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This is SO late in coming.  Free2Fly sent this to me some time ago and I have been negligent in putting it up.  I am so thrilled to put this on my site and share it with you guys. 



I am passing this blog excellence award on to a few people in hopes that they will display it proudly, too. 

Amy...  for her New Zealand scenery and positive messages on life, love and family!  She is a rockin' retro gal, too!!!  I LOVE AMY!!!!!

Debs... I got to meet her IN REAL LIFE today!!!  She is getting this award for being such a lovely lady and so very brave to move to a strange land for three months... El Paso!!!

Cheri... Mom of four, living in a brave new world on a brave frontier, amazing woman and full of faith!!!  I adore her and want to be her when I grow up!!!!!

Stephanie... I have met her in real life, too, a few years ago.  We don't get to talk much due to our crazy homes but she was the one that made my very first business cards - the ones I am still passing out to everyone I meet.  She is an amazing woman and mommy as well as an entrepreneurial spirit with a small business right from her home!  She inspires me so much!!!  Love to you girl!!!!!

Christine...  she hates these things!!!  LOL  But I love her so she is getting it anyway, darn it!!!!!  She is an AVID supporter of women, adoption, pastor's wives, crunchy living, and breastfeeding among many other things.  You have to visit her site to know why she is getting this from me.  If I can't be Cheri when I grow up I want to be Christine... or maybe I can be both!!!!!  LOL  When we meet in real life we will squeal like schoolgirls!!!

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Tagged by ELF and someone else tagged me some time ago for this, too, and I don't remember who... I am sorry to that person and if you would let me know I will link to you here in this post, too.  Life has been nuts so I apologize for my lack of attention in this matter!  :-)

I have been tagged a few times to do this but I am out of new stuff...  LOL  So, here are the links to past lists I have done for those who don't know these things about me.  :) 

7 Things 1st edition

8 Things - a slightly longer version

I may do a new 100 things for the new year but not right now.  Oh, while I was typing I thought of a few things...

*   I love Steve Martin movies.

*   I don't wear jewelry except for my wedding ring.

*   I love to have my feet massaged!

*   I would rather hang out with the guys than a bunch of girls most days... except for today!  LOL  (I grew up with brothers and just got used to that kinda thing)

*   My favorite downtime activity is escaping to a quiet place to read and sip tea.  I think you already knew that, though. 

*   My favorite candy bar is a Snicker's bar.

*   Even if I did not have children I would still watch kid movies.  :-)

If you have not done this one already then you may take it and run with it.  Let me know if you do... Thanks!

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Been tagged again...  This time a long time read of mine Gary Petersen at Country Keepers got me.  LOL  Here are eight more things you never heard about me before.

1.   I love Seinfeld and have much of the language from that sitcom embedded in my daily language (as does Dan - so we are always inside joking with each other)

2.   I have a secret crush on Craig Ferguson... just kidding but he does have a dreamy Scottish accent (as does one of my favorite preachers - Alistair Begg) and I do think he is the best late night talk show host EVER!!! 

3.   I am extremely insecure!

4.   I watch.... gulp..... Hell's Kitchen.  *hangs head in shame* but I cannot help myself!  I know I am a heathen...

5.   I own a cowboy hat and a pair of ropers - worn both almost completely out, too.  We used to go to rodeos in college.

6.   My first major in college was music (studied opera and was a classically trained vocalist) until I decided I did NOT want that life.  I changed my major to education and got a minor in music instead - then married a band director!  LOL  ...and I am a total music snob - I offend way too much with my opinions so I keep them to myself.

7.   I brush my teeth no less than three times a day!

8.   I often put things off until the very last minute including school assignments and I suck at getting stuff to the post office... but some of you already know that part! 

 Now, I have to pick 8 more people to do this but in my circle of readers I think many of you have already done it so if you have not..... it is your turn!  LOL 

Let me know if you do 'cause I would love to read your list.

 

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Crickl tagged me for this...  I am assuming it could be any 7 things.  Her 7 things were 7 things she has learned.  I have not done this one before so I will just do 7 random things about me.  I will start with one JUST for Christie...

1.  I am a classic INFJ... now while I do not like Carl Jung or much of the psychological realm I fall squarely into this one with no wavering. Both the strengths and weaknesses apply to me for the most part.  I find it hard to make friends and move out of my comfort zone.  I am a staunch perfectionist to a fault.  I keep many of my relationships at a surface level but there are those rare individuals that I have clicked with and there is a deep connection when it happens.  My husband is one of those connections.  He is very much like me and if he took this test I think he would be close to the INFJ catagory if not right on it.  We do compliment each other in many ways but we get along because we see life the same way...  much of which is Biblical world view and a bit of it is just inborn.  This one probably gives the most insight into who I am...

These are suppose to be short, I suppose...  LOL

2.   I believe that I should ALWAYS be becoming a better person and learning something new EVERY SINGLE DAY of my life.

3.   I have this secret (not so secret if I share it, huh?) dream to travel the world with Dan and maybe to live in another country someday - even if for a short time.

4.   I LOVE the outdoors - gardening, hiking, fishing, camping...  you knew that???  Ok, so I am boring and repetitive... 

5.   I am not much of a fiction reader... I just have this thing about it wasting my time.  I know that is NOT true but it is something that was just drilled into my head as a child and I have never really gotten past it.  I will try to read more fiction and really enjoy it someday... I promise!!!  LOL

6.   Although I LOVE my children I am looking forward to a time when it is just Dan and me again.  I am enjoying the time I have with them now, though.  I am not rushing them to grow up and leave home... I homeschool afterall - we are together 24/7!  I am merely keeping it in the back of my mind that the empty nest years will not be as bad as some say they are.  I think they will be dreamy years - with traveling, a clean house, grandbabies and not changing diapers and all - how could that be bad?!?!?!?!

7.   I challenge myself every day... I am the hardest on myself and I expect A GREAT DEAL out of me.  I guess that goes back the the INFJ thing.  So, that may not count as my number seven...

7a. Hmmmmm...... what else?  Oh, my sense of humor and preferences...  I ADORE Calvin and Hobbes, BC, Far Side and read Dave Barry every chance I get.  I am a Trekkie but not a Star Wars fan...  go figure (oh, those are not funny... well, maybe Captain Kirk and his overacting... moving on).  *shrugging*  I LOVE British comedies and my favorite is Good Neighbors/The Good Life.  I have watched the Three Amigos about 20 times (and can sing EVERY SINGLE SONG - I love musicals by the way...) and the Princess Bride almost as much.  I have a thing for Steve Martin and Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is my favorite of his.  I adore Groucho Marx but would marry Harpo if given the chance and Dan were not in the picture - I LOVE FUNNY and laughing out loud!!!  

Speaking of men... Dan being the best Hottie of them all in my mind - Tom Selleck runs a close second and Jimmy Stewart is third!!!  I guess I like expressive eyebrowed men, too - or maybe the strong and sensitive cowboy types!!!  ROFLOL  I won't even try to share my eclectic music tastes...  Ok, that is more than 7 now...

This is getting random and weird so I will just say that if you want to do the 7 things just take it and let me know you did...  I am not good at tagging people but I LOVE reading them when you do them. 

Thanks for reading!!!

Blessings...

~Leann

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My precious friend Blair bestowed an honor upon me last week in her post on Thinking Bloggers.  One thing I do is think... about everything... way too much sometimes...   but I had no idea I made someone else do that.  LOL  You have blessed me so much Blair and I appreciate this honor.  Thanks so much Blair for this high compliment!!!  (((HUG)))

In response to this I will pass it on to a few of my favorite bloggers.  This is to all of you who make me sit back and contemplate life and love and family and spiritual things as I read you...

Dana at Think Pink - to my friend who has long since been on the same path as I have and who lets me see myself in what she is learning.  Thanks for sharing your life with us and for being transparent in a way that really challenges me.  I love you girl!!! 

Christine Moers - I have been a fan for a very long time and have really enjoyed the challenges you lay before me to think outside the box.  You have inspired me and challenged me and really made me reevaluate my own hang-ups and I thank you for that!!!

Carol at Parenting Decisions - to another mom of four who has been a true encouragement through some tough times.  Your blog has challenged me to be a better mom and I thank you for living what you preach!!! 

Jo from Sonshyne7 & The Journey - First of all I have missed you girl!!!  You have challenged me for over 5 years online.  Between the things you share online and the things you share in our e-mailing back and forth you have been my biggest online cheerleader and encourager!!!  You always put things into perspective for me in a way that makes me see things more clearly and I thank you for that!!!!!  I love you my sister!!!!!!!!!!

Mary at One Blessed Family - Girl you have stepped out of the box in such a big way with your new family members!!!!!!!!  You amaze me and I am so thrilled to be a part of your praying network as you have sought the Lord in these adoptive matters.  I am so inspired by you and your family.  I love what you share about what God is doing in your family and I will continue to be a reader and fan for as long as you are willing to share with us!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (((((HUGEHUGS)))))

I will post my favorites (without the graphic) at my food blog, too, just 'cause cooking is mainly why Blair chose me...  so stay tuned for favorite food bloggers for your enjoyment...

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Maria at Mom of 3 Little Bugs...

1. If I were inviting someone over for a special dinner, I would
most likely serve.... Meatloaf, roasted red potatoes, green beans or other veggies, whole wheat dinner rolls and a pie for dessert.  Pretty traditional and most people like that I find.

2. If I were in a rush, and needed to make something quick and easy,
I would serve....  I have this apple salad that I whip up pretty quickly but salads in general are quick to fix and I do those in a pinch for church dinners and such.  In the way of a quick meal I can throw a lasagna together pretty quickly or spaghetti and meat sauce.

3. Something I ate in a restaurant that was absolutely wonderful
was....  I had a chicken fetticini alfredo one time at a Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas that I am still trying to copy. 

4. Something I have had at a gathering and asked for the recipe
afterwards.. ..  When we lived in Paluxy, Texas out little church was FULL of great cooks.  I asked for cobbler and pie recipes and a corn casserole that was TO DIE for.  Most recently in our church here I have asked a Korean friend to show me how to make Mahn Do.  It is scrumptious!!!

5. My favorite meal served when I was a guest at a gathering...  It was not a whole meal but a salsa instead.  There were these fruit salsas that were FABULOUS!!!  A strawberry/cilantro salsa and a mango/cilantro salsa.  I wish I had asked for the recipe...  *sigh*

6. My kids always beg me to make..... homemade whole wheat pizza or tortillas.

7. The best meal for a cold, wintery night.... Gotta be either chili with cornbread or chicken and dumplings in our house

8. Something that goes great from freezer to table... can it stop in the oven on the way... LOL  I make lasagna that freezes and reheats well.  I have a nice collection of freezer recipes and several great books on OAMC, too.

9. My favorite crock pot meal is.... lentils and rice (taco lentils is what Blest calls it).  I do a variety of seasonings on it now but it is quick and easy and the family ALWAYS eats it. 

10. Something I have only heard being prepared in my family is.... until recently it was buttermilk pie.  I found out that it is similar to chess pie and lots of people make it but growing up my Meemaw was the only one I knew that made it.

Here ya go... swipe it if ya want but I won't be tagging specific people for this.  Please let me know if you do this so I can read yours.  Thanks!!! 

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From the TudorHouse of Amy in NZ... I swiped it.

A - Available/Single? TOTALLY MARRIED for nearly 18 years
B - Best Friend? Dan - my hubby
C- Cake or Pie? TOTALLY Pie... I love baking and eating them
D - Drink Of Choice? A great cup of hot tea in the winter and iced tea in the summer
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday?  My bread knife from IKEA
F - Favorite Color? I am partial to really rich colors but have a purple tendency
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Can I choose those little gummy coke bottles?  LOL Oh, ok, bears...
H - Hometown? If this is where I was born it was Crowley, Louisiana but I mostly grew up in Kilgore, Texas
I - Indulgence?  A SNICKERS BAR
J - January Or February? February - my daughter's birthday, Valentine's Day and getting the garden ready for planting
K - Kids & Their Names? J1(13), E(8), D(6), J2(2 1/2)
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? Jesus!!!
M - Marriage Date? June 24, 1989
N- Number Of Siblings? got two brothers and I am the oldest
O - Oranges Or Apples? apples - this goes back to pie doncha know...  LOL
P - Phobias/Fears? Not real fond of heights or fire but I would not call it a phobia.
Q - Favorite Quote? - Badges? ...we don't need no STINKING badges!!!
R - Reason to Smile - listening to my children laugh
S - Season? Autumn
T - Tag Four Five People? no tagging from me, if you want to do this it's all yours
U - Unknown Fact About Me? Now, if I told you it would not be UNKNOWN, now, would it...
V - Vegetable you don't like?  People don't like vegetables???  I cannot think of one...
W - Worst Habit? Yelling at the kids when I am really angry about something
X - X-rays You've Had? foot - cracked foot and broken toe, shoulder - tendonitis issues
Y - Your Favorite Food? Veg = brussel sprouts, Meat = chicken, Fruit = strawberries, dessert = pie or cheesecake
Z - Zodiac Sign? don't dabble in that stuff 

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I got this over at Mommy Brain - CarrieK's blog...

RED
1. Closest red thing to you: A stack of Christmas books - they all seem to be red.  hmmm....
2. Last thing to make you angry: What doesn't make me angry lately?  I seem to be angry with the kids for lots of things lately.  Hormones?  Maybe... Ungrateful children?  More likely... 
3. Do you have a temper:  Sometimes I do and sometimes I am very even keel. 
4. Are you a fan of romance:  Novels?  NOT at all... Chick flicks?  sometimes...  With my hubby?  MOST DEFINITELY!!!

ORANGE
1. Closest orange thing to you:  David is standing next to me with orange Home Depot toy power tools and they are as orange as orange can get.  LOL
2. Do you like to burn things:  Not usually... strange question...
3. Dress up for Halloween:  Not since JoNathan was very little... we just don't do Halloween anymore.

4. Are you usually a warm-hearted person: Will this incriminate me if I say yes?  I am jaded and cold hearted way more than I would like to be...  I can be a cynic way more than I like but I can melt when need be...
5. Do you have anything against redheaded people:  I hope not considering I have had reddish hair for most of my adult life...  LOL
6. Are you usually full of energy:  Not usually...

YELLOW
1.Closest yellow thing:  Highlighter marker on my desk
2. The happiest time[s] of your life:  College and early marriage with Dan was all pretyy great.  Since we have had children we have added a depth to our lives that can be the MOST HAPPY and the MOST FRUSTRATING all at the same time.  If you have children you probably get that... 
3. Favorite holiday:  Thanksgiving and Advent - the whole season
4. Are you a coward:  Not likely since I will try most anything once - with exception to things that are illegal or just plain stupid.
5. Do you burn or tan:  I burn - it's the European skin.

GREEN
1. Closest green thing to you:  My spider plant and Christmas cactus plants.
2. Do you care about the environment:  Ummmm... yeah but not to the extreme Envirowhacko level.
3. Are you jealous of anyone right now:  No, my life is good...
4. Are you a lucky person:  Don't believe in luck - I do believe in being blessed and I am that...
5. Do you always want what you can’t have:  No, not always... only sometimes. 
6. Do you like being outdoors:  Yes, when the weather is great I love going out and working in the garden or taking a walk.
7. Are you Irish:  Yes, along with a few other things...

BLUE
1. Closest blue thing to you:  My stapler is blue.
2. Are you good at calming people down:  No, I am trouble maker and stir things up more lately.  I think going into my forties has changed me in that regard.  I am more bold and brazen than I used to be. 
3. Do you like the sea:  If I had my druthers I would be in the mountains instead of the seashore but the sea is nice.
4. What was the last thing that made you cry:  My practicals in Basic Cooking class.  I am a perfectionist and I freaked out when it was all over and cried right there in front of my prof.  You know the whole pressure building and going and going and then all of a sudden it is over... emotional release happened and I blubbered like a baby all the rest of the day.  LOL
5. Are you a logical thinker:  Well, after that last statement you would NEVER believe that I am really more logical than not.
6. Can you sleep easily:  I can now... you wanta know how?  I can tell you if you like...

PURPLE
1. Last purple thing you saw:  Some flannel fabric I bought for a Christmas gift I am making for one of the nieces.
2. Like being treated to expensive things: Expensive is good but practical and needed is WAY BETTER.  I am a very practical gift getter and giver.
3. Do you like mysterious things:  If you mean Miss Marple, Alfred Hitchcock, PBS Murder Mystery series then YES!!!  Anything that causes me to go hmmmmm.... is pretty much a good thing.
4. Favorite type of chocolate:  I have to chose one?  Ok, I chose them ALL!!!  LOL
5. Ever met anyone in royalty:  Other than my little princess Emmy?  She is plenty royalty for me... 
6. Are you creative:  When I have had enough sleep and good food I am BRILLIANT!!! 

PINK
1. Closest pink thing to you:  a little basket on my counter that holds all my bread baking stuff.
2. Do you like sweet things:  This, my friends, is why I am currently trying to lose 15 pounds.  I LOVE SWEETS!!!!!!!!
3. Like play-fighting:  Not too terribly much...
4. Are you sensitive:  WAY TOO MUCH
5. Do you like music:  It permeates every day from the time we wake until we go to bed.  Our whole family loves it and cannot help but ooze it from the very pores on our bodies.

WHITE
1. Closest white thing to you:  A lovely little notepad made for me some time ago by Stephanie.
2. Would you say you’re innocent:  Too old to be innocent anymore.  Seen too much and been too many places for that.
3. Good at keeping the peace:  No, and that is where I get into trouble with Dan's family more than anything.  I am a stinker...
4. Do you like to play in the snow:  I can take it in small increments but would rather watch it coming down from the window, snuggled by a fireplace and wrapped in a lovely blanket with a book in hand and sipping hot tea.
5. Are you afraid of going to the doctor or dentist:  No, I just don't like spending the money to go.  I can take any pain or discomfort they can dish out and I take pride in that fact. 

BLACK
1. Closest black thing to you: My laptop computer I am typing on right now
2. Ever enjoy hurting people:  Not really.  I have hurt people but I always feel horrible when that happens even though I am stinker and troublemaker at times. 
3. Are you sophisticated or silly:  Depends on the occasion.  I can be both when I need to be.  Today it is silly...
4. Would you like to go to space:  Not particularly...
6. What is your favorite color:  I look really good in certain browns and blues but LOVE to wear purple and be surrounded by purple when I can be.
7. Does the color you wear affect your mood:  All the time...  I dress to feel better many times.  I think people ought to dress in their favorite things to make themselves happy (within reason and without nudity or body parts showing, thanks - )

 

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Carrie at Mommy Brain did this one and I swiped it because I really liked it

Homeschool Meme

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Amy tagged me.  Now, I am cheating because I did this one quite some time ago but I am changing it up a bit from last time just 'cause people change...

Seven things to do before I die:
1.  Go to Ireland - tour Europe
2.  BECOME A CHEF/CATERER (oh, and train for a big running event, too) *snickering because I sneaked an 8th one in...*
3.  Write a book or more than one book - maybe a cookbook ;)
4.  Flyfish in Alaska with Dan
5.  Own a farmhouse and live off the grid as much as possible
6.  Own and run (including doing all the cooking) a bed and breakfast with a grand library
7.  Be on the mission field in some capacity

Seven things I cannot do:
1.  Eat liver
2.  bungee jump
3.  have any more kids
4.  read a boring book
5.  teach calculus
6.  the splits
7.  eat a whole pizza (anymore)

Seven things that attract me to Hubby:
1. amazing eyes
2. charming smile
3. sense of humor
4. charm
5. shyness in a brainiac quiet sort of way
6. fabulous with children
7. loves to play - just enjoys fun and playing as a couple and family

Seven things I say most often:
1. Goodnight Nelly!
2. Goodness Gracious!
3. That is sick and wrong
4. Oooo that's a stain
5. People have died doing that...
6. Garbage
7. I have slaved and slaved all darned day and for what, *imitating the children's whiny voices* "I don't like it" or "What's in it?".  I am sick of it I tell you, sick and I will not be cooking for you anymore!!!!!  I QUIT!!!!!!!!!!!

Seven books you love

(Goodnight!  Just seven???)
1. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
2. Knowing God - J.I. Packer
3. The Mitford Series - Karon
4. AW Tozer on the Holy Spirit
5. Little House series

6. Jane Eyre by Bronte
7. Anything by Mark Twain - he is a HOOT, I tell you, A HOOT!!!

Seven movies you watch over and over again:

(ok, there is way more than seven on this one, too)
1. Princess Bride
2. Joe vs. the Volcano
3. The Three Amigos
4. White Christmas
5. It's a Wonderful Life
6. Christmas Story
7. Anything Marx Brothers but my favorite is Duck Soup (that mirror scene is fabulous!!!)

If you have not done this one and want to just take it and let me know if you do it.  There are so many that have already done this one I don't know who to tag.  LOL

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    I got this from Amy and thought I would do it today.  Life has been a bit crazy this weekend and I will share all that tomorrow but for now...

Three phrases heard the most in our household:
1.  Would you PLEASE FINALLY take out the trash!!!
2.   Fair is a place where hogs compete for ribbons...  
3.   You know people have died doing such things???

Three cleaning rituals performed everyday without fail:
1.   Clean the kitchen sink.

2.   Do all the dishes before bed.

3.   Quick pick up through the living room and hall before bed every night.

Three tv programs obsessed over by me... (the kids are not allowed to actually watch television - just some PBS and video stuff)
1.   This week it is going to be Texas Ranch House
2.   My weekly British comedy shows
3.   Saturday PBS cooking, sewing and home improvement shows (ok, so that is more than one but it is a weekly MUST SEE)
 

Three things I do to get peace and quiet:
1.   Hide in the bedroom on my couch with the computer
2.   Get up before the kids and read in bed.
3.   Take a long walk when I get the time to do that.

Three foods I really can’t do without:
1.   Strawberries
2.   Pasta (whole wheat these days) with veggies and chicken mixed in
3.   Brussel sprouts - love, LOve, LOVE THEM!!!  LOL

Three things I must make time for each week:

1.   Time to read

2.   Time to sew, crochet, handiwork...

3.   Time to write

Three things that have tested my patience lately:
1.   Messy children
2.   Too much stuff in my house
3.   Very little sleep, not taking time to eat right, not staying hydrated, being in demand around the clock and feeling like the maid!!!  We SO NEED SOME HOME MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE SUMMER...

I really did finish this week's LBY but just have not processed it all yet - still have videos to finish and will get it all up sometime this week.  Weekend posting is just very hard for me lately...

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Christine tagged me...

 

Are ya ready??? 

 

I drove a 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme!!!  It was the COOLEST car!!!!!  I drove it for two years in high school and then four years of college and into our marriage for about two years.  Dan tells everyone he married me for my CAR - OH DON'T THAT MAKE A GAL FEEL DANDY???  He loved driving it more than I did.  That car saw LOTS of road trips with us. 

 

It also dropped a transmission in the middle of the road on me.  My Dad was so hot about it he threatened to paint lemons on it and park it across from the dealership with a sign saying, "bought at **********" and an arrow pointing at the dealership!  LOL  They fixed it... ;)  FOR FREE!  That was really and truly the only trouble I had with it.  Although it did go through a few rebuilt alternators at one point...

 

When my Dad bought it for me I was disappointed because I had wanted something small and sporty and blue.  I had even test driven a VERY FAST 1966 Mustang.  (My dream car - *sigh*)  My Dad knew that I would totally DIE  behind the wheel of that thing so he put me in an all metal, invincible tank.  It was big with a V8 engine and it was BROWN.  It grew on me.  By the time I sold it I cried as it drove away and, I must say, so did Dan.  LOL

 

The car is gone but Dan is still here.  I recently sold my second car - the only one I ever bought on my own and I cried as it drove away, too.  I still get a bit choked up over it.  It was that small blue car that I wanted.  It was a 1989 Toyota Tercel with EXCELLENT gas mileage.  It saw me through graduate school and my first two babies.  We drove all over Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas in it.  It just got too small for the family and we needed to make room for bigger things.  *sigh*  I miss them both...

 

Now, I am back to driving a tank, only bigger than the first.  I have a 1989 Chevy Suburban - We call her the Pompous Old Windbag - it's a Jungle Book thing... (POW Wagon) 'cause she is like a rather large old elephant.  To top it off, she has four wheel drive and I am the BIGGEST THING ON THE ROAD.  I could run over other trucks...  ROFLOL  (note:  I am only 5'4" tall and weigh... oh, that so is not your business!) You oughta see me getting into the driver's seat... 

 

I love her too...

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day from a little Irish Gal in Texas...

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by Maria... who was tagged by Stephanie at Olive Tree who was tagged by Meredith at Like Merchant Ships and the original Kitchen Meme came from Headmistress at the Common Room...

 

1. How many meals does most of your family eat at home each week? How many are in your family?

 

Well, there are six people in our immediate family and four out of the six of us eats like every meal is there last meal... LOL  We eat all of our meals at home except on Sunday at noon - we eat at MIL's or at church on those days for lunch.  That would make...hmmmmm.....20 meals at home a week and one out.  We just do not eat out - at all!

 

2. How many cookbooks do you own?

 

Are ya gonna make me count them???  Hold on......  about 125 counting the one I am working on writing myself, my computer version of Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks and three pdf file cookbooks. 

 

3. How often do you refer to a cookbook each week?

 

 I use at least one of them EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE!!!  I read them for fun, too.  I adore cooking and baking...

4. Do you collect recipes from other sources? 

 

I have a massive collection of cards from my mother, my grandmother, and from Dan's mother.  My grandmother also collected a bunch of recipes over the years off of boxes and out of magazines that I have filed or in notebooks.  I also get recipes offline from places like Food Network, Recipe Collections sites and favorite chef sites.  I get them where I can find them.

5. How do you store those recipes?

 

Notebooks, shelves, card boxes, on the computer in files...  wherever I can find a place.  I have a cork board that I keep my most used recipes on above my work area and I am currently working on putting all my family favorites on the computer for the children when they are older.  If I make up my own recipe it goes into my cookbook writing file.

 

6. When you cook, do you follow the recipe pretty closely, or do you use recipes primarily to give you ideas?

 

It totally depends on the recipe or type of cooking I am doing.  Baking demands that I follow the recipe very closely.  Cooking casseroles or on the stovetop I can vary the recipe or make it up as I go.  Based on knowledge of how recipes should basically work and the science involved I am getting better at winging it... LOL

7. Is there a particular ethnic style or flavor that predominates in your cooking? 

 

We eat a LOT of Mexican food!!!  We live in the southwest so the ingredients and crops grown here are conducive to that kind of cooking.  We also eat other ethnic styles like Italian, Irish, German, Indian (as in curried dishes from the country), Jewish (Jewish festival foods), typical American fare, casseroles of all kinds and this year my goal is to learn to make more Chinese or Oriental style foods.  I have a Korean friend that has offered to help me learn to make some of the things that she cooks, too. 

8. What’s your favorite kitchen task related to meal planning and preparation?

 

The food preparation process and presentation

9. What’s your least favorite part?

 

The clean up!!!

10. Do you plan menus before you shop?

 

Yes, I make a plan and a list but I do not always stick to that plan strictly.  If there are items on sale I will often buy them and rearrange our menu plan to include those sale items.

11. What are your three favorite kitchen tools or appliances?

 

My grain mill

My Bosch

My George Foreman Grill

12. If you could buy one new thing for your kitchen, money was no object, and space not an issue, what would you most like to have?

 

A second oven - BUT we are currently in the process of planning a kitchen remodel because my kitchen is 30 years old and in DIRE need of a new look and feel - we have no kitchen cabinet doors, a leak in the plumbing under the sink and a nasty old brown counter tops...  LOL

13. Since money and space probably are objects, what are you most likely to buy next?

 

some new baking trays at Sam's - I already have them picked out.

 

14. Do you have a separate freezer for storage?

 

Yes, yes I do and cannot imagine life without it!!!

15. Grocery shop alone or with others?

 

I do and enjoy both depending on my mood - if Dan is with us it is a fabulous adventure!!!

16. How many meatless main dish meals do you fix in a week?

 

Lately it has been about four nights a week but often breakfasts and lunch are meatless because the kids just like PBJ, quesadillas or some kind of bean dish.

17. If you have a decorating theme in your kitchen, what is it?

 

See question 12 - we SO NEED A REMODEL!!!

18. What’s the first thing you ever learned to cook, and how old were you?

 

Over the years I can remember having a little Easy Bake Oven but my parents really did not let me in the kitchen much.  It wasn't until I went away to college that I started venturing out in cooking.  First food I ever made???  Had to be that Easy Bake Cake mix and a few big cake mixes along the way.

19. How did you learn to cook?

 

I just started collecting cookbooks and diving in up to my elbows to learn on my own.  I have recently taken a few bread baking classes but all the other stuff I just did it by trial and error.  Food Network didn't hurt either... LOL

20. Tag two other people to play.

 

How about...

 

Blestwithsons

Jo (Sonshyne)

 

and anybody else that just wants to do this and let me know so I can come and read about your cooking ways and habits!!!!!  Come on... ya know ya wanta...  ;)

Posted in TAGGED

by TulipGirl

 

Seven things to do before I die:
1.  Go to Ireland - tour Europe
2.  Run a half marathon or walk a marathon
3.  Write a book or more than one book ;)
4.  Flyfish in Alaska with Dan
5.  Own a farmhouse and live off the grid as much as possible
6.  Own and run (including doing all the cooking) a bed and breakfast with a grand library
7.  Be on the mission field in some capacity

Seven things I cannot do:
1.  Eat liver
2.  bungee jump
3.  have any more kids
4.  read a boring book
5.  teach calculus
6.  the splits
7.  eat a whole pizza (anymore)

Seven things that attract me to Hubby:
1. amazing eyes
2. charming smile
3. sense of humor
4. charm
5. shyness
6. fabulous with children
7. loves to play - just enjoys fun and playing as a couple and family

Seven things I say most often:
1. Goodnight Nelly!
2. Goodness Gracious!
3. That is sick and wrong
4. Oooo that's a stain
5. People have died doing that...
6. Garbage
7. What do you all want to eat???

Seven books you love

(Goodnight!  Just seven???)
1. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
2. Knowing God - J.I. Packer
3. The Mitford Series - Jan Karon
4. AW Tozer on the Holy Spirit
5. Little House series

6. Anything by Jane Austen
7. Anything by Mark Twain

Seven movies you watch over and over again:

(ok, there is way more than seven on this one, too)
1. Princess Bride
2. Joe vs. the Volcano
3. The Three Amigos
4. White Christmas
5. It's a Wonderful Life
6. Christmas Story
7. Anything Marx Brothers but my favorite is Duck Soup (that mirror scene is fabulous!!!)

Seven people I want to join in, too:

Oh just anybody that wants to do this and let me know you did.  My mom is here so I'll be back on Sunday night...

Posted in TAGGED

Before vacation happened I was tagged a few times and need to get to answering those.  The first tag came from Heather (BelovedBks)

 

Q.: What is your favoite night-time snack?
A:  Well, I really try not to eat much after about 7:00pm but if the munchies cannot be resisted I love a nice rich bowl of cookies and cream ice cream - preferably Blue Bell brand.  YUMMY!!!

Q: If you could choose 3 comfort items to take with you for a year on a desert island, what would they be? (Your husband, children, and your Bible don't count.)
A:  The Mitford series of books (in a slipcase so I am counting them as one item), my hunter green body pillow and a box of Sleepy Time Celestial Seasonings tea bags.

 

Q: Why did you choose each item?
A:  What is not comforting about reading in bed with a cozy pillow and a cup of hot tea???

Q: What is your first memory?
A:  I remember playing in the back yard in Shreveport Louisiana with my brother when I was about three.  I also remember being with my Meemaw on vacation around that age, too.  I am not sure which came first so I listed them both.  :-)

 

by MySmokyMtnHomeschool

 

1. What is your best memory from childhood?

 

I think spending time in the kitchen with my Meemaw during summer vacation is the most precious!  I strive to have that kind of kitchen where everyone loves to be there and sit and eat and talk and just be together.  That is precious!!!

2. If you could have lunch with ANYONE who would you choose and why?

 

Well, the correct answer might be someone like Condi Rice or Laura Bush - they would be great.  I might choose Jan Karon, Francine Rivers or Jane Austen, too.  But...  I think the most fun would be a cooking date where we cook lunch together with Nigella Lawson - she looks like she would be so much fun to cook and eat with!!!

3. What is your biggest regret?

 

Not getting a nursing degree 20 years ago when I went to college.  I just did not think I was smart enough to get a nursing degree.  I know I could do it now so I just might!  ;-)

4. If you could choose only one book of the bible to read for an entire year which would it be and why?

 

The book of John!!!  It is my most favorite, most full and most convicting of any I have read.

5. What song ALWAYS makes you want to get up and dance?

 

The best sing along music for me would be anything by Chicago or Earth, Wind, and Fire.  You said dancing???  Well, I am a Southern Baptist so I don't do...  Oh, who am I kidding - I love dancing!!!  You really are serious that I have to just pick one???  OK - Donna Summers' MacArthur Park - I love Donna Summers

 

I am not going to tag anyone else because these have already circulated and I am so very late answering them.  They are fun to answer, though, so anyone that wants to take them and answer them would you please let me know so I can read them???  Thanks!

 

Posted in TAGGED

by Cindy Downes at Homeschoolblogger.com.  Here is my list.

Q.  The most books I've ever owned:

Ok, before I tell you how many books we have in our home let me start by saying this is merely a rounded estimate and it is counting all my old education books, children's books, theology books, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks and every other kind of book we could possibly have.  I do not have a database but plan on working on one now that I have my own laptop.  All that being said we have approximately 10,000 books in our home either in shelves or storage.  Yowzer!!!

 

Q. The last book I bought: Yesterday, I got one in the mail and one at the bookstore.  I bought more two weeks ago at the used bookstore but I will only share the two for now.  I am sure we will be buying more at the convention because we are always finding great bargains there.   
 

• For Women Only - by Shaunti Feldhahn 
•  Teaching to Change Lives - by Dr. Howard Hendricks 

Q. The last book I read:

 I am currently reading several  but have not finished one since March or maybe it was April - either way...  I took a bit of a break to read to the kids during that time. 

 

In March I finished:

• The Prayer Ministry of the Church by Watchman Nee
• The Homeschool Journey by Susan and Michael Card
• Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis

Currently Reading:

 

• Unafraid by Francine Rivers
• Dave Barry is from Mars and Venus - Dave Barry
• Successful Nonfiction by Dan Poynter
• Becoming a Writer by Dorthea Brande
• For Women Only - Shaunti Feldhahn (a marriage type book)
• For Women Only (yes, another one with this title) by Gigi Graham Tchividjian ( a book about the feminist movement and how it impacts/or doesn't impact  us as Christians)
• Flowers in the Rain and other stories by Rosamunde Pilcher
• Dave Barry Turns 40 - Dave Barry

These are all car trip books for our coming vacation.  I always read Dave Barry or some such humor book while we ride in the car.  It is sophomoric humor but it sure is fun to read in the car.  You cannot fall asleep if you are laughing so hard your sides hurt.  LOL  The rest are for times I want to rest my voice and read alone.

 

Q. The five books that meant the most to me: for me this means they are all based on life changing things.  I am doing seven because that is the number of perfection, after all! :-) Plus, I just cannot narrow it down any smaller.  I would rather it be ten but I will keep it at seven.

• The Bible  (ok, so that is a given)
• The Release of the Spirit by Watchman Nee
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• How to Be Filled With the Holy Spirit by A.W. Tozer
• Experiencing the Holy Spirit by Andrew Murray
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer - a must read for all Christians!!!
•  The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - I was totally surprised at how this book has stayed in my brain since I read it five years ago.  It really changed me in some profound ways.  Just fiction but amazing writing and insight.
  

Now I tag 5 people to answer these questions. (Forgive me if you've already been tagged.)