Imitation Vanilla

As many of you know----I have a gift for hospitality. I love to entertain and there is not an ounce in my body that does not enjoy planning a party. I love all the aspects and details that go into planning. Creativity usually bubbles over from within me when I plan. Colors, decorations, themes, food, invitations, games....etc. This makes me happy inside and I love to fellowship with others and get to know them a little better each time on a more deeper level intellectually and spiritually.

A big part of being a Mommy is that little eyes are always watchful of what you say and do. Even when you think they don't hear your words or in the other room. They pick up on all expressions of your character. This can be a huge eye opening experience....pun intended! How I think and what I believe is portrayed in every detail of my being. And, kids pick up on it. Because what I think and believe results in what I say or do....so setting my mind straight is of upmost importance. Take captive any unholy thought and putting on the mind of Christ daily in all I do. Easier said than done in many cases....But, day by day I am growing stronger. Thank you Lord. So to remembering how I carry through discipline times...how I express anger and outrage...how I express gratitude....etc. I am always in need of check-up.

So today, I am re-discovering that Sophia is quite the little imitation vanilla of me. Sophia is mini-me. (Oh Lord, help me now!)
She loves to talk. She loves to sing. She is dramatic. She is imaginative. She loves to watch movies. She loves chocolate. She loves to plan a good party!
Sophia and our neighbor boy Ethan have begun to plan the big party. They started planning yesterday and the party starts tomorrow. Hmmm? They are making decorations--paper chains. An invite list (they don't quite understand that Cousin Jess & Ryan can't make it tomorrow because they live too far away). It is quite an impressive list of guests. They have planned their menu: Pupcakes, Cake, Popcorn, Chips, Cookies, Juice, Tacos, Broccoli, Carrots, milk, Vegetable Soup (I am so impressed they didn't forget some healthy options for those that are health conscientious).

It is a joy to watch the passion of entertaining and time of good fellowship spill over into my daughter. She has a great imaginative play mind....and I love it! Thank you Lord that some pleasant traits are being soaked up into my little sponge. Imitation can be good sometimes. We all love the original classic vanilla bean....but sometimes imitation vanilla can be sweet and savory too.
So, I am going to use my special Imitation Vanilla in making my Pupcakes for my next party. She is sweet and creative! She will do a fine job in helping me....surely, she learned from the best!

PINK

my computer is not working well with our internet router...and i feel like i am missing my closest friend...i can't use my computer properly...and it is frustrating... maybe i should pray over it? so, here i am using our old laptop where the "i' rarley works properely. i have to hold it down to make use of it. arrrg.

So sorry....what a grump i am! This is not what i came here intending to write about in this blog entry. Kind of a negOtive start...i intended to write something about love and beauty and romance...afterall it is Valentines Week. We should be feeling the love in the air...we should be breathing it and exhaling it constantly. We should feel "PINK" inside...you know that giddy girly feeling...happy happy!

Well, not entirley so...but, I will try and make due of it. Afterall, I chose a cute PINK font color. It is sooo Pinkie!

I thought I would share some of my favorite romantic movies! These are the only ones i could think up off the top of my head. There are not many that came to mind. In the begginning, I had many just popping in my mind and then I suppose they just pooped out! Must of been my stringe of negOtivity in the start of this that just ruined my mood.

Tell me your favorites! I think I will grab a few Dove chocolates and snuggle up in my pink blanket with my pink slippers and pink teddy bear and pink lemonade on my pink couch to watch some LOVEly movie... sweet dreams!

"Return to Me"
"A Knight's Tale"
"Ever After"
"The Princess Bride" (Special Edition)

This week at our home

This week at our home: Rest
No, we have not been busy busy busy with many things that would normally tire us out. In fact, my calendar at the beginning of the week was completely full with activities, events, and such...but, when God says "Rest"...we had no other obligation than to just obey. That is exactly what we did this week. We kind of disappeared into our little hubble of a home and rested.
We had been blessed many weeks previous in good health. As many friends suffered the "sickness" that had rendered its way into their home--we continued to screech by unaffected. Until....Tuesday. That is when Sophia had a little tummy ache. No other symptoms to be seen or heard of....until 12:30am. I was awakened to my daughter releasing of all tummy ache stuff. So, Mommy to the rescue bathed, washed hair 3x, cleaned bed sheets, etc. and got my baby back to sleep all around 1:30am. The next two days we settled at home resting and getting Sophia better...when Lydia decided to join her sister in sympathy. Her little tummy ache exploded after nap time. Mommy to the rescue again attended the needs of my little baby with the same scenario, same prognosis. Then....Mommy to the rescue had to recover Mommy. Because Mommy has not been feeling good. Thankfully, Papa has been a blessing beyond words. I love him so! He has cleaned my kitchen, watched the girls while I rested...and still has worked hard on his job opportunities. What a guy!
I was bummed that I was unable to attend Bible Study, Bunco, Girl Night Out, and complete all the other 100 things on my to-do list...God knows, God knows, I needed the rest.
...Until next time...I will complete our time of "rest" and come back rejuvenated with more interesting thoughts to pour out.