Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Sweet Sounds


A new post for Shari.

Rachelle is standing in the front row. She performed a flute solo at her school Christmas concert.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Frosty Frolics



Don't you love snow days?

Friday, November 2, 2007

Get The Remote



Maybe size does matter!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

CROCHET DOLLS

This is a special post for my married readers.

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about. For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000. He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll." The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness. "Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?" "Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

Women will love this...A Prayer.......Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods; Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death because I don't know how to crochet.

Monday, October 15, 2007

BROKEN DREAMS

As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend.

But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How could you be so slow"
"My child," He said, "What could I Do?"
You never did let go."


(author unknown)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Silent Lake Provincial Park





Just a few of the shots from my trip this week.

Friday, September 14, 2007

In A Fog


I took this shot one foggy morning
this week as I was in the
backyard with the dog.

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Perfect Dress

Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen
her excitement -- not even her parents' nasty divorce. Her mother
had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best
dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's
new young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother!

Jennifer asked her step mom to exchange it, but she
refused. "Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress,
and I'm wearing it," she replied.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind,
sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special day."

A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress.

When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."

Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do,
dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Friday, July 13, 2007

Kristin

Another photo of my niece, leading worship in Australia, at Hillsong Chapel.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Hillsong Chapel

My niece, Kristin, centre stage, leading worship in Australia.
From a very proud Aunt

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Singing & Driving


If you MUST speed on the highway, sing these hymns loudly:

at 45 mph.... "God Will Take Care of Me"
at 55 mph.... "Guide me, O Great Jehovah"
at 65 mph.... "Nearer My God to Thee"
at 75 mph.... "Nearer Still Nearer"
at 85 mph.... "This World is Not My Home"
at 95 mph.... "Lord, I'm Coming Home"
at 100 mph.... "Precious Memories"

Have I ever mentioned that I often sing while I'm driving alone?

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Have you heard?


....that Tammy is opening a 'spa' in her home?

CONGRATULATIONS TAMMY!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Gratitude Tuesday

I am thankful that the basketball net is finally assembled...remember the one that required "two capable adults" to assemble? I arrived home on Sunday afternoon to see the "assembled" state.
I am thankful that my children are back home after being gone for 11 nights. I was able to have them for most of Mother's Day. They are with me for three nights now and will be gone again for 7. We will be back on our regular weekly rotation soon.
I am thankful that I went for a bike ride tonight with Austen.
I am thankful that Rebekah asked to do a sleepover with me tonight.
I am thankful that Rebekah wants to do lunch with me tomorrow.
I am thankful that I was able to reschedule Rachelle's orthodontic appointment after Steve requested a change in our regular schedule, which meant the ortho. app't. had to be rescheduled as well.
I am thankful that I had lunch with Audrey S. & Linda C. on Sunday afternoon. We had lots of laughs!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MAUREEN & STEVE!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Home Business Idea

*How's My Driving?*

I decided to stop worrying about my teenage son's driving and take advantage of it. I got one of those bumper stickers that say, "How's my driving?" and put a 900 number on it. At 50 cents a call, I've been making $38 a week.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Happy File

The Happy File
By Luann Prater

“Be joyful always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)

Devotion:
It wasn’t what some would call a perfect day, but to her it was special. We had spent the day together just hanging out around the house. Simple things like lunch on the deck, soaking in the sunshine, and giggling over funny memories traced the outlines of our shared moments. That’s when she whispered a few words as if she were telling herself a secret, “This day is going in my Happy File.”

She explained that her Happy File was a record kept of God’s simple blessings, those moments in time that beam with a little extra spark. You know the ones. When no one else would get it, but whenever you recall it… you smile. Her collection was spilling over the top.

Often we choose to hang onto the bad memories. We relive the abuse. We replay piercing words. We carry the guilt and hold on to the shame. We forget the promise of Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (NIV). No condemnation. Period, nada, zip, none!

She found the Happy File very helpful when darkness came creeping into her life. Satan loves to fill our minds with negative thoughts and trip us up with stumbling blocks. A stash of happiness works like a flashlight in the middle of the night. The evil one can cloud our world with gloom, but when we open the file that holds God’s blessings, the shadows are shattered.

So what are you choosing to keep on file? Here is the deal. Start a collection of Happy Files! God’s fingerprints are all over each day. Look for them! Record them! Recall them!

Next, pull out those old musty files that have collected guilty dust and shameful mildew. One by one as they come to your mind plunge them into God’s thought-shredder. Second Corinthians 10:5 instructs, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). When you say this verse out loud, something amazing happens! The thoughts go away! God longs to give you freedom from guilt, shame, worry, and anything else that hinders your ability to be joyful.

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can begin daily to rid your mind of the garbage Satan has dumped on you and replace it with Happy Files. Then you truly can BE JOYFUL ALWAYS.

Dear Father, thank You for forgiving us for every sin we have ever committed and promising never to condemn us for them! Help us each day to choose to live in the freedom of that promise and to be joyful always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Gratitude Monday

Some of last week's blessings:

Monday - receiving a bag a goodies from a friend, going for a walk
Tuesday - lunch with Rebekah
Wednesday - hosting lunch for Austen, Rachelle and their friends
Thursday - a friend volunteered to take me to my specialist's app't., buying new pants & jacket, lunch at Red Lobster
Friday - Rebekah stayed home sick; by afternoon she was feeling better; we enjoyed looking at photo albums, yearbooks and watching movies together
Saturday - support of siblings, Mom and a friend as I received an unpleasant letter
Sunday - having my children for Mother's Day, hearing my sister do an awesome job "sharing" at church, lunch with my children, my sister, brother-in-law and nephew

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Mother's Day


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KEVIN & SHARI!

Friday, May 11, 2007

Tag

I'm 'it'! I've been tagged by Rhonda and Joy. According to the rules, I am to list seven habits/facts about myself, tag someone else and inform them that I have done so. The person that I tag then takes their turn.... They list the rules, list their seven habits/facts about themselves on their own blog, tag someone else and inform them that they're 'it'.

1. I have JUST learned how to add a link to my blog. Aren't you proud of me?

2. I am technically challenged....so #1 is a HUGE accomplishment!

3. I love a good laugh ... often at MYSELF.

4. As a child I had to get 21 needles in my stomach after a dog bit me.

5. I am the youngest of five children. At forty I love being called the 'baby'.

6. I enjoy singing, especially when I am driving alone. I even make up songs!!

7. I like to play piano, although I'm not convinced that it's music to anyone
else's ears.

Now I'm tagging Karen. Go girl! You're 'it'!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Buyer Beware

I thought I would surprise Austen with a basketball net. It's something that he's wanted for about a month. I bought one this week on sale....however when I went to assemble it (it's the kind with a portable stand) I immediately encountered a problem. I removed all the contents of the box and began reading the instruction manual. On the first page, under the list of required items for assembly was the following: two capable adults. I had a good laugh...then asked Rebekah if we had two capable adults to which she replied 'no'; then I asked her if we had one capable adult to which she replied 'slightly'. I looked and looked to see if two capable adults were included in the box with no success. I guess my box has some missing items! Buyer Beware!!
For now the net remains unassembled, in the carport and this 'slightly' capable adult will suggest other forms of recreation - those that don't require assembly by two capable adults.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Show'n Tell

Rebekah and I had a lunch date today. When I went to the school to pick her up I saw the following poem on the bulletin board that Rebekah wrote for Earth Day. And as any proud mother would do, I am sharing it with you!!

WHAT WE CAN DO
Keep the earth clean. Please don't make it mean.
Recycle your recycling. Keep up the bicycling.
Take care of the animals and plants.
Don't forget the people, counting your uncles and aunts.
Do not pollute the air.
We should make everything fair.
We have beautiful flowers
Which come from God's powers.
Our country is a wonderful place.
Keep it wonderful everywhere, even the base.
So please take care of the earth.
Because if we don't...it will get rid
of my Grandma Merth.
Looks like I've got a little poet on my hands.
We enjoyed our lunch together, out on the deck, with very few bugs joining us.
Rebekah laughed and laughed about various things she heard her cousin, Derek, say this past weekend. I love to hear her laugh!!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

If only....


...I was a couple decades younger! ...Do you still think your husbands are ok with you coming to my place?

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Busy Busy


Shari has simply been too busy to do any new posts!

Monday, April 30, 2007

Mickey


He's got humour, hair and I can't say that he's ever lied.... so he's honest too!


Sunday, April 29, 2007

The Perfect Couple

Well, I haven't found my 4H man yet but this guy's pretty cute!
You ask, what's a 4H man?.....He's got height, hair (just kidding). He's honest and he's HOT!!

Friday, April 27, 2007

Quack Quack

I LOVE THE VIEW FROM MY SUNROOM!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Good News in the Mail

I received good news in the mail today. A friend sent me a card with a picture of a quilt on the front and the following verse:


Joy must be the shocking pink thread in our tapestry because people seem stunned by this flamboyant stitch.

When we exhibit joy during trying times, others view us as odd ducks 'cause everyone knows life ain't no ride on no pink duck.


- Patsy Clairmont



My friend also tucked in a gift of money and a personal note.

I decided to treat myself. (One benefit of being on my own is I have no one quoting Dave Ramsey to me while I shop!)

I bought a beautiful plant. It's funny, this morning, when I left to run errands I had the thought 'I would really enjoy a potted plant for my house which I could later plant outside'. God gave me the desire of my heart.

As I was looking at the plants in the store a lady came over and started chatting with me about plants. A few minutes later she referred to me by name. I had no clue who she was. It turns out she had prayed for me one time at The Healing Room (a prayer ministry). It also turns out that she has walked in my shoes too. She has been on her own for over 25 years.

I found a photo of the plant that I'm now enjoying. It's called a regal geranium.


Wednesday, April 25, 2007

I'm Still Here

To those of you that have been wondering where I've been and what I've been up to....

I will first tell you what I have NOT been doing:
- I have not been out getting cosmetic surgery (including breast implants)
- no, I have not found my "4H man" as Shari refers to him (whoever "he" is)
- I have not been out purchasing more book shelves
- I have not been searching for a new recipe to post


So, what have I been doing?:
- I have sent my income tax file off to the accountant
- I have worked on summer access proposals
- I have responded to various issues with you know who
- I have organized more "stuff" in my house
- I have enjoyed watching the ducks (this morning there were five) in my pond
- I have enjoyed watching the birds at my bird feeders
- I have attended my children's music festival performances
- I have been taxi driver, taking my children to their various activities & appointments
- I have watched hockey playoffs, American Idol and Joyce Meyer
- I have been to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup and received a good report

..and today I hope to get outside and start working on my flower beds. This will probably turn into a guessing game. Can I name that plant (or weed)?!

Have a great week everyone.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Weekend Project

Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture that requires assembly?

Well......I was shopping with my sister, Shari, and she suggested that I purchase a book shelf for my new house. I did need a shelf, it was on sale and so I thought this was a terrific idea.

A couple of weeks ago I thought that, with the help of my son, I would assemble the shelf.
Upon opening the box my enthusiasm quickly dwindled.
There were multiple pieces of wood (if you can call it 'wood') of various sizes.
What concerned me even more was the package of hardware. It seemed like enough for a furniture factory.
The best part was the instruction booklet - very few words, lots of diagrams labeled with letters and numbers.......hummmmm...I decided to leave this project for another time.
(Secretly I hoped that someone would show up at my door asking if I needed anything done.)

This weekend I decided to give it another try. This time I prayed, asking God to give me wisdom, before I started.

Voila....I have an assembled bookshelf. I used all 18 pieces of wood and most of the 132 pieces of hardware. The box actually had a few extra pieces!

I am thankful that God cares about ALL our concerns. You know....I should have prayed the first time I opened the box.

Oh....almost forgot. Shari convinced me to buy TWO bookshelves. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow?

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Roxanne's Recipes



A PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS....

Gratitude Saturday

I am thankful that I am a child of God. That truth is an anchor.
I am thankful for my three terrific kids. (I am thankful that my oldest child has called me twice this week, while on a school trip!)
I am thankful for family. Shari, I couldn't possibly ask for a better sister...
and Kevin, I think you qualify for brother-in-law of the year award again this year.
I am thankful for three brothers and a Mom who have stood with me.
I am thankful for Conrad & Donna, who have become like parents to me.
I am thankful for friends.
I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with friends....through blogging!!
I am thankful for Mickey. I thought I got a dog for the kids. It turns out that Mickey has become a pretty good friend to me.
I am thankful that the gadgetmobile continues to be reliable.
I am thankful for my new house.
I am thankful for my new whirlpool bathtub.
I am thankful for my little backyard pond.
I am thankful for good books, movies and music.
I am thankful that I received flowers this week. Thanks Shari!
I am thankful that I have chocolate and coffee in my house.
I am thankful for The Miracle Channel.
I am thankful for my computer and television.
I am thankful for laughter!!

Friday, April 13, 2007

Perfect Mate

At a local coffee bar, a young woman was expounding on her idea of the perfect mate to some of her friends.

"The man I marry must be a shining light amongst company. He must be musical. Tell jokes. Sing. Entertain. And stay home at night."

An old granny overheard and spoke up, "Girl, if that's all you want, get a TV!"


And on that note I'll get back to Trinitron Sony for a nice evening together!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Fact or Fiction

Fact or Fiction?

1. I am 5'8" tall.
2. I am right handed.
3. I enjoy sewing.
4. I love olives.
5. I have taken line dancing lessons.
6. My sister will know she is NOT to participate in this quiz.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Progress





Hey there's progress. My first photo posted.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

The Tale of My Big Toe

Once upon a time I had feet the could be seen in sandals.
However...that time is no more....at least for now.
Sandal season is fast approaching. For some it is already here.

I have just come from a doctor's appointment. I have been referred to
a specialist because the toe nail still doesn't appear healthy.

You will be thankful that I do not own a digital camera, nor do I know
how to post photos anyway(I will master this in time!).
Take my word for it, my toe "ain't pretty".
Tammy would NOT want to do a pedicure for me anytime soon.

I am praying that the nail will be healed BEFORE my appointment with the specialist.
When the healing comes I may even post a photo of my big toe so you can see
"the rest of the story".

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Mission Accomplished!

Well I FINALLY did it! I have joined the world of bloggers! ....... Is that what we call ourselves?

After several weeks of checking out your blogs I finally took the step of posting a couple of comments. And now I have taken the next step.... Am I reminding anybody of a toddler taking their first few "baby" steps? Come on now. Encourage me along before I fall!

For those of you that know me well I don't have to convince you that I am technically challenged. If you need convincing just ask my brother-in-law and nephew. They have shown me waaaaay too many times how to use the tv remotes. Really...why do they insist on using so many remotes anyway? Perhaps it's a plot to get me to give up on watching figure skating.

I have been quite impressed with the technical and writing skills that I have seen while checking out your blogs. For those of you out there that think you can't measure up to all this talent my blog is here to encourage you. One look at my blog and you'll be convinced that you too can do this...no problem.

So...from my house, to your's, welcome to Roxanne's Open House.