Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentine Gifts: Friday Show and Tell


This is my first time showing something off through Kelli's Show and Tell Friday over at There is No Place Like Home. However, when I received these special gifts this week, I knew I had to share them!

This week, I received this Valentine's Gift from my secret prayer partner at church.

I loved the cute bag with hearts and dogs!

I think the card is handmade....so creative!

Beautiful red mug with hearts on it.

I cannot wait to try this new tea. It is made with rooibos and lavender. Apparently, Rooibos (pronounced Roy-boss) is a red tea made from a plant native to South Africa.

Thank you for looking at my first Show and Tell!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Dating Memories (SWAK Carnival!)

My husband and were introduced three years ago by a mutual friend. We took to each other quickly. We also lived 40 miles apart. When we first started our courtship, he worked weekends, and had Wednesday and Thursday off. I, of course, had weekends off. But, we made it work. He drove down Thursdays (I had aerobics on Wednesday night that took precedent!) and he would treat me to dinner or a movie, or I would make him a meal and we'd watch a borrowed video. Then, on Sundays, I'd drive up in the evening, meet him at his work, and we'd go to his sister's house for Bible study.

After three weeks together, he worked extra hours during the week and was awarded a Saturday off! We couldn't wait to have a whole day to spend together. I drove to his apartment early in the morning for an all day surprise. We listened to Rich Mullins on the drive up, and discussed our surprise at our mutual interest in Frank Capra! I kept guessing where we were going....no, we were not going to the fish hatchery, no we were not going to Multnomah Falls. He took me to Sherwood for a day hike. He even packed lunch, wheat thins, peanut butter sandwich, and green apples. I remember it rained near the end of the day, but I did not care. We'd eaten lunch under a waterfall, it was autumn and the trees were golden, orange and red, plus I was with a man who made my heart soar.

Eventually, his job changed and he had weekends off. We took turns driving up on the weekend (I'd take Sat, he'd drive down Sun, visa versa), but we still kept our Thursday dates. Only, this time we met in the middle. We'd usually dine at...........We'd rehash our long workday over curly fries and roast beef sandwiches, for a treat, we'd split an apple turnover. To date, that Arby's is my favorite. Anytime he takes me to that specific restaurant, it means so much more. Afterward, we'd walk around ye old Target, or Frys Electronics store. We spent a lot of time looking at DVDs! (Also, since it was the evening, and the crowds at Frys were sparse, we were also the target of the commissioned salesmen! We limited our time there for that very reason).


After a year of this, we decided we were tired of driving back and forth, so we got married, and I moved to his town.

Although, the commute was not that fun, I will always cherish our courtship, and especially our simple Thursday dates at Arbys.

I am so blessed to be married to such a godly man who loves the Lord, is a hard worker, a great communicator, my best friend, and someone who would drive his 1988 Chevy Blazer, a car without air conditioning, cruise control, and one that shook badly when it reached 55 mph, down to see his girlfriend more times than I can count! I love you, honey!

For more stories of love and courtship, visit We Are THAT Family's S.W.A.K Valentine's Carnival!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Menu Plan Monday Feb. 9, 2009

I'm back this week for my second round of Menu Plan Monday! For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com. I am still mulling over my menu, so this may change...........

Monday: Cumin, garlic rubbed pork chops with rice, carrots, and apple pie for dessert
Tuesday: Either turkey stroganoff with pears, or homemade tacos with carrot sticks, I cannot decide.
Wednesday: Church Group, and leftovers. (I might bring Roasted Banana Bars from Cooking Light, but it is a new recipe, and I am always hesitant to try new recipes for a large crowd)
Thursday: Whichever I do not make on Tuesday!
Friday: Leaning toward burgers on the Foreman.
Saturday: TBA, why? it just might be a Valentine's dinner for my great hubby and I don't want to spoil the surprise! I will let you know after the fact.
Sunday: Leftovers: I have girls day with my home group!! I don't know if we will be back in time for dinner, so I don't want to plan anything specific.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Tulips are My Favorite Flowers...


......so imagine my delight when my husband surprised me with an early Valentine's Day present this week!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 1/25/09


I decided to join the over 400 other bloggers in posting my Menu plan for the week. (we'll see how long this lasts!) Visit "I'm an Organizing Junkie" for more menu ideas!

Monday: Eat out!
Tuesday: Home Group, bring dessert, probably applesauce bars...double the recipe.
Wednesday: Leftovers and Church Group, second batch of applesauce bars.
Thursday: Chimichurri Cheesesteaks with leftover roast beef, carrot sticks and fruit
Friday: A's Enchilada's with homemade refried beans and homemade enchilada sauce and a green salad
Saturday: Breakfast: Hashbrowns, Dinner: Herbed Chicken Breasts with rice and fruit
Sunday: Super Bowl! Dinner: Burgers, oven fries and carrot sticks.

Addtl. We're bringing snacks for church on Sunday. I'm making One-a-Day banana bars, and brownies from a jar mix I received for Christmas and bringing veggies and chips/dip.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

My Sweet Hubby

This is just a quick post, but I had to share. Today, I cleaned the bathroom, tub, sink, floor, etc. It is part of my responsibility, but when I shared it with Ben, he was so appreciative, he offered to bring home dinner. I said that wasn't necessary, but if he really wanted to, he could pick up a copy of The Negotiator.

The Negotiator stars Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey about a cop accused of murder, but claims he has been framed. It is rated R for violence, and maybe language, but it is filled with great acting, plus a pretty good story line. After I caught it on TV several times, it quickly became one of my favorite movies.

I had seen it on sale at a local video store near his work, but decided not to get it. I offered this suggestion early in the day, and I quickly forgot about it.

This afternoon, Ben surprised me by bringing it home! That was so sweet of him to take the time and get that for me! I cannot wait to watch it!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Our Christmas Tree

Our home is now without it's first Christmas tree. I carefully packed the ornaments away, wound the lights with the hope that I would not find them tangled next year, and Ben and I hauled the tree to the dumpster for pickup.


I posted a few pictures below to remember our Christmas tree of 2008. I hope you enjoy looking at some of my favorite ornaments too!


I decided to take advantage of the snow storm to capture some rare pictures of our Christmas tree against a white background.

Mom sent some ornaments from home. They made our tree look more like Christmas!


The snowman has my name on the back


My angel.


A handprint around age 3.

Two special ornaments that were gifts.


Our wedding ornament.


Sweet little drummer boy.


Mom asked me if I had a Christmas tree topper. I did not think I had, but then I remembered this beautiful angel a kind friend gave me. I usually hang it on the wall. This year, I strung a ribbon through a hole and placed it on the tree. It was perfect! I loved it!


We had leftover greenery when Ben had to trim the tree. I saved some to use for our table centerpiece.

Thank you for looking at my Christmas tree pictures. I hope you had a lovely Christmas! I'll be posting pictures of our winter storm soon!