Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday Lovelies

Hey, friends!
I just wanted to share with you some of the wonderful things that were part of my lovely day.  :-)  I hope yours was lovely, too.

A few of my favorite things....
Fresh flowers...they seem to brighten almost any day with their spring charm...I found these at my favorite local FLOWER SHOP.    They always put me in a better mood!  
I can't wait to see these daffodils smiling at me tomorrow.


Decorating...I absolutely LOVE to decorate my home with primitive antiques, vintage finds, and other people's 'junk'. lol   There is something so much fun about rescuing something and transforming it into something beautiful for yourself.  I LOVE projects!!!  I can't wait to post some pics of my latest thrift store finds that I rescued for $1!  They are going to be some pretty cute Easter decorations when they are recycled into my decor!  
Here is some rosemary(YUMMY!) that I potted into one of my pewter pitchers.


This is a succulent Zebra plant that Henry picked out for himself today as we meandered through the beautiful 
greenhouses...all the babies were growing so beautifully!


Live plants just seem to make the house seem more cheery, don't they?

This is at the end of our hallway.  I LOVE ferns!!! 


One of the GREATEST lovelies of my day was getting to devour some of my mother-in-laws AMAZING homemade glazed donuts(FAVORITE THING).   I had impeccable timing today(UNUSUAL)...she was frying up a huge batch when I stopped by.  I told her that I must have smelled them from my house.  :-)  I definitely don't take that for granted...not everyone gets fresh, homemade donuts!  They were divine...hmmmmmmm...comfort food.
Thanks, Sharon!


Last, but not least,  I was reminded(and excited) that garage saling season is almost here(FAVORITE THING)!!!  Guess what???  I saw a sign for a garage sale and I ACTUALLY didn't stop!  SHOCKING!  It was a great reminder that summer is right around the corner and so is some fun junking!  Even though there was snow predicted for tonight(EEEEK!), it can't last long....the seasons ARE changing!  Ahhhh....I love spring!
teehee!


Thank you so much to everyone who placed their Shaklee orders and are going to receive the Free Cinch 
Starter Kit!!    Let me know if I can help you in any way!!!  :-) 


“In the coming decades, the most important determinants of health and longevity will be the personal choices made by each individual.










Wednesday, March 30, 2011

'Minute Hour'

Hi everybody!  I hope you're all having a wonderful day.  I just had to share the funniest little quote of my  day from none other than...THE TOOTHLESS WONDER!  Yes, Jack just lost BOTH of his front teeth in one week!  Isn't he cute!?!    :-) 
Jack is our seven year old, super sweet, tenderhearted little man.  He is so in tune with other peoples feelings and is a genuine caring soul. 
Last night, my husband was working on the computer and Jack REALLY wanted him to come and spend some time with him.  My husbands response was, "In a minute", to which Jack replied, "Dad, could you come in a real MINUTE instead of one of your minute HOURS?"
WHAT!?  Out of the mouth of babes I tell ya!  I just thought that it was SO fitting to how my kids probably feel a LOT of the time.  Sometimes I'm really good at saying 'in a minute', and it literally becomes an hour later!  I was humbled and reminded that my children's needs should come before my selfish desires. 
:-) 

Today was also a 'catch up' on laundry day.  Well, kind of.  I don't REALLY think I'll ever be caught up on laundry, especially with the teenage years approaching.  *shudders*    lol
Whenever I start to grumble about the laundry, I am going to try to remind myself of how nice it is to have people to do laundry for. :-)  I am also going to be thankful for modern technology that allows me to wash my clothes quickly and with minimal effort.  I cannot imagine washing all of our clothes, towels, bedding, etc...like the woman in the picture below.  She looks thrilled, doesn't she?    lol
Now if only someone would fold it and put it away.  :-)


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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Joy Ride

Ok, so  I am just a TEENY bit excited over here!  For starters, Henry's fever broke last night after MUCH prayer!  Good thing God is in the healing and restoring business, spiritually and physically.  :-)

This is what 'Hank' looks like on a normal, healthy day.  He is such a goof and I was SO happy that he woke up this morning looking for food and a truck.  BOTH VERY GOOD signs!!!   lol

Notice how one gun just isn't enough...I think I see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6!!!  guns!  :-) 

Remember how I told you that we weren't able to go to the library on Saturday?   Well, today is the day for me to keep  my end of the bargain.  The kids DEFINITELY did not forget my promise!  lol
Not only am I excited to get some fresh air, but our trips to the library, thrift store, and piano lessons are definitely going to be considered a Joy Ride!  
Guess what???  

On Friday we got a VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!
I'm SO excited, can you tell?!?!

Our family has been praying for MONTHS now about getting a larger vehicle.  Let me rewind...last year some dear people GAVE us a car.  It was amazing!  We didn't have a car at that point and didn't see one in the near future, barring a miracle.  Bottom line...we really needed transportation.  One evening, we got a phone call from some awesome people saying that God had told them(the husband) to call us and see if we would be interested in a car they had.  WHY, yes!  It was really exciting to us to see God use them to bless us and it was even more of a blessing knowing that they were willing to heed His command.  Totally inspiring!
Anyway, we still have the car and always will(until it dies).  It is a GREAT car and has special meaning as well, however, we  really felt like it was important to have something that would fit our family(of six) LEGALLY and the need had come up for a second vehicle due to my husband travelling for a job.  Enter...GOD!  The details are all so amazing about how it came about, but we ended up browsing selections of vans online within our budget.  We knew what we could afford and didn't want something fancy.  We test drove three and picked the second one.  It was PERFECT(for us)!

Now I(we) am the VERY proud owner of a 2002 Honda Odyssey!!!
I LOVE IT! 


Nice and clean...just the way I like things!(Don't worry, it won't last long!)
It's like the saying, "I can only please one person a day...."  Yeah...I can only handle my OCD so much....my house stays clean, but unfortunately my cars suffer!  lol
I am going to try MY HARDEST though.  




It even has a DVD player!  The kids were SO excited!  :-) 
Totally NOT why we bought this one!  Just a bonus.



Look at all those seats!  Just envision happy, smiling faces bobbing in the back.   Ahhhhhhh....PLENTY of space!


I hope no one thinks that this is a 'bragging' post!  I just think that it is really fun to count your blessings and share them, too!   Off to our Joy Ride!  

Hope you are having a great week!!!


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Monday, March 28, 2011

Note to Self...

WOW!   It seems like the weekends just FLY around here!  This past weekend was NO exception even though I spent Saturday and Sunday at home cuddling my sweet baby boy.  I didn't even get to bring my new Sunday School chart to my class!  It was really fun to make and I knew that the kids would be really excited about it!  That's okay, though.  I was tending to more important matters and my more than capable mother-in-law took over my Pre-K and Kindergarten class for me.  I heard it was an interesting morning(heehee).    Here are some pictures of my humble chart.  :-) 
1) There is NEVER a lack of things to do, is there?  All Henry wanted me to do ALL WEEKEND was to sit by him and hold him.  It got me to thinking when he asked me to lay by him(again!) that I should definitely not be taking these opportunities for granted.  Someday, I am going to look back and remember him ASKING me to sit by him, kiss him, get him a drink, etc....   Even though I got frustrated with his constant, pathetic requests, he was really only asking for one thing.  ME.  Being the busy body that I can be, everything in me wanted to do the dishes, bring up laundry, make the beds, and the list goes on!!!  A mother's job is NEVER done, right?!?  Well, my job this weekend was to lay by Henry, get Henry drinks, move Henry to another bed, move him back to the previous position, get him a blanket, take the blanket off, put on a movie, shut the movie off, turn it back on again, get him some chapstick, and repeat 500 more times. After all, that's the way it should be, don't you think?  I know that one day I will wish that my children were still living at home, but they will have their own families and priorites.  Then all I will want is for them to be little again so I can hug them, lay by them, kiss them, feed them and hear them tell me how much they love me.

2) ALWAYS read the instructions on the box of a new bottle of contact solution!  My wonderful husband was my go-to guy for a new bottle of contact solution this past week and being the VERY thoughtful man that he is, he decided to try a new kind of 'better' solution for me!  I always seem to be having issues with my contacts!  Anywho! I was fiddling around with my eye on Sunday and my contact fell onto the carpet.  It got all rolled up and yucky so I rinsed it off with my new 'wonderful' solution.  Note to self...ALWAYS read the label before rinsing!!!  Yikes!  The directions CLEARLY stated that you SHOULD NOT rinse contacts off with this solution because it needs 6 hours to neutralize.  OWEEEEE!  I felt like I had dumped bleach into my eye ball(that can't be good!)  and I could BARELY pry my eye open with two hands to dig out my contact!  Needless to say, it made it MUCH more convenient to lay around by Henry on Sunday while my eye healed itself from the damage. If you ever plan on purchasing Clear Care, read the complete instructions first!  Live and learn!

3) NEVER publicly promote something with even the slightest tinge of pride!!!   In my previous post, I had mentioned how our kids hadn't been sick all winter....WELL!  You guessed it...pride goeth before destruction!  My house sounds like a quarantined hospital room filled with chronic coughers.  If you shut your eyes and listened in silence, all you would hear is sneeze, cough, sniffle.  Repeat.  No.  Repeat 100 times. Then you would hear the toilet paper bouncing off of the roll and some serious blowing action.  lol  We have still avoided going to the doctor BUT...we are seriously dosing up on our vitamins to heal ourselves without nasty side effects..  :-)

4)  Make SURE that if you purpose in your heart to have a GREAT/POSITIVE/WONDERFUL day(especially if you post it publicly on something like Facebook), that you are ready for the challenge!  No matter how hard I try to purpose in my heart to have a good attitude when I wake up(especially Mondays), the devil always brings something my way to drag me down.  Case in point.  I woke up this morning proclaiming, "It's Monday!  It IS going to be a great week!"  YAY!  Then I proceeded to go and tidy up the girls room where I discovered  huge black grease marks on their new(er) carpet from the electric piano that we just brought up into their room.  YUP!  That's all I needed to throw in the towel!  Instant negativity, and don't think for one minute that it was accidental.  The devil THRIVES on putting those little(or big) dips in the road to deter us from doing and being what God wants us to do/be.  Content. Joyful. Thankful.  I ALMOST gave in, but knowing that he(the devil) is a joy stealer, I didn't let him win...this time!  I am choosing to be thankful that  it wasn't worse, that it's only carpet, and that I know that I can get the stains out with my awesome cleaners!(see previous cleaning post)!  lol  

Some goodies....

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Philippians 4:11

 "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100


These are all really great things that I learned and/or tried to apply to my life this weekend!  I memorized Psalm 100 when teaching it to Jack when he was in  kindergartener.  Now we both know it!   Double bonus!  Believe me...I am a WORK IN PROGRESS!!!  :-) 

I hope you had a great one!!!  







Saturday, March 26, 2011

Signs of Spring

Today I am not able to post what I had originally planned,  because life has a way of changing your plans! 
Isn't it beautiful outside today???  Too bad I have a sick little fella who just wants to lay around!  The kids missed their weekly Saturday library run because of poor Henry's bug, but I have already promised to make it up to them on Tuesday when the library reopens.  :-) 
BUT...the sun is shining!  YAY! That means the snow is melting AND  my basement is filling up with water!  lol
Here are a few pictures of the Signs of Spring that I am seeing around my house.  My daughter, Eleanor, took them for me.  :-) 


Aren't they beautiful???  This is the tree RIGHT outside my bedroom window!  We have a pair of lovebird cardinals that we named Ruby(male pictured) and Rose(not pictured because she blends in SO well!).   We are so blessed!  We haven't named the robin yet, because he is the newcomer, so we'll have to come up with something that appropriately suits him.  He is obsessed with our windows!!!  He keeps trying to fly in them...even now as I type he is scraping and flying at the window!  Weird, right?  Maybe we'll name him, Crash!  :-) 
I am always reminded of God's promises to us when I am admiring His beautiful Creation.
One of His great reminders......

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7

Yes, I prone to fret, worry, and doubt, but God's promises always soothe my doubting soul.    I am truly thankful for His promises.



Another thing I am truly thankful for is natural antibiotics!   Poor Henry is sick like I mentioned earlier, and THIS is what I am using to boost his immune system and heal his body.  Since switching brands to Shaklee, we only use natural antibiotics and they totally work!!!  My kids haven't been to the doctor ALL winter and we have been blessed to be able to heal them naturally and safely.    I am totally convinced that God has given us everything we need in His Creation to heal ourselves!   He is definitely the BEST BIO-CHEMIST!    
Time for me to go cuddle with my  little man...I hope you are enjoying the beautiful sunshine!
Happy Spring!

Mary :-)

Friday, March 25, 2011

A Few of my Favorite Things!!!

Today I want to share with you some of my BEST FRIENDS...my CLEANING products!!!  :-)  If you read my previous post about my OCD, you will begin to understand!  
I LOVE to clean.  I love seeing sparkly sinks, clean floors, vacuum lines in carpet(weird, I know!), toys in their baskets and beds neatly made(to name a few).  :-)  To be completely honest, I have actually lightened up over the years(EEEK!).  Kids have a tendency to do that to you!  lol  Despite my efforts to keep things neat and in order ALL THE TIME, that is just not completely practical.  I need to get things not only clean, but FAST!  

Rabbit trail....
Last fall, my husband and I were introduced to Shaklee, the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S..  It was an immediate perfect fit for us!!!  We I had been on a journey searching out a lot of  answers to questions that I was having regarding nutrition, healthy cleaning, all natural beauty and healthy weight loss.  I was already supplementing(to the best of my knowledge which wasn't much), I was buying cleaning products from the local Food Co-op, I had FINALLY gone to the dermatologist to discuss my cystic adult acne(BAD IDEA), and I was a user of over the counter weight loss products!  When I was introduced to Shaklee, it was love at first listen!!!   :-) Their philosophy, 80,000 raw material tests/year, $250 million in research in development, published clinical studies, and commitment to their products was outstanding.  That was only the beginning!  Then we started using them...now there's NO turning back!  I can honestly say that EVERY SINGLE one of the products that we have used delivers EXACTLY what they say it will.   Nathan and I are totally blown away by the quality and guarantees that they deliver.  That is the ONLY reason that we are able to share Shaklee with others.  Bottom line: THEY WORK!  

Ok, back to my crazy cleaning!  Today is Friday and I get to go to my old 'home sweet home' because every other Friday, I clean for my wonderful parents.   It's an opportunity to give something back to them(I owe them SO much that I could NEVER repay!), and also an excuse for me to get out of the house. (heehee).  The kids and I usually make a stop at The  Food Co-op for some divine eats and visit some of the local shops that are in town.  I'm SUCH a sucker for homemade, vintage and one of a kind treasures.  I'm also addicted to thrifting!!!  LOVE IT!

I used to love cleaning with all of my chemicals.  I loved bleach, lysol, pine sol, comet, the works, etc... The problem is, they are FULL of toxic substances that are linked to TONS of health issues including cancer and major degenerative disease.  Read here about how less than 20% of the 80,000 chemicals registered with the EPA have actually been tested for toxicity!  Since I plan on being around for quite some time yet(LORD willing), I didn't like hearing that stay at home moms are at a 50% higher risk of getting cancer because they live in a toxic environment if they use these cleaners(that toxic environment being their home).  So, for me  it was out with the old...and in with the NEW!

My new found friends, or my Shaklee Get Clean products, have not only saved us a TON of money, they are totally safe, totally green and they totally work!  And when I say WORK, I mean it!  Things have to pass a pretty strict cleaning test to pass over here and I am constantly impressed with them.  I would NEVER buy a chemical again because I have no need for them!!!  My Organic Super Cleaner Basic H2, Germicide, and Scour off are my mainstays now.  I love them!!!  Can you tell???  lol  Did I mention they save me TONS of money?!?  :-) 

1 bottle of Basic H2equals the cleaning uses of 5,824 bottles of 26 oz. Windex.!!!!
Watch this video to learn how much $$$ you will save with Get Clean!  :-)

Clean Credentials
  • Nontoxic
  • Natural
  • Doubly concentrated
  • Biodegradable Surfactants

For all-purpose cleaning:
Add 1/4 tsp. to 16 oz. of water.
For windows and mirrors:
Add 1-2 drops to 16 oz. of water.   (ONLY DROPS!!!!)
For degreasing: 
Add 1 1/2 tsp. to 16 oz. of water. For bigger jobs, add 2 oz. to 1 gallon of water.


HERE ARE OTHER SUGGESTIONS……



HOUSEHOLD

General Cleaning: Use ½ teaspoon to quart of warm water. It cleans kitchen doors, woodwork, walls, ceilings, etc.
 
Appliances and Bathroom Fixtures: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. It leaves refrigerators odor-free and sanitary. Great for bathroom tile!

Windows, Mirrors, All Glass: Use 1 – 2 drops in 4oz spray bottle. Wipe dry with paper towel. Do not use a lot of Basic-H or glass will smear.

Dishes: Use ½ teaspoon in the dishpan. Fill dirty pans with water, add ½ teaspoon Basic-H2 and let stand to loosen stuck particles.

Automatic Dishwashers: Use Shakee Dishwasher Concentrate

Floors: Use 1 tablespoon to a gallon of cold water, wring mop and wipe up dirt. Leaves floor shining. Dusting: Squeeze sponge out of solution of ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. With almost dry sponge, wipe of dust, fingerprints, candy spots, etc. Or use spray bottle and clean cloth. Everything disappears from furniture, leaving wax finish beautifully bright and non-magnetic, making it unnecessary to dust as often.

Woolens, Silks, Nylons, All Fin Fabrics: Use ½ teaspoon to basin of water. For spots, apply a drop or two directly on the spot and press in with thumb. Immerse garment in cold water solution of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, let stand a few minutes, then rinse by squeezing water through and laying out to dry.
 
Spot Remover: Apply Basic-H2 directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub Basic-H2 into area. Wipe off with damp cloth or rinse in basin of water (Coffee, lipstick, ink, grass, etc).

Frying Vats: Use ½ cup to 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It dissipates stubborn crusts without damage to vats.

Concrete and Mortar Mix: Use ½ oz. to a gallon of water. Makes cement and mortar spread easier and smoother, set harder.

Knives: Use a few drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist and add as needed. Doesn’t clog stone, which is very important in sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.
 
Phonograph Records: Use same solution as for glass. Clean with soft, dry cloth. It leaves no residual magnetism.
Wallpaper: Excellent in removing wallpaper.

Diapers: Use ¼ teaspoon of Basic-H2 and 1 teaspoon of Basic-G to pail of water. It eliminates odors in the washroom when diapers must stand.

Fish Odors: Use ½ tablespoon per quart of water. Basic-H2 cleaning solutions work wonders around boats, docks and other “fishy” places.

Boat Algae: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water.

Spray Snow or Poster Paint on Windows: Remove it with ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water.
 
PERSONAL

Cleaning Hands: Put a few drops in palm. Rub thoroughly over both hands and add a little water. Continue with usual washing action. Add a touch more water as needed and rinse. Removes tobacco stains, onion and garlic odors. Variation – mix ¼ Basic-H2 and ½ water in a 4 oz squeeze bottle.
 
Gum: Use full strength to remove gum from skin or carpeting.
 
Shoe Cleaner: Use 1 drops on a wet cloth. It will not remove wax. Shine with dry cloth.

AUTOMOTIVE

Washing: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water. Wash small area at a time, and hose off. Wiping dry is not necessary. Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing. Bugs and road grime float away.
 
Engines: Use ½ oz to one gallon water to clean engine. It will not affect paint, gaskets or insulating material. Best results can be achieved when the engine is hot for fastest drying of the ignition system.

Battery Terminals: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Spray on battery terminals, let soak for 2 minutes and clean with wire brush. Use full strength Basic-h on battery terminals to avoid corrosion or galvanic action. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Air Filters: Use ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water. Air filters are cleaned with excellent results, leaving them free of dirt, oil, or chemical residue.

House Plants: Use a few drops in water. Water plants and they will flourish. Use to wipe down leaves also.
Outside Windows: Use ½ teaspoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on windows and screens.

Humidifiers: Use 1 or 2 drops in water to help prevent rust and scum.

Water Soluble Gum Tape: Use 2 to 3 drops in a 16 oz spray bottle, or tape dispenser with water tank.

ACCESSORIES

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Fill toilet tank dispenser with Basic-H2. Place in toilet tank. It will automatically release a measured amount of Basic-H2 when you flush, to keep toilet bowl clean for months.

Ironing: A few drops in steam iron will keep the jets and interior clean.

Plumbing: Will keep pipes open and clean when used regularly. It emulsifies grease and can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.

I even use it to wash my fruits and vegetables because it removes any pesticides!  YAY!


Basic G(Germicide) will deodorize bathroom areas, garbage cans and other areas where bacterial growth can cause unpleasant odors. Basic-G is concentrated for economy.
      
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!!

  • Basic-H2 is the most economical cleaner you can buy. One quart makes 192 gallons of cleaning solution by following directions.
  • Do Not Use More Than Recommended. A little goes a long way! Save $$!
  • Basic-H2 contains no acids, no alkalis, no kerosene or solvent, and has no offensive or detergent odor.
  • Basic-H2 has pH factor of 6.5, right in the range of human skin.
  • Basic-H2 makes water many times wetter.
  • Basic-H2 is a fantastically versatile cleaner. The successor is soap!
  • Basic-H2 does not hinder bacterial action of septic tanks or cesspools.
  • DO NOT put fingers or foreign matter into Basic-H2 container. Large amounts of bacteria can cause degrading action and weaken your cleaner. 
  • In extremely stubborn areas of grease or stains, use Shaklee's Scour Off  scouring cleaner.  It's made out of ground cherry pits!


WHOA!  That got REALLY long, but it is so important to show what this stuff can do!   Now you know why I love my cleaners.  lol  
Happy FRIDAY!!!

Mary  :-) 



   "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24









    


  


      










Thursday, March 24, 2011

Personality Traits

Happy Thursday!!!  Just one more day closer to the weekend....AND a HUGE surprise that I am DYING to share!  No, I'm NOT pregnant, much to my sweet hubby's chagrin!  lol  It is just something exciting(to me) that is happening in our lives.  We have seen God do so many wonderful things and He is at work again!  :-) 


 About me....




I'm going to be real here.   :-)  As I sat down and considered actually starting a blog, I was flooded with lots of different emotions.  First of all, I have NEVER been the girl that is bursting with self confidence.  Immediately, uncertainties and worries entered my mind.  It sort of felt like the butterflies I used to get in my tummy on the first day of school or the sick feeling I get when I know that I've hurt someone's feelings.   Weird, right?  I mean, this was inspired by TONS of moms out there who like me, want to share ideas, encourage others, BE encouraged and have a place to put our creative side to use(besides jazzing up the macaroni and cheese in 47 different ways).  lol   It's not like I'm writing an article for a major magazine!  It's a BLOG for goodness sake!!!  There is just something in me that is a constant people pleaser, always wanting acceptance, love and to be 'liked'.  Would anyone read it?  What would they think of me?  Would I have 9,567 followers by Friday???  Obviously I needed to stand back and really assess WHY I wanted to do this.  Was it for my own glory?  Was I expecting praise?   So, with my heart on my sleeve(constant companion), and a super tender heart, I had to put aside MY feelings because after all, feelings cannot be trusted.  They are my human side making everything about ME when my focus SHOULD be on the One who created me in His image and knew my personality traits FAR before I was ever born.  I am unique.  So are you.  I lack in self confidence(and many other areas), but God makes up for that and more.  WHEW!  I could finally rest.  You see, when my eyes are on me and I let my pride get in the way, there is nothing but chaos and uncertainty.  When I shift the focus on Him, there is nothing but peace and rest.  :-)    Do you deal with the same issues?
Here is a favorite...


"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalm 118:8

With all that said, I, of course, hope   PRAY that you will enjoy my blog.  I will always wonder what people are thinking and if they like what this holds, but I will TRY to remain grounded about it and keep the right perspective!   I hope to use it as a positive outlet for myself and also as a tool for encouragement and learning, giving God the complete glory!   This is going to be REALLY fun!!!

NOTE:
I have to admit,  I am a little, ok, A LOT OCD.  You will notice this in future blogs about cleaning, organizing, ok, ANY aspect of my life!  lol  I do not expect this trait to wain anytime soon and it has already lapped over into this(squared)!  :-)  I need help!!!  I am THEEE  most non-computer savvy girl!  Everything I do is a result of trial and error and just 'figuring it out'.  If any of you out there have knowledge(I KNOW you do) in computers, gadgets, templates, etc.....LET ME KNOW!   haha   I am already going crazy over here trying to get a new font, add gadgets, links, etc... to this page to make it more useful and fun and I JUST DON'T know how(yet)!  Help me!!!!  Did I mention that I am also very impatient???  AND a perfectionist?  Oy.  I know what you're thinking, POOR NATHAN!  :-)  It's true, he is a saint!  lol  

Have a super fabulous day everyone!  See you soon!

Mary :-) 








   

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My First Blog, EVER!!!

Welcome to my blog!!!  I am so excited that I finally took the blogging 'plunge',  lol.
I would like to introduce you to my wonderful family.   Truly, I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve!
I can't wait to share days in my life, thoughts, recipes, ideas and inspiration!