Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Old Age is a Gift

Most of you know I work with Seniors and I got this today and I have already reached parts of it, but I realize the beauty in all of it~Allow me to share...

Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggyeyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love. I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set . They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it) Photobucket

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

We had fun at the Beach

july 2008 032 Every summer we go to the beach with Barbie, my best friend and her Hubby David. We go to a dear friend's condo and its like going home.

Here’s a view from our balcony-

july 2008 019 I spend alot of time in this pool letting the stresses of life just leave me-barbies camera 110

Yep, that’s me floating in the pool!

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We love sitting on the beach watching the tide roll in....

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We eat good meals at the condo and out at new restaurants.

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We took our pictures on the beach this year.

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I am thankful I had 4 days of sun and sand- I would have loved a few more-nothing like being greedy!

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Going to the beach with people you love is Awesome!

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Be blessed!

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Monday, July 28, 2008

July 27th-a special day to me

Today 28 years ago I gave birth to my first sweet beautiful baby-Ashley. I remember it like yesterday.

I went to the hospital for the third time –two others were false labor-this time was a for sure deal and they told me I had gone into Toxemia during labor. They had to lower my blood pressure to have her and I was in hard labor all night with nothing for pain. It was all worth it, the moment I heard that cry and held her in my arms. Life has never been the same. She has always been a special girl. !cid_00330A40060F4A1CAED7F17CD4A1CF5A@user2PC 

She loved Miss Piggy when she was little and she wouldn’t go to sleep without her. She slept with me and we were inseparable until she was 2 and 3months when I went into the hospital to have her brother. I couldn’t wait to get back home to her and she ran right past me yelling where is my baby. She loved being a big sister.

One of my favorite memories of her was when she was about 7 we went to the Barnum and Baileys Circus- While we were there we bought the kids some stuffed animals. The next day she came running to find me to tell me she had just realized her elephant only had one ear-my mind was thinking great we paid an arm and a leg for a defective toy- she looked at it then hugged it extra hard and said Momma I love it –it’s just more special cos its different.

Ashley is now a wonderful mother and I am proud of her. I’m thankful for the choices she has made of a wonderful husband and to raise her children in a loving home and in church.214 006

Ashley is beautiful inside and out-she is pregnant with my 4th little GRANDBABY. I am blessed because she lives right down the street and we are very close in distance and in heart.

When she was growing up I knew she was very special and I would say I want to be like you when I grow up-I’m still working on it.

I love her alot and I’m thankful she loves me and shares her life , her children and her husbands good cooking with me!!

I missed her big day because I’m at the beach, but she was on my mind and in my heart and I am blessed to be her Mother.

Happy birthday sweet Ashley!

Be blessed!

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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sunday Am at the Beach

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Dear Friends,

Please pray for my friend Katheryn, she is a young mother of 4 boys, The oldest graduated this year. She had a brain aneurysm Friday pm and is in Neurological Intensive care. The family needs your prayers.

This morning as I began my day in prayer, I prayed for Katherine and others, who are on my mind, that need a touch from God. I thanked God for time to get away and renew. My mind kept going to one of my favorite chapters of the Bible, yes, they are all my favorites ,but this one is special- in my bible it says MY Favorite chapter-a love letter  between God and me…

Psalm 139 (New International Version)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths,  you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
       How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
       they would outnumber the grains of sand.
       When I awake,
       I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
       Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
       your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
       and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
       I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

O how wonderful these verses are-

The green verses tell me that even when I can’t understand it He is with me- He has his hand around everything I’m going through. What a comfort. Think about being a child and knowing your parents are right there as your hand of protection-that’s the way our Heavenly Father is always.

The purple verses just reiterate the green ones and tell me that no matter where I am He is there, I never leave His view or presence. Even when I’m on the beach, He is with me. He is with me to guide me and hold me fast! I remember when I was a little girl and we would go to Knoxville at Christmas, we would cry and say what if Santa can’t find us cos we’re not at home, and my parents would assure us –Santa knows where all little girls and boys are-well be assured GOD knows where we are and WE are always on his mind!

The red verses are always on my mind when I am at the beach, because they say that yes, He is always thinking of me-his thoughts about me are more than the grains of sand on the beach. Wrap your mind around that one- who could even count a handful of sand much less all the sand on all the beaches. WOW-when I sleep He is thinking of me, when I’m awake He is thinking of me.

I could expound on every verse of this chapter , but I picked the ones I’m especially thankful for today.  If you feel alone and discouraged read these verses and ponder them –hear Willie Nelson singing You are always on my mind-that’s God singing to you.  I also wake up some mornings and hear Good morning Beautiful, How was your night? and I think that’s God caring how I slept last night.

God loves me this I KNOW !

Be blessed this sunny, sandy morning!:o)

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Sitting at the Beach-I was tagged:o)

I've been tagged

Well Behaved Krissy tagged me!! I love awards- I love being at the beach, where I am I will now proceed with the tag…

So here it goes...

A. attached or single? attached

B. best friend? Jesus

C. cake or pie? cake-homemade of course

D. day of choice? Sunday

E. essential item? computer these days

F. favorite color? RED!

G. gummy bears or worms?worms

H. hometown? Huntsville AL

I. favorite indulgence? Pedicures and Starbucks Coffee

J. january or july? July-because my 1st child was born then and my husband was born then and I usually go to the beach and of course our country got its independence in July

K. kids? 3 beautiful wonderful kids 3 more beautiful wonderful GRANDkids

L. life isn't complete without? my grandkids around

M. marriage date? September 21 which was a miracle because its football season and I’m married to a coach

N. number of brothers & sisters? two brothers, one sister

O. oranges or apples? both

P. phobias? HELLO-flying

Q. quotes? People need love the most when they deserve it the least.

R. reasons to smile? My Heavenly Father knows everything about me, yet He loves me and he saved me and He calls me his own!

S. season of choice? Spring

T. tag five peeps! They're at the bottom of the page.

U. unknown fact about me? I could have made a record but I chose motherhood instead

V. vegetable? fresh ones-most all of them except brussel sprouts and greens

W. worst habits? overeating

X. x-ray or ultrasound? ultrasounds are way more exciting- I hope I get to go to one soon

Y. your favorite food? Mexican

Z. zodiac sign? Gemini


I'd like to honor the following blogs, and award them a 2008 Premio as well...

1. LindanJake

2. All Things are Possible

3. Mommy Girl

4. Kajun Kerry

5. I Wanna Talk about Me…
6. Life in the Parsonage

7.Putz

2008 Premio Award Rules:

1. When received, you may post the premio to your blog.
2. Link to the blogger you received it from.

3. Give it to 7 blogs

4. Link to those 7 blogs

5. Leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Relationships...

Have you ever woke up one day and wondered how did I get estranged from someone I was so close too? Does it prey on your mind? Unfortunately, that probably happens to all of us. They say people come in to our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I think when someone is special we wish it would always be for a lifetime. Sometimes we don't realize that friendships are relationships just like a marriage is and we need to be working and always considerate of that relationship. I had wrote down a list of 10 Commandments for Human Relations, I'm not sure where it came from, but I think it's words we could all stand to be reminded of. I cherish my friendships and I even like new friends, so I must ask myself - If I met me would I want to be my friend? I want the answer to always be yes-so I'll look at this list of 10 commandments-not as sacred as the 10 from our Heavenly Father- but important if I want to relate well with others.

10 Commandments of Human Relations
Speak to people—There is nothing so nice as a cheerful word of greeting and/or encouragement.
Smile at people—It takes 72 muscles to frown, only 14 to smile.
Call people by name —The sweetest music to anyone’s ears is the sound of their own name.
Be friendly and helpful—If you would have a friend, be a friend.
Be cordial—Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure.
Be genuinely interested in people—You can like most everybody if you try.
Be generous with praise—Cautious with criticism.
Be considerate with the feelings of others—There are usually three sides to a controversy; Yours, the other fellows and the right side.
Give of yourself—What counts most in life is what we do for others.
Keep a good sense of humor, a big dose of patience and a dash of humility—you will be rewarded many-fold.


I just think we need to remember these and try to practice them-
I had the pleasure of eating lunch today with 10 coworkers and celebrating 4 of them's birthdays. It made me think about friendship, respect and time. Things that are important in relating with others.
I love the Golden rule-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Come to think of it all of my Favorite quotes have to do with Relationships...
WE can do no great things, only small things with great love. Mother Teresa

People need love the most when they deserve it the least.

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say ,"I used everything you gave me."Erma Bombeck

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires and a touch that never hurts.Charles Dickens

Enjoy life's little things, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.

Learn to write your hurts in the sand . Learn to carve your blessings into stone.

Alot of my favorite bible verses are the one anothers- God gave us each other-and He gave us some pointers.

Let's remember and live them.

Be blessed!

Monday, July 21, 2008

I got a Prizee in the Mail

After the exciting weekend I had, I came home to a nice big box that was filled with goodies I won from sweet Linda. She had a 100th post giveaway and they drew my name. I couldn’t wait to open the box.

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My baby girls will sure love making cupcakes with MeMe! I can’t wait. We have two birthdays in the next week-so guess what they’ll be getting- great cupcakes! I’ll be sure and make pictures.

Thank you Linda, I love my goodies!

Be blessed!

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Blood, Sweat and Tears- My Weekend



I don't know where to start, so I guess I'll start with the sweat part-I spent the weekend moving my daughter from one apartment to another in T-Town. Did I mention the old apartment was upstairs, but praise God the new one was downstairs. Did I mention it felt 110 degrees the whole time? I could go on and on about the heat part and how this old gray mare ain't what she used to be. I tried to hang and do my fair share. I didn't especially love the cleaning part in both apartments. Can you envision the sweat part... load, unload, clean, load, move, load-hot truck!! Can I tell you one of the funniest sweat parts- prepare for laughter- on the trip down I kept thinking what a start, loading that truck at home it was hot, whoo, I wish I could cool down, wow, is the air not working in this truck? About halfway through the southern trip, I think my kingdom for an ice bath, when I begin to squirm on my seat and realize that when I moved it up to accomodate my short legs, I hit the butt warmer for those black leather seats and had it on high!!!!!!!!

I could now express a few of the tears part- I drove my husband's truck from our hometown with furniture loaded in it. It was a nice drive, not alot of traffic, possibly because the price of GAS. We also drove the truck to Greenville, Mississippi to pick up a free bedroom suite, then back to Tuscaloosa. Which made the weekend total on GAS a whopping $200.00. WAHHHH!!!But it is all worth it, because she is now one block from the Strip or University Blvd. and walking distance to class. She will have a great apartment for her Senior year. You walk out her door and see Bryant Denny Stadium-you can hear the game and smell the hotdogs from her front steps.


I am very proud of the young woman she is and the responsiblity she is showing. It was a joy to be with her all weekend. Her new fellow Adam was a trooper and helped us all weekend. Last night as I drove home, tired, stinky and with a hitch in my get along, I thought how fun it was to be with her and how proud I am of the daughter I have raised!

I got home, walked in, took a shower, brushed my teeth, put my gown on-wet hair and all, let's have a moment and then fall into bed. Then the phone rings.... It is my son-in love Donny, and I hear complete hysteria on the phone--this is more of the tears part ... My sweet baby ANNA has fallen and split her face wide open- I jump up , get clothes on and am waiting in the driveway when they bring Emma the oldest girl to our house and Anna says she wants Meme to go to the hospital with her. Papa keeps Emma and off we go. This is now the blood part, my sweet little Anna has about an inch gash from above her eyebrow, down into her eyelid. Her cheek is swelling and already turning purple. She fell off the couch head first onto a big popcorn tin, filled with toys and figurines and bent the can, that's how hard she fell. The trip to the ER was very rough for all of us. She had three stitches and that was not pleasant. We are so thankful she has no eye damage. My sweet little baby girl will now have a matching eyebrow scar like her mother and her MeMe. Ashley fell when she was little and has a scar through her eyebrow. I did mine a few years ago when we were moving into our house.

Boy, you have to love a weekend that is filled with so much excitement. It's almost more than one can handle. I like the group much more than the experience!!!!

Be blessed!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

MeMe’s Great Evening

Last night was a joy with Emma and Anna. I’m so thankful they love to spend time with MeMe and Papa. I know this will not always be the case, so I take every time and cherish it, from the smallest things to the big ones.

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Can you tell that I started them off early working on the computer- in my past life I taught little baby darlins computer at the local elementary school. Emma can do anything on the computer and loves working on MeMe’s laptop. Anna will be right behind her, but for now she likes to watch…

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Also to make faces at the MeMe who loves taking her pictures.

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Look at that sweet face!

Big Sis could draw or play on the computer all night.

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How old should she be before we start her a blog?

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Later we got on our pajama’s and had ice cream cones while we watched one of our favorite shows.

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Anna was the first to poop out and she started sweet dreams early…

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I’ve told ya’ll before there is nothing better than going to sleep to sweet voices and waking up to those same sweet voices even at the early hour of 6:00 am .

Emma woke up early and the morning started with a triple shower with my sweet little punkins. Then I had a few sweet moments before I had to head off to adult world and work.

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I truly thank God that my grandbabies live close and that I can see them and get them just about anytime. I look forward to the new one coming in January- all the more to love.

Here is a recent picture of my Ryder Boy- I hope I can get him some this weekend!

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It is GRAND  to be a MeMe!

Be blessed!

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Time fly's when you’re having fun!

Since I last blogged I have been to Atlanta and walked and looked and walked and looked some more for some great finds for my friend Barbie’s shop. We had a great trip-stayed in Buckhead, ate some good meals and I always love spending time with my two best friends Juju and Barbie.

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Tonight I have two little ladies coming to spend the night and I’ll give them their prizees I got them from Market. They are like balm, to spend time with them.

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Another wonderful thing that happened today is a lady I really look up to because she’s funny, imaginative, real, and Godly –Yes I’m talking about sweet Jennifer at DustBunny –she gave me an award.

BRILLIANT

I am humbled to get awards because I just write and share and I truly feel the gifts are the friendships that form and the comments you receive from people who could be anywhere on this great big worldwide web and for one moment they chose to be at my blog reading the things I share-the things I care about and entering into my life for a short time.Woo- how’s that for the world’s longest run –on sentence.  I truly mean it –thanks to everyone who reads and double thanks for leaving this MeMe a comment-it makes my day.

I would like to pass this award on to Debbie  for being a gifted writer and for sharing GOD’S word and her family life with us. She is precious to me.

I think I just heard my door and little footsteps…

until tomorrow-

Be blessed!

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Blog Party Fun!!!

We’re really enjoying the blog party experience. You just get together with friends who blog, along with some who want to start and teach each other, oh and did I mention that it always involves food. Last night the party was at my house and I fixed some taco salad fixings (our favorite)and the party began. I was so glad my daughter Ashley got to come and Valerie showed her some stuff.015 We got her hooked up with her blog makeover I won , be sure and check her out at Mommy Girl.

One great surprise last night was getting to meet Well Behaved Krissy, she behaved and she looked quite precious in her new $80.00 outfit from Tarjay. Don’t you agree?

016 It sure was a pleasure to meet her and I hope we get to partay again someday.

April was on her best behavior and in her salesperson mode-she’ll fix ya right up with a Body Bugg. See the precious little band on her arm. I love her!

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Kajun Kerry brought our friend Teresa, who is starting a blog-she’s going to name it-I’m a Mother…Teresa.

024 This  is Teresa hugging my man when he got home from football practice.

It was fun to have Maria- and Dana join us, I hope they learned something, had fun and will come back.

017 This is Maria.

028 This is Dana  with my Sista Kerry. They have been friends a long time you can read about it on their blogs. It’s really fun to get together and share and we all bring something to share with each other. Like Kerry said ..if she learns one thing at each party –she feels good about it. It’s tweaking kind of stuff, like adding music, setting up I- Google or Windows Live Writer (which I love by the way).

Thank all you gals  for coming over. Who’s house is next?

Oh, one more thing I found out I won another drawing at my friend Linda’s –it is a wonderful mix of Cupcake fixings  I will love using with my baby girls. I really want to thank her. Wow, how blessed can one girl be-to win two drawings in a week. Makes me think it’s about time for me to come up with a give-away and continue spreading the LOVE! I’m heading out for HotLAnta tomorrow with my two best friends, Barbie and Juju. We go to Market twice a year. I’m excited.

Hope everybody out there has a blessed weekend!

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Some Good Things since the 4th

I have been busy since the last time I posted-I’ve been making memories. I had a great weekend visit with my beautiful young daughter and her friend. They were home from Tuscaloosa.

s192800868_30097478_9632 This is Whitney and Adam. They stayed until Monday-we enjoyed their company very much. We spent a lot of time at Nanny and Poppy’s house. I also had a little visitor for the night Saturday and all day Sunday, including Church Sunday morning. Ryder is the happiest little man.

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My weekend was wonderful! Filled with family, friends and blessings. My little Brother Bert and his family were here and it was good to see them.

I had another blessing – I actually won something!

I was blessed to win a blog makeover from Shabby Creations. I am excited, because I’m going to give it to my daughter Ashley as she is just starting to blog.   I really want to thank Michelle and you will be seeing the fruits of her labors at Ashley’s soon. It’s so fun to win something and it’s fun to share blessings!

Speaking of Ashley, she finally brought my sweet angel baby girls back home and they grew in two and a half weeks. Tonight we went to eat and see the movie  Wall-E. It was a cute movie. Chase met us and took Little Ryder to his first movie. We ended the night at Maggie Moo’s with some good ice cream.

Life is good-God is good. I am thankful.

Be blessed!

 

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Saturday, July 5, 2008

Saturday Stirrings- Smothered Enchiladas

Okay- so I am being lazy on this Saturday morning and spending much time on the computer. I’ve found some good stuff so far- I found a recipe swap on Wednesday and found some good recipes. So I went to a site I Throw Like a Girl and found one that was for today called Saturday Stirrings . I am joining it with one of my favorite recipes to make.

Smothered Enchiladas

2lbs ground beef

2 pkg Taco seasoning

2 small cans diced green chilis

8 inch tortillas

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 16oz container of sour cream 2 cups of Mexican cheese shredded

Brown ground beef, drain and add taco seasoning and 1 can small green chilis,mix. Spread mixture onto tortillas and rollup. Mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream and can of green chilis. Pour half of the soup mixture in 13x9 pan. Place the rolled tortillas on top of the mixture and pour remaining soup mixture on top of tortilas. Top with cheese and bake uncovered @350 for 25-30 minutes.

I had these the first time at a girlfriends house and I have fixed them often, usually when friends or loved ones are coming over.

Enjoy and be blessed!

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I found an awesome Video this Am

I was visiting around the blog this am and I went to a great new blog I really enjoyed –Jamie at Purposeful Pursuit had interviewed one of my Favorites Sarah at Life in the Parsonage. Both of them are Pastor’s wife’s and very real. How wonderful! Visit both blogs you won’t be sorry. I loved the interview and I went on down and found a recipe I am going to fix tomorrow for my hubby (Italian Beef Sandwich)and then as I went further I find this 8 minute video that blows me away! It reminds me of the song I’m not Who I was by Brandon Heath-one of my Favorites that plays on my blog.  So you know the drill, mute my music, watch this video and ask yourself what would your cardboard say…

Careful- it will make you cry!

I’m thankful for God’s Amazing Grace and that He loves us so much He doesn’t want to leave us like we were, and He’s still working until the day He calls us home.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could go to church tomorrow and reveal ourselves to each other like this and lift each other up in love and live victoriously, instead of hiding the part we aren’t proud of because of pride.

God is amazing, beyond words and He knows us, yet He loves us!

Be blessed!

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