Mother nature....

Even as a little girl I've loved being outside. While I must admit, I enjoy nice weather better than cold. If the temperature is around 30° or above I'm good. I have blogged before about "going down south" camping. My husband and I have gone down several times recently. We have enjoyed some beautiful snowfall, warm fall conditions and most recently an unusally brilliant spring day.

My husband works way to many hours at an entirely too physically demanding job. So when we got to the campground he decided to take a nap. I took the opportunity to go for a long hike/walk. There are horse trails everywhere with well worn trails. During the 45 minutes I was gone I enjoyed a lot of sun, saw many birds and critters and walked up on a Doe who never knew I was there. She had been drinking from a pond and when I saw her I froze. She flicked her tail, looked around and slowly walked off. It was exhilerating to witness her so calm going about her day.

Our weekend ended early the next day due to rain. But prior to that as we were leaving the campground to go to our hunting/hiking grounds our only exit was blocked by a fallen tree. We walked about 2 miles until we found an elderly gentleman brush hogging who had a chainsaw and gave us a ride back. He was a delightful man with smooth skin, bright blue eyes and told us he had lived in the area his whole life. When he asked where we were from he told us he used to play 6-on-6 football against our local team back in 1952 and '53. He also asked if we had been morel mushroom gathering, to which I replied "no", but he told me where we could go if we wanted to.  How I would have loved to talk with him longer.  After hubby cut up the tree to clear our path, we loaded the wood in his truck (as a thank you for his kindness -- he refused the money we offered) the rain began and we decided to head back home. So short lived break, but refreshing and we have a couple new stories. Looking forward to many many more fun times in the great outdoors.

That's what I love about Sunday's....

I have ALWAYS been a Christian. Have gone to church off and on my entire life. Have listened to some AMAZING Pastors and, unfortunately, some not so great ones. The Pastor we have now, Rev. Saul, is one of the AMAZING one's. He has this gentle, warped sense of humor and keeps us laughing. He's been know to change the hymns on a whim, tell a hysterical joke and cry when they play Amazing Grace. When he preaches his sermon he walks around and talks with you, a lot of times asking for feedback. These days it's the FASTEST hour of the week.

Pastor Bob and Grandma next to him

My Grandmother sings in the choir...has for as long as I can remember. We just lost a 100 year old member and dear Bertie will be 100 this October. She just quit singing in the choir last year...but still comes to church MOST Sundays AND stands for prayer and hymns.

Morgan and Jonathan

When my son leaned in and pointed out that one of the hymns was a "good song" it made my heart smile. He really has been paying attention. Jon and Pastor Bob seem to have a connection. We are truly blessed to have a church that has soooo much history spread over more than 200 years AND such a wonderful leader.

I've always believed God is EVERYWHERE. The birds in the sky, the sunrises and sunsets and in the eyes of our children.

Heath cake...

Hard to believe this is my first post of 2012. I'd like to say I will post more regularly now. I'd like to but who knows what my day to day life will allow. I decided to post today about a cake I just made and it was so easy and delicious I wanted to share it. While wondering around Pinterest, which I love to do, I found the yummy goodness and made it for friends who were coming over. The original recipe can be found here at Bird On A Cake. The first time I make a recipe I follow it to the T, then modify to suit my families tastes and my style. While the sauce was delicious I don't think it was necessary, but would make the PERFECT ice cream topping.

Once you bake your favorite chocolate cake in two 8" round pans, allow it cool completely.  Cut each cake in half so you end up with four layers.

The icing couldn't be simpler. Pour 1 quart of whipping cream, 1/3 cup cocoa powder and 3/4 cup granulated sugar into a bowl. Whip it until stiff peaks form. Lay one cake layer on serving plate, spread with cocoa whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed Heath bar on top. Repeat with remaining 3 layers. OK...so I lied (a little)...I didn't follow the recipe to a T. Robin folded the Heath bar into the whipped cream but I liked the control of being able to sprinkle the perfect amount on top. Also I did NOT ice the sides. I thought it was so pretty to see the seperate layers.

You could keep several round cakes baked and in the freezer and when you need a fast dessert you're half way there. I also thought about yellow cake with butterfinger. Maybe use Reese's cups instead of Heath bar.

Finding a balance in 2012...

As most people these days, I'm always running in many different directions. Wether it's school functions, work or household chores...it always seems there's more to do than time permits. It's no wonder we live in a depressed obese world. I am committed to finding a balance for my world in 2012. That does not mean my life is going to as seemingly organized and mello as Martha Stewart's...but more than it is right now.

I've made a mental list of the things that are on the top of my priority list. My family, my business and my physical fitness. I believe the first thing I need to do is get organized! Yes, easier said than done...but necessary. I am calmer and more efficient when I know where I'm going, when, with who and have what I need to take with me. It's very upsetting to me to spend time looking for things that where "right there" and forgetting things when I'm too far from home to return for them. I like being ready for meetings and events. And the things I hate the most is forgetting a school function...i.e. picture day...GRRR.

If you were to look at the blogs I follow or my Pinterest account you would see I follow a lot of "foodie" blogs and organizing blogs. One my favorites is "Ask Anna". She is giving me (and hopefully you) the kick in the pants to get started. She has set up a 14 day cleaning plan to help us have sparkling homes. I can tell you from experience, once you get one area clean it's like an addiction...you want them ALL clean. Here's Anna's link if you want to join us. Day 1 is taking down and putting away all of the Christmas decorations. My addition would be to donate any unused decorations to a local shelter.

Another blog I enjoy that has many many homemade cleaners is One Good Thing by Jillee Oh the money you will save!  Not only on cleaners, but being able to "save" items from the trash because you will be able to get out the stains or repair it.

So join me, won't you! Let's get organized and find a balance in 2012. Let's get happier and healthier and enjoy everyday...because as I always say...each day is a gift!

A season of compassion?

At this time of year everyone is so much more likely to be compassionate, caring and giving. While this is wonderful...shouldn't we ALWAYS be like that? Isn't that what we are called to do in the Bible...CARE? I am as guilty as the next person of getting wrapped up in the everyday freight train called life, that I forget go the extra step to be compassionate, caring and giving. But I do remind myself, on a regular basis, to stop and TAKE THE TIME.

When I saw the post over at The Life of a Suburban Princess it spurred me to share it with you. Like her, I'm happy to say several things on the list I do on a regular basis. But I'm going to see how many I can "check-off" the list before Christmas. And will definitely make several more part of my everyday life.

So in this season of hustle and bustle, black friday mayhem, and trying to find the perfect gift. Remember...He gave us the perfect gift.

I added #26 because I whole-heartedly believe we should do this on a regular basis. These families give sooo much every day...missed birthdays and holidays, hugs and kisses, soccer games and bedtime stories. A simple thank you, a cup of coffee, a smile...something small in the face of their huge task.

I will work at keeping you updated on my progress and linking back to the Princess' site. Join me...won't you?

1. Work at a soup kitchen
2. Deliver gifts or goodies to your neighbours
3. Pay for the person in line behind you in the coffee shop
4. Host or participate in a food drive
5. Work at the food bank for a day
6. Tip your mail carrier and delivery person
7. Donate used books and magazines to a library or doctor's office
8. Offer babysitting services to a friend
9. Deliver care packages to the homeless
10. Visit a nursing home
11. Deliver goodies to your local fire and police stations
12. Smile at strangers and say hello
13. Hold the door for everyone you see going into a building and ask them to do the same
14. Write snail mail to 5 people
15. Deliver old towels and blankets to the animal shelter
16. Give your spare change (or more) to someone in need
17. Over tip your waiter/waitress
18. Send letters or care packages to soldiers
19. Forgive someone
20. Take a meal or coffee to an elderly person
21. Leave a wake up surprise for your spouse or children next to their bed
22. Start a conversation with a new person, welcome them to your community
23. Write a letter to a parent you admire letting them know what a great job they are doing with their kids
24. Compliment 10 people
25. Send a text/email to someone you haven't spoken to for a while and let them know you are thinking about them
26. Shake the hand of a veteran or soldier thanking them for their sacrifice and service.

What a fun night...

My children are 5 1/2 years apart in age. While it has some advantages, mostly financial...time between drivers licenses, prom and college to name a few. It also has some disadvantages. And one of those disadvantages is the fact that they never got to march together in the band. Mo graduated in the spring of 2010 and Jon was able to join the marchers in the fall of 2010.

Well tonight it all changed! Our band director had an alumni night. First I must tell you it made daughter a bit sad when she realized she is now in the "alumni" category. She was no excited! About 25 or so alumni participated, ranging in age from just graduated to Mom's of band kids who have graduated! It was pretty cool.

Jon plays mellophone/french horn and Mo plays clarinet and was field commander for her Junior and Senior years. Her good friend Tina, a fellow commander, also joined in on the festivities!

They played God Bless America, Star Wars theme and Land of a Thousand Dances...and countless stand tunes. They danced and laughed and just enjoyed the entire experience.

  

My Mom was able to join in on the fun and I left the concession stand (gasp) to watch them perform pre-game and half time. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

FYI -- I realized tonight that I have been a Band Booster officer for 6 years!

A first for me...

What an amazing day it's been! Several weeks ago my friend, Teresa, mentioned they had started kayaking. I was so curious and was hoping she would take me with her one day. Well TODAY was that day. Teresa, Jacquie and I headed to a local lake and enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous summer day!

We have all been friends for years and years. We live within 15 minutes of each other but (sadly) do not take the time, make the time, to do things together. We each have 2 children, one of each with the oldest being a daughter.

  

We were sooo excited to get together and do something adventurous and physical. Teresa brought all of the equipment; kayaks, paddles, life vests and waterproof/floating cases for our phones. When we first got in the kayaks you felt really wobbly. But in no time at all I was very comfortable and stable.

We paddled up one side of the lake and back down the other. Teresa wanted to show us this lovely house with a beautiful waterfall. I was amazed at just how pretty it was. All of the houses lining Guilford lake are set up for relaxation...lawn chairs, big decks and fire pits...ahhh!

When we got close to the beach area we noticed a ball floating in the water. Teresa sped up ahead (that girl can fly when she wants to) unfortunately she overshot the ball and her wake sent the ball to the docks. She paddled to the shore and tried to retrieve it with her paddle. It made a quick retreat under a pontoon boat.

On our way back of the other side of the lake we stopped at Mark's Landing for lunch. We "parked" our kayaks between the boulder riddled shore and the docks. Getting back in is the hardest part...that's when it feels the most "tippy". I was holding mine next to the dock to allow the other ladies room to maneuver and decided I could probably jump in mine with no problem...so I did! The girls looked at me with wide eyes and just started laughing...yep Good times!

For the ending to a perfect day we paddled down by the damn and over to see the geese. The were fine with us until we got too close.