Blessings Monday

Better late than not at all. I'm having a hard time keeping up with Monday blogging events. When Handy-Hubby is home on a Monday night, we call it a stay-in date night. This was the case this week so I'm a little behind. Not to mention that last night was a big meeting night for me at work.

Anyway, on to recognizing a blessing in my life. This week I am most grateful for the Lord's provision of this past week. We were able to purchase a new refrigerator. The old one has been on the fritz for weeks and just when I thought it was going to work again... forget it! We are having it delivered, so I'm expecting it to arrive sometime on Thursday of this week. YIPPIE!!!! I have not been grocery shopping for about a month because of this. Oh I so can't wait to go grocery shopping... FRESH fruits and veggies are at the top of the list!

The Lord has blessed us also with some extra funds to purchase additional flooring for our living room, which has been in desperate need for a long time. The old carpet was dry-rotted and holding many many years of dust and allergens. My Handy-Hubby is also a blessing because he is so handy at installing the new flooring. Hopefully in a month or two we can afford to get the trim to finish the project. For now... I'm just tickled with the new floor! Some pictures will follow separately.

My niece, Gayle, had a birthday this past Sunday. She's just a little tike. She's named after my Grandmother, whom I posted my first Blessings Monday topic about. Little Gaylie is such the princess. She loves everything GIRLIE. I'm very blessed to have so many little ones in my life. This isn't the best picture of me, but boy is she cute! This is earlier this summer when she fell in the lake while we were visiting at the cottage.

Marci over at Down On The Farm hosts this lovely weekly discussion. Head on over and join us in sharing our blessings!

EAT MORE ICE CREAM

Are you celebrating this ice-cream affair with me? Have you found a fun and exciting way to celebrate?

I had a peanut butter sundae - made at home. I took 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter and smeared them onto the bottom of a custard cup. I nuked it just long enough to make it nice and soft and warm. I topped it with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUMMMMMMY!!!!

I was checking the Bruster's site online. Did you know that if you bring your own banana on Thursdays you can get a banana split for half price? How about... if you have a dog, the give free sundae's for dogs. Little kiddos can get a free baby cone if they aren't over the height requirement. Some stores even host a PJ weekend where you show up in PJs and get a free treat. WOW - who knew all of that!

Can anyone tell that I LOVE ice cream!?

Guess What Today Is????

It's NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!!!! I'm obviously impressed with such a holiday... a reason to celebrate and what's even better??? It's SUNDAE I mean SUNDAY!!! And that's the day that I allow myself to indulge in this favorite delight of mine.

Would you like to know why Ronald Reagan was cool? HE STARTED THIS CELEBRATION!!!

* Ice cream is a billion dollar industry.

* 9 Percent of milk produced in the United States is used to make

ice cream... Helping out our Dairy Farmers.

* Ice cream is high in Ribloflavin, which is good for healthy hair.

How do I know all this??? Because I used to be the County Dairy Princess!!!! Check it out!!!

What's your favorite flavor? I like a strawberry sundae with chocolate soft-serve ice cream. Or a peanut butter cup sundae with chocolate ice cream. Well folks... I do believe it's time for me to indulge!!! What about you?!

P.S. For a good homemade vanilla ice cream recipe, head over to Scribbit and check it out.

Lovely Hand-made bag! I love it!

Isn't the hand-made bag cute! For a chance to win head on over to Shelly's Journal. She's got some really cool purse type bags she's made and I dig the recent quilts too. I've been thinking about making a quilt... Ah, who am I kidding? As if I have the patience to sew! HA!

I Want to Win This!!!!

RussellWagner.com is giving away an iPod. I NEED this to go with my new Pink Bling earbuds!!!! What are the chances? He's holding the drawing on August 15th, which is just in time for my birthday.

Would you like a chance at it? Head on over and get in on it!

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday

It's time for a spot-check on my efforts with "Smart Habit Saturday." If you visit The Lazy Organizer, you will find some thoughts on habits. She reminds us:

"We all know how strong an influence our habits can be in our lives but have you ever thought of being a slave to them? Are you imprisoned by them? If bad habits are keeping you from reaching your life's goals then you are."

Think about it! It's REALITY folks!!! Who doesn't struggle with something? Addictions are habits. I'm addicted to coffee. (so is my Handy Hubby) If I don't have it, I'm MISERABLE. She's got a point there - good habits are worth the struggle because they are success.

Drumroll please.....................

DRINKING WATER: Doing quite well on this.

DAILY EXERCISE - 20 MINUTES/DAY: Doing well. Hit the treadmill every day this week except for Friday. I'm happy to report that my workout was no less than 25 minutes each. I'm keeping up with the strength training too. I added forward lunges with weights at least 2 days.

RELAX - 20 MINUTES/DAY: 5/7 days YES! That's pretty good for me.

EAT MORE VEGGIES: I'm tracking 4-5 servings per day. 5/7 days is pretty good for me!

FOCUSED HOUSE-WORK: 20 MINUTES/DAY: 2/7 I'm ashamed to say. This week has been one of those work-late every day kind of weeks.

READ 3 HEALTH-RELATED ARTICLES/DAY: 3/7 which is so-so I guess.

HOME COOKED MEALS 3 DAYS/WEEK: 3 days Wahoo! I would have beat this, but our fridge is on the fritz and the new one isn't coming until Thursday, plus... Handy Hubby is in the midst of a home improvement project that is taking over our home at the moment.

MORNING DEVOTIONS DAILY: YES. I subscribe to the online version of "Our Daily Bread."

PRAISE AND PRAYER WALKS 20 MINUTES/DAY: 5/7 while walking, but 7/7 overall. God is so good!!!

STRENGTH TRAINING: I'm about half way on this one. I haven't been doing the evening training as much this week. 5/7 on the morning though. I'm also doing crunches and stretches.

I think I'm going to stick with those for now. I'm also working on honoring my husband, but that is a separate challenge. None the less, I'm working on making that habitual too. There are so many blessings to be had by achieving all these healthy habits!!!

I'm doing some tracking with Joe's Goals. He's got a free tracker... See it in my sidebar? It's really easy to use.

To join us in SMART Habit Saturday, head on over to The Lazy Organizer.

WaHoooooo!!!! I won something!!!!

Remember: "Look Out Ladies... Pink Bling Is What It's All About"? Well guess what... I won the Pink Bling!!!! I'm so pumped right now!!! Love it Love it Love it!!!!

Many many thanks to the host, Kailani over at An Island Review for hosting this saweet give-away. I've been a regular reader for about a month now... obviously one of my new faves!

What??? YOU want to win something??? We'll you've got to play to win! Head on over to An Island Review and get in on some of the upcoming fun!

For a glimpse into Kailani's life, check out An Island Life. And if you have tiny ones or nursing mothers in your life who would benefit from some really cute personalized baby stuff, check out Island Baby Boutique. She's got some sweet embroidery to choose from - Personally I like the "Sweat Pea" design.

Yippie... I can't wait to get my new bling!

Another Home Improvement Project

Keith is embarking upon yet another home-improvement project today. Anyone want to guess what he's up to? I'm so proud... he's definitely earned the "Handy Hubby" award!

This Is A Very Special Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESSIE!!!

DID YOU GET A DELIVERY?

Blasting Temptations

Yesterday a coworker brought a plate of brownies to the office after lunch. Everyone oooo'd and awwwww'd over them. You know the kind... with nuts and frosting! I could smell them... oh darn... here comes the temptation! I walked by and without touching them asked my other coworkers if they would kindly eat them all up fast so I would not be tempted. They laughed at the suggestion. I was the last to leave last night. There they were... still on the plate... calling my name. NO WAY - I tell myself. I wrapped them up and took them home to my Hubby. Yes, they rode in the car with me. I was smart enough to put them in the back where my fingers could not reach them.

It actually worked out good because my Hubby has been begging me to bake him a sweet snack lately, but it's just been way too hot to fire up the oven. He hasn't finished them yet, but he will today I suspect. I'm definitely not touching them... Far be it from me to thwart the efforts of this morning's workout.

I have a new rule for myself about ice cream. Actually it is about a month old and I'm doing well with it. I only eat ice cream on Sunday. Anyone who knows how much I LOVE ice cream, knows how difficult this is for me. There have been at least three times that I have reminded Hubby about the ice cream in the fridge if he's wanting a snack. His response each time... "No Honey. I told you, I'm just not going to do that to you." What a man!!!

Ah ha... I love this blasting temptation attitude. I wish it was always around. It's like my new friend and I hope it stays. I know it is the Lord's way of looking after me. You have to exercise those ears to hear the promptings of the Spirit... even when it comes to a plate of brownies. (or a bowl of ice cream) Thank you Lord. Let's do it again today!

Count Your Blessings Monday

Marci over at Down On The Farm hosts a weekly "Count Your Blessings Monday" discussion.

This Monday I'd like to share with you my niece who lives about 6 hours from me. Her name is Esther, but we call her Essie, and she is very special. I chose her because she has a birthday coming up this Friday. Oh how I wish I could drive out and surprise her, but alas, my job duties will prohibit such an adventure this particular weekend. (maybe another time)




Essie is not a prissy kind of gal. She is an animal lover. I took her for a special trip to the farm last fall and I understand that she was very impressed by it. She hugged ALL the animals!!! The horses, the goat, the doggies big and small, and she held as many kitties as would let her. There was one particular kitty named Chester who wanted to claim her for his own. Coincidentally she named one of her stuffed animals Chester. Ha ha ha... I wonder where she learned that?


On this trip I asked her "If you were to go out to lunch somewhere special, where would it be?" Fully expecting to hear "MCDONALDS" I was surprised at her response "Um... with you." Now how precious is that!!!! And oh how good that made me feel... the proud Auntie.

Essie is a lovely young lady. Her parents have taught her to be so polite and sweet. A few months ago I visited, and was privileged to join her for bedtime prayers. She thinks of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE when she prays... even "the man with the chickens." For more comments about Miss Essie's sweetness, see this former post. I dearly love her and am so blessed that she is my niece.

Happy Birthday Essie!

Marriage Monday - Honoring Your Husband

EPHESIANS 5:31
"FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH."

When we marry, we dismiss our individuality and become one with our spouse. I can honestly say that I have struggled with the idea of losing my identity after marriage. We came from two very separate worlds and meshing together has always been a challenge. As a matter of fact we were talking about decorating our home yesterday. He loves contemporary design. I love country. What would it be called where country and contemporary meet? Contountry? Countemporary? Countrary? I told him that we need to develope this new style, but honestly the thought of it is like oil and water! Anyway - back on track - I realized soon after we met that our tastes don't actually have to coincide, it's our hearts that do. That's what molds us together in oneness and it feels just right. God made us to fit together perfectly. It's our human nature that begs for individuality. I am a better person for being his mate, and he would say the same about me.


So on to the challenge... We did well this week. Better than last week. One night he was closing at work so I was in bed long before he was home. I left a note on his pillow and he woke me up to tell me how much he appreciated it. His sincerity has been nothing but delightful all week. There was one moment yesterday when I wondered if he knew how many simple things I do for him... like put away his clean clothes, hang up his work shirts... but I axed those feelings right away. Goodbye selfishnes! It is my privilege to do those things for him.


Was I talking him up this past week? I was. Although I sometimes feel like I shouldn't when I'm working because some of my co-workers don't feel about their husbands the way I do. Is it good for them to see another loving on her husband? YES. But it almost makes me seem snub. (or maybe that's just my perception?) I need to be careful how I approach it and maybe just encourage them in their own situations?


This week? I shall do more of the same:


1) Pray for him***

2) Talk him up to others

3) Encourage him daily

4) Focus on positive interaction

Isn't he handsome!

Christine over at Fruit In Season hosts this weekly discussion. Click on the logos at the top to join in this weeks session and bless the socks off your husband!!!!

Klean Prizes!

PediaScribe is hosting a contest and the prizes are Klean! You have to check the rules because you have to do more than just comment... you have to tell a story... Now let me start by saying that I'm not a "Mom" so I can't participate from that angle, but I certainly have a messy story about poop and it goes something like this...

*****WARNING - THIS IS GROSS*****

I was 16, maybe 17 years old. I was exhibiting my sheep at the Farm Show. Looking back... those were the days. Anyway, I was on a quest to earn myself a half-gallon of the best chocolate milk there is... from Fisher's Dairy. To earn such a reward, I was washing cows... all 15 of them. Upon finishing I showered in one of those nasty fair-type showers and donned my last set of clean clothes. Fresh and smelling like a rose I tip-toed back out onto the wash-rack to kabitz with a friend there. I did not realize that a crowd was gathering in the area. Here a sneaky teenage boy (whom I could never get along with) had alerted all those in the near vecinity that he was about to pull a silly prank. I heard my name called and upon turning on my heel I met the sting of a 5-gallon bucket of water head on. Oh I was furious! The crowd roared! I proclaimed that I would "get him" and he ran. As I ran after him, I slipped in a fresh pile of cow manure, (do you have any idea how nasty that is?) and landed flat on my back. I was covered head to toe in it. Might this be my most embarrassing moment?! An older gentleman, holding his gut from laughing so hard, offered to spray me down with his pressure washer. I earned that chocolate milk that day... and enjoyed every drop of it as I drove home for more clean clothes.

Lovers Of Snail Mail... Read on...

How about some new stationary? Tangled And True Life In The Nest is hosting a giveaway of not just stationary, but REALLY COOL STATIONARY. There are several designs to choose from. So if you are in... *like me* head on over and put your comment in before it's too late!

Look Out Ladies... Pink Bling Is What It's All About

An Island Review is hosting a give-away. I NEED "Pink Pretties" and her bling falls right into that category!

If you are all about entering give-aways... check our her blog regularly. She's always got something happening over there.

Exercise Reference

I found an interesting resource this morning. I like to go walking for exercise, but Keith finds that boring. B-U-T he does like to go hiking. I do too, but I don't go hiking unless I have a buddy to hike with. I think I will ask him to hike with me the next weekend day he has off work.

Want to know where to hike near where you live? How about near where you are vacationing? Click here.

The Lazy Organizer hosts a weekly discussion about Smart Habits. Click on the picture to read more about it and join in on this worthwhile quest.

So I should update on the success of my habit goals set for last week:

• Drink primarily water and lots of it: Didn't do so swell. I do good in the morning, but in the midst of moving my office at work, things are in disarray... including my water-drinking habit.
  


• Exercise daily, even if it is short: Did well this week. I set a goal of 20 minutes on the treadmill every morning. I like to set the goal low because then I don't feel bad if I can't do more than that. I can happily report that I walked no less than 25 minutes each day this week. YES!!! Additionally, I decided that a set of dumb bells belongs on the bottom stair leading to the 2nd floor. Each morning and evening I do some simple upper body strength training and a few squats before I go upstairs.
  


• Do something to relax, even if it is also short: Hmmm... can't remember. This week hasn't been relaxing. Maybe tomorrow?
  


• Eat more vegetables: Maybe I ate a few more? Not sure. I'll do better this week.

• Clean one area of the house each day: I'm half way on this one. One day I cleaned the bathroom, another I cleaned the bedroom, and yet another I cleaned in the garage. It's coming... one spot at a time. If I do at least 20 minutes a day I'm happy with it.

This week I'm adding the following:

* Read at least 3 health related articles each day.

* Home cooked meals at least 3 times each week. Can you say "Crock Pot???"

* Morning devotionals Daily.

* Praise/Prayer during morning treadmill walks.

* Strength Training short-workout at the foot of the stairs - Morning and Night. (already a work in progress)

Handy-Hubby's New Toy

+
=

One elated husband and one finished dining room!!!!

How Does New Jewelry Sound?

Jewelry Giveaway over at Scribbit's... check it out!!!

If you don't win, head on over to Triplelle's Etsy Shop and buy some for yourself... Cool stuff!

We Could Both Win!!!!

Oh yes... another one... This one you have to comment on the contest entry at Doodle Bugs AND let them know that I referred you and WE could win together!

I love blogger contests...

Want to win? Join me in entering this cool blogger give-away! What's the catch? If you win, you will catch this:

The Body Shop/Vera Bradley Contest Prizes

How do you win? Visit Pinks & Blues and Sheena Williams before July 9th and follow their instructions. C'mon... who doesn't need this beautiful bag and who doesn't delight in BODY SHOP stuff!!!!

Special thanks to our friend Kailani at An Island Review for alerting us to such cool contests.

Keith and Jen

Here we are at my employee banquet last winter. He cleans up nice, doesn't he? I think he's very handsome.

Marriage Monday - Honoring My Husband

Let me start by telling you that this is the SECOND post I have typed for this weeks challenge update. The first one was to tell you how I was doing all right for a few days when suddenly I failed miserably. Yes, Satan reared his ugly head in our lives. He really hates this challenge and was trying to very sneakily thwart my efforts. Oh no you don't!!!!!

I see from just from reading some other's posts that I'm not alone. This makes me feel a little better. Why don't you get to read that former post? Well, because it wouldn't be uplifting and respectful and in posting it... I would pretty much be feeding that same evil. So... WIPE MY SLATE CLEAN!!!! I must remember my theme verse:

Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

After some venting (to Christine) I found myself lost in the arms of my Love, thankful for him, and ready to pick up and move on. We have had a lovely day. We went to church and I was able to feel the depth of his heartfelt prayers during the service. Ahhhh... how lovely that is. I did not need to expose what had gone wrong. He repented without a push from me. I forgave immediately. Let's move on now.

So what will I be focusing on this week? I liked Christine's question "What do people learn about God from looking at my marriage?" Hmmm... Good question. Maybe I should ask some of my friends and family what they learn from being exposed to us. Interesting topic. A week or so ago, I ran into a couple of friends bantering back and forth about how their husbands drive them crazy. They still probably don't realize that they were painting their One and Only as not a very pretty picture. The Lord says that we are to wear our spouse as our crown. What exactly does that mean? I would assume that I should feel honored and privileged to be Keith's wife. I should show him off... talk well of him... and praise him for his goodness. I shall endeavor to only speak what is true and good of my husband this week.

Just to give myself a head start: My husband is a kind and gentle man. He is soft spoken and generous. While I am a very organized and structured person, he tends to be more adventurous -- we are a perfect blend for each other. He makes a killer cup of coffee. He rubs my feet, or my back, or my shoulders... whatever I ask. He is a romantic at heart. He appreciates me and lets me know it. His a veteran of the US Army. He has traveled to many countries. He works hard and loves his job. Likewise he is good with construction type projects - rather a perfectionist. He is very smart. He graduated from college Cum Laude! His knowledge of biblical history (and all other types of history) amazes me. He has a way of explaining things to me in a way that I can understand without making me feel stupid. Lastly for today, he has a dip in his shoulder that God made just for me to lay my head and cuddle with him.

Birthday Bowling Fun

Bowling Fun to celebrate birthdays of one very special niece and one very special nephew... Gotta love glow in the dark bowling!

Another rose bud... some pretty flowers and a bee. YIPPIE!!!

Garden Update

It's pretty sad that my "garden" only consists of two plants, in pots, on our porch. Look at all those tomatoes though!!!

Blessings Monday

Marci over at Down On The Farm is hosting a weekly blogger post called Blessings Monday. (click the link or the picture to join in the blessings) Every Monday we will post about something that blesses us. Yes - I know I'm actually a little late getting this post up. I'm participating in a lot of Monday blogging events. Well... I confess I don't always do them all on Monday. Thank you Marci for hosting such a worthwhile discussion, and sorry that I am late in joining in on it. You are right... we have plenty to be thankful for. So without further adieu...

I am thankful for many things, but I will focus on just one for the purposes of this post... My Grandma. She blessed me more than anyone I know. This soft spoken woman encouraged me and prayed faithfully for me for all the days of my life, until she passed on a few years ago. She's the one person who called me "Jennifer" almost all the time, when other's addressed me in more casual terms. When I visited her, she would spoil me with rootbeer floats, veg-e-ta-ble soup, popcorn, cream puffs, chocolate chip cookies, and other sweet treats. She made carrot "wheels" some days and on others she made "mashed carrots" at my request. She was the maker of the worlds best mashed potatoes and one killer Sunday roast beef. She loved ice cream and always had it readily available to share with those suffering on a hot day. Many a day she sat on her swing in the shade sipping ice water and would whistle at this site of me... just a subtle way to let me know that she saw me in case I'd like to pay her a visit. She made the most of every fresh fruit and veggie that made its way to her doorstep. She loved to send snail mail and so do I. Somewhere along the way we nick-named her "Granny Snake" teasing her of having tatoos (she really didn't) and that she was a "Harley Babe." She must have loved the attention because she laughed along with us. Keith gave her a Harley Hog stuffed pig and a cool Harley writing pen. At a milestone birthday my sister wrote a poem attached to a motor cycle chocolate pop "Some kids Gram's have a cat or a dog... not our Gram, she rides a Hog..." It was precious! When she met Keith for the first time, he asked if he could see her tatoos. Another first time guest was prompted to ask if she could borrow her leather halter top. Ha ha ha... this little joke was out of hand and very funny. Like I said... she loved it too. She's the sole person who helped me pick out my wedding dress. She encouraged me to elope, but instead we took her with us. She cried when we wed... happy tears. When she declined in health, I would stop by and nearing the end of my visit I'd say "See ya later." Her reply "Don't be mad if you don't." She so looked forward to Heaven. When I got the call that she had passed I said "It's a beautiful day in Heaven today."

My Granny was a very special blessing. She is someone who shaped my life in ways I never knew until she was gone. In closing I will share some of her favorite words:

John 13:34 "Love one another."

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom."