Thursday Thirteen #8

13 Things I Do Not Like about Being a Single Mother:

1. I do not like the empty feeling I get after the children are in bed.
2. I do not like having to always be brave in front of my children (especially when I don't feel brave).
3. I do not like having to play both the father and mother roles.
4. I do not like having to fix things around the house (especially since I am in no way mechanically inclined).
5. I do not like not being in any of the family photos (since I am the one taking the photos).
6. I do not like having to do all the laundry, dishes, and cleaning around the house.
7. I do not like having to rely only on myself. (It would be nice to have a break once in a while).
8. I do not like having to kill spiders and other bugs (because deep down I am not brave. -- See #2).
9. I do not like having to juggle three kids and homework time.
10. I do not like being solely responsible for every decision. (It would be nice to have a "sounding" board/listening ear.)
11. I do not like having to attend dozens of doctor appointments every month.
12. I do not like fighting/arguing with my children.
13. I do not like always being the referee.

Kreativ Blogger

It's very nice when a friend or family member tells me they like my blog. When someone I don't even know tells me they like my blog, that's definitely a pat on the back!


Thank you, Suzanne, for the honor and for the award. Check out Suzanne's wonderful blog, Shabby Chicks, where she shares favorite photos, recipes, and everyday moments.

Thought of the Day - 3/5/09

Thought of the Day - 3/4/09

Books defy universal physical laws — they are time machines transporting us backwards and forwards to lost civilizations and futuristic worlds.
~~ Renie Garlick ~~

Thought of the Day - 3/3/09

Home is any four walls that enclose the right person.
~~ Helen Rowland ~~

Make Me Laugh Monday - Singing

Join the fun and laughter by posting a riddle, a joke, a fun puzzle, a silly photo, etc. Add the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.

Thought of the Day - 3/2/09

Today, try to open up just a little bit and let the world see the part of yourself that you are sometimes too afraid to reveal. Talk about that hobby you're still trying to get the hang of, or sing a few bars of the song you've been working on with your vocal coach. You might not be ready for prime time, but so what? Have pride in your imperfections and show the world that you are a work in progress -- just like the rest of us. People are very attracted to imperfect people.

Media Information

Research shows that more and more people, especially women, are turning to blogs for suggestions, tips, and advice on the newest trends and products in the marketplace. Therefore, All Things Cherished is now offering advertisement opportunities through independent sales.

All Things Cherished Statistics:
Approx. 30 average daily hits
Approx. 30 followers
Approx. 10 subscribers

All ad spaces are for logo buttons at the following rates and will be placed in my sidebar. Placement is at my discretion.
$15 per week
$50 per month
Included in this price is an initial review post introducing your site.

If you think you may be interested or have any questions, please feel free to email me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net.

Thought of the Day - 3/1/09

Were it not for hope,
the heart would break.

Sing to Me Saturday #2

I Hope You Dance
by LeeAnn Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance...I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance..


Check out the beautiful LeeAnn and the beautiful song here.

Join this meme by posting the lyrics to a song you cherish on your blog, then adding the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.

Small Talk

Small Talk Six

This week's theme: List 6 things that never fail to make you smile.

1. My children's laughter.
2. The site of a newborn baby.
3. Baby, the newest member of our family, our Chihuahua.
4. The silly jokes Cameron makes up.
5. The dimples in Cassandra's beautiful smile.
6. Chocolate.

Read more at Mom Dot.

Thought of the Day - 2/28/09

The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day.
~~ Orlando Battista ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/27/09

Busyness ruins relationships. It substitutes shallow frenzy for deep
friendship. It promises satisfying dream but delivers hollow nightmares. It feeds the ego but starves the inner man. It fills a calendar but fractures a family.

PR OK

Public Relations Information

I would be more than happy to review pitches from PR companies, or anyone wishing to promote their products and services here at All Things Cherished.

Please keep in mind that this is a family blog so all products and services must be of a family-friendly nature. I reserve the right to refuse to print anything I feel is questionable or not suited for this blog.

To give you an idea of my work, here are some previous reviews that I’ve done either through PR companies or directly with the company:
SparkPeople
Precious Girls Club
Various book reviews.

To contact me, email me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net.

Sponsoring a Giveaway

All Things Cherished is committed to bringing bloggers the best products on the marketplace. Therefore, if you would like to sponsor a giveaway, I would be more than happy to work with you.

Basic Info:

All giveaways will run for a minimum of one week. There will be a link in the sidebar to remind readers of participation. The giveaways will also be mentioned in a dedicated post. I will also promote your giveaway at other various contest sites.

A product sample is not required but is always welcomed. This will allow me to provide a more honest and comprehensive review of your site &/or product(s).

All participants will be required to visit your site and extra credit is given if they choose to link back to you.

Once the winner is randomly selected, I will email you their contact information and you should make arrangements with them to distribute their prize.

To sponsor a giveaway:

Send me an email to storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net with a link and a brief description of your website &/or product(s). Also include the name and link of the item(s) you’d like to give away or the monetary amount of a gift certificate. Let me know if the giveaway is available to anyone world-wide or to United States addresses only.

If you need more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thought of the Day - 2/26/09

Around the Blogosphere #2

Can I make my point any clearer than to direct you to this woman's blog?

Depression is so subtle.
It's scary.
It's lonely.
It's common.
It's real.

This is important. Take a minute and share . . . identify with . . . sympathize.

Thought of the Day - 2/25/09

Family Blessing

May God bless our family,
And fill our home with love.
May we cherish our time together,
And give thanks to God above.
But as for me and my house,
we shall serve the Lord.

My interpretation of Joshua 24:15.

Wordless Wednesday #25

Tuesday Toot #9

This week's toot is . . .

My children's school, Broad Street Elementary School, in Butler, PA, was visited by Pittsburgh television meteorologist, Dennis Bowman. It was a great assembly.

Check it out here: http://kdka.com/video/?id=53844@kdka.dayport.com

Thought of the Day - 2/23/09

LAUGH . . .
it is an important part of life.

Thought of the Day - 2/22/09

Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world.
~~ Maria Montessori ~~

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Give me a camera and I'll create memories.
2. Whenever my children disobey me, it bothers me.
3. I wish I wasn't a single mother.
4. Pizza was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious (because I didn't have to make it).
5. To live in this world is a privilege.
6. 8 Things About Me is the last blog I commented on.
7. Tonight I'm looking forward to sleep, tomorrow my plans include cleaning, and Sunday, I want to scrapbook.

Check out Friday Fill-Ins for other fun answers and participants.

Sing to Me Saturday

Don't Laugh at Me
by Mark Wills

I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep

I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet

I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign...so

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey, aren't we all

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

To see a touching video, check out You Tube.

Join this meme by posting the lyrics to a song you cherish on your blog, then adding the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.

Thought of the Day - 2/21/09

We can do anything . . . yes, we can.
99% of everything we do depends on us believing we can.
~~ Susan Branch ~~

Aloha Friday #3

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is a day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend so Kailani at An Island Life thought that Fridays should be easy posting day too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants . . . it’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.

This week's question:

What is your favorite way to relax?

My answer:
I love to take long hot bubble baths.
I love to read especially mysteries.
I love to take naps. Though, a single mother doesn't get to do that often.

Wordless Wednesday (or Friday) #24

Almost wordless . . .

Isn't this the sweetest valentine?!
I got this from my youngest, my daughter, age 7.

Thought of the Day - 2/20/09

I have a theory -- maybe not an original theory, but I have a theory . . . I think people are giving up too fast, too quickly. Yes, life is hard right now with wars, recession, etc. But our generation had it too easy, hadn't lived through a depression, so instead of fighting, many are folding their tents and quietly going away. When I told this to a friend of mine, she kind of stiffened her back, pondered this for a few minutes, then said, "We're not going to give up." When this is over, and it will be, I plan to be standing tall and have my flag still flying high.

I wish the same for all of you. Don't give up!

Around the 'Net - SparkPeople

If you're like me (and most other people) you've got some health or fitness goals that you'd like to achieve. That's why I wanted to tell you about the SparkAmerica Challenge over at SparkPeople.com.

SparkPeople is a FREE website for people looking to improve their health and fitness levels.

SparkAmerica is a year-long fitness challenge designed to motivate Americans to improve their health by consistently taking small, positive action steps. The focus of this campaign is a 1 billion fitness minute challenge that makes fitness fun, keeps you motivated, and helps you reach your goals.

By Joining SparkPeople You Get:
- Calorie Counter & Meal Plans: Take the guesswork out of what to eat with these powerful customizable tools.
- Personalized Fitness Plan & Exercise Demos: Burn calories and tone your muscles with routines you can do at home or at the gym, plus online exercise videos.
- Active Support Message Boards: Get help from thousands of other people like you who are losing weight with SparkPeople.
- Advice From Our Experts: Our programs are designed by registered dieticians and personal trainers, who are also there to answer your questions.
- Member Created Goal Teams: Find others with similar goals and work towards success together.
- Recipes, Articles, Tips and More: Thousands of articles and over 60,000 recipes to learn more about eating right, staying active, and sticking to your program.

My outlook on life and even my knowledge about health and fitness has improved.

Join SparkPeople for free today.

Earth Hour 2009

Turn Out. Take Action.

March 28, 2009

8:30 PM

On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM, local time, World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour -- Earth Hour -- to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate their commitment to finding solutions. Turn out. Take action. Be part of this historic event.

http://www.earthhourus.org/
www.EarthHourKids.org

Discover Energy You Didn't Know You Had

Blogoversary Winners

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, who commented, and who celebrated the blogoversary of the All Things Cherished blog.

Giveaway #1 - Reading Games Book
The winner is Valerie at Sweeps4Bloggers.

Giveaway #2 - A Little Bit of Faith Book
I have four books and there was/is four comments. The winners are Carla, Silver Hat Girl at Helping Mommies Win, Momma at I've Blogged About Your Giveaway, and Teresa at 8 Things About Me.

Giveaway #3 - IMom T-shirt
The winner is Wani at Wani's World.

Congratulations to all the winners! I hope you all will come back to visit my blog again.

Please email me -- see link at right sidebar -- your snail mail address if you won so I can mail your goodies to you. Thanks.

I am Loved . . . At least, I am Liked

Maggie at Quixotically Chaotic was kind enough to review and blog about All Things Cherished as part of a new column called Learn, Love, and Link at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Thanks, Maggie, for the nice comments. Maggie and I have a lot in common -- fibromyalgia, having special needs children, and being a foster parent. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Thought of the Day - 2/18/09

Happiness is your mind
thinking through your heart.

Thought of the Day - 2/17/09

Tuesday Toot #8

Due to multiple hand & wrist surgeries in the beginning of January, getting my forest of Christmas trees and decorations put away was a much longer process than anticipated.

I have all (33) trees -- with the exception of 5 -- packed up, inventoried, and put away. What a relief!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Remember . . .

Love shared is love multiplied.

Aloha Friday #2

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend, so the host of this meme thought that Fridays would be "easy posting" day.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.

My question this week:

Who is your favorite friend? Why?

Thought of the Day - 2/12/09

Hard things are put in our way,
not to stop us,
but to call out our courage and strength.

Photo Tagged

Christie at A Sassy Momma's Chatter tagged me for a fun and easy photo challenge.

Here are the rules:
1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four more people.

I have many American and veteran photos saved because I am a veteran and I truly believe we should support our troops no matter our religious or political beliefs. Those troops . . . those soldiers are people and we need to support those people and their families.

The four people I am tagging are:

1. Teresa at 8 Things About Me
2. A Nut in a Nutshell
3. The Scrap Princess
4. Carola Nativity Gallery

Thought of the Day - 2/11/09

Just 20 words . . .

Walk through my house, God, and take away all my worries and illnesses. Please watch over and heal my family. Amen.

Wordless Wednesday #23

Almost wordless . . .

I cannot live without it!

Works for Me Wednesday #13

New Uses for Rubber Bands

1. Wrap a rubber band around a shampoo bottle and you'll be able to tell it's not conditioner even if your eyes are filled with suds.
2. Keep spools of thread from unraveling by wrapping them with a rubber band.
3. Hook a rubber band through the button hole and secure the other side to the button for an extra half-inch of breathing room.
4. Wrap a rubber band around the handle of a hammer or screwdriver for a firmer grip.

For more fun, easy, interesting tips check out Rocks In My Dryer.

Tuesday Toot #7

As I continue to struggle to toot my own horn . . .

My toot this week is I am blogging on a more regular schedule now and all four blogs have been updated within the past week.

Check the great deeds and fun toots of others at Mommy Community.

Thought of the Day - 2/10/09

Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.
~~ Christopher Reeve ~~

Blogoversary Giveaway #3

I am a mom. Are you?

I nurture
I listen
I work
I play
I coach
I cook
I shop
I pray
I teach
I serve
I love . . .
forever
I Mom

Answer this question (in the comment section):
What is/was the most memorable moment you have had as a mom?

All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick the winners. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.

Thought of the Day - 2/7/09

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What? You too? I thought I was the only one!"
~~ C.S. Lewis ~~

Blogoversary Giveaway #2

Precious Girls Giveaway

My precious girl, Cassandra, has discovered a new love: The Precious Girls Club created by the brains behind Precious Moments.

The Precious Girls Club is more than a club - it's a way of thinking, acting, and living. PGC is dedicated to helping young girls discover how wonderful and fun it is to be precious.

For me, keeping my girls innocent and precious for as long as possible is a top priority. I have found that already in second grade, Cassandra is being faced with many adult situations; boyfriends just to name one; and Renee is faced with bullying. I am thrilled to find that at least one company is doing all they can to help me, as a single parent, keep my daughters free of these adult situations and innocent for as long as possible.

The generous people from Mom Select sent me an envelope of goodies to check out. My girls, Cassandra, 7; Renee, 9, love to read and the book, A Little Bit of Faith, quickly became a favorite. The book is the first book in the Precious Girls Series.

About the book:
A charming chapter book that tells the story of Katie Bennett and her friends and how the Precious Girls Club was inspired by "a little bit of Faith." 72 pages. It is a wonderfully inspirational story about a young girl, Katie, who overcomes her own fears with a little bit of faith and gains a lot in return. It teaches young girls that they are precious in God sight, that God created them special, and that He loves them just the way they are.

They also sent 4 paperback copies for me to giveaway here on my blog.

They also included Precious Girls Club Scratch Cards. The access codes included on the scratch cards (and books) will unlock a free month of premium Rainbow Club membership to access special content on the site, http://www.preciousgirlsclub.com/. Visitors to the site will be able to design their own virtual character and room, earn Precious Points towards virtual items, and take part in a variety of games and activities.

Premium Rainbow membership provides all of these same benefits, plus additional exclusive content and activities. Playing on the site is always free, but the access codes will unlock a free month of Premium Rainbow Club membership to access special content on the site. To continue the Premium Rainbow membership, you pay a small fee of $3.95 monthly. Best of all, $1.00 of your monthly $3.95 membership fee goes directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

What little girl wouldn’t want to win one of these books? Even if you don’t have a precious girl of your own, I’m sure you know one . . . because aren’t all little girls precious?

To win, head over to the Precious Girls Club Shop, check out all the awesome products, then come back here and comment on which is your favorite product. Yes, it is that easy.

All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick the winners. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.

Happy Blogoversary!

Today All Things Cherished, here at Blogger.com, is one year young!

Whoo hoo!

In celebration, I will be hosting several giveaways today and thorough out the weekend. So come back often for updates and fun.

Thank you, my cherished readers and followers, for making me feel special this past year.

The first giveaway is a book from Usborne Books.

The book is titled Reading Games and is part of the "You and Your Child" series. Playing games with words and letters can be an invaluable introduction to the pleasures of reading and this book provides plenty of ideas to enthuse and motivate your child.


To have the chance to win this book, please leave a comment about why you are interested in this book.

All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick a winner. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.

If you are looking for quality children's books &/or earning free books please contact me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net. If you are interested in hosting a party in your own on online please contact me at the above email address. Thanks.

Thought of the Day - 2/6/09

The time is always right to do what is right.
~~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/5/09

Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color.

Tuesday Toot #6

Last week I got a lot of scrapbooking accomplished. Whoo hoo!

1. I completed 14 Christmas thank you cards.
2. I completed 11 thank you cards.
3. I completed 4 birthday cards.
4. I completed 4 12x12 layouts.
5. I completed 2 8.5x11 layouts.

Go to my 365 Days of Memories blog to see one of my layouts.

The only thing worse than tooting your own horn too loudly is being falsely modest! So if you did something worth crowing about, crow away! Join others as they toot their own horn.

Thought of the Day - 2/3/09

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.
~~ Emilie Buchwald ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/2/09

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.

Thought of the Day - 2/1/09

Thought of the Day - 1/30/09

Thought of the Day - 1/29/09

One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing

that we as individuals can make a difference.

~~ Jeff Bridges ~~

Tuesday Toot #5

This week my daughter deserves the praise.

She is the first second grader ever to earn 100 points in one semester at her school. (Approximately, 100 points is a whole school year goal for 2nd and 3rd graders.) Whoo hoo! On Friday, Cassandra and I will be heading to a special breakfast hosted by the school and her teacher in her honor.

Since I am trying to learn to toot my own horn, my toot this week is . . . I'm getting back to my regular schedule (or, at least trying to) and I did attend Occupational Therapy yesterday to start the progress of healing.

Go to Mommy Community to cheer on others as they praise their friends, family, and themselves.

Thought of the Day - 1/26/09

Daily Living - 1/25/09

I finally found someone to drive us to the hospital and I finally found someone to watch Renee (foster daughter) and I finally had the dreaded talk with the children.

We, my children and I, are going later today to see their grandmother who is dying of lung cancer. The family was finally told that she will not survive the year. Many of the family members think she will not be coming home from the hospital. How do you relay that to two young children?

As we sat and cried and I answered their questions and dried their tears, I did my best to reassure them that we can handle this. Not sure if the reassurance was for them or for me.

Unconscious Mutterings #4

Time for more free association . . .

Free association is described as a "psychoanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this exercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week a group of ten words is posted at Unconscious Mutterings to which you respond to with the first thing that comes to your mind.

She said . . . I think . . .

Unwanted - I feel that way sometimes.
You’d better - "You'd better clean your room" is a often said phrase in this house.
Woman - I am woman, hear me roar. : )
Weighed - Last time I was at the doctor's office.
Upright - Vacuum
I feel - Tired
Ill - Illness please don't come knocking on my door.
It’s like - Totally reminds me of high school. : )
Poor man - I am a poor woman.
Great - Every day that I am alive is a great day.

Thought of the Day - 1/25/09

Thought of the Day - 1/24/09

Promise Messages

Make these promises to yourself. Then do them! You are worth it! You will be a better person to yourself and to those around you.

Be mischievous . . . it feels good.
Sometimes one smile smile means more than a dozen roses.
If they can do it, you know you can.
Go against the grain.
You are allowed to do nothing.
Follow your instincts.
Watch reruns; they replay your memories.
Don't think about it so much.
Count the stars.
Make a list of your dreams.
Smile before bed. You'll sleep better.
Smile. People will wonder what you've been up to.
It's definitely a bubble-bath day.
Make a list of your dreams.
Find your passion.
Dare to love completely.
Love without rules.
Go against the grain.
Make "someday" today.
There's no excuse not to dream.

Thankful Thursday #13

I am thankful for the so many wonderful people I have met via blogging. Simple but truly felt from the bottom of my heart.

Join the gracious hearts of others at Iris's blog.

Aloha Friday

Welcome to Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend, so the host of this meme thought that Fridays would be "easy posting" day. Therefore, a simple question is asked for YOU to answer.

Today's question from me:
What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

Works for Me Wednesday #12

Going on vacation and need care for your house plants. Check out this trick: Fill plastic bottles (such as milk bottles, water bottles, pop bottles, etc.) with water. Then freeze the bottles. Before you leave, drill a small hole in the water bottle and set the bottle in your potted plants. As the ice thaws, the plant gets watered.

Wordless Wednesday #22

After five hours and tired hands, Cassandra's corn-rows were done. Our neighbor, Ms. Liz, was very kind to take the time to do Cassandra's hair this past fall.

Isn't she beautiful?

For more pictures, check out Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tuesday Toot #4

This week's toot is for myself.

I see this weekly meme as a challenge because I don't toot my own horn. I want to be accountable to myself for both the good and the bad. This meme is a good way for me to say good things about myself.

My toot this week is that I am recovering nicely from my surgery two weeks ago. I had four surgeries-in-one on January 6th: deQuervain's Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, Dorsal Compartment Release, Reconstruction of nerves in the thumb and wrist. Today the stitches were removed. Whoo hoo! Next week I start occupational therapy.

God Bless America

As of 12 noon, EST, we have a new President of the United States of America. Keep our new President, Barack Obama, in your prayers and wish him the best as he takes on this new role.

God Bless America!

Unconscious Mutterings #3

Arrival - birth
Vomit - yuck!
Fit - not me
Stutter - butter
Lifestream - sperm
Tread - tire's worn
Desire - need
Freezing - i hate cold!
Permit - yes, I do
Crinkle - laugh lines around my eyes

Check out the smart, witty, funny responses from others at Unconscious Mutterings.

Thankful Thursday #12

As I think about all I have to be thankful for, the list is astonishingly long. For today, I will focus on those most precious in my heart

I am thankful today for . . .

1. Doug, a kind friend, who has helped me with so many things while I recover from surgery.
2. Cassandra, for being such a good girl.
3. Cameron, for having a good sense of humor.
4. Teresa, a super friend, who has not forgotten me during this hectic year of downs and more downs.
5. God, for continuing to show His love for me.

To see the gratefulness of others, check out Grace Alone.

Works for Me Wednesday #11

Did the kids scribble on the refrigerator door? Did the store receipt ink bleed onto the kitchen counter? Are there stray marker drawings on the appliances?

Pour some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub the marker/ink away.

Wordless Wednesday #21

Cameron (due to sensitivity to light he cannot look at the camera) is so proud of the gingerbread house he made.

Go to 5 Minutes for Mom and Wordless Wednesday for more photographic fun.

Thought of the Day - 1/14/09

Help Parker

Have you met Parker? He is the precious and medically fragile 4 year young boy whose smile blesses the 5 Minutes for Special Needs home page.
Parker’s list of medical challenges seems endless, as do his list of medical bills. (His parents have insurance, but that only covers some of the costs.)
Sadly, Parker is in the hospital again.

So often we read about children like Parker and think we wish we could help. But this time we can help in a simple way. 5 Minutes for Mom created a games page where the advertising revenue earned while the games are being played will go to Parker. It’s not much… but every penny counts, right?

And whenever you need a little break, play a few games.

Tuesday Toot #3

This week's toot belongs to my dear daughter, Cassandra.

She made me a Christmas card.

The front cover:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Inside:
Dear Mom, I hope you have a nice Christmas. I know you are going to have a merry Christmas because you have a lucky card [this one] from your best daughter. Love, Cassandra

Isn't that just the bestest, sweetest thing to say?

Make Me Laugh Monday - Temptation

Join the fun and share a post that is funny - a joke, a riddle, a comic strip, a photo, whatever -- and add your link to the post (not the front page of your blog). We all need a laugh especially on Mondays.

We All Need a Tree

A friend hired a plumber to help restore an old farmhouse. The plumber just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit, and his ancient one-ton truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children, so I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again." "Funny thing is," he smiled," when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Prayer for the New Year

Grant me the strength from day to day
to bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
more to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
from spite and petty malice free.
Let me not bitterly complain
when cherished hopes of mine prove vain,
or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
some fair tomorrow's spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
in courage let me stronger grow.
Lord, as the New Year dawns today
help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things;
grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite;
let me be wise in what is right.
A Happy New Year!
Grant that I may bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end.
Let it be said I've played the friend,
have lived and loved and labored here,
and made of it a happy year.
~~ Edgar A. Guest ~~

Blogging's First Magazine

Family Minute #48

Is your family's motto, "I want that?"

The list of "I wants" can go on and on. For kids it's, "I want that video game." "I want that scooter." For us, it's, "I want that car." "I want that couch." No matter what we have, there's always more. So how do you change perspective? Henry David Thoreau said, "We make ourselves rich by making our wants few." Ahh, it's the old "being content with what you have" lesson. To get there, adjust your expectations. Most of us already have what we need . . . it's just a matter of controlling what we want.

Remember your family first.

Family Minute #47

Who is the greatest man who ever lived?

Born in an obscure village to a peasant woman. He worked as a carpenter until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book or held office. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. While still a young man, popular opinion turned against him . . . he was nailed to a cross, died, but rose again. Twenty centuries later he is still the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, and all the kings that ever reigned, have not affected mankind as powerfully as this "One Solitary Life". . . Jesus.

Merry Christmas.

Remember your family first.

Favorite Cookie Recipe

I love the taste but love that there is no baking . . . oh, so easy.

1 stick of Margarine
2 c Sugar
4 Tbs Cocoa
1/2 C Milk
1/2 C Peanut butter
2 1/2 C quick oats

Melt margarine. Add sugar, cocoa and milk. Bring to boil and let bubble for 1 1/2 minutes. Add peanut butter, oats, and chopped nuts. Mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let set in refrigerator.

A Month of Stuff

I was able to participate in 31 Days of Holiday Crafts at Angela's blog. Each month has a different theme and every day features a blogger, like you and me, related to the monthly theme. Go to A Month of Stuff to check out my interview.

According to Today in History, on December 22, 1882, Thomas Edison created the first string of Christmas lights.

Make Me Laugh Monday - Fastest

Share something funny with us -- a note, a video, a poem, a picture, a joke, a riddle, whatever you think is funny -- by adding your link to the post (not to the front page of your blog).

Thought of the Day - 12/20/08

Living on purpose is the only way to really live. Everything else is just existing.

Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (II Corinthians 4:17).

Absent . . .Yes? No?

I apologize for being absent here at All Things Cherished. What little time I do have lately has been spent at 365 Days of Christmas. Between my arthritis, fibromyalgia, the weather, Renee's (foster daughter) surgery, cleaning, and doctor appointments I have no energy to do anything. Cameron is now sick. My throat has been sore (and can barely talk) for several weeks. Ugh.

In the midst of all the chaos, I got my Christmas decorating done despite some major setbacks. Please join me at 365 Days of Christmas and Boomama to celebrate and ooh & ahh over all the wonderfully divine Christmas trees, lights, decorations, and nativities.