Determination

Yes, it is going to be a Good Morning! It is going to be a Good Day, and a Good Week! I even capitalize them because I am so sure of it! I may have to work at it a lot, but I am determined to keep my attitude positive in the midst of the things working against me. By "things" I mean these items in particular:

• The ever increasing cold weather, which in itself is good for the land...but that's about all I can figure.


• The mountain of paperwork I have neglected and must file/organize today. (Yes, this is me working against myself!)


• The cold, (yes, it is a theme) unheated, unfinished basement where I need to do most of the organizing and prepping for the next two weeks.
  

In order to honor my husband this week and get to the priorities he has set before me I am checking my attitude at the door (I should clarify: It's not an attitude towards him...just the hinderances in general) and getting to the work with at cheerful heart. I guess I need to restock my spiritual pantry and revist this post I wrote nearly a year ago!

Watching the Sunrise

I was up with the sunrise this morning. Just as it was beginning to show the tiniest amount of color. I didn't get a picture because it was just too cold to step outside. It was wonderful...now hopefully the rest of the day will stay somewhere near the schedule. We are practicing hospitality this evening and will have friends over for a meal and evening together. Time to get the kids up and going and disperse the chores...mainly my own!

My eldest is nearly eight. We were given this toy as a shower gift. It is called the "Smoochie Poochie" and is by Sassy. It has been through a cycle of slobber and washings since he was only a couple of months old. Our next child loved it as well. So much so that I thought it might not make it through without some damage. It did great. Now, the third child, five years after the second, has deemed this one of her favorite toys as well. I am contemplating putting one away for each of them for when they have children of their own. All this joy for three children for only $5.99. I'd say that's a great deal!

Meaningful Advent Fun

My husband and I are currently planning an Advent Event for our church entitled "24 Reasons to Celebrate Jesus." He is the part-time pastor of Family Life and has been working on events to bring the church family together. At this event we will be providing 24 ornaments and a devotional for each family for $10, with a soup supper. Some of the ornaments will be ready-made, and some will be embellished or created at the event. I will post more as the items come together. The ornaments focus on a characteristic or name of God, which can be tricky to come up with ideas for! I am down to trying to find two more ornament ideas...any ideas for: God with us, or Counselor???

Quick Banana Bread

Here is my recipe for Quick Banana Bread. I'm not sure why, but it is always tastier the next day!

1 - 8oz Cream Cheese
1 - Cup Sugar
2 - Ripe Bananas
2 - Eggs
2 - Cups Bisquick

Cream the cream cheese and sugar; add in bananas one at a time; add in eggs one at a time; add in Bisquick until moist. Place in bread pan and bake at 350 for approximately 1 hour (60 min). Wonderful warm with a cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy!

Hello! Hello!

Good Afternoon Everyone! I think I am back to blogging after a looooooooong break. This little joy of joys has been keeping me busy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! I waited a long 4 years for her and am so thankful to have the opportunity to mother a newborn again...OK she's two months old now...but that's still pretty new. Don't you just love that smile when they're sleeping. I think she is dreaming of her thumbs that she has kept out just in case she needs them. Big brother and sister have fallen back into their routine and all is well in Central PA. Come back for new posts soon on mouth watering recipes and food for thought too!

Pictures from the Trip: Part 1

Here are a few pictures from our trip out west. It was such an enjoyable time! We are so thankful for all of the hospitality we received!

We spent a lot of time holding our newest little nephew.
We used a butterfly kit and watched the caterpillars metamorphosize into butterflies. This was release day.

We had to have a butterfly party afterward of course :0) Playing video games with cousins in our jammies.
Blowing bubbles with cousins in Grandpa & Grandma's yard.
Golf lessons from Grandpa.

More pictures to come, as well as some summertime recipes!