Give Away Carnival

Just for fun--- I thought I would participate in the bloggy carnival giveaway.
Denise Bittinger had a link to this site and I found it interesting... Just thought I'd try it. I'll let you know how it goes. :-)

I'm giving away a $10.00 gift card to JoAnn Fabric Store.
(I work there and it's a pleasant place to work.)

All you need to do is leave a comment and mention your favorite hobby, if you have one.

If you don't have a blog, please leave your contact information. You must leave a comment before midnight on Sat., Feb. 2nd.

I will be drawing for the winner on Feb. 3rd. The winner must contact me within 3 days of notification. No gimmicks, no tricks, just join in the FUN! Thanks!!

To link to other blogs which are participating CLICK HERE.

Need a Laugh?

Our little dog was groomed on Sat. and this is what he came back looking like.
We did not know this was going to happen.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. lol. Mostly, we laughed.
He's looks so different!


The "new" Buddy

What had been his normal look.
This pic was taken a few months ago.

Changes and The Routine

The apple template was getting old, so I decided to switch to something different... kind of obvious, huh!

I don't know if it's because I'm a homeschool mother and this happens to be the month of January, but "routine" is a word I can relate to very well. To be honest though, many times I find comfort in the same location, same schedule, same friends, etc. Especially when I think of the alternative, such as the routine being broken by difficult and unforeseen circumstances. Which leads me to mention that I'm very thankful my husband is home after a stay in the hospital a few days ago- he was working in some fiberglass which caused him to develop an allergic reaction or a chemical asthma. His oxygen level began to plummet, among other symptoms. After being very miserable and suffering for about 3 days, he decided to go to the Dr... The Dr. sent him straight to the hospital. Breathing treatments, antibiotics and steroids have been his "story" since then. He's doing much better. We're so glad he's home! Routine is coming back into the Plemmons household slow but sure. And I'm seeking radiance in knowing God is with us in the routine OR extraordinary days of our lives!

A Very Impressive Cookbook!

Yesterday, Sherri Wolfe's mother gave me a copy of the beautiful new cookbook by the Women of Worth group in Hobe Sound, FL. The title is Kitchen Komforts. If you cook alot and sometimes go through the "What shall I fix for dinner today?" syndrome, this book is for you!! There are over 1,000 very practical recipes (which look to be extremely delicious!), and I'm so anxious to try them. Several names which I recognize have contributed their family recipes or recipes which have been a hit at church gatherings through the years. I noticed that you may order the book by sending $20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling to: Ruth Vernon, 8606 SE Alabama Place, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 (Also, I heard that they were going to be made available at IHC this year.)

I'm especially looking forward to trying:

Baked Vidalia Onion Dip

Blueberry Breakfast Sauce

Bonnymill Baked Eggs (A breakfast casserole which doesn't call for bread)

Cinnabon Rolls

Amish Barbequed Hamburgers

Rich and Creamy Potato Bake

Ho-Ho Cake

Easy Elegant No-Bake Cheesecake

Just to name a few...

A Gentle Reminder From My Teenager

Today, Amber and I were at our bank drive-thru. My patience was wearing thin and I voiced it by saying how it seems the tellers are slow at this particular bank and I always have to wait. Amber responded by saying, "Life is too short to....." I thought maybe she was going to say, "... to spend your life sitting at the bank." Ha! Instead she was saying, "Life's too short to spend time complaining about something such as this (beyond my control)." Thanks, Amber, for that reminder! God used it to cause me to stop and think of how few my complaints should really be in light of His wonderful blessings. Also, a good laugh was brought about by the whole discussion. (Just between us.)

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift!

That's why it's called The Present!

Lord, help me to unwrap it in such a way that I try to make the very best of each and every moment possible.

Happy 1st Birthday, Bensen!!

My nephew, Bensen, turns one today! He's so much fun! It had been 7 1/2 yrs. since we had a baby in the family. Bensen has brought a lot of joy and laughter. Below is a clip I took at Christmas time of Bensen cooing on pitch. (Great-Grandpa Sneed sort of joined in part way through. He never claimed to have a knack for singing... Ha! And you can hear Mamaw's comment about not ever having seen a baby do that before!! The funny thing is- he only does it when someone else does it, and stops when they stop.)

I LOVE THIS!!

The Lord is gracious to those who serve Him;
Full of compassion to those who need Him;
Slow to anger for those who offend Him;
and of great mercy to those who seek Him!!

Don't know where I found this a few years back, but it is so TRUE!
What a great God!!!

And Happy New Year!!!

After spending a week in sunny southern Indiana and enjoying the fact that we didn't even have to wear a coat, we have come home to good ole Michigan and several inches of snow!!! It is beautiful!! Happy New Year One and All!!

Snapshots from Christmas

It is such a wonderful thing to gather with family for Christmas. I'm very thankful we were able to make the trip to southern Indiana this year. After an 8 hour trip, we arrived on Christmas Day around 5:00 in the evening. My parents, my sister's family and my grandparents were there to greet us. We had a scrumptious dinner and a most enjoyable time together. A man can be as poor as Job's turkey, but if he has a caring family- he's RICH!!! I know that we are so blessed!


My Mom's beautiful centerpiece


Together time-- Carson (My sister's son) and Clayton


Dad, Jeff (My brother-in-law) and Mom


Grandpa Sneed trying on his new suit coat


Carson and Grandma Sneed


The boys with Papaw and their airgun sets


Baby's First Christmas
Crystal, Bensen and Papaw


Our girl!


On Thursday the guys decided to go to the White Steamer (downtown restaurant
in Washington). Dan loves that place! I'm not so sure about it. LOL!
My Mom, sister and I took the kids and went to the BEST Mexican restaurant
anywhere- (in my opinion) Mi Pueblos!


Mom and Bensen


Carson with his favorite... Nachos Mexicanos


My sister ordered "El Presidente". You can't tell by the picture, but this plate was HUGE!!! We split it three ways.


On Friday evening, my sister invited us over for chili and a game night.
It was fun!


Dad and Mom


A wrestling match usually has a way of breaking out when you get
these three together.


I had so much fun with Bensen!!


Dan with Bensen


My sister's Colt's fans


Amber and Bensen


Crystal's hot wings are awesome!!


Crystal and Carson