Random Thought Friday

Spring Flowers are Blooming!

~ Do you 'dream' at night? I do, and some of mine have been not so nice lately. It was upsetting to me, I wake asking "what does this mean"? Are you trying to tell me something Lord? Etc, etc, etc. I did realize though that dreams are not reality. If fact, when I woke up this morning after a not so nice dream, I prayed. I gave it to the LORD and proclaimed the 'truth' to my own heart. GOD knows. HE cares. HE is for me. The Bible tells me so! Don't let a bad dream ruin your thoughts or torment you!

~ I am a journalizer. I love to journal. I not only journal, I like writing down lists. I have lists of lists. Pretty funny. I have prayer lists, books read lists (wish I had started this one a great deal earlier!), quotes I like, letters sent to people or desire to send to people, Bible verses I am memorizing, answers to prayer, character list (ones I am praying for myself), places to visit (near and far), friends to encourage, Sabbath list, word studies and the list goes on.Keeping a little book in your purse helps remember quotes etc. Do you journal? Tell me about it!

~ Did you know you can go into the Library and talk to one of your librarians about books? (some are more 'willing' to chat than others) Now that is a novel idea! Really, we are in our library so often that I have come to know 2 very well. If you like a certain author (say Francine Rivers--my favorite!) she can print out a list of authors of the same genre for you to try. It really works. I have found many many authors I didn't know about by this method. Try it out with your children. You will be amazed!

~ Our whole family opts out of TV for books. Not that we don't watch TV (ESPN---what can I say?) just that books take you places!!! I grew up in a family that didn't read much. Boy, what I missed out on!!! I have my awesome husband to thank for turning me into a 'book woman'! He bought me my first real 'book' back in 1971. We lived in Bad Aibling, Germany with no TV, no friends yet, and he worked 12 hours a day, six days a week. The name of the paper back book? It was "EXODUS" by Leon Uris. I loved that book. I may go back and read it again this summer just to see. We were overseas with no library, so it was a challenge. He was up to it though. He joined me in a Mystery Book Club in the USA and they sent me 4 books a month for a very cheap price (cheap paper too). The bug bit and I have been reading ever since!!! How grateful I am for a really great Library-- FREE! FREE! What books do you like to read? The options are endless!

~ Speaking of books ~ THE BEST BOOK ever is the Bible! I read through the whole Bible every year now. I used to use 'McCheyne's' but now I use 'Discipleship's program' (they have 3 different ones). When my children were little, I read my Bible but not systematically. I usually read one Proverb a day and then just hit or miss as I was led. Now, I see the wisdom of having a 'system'..... reading it is the important thing. God loves us. He wants to reveal himself to us. He does that through reading the Bible and praying. I have the habit of not reading anything else until I have met with HIM! I am glad! I have had my struggles in this as I think every believer has at one time or another. Pursue it....it is so worth it!

~ Rainy here yet the grass is looking sooo green and spring really has arrived. Our lovlies are popping up all over the yards here in Maryland! Thank YOU Lord for flowers and bushes! YOU are good and give us good things!

~ I am so happy to have my hubby and son back form Mexico. It was wonderful in Mexico and they have shared so many wonderful stories and pictures of our dear ones in Mexico. What a privilege to be apart of all God is doing in Chihuahua.

~ My closets are looking good. I am very proud of our 'coat closet' ~ the only closet on the main floor. It has margin now. It is organized and looks very nice! I de-cluttered it and got rid of stuff~ taking things to 'Tabitha's House', our local thrift store that ministers to abused women. Nice! Makes me smile! It is funny how getting rid of stuff makes one feel 'lighter'---true for you too? My mission continues.......

Ending with a question. What song do you sing, hum or rattle around in your head as you work?

I love to sing although not very well. I am a very good 'hummer' though. I hum all the time!

Five of my (work) favorites are :

"Love Lifted Me"

"You are my Sunshine" (I learned this one from Dave many moons ago)

"Count your Blessings"

"At the Cross" (I don't sing it slow....I speed it up--that is okay you know)

"If You're Happy and You know it" (Kids song)

Humming right now, Lynette

Random Thought Friday

~ Everyone is sayin' it snowed. NOT on our street! The Lord heard my prayers because I prayed for no snow ~ he loves me whether it snowed or not ~ smile!

~Spent time daydreaming this week.

~ONE more day and my hubby and Caleb return with the other 12 men from Mexico and ministering to the Indians there and the Church in Chihuahua. They ARE hard workers! My heart has been in Mexico all week!

~Hannah has made coffee for me everyday this week (early) without me ever asking her too. AND done lots of other things I won't tell about except we haven't starved! Hannah is our resident 'suzy homemaker' ~ Kudos to Hannah!

~Cleaning out two closets today ~ drizzly and damp day! Must put on some loud upbeat music to get me started and motivated.

~This was a cold rainy week ~ yet SPRING is coming I know! Our yard needs lots of TLC, raking, raking and cleaning up. Glad I still like to rake!

~We have only run the dishwasher once all week. We usually run it once a day. What does this mean? Either Dave and Caleb use a lot of mugs and glasses or Mom hasn't been cooking---which do you think is true?

~Only three loads of laundry all week for us girls. We now know where all the laundry comes from--tee hee!

~I have not heard once this week "do we have to watch ESPN again?".

~Never realized before that my honey or Caleb always always do the "all doors locked" routine late at night. AND turning down the heat to 56 degrees at bedtime. Bekah took over these jobs this week. She forgot the heat last night.

~ I forgot to go to Giant by Thursday and get chicken breasts on sale for $1.99 pound. I usually buy 10 pounds to last til it goes on again! Oh my! Hope it goes on sale somewhere soon around here. Bekah is not the only one who forgets!

~You are thinking "so what did you do all week Sherry?" Well, I logged in miles of walking around our house looking at things here in the house and thinking 'how many more days?' Oh, and I attacked all the dust bunnies in the corners and high on the walls. You see them when you walk around and 'daydream'.

~Not much book reading going on by me this week---unusual but then I have gotten a great deal of 'daydreaming' done. What does this say about me?

Signing off to attack the closets so I can tell my hubby I had a productive week!

God is good ~ hope daydreaming is okay with him, Sherry

Random Thought Friday

~ Our 1st snow of 2011 today. I woke and looked outside our window and my first thought was "white as snow, white as snow, my sins were as scarlet and you, Jesus have made my sins white as snow!" Totally amazing! Think about it!

~ My hubby had a meeting last night. I worked all day yesterday. So I put my PJs on and read a really good new book all evening. It is Jack Higgins newest book. Sean Dillon. General Ferguson. Good reading. I know. But I love spy novels and intrigue and military suspense. I know it is weird for a girl! No fluff for me.

~ I have decided (prompted by the Lord) to not grocery shop this month. Well, not regular grocery shop anyway. I will purchase milk, fresh veggies for salad and fresh fruit as needed. Our freezer needs to be washed and renewed and the only way to do that is to empty it first. It is too hot in the summer to 'get at it' as our upright freezer sits in our hot garage. In the winter it is cold out there......so nothing will thaw.

~ Our freezer is full. We live on a budget and therefore I buy 'on sale', and plan ahead. I never ever pay full price for meat, bread, or treats. I always purchase chicken breasts on sale for under $2 a pound and then wait 6 weeks for the next sale. I tend to 'shove it in' and lose track of what is in the back. I need to work on this. Anyway, the cure is to use it up. Hence, my January plan of attack is 'add not more', until it is used up, cleaned out, washed and starkly clean and fresh.

~ Because of the above, I must get creative and still maintain good nutrition. I will let you know how it goes......

~ I am not a winter person (is there such a person?). I love summer. I love spring. I even love fall. But not winter. Winter is cold. Days are short. Yet, I was reminded today that winter has some benefits. It is a pretty picture of what Jesus has done for me. My sins were as scarlet and now they are white as snow! Totally awesome to meditate on. Hey---I am on to something here!

~Snow is frozen water. The earth needs water. My garden needs water. We need water. I need to change my attitude towards winter. I do like to read. Winter provides time for that. More time to play games with family and friends. I like that too. So maybe the Lord is trying to teach me something here!

~ Happy 2011 to all! What benefits does winter bring to your mind?

Cold on the outside, but warm and toasty on the inside,

I am a daughter of the KING, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

~ This weather is just glorious! Sunny, cool and blue skies and the greenest grass you have ever seen!

~ Our Hannah is in the MCAL Soccer Championship tonight in Bel Air! Go TEAM!

~ Our supper six met here last night. I made Savory Chicken Squares (always always a big hit!) , my sister Robyn's recipe for Rice Pilaf, Broccoli salad, homemade biscuits, and a pretty green salad. Dump cake for dessert along with a new recipe of Coconut bars and I added in fruit salad too. The most important though were the guests!!!!

~ Next month our supper six is at Lois and Bernie's!!!!

~ I hate bathing suit shopping ~ but gotta do it anyway.

~ My gardens are looking so pretty. I have been sharing my perennials this week. Gave away bleeding hearts, primroses and my Peggy Mums......just a few!

~ Mulching is finished for the year at our house! Whew! What a job ~ glad it is finished.

~ Matthew, Natascha and Joschua are coming....YEAH!!!

~ My Mother in love may be able to come out to CHURCH on Sunday....Woo Hoo. Then coming here for Mother's Day dinner, which is always a cook-out and eating outside ~ my favorite.

~ I miss my Mom so much....she lives with Jesus in heaven now.

~ I have so much to be thankful for. I remind myself often of HIS Amazing Grace ~ wonderful and beyond expression. What a Glorious God! How can I thank HIM enough?

~ Well, I am happy to admit ~ we found my glasses ~ an hour after WalMart called to say my new pair was waiting to be picked up. What a riot! We had searched and searched and searched, actually my whole family searched, to no avail. Then my hubby opened a drawer in the table in our school room and bingo...there they lay. I was amazed, happy and embarrassed all at the same time. An hour later WalMart called and said my new glasses were in!!!! Ouch!

~ I ordered new glasses because we are going to MEXICO.....and I am blind without them!

~ Our bird bath in our front yard continues to be the favorite bathing spot for all birds. I am now refilling it twice a day! Love those birds! Fun to watch and I am trying to get some pics of the bath time fun!

~ Happy Mother's DAY to all you wonderful, loving Mothers and Grandmothers!!!! What JOY!

Delighting in Jesus, hugs, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

~ Mulching week here at our abode! It is lots of work, but very worth it. One year we did not mulch and we came home after a week of vacation and we had weed beds rather than garden beds. I did not have the time or inclination to spend hours and hours weeding. A lesson learned!

~ Phantom of the Opera was such a sweet delight and a joy to hear and see. Rebekah and Hannah were thrilled to be there too. What a great guy for Dave to treat us four to such a remarkable day. He even took us out to eat afterward to Basta Pasta ~ the girls first time there. What a guy!

~ I am seeking to grow in gratitude right now. The LORD has opened my eyes to the 'ungratefulness' of our generation. How entitled everyone feels......and I stop and ask myself ~ why are you joining in? NO! Everything I am, have, do, and see is a gift from the FATHER!
Thank HIM Sherry!
Notice.
Acknowledge.
Speak.
Say it.
Get it out of your brain and into audible words. I am trying by God's GRACE!

~ We are making lots of plans for our Mexico Mission Trip in June!

~ In the mail yesterday was my passport! Rebekah's passport! Hannah's passport! All five of us now have our passports! Woo hoo!

~ I haven't seen much of Caleb this week ~ he is finishing up school papers and work. I miss him and look forward to his not having any evening classes soon!

~ I have misplaced or lost my new glasses. I am not happy with myself right now....how can I lose my glasses??? I am thankful God knows where they are even though I do not at the moment. Could they get up and walk away? For pete's sake, there isn't any 'piles' for them to hide in!

~ I received a very pretty hanging basket of petunia's for Secretaries Day at Open Bible. Also a gift card for lunch and a very meaningful card from ALL! Thank you, Thank you ~ love you each!

With a grateful heart, hugs, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

• This has been a week of 'sorrows' in my heart ~ so many hurting friends ~ Isn't HE comforting to us in our sorrows. We CAN trust HIM in the midst of sorrow because HE is good and HE is with us. We may not know the "whys" but we know the 'WHO' ~ and HE is with us in our infirmities. That gives me sweet comfort in ways nothing or no one else can!

• We had a lovely day on Monday in Washington, DC. It was a field trip for Hannah. We were able to go during the 'Cherry Tree Festival' held every year there. It was gorgeous sights. In spite all the ugly goings on in our country, we do have much to be thankful for. We are a blessed people, beyond measure. Yet, we are losing what our founding fathers established this country on. I found myself praying as I walked, asking for forgiveness of our sins as Americans. My HOPE is in Jesus Christ and HE holds all things together ~ I will stop rambling ~

• Since the big project of my pantry was finished, I took on my own closet. I am happy to say it is cleaned out (I even wet mopped the floor) sorted and looks so good! Makes me happy to see it ~ now onto other spaces that need 'spring cleaning' !

• As I sit here all alone and type, I am watching the cool wind blow in the slider and hearing the pretty birds singing. I am reminded that life is a vapor and how quickly my littles have grown up. I want to 'count my days' as the Lord says and remind myself that all this is quickly passing away. What will last? How precious Jesus is to cause me to even ask the questions!

• I was thinking last night how blessed I am to be even more in LOVE with my hubby today than I was the day we were married! Truly ~ The Lord is in this PLACE! It is all HIS GRACE ~ We are such sinners and yet HE paid the price for me and for him~ walking together in the GRACE of GOD ! How I love Dave ~ the one God gave me!
  

• Caleb bought tickets for Hannah and Nadia to go to Opening Day for Christmas. What a brother Hannah has. Loving. Caring. Generous beyond his ability! Nadia has never been to an American Ball Park or Baseball game (she is from Russia). Today is her first! What a simple blessing to Nadia and Hannah and to me because I see it! Our Sunday Sermon a number of weeks ago was in Luke. Application: Do you want for others what you want for yourself? Food for thought, don't you agree? Hmmmm.... I am thinking........

• Our 1st visit to Blooms Bloom is in my near future ~ It is a farmers dairy ice cream joint here in Harford County that has the best, best, best ice cream one has ever put in their mouth. My time is limited there this spring though because I am losing weight BEFORE we head to MEXICO in June!

• Day upon Day ~ my HOPE is in Jesus Christ, the lover of my soul. He is perfect, loving and all wise! To HIM may my life be a sacrifice.

Delighting in Jesus today and everyday, hugs, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

~ Blue skies are so pretty! How good God is to delight our sight with HIS creation!

~ Great fun having Matthew Scott, Natascha and Joschua here for two nights! Hate to see them go home ~ but that is life! They took our sweet Hannah with them for the week!

~ I am so glad I was able to get the OFFICE cleaned this week. I scrubbed the office bathroom floor with a scrub brush on my knees....came pretty clean. Washed the walls in there too. Defrosted the office frig, cleaned the microwave inside and out. Dusted and dusted and dusted more. Washed all the windows inside and out and scrapped lots of tape off too. Washed the base boards and wiped all the chairs down, plus cleaned the cart and the tables. Looks good and Heather said "it smells so good in here!" Thanks Heather!

~ Spring has truly sprung in our yards. Daffodils are blooming everywhere. Hyacinths too. Our bleeding heart plants are up and forming. Grecian wild flowers are bright purple. Unfortunately the rabbits ate all our tender crocus. I planted our front white stone pot with pansies. All the mums are looking green and plentiful. I even found a small garden flag that says "Bee Happy" to hang in the garden.

~ Our grill is good to go. Dave exchanged the gas tank and hooked it up! We will be grilling lots and lots this spring and summer.

~ Turns out our favorite big umbrella is broken, only four years old too. We will be heading to Lowes to get another one according to my favorite guy.

~ I finished Francine River's book 3 days ago. I am reading a new Novel about an Israeli undercover agent....it is a page turner and filled with spy action, which is intriguing. Of course I am still reading my other books too....smile!

~ I have been thinking a lot about things lately. My life is quickly changing as our arrows are flying from the nest. I have no littles around any more! I miss that. Yet, I realized this time would come...smile! I have more time for things I always wanted to have time for. Like long quiet times, time to pray specific prayers for the unconverted. To sit and 'think' or read for more than 10 minute intervals. To learn new things. To do spontaneous things, like kidnap my hubby or run to the library just because I can. This is my new normal. I will thank my God and praise HIM for HE is my HOPE. He is with me and YES, HE has plans for me!

~ I could of never written a BLOG when my six littles were running around...unless I did it late at night...hahaha I would of been to tired to 'think'!

~ I watched a movie this week I should of never watched. I kinda knew it at the beginning, when she said. she was engineered from her dad's sperm and an egg from her mother, for spare parts for her sister. Hint, Hint! It was the saddest movie I had ever seen. In so many ways. All I kept thinking and saying out loud was "someone share the gospel with these people!" No hope. Especially the Mom and Dad had NO hope. They all had No hope. I wish I had not seen it. Next time I will take the hint.

~ I just read chapter one in "The Bruised Reed" by Richard Sibbes ~ 1577-1635 ~ one of the most influential figures it the Puritan movement . Written in the foreward--- ' Of this blest man, let this just praise be given: heaven was in him, before he was in heaven.' I like that quote! Just a glimpse of the richness of this book : "After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks." (Due to our pride.) I am gaining by reading this small book.

~ I will finish up "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" by Nancy Guthrie on Sunday. But I will not be finished. This little book is a keeper and I will again next year gain much by reading it once more.

~ My pantry looks so neat and orderly. Thanks Natascha for your help girl! No, I did not get to my windows or spring cleaning at home. Yet, I did get some done at Church. Thank you Lord for enabling me and helping me do it, it was my joy! My stuff will get done in your time.

~ I got a great surprise in the mail this week from Idaho. My Dad sent me a gigantic, huge, stainless steel pot. You laugh maybe. I was thrilled. When he was here last May, he commented that I needed a BIG pot....instead of two little big pots! So he sent me one! I am happy! How thoughtful! Bring on the soups, sauces, corn cooking and pasta boiling!

Delighting in Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

~Random Thought Friday~

~ I came across a PBS series called "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens. It is full of characters and the heroine is just sweet as can be ~ very loyal to her father who is a 'lover of man's praise'. 4 DVD's with 4 episodes on each disc. It is on NetFlix. I have not finished watching it so I am not sure about the ending. Charles Dickens tends to be dark in theme.

~ Taffy and Emma are now pretty as can be with their short haircuts and purple bows on their ears. No more winter coats. I am not a dog 'lover' but Taffy and Emma has wiggled their way into my heart.

~ The Lady Bug invasion at our castle has not ended yet. We did some research (I must say Rebekah did some research!) and found out ant spray is the cure. With a hard winter comes lots of Lady Bugs. Both were true here this winter! I normally like them, for they eat aphids in the garden. But NOT thousands of them .....inside and out....especially in our garage!

~ We had our first bar-be-cue this Spring! What a riot! We did hamburgers on Dave's grill only to run out of gas for the grill 3 minutes into it. So he went to the shed and pulled out his spare, just knowing he had half a tank. NOPE! It too was empty! So he brought the burgers inside and plopped them on a frying pan and did them on the stove! They tasted just fine!

~ Hannah is going to New York City on Monday with Matthew Scott, Natascha and Joshcua for the day and then spending the week in PA with them. She is thrilled!

~ I like 'spiced jelly beans' and my family cannot understand why! Fat Free too!

~ I like my new coral journal. I can't believe how quickly I am filling it up. I not only am keeping lists of Books Read, Prayer Lists, Choosing Gratitude and I Spies; also keeping all the Sermon Notes from Sundays ! My daily journaling also with verses noted from daily readings.

~ Spring Cleaning MUST begin this week. Windows especially! I will wait for the Lady Bug infestation to be over to take everything out of the garage, wash the floor (after vacuuming the dead ones the broom cannot reach) and re-paint the floor with garage floor paint. It took a beating with all the snow boots, sleds, and tracking ice in.

~ I am not happy to admit the pantry is not in order yet! Maybe I will enlist Rebekah to help with that this week...shhhhh.

~ I know the Blue Bells will be in full bloom here soon. We plan on going to the Gunpowder on Bel Air Road with our camera and a picnic on a sunny day soon. I highly recommend it for one and all and especially families with children. It is just gorgeous! I'll let you know when peak is!

~ I am half way through Francine River's new book and I just got it from the library on Wednesday! Woo Hoo! It is a page turner too! Her Mother's Hope is the title.

~The other three books beside my Bible I am reading are: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (during quiet time)by Nancy Guthrie, Prayers of an Excellent Wife by Andrew Case and Relationships-A-Mess-Worth-Making by Paul Trip/ Tim Lane

~Yesterday I put up some pictures on my blog of our flowers in our garden beds. Here is the answer to the question I asked!

Jonquil, daffodil, Narcissus

Jonquil

Whenever people ask about the difference between jonquils and other
daffodils, I point out that the difference has nothing whatsoever to do
with the flowers. The difference is in the foliage. Daffodils with
rush-like leaves are all properly called jonquils. No daffodil with flat
leaves is properly called a jonquil.
There you have it! Daffodils and Jonquils are of the same class ~ Narcissus
It is the 'foliage' that is different!

Random Thought Friday ~

Today is Random Thought Friday!

~ I am working for my co-worker Denise today. She is home playing, talking, learning with her Grandchildren today. I am happy for her.

~ Ladies Retreat was a real 'treat'. Girl time. Learning time. Good stuff! Loved it!

~ I am glad Rebekah, Hannah and I cleaned our abode yesterday. We did it quick and efficiently. I also did our grocery shopping in the afternoon and went to the bank. Of course since it was 'errand day' Rebekah and I went to Wal-Mart too. Cheapest place in town for Prego!

~ I purchased my first two yearly pansy plants yesterday ~ of all places ~ Giant Grocery Store. They are very nice looking and were cheap too. One bright yellow, Hannah likes yellow and one purple, Bekah likes purple. They will go in our white pot by our front door. Cheery!

~ Working three days instead of my usual two is more tiring than I thought. I miss home.

~ I am reading four books this week instead of my usual three. I started a new one that is causing me to think a lot. The other three are just getting a lick and a promise right now. That is okay.

~ I was able to get an hour of raking in this week. And one big bucket of weeds pulled. Looks nice to me.

~ I have cried four times this week. My friend Judy was in the hospital and is home now. A sweet girl who is a student at School was in a terrible accident on Wednesday and has a fractured pelvis, we are trusting the Lord for her. Pray for Andrea please! I was weeping two other times for sadness. Crying is a part of life.

~ March Madness is in full swing! My family enjoys this fun time. We watch when we can, when we are home. GO Maryland! Smile!

~ I have taken the time twice to go to my room and count my blessings this week. On purpose. With intent. In the middle of the day. Thanking my heavenly Father for HIS grace, HIS love, HIS presence, HIS strength, HIS care, that HE is FOR me ~ even when I don't feel it.

~ BIG plans for us this week end. I am EXCITED. I can't wait! God is good!

Delighting in Jesus, hugs, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

~ This was a very weird week for me. Lots of re-grouping, things going haywire and out of sorts! Yet, I am happy to say through it all, God's grace was not only evident, but shining brightly!

~ Well, the snow is all melted in our front yard, but not the back yard yet! The warm sun yesterday was so nice. Today Caleb, Rebekah and Hannah leave for Deep Creek CrossCurrent Leadership Trip. Deep Creek had 15 inches last week end, so they will be able to do some 'snow tubing' tomorrow!

~ Dave and I will be home 'alone' for 3 days! Woo Hoo! This is only the 2nd time in 40 years that this has happened! (AK--after kids)

~ I had yet another 'lesson' in downloading my ipod and now I am confident that I can do it ----by myself--- that is the key---by myself! YES! I'll keep you posted, ha!

~ I finished a Novel that I thought was very good. "In a Blink of an Eye" by Ted Dekkar. It was a 'fun' book to read about a Princess from the Middle East and a Genius from Berkeley who is a different kind of guy! Give it a try, you might like it too. Got it from the library!

~ Rebekah and I ordered new glasses this week...they should be in soon! She's had hers since she was 14 years old and I have had mine 5 years. That was so fun to do together!

~ The one thing I did not get done again this week, (Natascha and I were going to attack it here the week of the double blizzards but we didn't get to it---smile!) was re-organizing my storage pantry. It is a crazy mishmash of shelves. No order, therefore, I cannot find things quickly. Hunt, hunt, hunt! I just know it is in here 'somewhere' ! Yikes!

~ I had the thought to organize my pantry tomorrow...but my hubby would not enjoy that project at all......at all! Of course I could get up early and do it while he is at Men's Prayer Breakfast.....I like to 'sleep in' too much!

~ The problem with the pantry (which is in my laundry room---crowded) is that things have to stack and lack of room makes it a challenge. I have to come up with a system! I have like items together, one just has to stay on top of it, rather than just throwing things on the shelves! I guess you can tell I am thinking about this...ha!

~ I like to save money, buying things when they are on 'sale', therefore my pantry is in a constant state of flux -haha. This week I bought 10 boxes of spaghetti on sale at Giant for $.77 a box!!! 10 boxes of Ziti, same price! Can't beat that unless you drive to BB's in PA!

~ My Mom-in-Love is doing very well. Her recovery has been slow, yet she is coming along nicely. Dave and I took lunch to them from Panera Bread yesterday, and had an agreeable time. She mentioned she hopes to be back to Church on Resurrection Sunday. That would be fabulous!

~ Looking forward to this week-end ! I am glad this week is almost over ~ HIS mercies are new everyday! Even when things so haywire and tempers around us boil, we can rest in HIS goodness! HE never boils! What a savior, what a GOD! How I love HIM!

Delighting in Jesus today, hugs, Lynette

I Forgot Friday Funny?

I posted today and forgot my ~Friday Funny~.....oops!

Friday Funnies:
When Nathanael was little, he and I were making dinner together. We were 'chatting' about all kinds of things dear to his little heart. Many I don't remember, this one I do remember!

Nathanael: Mommy, I want to marry you when I get big.
Me: Oh sweetie, Mommy is already married to Daddy.
Nathanael: He won't mind...you can be his wife and my wife too!

What little sweet things we remember about our children. What delicious, precious things kids say!
What a 'cutie' to make dinner with!

Random Thought Friday ~

~ Today is Friday! I usually 'clean' on Fridays and today is no different! Put on the music and hit the gas on the vacuum! The girls and I have it down to a science these days. If we all pitch in we can get it done in a couple hours or less! I like to do it every week so we stay on top of it, but we have at times been so busy and running that we didn't get to it for a few weeks. I must say, just so you know, the bathrooms and kitchen always get cleaned.....no matter what!

~ We speak the body language of 'hugs' at our house, we use it often. I've learned when words aren't enough, holding my kids in a hug says volumes. Kids outgrow laps but never hugs. I hug my kids everyday! Even the big ones!

~I have learned to put things near their use. For some reason this took a long time for me to learn this. We hunted and hunted the tape for years. Now I have 3 tape dispensers. One in the school room, one in the kitchen and one in my desk. Same with scissors, string, note paper, comet, dust rags, duct tape, any books and keys (by the door), they all go near their use. With some things I am a slow learner.

~My kids don't need me to be a buddy, sidekick or a maid. They need me to be their mom. Kids need a mom to set limits and set an example. Anyone can be a friend. Only a mom can be a mom. That is the highest calling!

~ I am excited when my kids 'get it'. That happened this week. I didn't need to say anything...one of my kids saw and heard a situation and quickly discerned (AND mentioned to me openly--nice!) the wrong and right of it! Amazing! YES! God is at work!

~ Games we played during the Blizzard of 2010! (I found your list Natascha!)
-- Scrabble
-- Mexican Train
-- Apples to Apples
-- Who Nu
-- ETC
-- Stocks and Bonds
-- Compatibility
-- Scattergories
(Natascha had more on the list, but we didn't complete the list!)

~ Friends are wonderful! They make life sweeter still! I ask myself often "what kind of friend am I ?" My Dad told me long ago "better to be a true friend ~ then you will always have one. Don't look for friends, just be a 'real one' and God will take care of the rest." That being said, I fail much of the time! Jesus is my example and HE really IS the bestest friend of all. Yet, we were made for relationships. It's the old porcupine analogy. Draw close....stick....pull away.....draw close....stick...pull away! We learn what GRACE is. We love because HE first loved us! The earlier my kids learn this HUGE lesson the better equipped they will be to make a difference in their relationships with people. I need huge amounts of grace, I give huge amounts of grace. It is NOT about me.

~ I have come to accept the blessing of SNOW! God has his reasons for it...smile! Being 'snowed in' is rather lovely ~ especially when it is with people you love and enjoy being with!

Delighting in Jesus, Hugs, Lynette

Random Thought Friday ~

Today is Saturday. Yesterday was Friday and I didn't do Random Thought Friday....so today we will back up (can you do that?) and do Random Thought Friday! Sorry for the mix-up, it has been one long mix-up week for me ~ have you ever had one of those?

- We survived 2 blizzards here in Maryland! It was lots of fun being 'stuck' inside for a week. We had Game Marathon Day (Natascha made a list and we did play MOST of them!) We baked lots of yummy things, like Cinnamon Choc. Chip Cake, Cookies, Potato Skins, and lots of biscuits. My hubby and Caleb love homemade biscuits with honey. Did I mention Caleb was at Shawn and Andi's place taking care of Libby and their place ~ it was his pleasure to do it! He enjoyed the 'quiet' too.

- I like to braid my girls long hair. Rebekah often asks me to 'french braid' her hair and I love doing it. Looks so pretty and she has such nice thick hair, fun to brush and braid. After having four boys, playing with long hair is fun and relaxing to do. I miss the days of trying all the fancy braiding (in and out, round biscuit braids, ponies flip in and out etc.) and cute hair styles. I admit I don't miss the tangles and 'ouchies' that go with it all....smile girls!

- This past week had Valentine's Day in it. The 2nd year we lived here my honey took me out to dinner on Valentine's Day and the food was cold, the place was crowded and the service left us disappointed. He said "never again" on Valentine's......so we have always done the week after, or shortly following. This year we had Matthew Scott, Natascha and Joschua here so we had a lovely Valentine Dinner Sunday night. Red and white table cloth, nice napkins, candles, low lights ~ the whole nine yards. We had baked ziti, garlic bread, big green salad and delicious dessert. Sweet music in the background and after dinner we played a game called "COMPATIBILITY", while Caleb took Joschua and ran around playing 'tickle bug' which Joschua loves. It was a nice ending to a lovely Sabbath Day!

- I am challenged by the Sunday School Class I am in right now. It is so good. It is so biblical. It is so delighting yet so challenging. It is so much to think about. It has consumed much of my thought the last 3 weeks. I work, I do things, I go places, and I keep coming back to thinking about this class. So much so, I stopped 'blogging' for a bit! Swirling thoughts! Good for me!

- More snow? I hope not. Someone told me this week that the Farmers Almanac says we have 2 big snows coming this way still. I am glad the Farmers Almanac is not in charge....GOD IS!!! We will see. I trust the Lord to do HIS pleasure!

Friday Funnies:
When we lived in Woodstock, New York our back yard was all woods. So much so you couldn't see the houses around us very clearly. We had 2 and a half acres and the boys loved being outside, that was their favorite place to play. They knew every tree, rock and hole. It seemed a long way to go inside (run to the house, climb 2 sets stairs, into the screened in porch, into the kitchen, down the hall and turn into the bathroom) to use the facilities. So my manly husband told them they were allowed to 'pee' on any tree (as long as no girls around, and backs to the house). All was fine. Until we were at the Sunday School picnic at a wooded park. Can you guess? Yes, our youngest proceeded to 'pee' on a tree----YIKES!!!! I don't think everyone thought it was as embarrassing as I did. A lesson learned by all!!!!

Random Thought Fridays~

A Friday interruption due to "Random Thought Fridays" today!

~Snow is heading our way so I am lining up my books for the 'blizzard' of the decade, although it may never make it here. God knows. That makes me happy and comforting to know God is in control and HE has a plan. We rest in knowing HIS plans never fail.

~I did something fun yesterday and "Kidnapped" my hubby and took him to lunch at a place we have never been. Basta Pasta is a local Italian place and the food was great. We sat and chatted with no interruptions or distractions which I like! Actually this wasn't the first time I have kidnapped him. A few years ago I kidnapped him to go to the Gun Powder to see the bluebells and have a picnic lunch with Ann, Dieter and Annie during the Spring. What great memories we have of that day with them! Dave had no idea and was surprised to see me in his office saying " let's go....drop what you are doing and follow me." (I had checked ahead to make sure his calendar was clear of appt. and meetings too) I think every wife should try this at least once....if it won't work during his work week try it on Saturday! If you have 'littles' it will take more forethought and planning but will be soooo worth it!

~ Since this is February and in the middle of winter we should all be 'thinking' of ways to say "I love you" in a fresh way! Love is action. Just saying "I love you" is great but if that is all there is, it is empty. Put action into the words. Give yourself. Demonstrate your love. Make your man his favorite dinner, or dessert, or snack. THINK about what HE LIKES. My hubby likes 'quiet' in the mornings. So I am quiet (if I am up, ha---he rises VERY early). He likes to be greeted at the door with a big smile, so I try to get there! Smile more! Laugh more. Hug more. Talk sweetly more. Whisper in his ear, he will love it! Your husband has likes too, just observe, watch and listen. Become a student of him. Try everyday to make HIS day special in some way, even tiny ways count. Going to bed early is nice too! Smile! Time passes quickly, what we do everyday is way more important than what we do once in awhile!

~So I am off to read, read, read, make cookies with my girls, chat with Caleb about history, play games with the family and enjoy those I love during this coming snow storm. Salsa is available in large amounts and we have lots of pop corn to pop in Hannah's air popper. Who knows, I may even venture outside for a snowball or two knowing I have the hot chocolate & coffee ready and waiting inside. (I'm not fond of snow) We have today! The LORD holds tomorrow in HIS hands! Isn't HE WONDERFUL!!!!

Friday Funny:
When Rebekah was born our four boys were so excited! "A sister!" they kept saying. My children are all spread out in ages. Caleb was 4 years old when Rebekah was born. About a week into her life, they were each saying 'she's MY sister' as a game. From the other room I heard the back and forth, back and forth.....with little Caleb getting more and more irritated. Caleb came running to me with big alligator tears in his eyes and said "Mommy, she's MY baby---right?" He was so cute and so serious I have never forgotten it!

~Random Thought Friday~

Today is Friday! My girls and I usually CLEAN on Fridays. So I am making Friday short and quick on my BLOG!

Imitation is the highest form of a compliment, so I will end with a "funny", having adopted the idea from one of my very favorite BLOGS -- "Girl Talk" by the Mahaney ladies (Cynthia's 3 girls are all married so their names have changed) , a Mom and 3 daughters. Thanks GirlTalk!!!

Check out Girl Talk---
http://www.girltalkhome.com

Elizabeth Elliot is a favorite author of mine. I started reading her books way back when! Dave and I even had the privilege to go hear her speak at a conference one time. She has so many 'quotes' I enjoy. "Do the next thing" is one that has helped me countless times. As a busy homemaker, having so much to accomplish, places to go and people to see, lessons to teach, life can at times seem overwhelming. We get 'stuck'-- what to do, what to do? "Do the next thing"...don't think about all you have to do, just do the next thing, and the next thing after that. I have been 'unstuck' many times by those very wise words from a godly woman of faith! I hope the next time you are in that place you will remember Elizabeth's words too--- 'Do the next thing' .

Friday Funny~
When our son, Matthew Scott was four years old, we sat at the dining room table eating dinner. "Eat your broccoli, buddy." his Daddy said. Time went by and the broccoli danced around his big plate. "It tastes better when it is warm", he was told. Around the plate his broccoli danced. It got cold, and danced some more! With his big brown puppy dog eyes he looked at me and said "Mommy, my stomach has a really really bad headache !" We still laugh about that one! Out of the mouths of babes!

Signing off for now, hugs, Sherry