your tires, you may have a leak that needs to be plugged, or your tires may need to be replaced.

2) When going on a long trip, adding a couple of extra pounds of pressure will make a slight improvement in fuel economy. I drive a gas-hog -- an Expedition -- and we actually tested this "theory" out one year, and found it to be true. On our way down to North Carolina (a 5 hour trip for us), we kept our tires the same and got about 13 miles per gallon. Shocking, I know, but I love my vehicle. Anyway, on the way back home, we added air to our tires, and we got 18 miles per gallon. It may not sound like a lot, but when you're on a long road trip, it adds up!

3) If you’re carrying a lot of extra cargo, or car pooling a lot of kids, a few extra pounds of pressure tin the rear tires would be recommended to offset the added weight.

4) Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure specified on the sidewall of the tire. This number is the maximum pressure the tire is designed to safely handle.

5) If you happen to go to a beach that allows you to take your 4-wheel drive vehicle on the sand, and you find you get stuck in the sand, deflate your tires. It will broaden your tires, giving you a wider base to ride on and help get you off the sand. Just make sure you go directly to a gas station and place the air back in the tires! And I have no comment as to how I know THAT tip... ehem.

6) If you are a single mom, or your husband is way, WAY busy, and you don't know how to check the pressure in your tires ... ask for help. Either from a neighbor, a gas station attendant, or even your pastor ... but do not neglect your tires.

There you have it! Tire tips from me to you. Okay, really from Mr. GiBee to you. But only the "technical information and tips" ... I wrote the fluff. Happy traveling!

Office Fashion Crisis

At the risk of loosing readers, friends, and relatives... I just have to vent. You see ... I worry. Or rather, get concerned. Or, maybe it's annoyed. Yeah -- that's it. Annoyed.

Over silly things.

Yes, I know world hunger is rampant. I know that many countries don't even have the simplest of things, like clean drinking water. I know AIDS is overtaking Africa ... including the youngest and most innocent - the children. I know that pollution is choking our water ways, and fog is smothering our clean air. The ozone is depleting ... icebergs are melting ... animals are dying ... blah, blah, blah. I know, okay? I know.

But there are some things that really bother me ... like fashion. Yes. Fashion. Which, in its self is hilarious, because I hate to shop, and really haven't got a fashionable or trendy bone in my body.

I was brought up with the old-fashioned rules: only wear white shoes and clothing after Memorial day; no white after Labor Day; children should never wear black; you dress conservative and classical at the office; stiletto high-heels and plunging necklines have "their place"; and you never dared to wear shoes and a purse that didn't match. But more importantly, I was taught that sandals, tank tops, and other warm weather clothing belonged only in Spring and Summer months.

Not in the dead of winter.

And one thing I've noticed here at Mega Business World, is that the young women coming into the work force out of college have no regards to fashion rules. Or ... maybe they just don't "know" what we've all been taught. They wear high-heeled slinky sandals with short, SHOOOOORT mini skirts, low cut and very sheer tops, and yes... tank tops ... in the dead of winter. Or tight hip-huggers and short cropped shirts. And they wonder why they're cold all the time! It grates on my last nerve, because it's so unprofessional, and causes many-a-man to stare and behave like a teenager around them. It's disgusting. And pitiful.

Now, granted, I do deviate at times. Don't call the fashion police, but I don't quite make it to Memorial day before my whites show their face, and sometimes, I slip past Labor day with them still in my closet. And, my shoes and purse never match -- I have an 18-month old, for crying out loud.

But ... These young girls really push the envelope of decency. Now that Spandex has made a permanent residence in many fabrics, it seems like shirts cling closer, pants hug tighter, waist lines are daringly lower. And to think ... this morning, I was feeling so "fresh" and "Springy" in my lime green top and my "professional" black slacks, and "classical" black flats with white stitching and cute little silver buckle thingie. *SNORT!*

Sigh.

These young gals make me feel old.

And frumpy.

I hate them.

There. I feel better now.

Fortunately, I don't feel pressured by today's society to "fit in" ... and it wouldn't matter if I was "rail thin" or had a model's figure ... I would still dress modestly. I have a friend who, shall I candidly say, doesn't have the greatest figure in the world -- you know ... luv-handles. Neither do I, actually... by any stretch of the imagination. But the difference between the two of us is that I care what I look like, and I care how my clothing "speaks" about me. She, on the other hand, doesn't. And don't worry, no one reading this blog knows who this person is. But a while back, I was horrified to discover her actual level of "disregard" to how she looks. She was wearing low-ride pants, a mid-drift top, and when she bent over to pick something up from the floor, it caused her pants to dip waaaay below her waist line, exposing more than I could bear to look at. I'm not sure there were any under garments involved, either. I mentioned something to her, and she shrugged me off and laughed, and joked about guys getting more than an eye full. And she's pushing 50!

Ladies, it isn't attractive. It isn't humorous. It isn't "entertaining." Choosing to live our lives for God's glory isn't easy. It comes with cost... and tough decisions ... including the choices we make in clothing. Being a woman after God's heart is important to me, and I never ... EVER ... want anyone to be put in an uncomfortable position of seeing more of me than necessary, if you know what I mean! As the principal of my niece's school has been known to say, it is a "heart issue." Modesty involves more than just our clothing. It includes our attitudes, the way we talk, and our behavior—how we walk, use our eyes, engage with others, etc. In our society, a woman's clothing and outward appearance is a powerful non-verbal communicator of what we believe, and as a Christian woman, one needs to be careful to portray a Christ-like appearance at all times.

Now, this doesn't mean we have to be dowdy ... in fact, we can still look cute, trendy, pulled together, and fashionable. I know this, not because I am any of that, but because I have girlfriends who are strong Godly women, that are trendy, cute, and modest... like my "trendy church friend" I talk about all the time. So, yes. It's doable.

We just need to be careful. We need to make an effort to choose our clothing wisely, and try it on before we make purchases. Bend in it, stretch in it. Make a mental note of what other people are seeing when we do this. Ask your self ... "Is this pleasing the male eyes, or my heavenly Father's eyes?" Then, make a comprehensive decision ... is this something "I" can wear and still represent God's glory?

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Okay -- off my platform now, and on to other stuff...

Egg Hunt

This weekend, Hunter attended his first egg hunt. It was so cute to watch all the children running around a flat field searching for eggs with treats hidden inside. And, as any mother would, I happily helped my son grab a few eggs from other kids politely find a few pastel colored eggs and place them in his basket.

One friend told me that I mowed over a child to get to an egg for Hunter. Yeah. Right. Little ol' me??? Well, that may or may not be true ... although, what's the word of just one eyewitness anymore? Now, if two or three parents saw me do that had come to me with their concerns, I might be more inclined to ... NAAAAH. I'm not falling for that. ;-)

Regardless of a "few kids getting knocked over by zealous parents," fun was had by all ... young and old. (And for the record, some kids just need to toughen up!) Hunter's "firsts" for this weekend also included jumping in the moon bounce, and eating cotton candy -- and I failed to get a picture of either one!!!

And remember my friend that viciously accused me of taking out another child to nab an egg was so concerned about the children's well-being at the egg hunt? Well, poor thing -- he had volunteered to be the "dunkee" in the dunk tank... see where I'm going here? Yeah. Ice cold water. Happy children with dead-on aim. Heh, heh, heh ... um, I mean ... poor guy, 'cause he was all cold and shivery...

Just a few words of caution for any parent that volunteers in a dunk tank ... 1) make sure (ahead of time, preferably) that the level of water is not CHEST DEEP, 2) make sure it's not on a cool spring day, and 3) you do NOT want to wear rubber fishing pants and boots, because you WILL get sucked in to the depths of the tank's unknown, and you WILL come out with your pants full of water. In the event that you do not heed that particular warning, you'll need to closely examine the following pictures so that you know how to remove water from said rubber pants...

Now, for all of you waiting with baited breath, and sitting on the edge of your seat, here are a few more pictures for you (notice the sunglasses of total coolness -- not the person wearing them (which would be me), just the sunglasses):

So, there you have it ... pictures of Hunter and me ... in all my glorious "overweightness!" Lovely. Anyway, I hope y'all had an awesome weekend that kick-started your week!