tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31523896908225341722024-03-20T06:05:30.843-04:00A Single Girl's Perspective...I'm a Thirty-something, single, midwest "girl" who loves to...cook & bake - organize, plan & coordinate - and spend time with family & friends. These are my thoughts, the things I enjoy {often the little things}, everyday stuff that happens, and the ways that God provides for, teaches and shows Himself in big and small ways to me! You will laugh {it is essential} & you will cry {oh...a good cry does a wonder of good for everyone} - sometimes both in the same post!! Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-23086599248830892252014-11-14T22:26:00.001-05:002014-11-14T22:26:51.037-05:00Crafting Corner: Button LettersCrafting has always been something that I enjoy - at Summer Camp my favorite "excursion" was the Craft Cabin. I love being creative in anything - it's a trait that I greatly enjoy using. That said, crafting always seemed to take a back burner in my life - because I was always super, super busy. So sadly I wasn't able to enjoy it as often as I would have liked. But in the last year and a half that's changed...especially in the last 5 months. I was finding myself at home A LOT more - and that was causing me A LOT more "free time". At first, I'll admit I bucked the idea - I hated it...and it has taken me some time to fall in love again with my home, but I am...and I think my home is loving me being here much more often. I've tried to find various tasks to occupy my time - other than watching TV or being stuck on Facebook or Pinterest {okay that one has actually been a helpful place - so many ideas...a creative person's paradise!}. But, in time I'm slowly starting to enjoy my evenings of coming home, closing the door and not having to rush back out - or my weekends of more time to be home. Don't get me wrong - I loved every moment of the time I did have outside of VdM and I still, greatly, enjoy time away shopping, spending time with friends or family, or whatever the time away may entail. And I still try to get out some - even if I'm alone...because for me being stuck inside alone without social interaction for several evenings in a row is not good for me - I would go <strike>bonkier </strike>more bonkers, than I already am!<br />
<br />
One of the tasks I've taken on is doing more craft projects - in the Spring time I purchased my first ever glue gun...and boy have I given it a run for it's money. I even purchased a second - just to have on hand and because it has a more narrow tip for those smaller, more confined areas needing gluing. Between You-Tube and Pinterest and my own brain, I've found many many projects to keep me going - and my list continually grows of "crafts to make". I'm starting to realize I need to create a designated location for my crafting supplies - which are much more than a glue gun these days. And I'm working on figuring out how to best organize my supplies - oh yeah, another project!<br />
<br />
One of my most recent projects was this button letter. My cousin's wife is expecting their first baby, a little girl, in just a few weeks - and we recently had her baby shower. I love giving homemade gifts - some find them cheesy or elementary, but I find them thoughtful and unique. So as I was thinking of what I'd make for Baby Kaylin - I wanted to do something with her initial, that could be used in her nursery and one day her bedroom (possibly). I have had a bucket-o-buttons for some time now, and nothing says cuteness like buttons - what's the old saying..."as cute as a button"! So I decided I'd purchase a wooden "K", paint it pink, cover it in multi-colored girly colored buttons, cover a canvas with fabric and then place in a frame. I searched and researched various ideas and options, and decided to take a little of several options and make it my own.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTXmPC1xoB-LnVfVB7_F7fwGLIRhP4F2C62HsJNoM9xjR2QXQxTqy1BALU_DVx0ah6q0V-F6Ts_xfmE4kbqTvlC9OUKOKZkQVAT3VsBLzIinU6KDXS1dtNuOa4LBr480WxY4LfUIq-Hg/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTXmPC1xoB-LnVfVB7_F7fwGLIRhP4F2C62HsJNoM9xjR2QXQxTqy1BALU_DVx0ah6q0V-F6Ts_xfmE4kbqTvlC9OUKOKZkQVAT3VsBLzIinU6KDXS1dtNuOa4LBr480WxY4LfUIq-Hg/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>First I sorted through my buttons and found the sizes and colors I wanted to use - the nursery is gray walls, black furniture and the bedding/accent pieces are going to be bright fun girly colors - pink, purple, yellow, turquoise, etc. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnEcBR5kaZ0hr9jUI0ES3St6n0kHN_ajlqD77nbsoyuokwSoIdmCv2CSADfYfhUHG4-uDuV1vRmITNzeuHS0_FOPykZVxusQfY0hxnpkAfAhSA7XwDHyiDsIGNCEz_i4UvdK_oWr9FNM/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnEcBR5kaZ0hr9jUI0ES3St6n0kHN_ajlqD77nbsoyuokwSoIdmCv2CSADfYfhUHG4-uDuV1vRmITNzeuHS0_FOPykZVxusQfY0hxnpkAfAhSA7XwDHyiDsIGNCEz_i4UvdK_oWr9FNM/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Here is the "K" - almost completely painted. I didn't paint the back - to help with adhering it to the fabric covered canvas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfn_Idq0jF27IUvWDqtSO9ZfOnizh8fJDLcV4Ufr_F1AEZXuio39jTexaGZr_NROSK5xqhn1Znvb_645Q7aVOT3H3nVZE4mG2j7f0xCgoKEWJKEMM5vyPEVaTD0T3kjAWk1i1t59SWsA/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfn_Idq0jF27IUvWDqtSO9ZfOnizh8fJDLcV4Ufr_F1AEZXuio39jTexaGZr_NROSK5xqhn1Znvb_645Q7aVOT3H3nVZE4mG2j7f0xCgoKEWJKEMM5vyPEVaTD0T3kjAWk1i1t59SWsA/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>I used a pretty shade of pink, called Pink Chiffon - so that those places that buttons didn't cover up, wouldn't just be white. I found this paint at Michael's it was Satin Acrylic - so it gave a little sheen when it was dry. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a2922GePdoTHI-wYSwU_FYdCLhhF_NNsqfpQgVcYmoxk4ioAlgDCYqmua4_VI5B5anrTSsaeALF0hHF182fZw2pmZFL4eLcdxvqpkyTjEuazPwdUVhcgx34YdtUQ3KBGJacdF_FFhzc/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a2922GePdoTHI-wYSwU_FYdCLhhF_NNsqfpQgVcYmoxk4ioAlgDCYqmua4_VI5B5anrTSsaeALF0hHF182fZw2pmZFL4eLcdxvqpkyTjEuazPwdUVhcgx34YdtUQ3KBGJacdF_FFhzc/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Once the letter was painted - I let it completely dry, and then I "played around" with the buttons to position them and create the design I wanted. It took some time - but it was like putting a puzzle together, just finding which one wentn in the exact location. I had MANY more buttons sorted than needed, but I wanted to make sure I had several size and color options. Once I had the design - I then began attaching the buttons with hot glue. I tried to cover the entire top surface - that's almost impossible since the buttons are round and it's a squared/straight edge. I wanted to make sure it looked like a "K", and not a pile of hot glued buttons - in the end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xv5aKfxp_aFGMhOGR6HIquuaTPakXJTBtpmT3gHjClvaZlpdus92HfAOTZXm4b5qX9jCyQqEhVwnopwXubTPlhVosNbZYNuSNShaY9HEVBB786PkQM_WX_oi1ue2UujgaPeZF6cKO3M/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xv5aKfxp_aFGMhOGR6HIquuaTPakXJTBtpmT3gHjClvaZlpdus92HfAOTZXm4b5qX9jCyQqEhVwnopwXubTPlhVosNbZYNuSNShaY9HEVBB786PkQM_WX_oi1ue2UujgaPeZF6cKO3M/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>This is once all the buttons were glued on. I let them sit overnight to make sure they got good and set. Some had to be re-glued for a more secure fit, but for the most part all of them set up really well. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures during the other phase of assembly - but I used a white canvas, gray fabric quarters and a canvas frame kit - all purchased at JoAnn's. The frame was 8x10 - and the actual letter itself was about 5 inches long.</div>
<br />
I wrapped the top and sides of the canvas with the fabric quarter, and cut off the excess. I used a staple gun to attach to ensure the material remained taut, and for extra security. The frame kit included Velcro that was attached to the back of the canvas and then lined up with Velcro inside the frame. I also used a staple gun to secure the Velcro to the canvas - just for an extra measure. It came with an adhesive strip - but I was afraid it wouldn't be enough with the natural gradual pull of gravity, as it hangs on a wall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjrTbyLShxFJcUmHQ7hXnvYx7hGxLu_UaOsNnbBOASoE7trNzVWt602ERO2cgHh6sYFHkO2LadBLBmUrXPtpUyI_1ohKpWKTfSDA8PUKJ7gOxPeE-g3tBO__FBuv7IAdS-reygb0sy5I/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjrTbyLShxFJcUmHQ7hXnvYx7hGxLu_UaOsNnbBOASoE7trNzVWt602ERO2cgHh6sYFHkO2LadBLBmUrXPtpUyI_1ohKpWKTfSDA8PUKJ7gOxPeE-g3tBO__FBuv7IAdS-reygb0sy5I/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>And this is the final "product". I used a heavy crafting glue to adhere the "K" to the canvas - to again provide extra security. I let it dry flat for the first hour or so, and then set it upright (as it if were hanging on a wall) for about 30 min - to make sure that it wasn't going to slip. The letter itself is not flush, it does sit up "off of the canvas" - so it adds some additional dimension. You can sort of see this in the picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beginning to end the project probably took me 5-6 hours - this includes the sorting of the buttons, as well. It's super cute and my cousin's wife loved it - I hope it will look super cute in Baby Kaylin's nursery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan to do a similar craft - but with paper mache letters, for a Christmas gift for one of my nieces. I'm sure I'll be posting about it in the future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next Crafting Corner post - Christmas Ornaments. I'm on a roll getting various ornaments done for myself, family and as a "thank you" gift for the ladies at my table during this year's Christmas Tea. So stay tuned! I also have some recipes - I want to share soon, as well. Along with my Household Management binder and Christmas binder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next time - don't let the glue gun burn you! :)</div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QnrrmXiKy08%2FVGa6DmVLvLI%2FAAAAAAAABM0%2F2mIYjYE1qco%2Fs1600%2FIMG_0733.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnEcBR5kaZ0hr9jUI0ES3St6n0kHN_ajlqD77nbsoyuokwSoIdmCv2CSADfYfhUHG4-uDuV1vRmITNzeuHS0_FOPykZVxusQfY0hxnpkAfAhSA7XwDHyiDsIGNCEz_i4UvdK_oWr9FNM/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" -->Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-3249004030203622962014-09-27T01:32:00.001-04:002014-11-14T22:56:23.260-05:00The Days of Summer...On Monday evening, summer 2014 evaporated into history...as autumn 2014 quietly made it's entrance from stage right. Summer, 2014 was a great one ~ overall.<br />
<br />
<strong>A new position</strong>...I began my (unofficial) start to summer with a new job. I didn't leave my employer, I just took on a new position within the bank - supporting our COO - Commercial Banking. It has been a WONDERFUL move - on so many levels. I've met many new colleagues, have made new friends and have utilized and expanded my skill set. I wasn't looking to make a move, but this position become available and I felt God calling me to make the move. So I listened. I must admit, I was very hesitant when I saw the position post - my new manager was on my {mental} list of executives I'd consider supporting should the opportunity arise. You see I had {still have} a great relationship with my previous executive - who I supported for four years. So I knew I had to be very selective, should I ever consider leaving my {previous} role. The position posted just days before Easter. An administrative group within the bank e-mailed the posting to all administrative professionals - so when I saw the posting I thought "well that would be a great opportunity for someone, that executive would be a great person to support and it would be a great opportunity for advancement."...never considering myself for the position. Days later while stuffing eggs for the family's egg hunt - the post came to mind, out of no where...again I thought, it would be a great opportunity - for someone, else. The next day, while preparing Easter dinner, once again thoughts of the position filled my mind...this time I was considering myself for this position. But concerns of leaving an executive as the one I supported, added to my "maybe not" list. I had taken the day following Easter off. When I returned on Tuesday, I received a phone call from a fellow admin - who said "I know your answer will probably be "no", because you are happy where you are - but have you considered applying for the position supporting the COO - Commercial Banking?" WOW! I laughed and told her, "well actually I have and I am still considering it - but this phone call has confirmed that I should apply." That evening I stayed a little later at work and applied. By 8:15 a.m. the next day (April 23) HR had contacted my then executive to notify them that I had posted for the position and that I was being heavily considered as a candidate. Within the next two days I had a phone interview, had scheduled additional in-person interviews. By the end of the following week - I had completed 8 in-person interviews and was waiting. By 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 5 - I was offered the job. It was quick, quicker than anticipated. So quick - I barely had a chance to talk to my family about the opportunity. By the end of May I was in my new role! All along the way - God was giving me peace. I never once looked back - I was just looking ahead and allowing Him to lead. I remember after I hit the "apply now" button, I said out loud - at my desk - "well God, if this is what you want you will make it clear, I'm trusting you." An clear it was!! I'm so happy in my position - and can already see how this was a great move for me!<br />
<br />
<strong>An intruder</strong>...it was a June Thursday at 12:32 p.m., I was at Danny's Deli enjoying lunch with a fellow admin., my cell phone caught my eye - as a phone number flashed on the screen. Not wanting to be rude I ignored the call. Within seconds the number flashed up on the screen again. I apologized and said I needed to get the call. "Ms. Thornton this is ADT and we have reports of your motion and front door alarms sounding at your residence - are you okay? Do you need us to call the authorities?"....stunned I didn't know what to say - I felt like I couldn't speak. I told the operator - I wasn't at home and she would need to call the police. I went back to the table and told my lunchmate - I had to leave, someone had broken into my home. The walk back to my desk seemed to take forever - I had to get my purse, keys, laptop, notify my boss. I couldn't get there fast enough - I had to leave. I remember not being able to figure out how to remove my laptop from the docking station and asking the co-worker next to me for help - he seemed confused as to why I couldn't figure it out. (I explained to him at a later time what had happened). I then had to get to my car and get home - again the walk to my car was forever, I walked really fast and then slowed down, really fast and then slow down - at one point I may have even been running. Finally to my car - I had to figure out how to get home. I called my sister - no answer, I had to tell someone - but what do I tell them, I knew nothing. Visions of possible damage to my home were filling my mind. Ugh...another traffic light - please just let me get home!! Finally, I reached home - the police officer walked up to me and asked how my day was...I mean really, what do you want me to say "Oh it's an awesome sun shiny day!"...um hello - I'm here because someone has broken into my home. To not give too many details - we entered the house, found a piece of evidence that confirmed someone had been or was in the house - upon my exit from the house the officer drew his weapon and announced "police - make yourself known"...all of this was going on in my quiet little home. I apologized to the police officer that I hadn't made my bed that morning - he just looked at me and said "It is okay, I have small children - so I'm sure your unmade bed can't compare to the mess they make". The intruder wasn't in the house - PTL, and upon further investigation we discovered how they entered. Thankfully my alarm system scared them - and they didn't have time to take anything of great value from my home...well except for my sense of security. The intruder was caught just two days later, and charges have been pressed and their trial begins in late October. I'm assuming at some point during this trial I will have to testify - and that seems slightly overwhelming, but God will be there with me. My sense of peace and security have begun to return - although I still wake up in the night fearing someone is in my home. But that isn't an every night occurrence - just a few times a week. I thank God for my security system - both on the day of the burglary and now as it helps give me an extra tangible layer of security.<br />
<br />
<strong>A New Bundle of Joy brings the title of "Father"on Father's Day</strong>...As I had mentioned in previous posts my sister and brother-in-law were expecting their first child in late June - but Nephew #3 decided to make his appearance on Father's Day...the best gift a dad could ever receive. After many hours of labor, no progression of dilating and a fever that was rising the doctor's decided that my sister would have an emergency c-section - not what she had planned, but was more than agreeable due to the circumstances. He was born @ 8:56 a.m. weighing 9 pounds 22 inches long - and perfectly beautiful in the eyes of his auntie! :) He and my sister were both healthy, the fever reduced soon after delivery and within two days they were home. The family of 3 have adjusted quite well to their new normal - including the 10-11 hours of sleep each night. My sister recently returned to work, and that has brought some heartache - but she is praying the Lord will open up an opportunity for her to be able to reduce her days away from her bouncing happy boy!<br />
<br />
<strong>Beach+Wedding+New BIL+New Nephew = All in One Week</strong>...Early August brought a family vacation to the beach. Everyone, except Nephew #1, went on the trip. We were sooo excited about the opportunity to get away for a week - and by the time the trip actually had arrived, we were all more than ready for some serious beach time. My family LOVES the beach!! During our planning of the trip - my youngest sister and {then} fiance considered getting married while we were away. After consideration it was decided they'd take full advantage of the opportunity with 99% of the family there. My new BIL's son had already planned to join us - and that was great to have him there with us. We were able to celebrate his 11th Birthday while there - and that was another special memory to have, as well. So now I'm the auntie of nine - 5 nieces and 4 nephews...the boys are quickly gaining on the girls!! The time away was great - and the opportunity to have the hardest decision be pool side or beach side, was WONDERFUL!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Lots of time on my hands...</strong>I still find myself with lots of time on my hands, so I'm trying to find different "things" to do. I've done several crafts - I'll post about them soon. I spent a little more time in my gardens this summer and that was nice. I attempted to grow tomatoes - but wasn't as successful as I had hoped, so maybe next summer. I've started learning to sew with a sewing machine - and that is very exciting to me!! :) I'm looking forward to purchasing a "real" sewing machine soon into the new year. I've created various schedules - cleaning schedules, cooking schedules, craft schedules, encouragement to others schedules, etc. Summer is always a little slower in the kitchen, because it is so hot...with a semi-cooler than usual summer I did do a little more experimenting than usual this summer. Mastering a few recipes I've wanted to try - like buffalo sauce, oh yummolicious!! I was able to treat the new parents to a meal once a week for the first five weeks after delivery - and that was a great treat for me, and hopefully for them as well. With the cooler evenings approaching and fall-like Saturdays, I'm sure the oven will be warming up on a more frequent basis! Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<strong>Aging Parents</strong> - Summer brought a few hurdles in this area. About two weeks before we left on vacation my dad found out he needed a pacemaker placed - and it had to happen pre-vacation. So one week before we left, his pacemaker was placed. All went well with the placement and recovery has been pretty much event free. PTL! Mom is doing okay - but the Dementia is much more present these days, even with her meds. She still has her independence and can fully function as normal for the most part - but her reasoning/thought process, decision making rational are steadily deteriorating. As siblings we are always looking at ways to assist her, as much as she will let us - and still allow her to maintain that independence that she needs and we need her to have...it is a fine line, but so far we've walked it pretty well. The new "endeavor" is the grocery store and food preparation. We've learned, through observation, that mom quickly becomes overwhelmed with too many decisions - and she picks whatever she see first. For example - during a trip to the ice cream shop she would normally pick blackberry chip - it has been her "go to" for as long as I can remember. However, she recently selected Cherry - because it was the first option that she saw...when asked "are you sure - they have blackberry chip?" she said - "oh well then yes, I want that - I didn't see it on the list." Or when going to a restaurant she'll ask - "what are you having?" or "what do you like here?" This allows her {in her thought process} to not show us that she's struggling...but we've caught on, after she's ordered "not normal to her" options. So we always make sure we help her with her selection - in a very non-offensive way, pointing out options that we know she'd like. That said, we've noticed that when asking what they've (the parents) have had for dinner...it has been very random combinations of items. So we've come to the conclusion that determining what's for dinner may be slightly overwhelming and she selects whatever she first sees - like a tomato and onion sandwich, yes that was a recent item! Our plan - to join her in her grocery shopping and to create a meal schedule of what she has available, and assisting with pre-meal prep as much as we can...so that she is able to put together a more normal dinner. Together my family and I will make this journey as tolerable as possible for everyone involved, but I can't promise you I won't cry from time to time - as I watch my mom slowly slip away.<br />
<br />
God has been continually gracious to me - with a new job, watching over my home, ministering in my church via VBS and the meal ministry, adding to my family, allowing me the opportunity to learn new things like sewing and doing crafts, and love for my parents as we walk this road of aging.<br />
<br />
To God Be The Glory for Summer, 2014!!<br />
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-81155128558299187212014-06-05T23:52:00.000-04:002014-06-27T20:31:13.802-04:00Oh Where to Begin...So much has happened since my last post...as seems to be the case with my blog over the last few year - but with the new laptop, I'm hoping that blogging will again become a regular "thing". <br />
<br />
So where do I begin - well Maria says we should "start at the very beginning it is a a very good place to start" {okay who else is singing...I heart Sound of Music!} <br />
<br />
So the beginning...hmm, okay.... <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Ryan and Jenni were married during sunset on the white sands of Marco Island surrounded by their families and a couple close friends last August. Then at Thanksgiving they announced Baby Young would be arriving in June, 2014. February revealed that Baby Young would be Baby Boy Young..and we eagerly anticipate his arrival in just a few weeks!!!! ..oh maybe I'm jumping ahead some!</li>
<li>The end of August brought the start of school - and that meant Emily would move into the dorms for the first time, as she started her Sophomore year at Capital University. She spent her entire Senior year of high school in a program that allowed her to get her entire first year of college completed (and it was 100% paid for, including books and parking). So when she graduated from high school last spring, she also completed her Freshmen year of college. What an excellent opportunity that was for her. She has since completed her first year of dorm life and second year of college. I'm so proud of her. The kiddos also had a great year of school - Sophia finished 5th grade {wowzas!}, Elijah completed 4th grade, and Ayana ended 3rd grade. All of them had a stellar year - excellent grades, various acknowledgements along the way and much learning was had!! </li>
<li>After several tests and doctors visits my wonderful mom was diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia - in late August early September. It was a blessing to find out what was causing the symptoms she had been experiencing for some time. Then in January/February we discovered that she had 3 degenerating discs in her back. Mom just turned 70 last summer, and prior to these aliments she had been extremely healthy and prided herself in the fact that she only took a multi-vitamin each day....and that was voluntary. It has been very hard to watch this happen. For the most part the meds that she is on help her dementia, and we are encouraging her to keep her routine normal and still do the things she loves/wants to do...we don't/can't coddle her, she won't and shouldn't allow it. The day will come when these things won't be a luxury anymore, and until then it's as normal as we can make it.</li>
<li>In September I began attending a Life Group at church. We meet on Sunday evenings, most Sundays for a couple of hours, and it is a really great time. I am really learning to get to know each of them and I do look forward to our time together.</li>
<li>In October my youngest sister, Kari, announced that she was engaged. She and her fiance, John plan to get married this summer.</li>
<li>The first Saturday in November I spent 4.5 hours taking the Certified Administrative Professionals Exam...something I had wanted to take for many, many years - and I finally did it. After months of studying and reading, I took the hardest test in my life. Even with 19 years of administrative experience, I still struggled and completed with only 2 min. left to spare. My mind was fried literally. I got lost coming home - and usually I'm extremely good with directions, and especially when my destination is home! :) After almost 8 weeks of waiting I received the letter a day or so after Christmas, and I PASSED!!! I was soooooo proud of myself and shocked!! I had wanted this for so long and finally I was able to be successful and accomplish something I had so desperately wanted. I was beginning to lose hope in accomplishing my goals and attaining dreams I had had for many years. But this encouraged my heart. Many weren't surprised I passed, but I was - many never even asked about the test prep or how my studying was going (only once did something ask in the entire 9 months of studying). I don't know why that was - maybe they thought it was a given...I wasn't certain of anything until I received that letter</li>
<li>The holiday were filled with busyness, traditions - some old, some new and a lot of joyful times. Christmas Eve held the arrival close friends daughter - Violet...that was a special Christmas treat!</li>
<li>Winter was cold, colder and coldest - along with snow, snowy and snowed in. We learned phrase such as polar vortex and snow rollers. Even winter fanatics were ready for Winter 2013-2014 to END. It had been 20 years since temps reached as low as they did - for extended periods of time. 20 years ago - that seems like ages ago...but really 20 years was 1994 and that was the year I graduated from high school...YIKES!!</li>
<li>Another trip to Hocking Hills - our 5th trip to be exact. It was a good weekend. The weather was nice. The food was great. Some didn't feel so well. Reecie girl - really struggled. But all-in-all it was a good weekend. Jenni, Lisa and I did a craft - to help pass the time on Saturday, and to allow Lisa to enjoy something she hadn't had much time to enjoy - since Violet's arrival. I enjoyed some kitchen therapy...I always enjoy that no matter where I am.</li>
<li>Springtime brought another birthday - I struggled a little, but I tried to keep that to myself. Something I'm learning to do a lot of lately. I wasn't overly thrilled about celebrating - but people wanted to so I let them, but I would have been fine to just let it go on by this year. Don't get me wrong - God has blessed me in so many ways and he has graciously allowed for me to have 38 years on this earth...I don't take that lightly. But it is very obvious that something is missing. Someone once told me to not dwell on the situation - and I don't, they of course didn't see it that way. I dwell in the situation...and that is completely different.</li>
<li>At the beginning of May I was offered a new job. I wasn't looking for a new job - I was very happy and content with my (then) current job. But several different occurrences led me to apply for the position and within 2 weeks of applying the position was mine. I began the new position last Tuesday. I really enjoy it - I'm learning a lot. My days are super busy and go very (almost at times too) fast. I know God has a plan for me here - and my desire is to bloom where he has planted me.</li>
<li>Next week - I'm excited to say I'll be teaching VBS. Next week will be two years that I left the only other church I had known. It seems like it has been longer than 2 years, and other days it feels like it was just last week. But I LOVE my "new" church. I'm starting to learn names and remember them with faces (that match the names). God has really worked in my life in the last two years. He is stretched me and molded me, and that excites me. I look forward to working with the kids next week. I pray I'm a vessel that I teachable, used by and for God and a reflection of God's love.</li>
</ol>
<br />
So that's where I've been. I'm sure I've missed out on some journey's along the way, but those are the mile markers that stick out to me!<br />
<br />
Until our paths cross again...Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-8512134788555483092013-07-18T23:30:00.000-04:002013-07-18T23:30:48.424-04:00Simple Woman's Daybook 07.18.13Outside my window...it is a very humid and muggy summer's evening. The air is thick and heavy...almost too heavy to breathe. The thickness hits you as soon as you walk out into the evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am thinking...how I need to be asleep!! I've not slept well this week...and it is catching up to me!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am thankful...for the opportunity to see my mom this evening, and to catch-up with her for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the kitchen...I've tried to remain slightly busy - especially on the weekends, and this weekend will be no different. I'm making a couple of desserts (PB Pie and Triple Berry Cobbler) for an event an acquaintance is hosting on Saturday. I'm also going to make homemade pizza crust for Saturday evening's dinner! Love homemade pizza!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am wearing...lightweight clothing to help keep me cool. Even with the AC running, it's hard to keep cool when the temps are so high and the humidity so heavy.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am creating...many lists! I thrive on lists!! And I have many things coming up that require a list!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am going...to the beach soon!! The beach is my happy place. The place I feel closest to God!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am wondering...oh I could go on and on here! Wondering about so many things...but I'm trying not to worry, but just trust God. He is faithful, and I'm leaning heavily on Him over the next few months.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am reading...a lot, as I prepare for the CPS test in November. So much to read, and I feel like I don't have enough time.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am hoping...to find some ways to fill some of my open evenings, on occasion. Especially once the autumn and winter months arrive. I really need that interaction with others, and sitting quietly in my house most evenings - will not be good for me!!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to...Jenni & Ryan's wedding! Two weeks from today!!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am learning...a LOT!! I'm really enjoying the summer Bible Study my church is offering on Wednesday evenings! In addition, I'm learning many new things as I study for the CPS exam!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Around the house...doing some re-organizing. Going through and purging - that feel so good!!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am pondering...a few changes!<br />
<br />
<br />
A favorite quote for today..."Ayana told me you are her best friend" {my sister, Kari}<br />
<br />
<br />
One of my favorite things...Chinese food, and tonight my {soon-to-be} Brother-in-Law invited me over for Homemade Cashew Chicken...it was divine!<br />
<br />
<br />
A few plans for the rest of the week...Ayana is coming to spend the weekend with me. Hopefully Saturday {weather permitting} we will spend a large portion of the day at the pool, once we deliver the desserts. We will also make homemade sugar scrub {a new project I'm taking on} and homemade pizza, while enjoying some movies, a few hands of Old Maid and just hanging out. I love that she enjoys spending time with me.<br />
<br />
<br />A peek into my day...work; lunch with a friend; dinner with Ryan, Jenni, and Ryan's dad - Gary; and working on a few wedding things {mainly just marking off that Jenni has accomplished this week}<br />
<br />
<br />
...find the simple things in life and enjoy them, they are what make life so much fun!!<br />
<br />
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-45898906263658149232013-07-17T02:46:00.000-04:002013-07-17T02:46:03.123-04:00New "Digs"Well for the last several hours I've been updating my blog - so it looks fresher and happier! I added a couple new links to my "Blog's List", and I updated my Blog Description...it needed to be happier! It's very late...okay actually early in the morning - YIKES! I wish I had more time to chat as I have much to say, but I really need to get to bed...especially since I have an afternoon that brings a refresh course in Business Writing & Grammar <em>(snore galore)</em> that I have to endore in just a few hours!<br />
<br />
Hope you like the looks of "the new things around here"!! I promise I'll have something more interesting to write about next time. <br />
<br />
Coming Posts: <br />
<ul>
<li>Cookie Jar: Firework Cookes (so it's a little late, but hey every day deserves Fireworks, right!)</li>
<li>Sugar Scrubs</li>
<li>Inside the Quiet Walls</li>
</ul>
So be sure to stop back by in a few days or so!!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-77453282015671829722013-07-02T23:53:00.002-04:002013-07-18T22:44:39.220-04:00A Year and A Half - Seriously?...Has it really been a year and a half since I last blogged...WOWZAS!! I sure have missed it, and much has happened in my life. Let's see since December 30, 2011 I've...<br />
<ul>
<li>kept up some on 40x2016 goals...to name a few - lots of recipes are happening in the Megalicious kitchen, I've built a shoe organizer and assemblied my garden hose housing unit, learned to trim the front bushes (self-taught...thank you very much...and I only distroyed one extension cord). I remain looking to accomplish these;</li>
<li>been promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant. I was already doing many aspects of the job, so it was a nice to get the title <em>(officially)</em>...and a compensation reward as well; </li>
<li>paid off my car...HUGE deal and a reminder of God's faithfulness of provision to me!!; </li>
<li>started studying for the <a href="http://www.iaap-hq.org/certification" target="_blank">Certified Professional Secretaries Exam</a>, which I'll take on Saturday, November 2. This will be a great accomplishment, and if I pass I plan to take the Organizational Management test the Spring, 2014. Both would be great assets to starting a Personal Assistant business; </li>
<li>gone through another time of depression, and it is a daily struggle to overcome...but each day is better, and those days that aren't - well I have the next day to look forward to...Winter 2012/2013 was extremely rough; </li>
<li>followed God's leading and in June, 2012 left the church I'd known my whole life. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done spiritually and emotionally. But God is growing me, breaking me and molding me to bring glory to Him; </li>
<li>found a new church to call home, and I'm growing...but I want to grow so much more - and I'm looking forward to the summer bible study program they are offering. I'm hoping to meet new people...maybe even that someone special kind of people - <em>ahem</em>! But that's not the focus <em>(well not totally...but I will be keeping an eye out!)</em></li>
<li>watched my family grow physically and numerically. Well the numerical part will come on August 1st when my sister will marry the love of her life, who happens to also be one of my very best friends, during a sunset ceremony on the beach in Marco Island, FL! I'm so excited for them!! The nieces and nephews are growing physically <em>(all but three are now taller than me)</em>, emotionally and intellectually - what a blessing to be a part of their lives. One niece graudated High School and will start college in the fall...so stinkin' proud of that young lady; </li>
<li>watched my parent's age - this hasn't been easy; </li>
<li>been re-certified in CPR, along with a good friend...have no fear when I'm around; </li>
<li>found myself with a lot of free time, so I'm trying to figure out how to fill it - but not too much...been taking some classes to learn things I've always wanted to learn, attending a few ladies Bible studies and finding my way around the kitchen even more so than usual;</li>
<li>organized a few different service projects for my family - with one being last summer when we made 60 sack lunches and took them to homeless people throughout the C-bus area...talk about a humbling experience. It was the hottest day of the entire summer - temps were well over 100*...thankfully we had cold bottles of water to give them as well. The thing I learned most that day - individuality is important to a homeless person...almost all of them instantly shared their name with us. Almost to say - "there is a name that goes with this face, and that makes me just like you...I'm a person, not a group!"; </li>
<li>not done much traveling - that I can think of...although I feel like I did...maybe that is just wishful thinking;</li>
<li>experienced the strained seperation of a beloved family member. For a long time I tried to fix the situation myself; however, I learned that I had to give it ALL to God...and that's what I've done. Only God can change the heart and that is my prayer; </li>
<li>lived at Villa de Megalicious (VdM) for 5 years now - again another reminder of God's faithful provision to me;</li>
<li>remained single - not by choice. "Single and Desperately Looking" The desire to marry has intensified greatly, and the reality of my loneliness is there everyday...but I'm trusting God to provide in this area. I'm trying to do a few things to make myself more "out there"...<em>like visible - not like..."oh that girl is out there!"</em> So we will see!!; and </li>
<li>started blogging again...after a long sabbatical. I've have probably missed a few things...but these seem to be the highlights that are coming to me right now! </li>
</ul>
I hope I still have some followers, and if I do - it's nice to be back with you again! Until we meet again...Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-88676468877735717452011-12-30T17:05:00.000-05:002011-12-31T01:25:34.539-05:00"A Year in the Life..."Here i sit at my computer, on a semi-cold December day {we've had many of those to date}, with less than 48 hours remaining in 2011. WOW what a year! Where did it go? Have you ever heard the term "bag of mixed emotions"? Well I feel that has been this year. I have experienced many happy moments, many ubberly exciting moments, moments when my heart hurt, moments filled with total agony - sadness - loneliness and defeat, moments of pure bliss and joy, moments of anxiousness, and moments of total peace and calm.<br />
<br />
<strong>January</strong> started with Ayana going forward to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior, and Sophia going forward to be baptized! Talk about starting the year off right!! WOOT WOOT!! January also held the Ohio State Football Buckeyes winning the BCS Sugar Bowl - in the midst of a scandal, NCAA investigations and daily developments to the story that broke right before Christmas.{Little did we know what the rest of 2011 would bring to the beloved Buckeye football team}. I was part of a conspiracy, towards the end of January...on a very cold January Sunday night I drove to CMH to pick-up my friend, Beth. She was coming home, from China, as a surprise to her family during her break at Chinese New Year! What a sweet reunion in the airport, and the Megmobile was full of giggles and excitement as we drove as quickly as legal to her parent's home. The best part was standing outside in the middle of the frozen ice covered street, and hearing her mom scream with excitement and surprise as she ran into their home yelling "HAPPY NEW YEAR"!! It was by far one of the coolest things I've done to date!<br />
<br />
<strong>February</strong> allowed me the opportunity to participate in a breakfast at the kiddos school. It was very cool to be back in the lunchroom that I ate in as an elementary student and to see the kiddos in their element. February was probably the month that held the most life changing events for me, as it started my quest to a healthier lifestyle. Thanks to a program at work that encouraged healthier life decisions - and offered a reward of $200 off your Medical Premium in 2012, if you met their challenge. Since I'm a sucker for ways to save money, I began looking at my life in terms of getting healthy with the reward of saving money as motivation! {Btw - I met the challenge requirements in May...WOOT WOOT!}. The doctor challenged me to loose 60 POUNDS!! He knows I'm a control freak - so he took the opportunity to remind me that there are only a few things in my life that I can control, and one of them is food. He then told me, "and you aren't controlling it." Those words put me right into my place, and changed my way of thinking. I've not had a regular soda since February, {accept the one I accidentally drank on Christmas - because I thought the can was diet...oops}, and regular soda was my "lifeline" or so I thought. My food choices are smarter - I still eat many of the things I want, but I have to account for those in my daily points, so I'm thinking before I'm eating. Everything in moderation. To date I've lost 35 pounds. I wanted to do this slow and steady - I want it to be a lifestyle change...not a flash in the pan kind of thing. Jenni and I began walking on Monday evenings, and I must say I feel much better physically and mentally. Sophia was baptized in mid-February, and her Dad was able to be there to witness it...little did we know that would be one of his last visits to IBC for several years, as a few days later he was arrested for Aggravated Vehicular Assault - relating to the accident he was involved in the Fall of 2010. Bringing many court hearings and legal sessions to both he and Kari - as she filed for full custody of the Kiddos {which was granted in September}.<br />
<br />
<strong>March</strong> allowed me to use my planning skills to assist Jenni as she hosted Lisa's Bridal Shower. It was a beautiful event! I took on the task of making cupcakes - and I found the best <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ricks-special-buttercream-frosting/detail.aspx">buttercream</a> recipe ever....I've used it several times since. The cupcakes and the shower were a hit by all who attended. March again allowed me to volunteer at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Infusion Weekend at Deercreek. I returned to the craft room, and enjoyed seeing old and new faces alike. March also brought a return to Hocking Hills for Ryan, Jenni, Tim, Lisa and I - and Reece too. We once again had a relaxing weekend, filled with beautiful weather, delicious food, hours of March Madness Basketball and plenty of laughter. It was a nice break in the routine of life - especially right before Tim and Lisa's wedding six weeks later. Steve, Wendy, Jenni, Kari and I participated in the Channel 10 Commit to Be Fit Challenge as the Flabbiless 5. We didn't win the contest, but we all lost weight - and that alone was a great reward!<br />
<br />
<strong>April </strong>seems to have flashed right past. I hosted my first non-family overnight guests early in the month - with some of the IBC teen girls. It was nice to have other noise bellowing throughout VdM in the morning. After the girls left VdM - I headed to Mom and Dad's for what was supposed to be a day of shopping - but plans changed. While eating a piece of warmed coffee cake Mom experienced what we thought at the time to be a Stroke. I must say it was the SCARIEST moment of my life - I was there as the entire episode unfolded, and I must be honest that thoughts of loosing my Mom that day filled me with fear. Thankfully after many tests and scans, we found out that what she experienced was a reaction to something that she was eating and the physical temperature of the food - it was a natural reaction the body has to something that is too hot or too cold, and the symptoms are all similar to that of a Stroke. Since I love to cook/bake I decided I would prepare Easter Dinner for the family this year - a task I thoroughly enjoyed! The following weekend I had the honor of assisting two of my best friends on their wedding day. Tim and Lisa's wedding was beautiful, romantic and true reflection of their love for each other!! I also challenged myself with 40 goals to accomplish before May, 2016...this is the gift I gave to myself of birthday in May. I've worked towards many of them and have a accomplished a few, but I need to make greater strides at accomplishing them on a more regular basis.<br />
<br />
<strong>May</strong> {my most favorite month}began with Breaking World News. I'll never forget - it was a Sunday night, and I was in bed early still trying to recover from the events of the weekend {Tim and Lisa's wedding}. I had the TV on for background noise, but was reading through cookbooks {hard to imagine, I know!}, and Brian Williams (NBC News Anchor) broke in and said, "President Obama will be addressing the country within the hour". I found this to be rather importantly odd and very much unsettling - I mean it was 9:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening...not many addresses from a President come on Sunday evenings at almost 10:00 p.m. that probably are of some tragic capacity. My attention was now half on the cookbooks and half on staying "tuned in" awaiting the address. After several delays the President took the podium and addressed the nation and the world, announcing that US Navy Seals had captured and killed Osama Bin Laden earlier that day - peace filled my mind, fear filled my mind. Hayden finished his first year of college at ODU in mid-May, and had his first Spring and Summer without baseball, since he was four. I also co-planned a Mother/Daughter Luncheon at IBC for the Saturday following Mother's Day...it was a nice event, and enjoyed by many. May also held my 35th Birthday - YIKES!! I hosted a birthday party for my family and some friends at my favorite past time location - outside of the kitchen - <a href="http://www.outsidethelinescreativestudio.com/">Outside the Lines Creative Studio</a>. I think everyone enjoyed it...and some have even gone back on their own! Jim Tressel was fired as the Ohio State Football couch on Memorial Day weekend, as part of the continuing scandal that broke loose in December, 2010 - Luke Fickell was announced as Interim Couch for the 2011 Season.<br />
<br />
<strong>June</strong> was a super busy month! The first Tuesday in June brought a dream of mine to reality. I planned, coordinated and hosted a Summer Bible Study at Villa de Megalicious on Tuesday evenings for teen girls going into or already in High School. It was a blessing and challenge - all at once. We studied <a href="http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/">"Lies Young Women Believe: and The Truth that Sets them Free"</a>. I had 4 girls who attended/participated each week. I'm hoping to continue a similar ministry this summer as well. In addition to the Bible Study, I also spent most non-working hours finalizing plans for VBS at IBC! Emily, along with the IBC teens spent a week in Utah doing Backyard Bible Clubs - and I was happy to work with the Bible Teachers to get them ready for their ministry. Their week show an increase in attendance each night and more of a connection to the church with the kids in that neighborhood - but best of all, it held the Spiritual Birthday of one of the kids who attended!. June held a small cut in Kari's apron strings, as Sophia attended her first year of Summer Camp at Scioto Hills - and had great week of growth both developmentally and spiritually.<br />
<br />
<strong>July </strong>means extended amounts of sunshine, lots of time at the pool, yummy food at picnics and fireworks! And this year was no different! Gold Rush 2011, was a great week of ministry at IBC and we saw 90 kids attend VBS. IBC is blessed with many talented people that made my job of VBS Director. We continue to reach out to the VBS attendees through various means in hopes of seeing many attend IBC on a regular basis and begin/restore/continue a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once VBS had come to an end, I had more time to enjoy the extended amounts of sunlight and free time in the evening. Ayana played soccer this summer and loved it, so many Saturday mornings you could find me on the sidelines cheering her on. Elijah began Mai Thai - and I was able to catch a couple of his classes as well. The Kiddos spent a weekend with me, and we had a blast hanging at the pool, watching movies, walking to meet Jenni and Ryan for pizza, and just making memories! The Bible Study continued on Tuesday evenings - and was always a highlight to my week. The US State Department gave me permission to leave the country by granting me a passport - which worked out for plans I had made for August.<br />
<br />
<strong>August</strong> brought a trip of a lifetime! Ryan, Jenni, Tim, Lisa and I (C5) boarded a plane in the wee hours of Saturday, August 13 and headed to CANCUN, MEXICO!!! OH it was wonderful, beautiful, peaceful, restful and every thing I thought it would be. The water was crystal clear, the white sand sparkled like diamonds, the hot sun baked us to golden tans {some more than others}, the food was outrageously delicious, the people were hardworking and hospitable, the experiences of the culture were eye opening and the memories will last a lifetime! August also brought one of the hardest days in the life of our family, as Terry (the kiddos father) was sentenced to four years in prison for his part in the accident from October, 2010. This was and has been the hardest part of our year - helping the kiddos understand and grasp this reality - was not and continues to be something we face on any given day. They are still very happy children, who are active in various activities and doing well in school. But once again their normal changed - and they (we) are still adjusting to this new normal. August brings the end of the Summer - and the start of a new school year. Hayden started his Sophomore at ODU and looking at internships for the Summer of 2012; Emily became a Junior and has begun the college selection process; Sophia entered 3rd grade, she loves arts and crafts, and is looking forward to playing basketball in January 2012; Elijah began 2nd grade and continues to love math and Lego's, and is becoming a Hockey fan; Ayana entered 1st grade and has acquired a love for reading, she wants to be a teacher one day, and she continues to keeps us laughing with her random remarks to life. August ended by celebrating Gabriella's first birthday. She is such a joy to our family and is growing so quickly. Her smile and personality are such a blessing to all of us. She knows how to say "more", "eat" and "thank you" in sign-language...in addition to learning to speak some basic 16 month words.<br />
<br />
<strong>September</strong> began with Kari and the kiddos spending Labor Day Weekend Saturday with me poolside at VdM! We swam and soaked int the sun all day, ending the day with meeting Jenni for dinner that evening - it was a great day! Elijah decided he wanted to (as he says it) "show everyone that I (he) am a child of God's", and went forward for baptism. September also had me on the road again! As if Cancun wasn't enough the C5 filled a mini-van with duffle bags, coolers of cold beverages and containers of snacks - and headed for Nashville! We toured the Opyland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry - where we sang "You are My Sunshine" on the stage. We walked all over Downtown Nashville and toured the Country Music Hall of Fame. Again, it was a great weekend! The next weekend found me meeting another food challenge - planning, preparing and cooking breakfast for the BFL/MRC Board and volunteers. I had been looking forward to this challenge for a long time! Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and I had several ask for recipes and if I catered or would consider catering other events! OH YIKES - not sure if I'm ready for all of that...I just LOVE to cook/bake for others! The Ohio State football team had a rough start to what was a very rough season. I returned as an IT leader, again this year.<br />
<br />
<strong>October</strong> was a semi low-key month. I enjoyed the slow pace of the month. I took some time off towards the end of the month and enjoyed time of relaxation. I was able to go apple picking with Steve and his family, along with Wendy's Mom, Dad and Step-Mom...one of my favorite Fall Activities! The annual Thornton Family Harvest Party was again a highlight to kicking off the upcoming Thanksgiving/Christmas season. The kiddos allowed me to join them for Trick-Or-Treat again this year, and that was a lot of fun! I enjoyed the Missions Conference at IBC and the IT Missionary Progressive Dinner. The semi low-key schedule also allowed me to "get in" several of Emily's Volleyball games - where is was co-Captain of the Varsity team. <br />
<br />
<strong>November</strong> brought Elijah getting baptised! It is always a highlight and blessing when you see someone in your family following Christ, in this act of obedience. Since there were no movies out that I wanted to see, I enjoyed pizza and movies at VdM on Veteran's Day. Ryan turned 30 this year - but he didn't allow for a big party. Heaven became a sweeter place on November 12, when Joan lost her battle with cancer and entered the joy of her reward. Thanksgiving Day I spent having breakfast with Mom, Dad, Jenni, Kari and the Kiddos - then went to Jenni's for the morning and most of the afternoon to look at ads and make our plan of attack. Jenni, Kari and I went, saw and conquered Toys R Us that evening- and then Jenni and I met up with Ryan (later joined by Tracy, Emily and Katie) at Kohl's. We shopped for about an hour and waited in line for another three...okay we were still able to shop during those three hours, depending on which section of the store we were in. Kohl's was followed by hitting up Steak-n-Shake at 4:00 a.m., then off to Old Navy at 5:00 a.m.. I was in bed by 6:00 a.m., and got up at 11:00 to hit the stores again - Kari joined us again that afternoon! The Thornton Family Thanksgiving was a great time as usual,, with good food and lots of laughter, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving...even though the Buckeyes lost to the team up North for the first time in 10 years. The T.E.A.C.H. team did a wonderful job of using their talents to minister in Jr. Church for the month...it is such a joy to watch the teens willingly use their gifts to honor God and minister to others.<br />
<br />
<strong>December</strong> of course brought everything Christmas! But before that, came the announcement of Urban Meyer as head coach of the Ohio State Football Team....later in the month we learned that Ohio State would be made an example of by the NCAA, and their decision of punishment on the scandal that had broken one year before. The Christmas Concert at IBC was a great way to kick off the Christmas season...we are so blessed by many beautiful musical talents. Many in the family kept the tradition of sorting cards at IBC alive for the 24th year - we sorted over 1,700 cards this year. Christmas Eve at Jenni's included the addition of Ryan, his parents, brothers and Grandma Betty - we had a great time of food, games and lots of laughter. Christmas Eve also took Steve's family back at Wendy's dad's - which was a blessing for them! Christmas Day was filled with our traditions at Kari's, Church and then to Mom and Dad's for the family gift exchange. Later that evening some of us headed downtown for our annual visit to the State Auto Nativity and ended the night playing The LOGO Board Game. I've taken my traditional week-off from work, and I'm enjoying lots of time with family and relaxation.<br />
<br />
2011 was the year of mixed emotions and new challenges - some self-imposed and others not so much, but I must admit, it was all in all a great year! 2012 is going to be a year of BIG changes for me, HARD changes - but changes that need to be made. However, I know that I will not walk this road alone - God will lead me and is leading me in these changes, and I'll have my family and friends to hold me up physically and emotionally when the road gets too steep. <br />
<br />
Good-bye 2011 and Hello 2012!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-52338639453325944692011-12-25T02:07:00.000-05:002011-12-31T02:08:32.730-05:00"I Believe..."<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zQBDtKC-cQ0?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-62859935182874595232011-10-02T17:22:00.002-04:002011-10-02T17:23:41.588-04:00Order Up...A few months ago I was asked to prepare an appreciation breakfast - for the Maternity Resource Center housed at IBC. WOW - I was honored, thrilled and challenged. After giving it some thought I agreed to the challenge! I had never been the sole provider of a meal of this magnitude. Approximately 40 people would be attending and I was the creating of the menu and prepare of the food. I was so excited. I began thinking through ideas - making sure I had a large variety and tried to meet various dietary restrictions, food allergies, etc. Alas I developed a menu that provided variety, tastes of the season and could be semi-easily prepared. In early June I sent the menu to the board for their reviewand approval. APPROVED!<br />
<br />
The breakfast was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24. I knew that most of my baked good/pastry-like items would need to be prepared prior to that morning leaving ample oven space and time for those items that had to be handled the morning of. So I blocked off all of Friday evening to bake and prep dishes for Saturday. With the help of my Mom and youngest sister, I was able to accomplish all of my goals for Friday evening, and then they did a tag team operation on Saturday to provide additional assistance. I was doing well with the stress and only began to min-freak out around 8:15 when I wasn't sure I'd meet my deadline. Breakfast lines would open at 9:15 a.m. - following a welcome and prayer. I was at the church on Friday from 6:15 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - my youngest nieces and nephew did assist in making/prepping some of the dishes and also begin gracious taste testers...their favorite the Apple Pie Muffins. We had a few oops moments - but we recovered them nicely...actually the dish we had the biggest OOPS with - was a dish that everyone raved over! I did receive a few "war wounds" - a couple of burns...one will be left on my arm as a reminder of this personal food challenge!<br />
<br />
My goal was to be back at IBC by 6:30 a.m. - but thanks to the heavy fog that morning I was 10 min. late to making that goal. However, I quickly made up the time and breakfast was ready to be served at 9:08 a.m. - can I get a "WOOT WOOT!" I thought I'd share some of the recipes with you. Many of the ladies who attended asked for copies - and those have been e-mailed. A couple of other ladies even asked if I catered or would consider catering...WOWZAS really? I never thought my food was catering quality. But I told them that while I don't have a catering business, I'm always open to considering an opportunity to bless others with my love of food.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>~Menu~</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breakfast Casserole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Veggie Breakfast Casserole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sausage Pinwheels</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Redskin Roasters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cinnamon Rolls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homemade Granola Bars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coffee Cakes - Cinnamon Swirl, Blueberry Sour Cream and Pumpkin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muffins - Wild Berry and Apple Pie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fruit - Grapes, Bananas, Oranges, Cantaloupe (the non-listeria outbreak version) and Strawberries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drinks - Coffee (Reg & Decaf), Assorted Hot Tea, Milk, Juice - Orange and Cranberry</div>
<br />
A few of the recipes I used are below...I knew you'd want your own copy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake</u></strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: "Help My Family is Hungry")</span><br />
<br />
1 package yellow cake mix<br />
1 package (3 ounces) vanilla instant pudding<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 cup chopped pecans<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
3 tablespoons cinnamon<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350*, Spray Bundt pan with vegetable oil.<br />
<br />
Place cake mix, pudding mix, oil, eggs and sour cream in a mixing bowl, and beat on low with an electric mixer for 8 minutes. In a small bowl stir together remaining ingredients.<br />
<br />
Pour a third of the cake batter into prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle 1/3 of the sugar mixture on top. Draw a knife through the two mixtures to create a marble effect. Repeat two more times, using remaining batter and sugar mixture.<br />
<br />
Bake 1 hour. Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then dump onto serving platter. <em>(I sprinkled the top with confectioner's sugar) </em>Servings: 12<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Pumpkin Coffee Cake</u></strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Allrecipes.com)</span><br />
<br />
Topping:<br />
1/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
2 tablespoons cold butter <em>(I only use real butter)</em><br />
1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />
<br />
Cake:<br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
3/4 cup canned pumpkin<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325*. Spray and flour a 9x13 cake pan.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, combine sugars and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans; set aside. <br />
<br />
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the sour cream, pumpkin and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Beat on low just until blended. Spread batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with topping mixture. <br />
<br />
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Servings: 16<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake</u> </strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Allrecipes.com)</span><br />
<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 5/8 cup all purpose flour <em>(5/8 is 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons)</em><br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cups fresh or frozen blueberries <em>(I used fresh)</em><br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />
Confectioner's sugar for dusting<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350*. Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into the batter, just until blended. Fold in the blueberries.<br />
<br />
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in pan. Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle with remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.<br />
<br />
Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the crown of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate - tap firmly to remove from pan. Dust with confectioner's sugar just before serving. Servings: 12<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Sausage Pinwheels (aka Sausage Swirly Doos)</u></strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Allrecipes.com)</span><br />
1 pound Sausage Roll (uncooked)<br />
1 can crescent roll dough<br />
Shredded cheddar cheese<br />
<br />
Remove crescent roll dough from the can. DO NOT separate rolls. Roll out dough to a 16x4 inch rectangle - pulling dough as needed, making sure not to create holes in the dough. Carefully spread uncooked sausage in and even layer over the dough. Sprinkle with desired amount of shredded cheese. Roll the dough lengthwise to form a long roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 15 min.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350*. Using a serrated knife, cut dough into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place on an ungreased baking sheet (make sure it has edges). Bake 15-20 minutes, or until sausage is cooked through. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Apple Pie Muffins</strong></u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Allrecipes.com)</span><br />
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 egg<br />
1 cup buttermilk<br />
1/2 cup butter, melted<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar<br />
2 cups diced apples <em>(I used Fuji)</em><br />
<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/3 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper muffin cups. <br />
<br />
In a large bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until sugar has dissolved. Pour into the flour mixture and sprinkle the diced apple into the bowl as well. Stir just until everything is blended. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin, filling the cups almost to the top. <br />
<br />
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour and cinnamon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter while tossing with a fork until well blended. Sprinkle this over the tops of the muffins. <br />
<br />
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed. Servings: 12<br />
<br />
<br />
ORDER UP...ENJOY!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-283133608894324542011-08-31T22:59:00.009-04:002011-09-01T00:48:11.589-04:00Cupcake Stand: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting...<div align="center"></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmLM4gyCxomZuEVbVTvnatimrlvl0Lv1GbKsEZAlIV64Twjs1FHIkpI0eB0swlX6Aw8JgA2QXS-EaNuHAumbKePKR5NWY7ukwI3IwUbgGe9FJwzSjLyuzzKCeOmZtrFtZr5r2uURFO7Y/s1600/100_3406.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647243373794285042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmLM4gyCxomZuEVbVTvnatimrlvl0Lv1GbKsEZAlIV64Twjs1FHIkpI0eB0swlX6Aw8JgA2QXS-EaNuHAumbKePKR5NWY7ukwI3IwUbgGe9FJwzSjLyuzzKCeOmZtrFtZr5r2uURFO7Y/s320/100_3406.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Well those who follow know - I LOVE to cook and bake!! Being that this is one of my greatest passions - I subscribe to several magazines that monthly give me ideas of new items to try and plenty of cooking/baking tips! One of my favorite subscriptions is a small little magazine that comes out quarterly by Kraft - <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/foodfamilyarchive/foodandfamilyarchivelanding.aspx">"Food & Family"</a>. It was a free publication for many years, but like every other good thing...that too came to an end. Last year do the increase in...well everything....they began charging for their quarterly magazine. It's only $6.00 a year...and it's SO worth it for all the wonderful recipes and ideas you get! Last week I was thrilled when I opened my mail box and found the Fall, 2011 edition waiting for me to crack open! <em>I become giddy when new food magazines arrive! :)</em> So many yummy ideas and recipes for Autumn <em>(my favorite season!)</em> - but one particular stood out, and I knew I had too try this recipe sooner rather than later...Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting!
<br />
<br />Recently C-bus has been experiencing the cooler mornings and evenings that come with this time of year...typical late August/early September weather in these parts! So I've been thinking of getting the kitchen warmed up with delicious yumminess again! <em>(While I love to cook/bake the Summer is always so busy and super hot - so I don't cook/bake as much as I do throughout the rest of the year!)</em> Last night was a good night to turn on the oven and bake! There was a steady cool breeze blowing in the window - so it made standing in a warm kitchen bearable. After the last night of the Girls Summer Bible Study - I ran to the store to pick up a few items that I didn't have on hand - and was thankful that I had stocked up on a few cans of pumpkin last Fall...since they didn't have it available yet in the store! I was very eager to get home and try this new recipe. As soon as I opened the Spice Cake Mix - I could smell Autumn swoosh out of the box. Instantly the room was filled with the aroma of hearty pungent spices. Then when the can of pumpkin opened, it was as if Thanksgiving had just walked into the room! The aroma of baking pumpkin and spices filled all three levels of Villa de Megalicious, in what felt like an instant - even this morning the smell lingered in the kitchen!
<br />
<br />I've shared the finished product them with a few people - and they are no longer lurking around VdM waiting for me to consume...which my diet appreciates! There reactions were all very similar "mmm" and "oh this is really good" - all with the first bite still in their mouth!
<br />
<br />If you love pumpkin - this one is for you! It would compliment a hot cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea! Enjoy!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKTux1ETskULwKSYf7LPpRecO6tNKNrBNp7DzBvWJNfrIKeC3Bb0xo7R5bD-3oMIBKrbcAhkjDtn1roUvL1BJfdaZJQLBP8ChG9mNevBWdKTMlIN4uvSbgLKP8DtsjWPH7s3WBJAd_9U/s1600/100_3404.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647243361137705138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKTux1ETskULwKSYf7LPpRecO6tNKNrBNp7DzBvWJNfrIKeC3Bb0xo7R5bD-3oMIBKrbcAhkjDtn1roUvL1BJfdaZJQLBP8ChG9mNevBWdKTMlIN4uvSbgLKP8DtsjWPH7s3WBJAd_9U/s320/100_3404.jpg" /></a></p>
<br />
<br /><p>
<br /><em><u>Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting </u></em>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Source Kraft - Food & Family Fall, 2011)</span>
<br />Makes 24 cupcakes <em>(although I got 30 out of my batch)</em>
<br />
<br />1 package (2-layer size) spice cake
<br />1 cup Sour Cream <em>(I used Kroger Brand)</em>
<br />1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
<br />1/4 cup oil
<br />3 eggs
<br />1 package (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened <em>(I used Kroger Brand)</em>
<br />1/4 cup butter, softened <em>(I used REAL butter - its the only kind to use when baking/cooking)</em>
<br />1 tsp. vanilla
<br />1 package (16 oz) powdered sugar <em>(again Kroger brand)</em>
<br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
<br />
<br /><strong>Heat</strong> oven to 350*
<br /><strong></strong>
<br /><strong>Beat</strong> first 5 ingredients with mixer until well blended; spoon into 24 paper lined muffin cups.<em> (I use the Pampered Chef large scoop when filling cupcake/muffin tins</em>).
<br />
<br /><strong>Bake</strong> 20 to 22 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; remove from pans. Cool completely.
<br /><strong></strong>
<br /><strong>Beat</strong> cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a large bowl with mixer until well blended. Gradually beat in sugar. Blend in cinnamon. Spread over cupcakes.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMsUNnHgacUoG1jkntnmZmzrksoHiSk-DI3cJvTvxZmXeeM3QyuBFC6_NYyouLWFaA6lt4oxqVmCTaC_tulGjr_-rZvOqMp165jmNPn25rL9n8XOx5Ck7OiJY5nEDvNaaNuhmuhs_l_k/s1600/100_3405.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647243369623747026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMsUNnHgacUoG1jkntnmZmzrksoHiSk-DI3cJvTvxZmXeeM3QyuBFC6_NYyouLWFaA6lt4oxqVmCTaC_tulGjr_-rZvOqMp165jmNPn25rL9n8XOx5Ck7OiJY5nEDvNaaNuhmuhs_l_k/s320/100_3405.jpg" /></a><em> </em></p>
<br /><p><em>S</em><em>tore frosted cupcakes in refrigerator.</em>
<br />
<br />**<strong><u>TIP</u></strong>: When making muffins and cupcakes - to reduce air pockets in your batter...once tins are filled lightly tap the pan on the counter a few times to reduce bubbles, helping to reduce empty pockets of air in your finished product. This also works for cake batters.**
<br />
<br /><em>P.S. My mom has already requested these be at our family Thanksgiving!!</em> </p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-1387543585213045722011-08-30T23:45:00.005-04:002011-08-31T00:09:11.719-04:00SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA...I received the challenge below in an e-mail. It was a forward of a forward of a forward - you get the picture! :) But in my recent quest to try to seize the day, to enjoy life - the big and small parts, and to slow my busy life down...I found this random e-mail to be rather thought provoking and challenging! So I thought I'd share it with each of you!
<br />
<br />
<br /><blockquote>
<br /><p>Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they
<br />haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was
<br />coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.
<br />
<br />I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a
<br />little more flexible. How many women out there will eat at home because
<br />their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been
<br />thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?
<br />
<br />How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy ' on television?
<br />
<br />I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few days ago. We never did have lunch together.
<br />
<br />Because we cram so much into our lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.
<br />
<br />Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'
<br />
<br />When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is
<br />contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
<br />
<br />My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.
<br />
<br />Now....go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? I had a friend from high school that I was always going to call and never did. The other day her name was in the obituaries so we never had that chat.
<br />
<br />Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.
<br />
<br />Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask, 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?
<br />
<br />When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' and in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'?
<br />
<br />When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
<br /></p></blockquote>
<br />What about you...are you making the most of every day, every situation, every moment of this gift you have called life?
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-46454115320945225392011-06-27T22:39:00.006-04:002011-06-27T23:34:41.925-04:00Simple Woman's Daybook 06.27.11Outside my window...is a semi-muggy summer's night, with random cool breezes blowing in the window.<br /><br />I am thinking...that I really should be going to bed early tonight - it's already 11:00 p.m.<br /><br />I am thankful...for my job! Tomorrow I'll celebrate one year at my current employer! God has taught me so much this year.<br /><br />From the learning rooms...well I'm learning a lot of general life lessons right now. I was especially challenged by yesterday's sermon, specifically the point of...having faith to follow without knowing all the details and leaving those things that are familiar!<br /><br />In the kitchen...I'm starting to work on some original recipes - one involves Chicken and Doritos!<br /><br />I am wearing...my favorite pair of jean capris and a red shirt with a firework on it - gearing up for the Fourth of July!!<br /><br />I am creating...a list of things to pack, do and purchase before I head on a very special trip!<br /><br />I am going...to be super busy at work for the next two weeks, as we wrap up the details for Huntington Credit College.<br /><br />I am wondering...how Sophia is doing at her first night of Summer Camp!! I'm so excited for her!!<br /><br />I am reading...a few different things - but mainly "Lies Young Women Believe - and the Truth that Sets Them Free". It's the book we are studying in the Summer Bible/Book study I'm leading on Tuesday evenings for girls 8th Grade and above.<br /><br />I am hoping...everything goes well with VBS, it starts in less than 2 weeks - and I'm starting to reach panic mode.<br /><br />I am looking forward to...having the girls back tomorrow evening for our Bible/Book Study<br /><br />I am hearing...the dancing fountain and nightly bug/critter noises.<br /><br />Around the house...I'm enjoying the perennial garden on my back patio. Trying to figure out what to do in the front.<br /><br />I am pondering...a few things - nothing I'm ready to share just yet.<br /><br />One of my favorite things...Red, White & Boom and various other firework displays this weekend! I LOVE FIREWORKS!!<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Bible/Book Study, Church, RW&B, fireworks displays and time with friends, celebrating my Momma's birthday!<br /><br />Praying for...IBC, Terry, opportunities to share Christ in word and action, Christy, VBS, Joan and family.<br /><br />A verse to share: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 (ESV)<br /><br />A lyric to share:<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/775yhAx7b8g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-11668349601823764782011-06-24T01:13:00.005-04:002011-06-25T00:06:46.375-04:00Singled Out...Last weekend I attended a wedding.<br /><br />Weddings are always a very bittersweet event for me.<br /><br />I'm always excited to celebrate with the happy couple! I can't wait to see the beautiful dress! The way the church and reception hall are decorated! The smile on the Bride's face that lights up the room! The pride of the Groom watching his Bride walk down the aisle!<br /><br />I'm reminded of my singleness. I'm reminded of the void in my life - that I long to fill. I'm sitting alone - filled with love to offer someone, yet no one wants my love. I'm one of only a few my age that's not been given this gift. I'm reminded of my incompleteness as the Pastor talks about how the couple coming together complete each other.<br /><br />Last weekend I attended a wedding and two things happened that singled out, my singleness.<br /><br />After the wedding, a lady approached me in the parking lot - handed me a baseball glove and smiled...actually laughed as she handed it to me. I asked what it was for - she said, "its to help you catch the bouquet". And then laughed some more, harder. I just looked at her. I really wanted to just cry. I really wanted to tell her how cruel that was. I really wanted to take the glove and smack her in the face with it - to be completely honest. Where did she find the humor in this? How would she feel if I made fun of or made light of a circumstance in her life that she wished were different? How would she feel if I were her daughter, and someone else did that to me? How would she feel if she knew that inside my heart, that was already tender, was now breaking into even smaller pieces because of her cruel joke. She continued to smirk, as I handed the glove back and said - "no thanks". Never once cracking a smile. I hope she got my point. I hope she saw my hurt - although I don't think she did.<br /><br />I went to the reception. It was beautiful. The food was very good. The traditional dances began - first dance, father/daughter mother/son. A special slow dance was played for all the married couples - it was nice. The couple married the longest had been married for 54 years - and they were dancing as if it were their wedding day. Then the DJ announced that another slow song would play. This time for those who aren't married. I realize that was for dating couples, friends who dance together, etc. But did they really have to choose a slow song for the single people in the room to dance to - it just rubbed me the wrong way. I was probably overreacting and being ultra sensitive - <em>those are the usual comments single people get when their feelings are hurt on that subject, we aren't supposed to allow our feelings to be hurt - apparently</em>. I said "oh yeah - who are the single people supposed to dance with to a song like this - when it's just them". Someone at the table said I could dance with my sister. That comment just burned through me like a flaming sword. Between the situation in the parking lot and that comment my feelings were now officially stomped to the ground and hurt. <em>How can people be so inconsiderate? Don't they know that singles already feel alone, unwanted and not worthy of the gift of love?</em> I reacted - and my words were harsh. I was wrong for not controlling my words or emotions. When others at the table went to get cake - I left. I didn't want to be in this place any longer. I didn't want to have to force a smile - when inside I just wanted to hide in the darkest corner and cry. So I left - the room was dark and I could sneak out. Actually, when I left no one even said goodbye - they probably didn't see me leaving, and I was okay with that. I need to just leave. <em>I know it sounds like I was making it all about me - but I wasn't...others were making it all about me by their comments.</em><br /><br />The next day at church immediately after the service the person who made the comment - approached me with tears in their eyes and apologized. They were very sincere. They said they didn't mean to offend me, they just wanted me to be able to dance. I accepted their apology, and I apologized for my reaction.<br /><br />The lady with the baseball glove...she probably still thinks it's funny and has no idea how much it hurt. She actually did the same thing that same day, in a similar manner to another single person while they waited to be dismissed from the ceremony - it hurt them too. But they were stronger than me - they were able to appease the lady and give a little laugh.<br /><br />Moral of this Story: For someone who longs to be married - singleness is not a laughing matter...and the last thing a single person wants to be is the punch line of some one's "single" joke and singled out.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-19614034557185361602011-06-24T01:00:00.004-04:002011-06-24T01:06:28.409-04:00"Blessings..."<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1CSVqHcdhXQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Blessings are daily gifts from God - they don't always come in the wrapping paper we expect or want...but the "wrong wrapping paper" doesn't make them any less of a blessing.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-39258907153078058412011-06-23T22:59:00.004-04:002011-06-24T00:09:07.919-04:00What up??...<p>Hi Friends!! Were you afraid I had forgotten about my blog...I haven't! I actually think of it often, but I've not taken the time to update! A friend, follower and fellow blogger sent me a text the other day with a soft reminder that it's been awhile since I've blogged...and she is VERY right.<br /><br />A lot has happened since I last posted...let's see, here are some highlights - </p><br /><ul><br /><li>I helped coordinate a wedding for two of my bestest friends! It was a very lovely day and they both looked stunning!</li><br /><li>I've started on my scripture memory quest - currently working on Proverbs 31. Titus 2 is next.</li><br /><li>I cooked Easter Dinner for my family!</li><br /><li>I've had overnight guests - twice!!</li><br /><li>I've purchased and was approved for a passport!! Oh snap!!</li><br /><li>I've purchased tickets for a trip - more details to come after that occurs! Let's just say - I can't wait!! :)</li><br /><li>I, along with the rest of the family, participated in my neighborhood carport sale! It was a semi-success. The items I didn't sell - I loaded in to the car and donated them to charity. I figured it they are outside of my house - they aren't going back in!! It was so nice to get rid of stuff that I don't use any more. I also signed up for the local Kidney Foundation to put me on their monthly pick-up schedule - so I can continue to the process of simplifying.</li><br /><li>I've started recycling - some...I need to get better at this!</li><br /><li>I've lost 20 pounds! This has been a huge task for me...I have 40 more to go. I just love food so much!! But I'm learning to love exercise, and the way I feel in my clothes now!</li><br /><li>I planted a perennial garden, on my back patio! I love it! My mom got me a couple of solar globes stakes for my Birthday, and I put them in this garden - they change various colors starting at dusk and rotate throughout the night - I love it!</li><br /><li>I celebrated my Birthday! I hosted a pottery painting party at my favorite studio for friends and family- and it was a lot of fun!! Jenni provided the delicious food at this party and at my family cook-out. I also enjoyed two other birthday dinners!!</li><br /><li>VBS is just around the corner, so I've been busy coordinating and planning - I'm so anxious and excited for it to be here.</li><br /><li>Because of the enormous amount of leaves at Villa de Megalicious, and because I felt like I was going to go crazy keeping up with cleaning them up - I purchased a leaf blower/mulcher dealy-o...it looks like a bazooka and it's almost as tall as I am <em>(STOP LAUGHING!!)</em> . Let's just say - I could be dangerous. But so far - I've not broken a nail! :)</li><br /><li>I've started creating some of the cleaning, home maintenance, holiday/seasonal decorating schedules.</li><br /><li>I've started working on a couple of original recipes!</li><br /><li>I'm hosting/coordinating a Book/Bible Study for teen girls (8th grade and above) in my home this summer! We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. We are studying "Lies Young Women Believe - and the Truth that Will Set Them Free" - I highly recommend this book!! I have four girls that attend, and it's a great opportunity to build a connection with them and to invest into their lives.</li><br /><li>I've started disciplining/witnessing to a teen girl who is facing various struggles/issues right now. I must say, I don't feel equipped to fill this roll - but God has given me the right words, verses, etc. just as I need them. We are building a connection, and I'm hoping that our time together is helping her. She's not a believer, but attends a church faithfully - she knows her need of salvation, she's just not ready yet (those are her words, not mine). So that has been something we've talked about in great detail.</li><br /><li>I assisted in coordinating IBC's Mother/Daughter Luncheon! I enjoyed it a great deal, although it was one of the more stressful events I've planned!</li><br /><li>I've been at Huntington for almost one year now...hard to believe, I know!</li><br /><li>Meg's Meal Ministry is slowly getting back up and "running". I was able this week to provide a meal for a young family who has been visiting our church. I have a list of meals to make and people to have in my home...I just need to make the time. I'm hoping that the mid-July early August I'll be able to be doing more in this area - and increasing it in the coming months.</li><br /><li>I was asked to make an appreciation breakfast for volunteers who work in our church's Maternity Resource Center. It's not until September - but I'm so excited about this. I've never done anything like this for so many people (40 ish)...and I'm looking forward to the challenge!! </li><br /><li>We are doing some Life Skills classes with the ladies @ IBC (High School age and above) - and I was asked to teach a class on Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker Cooking. That's coming up at some point this Summer/early Fall. I must say, this one I'm a little nervous about! We have many wonderful cooks at IBC - and I really hope I am able to meet the desires/expectations of the ladies in the class!! I'm hoping to show them crock-pots aren't only for making Soup or Pot Roast.</li></ul><br /><p>As you can see - a lot has occurred, and hopefully you see why I've not posted in a while. I feel I'm missing some thing - and it's probably something big. But honestly - I'm starting to see a pattern, that I don't like - I'm using the word "I" a lot! It's not really I that is doing all of this - it's actually God. He is the one who is providing and working in many of these areas - I'm just a vessel He is choosing to use. Several items on here are part of the goals I've set for myself - and while some are things I've purposely begun or started...some are simply doors that I've seen God open...the Crock-Pot class, disciplining the teen girl, the appreciation breakfast opportunity. I must say that it's exciting to see what God is doing in my life and through me - and while right now I'm feeling slightly disconnected from a place that once felt like home - I'm rejoicing that I'm very connected to God, and I'm enjoying walking with Him...following His lead.</p><br /><p>More to come...on those things listed above and other topics not yet discussed! Hope you are still following me!! :)</p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-14097804710022950962011-04-10T14:34:00.008-04:002011-04-10T15:34:04.009-04:00SCARIEST 30 seconds of my life...Yesterday's agenda had only a few "to do" items, and honestly was one of the slowest Saturdays on my calendar in the next few weeks - so I was looking forward to just keeping it slow and steady. I had hosted the teen girls at my home on Friday evening for a youth event - so I knew I had to get them up, fed and out the door by 8:00 a.m. Then I was going to get ready for my day...1) Shopping with my parents and Jenni for a new chair for Dad @ 10:00; and 2) going to Anthony Thomas to see Hayden dressed as the Easter Bunny and a tour of the Chocolate Factory at some point before 3:00 p.m. Like I said, pretty low key. <br /><br />I arrived at Mom and Dad's around 10:00. While we were waiting for Jenni, Mom offered me a piece of coffee cake <em>(Jenni made it and it's the BEST coffee cake recipe EVER!).</em> I asked for a small piece and Mom warmed her's with butter in the microwave. As we were just starting to enjoy our cake and some catch-up convo <em>(I hadn't had my parents to myself in a few weeks - so I was taking full advantage of that special time!),</em> Mom sat her plate down on the table beside her - said, "Man I got a hot piece", then place her hand on her head. I looked at her and asked if she was okay. She didn't respond - I asked again. Her head slumped down and her body began to briefly tremble. She still was not responding. I continued to forcefully, but as calmly as I could say "Mom, Mom are you okay" - while shaking her shoulder. She still didn't respond. By this point I was in front of her, looking at her square on - calling her name. Her left arm and hand then began to shake. <em>In my mind I thought I was watching my Mom have a Stroke before my eyes. I was scared - but remained calm.</em> She then looked at me - her face was pale, and her beautiful blue eyes were glassy and had great fear in them. She still didn't respond, but her left hand grab hold of mine and held it tight. Then just as quickly as it happened - the color flooded back to her face and she responded..."I got a hot piece." I then sat down again next to her, still holding her hand and asked how she felt. "I feel fine, I just got a hot piece." She then agreed to needing a glass of water. As I walked from the living room to the kitchen, my heart was racing and my legs felt like they were made of jello. Mom quickly sat on the couch, sipping her water and I was itching for Jenni to get there. Dad had called 911 - but when she "snapped" back he told them we were okay. <em>I thought, "You and Mom might be okay - but I'm totally 100% freaked out." </em>I then went outside to cool down, process what I just witnessed and wait for Jenni to arrive. As soon as Jenni arrived, I went to her car, jumped in and lost it - tears were rolling as I was trying to explain what just happened. She jumped out, went in to asses the situation and demanded that Mom be checked out. Mom was very resistant - but we told her it had to happen. So to keep the peace, she went - but told us it was a waste of time. Jenni, Mom and I headed for the ER - while Dad called Steve and Kari. Soon Steve was at the ER and Kari was with Dad at the house. Mom seemed to be right back to herself - but we knew it was very important for her to "be seen"...just to make sure. <br /><br />We then spent the next four hours in the ER. After blood work, being put on a heart monitor, an EKG, and a CT scan it was determined that the episode was not related to her heart or a neurological condition/issue. Rather a reaction of her Vagal nerve, located in your GI track. Apparently when this nerve reacts it causes stroke like symptoms. This nerve reacts when you eat something that is extremely hot or cold, it drops your blood pressure drop and until your body "resets" itself you experience it exactly what my Mom experienced. <br /><br />We are so thankful that Mom is fine, now. She got home and went right back to doing what she always does - taking care of Dad, laundry, reading with the grand kids, laughing and just being my absolutely wonderfully beautiful Mom that I love so much. By the way - she was really hoping to finish off that coffee cake, but it was thrown away when one of the grand kids volunteered to do the dishes while Mom was in the ER. <br /><br />The entire episode felt like it took 30 minutes...but 30 seconds would be more accurate. Either way it was THE SCARIEST 30 seconds of my life. <br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDwfzax0Ppy9JVLQqu_DnwHXV8-AnpoT_AUMqTgtMPte9_DrxlH9XhsSNKG8CDq76kgDOQkkcOkmVrLnw_3kzt16KhwatYelk9fDf-LwCy4MxvZCO40QQNkKkIf-sKoUpH0x5LM2-Dzw/s1600/Me+and+Mom.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDwfzax0Ppy9JVLQqu_DnwHXV8-AnpoT_AUMqTgtMPte9_DrxlH9XhsSNKG8CDq76kgDOQkkcOkmVrLnw_3kzt16KhwatYelk9fDf-LwCy4MxvZCO40QQNkKkIf-sKoUpH0x5LM2-Dzw/s320/Me+and+Mom.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594039816213329714" /></a>Mom and I - Summer, 2009 in Panama City Beach </span></div><br /><div align="left"><em>btw...shopping for the chair will be another day, and seeing Hayden as the Easter Bunny will come again next year.</em></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-74029491499174095282011-04-06T21:31:00.012-04:002011-04-10T14:33:05.630-04:0040 by (May) 2016 – 40 Goals to accomplish by the time I’m 40!!!...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5OYUHaPvVDWUYBHsuyq_hI5cihR8xplvftgtWbmqntyZHmwKIZvtXuZeDPxMLOblgQlydnyrweGC8uNTT_s4ZlGZ8HbtT8iPvjICGYx_96fmcIgpUsnDmImX7vTyEOadtz26isLIBCI/s1600/goals-wishes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592662608012206994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5OYUHaPvVDWUYBHsuyq_hI5cihR8xplvftgtWbmqntyZHmwKIZvtXuZeDPxMLOblgQlydnyrweGC8uNTT_s4ZlGZ8HbtT8iPvjICGYx_96fmcIgpUsnDmImX7vTyEOadtz26isLIBCI/s320/goals-wishes.jpg" /></a>Well my birthday is soon approaching...it's not for another month and a half, but it's on my mind - I LOVE birthdays, especially MINE! Although I must admit I'm not - or I should say, I wasn't - looking forward to this one...its a milestone birthday! And quite honestly, I wasn't happy about it's arrival, because there were two things I wanted most of all to be present in my life by this time - and they aren't. I NEVER thought I would be 35...single (not even a perspective date in sight), and childless. When I was younger and dreamed of life at this age - I dreamed of marriage and a house full of children (4 minimum). But that's not what God has planned for my life, and I've really struggled with this for some time now...more and more as the birthday gets closer. <br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DbHyeE2fTN5SoP0dOptfKIda0UhMgwyaBJ_0qWVjfNpSwlqaX-q3Nv3uOu9YppKNXsTVGgvAXOsXMMVwTSbCaiMOSz9Qe9Mp7M8gvwXytICGDjuz9hrvvJS8EhcQnH7knxMIuCPfZcM/s1600/Goals.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 340px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592662351584284818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DbHyeE2fTN5SoP0dOptfKIda0UhMgwyaBJ_0qWVjfNpSwlqaX-q3Nv3uOu9YppKNXsTVGgvAXOsXMMVwTSbCaiMOSz9Qe9Mp7M8gvwXytICGDjuz9hrvvJS8EhcQnH7knxMIuCPfZcM/s320/Goals.jpg" /></a>Each year for my birthday, I get myself a gift...I mean why not? I work hard, stay busy serving with my ministries and serving the Lord, and usually put others before myself - so why not buy myself a gift every once in awhile!! But this year as I've thought about what I wanted - I thought what I would do, is give myself a gift that will take me 5 years to accomplish...that's right 5 years!!! <em>Okay I'll be honest...I usually like the instant gratification, especially when it relates to gifts!! </em>I should note that I'm stealing this idea, sorta, from a fellow blogger - so I must admit the idea is not original to me - but the plan of action is completely original and 100% related to me. I've decided that I would set 40 different goals for myself and work towards achieving each one before I turn 40 in May, 2016. I feel like all of these goals are very attainable and very realistic. Some of these goals are fairly simple and will easily be obtained in no time - while others will take a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment. Some will allow me to use my time giving back to others in ways I've wanted to, but haven't because I am Single - for example, I've always wanted to lead a Ladies Bible Study, but I've never been asked because I'm Single and apparently can't relate to other women - so instead, I'm going to use this desire and my passion for teen girls to lead a Summer Bible Study for girls 8-12th grade - with the hopes of it becoming a yearly "event" each Summer. Some are items that I've just always wanted to do and I've not taken the time to for whatever reason. Some will allow me to enjoy my home and allow others to enjoy it as well - I hate being at home alone. However, God has provided me with a beautiful home that I pay for each month - I need to enjoy it, care for it and I need to use it serve and glorify Him...so instead of keeping myself so busy that I'm never home, I'm going to allow myself time to be at home and also have others into my home on a more regular basis through various things. I'm also going to take some time to learn some things that I've always wanted to learn and accomplish some tasks that I've always told myself I could never do - like change the oil in my car or build something with tools - YIKES!. </p><br /><p>My list of goals will be a gift I give to myself - it will allow me to use my desires, passions, gifts and talents to show myself that I do have a place in this world...even if I'm walking alone. So as I accomplish or work towards different goals - I'll blog about it! Which, blogging more is a goal that I've set, because I love it and it allows me to speak, when usually I'm very silent at home...a one way conversation never gets too far!! :) </p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>Spiritual Growth, Ministry or Community Involvement</strong> <br /><ol><br /><li>Lead a Teen Girl’s Bible Study in the Summer for 5 years</li><br /><li>Meg’s Meal Ministry - 1) One monthly meal in home with dinner guest(s); 2) One monthly meal provided outside of the home to friends, family, neighbors or those in need; and 3) Provide dinner once a year at the Ronald McDonald House </li><br /><li>Get to know my neighbors by name and something about them </li><br /><li>Become involved in my Community Association </li><br /><li>Memorize 35 different passages (series of verses or whole chapters) of scripture</li><br /><li>Start a Hospitality Ministry </li><br /><li>Disciple a teen girl one-on-one </li><br /><li>Provide monthly support to a missionary or missionary endeavor, with the goal being to support two in the end of five years </li><br /><li>Go on a Mission’s Trip and/or spend a week one week one summer working in a Camp Kitchen </li><br /><li>Hold a Backyard Bible Club </li></ol><strong>Educational or Professional</strong> <br /><ol><br /><li>Take and complete two certificate programs @ CSCC </li><br /><li>Start my own business </li></ol><strong>Just to say I can do it…</strong> <br /><ol><br /><li>Build something </li><br /><li>Learn how to change the oil in my car </li></ol><strong>Organization, Arts/Crafts, Hobbies or Life Skills</strong> <br /><ol><br /><li>Try one new recipe each month and blog about it</li><br /><li>Create and keep a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly cleaning, household maintenance and seasonal decorating schedule </li><br /><li>Host and lead a cooking/entertaining/hospitality class in my home </li><br /><li>Grow a container veggie garden</li><br /><li>Make smart financial decisions – learn to coupon and reduce my spending </li><br /><li>Learn to Can </li><br /><li>Learn to sew by hand and with a machine </li><br /><li>Re-organize Villa de Megalicious – and simplify</li><br /><li>Create 5 original recipes </li><br /><li>Grow an herb garden</li><br /><li>Remodel my main bathroom</li><br /><li>Make homemade gifts for Christmas for each person on my list </li></ol><strong>Recreational or Healthy Living</strong> <br /><ol><br /><li>Blog…more!</li><br /><li>Allow for at least 2 weeknights per week to be at home for the majority of the evening </li><br /><li>Allow for one Friday night or Saturday a month for myself</li><br /><li>Read 10 new books – outside of books read for Bible studies/ADG classes and blog my review</li><br /><li>Implement and keep an exercise routine</li><br /><li>Paint my guest room - <em>yes this is in the right spot...if I don't do this soon - I will go crazy(ier); therefore, this falls under Healthy Living!</em></li><br /><li>Attend various festivals in Ohio each spring, summer and fall – that I’ve always wanted to go to but never taken the time </li><br /><li>Travel outside of the country</li><br /><li>Find an activity to do with each niece and nephew, individually to spend some quality time on a regular basis </li><br /><li>Go to Washington DC – preferably in the Spring to see the Cherry Blossom</li><br /><li>Learn to not feel guilty when I say “no” or “not right now” - <em>again part of Healthy Living!</em></li><br /><li>Have dinner with all of my siblings, at least once every three months. Just the five of us <em>(including my SIL here!) </em></li><br /><li>Buy and regularly ride a bicycle</li><br /><li>Establish and use a Recycle center/system at home - <em>yet again...Healthy Living</em>! </li></ol>So there you have it...my 40 by (May) 2016!! It's going to be a FUN 5 years!!! On my mark, get ready, get set and...GO!!!!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-14506486394410325102011-02-03T23:11:00.003-05:002011-02-04T00:01:59.351-05:00Omniscience...Okay - I'm going to try to keep this one really short...I'm super tired, but I've tried several different times this week to post...and I told myself I wasn't going to bed tonight until I posted.<br /><br />So for several years now, I've tried to make the presence of God real to me. Ways that His character has been made clear or known to me. You know, seeing God in the details of life...everyday stuff. For instance, when I lived in my apartment and prime parking spots were few and fair between - on those nights when I'd come home super late (like after 10 p.m.) and have my hands full of groceries or stuff to carry across the parking lot and up the steps - only to turn the corner to find a primo parking spot open...I'd simple out loud say - "Thanks Lord!"...just like I would if it were someone giving me something. Once there was a time when I opened my electric bill in the middle of the summer only to find a zero balance with an additional $25 for the next month - because the electric company forgot to credit my account several months before for a deposit I made when starting my service. But the super cool part was the next day I found I that I needed brakes on my car and the cost of the breaks was the amount I had budgeted for my electric - and I had a friend put them on...God knew I'd need new brakes and he provided for me. Or running a few minutes behind, because I forget something and have to run back in the house...then seeing an accident happen in the location I would have been in - had I not gone back inside. I do this often...I try to find God in the everyday stuff...it draws me closer to Him. And not being able to see Him with my own eyes...doesn't seem limit his knowledge of what's happening to me at that very moment.<br /><br />Well twice this week - I've realized the Omniscience of God.<br /><br /><u>Experience #1 - Beth</u>:<br />Well on November 20th I got the most exciting e-mail request. My friend Beth - who lives and teaches in China was going to surprise her family and come home during the Chinese New Year. She was to land on 1/30 at 9:21 p.m., and she needed someone to pick her up! But of course, it was to be a surprise!! That meant telling others was pretty restricted - you gotta be careful who you tell things too...it could slip out! SO in the midst of my willingness to help her out and my pure excitement that she was going to be home - a thought came across my mind. Oh no - she was going to be traveling for a day plus, halfway around the world without her family knowing..."Oh Lord, you got to protect her", was the prayer of my heart at that moment. "Oh Lord, I need people to pray for her travels...but I have to keep that list very limited, but she needs lots of prayers - this is a super long and tiring trip." Over the next two months I shared her arrival with only a handful of people...with very strict guidelines that "mum was the word" - begging them to pray for her. <em>Don't get me wrong, I wasn't discounting God's ability to get her here safely - I just knew that this trip needed extra special prayer.</em> Then last week, I put on the youth prayer board my name with "unspoken" next to it...in the Sunday slot. That way the entire youth group could be praying for this "unspoken" request...all the while praying Beth home from China! I even had one teen ask what "unspoken" meant...I told him it means that God knows the prayer request of my heart, but I'm not able to share the request with others just yet. Well Beth made it home, safely - not one ounce of issues. Made all of her connections - even in Beijing during Chinese New Year (which Beth told me is like traveling in the US during the Holidays), she landed early in c-bus and her bag was first one out on the luggage marry-go-round deal. Her surprise was a success! As I stood outside the home of her parents on that briskly cold Sunday evening - I could hear the screams of her family as she entered the house. Screams of excitement. The closer I got to the house, I could hear her mother sobbing with joy to hold her girl in her arms one more time. Before I entered the house - I stopped and thanked God for bringing Beth home and for taking care of every detail of her trip...including knowing how much her family needed to see her, giving her the idea/desire to want to visit and providing her the time and finances to come home!<br /><br /><u>Experience #2 - Working Late</u>:<br />It's a super busy time right now at work, and I've been working over some to stay on top of projects and tasks. However, I'm not a fan of staying to late - since I take the bus...after a certain time the bus only comes every 20 minutes or so and it's WAY to cold to be standing outside waiting for the bus. Well yesterday - I was debating from which location I should board the bus in the morning. The one closest to home or the one closest to church. Each one had it's pros/cons. With all the icky ice, I've been driving to the location closest to home...less driving on the ice for me, and I get home sooner in the evening. But it was Wednesday - and that meant I had to be at IBC for Youth. However, they were calling for more inclement weather during the day - I was thinking IBC would cancel services. But what if they didn't - then I'd be rushing to get there in time. But if I park at the one closest to the church and they cancel - well then I'd have further to drive home in nasty weather. UGH - I just don't like the winter! But I decided that since the roads weren't so bad yesterday morning, I'd go with the one closest to church - since more than likely I would be there that evening. Then mid-day we were notified that IBC was closed due to ice around the church. GREAT...I picked the wrong location! The day went on and I found myself in the office later than I wanted to be...especially since it was cold, snowy and icy. Thankfully the main roads weren't all to bad! I know the pick-up times around my usual departure from work - but I'm not good with pick-up times after 5:30. The sun was starting to set and I figured I'd better get going...I didn't want to be downtown in the dark waiting outside for the bus. As I was walking to the elevator, I could see a bus pull away! GREAT...now my time is off too! I was nearing the time when the buses start to run every 20 min instead of every 10. So I knew I had to hustle! No - just enjoying the scenery walking if I was going to catch the next bus headed West. I got to the stop and waited for about 5 min. - which felt like forever in the cold. Soon the #10 bus pulled up - this one was headed only to Wilson Road. That didn't really sink in at first. Then once I was settled in my seat - I looked up as the marquee on the bus and it flashed 6:00 p.m. - and I was on a bus headed only to Wilson Road. Okay - you are wondering why this is so significant...after 6:00 p.m. the pick-ups come every 20 min. If I had parked at the location closest to my home - I would have had to wait for next #10 bus - as this bus didn't take me that far West. Then I would have been out in the cold for almost 30 min., the sun would have been set and almost to bed at that point, and I would have been in downtown C-bus alone. Yeah - not a good situation to be in! But that's okay - I didn't have to experience it...because God knew the details and He took care of me! Even early in the morning, He knew what my day would hold and the details of my schedule wouldn't be the normal details. He knew! As I rode home last night - I just praised God for the way He provided even a COTA bus going to the right destination at the right time - to show me that He knows EVERYTHING about me and my needs! And that not only does He know...He provides!<br /><br />What great peace it brings me to know that my God is not only loving, giving, merciful and kind - but that He also is Omniscient...about everything, including me.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-42015067209319661132011-01-17T22:58:00.005-05:002011-01-17T23:34:31.174-05:00A blanket of snow...<div><em>"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.” ~ Vista M. Kelly </em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZDEKaHbpTbCDNSVhpcxs7RGVfNN_NQTjYR-f8ONzMQUwcc9gzpI8MvtB-Ja-yt_iVYvtMqAPrvuls10d1pC-PFphhM3TV0uU-IxXJkv-HQb1qrmQ7wk1q8E7Yu4gTP8AGgxMThvrLsU/s1600/100_2469.jpg"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377955938621570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZDEKaHbpTbCDNSVhpcxs7RGVfNN_NQTjYR-f8ONzMQUwcc9gzpI8MvtB-Ja-yt_iVYvtMqAPrvuls10d1pC-PFphhM3TV0uU-IxXJkv-HQb1qrmQ7wk1q8E7Yu4gTP8AGgxMThvrLsU/s320/100_2469.jpg" /></em></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid7O26dq00JyWLIgEtNg4q3V-mK_EFQrAF8v7_d9BQdVbQsuRFeHvqAErasePbov6zH2a1q8mdlyXgtB-kyMLrVcAOF4_wcg9gy7uuJ39CUTfo7gJRJOgDycUoTKa6CjvbzQAgl96SPM/s1600/100_2467.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377948874199298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid7O26dq00JyWLIgEtNg4q3V-mK_EFQrAF8v7_d9BQdVbQsuRFeHvqAErasePbov6zH2a1q8mdlyXgtB-kyMLrVcAOF4_wcg9gy7uuJ39CUTfo7gJRJOgDycUoTKa6CjvbzQAgl96SPM/s320/100_2467.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaWiO4nOH9q3GahhxRglkUT7wwsDpZjp13FWeY3uRrgA7MCPdxYWuxYJSRjlVDyUqp17_hfMPFPl0D5Ncg3xlUtbNKNn6NbylHtq8Il0lr1r4_dxTUdbdSOXkz_FqeCxsprfZE8knTw4/s1600/100_2466.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377945750114930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaWiO4nOH9q3GahhxRglkUT7wwsDpZjp13FWeY3uRrgA7MCPdxYWuxYJSRjlVDyUqp17_hfMPFPl0D5Ncg3xlUtbNKNn6NbylHtq8Il0lr1r4_dxTUdbdSOXkz_FqeCxsprfZE8knTw4/s320/100_2466.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikirEVi2Jb0YG3UITX-WttYF4HJqi3NWHTJDtjShuaE9I4AkgFbn7DcwxWVB-FaTpbiGK7kE1ZKN16HCMrlfRu2jsnYipFlkz8GB_IRMaYc-UvDWf7x3QfxAEElOeC4FLGS2vegCHw0ZM/s1600/100_2461.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377940345564946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikirEVi2Jb0YG3UITX-WttYF4HJqi3NWHTJDtjShuaE9I4AkgFbn7DcwxWVB-FaTpbiGK7kE1ZKN16HCMrlfRu2jsnYipFlkz8GB_IRMaYc-UvDWf7x3QfxAEElOeC4FLGS2vegCHw0ZM/s320/100_2461.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkdFcdEz0UNfE7W4OP3aGEDWuR8Ajy49lGbv_PJ8Fu0uDjINQshNMRmcHHm2YJKFljzRrBY30vWbBTUxYGbKoi7tI-UTYwFI1SQwC4CEvuTziEu1jNHb7qqGXvXlH7EmBFUIayqr6f_I/s1600/100_2460.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377935958802818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkdFcdEz0UNfE7W4OP3aGEDWuR8Ajy49lGbv_PJ8Fu0uDjINQshNMRmcHHm2YJKFljzRrBY30vWbBTUxYGbKoi7tI-UTYwFI1SQwC4CEvuTziEu1jNHb7qqGXvXlH7EmBFUIayqr6f_I/s320/100_2460.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzKZDdUfcX58WInuKMjXlB-vFgI5PgIQyjzZTCgsnmAYVAuiIjynxStt5fy4it7XZZNlvYGEd57UXBPSR7zw-09VdOJT3KbdAPX3rwm-70lOo2sFlNu8wtzS1b5EXiR1ygTvZZxFL8hw/s1600/100_2458.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377014667179106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzKZDdUfcX58WInuKMjXlB-vFgI5PgIQyjzZTCgsnmAYVAuiIjynxStt5fy4it7XZZNlvYGEd57UXBPSR7zw-09VdOJT3KbdAPX3rwm-70lOo2sFlNu8wtzS1b5EXiR1ygTvZZxFL8hw/s320/100_2458.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC528LUBKSRCrQrp7zd_XpaBTQZjP_J3iigCx5ZUYcAowe96yg1YkXY4J9m2D1fUy4ZUhbCiTfurm7whUkIUDtjtCeSfyK9frukcVzugCPjNqtdJ_fUwOLOFA4DuoIq4aYRzT9nEr1Iqo/s1600/100_2457.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377008028840562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC528LUBKSRCrQrp7zd_XpaBTQZjP_J3iigCx5ZUYcAowe96yg1YkXY4J9m2D1fUy4ZUhbCiTfurm7whUkIUDtjtCeSfyK9frukcVzugCPjNqtdJ_fUwOLOFA4DuoIq4aYRzT9nEr1Iqo/s320/100_2457.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_mxXZk9dIBjd-17k19kFAlOSV8qbVZMZNL11pdgecauIVhGfNXxjCe0GuqYs7KgenQUPAG2-L9svKE7-yjcdlNJXAOnxh_qIIvon1jyBBZknukUhq3NMKBe2jZSEWpmWZjH4HziE588/s1600/100_2456.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563377002258175762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_mxXZk9dIBjd-17k19kFAlOSV8qbVZMZNL11pdgecauIVhGfNXxjCe0GuqYs7KgenQUPAG2-L9svKE7-yjcdlNJXAOnxh_qIIvon1jyBBZknukUhq3NMKBe2jZSEWpmWZjH4HziE588/s320/100_2456.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">*<em>Pictures are from the first significant snowfall around Villa de Megalicious</em></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-51495085575099874262011-01-06T23:46:00.002-05:002011-01-06T23:49:10.347-05:00Cookie Jar: Megalicious Cookie of the Month Club...I come from a decent size family. Both of my parents are still alive and married to each other! I have an older brother and two younger sisters, and my brother is married - giving me a sister from another mother. In addition, I have 4 nieces and 2 nephews, and 1 great niece...giving us a total of 14!! Well that adds up very quickly come Christmastime - well actually anytime really!! So several year's ago we decided that the siblings <em>(and at the time my youngest sister was still married)</em> would draw names and purchase gifts for only that person in a set dollar limit. We would all still purchase for Dad & Mom, and each of the nieces and nephews. This saved a significant amount of cash...I mean it cut my "to buy for" list down by 5.<br /><br />Everyone loved the idea and it became a tradition! Well, this year we had to add my oldest niece to the name pull pile. You see - we decided, a few years ago, that once a "child" is no longer in college or has entered the workforce full-time they would be moved to the "sibling" exchange <em>(for which I just realized we need to come up with a new name)</em>! And 2010 held some pretty big milestones for her...she graduated from cosmetology school, began working in a salon, turned 21 and had her first child...all grounds for moving to the other side of the fence!<br /><br />We had our drawing in late September, and I pulled my niece's name! I was very excited...because it meant I could still buy for all of my nieces and nephews!! So I asked her what she wanted...she gave two gift ideas - a gift card and a purse. Okay - that was a slight problem - because, I like to purchase as much as I can in the dollar amount that we select...so I asked for additional ideas. But she said those were really the only things that she needed! So I decided I would have to get creative. For many weeks I tossed around various ideas; then one day an idea hit me and I ran with it! I would give her a gift that would last the entire year...I "enrolled" her into the Megalicious* Cookie of the Month Club!! Each month I will make and deliver a different cookie <em>(up to 2 1/2 dozen)</em> for her to enjoy! She loves cookies - she is a Cookie Monster...just like me! When I "gave" her this gift she was SO excited, and everyone else was very jealous. She also is a very open eater - meaning she will eat most things and has no reservations to trying new recipes - cooking or baking! I always enjoy trying new recipes out on her! So as I've been working on the "cookie schedule" - I was able to select some cookies that I've wanted to try out. I'm so looking forward to this project and gift!! :)<br /><br />Would you like to join?? Well my faithful SG'sP blog followers - for you I have a special treat...each month - after I have baked the cookie - I will post the recipe and pictures here for all of you to enjoy at your homes!! Cookies will be baked and delivered near the middle of each month - so be watching! My brother saw the cookie schedule <em>(listed below)</em> and has already asked how much it would cost to join the Megalicious Cookie of the Month Club - and he really thinks that I should start a side business. Who knows maybe one day...?!?!?!<br /><br /><u>Megalicious Cookie of the Month Club - Cookie Schedule</u><br />January ~ Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(recipe & pics are already posted - August, 2010)</em><br /></span>February ~ Cinnamon-Sugar Butter Cookies<br />March ~ Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies<br />April ~ Oatmeal, Cranberry, Walnut & White Chocolate Chunk Cookies<br />May ~ Butterscotch Chewies<br />June ~ Coconut Macaroons<br />July ~ Lemonade Cookies<br />August ~ Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />September ~ Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints<br />October ~ Apple Pie Cookies<br />November ~ Pumpkin Cookies<br />December ~ Snowballs <em>(Russian Tea Cookies)</em><br /><br />So CONGRATULATIONS you've been enrolled in the Megalicious Cookie of the Month Club - blog version!! Pour a glass of milk, a cup of coffee or tea - and enjoy!!<br /><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">*Megalicious = lots of delicious</span></em></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-42600093460909034042010-12-30T15:44:00.006-05:002010-12-31T11:58:01.810-05:002010 - Whew, I made it threw!...WOW! Another year has come, and is almost gone. I can't believe it's almost over, yet on the other hand I can't believe it's taken this long to get here!<br /><br />2010 has been one of the hardest years I've ever had...yet I've learned more about myself, others and God this year. It's been filled with some pretty deep lows and some pretty big highs - and lots of middle of the road stuff.<br /><br />In this last year I've found myself on my knees begging God to heal a sick friend, pleading for a job, weeping to provide comfort to my lonely heart and urging for understanding in situations that I don't understand. I've gained a prayer partner, new family members, friendships and a new job. God has used my meal ministry to feed many through various ways, and my administrative/organizations skills to lead a ministry I never thought I'd have the honor of leading. God has given and He has taken away. God provided protection during the unusually snowy winter and allowed Ohioans a beautiful Spring, Summer, Fall and even an Indian Summer. But in all of 2010 I've found it to be true that God has remained faithful, even when I wavered. He's provided strength in my weakness. And it's only because of Him that I was able to face everyday this year.<br /><br />Enjoy a re-cap of some of the highlights, and dimmed lamps of my year...<br /><br /><strong>January ~ </strong><br /><br /><ul><li>The Ohio State Football Buckeyes provided us with a win in the Granddaddy of them all the Rose Bowl. Beating the Oregon Ducks 26 to 17.</li><li>A "new" ministry began at IBC - on that I had prayed for for a long time. A Small Group started on Thursday evenings for young adults...and I've enjoyed attending and getting to know some fellow brothers and sisters in Christ; although I'm not really that young anymore - or at least not as young as many of them.</li><li>I found out that Ashley was pregnant and that the end of Summer would take me in to my next phase of life...being a Great Aunt!</li><li>I found out that my job would be transferred to Pittsburgh at the end of May. I had to decided whether to move or quit my position...within two weeks. I decided to stay in C-bus, and to work until the office closed or I found another position...which ever came first.</li><li>IBC Commissioned and sent Kristie to Romania - what a joy it was to watch this young woman follow the Lord's leading...what a blessing to have ministered to and with her!</li></ul><p><strong>February ~</strong></p><ul><li>I had to say my temporary good-bye to my sweet friend, Penny. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done and I miss her so much.</li><li>Our Small Group was able to minister to IBC and the MRC. The guys did some minor repairs around the building, while the ladies made no-sew blankets for MRC clients.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>March ~</strong></p><ul><li>Jenni, Kari and I took a chartered bus trip that we will never forget. Wendy's Mom and brother, Tom, joined us. It was interesting to say the least.</li><li>I again was able to volunteer at the Children's Hospital Heme Weekend @ Deer Creek.</li><li>Tim, Lisa, Ryan, Jenni and I spent a beautiful weekend in Hocking Hills - lots of fun!!</li><li>I had "coffee" (okay we both had Hot Chocolate!) with someone I knew in High School - yet we'd never really met or knew each. It's been great getting to know her, and to minister/worship with she and her family @ IBC.</li></ul><strong>April ~ </strong><br /><br /><ul><li>I was blessed to hear Ken Rudolph speak again...at the Good Friday service. </li><li>My cousin Tony got married to his long-time girlfriend, Ashley. Ashley has felt like family for a long time, but it is wonderful to officially have her as a member!</li><li>Our family again participated in the MS Walk! We walk in hopes of finding a cure for everyone with MS - but especially Wendy & Clyde!</li><li>It's (another) Girl! Ashley found out her bundle of joy was a girl!</li><li>Sophia started the process of getting braces!</li><li>I saw Tim McGraw in concert with Jenni, Kari & Lisa!</li><li>I was again able to chaperon the West High Ensemble trip to Virginia Beach. It was a beautiful weekend! I LOVE the Beach!! I LOVE the kids!!</li></ul><p><strong>May ~</strong> </p><ul><li>Ayana turned 5!</li><li>After several months of searching, many hours of meeting and countless hours of reading resumes. The IBC Search Committee narrowed the candidates to four! We met all four, interviewed them and their wives - I had the joy of cooking for two of the four meals!</li><li>Hayden played his last official High School baseball game and was crowned Prom King all in the same week. He later played in the City League All Star Game.</li><li>I found out I was going to be the Director of IBC's VBS - to be held on June 27...YIKES!</li><li>I turned 34 - one year from my scary age!</li><li>I ended my chapter as an employee of Direct Energy - and said goodbye to many co-workers and friends. </li></ul><p><strong>June ~</strong></p><ul><li>I had a phone interview with Huntington Bank (this was just one of many interviews I had had over the 5 months of searching)</li><li>The Search Committee decided on our candidate and presented him to the Deacon's...Pastor Brad Rickard.</li><li>Due to my unemployment I was able to volunteer at Westgate's Field Day - what a super treat!</li><li>Hayden became the second graduate of the third generation from West High School, where he read "The Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost.</li><li>I had a face to face interview with Josh Eichenhorn and Andy Keusal at Huntington Bank</li><li>Beth came home! I'm so glad December 2011 holds another visit of my non-Asian friend who lives in Asia!</li><li>I spent my days of unemployment looking for additional opportunities, enjoying the start of summer break with the nieces and nephews, and planning/preparing VBS details/materials.</li><li>I was offered and accepted a job at Huntington Bank in their Commercial Credit Department supporting the EVP - Commercial Credit Sr. Loan Approval Officer and the VP - Training and Development. </li><li>I directed VBS at IBC, and started my new job the day after VBS started!</li><li>Hayden turned 18!</li></ul><p><strong>July ~</strong></p><ul><li>I began commuting via COTA!</li><li>I traveled to Troy, MI for training...it was my first trip to the state up North!</li><li>Ashley graduated from Cosmetology school!</li><li>Pastor Brad Rickard candidated, was called and accepted the call to be Sr. Pastor at IBC! PRAISE THE LORD!</li><li>Kari & the kids had a wonderful week at Family Camp and Emily had another great week at TLC!</li><li>I enjoyed the Ladies Summer Bible/Book Study on Sunday evenings!</li></ul><p><strong>August ~</strong></p><ul><li>Emily made the Varsity Volleyball team.</li><li>Elijah began his first season of football, while Sophia and Ayana enjoyed their first season of Cheering.</li><li>Our Small Group "hosted" the IBC Picnic - Brunch version! While I did very little in terms of planning...it seemed to be enjoyed by many!</li><li>IBC voted to move AWANA to Wednesday evenings and eliminate youth for grades K-6...it was a rather big deal - but shockingly had very little discussion at the time of the meeting!</li><li>I "returned" as a Youth Leader for IBC's IT group!</li><li>Ayana entered Kindergarten - the sixth in the second generation to attend Westgate.</li><li>Hayden moved into the dorms and began his college career at Capital University.</li><li>Ashley delivered a beautiful little girl...Gabriella Rose!</li></ul><p><strong>September ~ </strong></p><ul><li>I enjoyed a weekend of camping with friends!</li><li>Ohio State beat Miami!</li><li>Pastor Brad began his time at IBC!</li><li>I began meeting with my prayer partner...what an encouragement!</li><li>I began my second year of WHS Athletic Booster Special Events Coordinator.</li><li>Tim & Lisa were engaged!! I'm enjoying helping them coordinate!</li></ul><p><strong>October ~</strong></p><ul><li>Was the most difficult month as I suffered greatly with the singleness issue.</li><li>Ashley passed her State Boards!</li><li>Dad's health really started to decline.</li><li>I enjoyed a weekend in VanOrder Land bonding with some girlfriends, and meeting a new acquaintance. I look forward to getting to know her more in 2011 - when she moves to C-bus!</li><li>I ventured out of my norm - and went to a Girl's Night Out with people I really didn't know. It was a ceramics painting party at a place (ironically) called "Outside the Lines". I'm looking forward to the next one on January 7.</li><li>IBC tragically and quickly lost one of it's most faithful servants - Al Webster</li><li>The annual Thornton Harvest Party @ Jenni's was another highlight to the Fall season.</li><li>Terry (the kids Dad) was in a tragic and sever car accident - that has changed all of our lives forever.</li><li>The AGDO (Annual Girls' Day Out) with all the Thornton women + Grandma Rosie (Wendy's Mom) involved Apple Picking and lunch at the Nutcracker in Pataskla. Katrina joined us this year - as did Chrissy & Livi!</li></ul><p><strong>November ~</strong></p><ul><li>The Republicans had huge wins in Ohio and all across the USA on Election Day.</li><li>I enjoyed my first ever Veteran's Day off at the movies - alone! A tradition I think I'll keep!</li><li>I enjoyed a day with my Mom at the Outlet Malls...we love to shop!</li><li>Hayden decided to switch to Ohio Dominican beginning Winter Semester, 2011.</li><li>I held and comforted my niece, as she sat heartbroken and sobbing in my front seat - telling me that her boyfriend had just moments before broken-up with her.</li><li>I coordinated the kitchen portion of the Thanksgiving Eve Fest @ IBC...little did I know the blessing I would receive, from such a little meal. At 8:00 p.m. - one of the girls (approx. 5 yrs old) prayed to thank God and said that was the first thing she had to eat ALL DAY - and as she was literally shoveling it in my heart broke for her.</li><li>Jenni and I braved the Pre-Black Friday mania and stood outside Toys 'R Us for two hours in the pouring rain on Thanksgiving night, and then conquered Black Friday. The deals were so worth it and we saved so much. But the time, laughter and memories made with my sister were priceless. I believe this too is going to be a tradition.</li><li>For the 7th year in a ROW Ohio State defeated the Michigan Wolverines.</li></ul><p><strong>December ~</strong></p><ul><li>We "brought back" our tradition of baking Christmas cookies at IBC, per the request of Emily & Kari. It wasn't the 1900+ as in years past, but we still had a lot and enjoyed spending the day together.</li><li>Ashley turned 21!</li><li>The IBC Dinner Theater & WHS Ensemble performance are always a highlight to me.</li><li>The Thornton Family sorted the Christmas Cards at IBC for the 24th year in a row!</li><li>The Annual Thornton Sister's Shopping Adventure was just that...an adventure! But we were productive and found some super deals! </li><li>Katrina heard the Christmas story for the first time - EVER!</li><li>Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both spent with family, and lots of love was demonstrated. But our focus was the true meaning of Christmas - Christ's Birth!</li><li>I was able to cross an item off of my Bucket List - attending a Harlem Globetrotter's game.</li></ul><p>So there it is...2010 through my eyes and experiences...whew, I made it threw! Looking forward to 2011, and all it has in store!</p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-24858435532532822962010-12-30T08:59:00.004-05:002010-12-30T09:52:15.524-05:00"God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle..."A couple of weeks ago I had dinner with a friend. Who challenged a very common and "favorite" saying within the Christian circle...and it's stuck with me. I've mulled it over and over in my mind, and I think my friend is correct.<br /><br />This friend and I, also are prayer partners and we meet monthly to encourage each other and to find out how we can be praying more for the other...and since we both enjoy eating this meeting usually takes place at a food establishment! However, I knew this month's meeting was going to be different than most months - where lots of laughter is also involved. You see my friend has had a very rough year - and even more so as year comes a close. Two extremely special people in her life have faced various illnesses and one of which was diagnosed with cancer, the week after Thanksgiving - with the news that treatments or surgery are not an option and that her time <em>(in the opinion of the doctors)</em> left on this earth is 3-6 months...with 6 months being generous. So I knew that when we met, I needed to have a heart of compassion, ears ready to listen, words that would encourage and an extra package of Kleenex...I knew there was no way to hold back the tears. We selected our meeting time and location, and all day long I was greatly anticipating our time together. I had prayed that God would use me to be the encourager - as usually my friend is the one who leaves me so encouraged. We both arrived, quickly ordered and the conversation went instantly to her...how was she doing? how were those she was caring for doing? how are your children handling this? I mean the questions were just flooding the booth we were sitting in...I wanted to know exactly how I could pray for my friend and her family. When I asked how she was doing she said, "I'm tired of people telling me that God never gives us more that we can handle." Um okay - that's not what I was expecting, but we'll go with that. "What do you mean?" I asked somewhat confused. "People tell us this, but that doesn't make any sense. If God never gives us more than we can handle...then that means we are able to live life without having Him involved. If we can handle it, we never get to see God working. And I want you to know that it's only God who is handling this situation - because if it were up to me, I would fail, I would have failed. There is no way I could handle this on my own." WOW - her thoughts stopped me cold, and the truth of her words pierced my mind. Its so true! As humans we want to rely on God, yet we also want to see how long we can go without allowing him to come along side or take over the situation. And this very innocent, saying has it all wrong. A saying I've used before to encourage/comfort myself and others - takes all the focus off of God's abilities and puts them back on us...mere humans. Instead of focusing on the fact that we need God! We need to see God working, especially in those situations where it humanly seems impossible for us to get through...like the one my friend is facing. We need to allow God to be working, especially in those situations where it humanly seems impossible for us to carry out the task.<br /><br />Once again it was my friend left me encouraged, and challenged my thinking!<br /><br />God never gives you more than you can handle...because it's Him who is handling, not you!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-1324995486598104382010-12-30T07:56:00.004-05:002010-12-30T08:57:08.571-05:00"She said, "Yes..."As the Christmas season is quickly coming to an end I wanted to share a thought I've been pondering...about Mary, the Mother of Jesus.<br /><br />Mary a simple, humble TEENAGER who was engaged to be married. Can you imagine her excitement about the thoughts of getting married. I mean I've never been engaged...but I'm telling you what I would be so SUPER excited...cartwheels would often be performed. In the Jewish religion (of which she belonged) - it was not uncommon for teenage girls to get married. I mean if a boy became a man at 13, they would need someone to marry that was of like age. Therefore, I have to believe that teenagers of that day had much more responsibility, training and preparation at living a life that today we would consider to be a life lived by an adult...with the responsibilities of a marriage, children and a home all before your 21 - what we today consider a full fledged adult.<br /><br />But imagine how Mary must have felt the night the Angel came to her to tell her that she had been chosen by God to carry HIS son inside her womb, to give birth (which also means to give life to) HIS son and to raise HIS son - yet she'd never been with a man and the child she would give birth to would not be the son of the man she was to marry. I'm sure her was full of a potpourri of emotions. Fear. Humbleness. Confusion. Excitement. Honor. Anger. Joy. The Bible doesn't tell us about her emotions - but let's not forget that Mary was human - just as you and I. So I can't help but believe that in that moment and days weeks to come, she didn't have a million emotions filling her mind and body. I mean have you ever experienced the emotions of a pregnant woman. Again I've never been pregnant - but I've been around enough women who have been to know that their overly emotional. So let's not forget that Mary was human - just because she was carrying Jesus - doesn't mean she didn't have the normal experiences, side-effects of pregnancy. But yet the Bible never tells us that she ever told the angel "No." Was no even an option? Could she have said no? What if she had said no? Did God have a back-up plan? These are the things I've been pondering over the last week or so. <br /><br />Let's imagine if she had said no - okay let's not! Okay, maybe just a little to get a point across, but let's not dive too deep into it - as we don't want to divert from what God's Word does tell us about Mary and her willingness. Imagine Mary said "No, I'm not going to do this"...for whatever reason. I mean she had plenty, right? She wasn't married - and I'm certain that pregnancy outside of wedlock was NOT looked highly upon in Mary's time - so she faced rejection, gossip, whispers as she walked by and judgement from Joseph, her family, friends and even those who did not know her. I'm sure she feared and worried about Joseph's reaction and acceptance - how was she going to feel about this, what if he didn't believe that she had kept herself and remained faithful. She could have been concerned about the reaction of family, friends and others in her community - how was she ever going to explain this and still have them believe her...that she was carrying the Messiah...that she of all the young women (past, present and future) she had been selected. I mean let's face reality here folks - if someone told us a story like this today...would we 100% without a shadow of a doubt believe them? I personally, can't say as though I would. Imagine if she said "No", and there was no back-up plan. The whole world would have lost out on salvation because of her choice to not be the vessel in which God would bring salvation to this world. Imagine the horror. That thought is too much to bear and too vast to wrap my mind around. Yet with all of the excuses she had, all the other girls that God could have selected - Mary said "yes"...she said "yes". She said "yes" and had faith that God would work out all the details and questions in her mind. God had given her - an ordinary girl - an extra-ordinary ministry...she was going to be used of God to change this world FOREVER. It was going to take some explaining, some rejection (I'm sure), some being made fun of, standing out in the crowd and lots of patience, faith and trust...yet she was willing.<br /><br />What about me? Just an ordinary lady - that God want to use in extraordinary ways. He wants to use me to change my "world" and those around me - to point them to Him. He wants me to carry His gospel - not inside my womb...but on the outside of my life for all the world to see. But yet sometimes I say "no"...oh the horror of that. Because it's not comfortable, others may reject me, I might stand out in the crowd, I don't have time to be that involved, or whatever the excuse is. Never considering that God has selected me for this ministry. It might mean smiling to others on a bus, cooking a meal for someone in need, taking the opportunities He gives me to share my faith with my Jewish boss or working with, at times disrespectful immature unappreciative, teenagers...or maybe something new in 2011? Whatever it is...over the last two weeks God has opened my eyes to the fact that we can't just say "no" because we can't see how it's all going to work itself out...but that's not why God calls me to a ministry. God calls me because he wants to use me to change the world of those I come in contact with - to point them to Him and I, like Mary, just need to see how HE is going to work at all the details and questions of my mind.<br /><br />When God looks at me, and how I live all aspects of my life - I want him to say..."she said yes."Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-3140348002410471252010-12-25T01:42:00.004-05:002010-12-25T02:26:42.004-05:00(kinda) Funny Story...So we are going through this whole "re-stack" at work...basically they are updating work areas and cramming us into smaller cubicles - which just enough room to breath <em>(however, I love the colors and set-up!). </em>So I'm currently on the 14th floor. I moved there in November, and will be there until March-ish. There are four of us who are enduring this temporary "housing" for this long...it's a long story as to why - but basically it's because we started out on the 8th floor and will end up on the 5th - the 8th floor was at the beginning of the "re-stack" and the 5th floor is at the end - and we drew the short straws for having no where to sit during the transition!<br /><br />For some time now we <em>(the four of us)</em> have been the only 4 people on this ENTIRE floor!! My boss, is one of the four, and is based out of Detroit. Usually he is in C-bus for 2-3 days each week; however, since Thanksgiving he's tried not to travel as often...and his meeting schedule has accommodated this desire. With it being December there is a lot of people taking time off as well. So one of the other two guys <em>(of the four - I'm the only female! JOYish!)</em>, has taken a significant amount of time off. This leaves just one other guy and I on the floor. Well the other guy his wife just had their sixth baby <em>(all under the age of 8 - thank you very much!)</em> - so he's been doing a lot of working from home or working in a satellite office closer to his house. That means I'm often left alone on this floor. While other groups are coming to the floor for brief <em>(2-3 weeks)</em> stays in the near future - December hasn't been a great month to temporarily move people. So I've probably worked alone on the ENTIRE floor - all but 5 days since before Thanksgiving! While it is at times super creepy - I have been able to get MUCH accomplished. I just turn up my Pandora and go down the list of things that need to be done, as other minor fires come up throughout the day.<br /><br />Well this week, my boss had to be in C-bus for meetings. He didn't arrive in the office until late in the day on Monday. When he arrived on the floor all of the lights had been turned off, except for those in my work area. I didn't realize this, because of the way the floor is set-up. He was NOT a happy camper to get off the elevators in a dark lobby and then walk back to our "home away from home" in the semi-dark <em>(we have a lot of natural light that comes through the office). </em>I had mentioned to him that I was alone - but he thought only in our work area...not the entire floor - although, I told him it was the entire floor. He was so upset that this was how I was having to work - I'm very fortunate to have a boss that cares very much about me, my safety and my work conditions. He was so worried about my safety. <em>I should mention that the doors are locked at all times, and a pass card is required to obtain access to the floor. SO for that I'm thankful, and it gives me an extra level of calmness about the situation.</em> My boss talked about it for several minutes. You have to know him to understand the picture I'm painting. He is very vocal. He enjoys hearing himself talk. He can be rather explosive - if he lets himself. He's very much a reactive person, and then tends to clean-up the mess later kind of person. You know ask for forgiveness later, than ask for permission now. Not unique traits to him - very common traits in Executives! SO you can only imagine the scene unfolding in front of me...it was like a bomb just exploded in the middle of the desert. <em>So back to the story</em>...he was talking about it again most of the next day. So later in the afternoon, he comes to my desk and says he's worried about me, and he wants to provide alternative seating if I should ever feel uncomfortable. So we began discussing his thoughts. To start off our convo - he says..."all night last night I kept thinking about this situation - I have an attractive 22 year old woman alone on this floor, all day and it's not safe..." (um what did he say? 22 years old?). Me: "yeah, try a little older, <em>(laugh)</em> much older...". Him: "okay, what you can't be older than 24...". Me: "haha, thanks for the complement - but I'm much older than 24 as well. But I'm open to alternative seating options - what are you thinking?" Him: "not possible, I don't believe it - but I'm not going to ask your age." Me (to myself): "Good!"<br /><br />Conclusion to this situation - My boss who thinks I'm 24ish years old - yet knows I have almost 16 years administrative experience (<em>explain that please)</em>...and an alternative seating option should I ever feel uncomfortable! Hey, at least I got a laptop out of the conversation!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152389690822534172.post-47844986169472479462010-12-25T01:07:00.000-05:002010-12-25T01:08:29.680-05:00The True Meaning of Christmas...<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05040264502048873478noreply@blogger.com0