21 years

21 years ago today, at 2pm Central time, at Heath Baptist Church in Heath, Texas, I married my best friend. I can’t believe it’s already been 21 years, it seems like only yesterday, yesterday … I couldn’t even image what our lives would be like twenty-one years later; we have been through so much, a lot of good, and a lot not so good; we have three beautiful children, and four beautiful grandchildren ….
Twenty-one years ago I did not imagine being a grandmother so soon!
 Twenty-one years ago I did not imagine us living up in Gainesville!
 Twenty-one years ago I did not imagine us having such a large, beautiful family!
 Twenty-one years ago I couldn’t imagine us having such a wonderful marriage and friendship.
 We have bettered with age, our marriage has bettered with age; I wouldn’t change a thing, even the bad times, because they helped shape us into the people we are today. Every morning when I wake up and I see you, my heart is so happy (even when my face doesn’t look it, lol); I enjoy our chats out on the ramp and in the office. I enjoy praying with you and doing Bible study with you. I enjoy cooking, watching movies, playing games, spending time, with you.
 You are my best friend, yes, I have ‘girl’ friends who are so very close, but no one could ever be as close to me as you are; we have cried together, laughed together, (and at each other, lol) and we have loved together.
 We are one in the eyes of God and I wouldn’t change that for anything. You complement me, and you complete me. You make me whole. I love you so very much Gary Dale, a different love then it was 21 years ago, a better love. I can’t wait to see what the next 20+ years hold for us, exciting times as we watch our children continue to grow up and our grandchildren grow up; new things for you and I as we will eventually become empty-nesters. New adventures around the corner, for us.
 Happy Anniversary sweetheart, I love you

How to Strive to Have a Godly Marriage - Pride, what does it do?

Pride ruins marriages and causes divorces.
II Samuel 22:28 - And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.
Proverbs 6:17 - A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood
Proverbs 8:12 - I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 15:25 - The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

I am truly blessed and favored

As I sat there on the wedge of our sofa, Abigail stretched out asleep on my left, and Gary curled up asleep on my right, I looked around and listened as my son and son-in-law were laughing together, and my daughter was sitting on her bed, it hit me how in creditably blessed I am.
We may argue and get mad at each other, and our home is literally bursting at the seams, but I love it. I love having my family home and around me. I love the laughter, the smiles, the playfulness, the silly things we all do, the jokes, the care, the concern for one another, the compassion, the love.

How to Strive to Have a Godly Marriage - Expectations

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage, Draw Closer to God and Help Your Spouse Draw Closer to God -

1. Expectations ruin relationships; don't argue or disagree openly, around or in front of others
2. Praise each other openly; have weekly or monthly date night; kiss each other on the cheek, hug each other; hold each other's hand, openly
3. Write down 5 good things throughout the week about your spouse and share them with your spouse
4. Do something nice for your spouse daily without expectations of something in return
5. Read your Bible together, out loud, at least one chapter a night, with the family, then have a q &a session about what you read after.
6. Pray together, out loud, daily, with your spouse

Peace Makers ...

Strawberry Yogurt Cake

My son-in-law and I love strawberry cake! Every time I find a new recipe for strawberry cake we HAVE to try it! This one is super good and moist, it has yogurt in it! It is super simple to make, just using a pre-made cake mix and pre-made frosting.

Macaroni Salad

This is my recipe.
I don't usually measure when I cook; I just sort of guess and go!
My husband calls it 'creative cooking 101'
I haven't ever had any complaints about my macaroni salad, and like most dishes containing mayo and spices, it tastes better the next day!

Zucchini Fritters

In my opinion this is the best way to get zucchini in your picky family members diet! These are so good I could eat them every day! We added jalapenos to ours which made them super yummy with a little heat; we followed this exact recipe using patty-pan squash, and honestly, I thought it was better then with the zucchini, it was lighter, but either way, I love them both!

Taco Tater Casserole

This was super good! My whole family loved it, including my 4 year old granddaughter, who is very picky!

Ingredients

◦1 lb ground beef

◦1 small onion, diced finely

◦1 clove garlic, minced

Cowboy Casserole

My family loves this recipe, it is very easy to make, and very hearty. I have made it twice, the first time I followed the recipe exact; while it was good, my family likes a little more spice and flavor then the original recipe has, so the second time I made it I used our 'house seasoning' on the meat after I cooked it and on the potatoes before adding the rest of the ingredients .

Product Review



I downloaded all three of these packets for my granddaughter and am highly impressed not only with the art work and easy language, but with the number of sheets per packet and numerous different activities in each one, all Christ centered, and you can’t beat the price!