24 Songs of Christmas- One Last Christmas

I know I am going a strange way with this song but I have always been strange anyway.  I have
I have been thinking (always dangerous I know) and I know it seems odd but I was thinking what a gift it can be when you know someone is terminally ill. Yes you are going to lose a love one but you get a chance to say all the things you need to, you can heal any rifts, take pictures and share stories. I remember years ago when taking care of Mom even while I prayed daily that she would live forever, that at least I could tell her how much I loved her and story memories of those final days. You know its coming and you don't have to spend years thinking of all the things you didn't say because you had an opportunity. I don't think there is ever a point that we can say we have spent enough time with loved ones on Earth, we will always want more. So if you find yourself in this place, say those I love yous, give those hugs, spend time just listening to stories about the past, take those pictures, give kisses and thank God for every minute you have together. I have been on both sides of this situation and I much prefer knowing its coming. But I have learned from the situation to not leave words unsaid and actions undone.

HPW- 12-19-12

 

This is the last hodgepodge of the year. I can honestly say that I am so glad that its almost the end of 2012 but it doesn't seem possible that time has flown by this fast.

1.   How will you spend 'the night before Christmas'?
At our house we open most of the presents on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was reserved for Santa Stockings and presents. Now that my kids are grown and my grandbabies are in Texas, we still open presents on Christmas eve and only have stockings on Christmas morning.

2. What is something you are not?
Well there are so many things I am not. Thankfully I am not what I once was but I am also not what I want to be yet. Life is about striving to change and in my case trying to be more Christlike.

3. Fudge-are you a fan?  Your favorite flavor?
Oh my goodness this fat chick loves fudge. I love all fudge but probably one of my very favorites is dreamsicle fudge. But other than in cookies I don't honestly like white fudge, its just too sweet tasting if that makes sense.

4.  Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December?  Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls?  Are you giving any homemade gifts this year
I am not that big on craft vendor fairs. I prefer homemade goodies myself and this year I gave a few homemade goodies away. Pinterest has been awesome for bringing out talent in me. They have so many crafts that even someone as challenged talent wise as myself can find something pretty to make.

5.  What's your favorite type of holiday gathering?
Family dinner on Christmas day. I love to cook and I love for all my friends and family to gather at my house. Nothing brings as much joy to my heart.

6. We're approaching a new year...what's going to be different in 2013?
As I have stated over and over again 2012 has been the worst year of my life. I pray that I never experience another year like this one. I know that 2013 is going to be an awesome year for me. God has sent me signs and confirmations and I am trusting in that for untold blessings to fall next year.  I am thinking of doing a new 101 in 1001 to start the first of the year. I did one a few years ago but was living a different lifestyle and so its not reflective of who I am now.


7.  Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace.
It may not be exactly related to peace but Philippeans 4:13 always brings peace to my being because it tells me that I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me. As long as I am in God's will He will help me deal with each and every thing that comes my way.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I guess the biggest thing on most people in America's mind right now is the school shooting in Connetticutt. Everyone wants school shootings to end and our children to be safe. They just all have different ideas in how that can happen. I personally don't feel that taking guns away from responsible law abiding people is the answer but I do think that 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us an answer. It says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  I think the only thing that will help America is to turn back to God and turn from sin.

24 Songs of Christmas- New Star is Shining

I just love Guy Penrod. I think he is so handsome and such a wonderful singer. Here is the song of the day.

Freebies

I love getting things free. Especially  now that I am unemployed and have no income.

Sample of Cepacol

Tums Sample

Airborne

Depends- they only have mens available.

Emergen-C

Sample of Clean and Clear at CVS

24 Songs of Christmas- Still the Greatest Story Told

My thrill in Christmas has been overshadowed by the horrific events of last Friday. I just can't get over the deaths of those innocent babies. Hard to be happy but it does make it easy to be thankful for God's mercy and protection daily.  So basically I had no song for today but then as usual God worked His guidance and while doing today's farmhouse chat on the porch, I saw this song on someone's blog and loved it. I just love to hear the Gaither's sing and this song is certainly true. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the greatest stories ever told :).

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch -73

  QUESTIONS

1. What would you like to see under your Christmas tree?
2. What is your best color for clothes?
3. Tell me your favorite kind of cookie.
4. What's in the middle of your dining table right now? (flowers, a lazy susan with condiments, Christmas decorations...)
5. Please help me spread Christmas cheer to my buddy, Wendell. Please a wish for him here. :)

Answers:
1. not what but a who :). I have been alone for quite a while now so I would like God to send me a life partner. I feel in my bones that 2013 is going to be the year.

2. I have a preference for browns and blacks but I have been adding a lot of purple because most people say I look best in it. So now when I am buying I am trying to remember that and go with it.

3. My favorite cookies are white chocolate Macadamia cookies. I can remember the first time I ever had them. I was doing a summer internship for a large natural gas company and once a month we had staff meetings. They brought in box lunches from Schlotzsky Deli. It was the first time I had ever heard of them. They made terrific sandwiches and awesome cookies :). (big girls remember good food)

4. I am in the remodeling process and so as a result I don't have a dining table. I have put off buying one because we have to completely gut the kitchen and I don't want to have to move furniture out of the way.  But normally when I have a table there are usually flowers of some sort in the center. I love fabric tableclothes and places mats on the table also.

5. My wish for Wendell is a stocking full of carrots, apples and other yummy crunchy things.

24 Songs of Christmas- Once upon a Christmas

I grew up on country music. I remember watching all the country shows with my grandmother. We used to watch Hee Haw, Porter Wagner, Bobby Goldsberg and of course Dolly. I love to hear Kenny and Dolly sing together. Here is a wonderful old song from them.

TSMS- Fly

Yesterday was a heartbreaking day with the deaths of those poor little babies in Connecticut. I just cried. This world is so full of pain. I just keep picturing the parents. You know those poor people have Christmas trees at home with presents under them for those little angels. I just don't know what causes anyone to want to kill other people. If you want to kill yourself that is one thing but why do they fill the need to do such things. Who wants to be remembered for such evil. Pray for the families, the community and this nation. I am skipping my Christmas song of the day in honor of the babies. I am sure at their age each one of those babies entered into heaven's gates. I don't know why such things happen, all I can say is we live in an evil world and the prince of this world is satan and he is all about pain and suffering.  There were also 6 innocent adults killed in the shooting. Please remember their families at this time also.

Only the power of God can overcome evil. Jesus said in John 16:33  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." There is only one place you can turn when the world is falling apart. Put your trust in the one who holds eternity. Think about how awful this world is and picture one that never ends, nothing but pain and suffering day in and day out. This life ends but the next one won't. Make your decision today. The only thing you have to do is confess you are a sinner (everyone is so no one will judge you) believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised again and tell others you have been saved.

5QF- 12/14/12

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make?
My oldest and I have a day where we spend the day making all sorts of different candies. I love it because we get to be together sharing memories,  and we get to bless our neighbors with a gift. This year we made peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, dreamsicle fudge, mint patties, oreo balls, butterscotch no bake cookies.

2. Present giving: Gift bag vs wrapped box?
If I am doing it its probably going in a bag and not having the fancy tissue paper. I am challenged when it comes to wrapping. I have my oldest do all my wrapping. She makes it look like Martha Stewart wrapped it with fancy bows and stuff. If I am forced to wrap instead of using a bag it looks like a 3 yr old wrapped it with rounded corners and gobs of tape. Not a pretty picture.

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the winter/summer in your house?
I like to be warmer so in the winter its pretty warm here but I don't keep it cool during the summer. Probably around 75-78.

4. When thinking of your "Christmas to-do list" what percentage "done" are you? about 55%. My oldest helps with wrapping, cards and candy making. I do all the Christmas dinner, buying and choosing gifts.

5. Do you do the "Elf on a Shelf"? If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into? 
We just haven't ever got into elf on a shelf but I have seen some funny postings. My girls were grown by the time the elf on a shelf came around so we never picked it up as a habit.

24 Songs of Christmas- Joseph's Song

Here is another song I heard at the singing at church. It was so beautiful because the man singing had his son singing with him. I don't know how I have never heard this before. I guess because at my old church mostly women did the singing and this requires a male lead.

Chorus 1
How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Chorus 2
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be
Chorus 2
Chorus 1

Blogger's Prayer

I know I don't make money from my  blog like a lot of other bloggers but still it is hard to come up with what to post that might be of interest to anyone else. I found this little poem on another blog and thought it was so cute. I am sure you can relate to. :)


The Bloggers Prayer


Lord, help me to learn to spell without spellcheck, 
manage to visit all that visit me and post regularly 
- all in 5 minutes a day, 
so I can clean house 
and take care of my family. 
Help me to not look at every occurrence in my life as a blog post 
and to quit taking pictures of weird things to share as well.
 Please help me to stop talking about my blogging friends
 as though they are next door neighbors or 
someone I have known all my life. 
And - help me to think of something wise and witty to post tomorrow!

24 Songs of Christmas- New Kid in Town

I went to a singing at my church and this was one of the songs. I hadn't ever heard it before and they did such a good job. I wish I had a recording of them because I think their version was much better it was a little faster. But this version by Trisha Yearwood is the best I could find on YouTube.

HPW- 12/12/12

Its time for another meme from across the pond as they say :).

1.  So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car?
I love doing all the above. My last walk was one day last week. I love being alone and hearing the sounds of the woods around me. Of course in WV we have a lot of woods to be around :).
 Its been years since I was at the beach but my favorite times are walking while the sun is coming up on and after the moon as come out.  
 My car has some problems and the mechanic can't seem to find whats wrong so I tend to not drive anywhere thats  not necessary just in case.

2. Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive?
I am sending maybe about 15 or so. I am sending traditional cards. We usually hang the cards we get on the door. I am thinking this year that I will by an album and put them in it after the holidays and start saving them that way. 

3.  What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?
I honestly can't think of a single word.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows?
I am the queen of cocoa. I love it anyway you serve it. I love marshmallows and the more the better. My grannybabies love it when I make it from scratch instead of instant.  I love all varieties. I usually have 5-6 kinds on hand at all times. 

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?
I do most of my shopping before December ever gets here so that helps a lot. My ex-husband was a brick mason's helper when we first got married and he would be on partial unemployment every winter. The difference with partial is you only get a tiny check. So after the first year I learned to shop early. I tend to buy stuff on clearance or if I see a good deal and put it in a storage tote. Then come December we get the tote out and see what fits who and thats how we decide what they are getting.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?
My house is loaded with glittery objects. I feel that when we die not having worn enough glitter will be one of the things I regret. I own clothes, hair pieces and all kinds of glitter. My new Christmas outfit is my current favorite. Its a 3 piece pant suit and its got glitter stones along the lapels of the jacket and the neckline of the top. 

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.
Right now the one thats been in my head for days is  "Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord" . I just feel there isn't enough time in all of eternity to give Him the praise and honor He deserves as my  Lord and Savior. I can't say enough about all the  blessings He has given me and His mercy and grace that never fail. Like the song says I just adore Him.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
About the only thing I can think of here is how stressed the cat is making me. She is in heat and I can't afford to get her fixed right now. And for some reason she has attached herself to me and wants to be on top of my computer all the time. No matter how many times I shoo her away she keeps on. I tried to pick her up once and she sank her claws into the laptop and tore some of the keys off. I had to reattach them. 
This is her on some of the boxes of Christmas decorations we were putting out. Her name is Aphrodite and she certainly thinks she is.

7 Greatest Gifts

I know this time of year most of us are thinking of gifts and who gets what. I think this list below will help us to remember what the greatest Gift ever was.

1. Gift of service: donate to a cause, as a holiday gift for your best friend.
2. Gift of affection: be generous with hugs, kisses and pats on the back.
3. Gift of laughter: clip cartoons, share funny stories.
4. Gift of a written note: send a 'thank you' note, write a letter to an old friend.
5. Gift of a compliment: a simple 'you look great today', a sincere 'thank you for a wonderful meal'.
6. Gift of listening: no interrupting, no daydreaming, no responding, just listening.
7. Gift of solitude: spend some time in silence, help others spend some time in silence.

(from: helpothers.org)

24 Songs of Christmas- Flash Mob

Today, I didn't choose a traditional song, I choose this video a friend shared with me. I loved that the people all stopped and listened even if they probably thought the singers were insane. I am sure a lot of those people heard more about Jesus that day than in their normal daily lives. It used to be people at least cared where their souls where going, now they just don't think its going anywhere after death. Satan has lied to and blinded so many.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch- 72

 



Its only been a week and I nearly forgot to do this week's meme. I have been so busy the past 2 days making candy. My daughter and I made 2 pans of peanut butter fudge, 1 chocolate fudge, 1 dreamsicle fudge, a pan of oreo balls and 2 pans of mint patties. We didn't have a lot of money for presents so we made up bowls of candy and gave them to neighbors and some of my closest friends.

Questions

1. What's your favorite ornament on your tree? If you have no Christmas tree, please tell me about something pretty in your home that you enjoy.
2. What do you do when a telemarketer calls?
3. What was the last kind of candy you had? Admit it- you had one tiny little bite. We understand:)
4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If not applicable- do you use snail mail?
5. Please finish this. I sometimes wonder___________________________.

1.  What's your favorite ornament on your tree? If you have no Christmas tree, please tell me about something pretty in your home that you enjoy.
 I am sure I have posted this a few times but my favorite ornament is a little silver ball that sings like a bird. ( I wrote about it and posted a little video on this page. ) I love that little singing ball and its so funny watching the cats try to figure out where the sound is coming from and the dog runs around barking at the tree).

2. What do you do when a telemarketer calls? Ususally I try to jump in real fast and tell them politely I am not interested and hang up.

3. What was the last kind of candy you had? Admit it- you had one tiny little bite. We understand:)  Some of the homemade mint patties we made today.  They are awesome and taste just like a york patty.

4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If not applicable- do you use snail mail?  I have always hand delivered cards to the people at the church but mailing cards is a tough one for me. I am doing a little better this year. I had my daughter write the addresses and immediately I sent them out.  I had a mini breakdown several years ago and ever since paperwork has been my downfall. I just can't seem to force myself to deal with it. I pay all my bills online for this reason.

5. Please finish this. I sometimes wonder___________________________.
It probably comes from watching too much It's a Wonderful Life but I have always wondered how my life would have been different if I had just made one or 2 different choices. Guess I will never know so I just deal with the here and now but it does still cross my mind.

24 Songs of Christmas- Strange Way to Save the World

 I hadn't heard this song before but someone on Facebook was talking about it so I googled it. You know God delights in doing things in ways that we don't think of. He is the original thinker outside the box.

24 Songs of Christmas- Something to Shout About

I can't think of a single song that Sheri Easter sings that I don't love. Shes such a blessing to me. Her songs always touch my heart. God truly ministers through her.

24 Songs of Christms- Do you have Room

I saw this song while I was listening to another song and it spoke to my heart. It just astounds me thinking of Jesus coming as a baby, completely dependent upon someone else and trusting they wouldn't hurt him.

TSMS- 24 Songs of Christmas- Christmas in Heaven

 

Sometimes the holidays are so hard when someone you love has went home to Heaven. Its only human nature to miss our loved ones and want to be with them. It is especially hard if you are unsure if your loved one made it through Heaven's gates or not. We should do everything we can do get our families saved. We should live our lives so that others can  be sure of our destination.

24 Songs of Christmas- Grown Up Christmas

Sometimes after you become an adult it seems as though Christmas loses its magic. The magic doesn't come from presents, lights and surprises. The magic comes in that God became a man so that we might live eternally with Him. He left His kingdom to come to Earth as a child. So we should always have Christmas magic even more so once we are grown.

24 Songs of Christmas- Baby Boy

I just loved this song as soon as I heard it. Imagine that when you cry out for help for a desperate situation and the solution is a little baby boy.

HPW-12-5-12

Like all the other memes I haven't participated in this one in ages. This time its all about the holidays.

1. .  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

 We always hang stockings. At our house we always open presents on Christmas Eve then on Christmas morning we open stockings and Santa presents. Thats just how it was when I was growing up and I carried the tradition on. We really don't have any traditions about the stocking itself. Its just small presents and candy inside. 

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough? 

I have had sleeping problems for years. Its very hard for me to sleep more than 2-4 hours at a time so I am usually running on fumes. Now that I am unemployed it is actually better because now I have no time constraints and can take a nap or 2 during the day if I feel tired. This is actually the most rested I have felt in years. I have went to the dr and they have done all sorts of things, gave me all sorts of pills but it didnt really help. 

3.  If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year, what would it be?

Actually I am working on giving up Coke as we type :).  I am so tired of being overweight and I drink a lot of coke so thats a lot of needless calories. But growing up if you were sick or hurt my grandmother always gave you coke on ice. I am sick right now with stupid sinus congestion  thats doing its best to settle in my chest and in my mind I just have to have the coke on ice to get better :). 

4.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby.  Do you follow news of the Royals? 

I am thrilled for them and wish them all the best. I don't follow the news about the Royals but if I see something I might read it. I was 12 years old when Princess Di came onto the scene and she was my fairy tale princess. I religiously clipped everything I saw about her. I have old tv guide issues and other magazines that featured her. I loved loved loved her.  So I do enjoy hearing good things about her children. 

5. For me the sound of childhood is______________________.

Laughter is what hopped in my mind. There is just not sound like the carefree laugh of a child. It is so pure and innocent in a way that an adult laugh can never be. All children should be blessed with laughter, it hurts me to think of all the poor little ones who aren't so lucky.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo?  What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

Growing up, I hated fruit cake but after I got older I had some that was really good. I like one thats got nuts in it. My favorite dessert made with fruit is probably strawberry shortcake. I love anything with strawberries.

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

I don't think I have the energy to accomplish anything but just to make it through. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 One of the most wonderful things in my life right now is God showing me in so many little ways how much He cares for me and thinks of me. This has always been a struggle for me so its a growing experience. Yesterday's meme on my blog had a question about a teapot, as I was putting my answer, God brought to my mind that someone was going to read that post and send me a teapot. I brushed it off because things like that just don't happen to me. This morning I opened my email program and I had a notification about some of the comments from yesterday.  One of the readers read my post and sent me a message offering to send me a teapot and some tea. It just blowed my mind because that is exactly what God had said would happen. I don't know why or how but I just want to praise His name and I want to thank that wonderful woman for listening to God. Yes its just a teapot you say but to me its a message from God Himself. 

24 Songs of Christmas- God With Us

I just love to hear Jeremy Camp. God has truly blessed him and blessed us with him.  I couldn't find the lyrics wrote out anywhere but they are included in the video. I hope it blesses your heart and reminds you of what the Christmas season is all about.  The month is just flying by, its already the 5th, just 20 more days till Christmas.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 71

Its been ages since I have participated. This is one of my favorite memes but its just been a hard year. I think I have finally came out of the valley though so hoping and praying for better times ahead.

Questions

1. Do you have your tree up yet? If not, when will you put it up? If you don't have a tree, please tell me about another tradition you like.    yes we put our tree up the day after Thanksgiving every year.  We listen to carols and drink eggnog as we decorate. 


 2. What was the best job you ever had? The worst? The best job I ever had was a second shift clerk in a warehouse. I had the greatest supervisor ever. It was the first time in my life someone made me feel capable. David acted like if I couldn't do it then it couldn't be done. Naturally this caused me to strive to constant meet and surpass the companies needs. Its a shame more bosses aren't like David.
My worst job was working as a collection agent for a credit card company. One I hate talking on the phone to strangers and 2, I am not very aggressive and felt bad for all the people. Its so easy to get in a place you find it hard to get out of. 3. The company employed so many people that we were able to cycle through the call list fast. The law said that unless we spoke to the card holder personally, we could keep calling. Once we spoke to the cardholder we couldn't call for another 24 hours. People would feel so harassed because we would sometimes call 7-9 times a day. Plus they even worked Christmas Day. Can you imagine bugging people with collections on Christmas Day.


3. Do you drive around and look at Christmas lights? If not applicable, tell me something you like to look at when you go for a drive.  We used to all the time. But now I have such horrible night vision especially when there are lights that I can't drive anymore. If someone else drives then yes we still go. We love lights and the more like the griswals the better as far as we are concerned.


4. Does your tea kettle have a whistle?  I know this is awful but currently we don't have a tea kettle and we love tea. My daughter wants a tea kettle for Christmas but I lost my job and can't get unemployment so right now thats probably not going to happen.


5. Do you like boots?  I love boots but for the most part I only love the ankle boots. I have fat legs and the ones that come up on the calves don't fit usually and if they do they just make fat little legs look even fatter.  :)

24 Songs of Christmas- You're here

I just love to hear Francesca Battistelli sing. She has such a beautiful voice.And for some reason the words to the song Noel have been running in my head over and over again so this song includes the words Noel so thats a plus for me.

Hold on now, got to take a deep breath.
I don't know what to say when I look in your eyes.
You made the world before I was born,
And here I am holding you in my arms tonight.

Noel, Noel
Jesus our Emmanuel.

(Chorus)
You're here.
I'm holding you so near.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left us on our own.
But you're here.

I don't know how long I'm going to have you for,
But I'll be watching when you change the world.
Look at your hands, they're still so small.
Someday you're going to stretch them out and save us all.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/francesca_battistelli/youre_here.html ]
Noel, Noel
God with us, Emmanuel.

(Chorus)
You're here.
I'm holding you so near. Oh, oh.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left us on our own.
But you're here.
You're here.

Someday I'm going to look back on this,
The night that God became my baby boy.
Someday you're going to go home again,
But you'll leave your spirit,
And flood the world with joy.

(Chorus)
You'll be here.
I'm holding you so near. Oh, oh.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left me on my own.
But you're here.
You're here.
Hallelujah, you're here.
Hallelujah, you're here.

Review Capstar Flea Treatment Dog (Blue), 2-25 lbs, 6 tablets

I thought I would review a product I had recently bought. Most people put their disclaimer on the bottom but I am putting my right in the front. I was not paid nor compensated in any form for this review. The company doesn't even know I am writing this review.

My little dog Maxine had such trouble with fleas. We had tried everything you can think of. I tried all the nonchemical ways you can think of such as brewer's yeast, garlic pills, etc. They didn't work. Then we tried an assortment of flea collars. Same result. Next we tried a variety of those drops you run down the animals backs. Once again those didn't work. We had started giving her flea baths every 2 days and about all that was doing was causing poor Maxine to suffer from dry skin. She was just eat up with fleas and I didn't know what to do.

I had bunch of gift certificates on my balance at Amazon so I decided to do some shopping there. I read the reviews of a bunch of different treatments that people had posted and the one that most got my attention was Capstar Flea Treatment Dog (Blue), 2-25 lbs, 6 tablets.  I will admit I was skeptical because let's face it, fleas dead in 15 minutes. And I was a bit afraid because a couple of the reviews  said their dogs had reactions. I love Maxine dearly and she's just the cutest little dog but she was miserable so I gave her the first pill. I admit I watched her like a hawk to make sure she was going to be ok. When I checked her 20 minutes later all the fleas were dead and just needed combed off.  I was a bit disappointed because within a couple days she had a few fleas on her again but the medicine does say it only kills the adults not the eggs.  So when the next week rolled around and I gave her the second pill, once again the fleas were all dead and this time I guess because the eggs had already hatched she has remained flea free for over 2 weeks. I am honestly thrilled with this product. I am saving the rest for the spring. I am hoping that if I get her a good collar and comb her daily to not go through this again but I do have this pills that I will use to keep her flea free and happy. I will buy this pills again.

24 Song of Christmas- Where's the Line to see Jesus

Its day 3 and this song really touched my heart. There are just way to many people (and I am talking about Christian people here) who forget to keep Christ in Christmas. We get so caught up in the decorating, parties, presents and plays that we forget what its all about.

"Where's the Line to See Jesus?"
(An Original Song)
Performed by father and daughter, Steve Haupt and Becky Kelley
Inspired by grandson, Spencer Reijgers
Written by Steve Haupt and Chris Loesch
The story behind the song, as told by Steve Haupt:
“While at the mall last year, my four year old grandson saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God's son; with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, ‘Where's the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus' birthday, why don't we see Him more?’ As his grandpa, I was so happy that little Spencer understood the meaning of Christmas at such a tender age, and then the words for
a song were jotted down in just a few minutes. The song was inspired by my grandson, and the message was inspired by my Savior. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation and our song will cause people to reflect on the love of Jesus, and the certainty that one day we will all stand in
line to see Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.”

Christmas time was approaching,
Snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents,
People filling the mall.
Children waiting for Santa,
With excitement and glee,
A little boy tugged my sweater,
Looked up and asked me.
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement,
At this message profound,
I looked down to thank him,
he was nowhere around.
Little boy at the mall,
Might as well have had wings,
As the tears filled my eyes,
but I heard him sing.

Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye,
at the sound of His trump,
We’ll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down,
every tongue will confess,
that Jesus Christ is Lord
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.

December 2nd 2012 Photo Project

Ok, after viewing all the pictures the other people in the project are doing I am embarrassed by my poor little pictures. These people are some serious picture takers and apparently they all have wonderful cameras. I should have looked before I leaped into this fire haha.  Well regardless here is my offering for day 2.

This is one of our 3 cats. Lady Elain (named for Lady Elain Fairchild from Mr Roger's fame) is supervising the tree trimming process. Now mind you once its all said and done we have almost no decorations on the bottom of the tree because if its not a dog stealing the ornaments, then its a cat swatting them off. 

24 Songs of Christmas- About The Cross

Sometimes we forget the whole point of Christmas. Jesus came with the purpose of dying. Its hard to think of that baby in the manger hanging on the cross for my sins but that's exactly what it is. So today for my second song of the season I am picking a song that reminds us of the cross.

December 1st 2012 Photo Project

You may have noticed the new badge on my page for December photo project I got the link in an email and thought it would be kinda cool. Lets face it anymore its hard to for me to post once a month much less daily so can't wait to see how this works. I do have a lot of posts scheduled already for daily songs so there will be something but I love taking pictures so want to participate in this project.

I was driving home from a friend and past a house with a giant red Santa in the front. He was just so cute that I stopped and snapped a picture so here is the first one. I took it from the middle of the road so its not a great picture but its there and its red :).

24 Songs of Christmas- Breathe of Heaven

I so loved my 24 Songs of Christmas last year that I thought I would do it again. I love finding new Christmas songs and sharing old favorites. I heard this one on another blog way back in February so wanted to share it as my first song of the Christmas season. When I picked this song, the year hadn't turned on me so I was a lot happier. But by God's mercy and grace I have almost made it through this year. Its been a tough one but I got through. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope each of you treasure every single blessing God have given you this season. No matter what happens next year won't be the same as this one. People will come, they will go, they will change and be older. Treasure the moment.

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season

It seems like so few people remember who the Christmas season is all about. Not only have they taken Christ out of Christmas but anymore they are so busy doing doing doing that its not even about family. Here is a reminder of Who we are celebrating this season.

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season 

1. Thou shalt remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

 2. Thou shalt pause in thy business to consider the magnitude of God's gift of Christ to mankind.

 3. Remembering that Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, thou shalt give Christ the chief room in thy heart. 

 4. Thou shalt participate in the Christmas activities sponsored by thy church. 

5. Thou shalt be generous in thy gifts to missions at Christmas. 

 6. Thou shalt take time to plan for the happiness of those outside thine own circle of family and friends. 

7. Thou shalt enjoy, in unhurried calm, the priceless heritage of Christmas music which exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.

 8. Thous shalt give of thyself in all gifts, giving not for duty, for reciprocity, or personal satisfaction--but for the simple joy of sharing.

 9. Thou shalt remember, with great patience and understanding, all those who serve thee: the sales clerk, the postman, the delivery man, and all others who bear the physical burden of the holiday season. 

 10. Thou shalt teach they children the true meaning of Christmas, of the Prince of Peace, who came to give mankind a way to righteousness and true lasting happiness. copied (source unknown)

Sunday Savings

I don't remember if I posted it or not but I quit my job at the prison. They wanted to lock me in a room with 5 convicted felons behind me that I would not be in a position to watch. I felt this wasn't safe and went to management with my concerns, basically they blew me off so I did a Johnny Paycheck and walked out. Actually I am so glad to be done with them. My stress levels stayed up and I was in constant physical pain.  Since quitting, I have went off all my meds with only an occasional pain pill. But because I quit, I am not eligible for unemployment. Right now I just don't want to find another full time job. I only have to pay electricity so I am looking for something part time. In the meantime I am working on stretching what few dollars I have left.

I finally went to Rite Aid to pick up the photo cards I posted about last week. They turned out awesome. I love them.

Bought 3 Sunday papers because today was the day for the P&G coupsons but that was the only packet in there so not a good deal.  I then went to Lowe's Hardware to pick up a 30 pack of AA batteries I ordered online for $4 with free instore pickup. We use a lot of AA since thats what my mouse requires. One day I may look into a rechargeable mouse or batteries instead. 

My next stop was CVS, I didn't really see anything that I had to have on sale today other than cereal. They had selected Kellogg's cereals for 1.99 a box and I had some coupons I printed from Kellogs Family Rewards for 1.50 off each box making them .49 each. I got Apple Jack's. Kelloggs Family Rewards is a really nice reward program where  you enter codes from the Kellogg products and also codes they offer online and you can get a wide variety of stuff. I choose the coupons because we needed cereal and it was a great deal. Each coupon printed 2 times.  Right now they have a daily spin thing on their facebook page where you can win codes. You might win other stuff but I have only won codes but you can win up to 3 times daily.

Finally I ended the day by going and signing up for some mystery shopping/ merchandising jobs. I used to do a lot of those years ago and I think if I can get back in the groove I can get enough of these so that I don't have to get an actual 9-5 job again.

As I come across any good savings I will be postings so we can all save a dollar or 2.

TSMS- I Just Came To Talk With You, Lord

It seems like its been forever since I have participated in TSMS. 2012 has honestly been the hardest year of my entire life. I have been shaken to the core. I have felt so lost and undone.  I have cried more than I would have thought possible, there have been way to many times that I thought of ending it all. Like an alcoholic craves that drink I craved death. I wanted it. I was just so tired and overwhelmed by pain and daily life. I have been in the darkest and longest valley I ever known since March 10th yet in the wee morning hours today God started speaking to me. I guess it would be truer to say I started hearing because God is always speaking to our hearts. Anyway I was reminded that even though this has been such a horrible year for me, I have actually seen some of the greatest miracles of my life this year also. In late April I had an aunt who suffered complete liver failure and was being put in hospice care. I prayed to God for her healing because as I told God, I just couldn't take another loss. It would have just pushed me over the edge. 2 days later God gave the victory and my aunt came out of her coma and went home from the hospital. She is still alive today.  2 times in my life and in 2 different states I have had doctors do bloodwork and tell me I had rheumatoid arthritis, in June I had new bloodwork done and not one sign of rheumatoid arthritis was to be found,  then at the end of October another aunt was put in the hospital and they were sure it was advanced liver cancer or a slew of other fatal diseases. Once again God moved and brought healing.  I have read the footprints poem many times of the years and I always asked God why I was always alone in my darkest hours, I never saw the footprints. This time He showed me exactly when He was carrying me. I feel so loved and blessed. I am sure the dark days aren't just over but I'm just going to rest here in God's hands for a while. And while I am here I just want to talk to Him and spend some love time with Him.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I have.

Deals and ramblings

I haven't posted in so long I almost forgot how. Anyway, I thought I would put up a few of the deals I am doing today.


Get 5 FREE 4×8 photo greeting cards at RiteAid.com when you use the code 5FREECARDS at checkout. Choose in-store pickup to avoid a shipping charge. Offer is good through 11/17/12. I picked 3 cards with individual pictures of the granny babies and one card that had 3 pictures on it. I ordered 2 of that one so I can give my ex one with all the grand babies.  My cards won't be ready for about 5 days but thats ok. I am keeping these cards and not mailing them. 


Also I went to coupons.com and printed 2 coupons for $1 off eco tools and am planning on using this at walmart to get 2 poufs for free. We make a lot of gift baskets and these are great in them.

Walgreen's also has a photo deal.  I never pay for photo development. I wait on these deals and use them.
8×10 Photo Enlargement from Walgreens with code FREE2THANK (through 11/24)

TSMS- You don't owe me anything

A friend on facebook posted this song. I hadn't ever heard it but love it now that I know it. I so often expect things to happen a certain way just because I am a christian. Truly if Christ never does another thing for me, He has already done more than I can ever thank Him for.  I wanted to post the words but couldn't find them anywhere. Such a wonderful song though. I hope you get a blessing from it.

TSMS- I've Won

I just love the McKamey's. So many of their songs are on my favorites list and this one is a new one to me and I wanted to share it with you this week. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. No matter what satan throws at us, we have to remember that the victory was won 2000 years ago on Calvery. Everything is just smoke and mirrors.  As you celebrate this Labor Day weekend, have fun, stay safe and remember those who labored to bring this holiday to us.

HPW-8-29-12

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends google or wikipedia, ahem) What's a project you're currently 'laboring' over?
 Growing up in a coal town in WV, there was no way to not know what labor day meant. I have seen old pay stubs of my grandfathers and after the company got done taking their part he made $1 or 2 a week raising 11 children. I think sometimes the unions get to picky and want to much stuff now days but there is no way I would ever cross a picket line.


2. Labor Day also signifies the unofficial end of summer for most of us...what summer food will you miss the most? If you live in the Southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.  Watermelon and fresh vine ripened tomatoes. The ones they bring in from other places never taste as good.

 3. A well known proverb states, "It's easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission." Your thoughts?
 I hate when people use this excuse because in my opinion are you trying sorry for what you did if you planned it ahead of time. Forgiveness means that you are sorry for doing whatever and I just think you are not really sorry only sorry that you got found out.


4. Food critic, film critic, art critic, book critic...which hat would you most like to wear?
 book critic. I love to read and to get paid for it would be awesome.


5. When you were a kid, (besides your parents) who was your favorite adult?
 my grandmother raised me so I won't name her since she really counts as my parent. It would probably be Herman Williams. He was an old time country preacher and used to come see me every time I was in the hospital. I was so sick growing up that I thought I lived in the hospital and visited home. I so wanted him to be the person to perform my marriage ceremony but my in-laws wouldn't agree and I was way too young and moldable to fight for it. Now he has went on to Heaven.

6. The astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?

 

Last night we had a shooting the killed a state trooper. I think the people who lay their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety are the real heroes. Every time they go to work they don't know if they will come home.   I also think that firefighters, EMTs, and school teachers are heroes and don't get the credit they deserve.

 

 

 

 

7. I never get tired of __________________.

 being in the hand of God. I praise Him daily for everything He does that I am not even aware of.

 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

  Thinking that I am being tested this week. The doctor just told me that my blood pressure was so high she was afraid I was going to have a stroke and to not even exercise because of it. Then today on the way home from the doctors my car broke down. My first thought is a blown engine but I am praying not. My dad is having someone check it out tomorrow to see. I don't know what I will do if it is. I don't make enough to make a car payment and I have no savings.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 8-29-12

 I am a day late with this one but I was just feeling drained yesterday. I am off work today because I have to go to the doctor and getting some x-rays done. It was so nice to wake up with the sun today. The past 2 days I have went into work 1.5 hours early to make up some time so I don't have to use so much sick leave.

 What's the last thing you baked? We are currently remodeling so I don't have an oven so I can't exactly recall what the last thing I baked was but I am thinking it was pizza. I love homemade pizza.

 What's your favorite thing about fall? I love the colors of the leaves and harvest time. I love the smell of bonfires and apples. My favorite holiday happens in the fall, Thanksgiving. I love cooking a huge meal and all the family gathers in.

 What's your favorite room in your home? the kitchen. I love to cook and everyone tends to gather in the kitchen and sit around the table. I love trying new recipes and collect cookbooks.

Who handles bill paying in your house? Since I am divorced and its just me then obviously its me, but when I was married I did all the bill paying. We used to fight about that because he wouldn't participate at all and I had all the stress of stretching funds.

Tell whatever you'd like to share with our chatting friends. Oh how wish I didn't have to work outside the home. I would so love to own a farm and live the farm life. I don't mind working, I just hate leaving home. I have always dreamed of living off the land. I love to can. I would have to work out a swap deal of some kind in order to get meat because I get overly attached to animals and couldn't ever have one I had known killed. I even cry when I drive by a dead animal on the road. :)

TSMS-8-25-12

I heard this song on another blog and loved the song plus I just love to hear Candy Christmas sing. I love her name, its so cute and she is a great singer. I love happy fast paced songs.  I have seen some people who are just so humble and grateful for what God has done for them that they don't have words.

HPW-8-22-12

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US State...have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?  Nope never been. I used to always want to go but after the big tsunamia, I realized there isn't enough advance notice for me :).  If I had still been going I would have preferred an orchid

2. Since we're talking tropical...what's your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple? I love about anything with pineapple, but what really pops in my mind is a pineapple stuffing (its really more of a bread pudding) that my girls insist on for every holiday. I found the recipe about 12-15 years ago and have made it ever since for all holidays. They pitch a fit otherwise.

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.  I believe in being faithful and doing everything you can to make it work once married. I think that if we are following God's will that he will lead us in the direction that we could meet that one person who just fits for us but I don't think there is only one person in the entire world that is your dream. Because free will means that not only you but the other person can accept or deny the relationship.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in. 
My older cousin and I were playing with fire (big no no ) in a plastic bowl. All the adults were playing cards in the kitchen. We heard them coming to check on us and we hid the bowl under the porch. Yup, you guessed it porch caught on fire and so did our behinds once it was all said and done. (the house was fine, they put it out really fast)

5. Are you comfortable with silence? If I am home alone you will most likely not hear any sound at all. I don't play the radio or tv. I will occasionally get in a music mood but not often. I like silence as long as its not an icy cold silence where you know someone is mad and brooding.

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall...what's your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?) squeal then squish or run depending on size and location

7. My idea of fun does NOT include_____________. Drinking or drugs

8. Insert your own random thought here.  This one is a debbie downer but its bugging me. I was upset at work today because my upper supervisor flat out lied to my immediate supervisor and he sold out my coworker. He helped her do something and then he didn't have her back with the immediate supervisor and lied about his involvement in it. He outranks the immediate supervisor and it really bothered me on so many levels. 1. He lied 2. He sold out my coworker 3. and the biggest problem is he is a pastor. Thats the part that really gets me. I think all christians should stand by their words and certainly shouldn't lie. He did so much damage to his witness to 4 people that were there I know.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch-8-21-12

Its time for another chat on the farmhouse porch. Hope you are having a good week.

1. Are you a list maker? (grocery, to-do, goals, etc.)  I make lists all the time but I am forced to admit that I don't stick to them. I appear to just like making them.
2. Do you have overnight guests often? I don't have extra room in my current residence for guests. I wish I did.
3. Where is your laundry room, or the area that you keep your washer and dryer? Its not a separate area but a section off the hall that is wider than the rest just outside the bathroom.
4. How are you with tools? Power tools? I would probably lose a limb or a digit with power tools. I can't even hit a nail on the head most time. I do own my hand dandy multi ended screwdriver that I use for about everything but thats pretty much all.
5. Tell me something that will make me smile. Please.  Well since you talked about your dog, I will too. My oldest likes the song "I'm sexy and I know it" and she has taught our dog Maxine to dance to it. So now when Maxine hears the music even if its a parody she comes running to do her little dance because she's sexy and she knows it :).  Girl look at that body :)

 

Dear Child

Here is my thought for the day and then I have to go do some errands. Most parents are going to get this one. How many times do your children blame you for the bad stuff in their lives or mistakes they have made. And sometimes it really is the mistakes or bad decisions we have made the cause these things in our children's lives. But we do that too. When bad stuff happens to us, we blame God. Yet t

hat is never true. God is not capable of causing bad things in our lives, He is pure love and can only send good things to us. Bad stuff happens because we live in a sinful world and sometimes we make bad choices, someone else makes bad choices or satan is doing it to us. Stop blaming God and see how much He loves you. He loves you so very much that He sent His only Son to die so that we can have fellowship with Him. Spend your day thinking about that love.

Dear Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your father. (1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you received comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:1)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 21:3-4)
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:23)
He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3)
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31)
And to tell you I am not counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive Me. (1 John 2:33)
and nothing will ever separate you from My Love again. (Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father, and I always will be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is...will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

Your Heavenly Father

TSMS= Redeemed

A really good friend I found through a savings blog a long time ago who is now my facebook friend posted this song on Wednesday. I hadn't heard it before but it took only one time for it to be on my favorites list. It feels like I spend my life with the ghosts of my pasts haunting me. I need to stop fighting a battle that's already won.

Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll

35 years ago today, I was swinging in the backyard in the sunshine and the radio was in the kitchen window. The announcer came on and said he had just gotten word that the King of Rock and Roll had been found dead at his home in Memphis Tn. I was 9 years old and my heart broke. I remember crying and crying. Growing up you could watch Elvis all the time on tv, they were always playing his movies. Now you can't hardly see one except on August 16th and January 8th.  One of his favorite foods was a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. I usually eat it every year on this day.

Ingredients

• 2 slices white bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

Place 2 pieces of white bread in the toaster on a light setting. Heat skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons butter. While the bread is toasting, in a small bowl, using a fork mash the ripe banana until it reaches a smooth consistency. Using a knife, take both pieces of the toasted bread and spread 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, topping 1 side with the mashed banana. Place 1 slice of bread on top of the other forming a sandwich. Place sandwich in hot skillet browning each side, flipping with a spatual, about 2 minutes per side. Take out of skillet, slice on a diagonal and serve on a plate.

Here are a few of my very favorite Elvis songs

Most people don't associate Elvis with gospel but thats where he started and he always remember his roots.


I just love this song.


This is probably my favorite of all his songs.


This one shows why he was known as Elvis the Pelvis


For some reason this one always caught me and I have sang it to my daughter for years.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch-8-15-12

Oh, I found a new meme and thought I would share the questions today. I loved the name of the meme, chats from the farmhouse porch.  I came across it while reading another blog and liked the questions and the blog they come from. I have always wanted to live a farm life. Can't wait to read the whole blog.

1. What was your biggest fear as a child?    
  I always thought there was someone hiding under my bed and was terrified to let my hand hang over the side in case they would grab me.

 2. Who taught you to cook? Betty Crocker, I wasn't allowed in the kitchen growing up except to do dishes so when I got married my ex husband almost starved before I learned to cook. Fortunately if its in a book I can usually do it. I still have that cookbook 28 years later.




3.  Do you have a lot of books in your home? There are probably some small libraries that have fewer books than I do. I have honestly given about 30 boxes of books away in the past 2 years but its just so hard to not have them. Some of them are such good friends that I have to keep them and then I find new ones that are so interesting.

4.  Do you like carrot cake? Patrice says frosting is good on top. If you like that cake, what kind of frosting do you like best? On top? Hmm. I guess you wear it like a hat.  I love carrot cake and it has to have cream cheese icing. Funny story about carrot cake. One year I moved in with my cousin and her girls for a while, it was just a couple days before the youngest's 3rd birthday and I had bought a carrot cake the day I moved in. Taylor thought it was for her birthday and for about 3 years after that she thought all birthday cakes had to have carrots on them.
 
5.  What's did the last funny t-shirt you read say? (It doesn't have to reflect your personal feeling about the topic, just be funny and family friendly.) My sister just posted a picture on facebook of my nephew and his girl friend. His shirt says "I'm right 97% of the time, Who cares about the other 4%", it just hit my funny bone.

HPW- 8-15-12

Its been a while since I posted a HodgePodge Wednesday but here goes.

1. When was the last time you 'disturbed your routine' and how'd you do it?
 Last Thursday and Friday, I went walking with a friend and then we sat on a bench and just waved at everyone driving by. We laughed until we had tears rolling and everyone else walking by was laughing. It was the most fun I have had in a long time.

2.What's your favorite fried food indulgence?
  shrimp fried rice no veggies or fried eggs, I just love to have them with biscuits to sop up the yolk :)

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?
 I got a weekly allowance when  I was in high school. I used it for snacks, assorted school expenses. I didn't really stick with the allowance for my daughter, It was more hit or miss. Mostly she just asked for money and I would try to get some work out of her to earn it.

4. What's something you wish you knew more about?
God, men, romance, life in general. Jesus' life on Earth, cars since mine is always broken down, why things happen the way they do.

5.  Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?
 Lately my RA has been acting up so everything feels like I am too old to do.

6. What's a song you think has a great first line?
 Heard a new song for the first time today and loved it, its Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
"Seems like all I can see was the struggle, haunted by ghosts in my past"

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post. In other words...as you write, who is the audience in your head?
 I think I mostly write it for my girls and grandchildren to read in the future to know me better if anything should happen to me. My family that doesn't live close so they can keep up with our lives but lately I haven't done that great. I originially started my blog as a deals and contest blog for my coworkers and friends. Then there got to be so many that it wasn't that big a deal.  Sometimes I just write because no one else is listening so at least I can say it to someone.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is one of my cousin's birthday. Growing up we were best friends but as we got older we just didn't spend anytime together.  We talk on facebook but thats about it. I wish we could stay close to people we love but I guess life is all about moving on and making room for new things and people.

TSMS-Citizen Way

I heard this song for the first time this week and I just really liked the upbeat music of it and the words are so meaningful. It really should have been each and every one of us but Jesus doesn't want us to be apart from him and our dying wouldn't have paid the sin price so He choose to suffer and die so that we might be called sons and daughters of God and be considering real brothers and sisters of Jesus.  Its been a pretty good week here and I wanted something that sounded happy. I hope you have had a wonderful week also.

Weekly update for August 6th

Since I am trying to post more often I thought I would do a weekly catch up of the past week.

1. Wednesday I was extremely grateful for God's protecting power. I was stung by a swarm of wasps at work and got stung 8-10 times. The last time I was stung by a wasp I had to go to the e.r. because I couldn't breathe. I had no reaction other than one of the stings swelling.

2. Mandi made a diaper gift for a friend of mine to take to her niece's shower.

3. I did manage to walk a couple of days and I started taking green coffee beans. I found them at Wal-Mart and read about them on Dr Oz. I am taking 4 pills a day. I will let you know how they work out.

4. I made a big batch of laundry detergent. I posted a while back about making it and forgot to let you know how it turned out. It is awesome for removing stains and odors. We love it and I have made a number of batches. I was just making small batches but this time I made a triple batch.

5. I also read on line about having silky smooth legs and tried it out.
Super Silky Summer Legs
Next time you are feeling down, about to binge, going on a date, or just need to pamper yourself, do this. I just did it and I can not stop rubbing my legs together. It feels like I paid for that over expensive pedicure at the salon.
Ingredients

• 1 1/4 C Sugar (Yup, plain, good-ol’ white sugar)
• 1/2 C Oil (I used olive oil, but you can use any oil, coconut oil, baby oil, canola oil)
• 3 tablespoons Citrus (Lime or lemon)
• 1-2 Razors

  I used a rubbermaid bowl to store it in the bathroom.  I loved how it made my legs feel. I actually used it all over like a body scrub. My arms are so smooth.

6. Was a bit upset becauseof the lies told by someone who not only claims to be a christian but is also a pastor's wife. If you aren't honest enough to stand by your words than you had no business saying them. That just makes all christians look bad especially when its someone not saved looking at your actions. This was a woman I worked with until she quit a couple weeks ago. As time goes on I find more and more lies she told. I am not perfect but I do try and I never go around bragging what a good christian I am. I am so glad she isn't part of my life but I pray that God will give her a real experience with him.

7. We ordered tickets to the Elton John concert in Wheeling next month. This is Mandi's dream come true.