Part Of My Christmas Gift

This is what my children did for me for Christmas-had a wonderful photo shoot for me!  Here is one picture-I love all the beautiful shots they got!

My loves-my world! ♥

Not Reaching Your Goals-A Reason, Or An Excuse?

January 1st-the time of year when all of us are motivated and pumped up about reaching our goals!

January 14th-where the excitement starts to dwindle, and we lose steam.

February-where we start giving up on those well intended goals and ideas.

March-Goals?  What goals?

Why does this happen?

More oft than not, we have a reason.

Or do we?

Were you wanting to save money?  Lose weight?  Blog more?

If someone asked you how it's going, you might say something like:

"I wanted to save money, but times are tough, and I just couldn't spare the extra $10 a week to put in savings."

"I wanted to lose 5 pounds this month, but I haven't had time to go to the gym."

"I wanted to write three blog posts a week, but I just haven't had time."

The list could go on and on.

We've all heard, "Where there's a will, there's a way."  This applies to reaching our goals as well.  So, how does this apply to you, when you aren't reaching your goals?  Because...

Most of our reasons are not reasons at all.  They are excuses.

The truth of the matter is, goals are hard work!  They take discipline.  We have to change some of our habits, some of our thought patterns, and do some sacrificing!  It looks great on paper, but is a whole new ball game when it comes down to actually doing it!

I like the quote by G.K. Nielson:

Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose.

If you truly want to succeed with your goals, you will find ways to start reaching.

If you don't care so much about the reason, at least be honest with yourself, instead of using an excuse why you can't.  When you finally decide that your goals are something you really want to reach, you will not begin with defeat because you will realize there are few reasons, but many excuses.  And excuses can be overcome.

Are you ready to be an overcomer?  

Five Reasons Facebook Is No Longer My Close Friend

My three year affair with Facebook is just about over.  It was thrilling at first!  Staying in the know with family and friends, finding old high school friends I lost touch with, the cute pictures and quotes that are shared, the games, and more.  Can you relate?

After a short time (1-2 years isn't a long period of time in my almost 43 years of living), I was hooked.  Several times a day, I found myself checking in when I had a spare moment.  In the mornings, I would sit down with my first cup of coffee to see what everyone was up to, only to find myself pulling away a couple of hours later.  In the evenings, I would wind down my day by visiting with everyone in the Facebook virtual living room.

Does this sound familiar?  Did you know there is even a book out about this?  Check out Facebook Addiction: The Life & Times of Social Networking Addicts.

Well, after being sidetracked for a while, I've escaped this close friendship that was unhealthy for me.  Maybe you can relate to my five reasons:

1. The time vacuum.  Facebook was sucking away too many hours in my day, when I could be doing so much more!   
2. The boldness, rudeness, and confrontational spirit.  I cannot believe how people "attack" each other, and even worse than that, on a user's own page!  So often someone will put up a thought, and regularly, there will be someone else who purposely puts up a contradictory response.  No longer can you share your opinion without being turned into a bad guy.  No longer can you say anything without someone accusing you of being judgmental.         
3. The vulgarity.  Pictures, jokes and regular talk has become so perverted and profane.  I cannot believe the language and sense of humor that is so common among people in my own age bracket.  Just because we're considered to be a legal age to do and say anything we want doesn't mean we should.  My belief with almost anything in life is that, if a young person shouldn't do it, most likely an adult shouldn't either.  There are few exceptions.  Dirty jokes are tasteless whether you are 10 or 75.
4. The accusations.  This is one of the first things that made me back away from Facebook.  When I had one good friend accusing another good friend of doing something horrible that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is not true, I had a very bad taste in my mouth.  The venom that was spewed toward an innocent victim just made my stomach turn.  And this doesn't just happen publicly, it happens in private messages.  To the extreme.  
5. The depressing reality of the negative direction so many are going.  I can't help it.  Between seeing innocent young teens turning into provocative young women by the pictures they post, the lifestyles of some who have changed so drastically, and the comments sharing personal problems that should never be shared publicly, I often pull myself away from Facebook, feeling saddened.  Something I enjoyed so much because of the fun times it offered in the beginning, has turned into something so different.

Am I trying to strike against Facebook?  Not at all.  There are responsible users out there who keep things under control on their page.  I am not angry at Facebook.  I am aggravated at what my page has become, and my tendency to spend too much time on there.  I just don't need the extra stress of seeing so much I consider garbage, or the guilt of wasting my day clicking a mouse.

Will I still visit?  Occasionally.  My blog has a share button for Facebook and Twitter, and I have seen great things from others that have been shared.  Those will be the things I'll hope to see when I do visit.

I hope you will do a self evaluation and see if you found yourself in this post.

Are you addicted?  Here is an article that may help you to break away.

Please share your thoughts!  Is Facebook a turn-off to you?  Did you overcome spending too much time on the site?  Please share how!

5QF!

Good Morning!

I started a blog hop yesterday, and would love to have you add your motivational posts-so far it's just me and my lonesome!  =)  If you have something to add, please click here!

On to the 5QF!

1. Have you set any goals/resolutions for 2013? Yes!  I do every year!  I actually posted on this the other day.  Losing weight and buying a new house are two things on my list-both of which should happen.  I'm down 30 pounds with 20 more to go!  If you would like to see a picture, click here!  

2. Have you made any travel/vacation plans for 2013? No, although I talked to my daughter about going to a ladies' retreat in Texas this spring.  Not sure if that will happen after all.  Not sure.

3. What room is never cleaned in your house?  Since we moved to a house that's about 1,000 square feet smaller than my last home, my bedroom ends up the room for storage, which makes the room hard to keep cleaned up consistently.  No laundry room to store my clothes, and no office to store my ebay stuff!

4. What food must be in your house at all times?  Coffee creamer and milk! lol

5. Are you a hugger or more of a hands off person?  I hug regularly, but get claustrophobic if I'm in tight quarters for too long.


Happy New Year!  And have a great weekend!  =)

I've Got Plenty Of Time

I'm looking with anticipation into 2013, and am excited about the things I am working on, the goals I am reaching for, and the results I expect to see!

A lot of goals seem to fall short because we feel we lack the time to work on them.

But do we really?

In 2013, we will have 8,760 hours to work on whatever things we are hoping to accomplish.

When it comes to time, if most of us were honest, it isn't time that we lack-it's motivation.  There are some people who do run a very tight, busy schedule, but then there are many of us who give in to the feelings of the moment. Instead of pushing ourselves a little bit, we comfort ourselves with many evenings of just vegging out because it was a hard day at work, or a busy day at home, and we're tired.  Yep!  I'm guilty!

But maybe we have convinced ourselves that we don't have time.  Just take a closer look to make sure.

Just for an example:

A full time job with a 30 minute drive to work each way would equal  2250 hours a year-less a two week vacation.

Eight hours of sleep each night equals 2920 hours a year.

That still leaves us with 3590 hours left in the year.

Is there much we can do in 3590 hours?  Absolutely!  Because this is just a general estimate, you may have a bit more or a bit less, but you will still have many hours to work towards some of the things you want to do in life.

If you calculate your own "free" hours in the year, but are still feeling left with very little, even tho the numbers prove you wrong, you may just need some help with organizing your time in a better way.  Learning to do errands all on the same day, become more efficient in your household skills and habit, or even getting your sleeping hours on a better time schedule can make a huge difference.  I'm learning this myself, as I venture in to doing freezer cooking, so I have a freezer full of meals while cutting down cleanup time each day because of less pots and pans from preparation.  More to come on this!

So, at the beginning of 2013, look at your schedule and realize you do have time to reach goals you've set out to accomplish!

Leftover Candy Canes? A Yummy Treat!

Leftover candy canes from the holidays?  I found this Pinterest (follow me!), and made these for our church family-pretzels dipped in melted vanilla chips, with crushed candy canes sprinkled over them!

I am going to give the link where I found these-I didn't take pics of each step, so I'll give the link where I found this delicious dessert!
CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS!
* The original link used a block of white chocolate, grated.  I used Wilton's Vanilla Candy Melts instead of a white chocolate block shown in her link.  These were at Walmart with the candy for the holidays, but may be in a different location since the season is heading for Valentine's Day.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I will be sharing a chocolate bouquet or two, so be sure to stop back! It's been a while since I've added any new ones!  My bad!

And one more thing!  Are you joining my blog hop tomorrow?  If you have a motivational post to share, please stop by and share it here!  Each month will have a new theme, so please come back regularly to see what we're up to!

Snack on!  =)

What Are You Doing In 2013?

Happy New Year!!!

What are you doing in 2013?  Are you like me-making a goal list and seeing what you can accomplish?  I do it pretty much every year.  I can't say I always do great, but I like making the list anyway.  =)

This year I am going to try harder to reach my goals!  I have some big ones, and I've already gotten started on one or two of them, so I didn't wait until January 1st to try to get started.

Just a few are:
1.  To buy a new house in our new town.  We own a house that we need to sell first, and then, it's house shopping for us!  I've found a few I want to look at, so we'll see what happens!  Here are a few pictures from one of the ones I really want to see:

 Nice, open space!

 Lots of elbow room!

 Master bedroom!

Master bath!  Wow!

2.  Hit my goal weight.  I'm not going to say exactly what that is, and I'm good with it fluctuating a few pounds, but I will say that I have about 20 pounds to go.  I've already lost a little over 30.  Go me!  And to keep moving in the right direction, the family joined a gym, and I can proudly say that I've had several one-hour workouts already!  Over the holidays, we've neglected the gym, but with such a strong start, I'm confident we'll be back on track real soon!

3.  See if I can't get this blogging thing down pat!  I took a looooong break from blogging, but really, I enjoy it, have already put a few years into my blog, and don't want to quite give up yet.  I want to focus more this year!  Less surfing, more purpose online!

Changing my theme from mostly light-hearted stories, into a blog that covers more areas of family life, and a little bit of pastoring life, and some of this and that.  So we will see!  I have 38 followers thru Google right now-I'd love to make a short goal of climbing to 100!  Care to help me out?  =)

What about you?  What are one or two of your biggest goals for 2013?  Leave me a comment and let me know!  Then stop back on January 3rd and join my Motivational Blog Hop, or read the entries!

A Prisoner In Your Own Mind

Being a pastor's wife has some very rewarding moments.  Many Christians partake in the joy of seeing a life change-the heavy burdens lifted, the feelings of hope restored, and new, never before experienced joy happening in the lives of people we've prayed for, spoken with, and encouraged.

Sometimes, though, the pastor and his wife see much more than the casual observer will see. Sometimes we are blessed to see deliverance from fears that no one ever knew about.  Or to see the battle won over something that threatened to destroy a child of God.

But sometimes we also bear the heavy burdens of the heart that are hidden.
Sometimes we see the hidden scars that have never been healed, and the deep secrets that have never been shared publicly.  We're often reminded how cruel the devil really is.

Recently we had a woman call who is a prisoner in her own home.  An elderly woman living in fear.  Desperately needing hope, and desperately needing someone to care.  She shared that she is ashamed to leave her house because she is so ashamed of her looks-because she feels she is so ugly.

Can you imagine the sadness that we felt, hearing this?  Needless to say, we are not going to let the story end this way.

We're living in such a day and age that youth is worshiped, and if you are in your 70's, and you don't look like you are only 50, you feel shame.

Ladies (and gents!), this OUGHT. NOT. TO. BE!!!

I'm in my 40's, heading for 43, and guess what!  I'm not crazy about getting wrinkles, but it's part of the aging process!  I have not worn make-up in over 25 years-since I was a teenager.  This is my every day face:

Yes, I'm getting wrinkles. Yes, I have a scar or two that I wish would disappear.  No, I don't look 20.

But should I be ashamed of how I look?

No.

And neither should you.

A big part of our problem is that we allow Hollywood to define beauty to us.  Don't forget that many of these women look just like we do, when they have no make-up on, or have not been surgically altered.

Just like those of us who are not famous, there are those who age well, and have barely changed since they were 20, and then there are those like me, who look my age.

But if my face looked 20, and I was stunning in my appearance, what would that be worth if it was all I had to say for myself?

Cleanliness, proper grooming, clean, ironed/non wrinkled clothes-these are all things I consider important, and speak to others how I feel about me..  And these are things I think all of us should care for.  But staying 20 forever is not.

The real achievements of beauty we should strive for are the things that are pleasing to God--a pure heart, a meek and gentle spirit, compassion, love for mankind, being His faithful child, and many other things that eyes alone cannot see.

Don't ever become a prisoner of your own home because you feel like your appearance is a burden to society.  If you have more to offer than your face, please come out and be a part of society!  We need folks that are willing to give a word of encouragement to the discouraged, to lend their skills to a friend in need, to show the younger generations how it is done.

Don't let glamour magazines and movie stars set the standard.  I would rather be an Abraham Lincoln, who changed the lives of MANY, than the most glamorous women on television who has had 2 bad marriages and has nothing to offer to society, except a bad example of how to live everyday life.

Won't you join the rest of us?

Hoping that....

...you all had a wonderful Christmas, and wishing everyone a wonderful upcoming 2013!

Make Money Online: Use Fiverr to Make $1000+ A Month: Kindle Book Review

*This is available in Kindle form only.

*But good news!  Click HERE to download a free reader app to your computer for Kindle!

Have you ever heard of Fiverr?

This is my book review of "Make Money Online-Use Fiverr To Make $1000+ Per Month" by Stacey Davidson. 

This is a website that they call the "ebay of services".  Most people are not selling items.  They are selling services, which the website calls "gigs", and each service is sold for $5, no more, no less.  The seller keeps $4 of it, and Fiverr keeps $1.

Some of the gigs are unusual, and are not highly sought after, but if you are computer savvy, you may find yourself able to make a nice little bit of extra money from Fiverr.

It sounds like you can't make much money at only $4 earnings a crack, but after reading the Kindle book, and researching the website, I found that there are people who really are doing quite well selling their services.  

This was an easy to understand Kindle book, and it has some very good information to help a Fiverr seller to do well.

I will say that it seems most of the best gigs have to do with writing, SEO, and other computer related skills.  If that is you, this book may be just what you have been looking for to make some extra money!  Voice actors seem to be pretty popular also, as do those who can share the buyer's websites to large Facebook and Twitter followings.

The book lays out quite well how to find which gigs are making money, and the author shares with you how to get your gigs to gain in popularity.  I learned several things from this book, and would recommend it to those who want to make some extra money, along with having the skills mentioned in the above paragraph.

You can click on the picture of the book if you'd like to check it out!  Or click here:

Make Money Online: Use Fiverr to Make $1000+ A Month

Have you tried Fiverr?  What do you think?

When My Heart Is Overwhelmed

Tonight, a nation sits around with heavy hearts, asking why.

Those of us on the outside cannot even begin to fathom the grief that has struck a small town in Connecticut.

Young parents who have presents waiting under the tree for their precious babies-gifts that they will never see them open.  

Mothers who have lost not only their child, but who have also seen their best friend just lose her child.  

Fathers who can come up with solutions for any family problem, except this one.

Brothers and sisters who just lost their favorite little buddy.

When this world turns up another horrific tragedy, I am so thankful that I am not the biggest thing in my universe, because my heart cannot handle these things on my own.  So often I think of "When my heart is overwhelmed".  Psalms 61:1-4 says (Amplified):

¹ Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

² From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I [yes, a rock that is too high for me].

³ For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.

⁴ I will dwell in Your tabernacle forever; let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings.Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

I don't have all the answers.  I have no great words of wisdom to make everything a little better.  But I can go to the Lord when my heart is hurting, and the heaviness of this world weighs down on me.

This song is one my heart feels.

When you hug your babies, your teenagers, your nieces, nephew, grand-babies and your best friend's children, say a prayer for the families that have lost some of the greatest gifts they've ever had in this life-their babies.  For the little community in Connecticut, and for all families who have had to face the horrible tragedy of losing a child.

And be thankful.  Extra thankful.  Grateful that you got to hug your family today.  That your holidays have not been shattered.  That tomorrow is another day to show your loved ones how much they mean to you.

A Question And 5QF!

Here we are, coming up on the end of another year!  I'm the type who almost always sets goals for the next year, how about you?

If you've read my blog in the past, you've seen that I have written mostly about humorous things that have happened in my life, such as the time I accidentally stole some elderly man's shopping cart.  Or the time my daughter's friend asked if Pennsylvanians hunt with machine guns.  Ah, the good times!

Over time, I ran low on stories, and there was a time I hit major brain block, and felt no inspiration.

And then, life took on some great changes, and my hubby and I and our children (the two who still live at home) moved to a new city and started a Pentecostal church.  I decided to change the theme of my blog, and share more things that are relevant to real life, every day living.  I have a few posts in draft that I plan to start posting in January.

I've found that one of my greatest desires in life is to write.  I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm hoping my fellow bloggers can help me out here because I do have a question:

How do you continue to have fresh ideas? 

This is the fear I face-that I'll begin to blog again, but will quickly run out of ideas.  I started this blog just about four years ago.  At one point, I decided to quit blogging, and took about a year off.  A few months back, I decided to blog again.  Have you had any similar experiences?

I would really love to have some input, and I thank you in advance.

5QF!

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make? I don't normally do any special baking for the holidays, but this year, Amber and I are getting together with friends (a lady and her daughter) to make cookies!  

2. Present giving: Gift bag vs wrapped box?  I usually wrap things. Gift bags are great for those odd shaped things tho!  

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the winter/summer in your house?  In the winter, 72 to 73 is good in this house.  I know that seems just a touch high, but it is most comfortable there, and Dan feels the same, which is unusual.  It's probably has something to do with this house that we are currently renting.  It's an older home, and maybe just doesn't hold the heat in as well.  For summer?  The thermostat is off, and the air conditioners are on.  Not sure what temperature is most comfortable tho.

4. When thinking of your "Christmas to-do list" what percentage "done" are you? Oh.....I'd say I'm about 30% done.  Dan and I will probably go out together someday soon to get our children their gifts.  I do have a few things, but need to finish up.  I'll admit-I'm having a hard time figuring out just what to get for my 14 year old son.  He's not much into video games (thankfully!), and it seems the choices are limited for his age group!  Any ideas for me?  

5. Do you do the "Elf on a Shelf"? If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into?  I am not sure if I had even heard of Elf on a Shelf until this year!  So no, can't say that I do it.  I have seen a few pictures of other people's Elves tho.  Some have been cute.  =)

Well, my friends, thank you for stopping by!  I do appreciate comments, and am really hoping you all will leave some for me with your helpful ideas.  Have a wonderful weekend!

What's YOUR Band Name? and 5QF

This crossed my fb page, and wanted to share with you all! (Skirts count too, y'all!)

Wellll.....my band name is currently Blue Pretzels!!!  If pronounced just right, it can sound like a French Blues band!  If pronounded with no accent, it sounds more like a Teen Pop group! 

What is yours? Please put it in the comments!

We should be moved to our new place next week.  I've been sorting, decluttering, breathing exasperating sighs in my brain over all this STUFF I've accumulated in 3 short years!  When our house burned, I started from nearly SCRATCH!  (Click here to see what I mean!  The pictures show you I'm not exaggerating!)  Pinterest and my addiction to thrift stores have been absolutely no help in keeping my home clutter free!

On to 5QF!

1. Thunder storms- love them or hate them?  The truth be known, they kind of scare me.  Especially when I'm in a car.  And the lightning is fierce.  I do okay if it's a small storm.  Severe storms are my problem. 

2. Do your kids get back to school clothes?  Well, this year they are!  My daughter is looking to dress up her wardrobe a bit, and my son is just growing so much, he needs them!  Exciting for us is that we are moving super close to Target, Ross, the mall, TJ Maxx, and much, much more!  It will be much easier to finish our shopping, instead of living 30-60 minutes from almost all clothing stores, and coming home disappointed because we only had so much time, and barely anything that was tried on fit right!  I can't wait!  =)

3. Do you golf? Do you watch it?  I don't watch golf, and I only putt putt every blue moon. 

4. Showers or baths? Showers. 

5. What's the strangest meal you ever ate?  Hmm....I don't know!  I'm pretty basic, and if it's out of the ordinary, I tend to pass.  I'm thinking I may try chocolate covered bacon someday, even tho that isn't a meal.  =)

Thanks for stopping by, and may you all have a great weekend!  Don't forget to share your band name in the comments section! 



What Happens When You're Sick and Overloaded

It's Fall in beautiful Pennsylvania, but unfortunately, something usually goes along with it for LOTS of us.  Getting sick.

It's incredible how the common cold with a touch of sore throat can make you SOOOOOOO miserable!!!  Not to mention, I am a horrible baby when I get sick!  But I am proud of myself this time.  Why?  Because I didn't tell everyone on my Facebook page!  =)

So!

What has transpired since I've been trying to un-clutter my online commitments?  As I'm working on updating my website, posting on my other blog, and helping my daughter decorate her apartment by making some homemade decorations, I still haven't gotten any new bouquets made to show all of you!  I have a tote full of the things I need to make some cute bouquets, including lots of chocolate.  I'm good at keeping out of it.  If I buy it for my bouquets, it gets used for my bouquets.

Being sick and dieting actually caused me to cave!  I got out my little fun size candy bars and ate them!  Some of them were eaten to just help my throat feel coated, instead of scratchy!

So anyway!  That being said, I will share a chocolate website with you that has a TON of chocolates, and if you are on overload like me, and are looking for a gift for a friend, you will enjoy the selection they have to offer! 

http://www.serenatachocolates.com/christmas-chocolate-gifts

Christmas will be here soon!

http://www.serenatachocolates.com/Chocolate-hampers

These are high quality!

Want to check out some info on chocolate too?

http://www.chocolate.org/

Don't forget!   Most women agree that her best friend's name is Chocolate.  She LOVES to see her best friend during the holidays, and pretty much any other day of the year!

Pinterest And 5QF!

If you follow my other blog at all, you'll know I have a new addiction-Pinterest!

Have you checked it out yet?

If not, let me just show you a little of what you'll find!

Bascially, it's a group of all your own little bulletin boards, where you post whatever "pins" are out there, which are pictures you find all over the web-some of just beautiful things, some of recipes, some of tutorials, and SO MUCH MORE!

What's great is that you can "pin" things to your boards, and go back to them later.  The pin has the link to where your picture came from, so that you can go to it to get the recipes, tutorials, craft ideas, wedding ideas, organizing tips, and more.  You choose what you want to save, and you follow others who have interests similar to yours, so that you can see their pins (they come to your page in a feed), and repin things to your own boards.

I'm horrible at explaining, but if you check it out, you'll see what I mean!  And if you don't like facebook, you will LOVE Pinterest  because it's drama free, and not a place to carry on conversations.

Here are a few finds I've enjoyed:

Perfect Cuteness!!!

More Perfect Cuteness!!!

And Perfect Adorableness!!!

Amazing Wonders of The World!

Lots of Hairstyles!

And some of my favorites, even though I'm already married---wedding pictures!!!

A Crying Groom!

And Another!  Can it get any sweeter than that???

If you haven't already, head on over to Pinterest, and be sure to follow me!!!

Okay!  Now onto the 5QF!

1. Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or in a cone?

For real?  You're gonna make me choose?  Well, if I have to choose, I will say in a bowl because the truth be known, I cannot eat an ice cream cone any better than a 2 year old.  Probably because I always get a soft serve vanilla cone dipped in chocolate.  That right there is enough reason-they've given it a head start in the melting department!  Plus, when I eat them, I'm usually driving.  It's a bad combination, really.

2. What three things do you love the smell of?

Bounce fabric softener sheets, Creme Brule scented oil for the home, and...I think I'll say my next door neighbor's wood burning stove, once they start lighting it in the Fall.  The warm smell works its way to my home, without all the work!  And I would know about all the work--we heated with one-our main source of heat-for 10 years!  I'm SO grateful for a home with a furnace now!

3. Giftcards or no? (In regards to gift giving...)

I think gift cards are fine, and gifts are fine.  Gift cards are nice if you aren't sure what to get, but as someone pointed out to me, an actual gift brings you to mind whenever the receiver used the item you gave them, unlike a gift card.

4. What sports did you play in high school if any and do you still play them?

I only played sports in gym class, and I really liked playing volleyball!

5. Were you in band in high school? What instrument did you play?

I wasn't in band, but in junior high, I was in Orchestra!!!  I played the violin!  I wish I hadn't given it up.  Did anyone else play in Orchestra?

Well that's it for my answers this week!  Here's hoping everyone has a nice weekend!  And don't forget to join me on Pinterest! 



Need A Good Chuckle?

Need a good chuckle for your day?

Well, have I got the thing for you....

Enjoy!

Tips for new parents:



And then.....

And this one is probably my favorite!  Can anyone relate???

Have a great day!!!

Randomness and 5QF!

Something is going on.

In my life.

Or my mind....

You see, either I am losing my memory altogether....

Or actually, not much of anything is going on!

In my life.

I feel like I've hit SUCH a dry spell in posting my mishaps, my lighthearted stuff, my comical life events!  It's not because I'm so heavy hearted!  Maybe I'm just....

Boring!

I mean, I don't think you care all that much that I apparently have a bees' nest in my fireplace, and that Chloe is the best flyswatter I've ever had.

Thankfully Erlich is coming tomorrow to take care of the problem!  Until then, Chloe is great for keeping us updated, and she's on the case when one escapes!

You might not want to know about the Steelers wreaths I've been making, along with a few others...

Or do you???

Trying to sell these babies, to no avail!  How exciting is THAT? 

If you want one, let me know! 

You're probably not real interested that I've wasted several hours lately playing Majong, or that my website still needs updated, along with my bouquets.  Like, real bad!

Well, maybe I'll just have some good answers to the Five Question Friday to share, and you will all be impressed!

Or maybe not.

But thanks for coming by!  I do appreciate your visit, and hope to have more to offer real soon!

On to the 5QF!

1. Dream job...realistic and completely unrealistic.

Hmm....I think my dream job fits both spots!

I want to be a popular, even famous-amongst-bloggers blogger, where my blog is all the rage, and I get a magazine spot, and possibly mentioned on Yahoo news!

I've been working more at my serious blog, www.justjosanne.com lately, and have narrowed it down to a niche! 

So!

Realistic?  Sure!  If I put in many, many, many (and did I say many?) hours of hard work! 

Unrealistic?  Yeah, that too, since I'll need to put in many, many, many (and did I say many?) hours of hard work!

It's not that I'm not willing, but with my family, and along with my low energy level on a regular basis, it's a bit more challenging.  Those who are successful and have fabulous blogs, I am envious (in a non-sinful sort of way, of course!)!  I want to learn all the secrets!

Question #2 has been deleted from my list of questions because I think that is a downright, tacky question, and is very unladylike to talk about! 

That being said, I will just say respect and manners are important no matter how many years you have been married.  Just because you are married doesn't mean you have to be a hog.

3. What's the furthest you've ever traveled from home? How far and where was it?  The furthest I've traveled from home was to San Antonio, Texas, which is nearly 1,600 miles from home.  Hubby and I visited a church there, and hubby preached the services.

4. How do you celebrate birthday for your kids? Family only or friends? ... Alternate for those without kiddos: How did you celebrate birthdays as a kid? 

It's different each year, but we try to do something special.  No chores for the kiddos that day, a cake, and a relaxing day.  I did have a surprise 16th birthday for Amber last year.  Lots of friends came!  As a kid, my mom was always generous in giving to us children, but we didn't have birthday parties.

5. Fave thing about fall? 

The smell!  It's just something in the air!  The fireplaces and woodstoves being started!  The small of hot chocolate and candles!  It's just all so inviting!

Well, that is all for this week's 5QF!  I hope you all have a great weekend, and hope to see you all again!