Bloomin' Tuesday! 09/30/08

I'm joining MsGreen "thumb" Jean for Bloomin' Tuesday!
Come join in or see others!

{My Kodak program and I are not in agree-ance, any suggestions as what works for you (computer photo wise) will be appreciated:)}

MY CASTOR BEAN PLANT!!! WOW! What a beauty!!! Its atleast 20' tall (in one season)

As stated before this is my first one, and it started as a tiny 2" plant.

It is so beautiful from every angle.

It is right by my front door, above our deck railing, marvelous!

The way it sways in the wind, glistens when wet, the back lit, the dark shadows,
the crazy blooms, brillant red turning seed pods, the prickly dark seed pods! Yes, this is love! It has earned its place in my heart!!

I love this new plant! It really echos the Castor Bean, Maple Sugar Hibiscus-Hibiscus acetosella 'Maple Sugar' PP13286

Morning Sun, Semi-moist, Blooms in Summer, 3-5' x 1-2', 30 to 20 degrees
(it seems pretty tough, and is quite a water hog) The leaves are outrageous!


In my welcome tub, this weed is a reliable late bloomer-any idea what it is?


Last but not least, blooming like crazy in my yard:

NUT GRASS!! Nut grass makes me nutty:(

11thHHMM: Daily Dose

Join more fun here!

Short and sweet today:
READ YOUR SCRIPTURES!
Our church leaders instruct us over and over of the daily need for daily power derived from our daily scripture reading. I decided I wanted MORE, so I needed to read what I HAVE.
I'm reading the Old Testament and have a (extended:) goal of finishing this year.
I'm using this book as a helper: The Old Testament for Latter-Day Saint Families.
It has WONDERFUL insights and quotes (not to mention pictures:). But it doesn't have every verse in it. So, then I read on my on-well, not really:).
I'm also using (when the Internet works-I was gone a week-did you miss me??? I missed you guys) http://www.readthescriptures.com, where you can set up your own schedule, and they mail you the daily reading (including audio). It tracks your progress, and includes a daily uplifting quote. (I see there are also groups available on this site)
But, most importantly, I wanted to be able to learn what God wanted me to learn from my daily time in His word. So I prayed for help. THEN!!!! I found this wonderful quote and I read it as a prayer before I read ANYTHING I want to understand or use.

Ask for the "Lord's help to ACQUIRE knowledge, to study CONSTRUCTIVELY, to think CLEARLY, and to RETAIN the things that we have learned." (Pres Spencer W. Kimball).


NOW me and the HOLY GHOST are reading daily! When I read I do feel better, stronger, more intune. When I don't, I feel like something is missing! I encourage all of 'us' to read, listen, learn, and apply this guide book for our journey down here back to 'up there'!!!


(The Old Testament for Latter-Day Saint Families
Thomas Valletta
Robert Barrett
Bruce L. Andreason)

Son-Day: "In The Garden"

In The Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I'd stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me,
And He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever know.

Words: Charles Austin Miles (1912)

This is my favorite painting my Greg Olsen. He has a lovely story that goes with it, and I'll post that later. When I see this I am reminded of one of my favorites hymns. I see it and can hear him say "come on in!"

I heard a country song, Lord, that said we all want to go to heaven, just not today. Help me get ready to go now. Help me clean up, and wake up, and stand up, steadfast and immovable. For You, for Your Kingdom! God bless and keep us all (and help us remember who we are and where we are headed:), In Jesus HOLY name AMEN!!!!

Abide in me
Artist: Greg Olsen
In The Garden
Words: Charles Austin Miles (1912)
- Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913
Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:
"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement.
Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers,
'If Thou has borne Him hence.'
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her
'Mary!
Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."

where to hide from chores:)

This COULD be my house!!! Both my boys wear this uniform. Thank goodness I didn't pick a couch this color:)

Silly Video Saturday! Go Kitty GO!

LOVE THE GRAY KITTEN!!!

Papa's gonna buy me a....

Mockingbird...

I really like this version of the song.

You can find out what your state bird is here. Mine comes with a neat song.
I may have to go back and check out the others too!

OFFICIAL STATE BIRDS & FOWL (ALL)

Other states (Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas) 'share' our mockingbird-but in true Texas attitude, we DON'T share with other states-Check out Texas to see what I mean!
{website from Eve's blog http://oursquarefootgarden.blogspot.com/ THANKS EVE!!!}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Where there is (no) will (power) there is a way...

What's your song?

You can go here and learn what song was #1 on your birthday!
Mine is: "Strangers in the night" by Frank Sinatra.
http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

(info taken from Sondra, thanks Sondra!!!)

Here are the lyrics-

"Strangers in the night"

Strangers in the night
Exchanging glances
Wondering in the night
What were the chances
We'd be sharing love
Before the night was through.

Something in your eyes was so inviting,
Something in you smile was so exciting,
Something in my heart,
Told me I must have you.

Strangers in the night,
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night

Up to the moment
When we said our first hello.
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away,
A warm embracing dance away and -

Ever since that night
We've been together.
Lovers at first sight
In love forever.
It turned out so right,
For strangers in the night.


I can hear ol blue eyes singing it now-looking at his next 'love' victim!

11thHHMM: 72 hr kit

Join more fun here!



My camera will not upload pictures, so at the last minute I came up with this. Our church counsels us to be prepared. "If ye are prepared ye need not fear." Spiritually, physically, mentally. In the wake of this last hurricane (IKE) I thought I would share what we did yesterday.

We are encouraged to have (at least) 3 months of foods put back for times of need (financial, disaster, etc), including water.
{more info can be found at providentliving.org)

We are encouraged to follow the Red Cross guidelines and have what we call our 72 hour kit ready at all times. Red Cross has found, if you have necessities ready at hand in times of disaster, your needs will be met until help can arrive. Red Cross feels it should not take more than 72 hours to reach all and rescue.

Our 'kit' is a backpack full of necessities. With 5 children at home, and my husband and I, getting this together was hard (financially), and usually on the back burner. So one year I decided we were doing it no matter what! Research was done, lists were made, items were purchased, and bags where loaded. It was super fun! It DID NOT break the bank!
(Actually God blessed my determination with a HUGE return:).

But that was YEARS ago. We have moved several times, and these bags are always in my closet (safe from little hands-or so I hoped), always ready. When threat of a tornado was upon us, hubby instructed the kids to throw their bags and shoes in the tub, get completely dressed, and go to bed. No worries! What a blessing that man is to me! He is my brain when I don't have one.

So, since we didn't have church yesterday (our building was set aside as a backup shelter area), I promised myself we would go through our backpacks. (to give you an idea how old these are, FOUR children have graduated since we made these!) It was fun unpacking and re-organizing!

When we went through ours, I don't know whose was whose (or is it whose was whoms? or what was whoms? Oh well).
Daughter # 4 took hers when she moved out, it was pink-so it was easy to tell which was hers)
Son #3 perfect condition (he is currently in the Navy, in VA)
Son #5 perfect condition (his was sent home with him)
Son #6 perfect condition
Son #7 no food, everything else perfect condition
Hubby perfect condition
Mine NO FOOD-NO TOILETRIES-NO WATER!!!!

Some one had robbed me blind! I imagined being at a shelter, opening my bag and finding NO FOOD NO TOILETRIES! NO DEODORANT!!!! Scary!
(I went straight to the extra stash and found a deodorant and put it in my bag-I'm happier now).

We took out all the old food, made our list, and will be restocking today.
On person suggests having your family eat whats in their bags twice a year to force rotation, and keeping the food fresh. (eat it while you watch General Conference:) MY kids would have loved this idea!

We wrote our names on cards, Army National Guard Son suggested the following on cards:
Name
DOB
Blood Type (A pos, A neg NOT + OR - because sometimes those signs can get marked over)
Medicines
Allergies
Relatives



Some people put theirs in buckets (great idea), or trash cans with wheels. What ever you have is great, but it must be portable. Realize you might be separated if evacuated, and keep that in mind when deciding what goes where.

The Red Cross website suggests these 7 essentials:
1. water
2. food
3. flashlight
4. radio
5. batteries
6. 1st aide kit
7. medications
(our flashlight is also a radio, and is battery, solar, or crank charged)

From the Red Cross Website:
Are you Red Cross Ready?
What's your RQ (Readiness Quotient)? with the Council for Excellence in Government

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community.

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to:

* Get a Kit
* Make a Plan
* Be Informed

You can also Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed by taking the Be Red Cross Ready online educational presentation.

"Red Cross Talk"
Straight talk from the Red Cross. Take a moment and listen to some simple, down-to-earth advice on how you and your family can become safer, healthier and more resilient in the face of an emergency.

Get a Kit - MP3 file
Make a Plan - MP3 file
Be Informed - MP3 file

Here is a great 'how to' site: http://lds.about.com/od/preparednessfoodstorage/a/72hour_kit.htm

If you don't have one of these for your family, I recommend you at least check out the websites sited here. AT LEAST you'll have the info. You never know when it may be needed, and will help your family through a tough situation. Be Smart-Be Prepared!
(disclaimer: photo above is a purchase available kit-OURS is NOT that fancy)

Thanks for joining me today!!!!

Son-Day: Your Love O Lord

I LOVE THIS SONG!
I LOVE THESE WORDS!

Someone took time to put these photos with these beautiful words!
Thank you!
Father, help me see You are always there,
With Your arms stretched out for me,
Always.
Happy Son-day to us all!
God bless us,
And keep us In The Shadow Of Your Love.
Amen

Your Love O Lord by Third Day
taken from Psalms 36 by David

Silly Video Saturday! Kitty Say 'What'?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

What talented person makes these?????

Show & Tell: Hero Reminders...(pt 2)

Thanks for joining me! Join others for Show & Tell!

Today I share my heirlooms-
First a little Tell:
Growing up I had the best grandfathers. To one I was his favorite (this required being VERY well behaved), I spoke of him last week. He was a quiet man. And I adored him.
My paternal grandfather was FUN! Teasing, playing, teasing, tickling, teasing-well you get the picture. At his house I was just 'one of the many' and it was wonderful. He told grand stories and was, well, fun. I figured he was where my dad got his 'twinkle' in his eye!
After this grandfather passed away (to prostate cancer) in the 90's, I learned he was a man of God. Who knew?

{As a small girl I visualized that I was the girl in Jesus' lap}
This paint-by-number was given to him by his sister-in-law and always hung in his house. I thought it was more his wife's choice than his. However after becoming an adult I was amazed as I remembered it was my father who saw that we went to church, more than mom, is it possible this was from the example of his father? I learned that this Papa was a Sunday School teacher, and yes, a man of God. My faith is quite generational-and I am very thankful!

This is now hanging over the table (actually since I received it, it has hung in over our table), my plans are to add a plate with the Lord's Supper on it (also this grandfather's), and a metal/wood book scripture plaque (maternal grandmother's), when I unpack them. Representing the deep roots already started for me!

God Bless!!!!

Thank you for joining me!

lurking in the bedroom...

Around here, you never know what you will find.



ANOTHER pile of clothes on the floor in the bedroom?


ANOTHER stack of 'important' wadded up papers?


ANOTHER pair of shoes in the middle of the floor daring me to trip over them?


NO!


SOMETHING MORE SHOCKING!




SOMETHING THAT MADE ME LOOK TWICE!!!!









And Laugh Out Loud!!!
Love ya baby!!!!

Oh yea-my husband ROCKS!!

Join KatyLin at for more "My Husband Rocks!"

Remembering 9/11 today

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when

you heard the news On September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

♥♥♥♥

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room

with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I

held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the

peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it

is OK...I am ready to go.'
♥♥♥♥

I was with his wife when he called as she fed

breakfast to their children. I held her up as she

tried to understand his words and as she realized

he wasn't coming home that night.
♥♥♥♥

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a

woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been

knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only

believe in Me now.'
♥♥♥♥

I was at the base of the building with the Priest

ministering to the injured and devastated souls.

I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He

heard my voice and answered.
♥♥♥♥

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,

with every prayer. I was with the crew as they

were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the

believers there, comforting and assuring them that their

faith has saved them.
♥♥♥♥

I was in Texas , Virginia , California, Michigan , Afghanistan .

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?
♥♥♥♥

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew

every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me

for the first time on the 86th floor.
♥♥♥♥

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the

smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take

my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

♥♥♥♥

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You

may not know why, but I do. However, if you were

there in that explosive moment in time, would you have

reached for Me?
♥♥♥♥

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey

for you. But someday your journey will end. And I

will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may

be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are

'ready to go.'
♥♥♥♥

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

♥♥♥♥


I love my God.

He is my fountain of Life and My Savior.

He Keeps me going day and night.

Without Him, I am no-one.

But with Him, I can do everything.

God is my strength.'



God bless Each of us, now and Forever.
{from Diary of a SAHM-thank you for this post! It says it all}

An Award For Me? (where is my acceptance speech?)

For me? ((demurely blushes))
Actually: FOR ME!!! ((big excited HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY))

From UN-Grumpy Angel.
Thank you so much! I really enjoy your blog-and feel like you are a new friend:)!

The Smile Award
These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back the the awards creator
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude.
(not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids
{Most of the time, I'm trying!}

Here are the people I chose:

1. Just Another Day In Paradise For the title much less the attitude she shows toward life!

2. 11th Heaven's Homemaker's Heaven because a part of me wishes I could do THAT part of my life again (and better:), of many children, lots of love, an eye for color and 'taking care of busi-ness' SHE is supermom!

3. Whetten Wonders for her wonderful humor 'bout everyday life!

4. Alamo North because she is "Texas-ly" (is that a word?) Awesome!!

5. Is that a garage on my ceiling because (currently) I'm hooked on her updated reports regarding the cruel ATM attacks in her area-lol

If you don't want to participate that's ok.
Just know your making someone out in blog land smile
(sometimes-fallrightoutpeeinyourpantslaughingoutloud!!!
(family thinks I've lost it:))
Thank you so much Marivic, YOU make me smile!!!
(did you see all that linking going on? I'm alinkinfool-I am!)
Ya'll Have a Great Day!

I really like this scripture, and what could be better than PURPLE FROGS????

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Constant

(his name is Metro-nuff said!)

Bloomin' Tuesday! 09/10/08

I'm joining MsGreen "thumb" Jean for Bloomin' Tuesday!
Come join in or see others!







Wonderful castor bean (my first and I'm crazy about it!)




Herb bed



With sweet potato vines



Blooming weed



Morning Glory!



Rock Rose...




Weather today is rainy, those in the path of this hurricane (IKE) take care,
Happy Bloomin Tuesday to you all!!

11thHHMM: Free Plants!!!!

Join more fun here!

(I accidentally deleted my photo of 'before', so imagine seeing a pile of broken off plant pieces:)
I found broken off plant pieces at Walmart garden section.
I gather them off the ground-and take them to the counter and ask for them-I have yet to be told no:)


alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239610890574167234" />

These are Bolvarin Jew and Pink blooming Kalanchoe

I also asked for a trash box full of beautiful purple Caroline sweet potato vine at a nursery last May, and now (mom and I both) this pot is over-flowing everywhere!

Motto: it never hurts to ask!

Son-Day: This little light of mine...

I'm gonna let it shine
OH this little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine!

Gonna let Satan blow it out?
NO!
I'm gonna let it shine!
Gonna let Satan blow it out?

NO!
I'm gonna let is shine!
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine

Hide it under a bushel?
NO!
I'm gonna let it shine!
Hide it under a bushel?
NO!
I'm gonna let it shine!
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine!

As a child we sang this all the time. I'll admit I still do:). My favorite lesson to teach the 6/7yo is LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!!

So, lets all shine on! Don't hide it! Don't let it be blown out! Shine on! Father help me shine that all that see me, may see You! God bless and keep us all!

(My searching turned up info that states this was a slave song. I think the next to last picture is a fitting tribute!)

Challenge: Super Sneaky Service Fast Sunday...

The first Sunday of every month is Fast Sunday. World wide the church members are encouraged to fast for private (and sometimes public) needs. (Money saved is donated to help the needy). I teach the 6/7yos. SOME of my angels like to gripe "O Man! Its fast Sunday! No treats!" (and on and on). VERY irritating! So I went to the Lord (He really loves these kids;), and we came up with Super Sneaky Service Fast Sunday!!!!

Its our PAR-TAY DAY! We hear a scripture story (actually the lesson-they don't make the connection) about sneaky service (don't wanna get caught! Being sneaky is fun!) and we play bingo with questions from the story for pennies. The kiddos choose what category on the tithing slip they want the pennies to go into, and then we tally it up.

The lucky scripture reader for the day (this IS a big deal) gets to hand over the envelope full of pennies! (The church clerk thought I had lost my mind! Apparently no one told him what I was up to! He envisioned me sitting at home, filling an envelope with pennies, and randomly marking off categories-heheheheheheee).

Since we started this-I have overheard on more than one occasion "O Man its NOT fast Sunday" THANK YOU GOD!!!! So, I challenge you, do some super sneaky service tomorrow! See how much you can do before you get caught-its fun (AND it has been good for me too;) Don't get caught! If you get caught you have to do some more!

"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others."--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness", Liahona May 2005, 26–28
Matthew 22:37–39
37 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."



That said-thank you all for your sweet comments! They make my day!