Back to Reality

Spring Break is over and it is back to work. Nine more weeks of school and then we get the summer break. I started cleaning flowerbeds during the break. It is so good to see little green plants popping up under all the dead remains.

I learned how to make a rain barrel so I can use rain water to water some of my plants. We also went back to the old house and picked up rocks and "treasures" to put round the flowerbeds.

When I look back at the list of things I wanted to accomplish during Spring Break, it looks pretty dismal, but the closets and drawers will have to wait until later. The outdoors was calling my name with the weather being so nice. I am imagining beautiful flowerbeds with colorful blooms, not nice, neat closets and drawers! Jeriann inspired me to create a cross picture, but it didn't get finished; the story of my life. Where does the time go?

I wanted to catch up on some reading, but I didn't get that done either. All in all it was a great Spring Break spent with family and friends. Thank you Lord for beautiful weather and time with those I love. Hope your past week was a blessing to you.

Kathie

New Toy

I have found a new toy. It is "Yummy Soup" for my Macbook. It is an app you download. " Yummy Soup" is a digital cookbook. I have set it up and bookmarked my favorite recipe sites. When I find a recipe I like, I can import it to my "Yummy Soup" for later consideration. It had gotten to the point that I had filled 2 large notebooks with recipes I had printed out and categorized. Having it on my laptop is so much easier. If you have an Apple computer, check it out. I think you will love it. I'm not sure if they have a PC version.

I have been attending my Master Gardner classes for several weeks now. I have met some very nice people and have already gotten some ornamental grasses from one lady. Now if spring would really get here and quit just teasing me, I am ready to work in the garden. I have order some seeds and hope they get here soon. I love Spring!

I am also part of a group of older ladies, or should that be mature ladies, in my church that are doing a study called "Home Experience" by Devi Titus. I am really enjoying it and just wish I had the information in my early marriage and motherhood. I think we are becoming Titus 2 women. No matter what the study, fellowship with your church members or other women in your community is such a blessing. Find one you like or start one with your friends. We need each other to grow and enjoy life.

I have started looking for Easter recipes. If you have a family favorite let me know. We seem to always have the same thing and I would like to make some changes this year. Speaking of Easter, I hope you all are keeping in your heart the real meaning of this season. I know the kids love the egg hunt and the Easter candy, but please remind your children the true reason we celebrate this holiday.

Spring break is upon us and when we return that means only 9 weeks of school left. Where has the school year gone? Each year gets faster and faster. Please take the time to enjoy your life and family each and everyday. I look at my kids now and their kids and I can't believe that time has escaped me. When did my "babies" grow up and become such neat adults? I love them so much but I also miss the time when they were home with me and DaDa. Can you tell I have a birthday approaching and I'm getting a little sentimental? I could have sworn I just had a birthday last week! Whether you are young or "mature", take the time to enjoy what God has blessed you with.

I am also reading a book for the online bookclub that Big Mama blog has started. This is our second book to read and I must admit they both have been books I would not have selected myself. If you are interested in reading with an online group, check it out. I love reading on my iPad and I would recommend it to everyone. If not an iPad, a Kindle or a Nook, or some other electronic reader. It is so easy and convenient to use. I stick it in my purse and off I go. Well, it seems I have just visited about a lot of little things. I guess I had no true agenda this morning. Blessings to you all and I hope you have a peaceful week.

Kathie

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's to all. I just heard on KLove that teachers get more valentines than anyone else. That is really neat that teachers are remembered on Valentine's Day.

Maybe I am not very romantic, but Valentine's Day is not that different for me and DaDa. I am more thankful that I have his love and respect on any ordinary day of the year. We wish each other Happy Valentine's and sometimes exchange cards, but it is not an earth-shaking day for us. Maybe after you have been together for 40+ Valentine Days, you are not as impressed by the glitz and glamor as with the true commitment and daily love you share. Heaven knows I don't need the chocolate and I would rather have roses in my yard. Thank you Lord for bringing the two of us together and placing a permanent Valentine love in our hearts. There is something so dear and special in growing old together and thinking about how you have been blessed.

If flowers and candy are your thing, I wish you the desires of your heart. May you also receive all the "warm fuzzy's" you can handle!! Happy Valentine's Day!!
XOXOXO

February Has Arrived!

Today is February 1st and what a day. We had to begin school late because of the snow. We only have 2 or 3 inches, which isn't bad for the Texas Panhandle, however, we have a 20 to 30 mph wind to go with it. Chill factor is -10 to -20 degrees below 0!! Now, that is not good!! It would have been a great day to stay home, sit by the fireplace, and read a good book. As I think about what February has in store for us, I wonder where January went. Time goes by too fast! I think we are all too busy and life is speeding by for us. I just don't know what to take off the calendar!

February is the beginning of our "Home Experience" and "Table Experience" study by Devi Titus. A group of 12 women in our church have been asked to participate. I am looking forward to it, so it stays on the calendar. Two week-ends this month, Da-Da and I are keeping some of the grandkids. That for sure stays on the calendar! I also start my Master Gardening classes this month. I have waited for that to begin for a while now, so that stays on the calendar. Every Wednesday evening is Life group and I definitely won't take that off the calendar. See, I just don't have a thing to take off the calendar. So I am changing the way I look at it.

Thank you God for giving me the opportunity and health to stay busy. May I be a positive influence in all I do and all I participate in. May my priorities be the priorities you have set for me and may the plans for my life be your plans.

Life group at our house tomorrow night--green chili stew, fresh tortillas, and buttermilk pound cake. Stop by for a cup of coffee and visit and pray with us!

Stay warm all and if the weather dictates, stay in, be peaceful, and enjoy the time at home. Blessings to you all!!

New Year's Read

Da-Da has been released from the Doctor and physical therapy, but he has to do exercises at home to get the shoulder back to full use. Thank you Lord for the healing!

I bought myself an iPad for Christmas. I had used one at school and thought I really would use it. For the first month, I wouldn't let myself buy any books to put on it because I had so many setting around the house that needed reading. But, I caved! I love reading on it and when finished there is not a book to stack somewhere. If you haven't read "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Bopus, please read it. It is relatively short and a quick read. It's a true story about a little 4-year old boy that visits heaven during surgery. It is wonderful and just thrills my heart. Give it a try. If anyone out there has other book recommendations, please send me a comment.

Just signed up for the Women of Joy conference in OK city in April. So excited to hear Sarah Palin, Anita Renfroe, and others. I just love worshiping with a bunch of women!!!!

Grandkids are busy playing Basketball. Tomorrow we have games at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 6. What a day. At least the weather is supposed to be warmer. I am so tired of single digit wind chills!!!! But at least we don't have the snow and ice. I feel so sorry for those that are not used to that kind of weather in their area.

Was hoping that the weight loss would allow me to get off the blood pressure medicine, but not going to happen yet. Dr. Cindy wants to monitor it for a little while longer. Cholesterol is up a little so I guess I will start watching that better. I tell you, this getting older is for the birds. I want my old (pre-50) body back. It seemed to work better!!!!!

Looking at recipes and hope to have one to share soon. It's been so cold that all we are eating is soups and stews. But they sure hit the spot! Everyone stay warm and be blessed!