December 2011 Highlights.

As we get ready to cross over into the new year, I thought I’d do a quick recap for the month of December…


Dollie & BFF before their Tinsel Ball.  This was Dollie’s first High School Formal Dance.  Oi Vey where does the time go?


Here is Dollie dancing at the Christmas Service at church.  I just love how the two girls are perfectly in sync and the light looks like they are dancing under the star!

Drummer received an award for Attitude at school.  Each month they award 5 students in each grade in various areas.  Drummer’s science teacher nominated him for the 7th grade Attitude award.

Here is Drummer on the drums at the Middle School Christmas Concert.  He does such a wonderful job!  Looks like a pro!!!

Chris and I went to my Staff Christmas Party early in December. 
It is always a blast and we are always blessed to be able to attend!

Well, that’s it, our December highlights!
See you in 2012!!!
Lori

…a few of my favorite things…

These are a few of my favorite things…can’t you just hear Julie Andrews singing that???

I decided to join JoLynne over at Musings of a Housewife for a post about my favorite things.

My favorite new song – You Are More by Tenth Avenue North.  This plays and it’s stuck in my head for hours…really.  Here it is.

My favorite new toy – that would have to be my iPhone!  Got it a couple of months ago when the camera on my Blackberry drove me just a little too crazy.  I love love love it!!  It has been a bit of a challenge learning it, but I’m doing ok.

My favorite new app – I’d like to agree with JoLynne and say InstaGram, but honestly, it drives me a bit crazy…I’m still trying to get it...  I really LOVE the Calendar app that actually came on the phone!  I’ll tell you what, that there app is worth the whole phone!  Literally, everything in one place!  Literally!!!!

My favorite (old) Christmas story – Gotta go with The Nativity Story in the book of Luke.  I like lots of the Christmas stories, but this tops them all for me!

My favorite new snack – Caramel Corn!  Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

My favorite new recipe – Tough one.  Most recipes are new to me at this point, since Dollie and Hubs are now gluten-free and I have to alter so many of the old stand-by recipes.  Some work better than others, but it’s usually edible.  Cannot wait to try the bread JoLynne shared!

My favorite new TV show – Last Man Standing with Tim Allen.  Loved him on Home Improvement years ago, and this is a close second!   The story of this family and each one’s drama just keeps me laughing for the whole half hour.

My favorite new lipstick – Buxom Lips by Bare Minerals.  I am a big BE girl, and I just love the tingly feel of this gloss! 

My favorite new accessory – My Kathy Van Zealand bag…I have been wanting one for quite awhile, and when I found this one at TJMaxx, I snagged it.  Love it!  Though I wish it had a bit more structure to it.  I’ve been thinking about one of those “organizer inserts” – any thoughts?  Epic fail on that photo!  Sorry about that…but see what I mean about the structure?  Oi Vey!

My favorite Christmas Tradition – We’ve actually created a couple new traditions in the last couple of years.  Probably my favorite is the Stocking.  Around October 1, we each draw a name out of a hat and we get a set amount of money to fill that person’s stocking.  It has proven to be a great tradition that everyone looks forward to.  I especially like it because I was always the one to do everyone’s stocking, and I always ran short on time, money and creativity….now everyone enjoys the challenge and it’s cool to see what each person comes up with!

My new favorite beverage – the Dunkin Donuts Latte with cinnamon or mocha peppermint!! Mmmmmmmmmmmm!  Drummer really likes the Mint Hot Chocolate!

 

Well, that about does it….wanna join us?  Hop on over to Musings of a Housewife and tell us about your favorites…
Lori

Advent–{What do you call Him?}

                                                       Photo Credit
What do you call Him? 

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, NKVJ

As I was reading this passage today for the Advent study, I started to ask myself what those names really meant.

Wonderful – marvelous, astonishing, unusually good, astounding
Counselor – a person who gives advice, adviser, consultant

As Wonderful Counselor, Jesus is the Living Word.  Jesus is the Way, The Truth and The Life.  He is an infallible source of guidance and inexhaustible wisdom.  (Note from my Bible – I loved the wording!)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6

Mighty – powerful, extraordinary

As Mighty God, Jesus is our hero, who triumphed over sin and death by way of the cross and resurrection.

O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Everlasting – lasting or enduring through all time, eternal, indefinite, tediously persistent.  Synonyms: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, immortal, permanent, perpetual, unending.

As Everlasting Father, that is Jesus’ fatherly care for us…unending.  He is present everywhere and sees everything.  He is tediously persistent in His pursuit of us!  I LOVE that!!! ♥

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9

Peace – tranquility or quiet, freedom from civil disturbance, state of security or order, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.

As Prince of Peace, Jesus provides that safe place for us to feel freedom within our souls.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

And oh my!  There are so many other names – Messiah, Lord of lords, King of kings, Lamb of God and the list goes on.  I was going to ask the question – which is your favorite?  But as I read the list, I can’t pick just one!! Jesus is everything to me!  I love that He is always there when I need counsel, whether I want  it or not.  And who better to go to for “fatherly” stuff, than the one who is called Everlasting? 

And oh my – how many times I have trusted in Him as my Prince of Peace to quiet me in the midst of the storms of life?

So, what do you call Him?

Lori

 

Advent - {Announcement}

In effect this has become my Advent journal.  That’s cool huh?  Anyway, today’s reading was about The Announcement.  Not to Mary, but to Joseph.  The account is found in the first chapter of the New Testament, Matthew 1.  Read it here.

The first 17 verses recount the lineage of Joseph.  It’s kind of like what they did over and over in the Old Testament, but this one traces Joseph back 42 generations.  I wonder if he knew this.  I can only go back about 3 generations, and I get stuck.  How about you?  And I thought it extra interesting that this was Jesus’ lineage, but he was adopted, right?  Joseph wasn’t his biological father, but by adoption Joseph’s lineage became Jesus’ lineage.

Anyway, when you think about it, there are kings and priests, prophets and even the founder of the Jewish Race (Abraham) in that line.  Wow.  I read it before, but never thought of it quite like that.  Well, duh….that’s Jesus’ lineage – kings and priests, etc.

Then the chapter describes Joseph as a just man – upright, blameless, conforming to God’s laws and mans, and when he found out Mary was with child, he was protective and still wanted to take care of her.  He didn’t jump right to the divorce option that was available to a bethrothed couple.  So he “put her away” – hid her until the birth of Jesus.  What a lot of pressure that must have been on him. 

The dream was obviously a turning point.  Ever have one of those kind of dreams?  The angel confirmed that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus had Destiny!  The situation also fulfilled prophecy, which I’m sure Joseph had studied.  Yikes more pressure!!

But it says in verse 24, when he awoke, he took her as his wife and she had Jesus, and then he knew her (as his wife).  Have you ever just done something seemingly crazy that God had instructed you to do?  I have.  I need to write the story sometime, but suffice it to say…in 1994 I had a dream.    I was 23 years old, just out of college, working my first real job, and enjoying life with a group of friends from church.  Then I had this dream.  It was my wedding. Wedding?  I was the bride and when I came through the door – I saw the groom.  It was one of the guys from out “group”.  Not one that I was particularly close with or even knew very well.  And I knew that other girls had their eyes on him and he on them.  But him?  I asked God.  Kind of like Joseph, I worked through the process.

A year later I was married – to him!!!  That was nearly 17 years ago.  And the man I married was the one for me!  I thought that was CRAZY!  I can only imagine how Joseph felt!!!  Savior of the world???

How about you?  Any seemingly crazy dreams that God has used to fulfill destiny in your life?  I’d love to hear about them…

Lori

Advent–{Expectation}

In years past, I’ve wanted to do an Advent study leading up to Christmas.  You know, to bring more focus and meaning to the season.  And always, if I started, the studies were never finished.  See I have a penchant for not finishing things. 

But this year it’s different.  Not sure why, but it is. 

So when I came across this Advent devotional on the You Version Bible App I have installed on my iPhone, I thought “hey, maybe this year…”  So today I started it today.  I read the verses and the study section – each day includes Exposure, Exploration, Expression and Experience.  It’s short and sweet yet very touching…

Today the passage was Luke 2:21-40.  Read it Here.

I was really touched by the fact that both Simeon and Anna spent their lives WAITING for the Christ child. And both of them were sensitive to His arrival.  And I had to ask myself – what am I waiting for?  What am I expecting?  And will I know it when it comes?

When it comes to this time of year, what are we expecting?  What are we focused on – the hustle and bustle, or the Savior – THE Reason for the Season.  I know that in my world, we tend to get caught up in it - the shopping, the festivities, the gatherings, the gifts, etc. and we tend to lose sight of what is really important.  Remembering the Christ child.

Won’t you join me in taking a minute (or maybe a few) and pausing to reflect on what this season is really about?  I’m personally doing the YouVersion daily devotional and as a family we will be lighting an Advent candle, but really, you could do any number of things…

Blessings to you this CHRISTmas Season!
Lori

Wordless Wednesday–Advent Wreath

A little different, but I love, love, love our Advent Wreath!
How about you – do you celebrate Advent? How?

Lori

Linked with Five Minutes For Mom - Wordless Wednesday.

Recipe: Turkey A La King

This is a fabulous recipe to use up Thanksgiving Turkey or Sunday Dinner Chicken.  It’s fast, easy, gluten free and yummy!

Ingredients:
4 Tbs. Butter
4 Tbs. Flour (gluten free works great)
1/2 tsp. Salt
Dash of Pepper
2 Cups Turkey (or chicken) Stock (homemade is best)
cooked, cubed / shredded meat
1/2 Cup Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
1/2 Cup Pimento (optional)
1 egg yolk
2 Tbs. Sherry or White Wine (optional)

Directions:
Melt butter in large saucepan.  Add flour and cook for a few minutes.  Add salt and pepper.
Slowly add stock and boil 2-3 min. until thickened.
Add other ingredients and serve over rice, noodles or rolls.

This is easy peasy and can be made up ahead of time and re-heated.

Menu Plan–11/28/11

Well, what do you know. 

I have a menu planned for the week.

And it is still Monday!  WooHoo!!!

After last week, I am keeping it mega-simple this week:

Sunday – we ordered pizza (even GF) since I was shopping all afternoon with Dollie trying to find a suitable party dress for her upcoming Tinsel Ball…but that is totally another story.
Monday – Turkey a la King with rice, green salad
Tuesday – Crockpot Chuck Roast, veggies (need to make room in the freezer for the TWO deer Hubs got last week.)
Wednesday – Venison Fajitas
Thursday – Crockpot Chicken Rotel, pasta, salad or veggies
Friday – Sloppy Joes, salad and veggies
Saturday – Not sure…CORN or sandwiches or something easy
{CORN = Clean Out Refrigerator Night}

What’s on your menu this week?

Lori

For tons of ideas, check out Menu Plan Monday @ OrgJunkie

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving ~
from my house to yours!!

I am so overwhelmed by the things and people in my life for which I am grateful!  At the top of the list is my Father God – and of course His Son Jesus!  Were it not for the grace of God, I’d not be anywhere near where I am today!!!

My family.  Day to day might be a struggle sometimes, but they are my family and I love them dearly! Both natural and spiritual, the parents and brothers & sisters in my life bless my socks off!!!

Those are just the top of my list.  The list is way too long to share here!! 

How about you – what is on your list?

Lori

Linked with Five Minutes For Mom

Lessons in Rest and Finishing

I did it again.

I got very short with both of my kids this morning.

Drummer.  He once again is fighting something in his body.  Up during the night with a sicky stomach.  Not feeling up to going to school.  Again.  He just missed two days a week ago.  For the same reason.  I think it may be a food thing, but that is another story.

Dollie.  I stumbled upon a project she has yet to finish.  It should have been done weeks ago.  But it’s not.  I got short with her.  Maybe even yelled a little.

Then the Holy Spirit stepped in and showed me a few things.

With Drummer.  Though I often feel like he is “playing” me, I have to admit he knows his limitations.  I on the other hand, do not.  I have some pain in my body most days.  Yet I keep going.  Then, I have the audacity to expect everyone else to do the same.  Drummer knows his limitations.  He’s sleeping peacefully right now. on the couch.  Maybe I could learn something from this – something about knowing my limitations.  Life will go on right? if I’m not there….doing whatever it is…

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matt. 11:28

With Dollie.  She struggles with finishing things.  She forgets about them, and moves on to the next thing.  That is the creative side of her.  Always moving.  Always creating.  But unfortunately, seldom finishing.  That’s me too.  I struggle with finishing things.  I have lists out the wahoo, but they don’t help anymore.  There is just too much to do, and too little time.  So I have fallen back on the theory of “The tyranny of the urgent.”  Make sure everyone is fed, clean, has clean clothes, and gets where they need to be, and I’m feeling pretty good about the day.  But what about the pile on my desk?  Or the stack of photos yet to be scrapbooked. Etc….

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Tim.4:7

Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit and for this revelation.  Thank you that even in these relationships with my kiddos, I am learning about you and about myself.  Thank you for forgiveness.  And for rest.  And thank you for that finishing anointing that I’ve been praying for. 
I love you Lord.
Lori

You Are…

Lyrics | TENTH AVENUE NORTH - YOU ARE MORE LYRICS

This song…………there are no words…..

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide
She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight
She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try
But don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to
This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
You've been remade
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.

Wordless Wednesday - Hive

Whew…Menu Plan Monday…{Oct. 17}

It has been one whirlwind of a day in my kitchen.  I started out doing one or two projects, and before I knew it, the day was dwindling into evening, and the kiddos will be home from school, and I will be heading to a meeting.  Ever have that happen?

Anyhoo, I do have quite a bit to show for my efforts.  Not only do I have a menu for the week, but most days are at least somewhat prepped.  Coupons and shopping are done for the week. I did some special treats for the kiddos…baked oatmeal is in the fridge ready to be re-heated for breakfast later this week, I made up some fresh granola, and a batch of Dollie’s Gluten Free Cheese Crackers.  Not to mention when I cleaned out the fridge, I found a basket of apples that needed to be used so I made up a big pot of fresh applesauce!  MmmmmmmHmmmmmm.

Now, on to the Menu….

Monday – Gluten Free Chicken Fingers, Butternut Squash Fries, Veggie
Tuesday – Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki, Rice, Veggie
Wednesday – Red Beans & Rice, Salad, Veggie
Thursday – Sweet & Tangy Meatballs, Pasta, Veggie
Friday – Out with church small group / kids – pizza
Saturday – Enchiladas, CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)
Sunday – Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Salad

I must admit, many of these recipes are new.  I will post links and recipes as we go throughout the week.  For more inspiration, head on over here to Orgjunkie.
Lori

Wordless Wednesday {Reading}

When my kids were little Dollie (2 yr older) read to Drummer all. the. time.  Well, at the bookstore I turned around and saw this…

Photo 182.5 – 50 (yeah, not doing so well on that…)
Photo was taken with my iPhone.

She was reading to her brother…via cell phone… Ay Yi Yi……

Happy Wednesday!!!
Lori

Linked with Wordless Wednesday at:
5 Minutes for Mom
Better in Bulk

The Question…

Distant or Engaged?  That was the question posed by Courtney over at Women Living Well this week.  In my google reader, the title caught my eye and I had to give it a peek.  Come to find out it’s a challenge for this fall – Making Your Home a Haven. Okay….

I her post, which you can read HERE she basically broke it down and described two women who each run their homes differently. 

Woman #1 is distant, distracted, crabby, discontent and prayer-less.
Woman #2 is engaged, wise with time, pleasant, content and prayerful.

Oy Vay.  More often than not, I would characterize myself as #1 when what my heart desires is #2.  And if you spend anytime at all on Courtney’s blog you hear her say, “we (women) set then tone of our home”.  This I know, and this I have not been focusing on lately.

Until now.  I have taken Courtney’s 31 day challenge, and this week I lit a candle these past few days and prayed for peace in my home.  I’m taking back the reigns ladies.  I’m sick and tired of the crabbiness and the discontentedness that has crept in – both in myself and in the rest of my family.  I just can’t wait to see what God is going to do in the next few weeks!

How about you?  Any of this strike a chord with you? 
Have you taken the challenge?

Don’t forget to check out Women Living Well if you haven’t already…

 Lori

Obedience - GMG

I’ve been participating for the last couple of weeks now in the Good Morning Girls Bible Study of 1 John.  It’s been really great to go through each verse, line by line, and kind of dissect it.  Today was an especially poignant set of verses.  1John 2:3-6

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.  He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

As I began to take these few verses apart I was shocked.  Did you see that first sentence?  If we know Him, we keep His commandments. 

If we know Him, we will obey Him.

Then I had to pause and ask myself “In what ways am I not keeping His commandments?”  I am still a sinner, saved by grace, so asking this probably a good thing to do on occasion…

Then I asked myself “specifically what am I supposed to be obedient to?” Well the obvious answer is His commandments – or His Word.  I KNOW for a fact I don’t spend enough time there…hence this Bible study.

But what else?  I just didn’t feel satisfied.  I checked the notes section in my Bible (which by the way is fabuloso – strange why I don’t spend more time there….) and it talked about the obedience to walking as He walked in verse 6.  Loving Others.

An aha moment for sure.

Obedience to His Word and to walking in Jesus’ ways of loving others. 
I got it.  At least I hope I did.

How about you?  Anything you want to share?  Feel free.  And be sure to head over to Good Morning Girls for lots more love, encouragement and inspiration!!
Lori

GF Menu Plan {10/3}

Wow!  It has been a LONG time since I’ve done one of these posts!  And to top it off half of us are now gluten-free, so that really adds a whole new dimension. 

Actually I started back with the whole weekly menu planning process last week and I have to say, it made a HUGE difference!  With everyone going in different directions at the end of the day, not having to think much about dinner and just make it was a good thing.

So here we go with another week, but I do have to admit, ALL things are subject to change….

Monday:  Cube Steak Sandwiches, baked potatoes and bacon beans
Tuesday:  Black Bean Quesadillas with some sort of rice – dirty maybe?
Wednesday:  Bratwurst w/ Stove-top Mac & Cheese
Thursday: Sweet & Sour Meatballs with rice or pasta (gluten free of course) and a veggie
Friday:  Crockpot Roasted Chicken with Veggies
Saturday:  CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)
Sunday:  Take-Out Pizza

At the grocery store today we got a tip from the cashier about a local pizza joint that sells Gluten Free Pizza – ANYTIME!!!  We have searched a bit, and came up with one place but they are pretty pricy, thus we haven’t been back, but this is a regular old take-out joint, so we shall see…

If you haven’t already taken a look, Org Junkie has over 250 contributors to her Menu Plan Monday meme this week. 
Take a look…

What’s on your menu this week?
Lori

Good Morning Girls

This month (the last two weeks actually) I’ve been doing this Bible Study in 1 John along with literally thousands of other Good Morning Girls.  We have only read through the first 9 or so verses up to this point, but it’s been a tremendous study.

You see, I’ve struggled lately.  Struggled with studying the Word, and struggled with “quiet time” as it were or wasn’t as the case may be.  I literally would pray with the kids, and talk to God here and there, but nothing consistent.  Nothing substantial.

Then over a period of time, three girls at church who I kinda mentor came to me and vocalized their struggles with “quiet time.” 

Ahhhhh….so I’m not alone.  Ok, Lord, what now?

Good Morning Girls – that’s what now.  I came across Courtney’s blog and learned about GMG and their 1-2 verses a day with the SOAP method of study, and I was hooked.  I talked to the girls and we signed up.

Here we are in week 2 and these are a couple of the texts I’ve received from them…

“Our GMG is getting juicier every day…”
”My quiet time this morning was really great…”
”My quiet time was late today, but it was still great….”

I am so blessed.

Not only am I receiving from the Word, and spending concerted time with the Father every day, BUT, I have the honor and privilege to be working with these girls I love so dearly – watching them move forward in their destiny as well!!!

God is just so good.
Lori

Wordless Wednesdays {80’s Day}

Happy Wednesday!  This isn’t so wordless, but it’s cute…

This is “Spirit Week” at Dollie’s High School.  Today was “Decades Day”.

She decided to give the 80’s a try.

Photo 182.5 – 49

She worked at getting the “big hair” with the high bangs.  You can’t see it in the photo, but the shirt is oversized with a skinny belt and she had on leggings and chuck sneakers.  Oh and don’t forget the blue eye shadow and the scrunchi on her pony tail.  She did her homework, for sure.

I just can’t get over how similar the look is to what she wears today…
Scary how trends re-invent themselves….

What do you remember about the 80’s?
Lori

Linked with Wordless Wednesday Posts at:
Better in Bulk
5 Minutes for Mom

Sunday Snapshot {her eyes}

I found this on my card recently…thought I’d share it. 

I just love here eyes!!!

Dollie did the face-painting at an event we did at church.

Happy Sunday!
Lori

Say Hi Sunday!

Since I haven’t been around much I thought I’d pop in and say Hi!

Join 3 Peas In a Pod for their Sunday Blog Hop!

I’m so glad you stopped by!

Happy Sunday!!!

Lori

Wordless Wednesday {Barnabas}

Every so often, we get a letter.

It’s hard to read some of the words, but the meaning is so special.

The author is a very dear man, a Barnabas {Son of Encouragement} in our lives.  He was a first-responder to a tragic, toxic accident back in the 1980’s which left him struggling in his physical body for all these years.

We haven’t seen him in months.

Writing this letter was hard for him.  I’m sure it took a long time. 

But he thought enough of us, to do it.

And these words of encouragement always seem to come at just the right time!  Funny how God works huh?

Photo 182.5 – 48

Do you have a Barnabas in your life?
Lori

Five Minute for Mom – Check out lots more “Wordless Wed.” Posts here.

Sunday Snapshot {Broken}

After nearly two long years – the slump is broken!!

Drummer had a really good afternoon on Sunday! 
He had a double-header, and at bat he had FOUR hits, and two walks!!!  WooHoo!!!!! 
He was certainly one happy boy!

Photo 182.5 – 47

 

Linked very late with

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday {Geoff}

This little guy…it’s HIS birthday today!  This is back in 1989, when he was but eleven, and life was different.

I missed watching a lot of his growing up years, but I’ll tell you what, now he is all grown up.  And he’s made his family proud!

At age 33……………….

He’s a man with a PhD.  (And a pretty cool job…)

He’s married to an awesome Woman of God.  (Tara ~ I love you too!)

He’s going to be a Daddy in December (and a fabulous one at that!).
{Ellie~I can’t wait to meet, hold and snuggle the beejeebers out of you!!}

But he always has been and always will be…my little brother!!!

Happy Birthday Geee-offf! 

I love you!!!!
Lori
PS.  By the way…doesn’t he look a lot like the 12 year old that lives in my house today?   They really are alike in so many ways….and the nephew just adores the uncle!!! 

 

One Last thing to make him smile….
Happy Birthday from all of us!!!

 

Linke up with  WW @     and 5 Minute For Mom.  Go check them out!

Sunday Snapshot {Football}

Not one or two, but EIGHT games at one time!Photo 182.5 – 46
It makes for two happy guys!
Happy Sunday
Lori

That is my Sunday Snapshot….linked here…

9.11

photo source: facebook (none given actually)

Five Min Friday on Saturday {in real life}

Five Minute Friday at Gypsy Mama
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Go a little overboard encouraging the writer who linked up before you.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes on:

in real life…

Go.

In the blogosphere, things are pretty easy.  After all, there is a backspace and a delete key.  Sure, I try to be very conscious of people’s feelings and emotions, but I have more time to think about what I say or do before I hit “send”. 

But in real life, it aint so.  Emotions rise, and feelings get hurt.  Easily.  Apologies are quickly made, and hopefully they are received. 

In real life, things are messy.  BUT God….

I’m so thankful for His grace and mercy.  But why am I so reluctant to extend the same to others who hurt or frustrate me?

Lord, please help me to extend Your grace and mercy to those around me.  I need Your hand upon my life to help me with this.  I’m willing Lord.  I don’t want my “real life” to be messy.  I want it to be full of You – your grace and your mercy.  Please help me Lord.

STOP.

What is your “real life” like?

Lori

Wordless Wed {First Day of School}

Photo 182.5 – 45

Drummer – 7th Grade

Dollie – 9th Grade

Happy Back to School!!

Lori

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