I've just seen Jesus

Somehow I found this song during the Christmas season and loved loved loved it. It is such a wonderful song and immediately made me think of Easter so that's why I am sharing it on Easter Sunday. All of our hopes are because of that wonderful Resurrection morning so long ago.

TSMS- My name is Jesus

I just heard this and thought it would be perfect for sharing today. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and remember the risen Savior who is waiting with arms stretched wide for you.

Good Friday

     We went to the store today and on the way, we passed a group of teenagers walking up the side of the Interstate carrying a cross. My daughter's boyfriend wanted to know what they were doing so I explained Good Friday to him but my voice broke for the tears. To think my Lord and Savior went through such awful torture for me. I thank God that Jesus loved me so much He died to give me a home in Heaven. I forgot that love for a while some years back but I am so grateful He gave me an opportunity to make it right again and there is nothing on Earth that will ever come between Jesus and me again. Jesus, I just want to thank you for walking that horrible path to Golgotha for my soul. 
      Sitting here thinking how grateful I am for salvation, I have something on my mind. This is not aimed at anyone just thinking out loud. I see so many posts about not judging others and how we should be too busy caring about our own sins to mind others. I am thankful that someone cared enough about my soul to talk to me about where my sins were leading me. I think prayer and a loving word spoken at the right time make all the difference. Hell is a horrible horrible place and I wouldn't want anyone to spend a minute there. The devil is busy and sometimes it seems like hes winning but I read the end of the book and God wins so we need to make sure we are on His side and try to show that love to as many as possible. 
     Yes we all sin daily but we aren't to abide in our sins, we are to strive each day to be more like Jesus. Oh how I wish I could make that choice for you so that all of us could go to Heaven. I hope I didn't sound all preachy but Good Friday just overwhelms me and I want all of you to know I love you and am praying for you. Please pray for me.

     This song seems appropriate for today because when He was on the cross, He was looking ahead in time and seeing how much I (and everyone else) would need salvation and a way to make Heaven our home.

 "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
- John 3:16

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'"
- John 11:25-26

Mark 15:22-25 -- They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him . . . 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 


1Cor. 15:1-3 -- Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 

A few fun ideas for Easter

At our house we just love holidays and go all out to enjoy them. I consider every holiday another excuse for a family gathering. Here are some pretty neat ideas I thought I would try out this Easter

Glow in the dark Easter Egg Hunt now what kid of any age wouldn't love this idea.

Carrot Napkin bundles This is just so adorable for the Easter breakfast or dinner.

Toddler Dyeing Tip This is the best tip every for dyeing eggs ever.

Graham Cracker Peep House If you love the idea of gingerbread houses, you will love this graham cracker house for a peep

I have been so busy entering giveaways that I haven't really been posting much. Its been a while since I listed any ebooks on here so I thought I would like a few today. These are all books that I found free on March 28th 2013 at noon. Prices can change at any time so make sure of the price before you click to order.

Desires of My Heart - Meditation on Psalm 37:4 

The Truth of the Cross- A book about how the cross was needed.

Get Out of Debt Like the Debt Heroes: How 21 Ordinary People Paid Off Over $1.7 Million in Debt  I always love books on people being frugal

Preppers Garden Food Production  I am trying to do more gardening this year considering the price of food and all the recalls.

      

21 Days of Faith Challenge (A Life of Faith) a challenge to help you grow in faith.

Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series)  this is a Christian romance book 

Sandwich, With a Side of Romance - Christian romance

Peeps

Everyone in my house loves loves loves Peeps. I remember back when you could only get peeps at Easter. I am glad you can buy them for every holiday now :).

I found this blog that told a bit about peeps and wanted to share it with you.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 86

I almost missed the hop today and here one of the questions was my suggestion :). Its been a pretty sad day here so I am surfing to get my mind off it.

BTW I just signed up my blog on the bloglovin program since Google is supposed to do away with google friends connect. I would appreciate if you would follow my blog on there. Thanks very much.

Questions

1. Melanie asks "What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked? What is the most unique seafood you've eaten?
2. Anne says, "An unforgettable holiday moment is_____________________. (She's on the other side of that BIG pond. I believe a holiday is a vacation on this side. )
3. Arlene wants to know, "When was the last time you tried something new?"
4. Becky asks, "Who or what inspires you?"
5. Madonna wants to know," How did you chose the names of your children. Wendell adds,"If you don't have kids, how do you choose pet names?"

Answers 

1. I love a lot of different seafood. It would be easier to list what I don't like. I think my favorites though are crab legs and shrimp.

2. Florida 1997 we were at Disneyworld for the 25th anniversary year. We made the mistake of going on Christmas Eve. The park was closed to capacity within 20 minutes of opening. All the rides had lines of at least an hour long. There was a cold snap and we all about froze because we didn't take coats. But the castle was decorated up like a cake and was adorable. This is a terrible picture. I wish they would have have sold post cards with the castle as a cake but all the cards only showed the original castle.  For some reason everyone hated the castle like that but I just loved it. Guess I am just a tacky person :)

3. I try a new recipe at least weekly and Pinterest is great for helping me find them.

4. Every day Jesus inspires me. I try to grow more like Him daily. Doesn't feel like I am getting there but I am trying at least.

5. I wanted to name my oldest Amber Renee but my ex hated that name (I named my german shepherd that instead) so I had a friend who had always said if she had a daughter she was naming her Amanda after the Waylon Jennings song. It turned out that my friend couldn't have children so I named my daughter in her honor.  My youngest was named after my ex's boss' daughter. Honestly I think my ex had a thing for her but thats ancient history.

RIP Uncle Randy

   I got the call today that my uncle Randy had died. He was my dad's youngest brother. He died from a long illness and many complications stemming from rheumatoid arthritis. He was only 58 years old. This has been such a hard year. In a years time my baby brother was killed, my dad's sister died, Dad's brother just died and my step-grandmother died. I feel so tired inside.
    When I was a little girl, every time he and his wife would have a fight and split up, he would move back to his parents house and mope. He would drink and play this song over and over again. I used to make fun of him but now that I am older and have had heart break, I know how he felt. But for the rest of my life this song will remind me of Randy.

Kindle Fire HD Giveaway Announcement/Opportunity

If you're looking to grow your blog or social media following, we have a great and FREE opportunity for you!  Free is good, right?  Well, Free is AMAZING!






Isabelle from Le Chateau des Fleurs recently released a new Android app called Smartphone DNA, and to promote it she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD-which she is sponsoring entirely.  The giveaway will be hosted by My So-Called Chaos, but what we need are other bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs in order to spread the word! In return, you'll get two of your links in the Rafflecopter to get extra promotion for you in return for posting.  This is entirely free, there is NO buy in, we just need two posts from you.

1. Post this announcement on your blog (code will be given after you request to join) to ensure your readers/followers have the opportunity to be a part of this giveaway too! 


2. Post the actual giveaway (full Rafflecopter and all! People will be able to enter directly from your blog!) 

If you are interested in participating in this FREE promotional opportunity, please email Miss Angie and once accepted into the giveaway you will be given all the information you need for your posts.

Giveaway is set to run from 4/10/13 to 4/30/13.

All requests to join required by 4/5/13!

Free Herb Kit

I finally got some potting soil and have planted my special WVU tomato seeds, now I just have to wait for them to grow. It doesn't feel like spring here considering its been sleeting and snowing. I had a great weekend though, I won a Vonny beach bag with supplies, and a $75 gift card to Target (one of my very favorite stores) and a Alpha Hydrox skin care kit.  While searching for signs of spring I came across this really cute offer.

Annie's fans here is a really cute freebie! With 2 proofs of purchase from any of Annie’s Homegrown products, you can get a herb garden kit! Just head to their partner in this promo, Eco Bonus and sign up (it’s free) to print your mail in offer! You can print 3 coupons for Annie's products to help you with your purchases.

Blog Lovin

Well I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. When I came home from church last night it was spitting flurries barely. I wasn't really expecting anything more so I was surprised to see there is an inch or 2 out there. I think this might be a day for beans and cornbread. I got a coupon for a free Nivea lipcare item. I got a tin of lip butter since the coupon expired in just 2 weeks. I have no clue where this came from. It was most likely a Facebook freebie. I also got an email that I had won a coupon for a free Silk Iced Latte.

You might notice the icon for Google friends connect is gone from my blog and replaced with the Blog lovin icon. That is because Google is doing away with GFC, Google Reader will be no more after July 1, 2013.  I picked the new follower that everyone has been raving about. Everyone says it is way easier to read and there is even an app for reading blog posts on your phone (naturally since there is an app for everything including breathing lol) I figured I better jump on the bandwagon now since I want to increase my numbers as I go along.

More Freebies and mail call

I got some great stuff in the mail today. I got a Pedigree Dentastix for my dog, Maxine, I got a Schick hyrdo razor, my coupon for the free box of Honey Bunches of Oats, my special WV tomato seeds, and 4 free flavors of Duncan Hines frosting creations, see the photo at the bottom.

Not sure if they still have them or not but here is where I got my tomato seeds. Technically it doesn't say you have to live in WV to get the seeds. I plan to save some seeds out of the tomatoes I harvest and always plant some.  A limited supply of seeds for the West Virginia 63, a blight-resistant tomato developed at West Virginia University, will be available for home gardeners beginning March 4.As WVU celebrates the tomato’s 50th birthday, and as West Virginia celebrates its 150th birthday, Gallegly and WVU colleagues have harvested a supply of seeds to let Mountaineer fans grow a piece of history in their own yards and patios.
To claim a packet of seeds, simply send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: WV-63 Tomato, PO Box 6108, WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108.
Seeds will be mailed out beginning March 4, with a limit of one packet per household, while supplies last. Seeds can also be requested through local WVU Extension offices.
Gallegly, who will be 90 this year, targeted tomato blight almost as soon as he began his work at WVU in 1949. It’s the same disease that caused the Irish potato crop to fail in the 19th century, and triggered a famine and mass migration. You can find Gallegly’s story in the winter issue of the WVU Magazine, which includes a video that details his career at WVU, which brought West Virginia and the world an indestructible tomato.

Free print copy of The Glory Of Heaven- haven't read it so I can't say anything about it.  This is good until March 24th.

Sample of Flexitol Heel Foot Balm click the request sample sachet link

Couple of quick freebies

Oh its a cold, wet and windy day here in southern WV. I have a job interview this afternoon for a part time job. I sure do pray they give it to me. I need some income soon. Here are a couple of real quick freebies I signed up for this morning.

Poise Feminine Wash Sample I love samples from Startsampling.

Lipton Black Tea Sample- like their Facebook page and fill out the form for your sample.

Hope you had a happy St Paddy's Day.

My St Patrick's day started on a bummer :(. I discovered that a bunch of the giveaways I had entered for some odd reason (maybe because its my Facebook email) were going to my Yahoo account that I never ever check. I could have cried. I don't even know how many I had won because after the first page of emails I deleted them because it was so discouraging. I did email a few of the more recent wins and see if it was too late. Thankfully one of them (bless her heart) still let me claim my win :). Then I spent the day fixing dinner and entering more giveaways. The night ended on a good note because I got the email saying I could still have the one win and also I got another email that I had won on another blog :). We had a good holiday although I was sure my daughter was going to get foundered on pot roast lol.

Here are my wins

Brys Edgewood Cakemaking kits from Pizzazzerie Entertain in Style- this is the one that let me claim my win after it was due. (What a sweet woman)

Robby Wash from Deal Sharing Aunt- I can't wait to try this out. It sounds awesome. No more detergent for a while. This is the one that I won today.

Here is what I fixed for dinner today.

Pot roast with carrots- my daughter is a fanatic for pot roast and we aren't corned beef fans.  Just threw a roast in the crock pot with some carrots.
Green mashed potatoes- I didn't check and was out of fresh herbs so I blended a few baby spinach leaves, ground parsley, butter and milk in the mixer. I used that as the milk in the potatoes. They turned a lovely pale green, not sure how well you can tell in the pictures. But at least it was natural and not the dyes from food coloring.
Green Beans- just out of a can but simmered in broth from the roast for a bit.
Rolls- store bought
Green punch- mixed lime sherbert with Sprite.
Lime Chiffon Pie-stir 8 oz Cool Whip, 6 oz lime yogurt and small box of lime Jello in a bowl and add to a graham cracker crust.  Chill 3 hours (you can use all sugar free low fat for less calories. Normally I do and no one can taste a difference.  I make this is a wide variety of flavors. Just match the yogurt to the Jello. I have used orange, strawberry or whatever. You can also just make the mix and chill in a bowl without the crust and its just as good for way less calories. This is such a versatile recipe and everyone always loves it. Its fast and easy. )

 

 

  

Saturday Stuff

Its a lovely warm day here in southern WV but I think the rain is coming. Haven't won an blog giveaways in a few days, bummer. I keep entering though. Getting ready to make a pie for St Patrick's day and then mix up a batch of laundry detergent.

I just won a free hair dye from L'oreal playing their instant win game on facebook.  I have  been needing to touch up my roots for sure.

Went shopping at Kroger yesterday and did pretty well. I got $95.37 worth of groceries for $41.39 I had a number of coupons to double and found a few clearance deals. I got a bottle of Method cleaner for only.20 after coupon. It was on sale for 1.20 and on their facebook page you can print a coupon for $1. I got a large can of Lysol disinfectant for 1.84 after coupon, it was on clearance also. We also got sample bags of the new flavor chips from Lay's. My daughter's favorite was the Cheesy Garlic Bread, They taste just like cheesy garlic bread she said.

I got a sample of Folger's coffee on Facebook also.

Signed up for a cute little plastic mug for St Paddy's day. It won't be here this year in time but I will put it up for next. Just got to the page. Just “Like” their page, fill in your information and put in the code green2013. Your mug should arrive in 2-3 weeks.

HPW #117 and mail call.

Well today's mail call was pretty good. I got the free record coasters I ordered from Black and Mild and the prize pack of Progresso soups that I won. See pictures at the bottom.  So glad today is Wednesday and prayer meeting church. I love going to Church.


1.  Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money?  Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?
I don't but only because they don't interest me. Its not something that God has ever convicted me of. I am just too frugal to spend the money when there isn't a sure pay off. Gambling doesn't interest me much. I have bingo'ed and won while there and it was fun but just not me. The only casino I have been to was on a gambling boat and that was tons of fun but that was due to the boat not the gambling since that bored me. It was great fun being on deck watching dolphins and such. I have never bet on a horse but my bucket list includes a trip to the Kentucky Derby. A woman I worked for years ago used to go when she was younger and I try to always watch it. I have bought many a ticket.

2. Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional corned beef and cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day?  Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favorite way to have potatoes?
We aren't corned beef people but we do usually have green food.  Such as mashed potatoes with herbs to make them green, shamrock punch, key lime whipped pie,

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?
A little article I saw on Facebook about the sweetest couple.  I want a love like that.

4. What's at the end of your rainbow?
 I answered this question yesterday on another meme. The home of the Leprechauns in a magic clover world with gold pieces all around.

5. March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929 -March, 1945).  Anne's diary spent detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazis ranks as one of the best selling books of all time.  Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or journal? Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?
I probably have a couple dozen journals I have started over the years. I write for a few months and then forget to. I do like to read back over them though. I started when I was a teen.

 6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow.
 I can't think of a single thing off the top of my head.

7.  Write a limerick with you as the subject. You can do it!! Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon. 
 There once was a girl
who loved watching mail unfurl
so she tried to win a prize
by trying blogs on for size
when she won she danced a twirl.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
I love getting wonderful things in the mail.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 84

QUESTIONS

1. Beth asks:What's your favorite movie of all times? The one you've seen multiple times.
2. Clairity says: Name three things that are permanent residents in your handbag or purse.
3. Red asks: What's the best way to your heart?
4. Mamaw wants to know: Do you like going to yard sales?
5. Cathy says: If you could slide down a rainbow, what do you think you'd find on the other side?

ANSWERS 

1. Fireproof is one of my all time favorites. I just love that movie. I could watch it daily. 

2. Reading glasses, mints, and a pen. 

3. Being a Christian, dependable and trustworthy. 

4. I love yard sales but I am not a negotiator so I don't haggle. I keep wanting to get back in the habit of going on Saturdays but they slip by me too fast.

5. the home of the Leprechauns in a magic clover world with gold pieces all around.

Biggest Loser and dieting

     I am so glad. The person I most want to win the biggest loser is one of the final 3 for sure. Danni lost the most percentage tonight and so she and Jeff are guaranteed spots in the finale. The 3rd spot is between Jackson and Joe, both of whom I really liked also. I would have preferred Jeff so I could vote against him. I just don't like him. I am so glad Gina is gone though. Every single week I have wanted her to be out. It was hard to choose who to vote for because I do like both Jackson and Joe. I voted for Joe though because I just like him. He hasn't been one of the more vocal members but he has been steady and dependable. I like his character a lot. He seems like a really great guy. But I still want Danni to win. She just seems so sweet and she reminds me of me. I wish I could have lost all my weight way back in my twenties. I have wasted over half my life being fat. There are so many things I haven't done. Pictures I am not in because I hate seeing me. I want so bad to change it. I am praying this time I want it bad enough to succeed. I am starting day 3 of a diet I found online at Ladies Home Journal. Its a 7 day startup diet for the biggest loser. So far I have lost   5 pounds. I didn't get to walk yesterday because I was on the road running a ton of errands (yes that means my car is fixed, Praise the Lord) but I have walked once or twice a day for 3 days now.


Today's mail brought me the book I ordered through Tyndale Rewards that I blogged about here. I also got an email and I won a coupon for a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats from A Big Little Family. Also I want to say I totally am in love with the Adora calcium supplements I won. Omgoodness, they are so sweet and creamy. They remind me of Dove or Godiva. They are really that good. They are not like that other calcium supplement I tried which was pretty good but these just are over the top. Plus they are only 30 calories for each one so I can have them and not feel bad about it. I literally have to force myself to only eat one though. Gosh they are good.

Noizy Bandz

 

I got a cool email about these little bracelets. They look like they would be so much fun. I know the grandbabies would love to have them. I so want the one thats for the military. Its Lee Greenwood singing Proud to be an American. I also love the one that sings you are my sunshine. I bet the boys would love the farting one lol.

Noizy Bandz Children's wristbands are musical, educational and a whole lot of fun! Watch your children light up as they hear the music and fun sounds coming from their wristbands that they control. First of its kind, expect more from your silicone bandz check out Noizy Bandz and hear the music at www.noizybandz.com Great for all ages and all occasions. Have a Birthday party give a musical Happy Birthday band instead of a card kids just go crazy for them. Check them out at www.noizybandz.com

Here is a coupon to get $1 off.  

I got this information from US Family Guide.Com and I will be getting one for free for providing you with this information and opportunity to buy one of these.

HPW

1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends.  When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?

If I got really good or really bad service I will fill out the card or if they offer me something free for doing it. Sometimes I feel out the online surveys but most times I don't. Yet I know a lot of people who have won simply because most people don't take the time so I always mean to do better.

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January.  It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out but it's been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts? 

I respect any woman who wants to be involved. I personally don't feel that the front line is any place for a woman but if thats what floats your boat go for it.

3. In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title?

I don't normally have cute fun titles since I am not very creative so I pick this one 8 yr old Explains God


4. What's worse-overly permissive parents or overly protective parents? Did your own parents lean toward the permissive or the protective category? If you're a parent where do you fall?

I feel that overly permissive parents are way worse. Children don't learn self control. I have seen way too many times the results. If you don't correct and train them while they are little you have no chance when they reach their teen years and beyond.  People are not doing their children any favors by letting them by with everything. Other children don't want to be their friends and family doesn't want to be around them. My parents were in the I could care less phase. My mother tended to be very strict but that was because she just didn't want to bother with anything not out of any desire to shape me life.  I am in the overprotective category myself.

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city....which one's your favorite?

 oh its so hard to choose. I love night and the moon when the sky is clear and you can see all the stars but I also love candlelight and I love fire. I remember playing around bonfires growing up and have never lost my thrill. I can't say I am a fan of big city lights simply because I don't like big cities. I do like to be outside of town up high and looking into the lights. They are awful pretty that way.


6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years?  Explain.
  
I have always been a reader. I actually taught myself to read before school started then I taught all the kids in the neighborhood to read. But I can't really remember any books before I was in 5th grade. The first book I really remember was called My Enemy the Queen by Victoria Holt. I bought it at a school book fair and read it over and over for years. Looking at it now though I can't imagine why they had it at the school fair since in no way shape or form is it a children's book.

7. To quote Dr. Seuss...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." 

from One fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen, or heard.

I actually  wrote a post earlier today that had 2 funny stories included. Check it out and pick which one is your favorite.


8.   Insert your own random thought here.

The big thing this week seems to be the Bible on the History Channel. I watched it Sunday night but wasn't that impressed. It was ok but I don't think it was factual enough for me. I was shocked later to talk about it with some friends to discover how little they actually knew about the Bible. I mean people who are church going born again Christians and they didn't know a lot of the stuff being portrayed. I don't know everything but I have read the book over and over again and remember most of the big stories.  Did you watch it, are you going to watch it, and how did you feel about it?

Freebies, Deals and Funnies

     Thankfully we didn't get the storm they were calling for. We barely got a dusting on the ground. I am so glad. I thought I would put a few things I found online this morning.

FREEBIES

1. Bits Dujour has another great program today. Its a photo watermark program so that people can't steal the pictures you put online. Easy Watermark Studio Pro 3.5

2. Amazon has a Kindle edition of  Faithfully Frugal: Spend Less, Give More, Live More (Sacred Mundane). 

3. 

DEALS

1 Extended!! Sam's Club Membership + + $20 gift card + $20 in food coupons ONLY $45 (Reg. $79.84)! http://bit.ly/13CC8WX

2. Amazon: The Hunger Games Trilogy Kindle Download – Only $5 (regularly $54)! Valid today only!

FUNNIES

This happened in WV and shut the highway down for a while. Can you imagine the poor mom's embarrassment. Lego Spill shuts down highway.

 (Credit: Eric McClain/North Central and Central WV Working Fires)

Here is an imagine a friend of mine posted for me on Facebook today. In case you are unaware of the history behind the picture I will post the news links. I think some people are just morons is all I have to say.

 

1. A second grader  little boy ate around the edges of his Pop Tart and formed it into a gun shape. He got suspended for this. 

2. The morons in the district actually offer counseling for the "victims" of the gun incident.

 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 83

Barely made it here again ;). They came and got my car got today to put the whole engine in. I am hoping it goes fast. I am tired of being home all the time. I need to get out and find a job. I got one of the prizes that I won by UPS today, the calcium chews I won here.  We are supposed to have another snow storm overnight into tomorrow. I am so tired of snow even though its beautiful.. 

QUESTIONS

1. Who has the most outgoing personality in your family?
2. How did you name your blog?
3. What's your favorite topping for ice cream?
4. Tell me about someone you know who would make a wonderful character for a book. Oops- please.
5. Please tell me up to three questions that you think I should ask on future farmhouse chats.

ANSWERS

1. That would probably be my youngest daughter. She talks to everyone and seems to know everyone. She just has that personality. I don't know where she gets it from. Her dad was completely antisocial and I appear very outgoing but I am actually really shy. I just make myself be outgoing because its easier than standing there not talking to anyone. 

2. My blog has changed names a couple times. This name really came about because of my love for all things butterfly and my dream of homesteading. If I ever manage a homestead, I shall call it Butterfly Acres :)

3. Lordy, I just love ice cream for its own sake. Although I do love caramel or strawberry sauce on it. Sometimes I sprinkle Nestle Quik on it, thats pretty good too. Its really had to go wrong when you start with ice cream lol.

4. My oldest daughter. I can honestly see her as the star of a book. She has a healthy self esteem and likes to think the world revolves around her :)

5. oh dear, I haven't been a follower that long so I don't know and I don't want to repeat. 

     A. Do you have an old family favorite recipe and what is the story behind it.

     B. How did you choose the names of your children

     C. What did you love most about school. 

Sticky Password 6.0

    A few months ago, my cousin sent me a link for a site called Bits DuJour that offered software programs for free or reduced prices. I have gotten quite a lot of great programs from them. They offer an email newsletter that comes daily and shows whats available that day and how much it is. I won't lie, so far I have only gotten the free programs. I like free :).  Today's software is a program called Sticky Password 6.0. I read the reviews and they are mixed but mostly in favor of. Its a program that stores your passwords to log in to websites. It reminds me of that one program R****** that lets you store 10 free but then you have to pay for any more. I don't pay for software so I have only ever used the 10 free. This program (today only ) is the full version and stores unlimited passwords. It is normally $29.99 but today its FREE.  Basically you download the shareware program and they email you the registration code so you can activate it fully.

Losing Weight

WEIGHT LOSS

     I did absolutely terrible  in the month of February on my diet and exercise plan. I actually gained back all that I had lost in the month of January and that was a big let down. Part of it stems from not having a car to get to the store. I had to send others to the store for me all month because I had no way there so basically my daughter just blowed our months grocery budget on junk.  Then its been so cold that there was just no way I was walking outside. If I had my car I could get to the park and at least get some exercise. I live on a very big hill and it kills my knees to walk down the hill and goodness knows I am so out of shape, I can't make it back up the hill. I tried doing some exercise routines in the house but I don't know if it was because of my fibro or what but every time I even did 5 minutes of exercise I spent the next 24-36 hours in bed in horrible pain :(. 

     I seriously need a job so I can afford to go to the doctor to see what's going on. I am hoping though now that spring surely is on the way and my car going to be fixed that I can walk. I can walk better than any other exercise, I feel. I have made my shopping list and planned a week's worth of meals already. I am just going to view this past month as a lesson learned and move forward and keep trying.   

Cucumber hint

     Here is a tip I found online and proved to be true this month. We bought some cucumbers on Feb 7th and I just ate the last one tonight and it was still just good as when we bought it. It wasn't mushy, had no bad spots, was crisp.  What you do is wrap each individual cucumber in a paper towel or  2 if thats what it takes to wrap it. Then after wrapping all the cucumbers individual put them in a plastic bag (store bag) and put them in the frig. I was amazed how well it worked. I have bought cucumbers and got them home and within 2 days they were bad and had to be thrown out. I wish I had thought to take a picture of it so you could see how fresh it stayed.

Tyndale Rewards program

I love reward programs and belong to quite a few. Here is one that I just joined but already know I will love. Anything that brings me closer to God is a win in my book.

Earn Free Books with Tyndale Rewards

Tyndale Rewards earn points to get hard copy books and Bibles for free. If you click on the link above and sign up you’ll get 25 points (and I’ll get 10 for you signing up).
You can then start earning more points right away by doing a variety of things like signing up for the birthday club(you get a free gift on your birthday), subscribing to an email devotional, taking a 2 minute survey, etc. I earned 100 points in about 6 minutes  You can take a look at the current rewards catalog here. You don’t need a credit card. Just sign up and start earning your freebies! They have a program where you review their books and can earn an extra 50 points a month. Since I love to read, I don't see a problem with that. My only problem is whether to order something now or save for another reward. Ok, I couldn't stand it and had to order a book today haha, can't wait to get started reading it.  I look forward to earning a lot of free books with this program and getting closer to God.

Free Computer Software and some inspiration

My children and I love computer games. I usually play some game daily and I know they do. I love Pogo and usually get a year's free subscription from MyCokeRewards because I am too frugal to pay for.  Today there is a free game from Game Giveaway of the Day is called Pet Show Craze. Its not my kind of game but my oldest loves games like that. I do like time management games but just not this kind. Its a good game though and its free today only. When you download it, you have to activate it today or it won't work.  I also noticed they have a really cool computer locking program offered today on the Giveaway of the Day side of the site. Its called XUS PC Lock and it lets you create a lock for your computer that is a shape you have to draw with your mouse instead of the usual password type. Of course if you forget what shape you picked you won't be able to unlock the computer and that would be real bad :(. I don't ever lock mine but I can see this would be cool if you did have a need to lock your computer.

You will noticed I managed to get the Twitter button on my blog finally.

Here is a really inspiring story I got in my email today, that I want to share with you.

Lead Me to the Cross

It's been a cold and snowy day here in southern WV. I am starting to be quite tired of the snow. My car was supposed to be worked on Tuesday to get the engine replaced but there is supposed to be yet another major snowstorm coming our way that day. I am hoping it doesn't slow down the repairs much. I am so tired of not having a car. Basically I spent the day surfing the Internet and talking to friends on the phone. Tried to make some changes to the blog that did not work out at all so went back to the original template. My next goal is to put up something so you can follow me on twitter.

 I have given up on Amy at Then Sings My Soul coming back to do memes. I don't know what's going on in her life but she has apparently lost her drive for blogging right now. So for now I don't have a Saturday

Mail Call

 MAIL CALL

Well the mail was really good today. I got my state tax refund check so can afford the final part on my car. I also got a feather stylus I ordered from Deal Fisher. It was free and shipping was free. I heard about the deal from Hunt4Freebies back in January.

RECIPE

I made the Canyon Casserole I posted about yesterday. The only difference between mine and Christy's was the I put the cheese in the casserole itself instead of the cornbread and I used McCormicks' cheesy taco seasoning. We just like the taste of it better. Also I was making it from memory and didn't read her recipe before hand so I didn't cook the hamburger ahead of time. I just mixed everything in the bowl and kept mixing until it was completely mixed. Then I baked it for about 45-50 minutes. It was completely cooked.  The casserole turned out great. My oldest loved it and said she wants it again. She normally doesn't like cornbread but she said the way the juices soaked up into it was great. This will be a repeat recipe for us. Here is what it looked like when done.

March 1st

IN LIKE A LION

Well today is March 1st.  Growing up in school I remember we always were taught that if March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb or vice versa. Its cold and snowy here in southern WV today so I am going with it being a lion, so hopefully we are seeing the end of winter and March will go out like a lamb :) So far my March is going great since I got an email that I won from Shawn Ann's World.  I won Adora Calcium Supplements, I can't wait to try them out. I love chocolate and these are good for me.  Thats my second win of this year. A good start to a month I am dreading. I used to love March, it was my second favorite month because all the flowers start to bloom and the trees bud. Now my mind is constantly screaming thinking that this month will make 1 horrible dreadful year since my brother's accident :(.

I just heard from Kathi Macias  that today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day and National Pig Day so here is a recipe I found to celebrate with.  This isn't what we are having since I was unaware of the holiday.

Peanut Butter Glazed Ham from Paula Deen  If you want to combine the 2 flavors in once dish :)  I love ham about any way you fix it but I haven't ever thought of combining it with peanut butter. I do like peanut chicken though so it might be good.



This probably will already be gone by the time you read this but I got one.   A free Fiji Straw , its available to the first 2000. Not sure why its special straw but I shall see.