Dear Mom,

     There are some things that I have wanted to say to you but have not known how.  No present that I could give, no card that I could send, could possible convey to you what's in my heart.  So on this Mother's Day, I will attempt to give you just a little of what you have given me all my life - - the gift of love.

    
What could I possibly do for you that would equal what you have done for me?  You suffered a tremendous amount of pain to bring me into this world, and on several occasions, reminded me how quickly you could take me back out of it!  lol   You fed me, changed my diapers and cradled me to sleep at all hours of the day and night.  You clothed me, taught me to talk, ( I know you regretted that many a time) and to be an individual.  You devoted your entire life toward giving me every opportunity to become the best possible person I could be.  I guess I ask for too much in hoping that I might be half the mother to my children that you have been to me.  I will try my best, because if there is one thing I want to accomplish in my life, it is to make you as proud of me as I am of you.

How blessed I was to have been born to such a wonderful mother.  Everything I am, I owe to you.  Your strength and wisdom guides me, your love for live inspires me, your kindness and grace warms me.  I have never met another person like you, and know in my heart that I never will – you are one of a kind!  I can only wish to have the light that you gave, for you touched all those around you with your warmth.  I am proud to be your daughter.

     So much time went by, even though we lived in the same house, that I didn’t say thank you or I love you, Mom enough.  Today I do, yet it’s just a little late.   God took you from those who loved you most.  He took you to his kingdom where you are with Dad, Vickie, and the many others that have gone on before you.  I know you are happy and free of the pain you suffered.  Although my heart aches for you to be here with me daily, I find peace in knowing you can be wherever you are needed now.  

     It’s hard to believe, Mom, that you have ben gone from us four years already, although it seems like yesterday that you were Promoted to Glory!  You are so very loved and deeply missed by us all.  Buy we know in our hearts you live!

     You gave me the best present ever, Mom...the gift of life, and I will never forget all of the unconditional LOVE you have given me.  All the good times you and I shared.  The times that you were my shield, my comfort and my friend, will always be remembered.  You already know that I LOVE YOU with all of my heart and I will never forget you.  The day you left me, you took a big piece of my heart with you, a piece that will always be missing until the day we see each other again in heaven. I will keep the memories, all the kisses, and all of the warm hugs you gave me, deep in my heart.  I will love you……….ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

Last weekend I took Bean and Kiddo to the Winchester Apple Blossom Festival during Sunday in the Park. They had a massive amount of craft vendors there and you could find just about anything you could possibly want there. They hade handmade jewelry, candles (my favorite), wind chimes, quilts, picture frames, and country and prim collectibles (also my favorite) and so much more. There were also find a TON of food vendors there as well.    They had the usual hot dogs and hamburgers, and french fries, etc., but, if you are a food-a-holic like me, you could get the "good eats" stuff like gyros, Philly steak and cheese subs, sausage and peppers, BBQ pork sandwiches........and the list goes on forever.  I think I gained 15 pounds just by smelling the food alone!     YUMMMMM!!!   Hey, wait, don't tell Goose that, I'm doing Weight Watchers!

After we had finished our shopping and on our way out, (actually, we didn't buy one thing...amazing huh?) I saw a sign for a local rescue center and wanted to stop and see what animals they had with them. WOW, were we suprised to see a woman, standing by the fence holding an owl. He was absolutely STUNNING! I just stood there for the longest time just looking at him. How awesome to see this gorgeous creature that God created, sitting quietly and calmly on the arm of his keeper. It took everything in me not to run up to the railing and pet it. (That would NOT have been a smart move!) We are talking about a bird of prey here! What was I thinking? lol

So, being the "lover of pictures" that I am, I took this rare opportunity to take a couple of shots of this owl. However, in my rush to get the "perfect" picture, I neglected to ask the name of not only the rescue center, but of the species of owl as well.  So, I have been looking on-line (when my internet guy in my computer decides he likes me) trying to find the exact name of this particular owl. However, it seems that it will take me some time since there are approximately 217 different species to date. When I do find out this information, I will update this post and let you know what I have found.

Blessings~
Laura

Perhaps some of you may already know what species this is.  If you do, would you be so kind as to pass that info along?  THANK YOU!

(PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AND PAUSE THE PLAYLIST BEFORE VIEWING THESE CLIPS)

I don't know if you have seen this video made by Anita Renfroe or not, but If you haven't you NEED to!  I laughed so hard the first time I saw it, and continue to laugh every other of the bizzillion times I have watched it since.

I did not know there was a sequel until today.  I hope you enjoy both of these videos as much as I have.

This one is soooooooooooo true!

Blessings~
Laura

Hello, my dear friends! 

I pray that you are all doing well!  As most of you know, our daughter, Goose, will be getting married April 18, 2009.  Now I know that seems like a long time away, but when you want to lose 100 pounds, a year is NOT LONG ENOUGH! 

I have needed to lose weight for a long time now, but have just NOT been motivivated enough to do.  Well, if trying to slip into a skimpy, sleeveless dress, (which BTW, I haven't worn in forever) isn't enough motivation.  I also need to do this for my health and for my family.  I think, hope, PRAY they want me to stay around for awhile! 

So, today, I started Weight Watchers with Goose.  Actually she has been doing it for awhile now and has lost about 30 pounds.  With WW I can still eat what I want....I just need to count points, which is not bad.  We calculated what our points would be for each day and here they are:

Goose 25 points
Bean 22 (thinks this is just not fair that she only gets 22)
Skippy 45
Me 35

So far today I have done really well and have only used up 6 points.  I had a 2 egg sandwich with mayo and a cup of French Vanilla coffee.  YUMMM!  I am going to have a strawberry banana yogurt for lunch and that is only 2 pts.  YAY!!!

Ok, ladies.....Are any of YOU trying to lose some unwanted baggage?  If so, stop by and let me know what you are doing to shed those extra pounds.  Perhaps you have a really good recipe that you would like to share with us? 

I will also be trying to walk regularly.  Anyone interested in joining me?  Hey, Tara, you're not that far away, come on over!  Losing weight is always easier when you are not doing it alone!!!

Blessings~
Laura 

Good morning, all!  Jen over at Homeward Bound stopped by yesterday and tagged me with a really good one. 

The Top Ten Things I Love About My Husband! Fun!


Ok, so here are the rules:  1) Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules.  2) List the top ten things you love about your husband.  3) Tag people and link to their blogs at the end of your post.  4) Let the people know they are tagged by leaving them a comment on their blogs.

The Top Ten Things I Love About My Husband

1) He loves the Lord.

2) He loves his family.

3) He reads my blog and will leave me comments.

4) He works so hard and has three jobs so that I can be a stay-at-homeschool-Mom!

5) He has put up with my quirks and my wEiRd sense of humor for 21 years.

6) He eats whatever I cook......even if it stinks.  Now that's true !

7) He is a GREAT husband and father!

8) He loves to talk walks with me.

9) He is handsome and looks great in his carpenter pants.

10) He gives EXCELLENT back massages.

I  YOU, SKIPPY, WITH ALL MY HEART!!

I tag Jen, Jennifer, Bobbi, and Belinda.  Love you, girls!  I also tag whoever reads this and wants to tell the world she loves her hubby!!  

Have fun~
Laura

Happy Saturday, everyone!  It is a glorious day here in VA.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and I am drinking a cup of Almond Vanilla coffee watching Bailey run in circles in the freshly cut lawn........................................LIFE IS GOOD!

I was over at found Bobbi's the other day and found this great little comic and just had to share it with you.  My favorite reasons are; "School prayer is encouraged" and "Your family is right where they ought to be..........HOME!"  Although I have to admit, I have taken "You can wear your pajamas to class and not get kicked out" a little bit to the extreme!  lol 

So, what are the some of the reasons you homeschool? 

Blessings~
Laura

Goose brought home this recipe and said I just HAD to try it..........so we did.  She used a 13 x 9 inch pan but then realized after she baked it, that she should have used a smaller pan so it would have been more moist.   I really liked it.  The following morning, Kiddo and I fried up some squares with butter in my cast iron skillet. 

YUMMMY!!!!

Last Friday we had tacos for dinner so I thought I would make the corn pudding to go with it, this time using an 8 x 8 inch square pan.  It was WONDERFUL!   A little crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.  This is a definite must if you love corn as much as I do!!

ENJOY

Easy & Delicious Corn Pudding

1 can creamed corn

1 can whole kernel corn

1 stick butter (melted)

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 - 8 oz container of sour cream

8 x 8 inch glass pan

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Spray an 8 x 8 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray, put aside.  In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients. (are you still with me? lol)  Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for approximately 1 hour.  The top will be a nice golden brown.

Now isn't that one of the easiest recipes you have ever seen?
We I couldn't wait for it to cool!  lol  Mmmmmmmmm.....It's soooo good! 

Blessings~
Laura

Did you know that if you do something faitfully for 18 days it becomes a habit?  What greater habit to have than to be a faithful reader of The Holy Scriptures!

Good morning!  Leah over at  friends4tea is having a 30 Day Bible Reading Challenge.  It started on April 1st and will run till the end of the month.  But don't fret, it is not too late to join this wonderful group of women who have come together to make a commitment to read the Word of God faithfully everyday.  My heart has been touched by the outpouring of encouragement that I have seen not only in blog comments, but on the Nooks of many at The Homeschool Lounge as well.    

This is such a great challenge. Kiddo and I do devotions together in the morning before we start our day. However, I need more time on my own to read the word of God, but something always seems to get in the way. This challenge came just at the right time for me.....it is the "nudge" i truly needed to get myself motivated to MAKE time for the Gospel!

I have been reading from Revelations. My DH being the jokester that he is said, "Would you like me to tell you how the book ends?" (ha ha)  What a guy! 

I have gotten from reading this book is that it is a loving, personal message from God.  He wants His Word to affect our lives in the here and now. He wants His Word to help us grow closer to Him. He wants His Word to challenge us to more lovingly serve our brothers and sisters.  

I pray that we will all have the strength and determination to continue reading the word of God, not only throughout the month of April, but that it becomes a "habit"....a part of our everyday lives!

As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7

Blessings~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BGWannabe!

~PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM & PAUSE MY PLAYLIST BEFORE YOU VIEW THIS CLIP....THANKS~

Hey, everyone. Today is BG's birthday, so PLEASE go on over and leave some birthday wishes for her.  I know she would LOVE IT!!