Fresh Muffins - Day 121

We have recently discovered how delightful muffins can be! They are super quick and easy to make, the way we make them they are pretty healthy, and they usually taste pretty good too! Love that moment when you pull them out of the oven, and everyone comes to hover and smell, and try to burn their fingers in an effort to get a taste of them!

“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands: you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”   Psalm 128:2

Family Room - Day 120

The house we live in now has something that none of our other houses had - and I LOVE! A family room, in addition to a living room. It is right off the kitchen, which makes it an ideal space I think - since anyone who has family get togethers probably knows you spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. So, this give us an overflow area! I love how much time we spend in this room, and all the memories that are made here...

“So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.”   Unknown

Finishing what you start - Day 119

There is nothing like a goal, and completing something you start! My oldest is very goal oriented, so she struggles with leaving something undone. Whether that is a book, a craft, a job, or even her schoolwork! So, needless to say - books don't last long for her! Sometimes I need that reminder though!

“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M’s and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.”   Dave Barry

Dirty Dishes - Day 118

Doing dishes is one of those chores that I sometimes love, and sometimes hate. When it is cold outside, it is kind of nice to put your hands in the warm water, and it is one of those jobs that really doesn't take a long time to make a big difference on how your house looks. But really...it seems like you no sooner finish, when you find  you need to start over again! But when we were growing up, my mom had a little somethings she always used to say to remind us to be thankful, so whenever I am tempted to complain about having to do the dishes, I remember the poem my mom always used to quote! It is listed below the picture:

“Thank God for dirty dishes;

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We’re eating very well.

With home, health, and happiness,

I shouldn’t want to fuss;

By the stack of evidence,

God’s been very good to us.”

Unknown

Stolen Moments - Day 117

In the crazy busyness of life, it is nice to step back from the to do list sometimes, and just BE. I love remembering (and watching my kids experience) the simple childhood moments...when walking toward the sunshine was about as good as it gets. Especially with a good friend by your side...

“The sun lay like a friendly arm across her shoulder.”  Margorie Kinnan Rawlings

Little Brothers All Grown Up - Day 116

I remember being a kid, and as much as I loved my little brother, he could be such a pest...just like anyone with a little brother might know. We were both the hardheaded ones, that got into fist fights with each other in time out, and mom gritted her teeth and tried to ignore us until we got tired of hitting each other and ended up hugging and being friends again. (And just for the record...we were too little to really hurt each other!) Now...while he can still occasionally be a nuisance! - he is all grown up! With a beautiful wife, and three darling daughters...I am so proud of him!

“A friend is a brother who was once a bother.”   Author Unknown

Beautiful Blossoms - Day 115

Ahhhh...I don't think anything can be prettier! Our neighbor has a flowering tree that hangs over into our yard - and it is SOOOO beautiful when spring arrives! The ground under it is covered with white blossoms for weeks - and my girls are frequently caught jumping to grab handfuls of flowers from it's branches. Yes...I love spring!

 “Flowers whisper ‘Beauty!’ to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall.”   Dr. SunWolf