Monday Musings

My friend Charlotte does Monday Musings which I enjoy because I always know a little about what's happening in her life.  I thought I would do the same today!

What I'm thinking: That I can't figure out the best time of day to blog anymore.  I used to do it in the evenings, but my brain is usually mush by then.  And I don't like mornings as now I'm in the habit of having prayer time and reading Bible, devotional, and other books before doing anything else.  And then I have to try to get a few chores done and fit in time for exercise.  And don't forget mealtimes - LOL!  I'm thinking that after lunch will be best if I can get more chores done before lunch.  We shall see...

What I'm reading: I'm still sticking with my slow-but-sure Bible reading (1 chapter Old Testament and 1 chapter New Testament per day).  I love my newest set of devotionals!  I finished the one on Contentment (so good) and am now reading the one on Trust.  And I'm behind on my 12 books in 12 months by a couple of months, but I think I'll get caught up by next month.  Right now I'm reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

What I'm listening to: Hubs listening to talk-radio while working from home and son making all sorts of annoying noises as he lets off steam after a day of school!

What we're learning: Son is taking beginning tennis classes this month and likes it so far!  He's also learning fishing knots for Boy Scouts.  I'm supposed to be working on my typing skills this month, but haven't started yet.

What I'm watching: Friday night we watched our son's Christian school perform Pirates of Penzance!  They have a very impressive drama department (for such a tiny school).  The play was so much fun, the costumes were lovely (many talented seamstress moms), and the cast did a great job!

What's cooking: Yesterday I tried a new recipe for 3 herb drumsticks that bake in the oven - they were good!  Other than leftovers, I won't be cooking up too much as it's my Birthday Week - LOL!  What's my fave dinner to have out for my bday?  Steak!  I'm still a meat & potatoes Montana girl at heart!  :)

What I'm buying: Well I've gotta mention Birthday Week again 'cause it means that I'll go shopping.  I haven't purchased new clothes for quite some time other than odd pieces here and there from thrift stores.  I really need some exercise clothes since I started going to the gym regularly and only have 2 pair of exercise pants that can be seen in public - LOL.

What I'm thankful for: So many things!!  I'm thankful for my fabulous family and sweet friends, for the sunshine, for Birthday Week Starbucks card blessings, and for Spring Break coming soon!

What I'm creating: Nothing at the moment!  Does my blog count?!

What I'm praying: For God's wisdom and guidance for our family and I'm praying for so many dear friends going through a variety of trials right now - financial, medical, emotional, etc.

What I'm planning: We just decided that we will stay in town for Resurrection Day (Easter), so I need to figure out what to serve and see if any of my brothers-in-law ( I call them "The Brothers") will be coming over.  Also, son's class will be celebrating their Literature Day in a few weeks (Hans Brinker) and I'm helping plan the food part of the day.

What we did this last weekend: Friday night we went to the play and then out for dessert (which turned out to be a terrible restaurant experience - oops!).  Saturday involved lots of errands and Sunday was relaxing with Church.

What I'm looking forward to: Easter Break!!  Our Christian school takes 2 weeks off at Easter - Woo Hoo!  My Dad may be visiting during the 2nd week, so I'm looking forward to that and hoping the weather will be nice!

A picture to share:

The devotionals I'm enjoying right now.

What's happening with you?  Enjoy the rest of your day friends!
 

Bloggy Friendship Days ~ Battle of the Chocolates

It's still Bloggy Friendship Days here and at Homesteader's Heart! I enjoyed telling you about some of my bloggy friends yesterday! When you stop over at Kim's, she's got Friday Funnies with a friendship twist. And I am happy to celebrate my usual Chocolate Friday, BUT this one is a battle. The battle of the chocolates between me and my bloggy friend Kim. See who you think is the winner - OK, we're all winners 'cause it's all chocolate and chocolate is goooood!

For example, Kim has written a post entirely devoted to chocolate. But I wrote a post about chocolate that included a poem! You want more examples?

Kim drinks chocolate tea.

Hey I drink chocolate tea!

Kim likes candy bars.

Oh yeah? Well I like candy bars, too!

Kim likes chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

Well I like chocolate cake with a chocolate glaze.

Kim likes peanut butter and chocolate combined in a pie.

I like peanut butter and chocolate combined in cookie bars.

Kim like brownies with extra stuff in them.

I like brownies with extra stuff in them, too - so there!

Kim takes pictures of herself eating chocolate.

Hey, give me that chocolate - that's mine!

There were many more similarities, but without pics. It's a little scary, isn't it? Whew - a chocolate battle is tiring. I might need some chocolate to recover! OK Kim, I'll match any chocolate recipe you got - Oh YEAH!! By the way, trash talkin' makes Kim extremely competitive so there will probably be some great chocolate posts coming up on her blog soon! You're welcome - LOL!

I happen to think that friendship and chocolate are essential ingredients of A Beautiful Life, so I'm linking this up at The Inspired Room today! Stop by there to see how others are making life more beautiful.

Now you link up some chocolate posts! I promise - I'll love them and won't even give you any trash talk! Link up your old or new chocolate posts with Mr. Linky below!

Don't forget to be writing your Bloggy Friendship posts (I've seen some around already!), but don't link them up yet - that's for tomorrow. And remember, when you link those up tomorrow - you need to link them up here AND at Homesteader's Heart! It's our friendship linky love to you!

Go over to Kim's now for Friday Funnies - she just might be trash talkin' ME! :)

Tea For Two-sday ~ Spring Is Brewing

Hello my friends! So nice to see you! I am really enjoying this week so far - OK, it's only Tuesday, but I've got a good feeling about the rest of the week!

Don't forget (as if I'd let you?) that my Blogaversary is this Thursday. Check out the fun and prizes here.

This Tea For Two-sday, I thought I would share the little touches of Spring at my house - which do include tea things! You know, I heard that Kim was also going to be talking about Spring decorating this week - great minds think alike! :) And freshening up your house for Spring helps create a beautiful life, like the series at The Inspired Room.

Let me start with an early birthday present from a friend - does she know me or what?

Cool box

Super sweet tea present!

What a nice blessing - thank you A.!!

And now, let's take a little tour of Spring things at my house...

First, I think you should grab a Raspberry Pecan Bar to munch on while you're wandering around!


OK, start the tour!

The lilacs are almost done blooming.

Wisteria is in full bloom.

Back inside, a little Spring tea display.

Another Spring tea display.

Spring flowers.

Spring centerpiece. Those eggs are from Target and they are in an olive tray that was from a friend!

A bit of green for Spring.

Little tea touches.

You knew there would be chocolate!!

Just a couple of bunnies about.

My family room is bold colors, so Spring pastels don't work. I decided to put some old coffee beans in a glass hurricane and add some bold flowers.

There you have it! Hope you enjoyed the tour. I have always been a horrible decorator, but the blogosphere has really helped me in this area. I think I have improved quite a bit.

This post is also linked up at Tea and Thee - stop over there to read some tea posts and link up your own! And linked up at The Inspired Room for A Beautiful Life!

Have a lovely and blessed Tuesday!!