One Decade ago....

We had a precious baby boy! Seems like only yesterday that we came home with Anthony. We thank God that He gave us this chance to raise him and pray that he will follow the plans God has for him.

Just one day before Anthony was born,  his cousin Lauralie was born. She is vey special to us and this year we wanted to celebate their first decade together.

You are a child of God, His treasured possession. He created you in His own image. He chose the day for you to be born. He has a plan and a purpose for your life.

Turtles (chocolate)

1 1/4 cup brown sugar                                         2 cans sweetened condensed milk

1 cup margarine                                                   1 tbsp vanilla

1 cup corn syrup                                                  1 1/2 lb pecans

pinch of salt                                                          2 cups melted milk chocolate

Mix first 4 ingredients and bring to  a boil. Add the condensed milk and continue to boil for about 15-20 minutes. (try dropping a drop of the mixture into cold water. If it hardens , it is ready. If it stays runny cook a bit longer.) Take off burner and add vanilla and pecans. Drop into cookie sheets with a teaspoon.  Let cool completely and dip into melted chocolate. Place back on cookie sheet until chocolate hardens. Refrigerate.

When melting chocolate, Place in a pot over boiling water to melt by steam. Do not over heat chocolate!( I also I like adding about 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to chocolate.)

True Woman 2012...

 In 2010, I went to a True Woman's Conference up in Indianapolis. It was an amazing experience and just what I needed at the time. Not sure if I will be going, but there is another one coming up this year.  Speakers include Nancy Leigh Demoss, Joni Eareckson Tada and many others, with worship leaders Keith and Kristy Getty.

 I have been reading books by Nancy Leigh Demoss for years. Did The Lies Women Believe Study and Seeking Him. Joni Eareckson Tada's life is also very inspiring.
 Even though I would really enjoy going again, I don't want to go just for that reason. The year I did God clearly opened the doors and He did use it for good in my life.  If God leads you to go , I would definately say go for it! I do however think God is able to do just as much for us back home. So hmmmm.. Will I go again? I do have my doubts, but we'll see.
Here is their website with information:

                   Details for True Woman 2012

Geography Fun!

Our children are having fun learning about our world in a new way with this Leap Frog interactive game.  I only bought the map at first, not realizing I needed to buy the tag reader seperately. I then wasn't sure at first rather I wanted to bring it back or go ahead and buy the tag reader but  I went ahead and bought it!  

I do believe it was worth buying. The kids are having a lot of fun learning about our world with it!

And we may as well learn at a young age!

Just make sure you buy the map AND the tag reader!

Counting Our Blessings:)

Lily Grace- She has brought so many smiles into our home and she is very special miracle baby!

Kat-Lyn- Never a dull moment with her around! She is artistic and loves to sing.

Emily- Always thinking of others and doing special things for her family and a very quick learner with almost anything!

Anthony- Has a very content personality and a loving spirit! His smile can make anyone smile!

James- often comes up with many interesting projects that take me by surprise and weren't always safe in a mom's eyes, yet quite responsible!

Brocoli Salad

 I was at a friends a while ago and her brocoli salad inspired me to experiment.  I have now come up with my own version of brocoli salad. (though I'm sure there are many similiar recipes out there.)Figuring out measurements for recipes I find a bit hard since I always throw in whatever I feel like but I did my best. 

                                                  

                                                                            Cut up:

 3 cups brocoli , 1/2 cup grapes, 1/2  red bell pepper, 3 radishes

dressing:

1/4 cup mayo, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup bacon bits

Mix the dressing ingredients and then stir into the vegetables.

VOILA!!!

Birthday Blessing

Just think,
you're here not by chance,
but by God's choosing.
His hand formed you
and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else.
You are one of a kind.
You lack nothing
that His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here
at this time in history
to fulfill His special purpose
for this generation.

Roy Lessin

Thank you Lord for your blessings!

                                         

                                           Ephesians 1:4 NIV
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.…"

                                     Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon Me, and I will listen to you.
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."


I feel very blessed by family and friends and so yes, I did a birthday post on my own birthday this time . I received the roses. and cake from my husband. Found the chocolate and card in my mailbox. (not a clue from whom, but do keep guessing.) One of my sister-in-laws gave me a relaxing facial and two other sis-in-laws stopped by as well with a few gifts! Everything just meant so much to me this year. Each happy birthday, each friend. I don't want to take anyone for granted in my life and thank you all!