No excuses, just extra busy

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My weekend was a bit on the extra busy side and for the most part is always busy. Okay, okay I really have no excuses for not posting Monday. No excuses, just busy. Honestly, It has been a very busy summer so far. I don't understand why I can't seem to get caught up on anything. Sometimes I feel as if I am always playing catch up with my housework, my garden ect. So, I have come up with the conclusion I must be taking on too many things at once or it is just because I am getting older and it takes me longer now to do certain things. Whatever the case may be..I don't like it! Anyways, back to my amazing weekend... On Saturday DH and I decided to go to an auction in Spencerville, Indiana. We haven't been to an auction for quite some time and so instead of our usual day of having breakfast, farmers market, and hitting a few garage sales, we decided on a different approach. Now, I love auctions and to tell you the truth, if I had extra or should I say lots of bucks, because who has alot of extra cash to blow in these poor economic times? I would go to an auction or two every chance I could get. I enjoy those dollar or two junk boxes. There is most always some good stuff you find in them a person can use. The stuff I don't want or can't use will go in our flea market sale and we will make our money back and plus. The drive over was relaxing. as Spencerville was mostly a simple, quaint Amish community. Pure Amish country, It couldn't get any better than that. We aquired a truck load of stuff. DH and I had so much fun. I will have to clean and price everything that will go in our Labor day sale.

Yesterday morning I woke up early as my Sister, niece and Dad and I went blueberry picking. I enjoy picking blueberries, partly for the fact there is no bending down to pick them making it so much easier on my back. I had 14 1/2 lbs of blueberries to take care of when I got home. I put some away in the freezer, put up some blueberry jam and blueberry pie filling. I am whooped! Especially after cleaning up blueberry glop that boiled over all over my stove and down to the floor and then I splashed it all over the counter top and a bit on the wall by the sink. It took me an hour to clean up everything. Clumsy me!

My garden is producing many fresh veggies and this time of year I don't lack in this department for our meals. This is also good for my diet. It's about time to get a bit more serious on what and how DH and I eat. Well, myself anyways, DH will be a hard one to convert his eating habits. I hope it will make me a healthier, more energetic person. However, the weeds have decided to overrun my garden and it is so bad, I am sure it will take me forever to get my poor garden clean again. It looks like quite the weed patch for now. If the weather cooperates and it doesn't get too hot again, I may just be able to get out there to do it. Tomorrow I will be helping my Dad and sister pick beans and I hope to freeze a few this time around. I also promised I would help my sister make blueberry jam. So you see.....every day seems to be full with so much to do. It's no wonder I am whooped at the end of the day. No computer time then neither as I find myself falling asleep at the computer. This may be why I have been extra busy?......nope never...no excuses.

Baby Issiah

Baby Issiah Bradley has arrived! Our new grandson arrived at 2:16 am this morning. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long. DH and I went to the hospital this evening to see mommy and baby. Both are doing very well. I took lots of pictures. He is so tiny and precious. I just love being a grandma. Here I am holding Issiah.

Thankful Thursday

It is Thankful Thursday and to tell you the truth I wasn't even going to write a Thankful Thursday post. Then I realized I should be thankful even though all week so far has been chaotic. Being thankful keeps me sane. Oh those wonderful turmoils! I was having coffee today with my Dad and we were talking about everything going on in the world. He seemed so frustrated. There are lots of crazy stuff going on in the world right now and lately it feels more and more like these chaotic times we are living in are only to get crazier. I am focusing on the positive. It is so important to keep our faith, salvation, and our eyes on God. I am thankful for my Salvation period! If you don't know Jesus as your savior it is so important! Don't wait until it is too late.
When it comes to everyday things....our house, a bed and I'm glad I'm not hungry when I sleep at night. The car, My poor car...... How are we supposed to say thank you when our car breaks down? Being thankful for the aid that was available. My fathers helping hand and rescuing me when I was stranded in 98 degree heat! I am not sure how much this will cost DH and I to fix the car but, with short on funds, I am grateful for DH's knowledge and skills. Perhaps I should be grateful for this car as if it wasn't for DH's boss's we wouldn't of even had this car. It was a gift.
Go home, hug your kids, kiss your spouse and be thankful. After all think about how much worse life could be and how much worse it is for others. What are you thankful for today?
For the month of June Iris at Grace Alone is hosting Thankful Thursday.

First fishing trip of the Spring season

Here in the Midwest, the weather is finally warming up. The sun is shining....Yes, Spring is in the air. The daffodils are in bloom..Gosh, I have been aching to go fishing since the ice left the lake. There is nothing like the taste of fresh pan fried bluegill! My dad, sister and I decided today was the day. We would go to the pond. I like going there because I always catch a mess of bluegill, good sized ones too! Being on a private pond you don't need a fishing licence as, I don't have mine yet. In the beginning we weren't sure we would be able to go as my dad wouldn't be able to drive back to it with his truck, being so wet and all. We decided later that he would drive out to the pond with his lawn tractor with his wagon behind it to carry the bucket, bait and fishing poles. My sister and I would walk. It is a way to walk but, we didn't mind it as walking after all, would be good exercise. Even though at 60 degrees, the sun shone brightly,however, the north wind cut right through us. This made for a difficult time to cast our line out. Our lines at times got tangled a few times from some tall weeds amongst the shore line. The fish were hungry! It is no wonder as they do not have mosquitoes and such to eat yet. We used red worms and wax worms but the fish prefered the red worms today. It seemed my sister and I were reeling all the fish in until my dad got out his small cane pole and used it and then he was reeling them in right and left. No one got skunked .I am sure if I hadn't had to go to the bathroom so bad we would have stayed longer. Our pail was packed with fish! It was time to head back to the house. 51 fish=102 pieces divided by 3 = 30.6 pieces each to be exact. We all had enough for a meal and one batch for each of us to freeze for another meal, another day. Now, we had to clean all those fish. Most city folk would have to wonder at the sight of my dad, sister and I outside at the table cleaning fish with chickens walking all around us. My dad throws a piece of chicken gut now and then as the chickens scramble for that one piece. We laugh and talk. I had an amazing time and I really look forward to my next fishing trip on the pond. But, next time it will be 60 degrees and no wind!

We find contentment in the promises of God

The role of money in people's day to day lives is quite amazing when it's put into prospective. The primary reason Americans get up in the morning is so they can go out and make money. Money buys things. Money influences people. Money keeps us alive. Money makes us happy, or does it? Have you ever noticed contentment is an illusive commodity today? In fact, much of the business world works hard to breed discontent so that we will buy their product and keep the economy healthy. They tell us something is new and improved so we will feel that we have less than the best and are somehow "behind the times" so to speak. Gambling institutions (including lottery officials) show us pictures of what we could do with the winnings of the lottery. They are deliberating trying to make us feel dissatisfied with life playing to our greed. They want us to believe that we are not significant if we don't have the best and newest. Let's be honest, It is hard to be content in the difficult times. We look around and see others who seem to be doing better than we are and we feel cheated. It is hard to feel satisfied, confident, joy, when our plans are suddenly changes, when life is not going the way you want it to be going. For me this past 2 weeks has been just that. Living in a rural area can sometimes have its pitfalls especially when it comes to Internet service. Broad band or dial up is our only option. I love my computer. I spend alot of time, maybe too much on it. But, dial up is ....SLOW....! I am so limited on what I can do and trying to do my surveys take forever if I can even do them. I could go on and on and I have to tell you I have done my share of moaning and groaning. If broadband wasn't so expensive and didn't have that up front cost maybe I would have had it by now. DH has given in and agreed to let me set up broad band for my computer., which is exactly what I have done...well...supposedly..One of the providers that I decided on never got back with me after they said they would. I could call them back, but somehow I suddenly do not feel comfortable about this. I have the cash in my hand..I can finally have my "fast" Internet...But why can't I just be content with what I have? This is going to break us for the next two weeks even though this can be done. I mean just because my Internet doesn't do all I want it to do, I still have Internet right? I have been praying about this. One thing I have learned about this world we live in is how fast it is developing. We now have so many technologies that has helped us control places that we might never be. One of the great technologies is the Internet and with only decade ago dial-up Internet was the prevalent form of Internet connection. Today, dial -up is totally irrelevant. Dial-up is already going into extinction. Maybe for the moment, broadband Internet isn't for me. Perhaps later, In God's timing and that's alright with me. I should be content on what I do have. Waiting for God's timing is probably one of the hardest things we have to do, but it's worth it. Too many people believe happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction is found in power, possessions, promotions and pleasure. But, these are roads that lead to dead ends. There is only one road to contentment and it goes through Jesus. Are you content with what you have from the Lord?-not seeking more or complaining of less?
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New Year's Resolutions

Every year I try, I really do. I try to make wonderful and inspirational New Years Resolutions and most years, they trickle by the wayside in just a few short months. I either can't stick to my guns or I find I never really wanted to in the first place. I was sure this was year I would stick to my resolution because I even got a head start on it way back last year. Yep, I thought it would go smoothly because I have already succeeded by losing a few lbs, eating healthier, exercising by walking when ever I can, just being more active in general. But, I had a game plan and I had already been working on it....so this was a piece of cake. I had it nailed. I pledged to myself that 2011 was the year. I have entered the year sure of myself. Sure until, lets see, what's today's date? Yep, it's true. I have already managed to find a slew of excuses and reasons why I haven't managed to make my regularly scheduled workout times. I am so steamed at myself! Seriously? Okay, so I still have time to recover and go on to keep this resolution, but already my heart feels like it's failed and why bother..
Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
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Cooking from scratch

Who has time to cook anymore? Well, unfortunately this is the reality in many homes. Many of us have abandoned our kitchens for faster food which means that we are not choosing healthy whole foods anymore. This is sad. Have you ever noticed unfortunately people are brainwashed by the media into thinking that they don't have time to cook, and they don't have time to eat together? This is really sad Cooking from scratch doesn't have to be complicated, and it certainly will result in a healthier diet. People have different opinions on what exactly "from scratch" means. Well, scratch for me means getting your hands a little dirty, spending some time over the stove and at the cutting board and using whole ingredients to start. From now on, I am hoping to prepare healthy nutritious meals using only basic ingredients. My overall plan is to reduce my dependence on buying the food we eat hence, saving money and preparing healthier meals. Remember convenience comes with a price! Growing up my mother used to make her own butter, maple syrup, spaghetti sauce ect. and even her own soap. She did this all from scratch. She always had a large garden and grew all her own vegetables and canned and froze what we didn't eat fresh. We had our own milk fresh from the cow and raised our own beef, pork chicken and eggs. This was a benefit from having a father who was a farmer. With six children in the family, and one income, my parents had to make the most of their food dollar. My mother would not have dreamed making boxed macaroni and cheese for the family. Many prepared foods, whether from the drive thru or a microwave safe package, contain a myriad of unhealthy ingredients. Don't let cooking from scratch intimidate you. Once you start you will be glad you did. My thought is, why should I pay strangers to gather, cook, assemble my package meals when I can do it myself for pennies on the dollar, with a much lower fat content and a higher vitamin content.
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Thankful Thursday

I will be 53 years young tomorrow.While to some this doesn't seem old, to others including myself it is old. The older I get, the more I dislike birthdays. I would just rather well, forget them. So, this thankful Thursday I thought...what do I have to be thankful for? I am 53, my body aches all the time, I get fatigue rather easily and my mind isn't as sharp as it used to be, my hair is graying faster and faster. I could go on and on. This can make anyone grouchy. Everyone knows some grumpy old men and women. We make excuses for them by saying "he is just set in his ways" or "she has gotten old enough where she has earned the right to be a grouch". But, truth be told, people don't like to be around grouches very much regardless of how old you are. Okay, I may have earned my right to be a grouch, but, people like to be around happy people period! So, as I turn the big 53 tomorrow, I will put on a giant sized smile because I am thankful for my friends ,and family that I can celebrate life. That I can share memories with friends, especially with family. I can celebrate each day as a gift. Growing old gracefully, about enjoying the life I have and being thankful for the things I have for the moment, and striving always to improve upon those things that I can improve on. Isn't that what it is all about? Birthdays, may I have lots of them! Be sure to check out Lynn over at spiritually unequal marriage for more thankful Thursday's.

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My Farmville Confession

Farmville is something to do in your spare time, something that consumes you? Yes, it does but, I find it to be very relaxing. Hi, I am Susan and I'm addicted to farmville. Most of you probably already know about farmville but for those who do not, farmville is a game created for facebook by a company called zynga that allows us users to manage and grow a virtual farm. Apparently, it is the # 1 application on facebook Players earn money to build their farms by planting, growing and harvesting crops. It takes time, patience, and you have to keep up with the game so that your crops don't wither over time. The game lets you cultivate crops in a small amount of time. You use the coins you earn to increase the amount of things you cultivate and how conveniently you can do it. You also can increase the size of your farm. I soon found myself trying to get as much coins as possible, expanding my land, then checking every few minutes, waiting for my crops to be ready for harvesting. I can't let them wither! This game is possibly the most addictive game ever! I can never seem to get enough of it. Yes, it's true, I'm addicted to farmville. It's insanity really. I guess it proves I don't have anything better to do with my time except blogging of course. I owe all the thanks to my sweet brother-in-law who informed me I should give this game a try. This was last fall. It sounded very intriguing. It demanded my attention and curious, decided to give it a try. Was it a mistake or not? I ask myself that question alot. I can't ever see myself saying goodbye to farmville, at least not in the future anyway. It's not an addiction that I'm particularly proud of, but hey, at least I know I am not alone. Who else is willing to confess?

Thankful Thursday

Sometimes some weeks can be hard financially, especially in the winter when DH is layed off. It seems the money is barely there to get through the week. I could go to work if I chose to, but, my age and with my back problems now, it limits me to what I could do. DH has never pushed me or expected me to work. We may not be wealthy and never will be. I am content living the simple frugal life and so is DH. We have a roof over our head, food on the table, the bills always somehow get paid. God watches over us and takes care of us. Sometimes what we wish for doesn't fall in our laps, rather it falls somewhere nearby and we have to recognize it, stand up, and put in the time and work it takes to get it. I suppose it's because we wouldn't appreciate it as much if it came too easy. Everyday I am thankful what we are blessed with. God has been so good to us. Stop for a moment and think about all the things in your life that are worth being thankful for and check out Lynn at spiritually unequal marriage. She is hosting thankful Thursday this week, and be blessed.

Ice fishing..... Love it or hate it

Monday for supper we had bluegill my dad and I caught on the pond this summer. I had froze them for some delicious eating this winter. My DH has been out a few times ice fishing so far this winter, something he never got to do last winter, in fact he is out fishing right now. I don't balk as he enjoys his man time and I enjoy my no man time. I would love to go out with him a couple of times. but, I dislike the cold and not sure if this old body can handle this sort of thing anymore. DH assured me when the temperature warms up in the 30 degree range I can go. Not going to argue with that. I will stay home where it is warm and let the DH freeze his old hiney, bring home the fish, ( if he catches any) clean them and I will cook them. I like to take each precious piece, dip in egg and roll in panko crumbs. I salt and pepper them and fry them in a small amount of canola oil until they are golden. mmmm-mmmm you just can't beat the taste of bluegill. Anyways, for those of you that have never ice fished, ice fishing is the practice of catching fish in an opening in the ice which you have drilled with an ice auger. If you are bothered by the cold, this kind of fishing is probably not for you. There has been many times DH has gone out and sat out on the iced lake or pond for hours and never caught a thing. However, the times I went out with him we were lucky and caught many fish right after another. It must have been the adrenaline flowing but, this kept me from thinking how cold I was. Ice fishing has an allure all of it's own. Some say it is peaceful, some say it's relaxing, most say it's crazy. There is very little debate when it comes to ice fishing. People usually love it or hate it. Perhaps you should try it and decide for yourself.

Return to the bloggy world and planning my seed order

I have been thinking it's about time to start posting in this blog of mine again. After a rather extensive long bloggy break, It is time to get out of hibernation and get this old brain working again. This has been an extremely busy and interesting last few months in 2010. I might add, that these months have gone buy just way too fast for me. I am sure 2011 won't be any different. I have big plans for this year already. My bloggy world is no exception. I will be striving to give you postings everyday, well, at least a bit less sparse. After looking at the dates of my blog posts in 2010, they are little and far between. It's a little sad. I don't know if I even been missed. I apologise for being gone so long. I've missed you guys. I hope you haven't given up on me. It will take me awhile to get back into the blogging groove but, I am ever determined to do so. So what have I been doing the last few months? Well, I have accomplished quite a bit which of course makes me happy. With the holidays behind us, This month I have been using this time to get my spring garden planned out. You could say, I am a gardening enthusiast. Yep, I'm already thinking about spring. Are you as eager as I for Spring? It's time to empty my seed stash on the floor and see what I need to order for my spring planting. I have been looking at several seed catalogs and have decided to order through Gurneys this year. I have ordered through them in the past and have always had good luck with their seed and service. I will buy my plants, seed potatoes and onion sets at our local Rural King store. This year I hope to introduce some new varieties to the Herlan garden. My list is almost finished. I will be ready to send in my order by the beginning of next month. I am taking it one day at a time.

A llittle of this and that

If I am not posting as much anymore during the week, It is because I have been extremely busy like tending my garden, Oh my....with all the rain and warm weather the garden is growing crazy and so are the weeds. I have been trying to stay on top of it all which is a tackle in itself these days. Oh..how embarrassing to have a weedy garden. Weeds are a fact of life with a garden and they need to be pulled. Seriously, I have to be attentive to them. Turn your back on them and they are back in your garden! When I am not tending the garden I have been fishing and having coffee with my Dad. In fact, I went again this morning with him and we reeled in 47 beautiful bluegill. The rest of the day was spent helping clean fish dividing the bluegill between us. I put 4 containers full in the freezer for this winter. We had so much fun that we fished again early this evening. This time, DH went with us. We took home 50 fish. HA! This time DH received the honors of cleaning them. I put 4 more containers in the freezer. We are ever so thankful the Lord has blessed us once again with a mess of fish. I must not forget the quality time spent with my father. Oh yes, and then there is our pet rabbit. Why have a pet if you never spend any time caring for it? I got this hair brained idea a couple of days ago to let little Bunny Boo in the house. I carefully spread newspapers all over the floor in one room. I can't trust the little guy after he peed on my friend from down the road. Okay, I am so glad this lady has a sense of humour! Anyways Bunny Boo and our little Yorkie/shitzu played and played...chasing each other like they were playing tag and were best buddies. It was hilarious! Now, I am not making a habit of bringing my rabbit in the house all the time. I have however have been making a habit of spoiling the little guy. Okay, No more excuses. I promise to get on the bandwagon here soon. Just know I am okay. Maybe you can relate?

Wordless Wednesday...New addition to our family

Meet Bunny Boo Rockstar! He is the new addition to the family. I am already spoiling the little guy. ummmm...I think he is a boy. I suppose it doesn't really matter considering it is the only bunny and no plans for more. He loves to be held and has a problem wanting to go back to his cage afterwards.

Fishing with my Dad

I went fishing with my Dad yesterday morning. We have been talking about going fishing on the pond by his place for quite awhile. Yep, just my Dad and I. The pond seems so different than the lake when it comes to fishing. My thinking is that the fish are dumber. Really, some of the best bluegill fishing can be found in ponds. Remember always ask permission to fish on private ponds. If you are simply wanting to catch alot of fish regardless of size, most ponds will provide ample bluegill action. I grew up fishing from a small farm pond located close enough to my house that we could walk to it. I remember many times fishing with my mom, my dad and grandma. Ponds are still a great place to catch fish! Dad and I caught 38 nice bluegill in a couple of hours in the morning. I hooked a small bass and a few young ones that were too small to keep. My DH bought me a really cute lightweight 12 ft. cane pole awhile back. I love that pole! I have hooked more large bluegill with that little gem. I gave my dad the exact same pole for fathers day. He also hooked more fish with that little gem! Bluegill spawn in spring and early summer and this is a good time to catch them. When the water exceeds 70 degrees, begin looking for spawning bluegill in shallow water on their beds. Which explains why so many large bluegill we caught were females loaded with eggs. We cleaned all 38 fish. Dad filleted with his electric knife and I cut out the ribs. As a team it seemed like we had the fish cleaned in no time! Here's a picture of my dad cleaning the fish.





All in all, It was a great way to spend the day and be rewarded with some tasty eating!

What to do if you lock your keys in the car

Have you ever locked your keys in the car? and you don't have a spare key? If so, what did you do? Now, chances are most of us have locked our keys in the car at one time or another. For me..ahem..it happened one day last week or so in the Meier parking lot. Yes, it was just one of those things that happened. Yesterday DH and I were at the bank and this poor young woman had done the same thing. Yep, locked those darn keys in the car. Did she have a spare key? nope! This obviously was not her first time doing this neither. I am sure she felt like I did, like an idiot! I was frustrated, embarrassed and mad at myself, and like a dummy no spare key! Now, it was just one of those things I put off because, I never thought this would happen. So, what did I do? Well, I had to call my DH from work and wait by the car until he arrived. He somehow found a piece of very thin metal at work and was able to somehow trigger the lock switch. This was kinda embarrassing since my car's anti theft system alarm blared throughout the parking lot until I could stop it! Anyways, Don't panic or flip out. There is some solutions we can all do. Well, just in case this ever happens to you.

1. Get a spare key or two made. For just a few dollars, you've got real peace of mind. This has to be the most simple solution to a relatively simple problem. After this incident I go three extra keys made at Menards.
2. Keep your spare key in a secure location. Place the other one in maybe a magnetic key case which can be hidden along a metal surface of your vehicle. Give a key to a trusted family member. I now keep an extra key in my purse, I also keep a spare key at home and gave a key to DH.
3. If you have On Star you can call the helpline. They remotely send a signal to your vehicle and unlock your door. Since DH and I drive older vehicles and this can cost about $200 a year this option is a no go for us!
4. Talk to your insurance company. If your vehicle is on warranty, you can call the roadside assistance line. They will open your car for free. Again not an option for us.


Don't panic! There are solutions and there are preventable solutions. The biggest mistake we can make is flipping out! Have you ever locked your keys accidentally in the car?

Another yard sale over

Another yard sale of mine is over and I am so ever thankful! For now, I am not sure when I will have the third one or if I will. DH and I are thinking of setting up at some of the local flea markets maybe, possibly, a table or two of stuff but, that is a big if at the moment. Flea markets are an excellent option for those with alot of stuff to get rid of or if you live in an area with low traffic, primarily non-residential, live in an apartment or other residence that doesn't allow yard sales .You are guaranteed more customers at a flea market than at a yard sale even if your neighborhood is great for your yard sales. Most people come to find bargains but, they expect to pay more than at a yard sale.Anyways I am glad this sale is over for now. Yard sales are alot of work especially when they are as big as mine are. but, I've had alot of fun and they have been profitable for DH and I. This time when we cleaned up I got rid of at least 2/3 of the clothes and 1/2 of all the other junk. My son took it all but the clothes which I donated them. He hopes to run a yard sale of his own for some extra money. Personally, I am just so tired of dealing with all this stuff! It may sound crazy, but all this stuff just stresses me out! By having too much stuff laying around, it takes time and effort to maintain it and takes my attention away from other things I would rather be focusing on. It wastes my time because when I have all this clutter around i have to search for things I have but can't find quickly or not at all. Okay...In short I've tried more. It's awful. I want less, and I want it now!
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Diet Plateau

As everyone knows, I have adopted a diet plan hoping to achieve weight loss and live a healthier lifestyle. I bid bye-bye to my old eating habits and given up many of my favorite foods in favor for healthier alternatives. My hard work paid off and I lost nearly 20 lbs! But, now it seems I've hit this diet plateau demon. For a few weeks now the scale hasn't moved an inch. Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows how discouraging it is. I have tried hard to try to not get disheartened. Today I decided to put on this shirt which I love but, have never been able to wear because of being waaay too tight. I couldn't bear to get rid of it because it is so darn cute. I couldn't believe it! The shirt fits me awesome with lots of room to spare! Okay, So I came up with this conclusion...A diet plateau can be discouraging and demotivating, but, don't give up! In my case, I have been exercising so much more and they do say muscle weighs more than fat. It's good to lose weight but, losing inches is great! I must be doing something right! I have made a commitment to live a healthy lifestyle, in return lose some pounds and so I will outsmart my metabolism and conquer the diet plateau!

Thankful Thursday

Counting my blessings here today! This weekend our granddaughter Jasmyne will be spending all weekend here with her Mimi and Papa. Jasmyne is such a joy and delight. She is growing up so fast, and Reese's birthday is today and just turned 4 years old. Where does the time go? They say life is short..how true I find this to be. Anyways, I am thankful for all our grandchildren, each one with a unique personality and so much love to give. They are truly a blessing from God!

I am thankful for all the work we have been able to accomplish around our house, inside and out., work that needed to be done and wouldn't have gotten done if not been the money we were able to make from our yard sale a few weeks back. God blessed us once again!

The Lord has been so good to us this year and has blessed us in so many ways threefold! I cannot thank God enough. I hope these blessing will help me become a blessing to others. I believe blessings are given to us so that we might produce more fruit. Blessings are a sign of God's grace, that is his goodness to us even though we don't deserve it, not a reward for good works, and we need to use these blessings in the way God wants. I hope I can become a blessing to others.

What are you thankful for this week? Laurie is hosting thankful Thursday this month. Take time to stop by her blog and read what others are thankful for. Don't forget to count your blessings! Be blessed!

My garden is growing!

My veggies are growing! It has only been a mere week since I planted them and they are already poking themselves out of the ground.

These are my radishes!

my green onions....

and my mesclum mix!

Do you have a garden? How is your garden growing? I can hardly wait to enjoy a fresh green salad from these veggies! I first fell in love with the idea of growing my own veggies when I was still a quite young child. My father was a farmer, my mom was a stay at home mother and raised us 6 kids on only my dads income. We always had the necessities, and with my dad being a dairy farmer we always had milk and meat. When I were really little I can remember my parents having chickens for eggs also but, they always had a very large garden in which they grew all of our vegetables. Neat rows of carrots, lettuce, green beans, sweet corn. I am so glad my parent's enthusiasm for a large garden and growing all their veggies has rubbed off on me. Having my own garden and growing my own veggies, deciding which veggies to plant, preparing the ground, sowing and tending the plants and finally harvesting the produce and eating it is an activity I will always enjoy!