And the winner is...

The Queen Mum was instructed to choose a number between 1 and 12 (the number of comments left on my 100th post) and she chose the number EIGHT.

And...

The...

Winner...

Is...

Lorie of MeMe Lorie's.

Congratulations, Lorie! Please send me an email with your address and a package of a few of my favorite things will be on its way very soon.

Confessions: Just thinking...

After paying more than $400 to have our children’s teeth “sealed” last year, how could those same diligent teeth-brushing children each have a cavity? Shouldn’t last year’s dental work come with some sort of a warranty? And, shouldn’t the fillings be free?

It rained today. The day I chose to go antique shopping with my parents in Salado. Aren’t we supposed to be experiencing the “100-year drought” in central Texas? I’m really not complaining about the rain. We do need it. But, seriously… today?

Did you know that I could be a grandmother? While shopping today, someone asked my parents if they had any great grandchildren yet. Before they could answer, I piped in with, “No, because I’m not old enough.” That conversation returned to my thoughts some hours later. I began doing the math. IF I’d married younger. (But still of “legal” age.) IF I’d had my children younger. And IF they’d then married young, too. Well, yes, I could be a grandmother. Alrighty then. Depressing.

Do you know what happens when you dream about blowing your nose? I do.

What does a high school honors chemistry class and baking cookies have in common? One large project that involves more work for me than it does for my kiddo. And more cookies in this house than are needed. (Recipe at the end of the post.)

The Queen Mum and Dad are planning to leave next week. I wish they’d stay longer. I’ve gotten use to having another “wife” in the house.

Don’t you just love the way my brain works? Scary, isn’t it?

Guess what? This is my 100th post! IF you're still reading... congratulations! Leave a comment and I'll randomly select one winner to receive a prize box full of some of my favorite things. One entry per person, please. Comments will close at midnight Central Time on Thursday. The winner will be announced on Friday.

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Comments are now closed. Winner will be announced later today!

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Finally, as promised...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups regular flour (If using self-rising, omit baking soda and salt)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups oats (uncooked)
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter,sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and chocolate chips; mix well.

Drop dough by generous tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 13-15 minutes or until light golden brown on edges. Do not overbake. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.

True Love

This is real love —
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us
and sent his Son
as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
I John 4:10 (NLT)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sabbath Blessings

The Chair: Time to get out of yours!

That's the theme for our weekend. We don't normally select themes for our family weekends but this is a special one! This weekend is Disciple Now for the youth of our church.

What is Disciple Now? It is a weekend where the youth are hosted by families within our church - to get them out of their usual environment. Technology is removed - no cell phones, no iPods, no television, no video games. Beginning Friday evening, they are immersed in worship and Bible study. Saturday afternoon is the heart of the weekend as the students are led in a service project within our community. Some projects are for people within our church family. About half of the projects are performed at homes or organizations not connected to our church. They'll return to the church after dinner for another group worship session, followed by a more personal study time in our home. Sunday, we'll all attend church together.

This year, Bud and I have the privilege to host nine ninth grade boys. Shayne, a returning college student, is also here as their study leader. This afternoon, they are at the home of a single mom to help restore order to her yard as well as to complete some home maintenance projects for her. I'm back at my house getting dinner ready for these man-boys (and, yes, that is an accurate description of them!) who are sure to be starving when they return!

And we do sneak a little "play" into our time. The boys sat around a late-night fire to roast marshmallows and played football in our backyard until almost midnight last night. (I probably owe our neighbors an apology for that!) Tonight, we'll have a build-your-own ice cream sundae party. (Shhh! They don't know about it yet!)

Do you know what I've enjoyed most so far this weekend? Listening to the prayers of ninth grade man-boys who love Jesus!

And from a "mom's" perspective...

I stand in awe as I watch the food I've prepared be devoured in no time flat! Where do they put it?!

And with that, I'm heading back to the kitchen.

Going To Court.

For jury duty that is.

Be back soon! (I hope.)

The 44th on January 20, 2009

That's right... 44.

It's a number you're hearing a lot about today.

It's a very special day, of course.

Momentous.

Historic.

There's going to be official celebrations, parades, parties, and balls. And probably chocolate cake.

Much fanfare.

Oh, I'm certain there will be naysayers.

Those who say it can't be. Shouldn't be.

No matter your view...

Your stand...

Your beliefs...

Today is the day.

That's right!

Today is...

MY 44th BIRTHDAY!