Not Another One...

We interrupt this house tour to bring a special announcement: Hurricane Isaias is the first hurricane of the season to threaten Florida. This is significant for two reasons: one, the height of hurricane season is September - October, yet here we have a hurricane headed our way that should reach us by August 1. Two, it's July and we're already on letter I of the alphabet. That means there's already been eight storms in the Atlantic and we haven't hit peak season. 

Forecasters predict that hurricane Isaias will brush along the eastern border of Florida, but that's just a prediction. Hurricanes rarely do what the weatherman says they're going to do. While it's only a category 1 at this time (late afternoon July 31) it can potentially strengthen to a category 2 or weaken back down to a tropical storm. Either way I've decided it's best to be prepared. I've brought in my small plants to allow them to acclimate to the indoors, and tomorrow I'll bring in my patio furniture. Thankfully it isn't much. We're blessed to have hurricane shutters on most of the windows, though I doubt I will have to use them since it's a weak storm. Still, we haven't been through a hurricane in this new house, so we don't know what to expect. Will the power go out? Will it take long for it to be restored? We're experiencing a heat wave right now, with temps in the 90's but "feels like" temperatures above 100 degrees. The thought of no a/c is frightening. The water levels in the canal behind us have been lowered in anticipation of heavy rainfall, but will there be extensive flooding? It's too soon to know anything, but I'll try to update regularly.

We are praying for this storm to go out into the ocean and stay there, where it won't affect anyone. If you're reading this, I hope you will pray with me. "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16b). Thanks. God bless you.   

Summer 2017

The summer of 2017 was normal for me in some ways,  but that doesn't mean there weren't changes going on, changes that affected my household. I was reminded that my babies are grown up, a fact that brings joy and sorrow at the same time. There's that part of me that wishes they were still little, even though I'm proud of who God has made them into.

My daughter was given the opportunity of a lifetime: to work at a day camp in Israel! She would be away for one month, from the end of June to the end of July.  I was both excited and terrified. She was going with a group of ladies from work, which gave me some peace, but there's always trouble in Israel unfortunately. Still, to be in the Holy Land, to walk the same cities and towns that Jesus walked with His apostles, to minister to the Israeli children, was a dream come true. I wouldn't object to her going, but I was going to be on my knees for a whole month praying for her safety.

At the same time, my oldest son had some exciting news. His best friend's girlfriend had a job offer in Central Florida. They were going to be moving up, and wanted to know if my son R would like to join them as their roommate. R had lived a little over a year in Central Florida when he and his sister were in school, but he'd come back home after she left because it was too lonely for him on his own. He often commented that he wanted to go back to live there one day. He liked it much more than South Florida. Now he had the opportunity, and he was going to take it. That was a bittersweet moment for me. I knew this was what he wanted and he'd probably have more chances of growth at his job in Central Florida. Oh, but to not have my baby close by everyday was breaking my heart! Of course, I was quickly reminded that he wasn't leaving the country or even the state. We could still visit him, and I felt that this was going to be a change for the better. 

I was off work for a week in mid June, then the following week R was in Central Florida looking for a place to live and interviewing so he could transfer from his job. He and his roommates made great progress in the two days they went up. Two days after they got back, A left for Israel. I'm not ashamed to admit I cried my eyes out even though I was happy for her. That week was an emotional roller coaster ride.

The next three weeks were filled with packing and decluttering. They didn't have much to take with them; they'd all been living with their parents, so they had no household items to speak of and very little furniture. I decided to give them my recliners. We had bought a set of recliners along with a reclining couch some 12 years earlier, and they were still in great condition. They needed furniture, and I needed a change. Since J had moved out I had replaced some of the furnishings in the home, not out of necessity but because of the sad memories attached to them. I wanted to be able to enter my home and not be reminded of all the pain I felt daily. My son jumped at the chance of having these super comfy recliners and I was glad to contribute to his move.

R and his friends left on July 13, and A didn't get back from Israel till the 23rd. It was me and my youngest son E on our own again for those 10 days. Just 5 years earlier my older kids had moved back home after a year in school, and now my son was moving out for good and my daughter had caught the travel bug. They were all grown up, and things were changing, but little prepared us for what the fall was going to blow in (literally!).

Move It Mondays

Wow, I've really let this blog go!  I hate to admit it, but some days I just don't have anything new or particularly interesting to write about.  Life is busy and there's much to do, but it isn't anything out of the ordinary so I don't stop to blog about it.

For instance, I've been barbecuing more often now though today was definitely not a day to be outdoors.  It turned dark at about 11:00am but it didn't start raining until after 1:30pm.  I did my grocery shopping this morning and picked up some flowers for my backyard planters.  I'd planted petunias in the large brick planter but heavy rains destroyed them.  I planted vincas instead.

The white ones on either corner were already there, I just planted the ones in the center where the petunias once resided.

I also bought this torenia because the color fascinated me.  It's called Midnight Blue.

I think it's more of a deep purple, but either way it's stunning.

You might notice in the pictures that everything is wet.  Once the rain started, it meant to stick around.  It's now past 6pm and the rain is still falling.  Thankfully it isn't raining terribly hard.  It's just non-stop.

Our pastor is doing an amazing series called Momentum.  This Sunday he talked about what to do when the desires of our hearts are not fulfilled.  It has me thinking a lot about how things don't always turn out the way I expected.  It's not that God isn't listening, it's that His will is different from mine.  I have to find out what His will for my life is.  I'm gonna be praying about that.

We went bowling on Saturday.  Our local bowling alley has a really great deal:  $34.99 gets us 2 games per day for up to 4 people all summer long till September 2.  What's really nice is that it doesn't include my youngest son because he gets the games for free anyway!  Kids 15 and under can sign up for their Kids Summer Fun deal, 2 games per day for free.  I hope we can go at least a couple of times per week so we can be ready when my sister and brother-in-law come to visit.  My brother-in-law is a great bowler, so we have to be in tip top condition come December.  I printed off the free movie schedule from our local movie theater as well.  I try to find as many free or low cost entertainment for the summer as I possibly can so my son doesn't have to complain about not having anything to do.

The last day of school is June 6.  My son has field day this Thursday, so although he's in school he won't be going to any of his classes.  Next Monday is Memorial Day which means no school as well.  So officially he now has 11 days of school left.  There are no words to describe how happy he is that the year is almost over - he is ready for a vacation!

Speaking of endings, this Wednesday is our last day of Awana - awards night.  I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet third grade girls who will be moving up.  It's a joy to serve at Awana and see how God's word starts to penetrate into their little hearts.  Kids are kids for a very short time - use that time wisely!

Hmm, I guess I did have plenty to write about after all!  Have a wonderful week everybody!  God bless.

Five Question Friday

It's another one of those weeks where it's been non-stop, and I've only just gotten a chance to get my 5 questions post up.  If you want to do the same, even if it is a day late, hop on over to Mama M's at My Little Life.


1. Would you grow your hair out to donate it?
While I believe it's a noble cause, I don't think I would do it myself.  It would mean letting my natural hair color grow out first, and I can't see anyone wanting my black and white hair.

2. What song makes you think of summer?
Boys of Summer by Don Henley, of course.

3. Are you a flip flops or sandals kind of person?
I pretty much live in flip-flops.  Sandals are nice but nothing beats a cute pair of flip-flops.

4. Favorite summer treat (ie ice cream, snow cones, etc)?
Lemon flavored italian ice.  It's cool, refreshing, low in fat and calories...the perfect treat.

5. Do you do something special for the father of your children?
Since my kids are old enough, they get to choose what they want to do with their father.  It's more personal that way.

Move It Mondays

It's actually Monday evening, and I'm done moving it for today.  That's because I moved it a lot today, and my legs are sore!

What was I doing, you ask?  My daughter A, my son E, and I went to Miami Seaquarium and spent the day watching and learning about God's marine creations!  We had such a great time.  E was so tired he fell asleep in the car, and told me he doesn't want to go anywhere tomorrow because he wants to sleep in!

We really did enjoy seeing sharks, dolphin, sea lions, and Lolita the killer whale.  We read all about different kinds of fish and marine life and learned all kinds of fun facts.  It was fun and educational, and healthy too since we walked for about 4 hours.

One of my fellow leaders from Awana told me about a great local deal called the Summer Savings Pass.  For one price we can visit 3 different parks and a museum in South Florida all summer long as many times as we want.  Just visiting 2 of the parks once pays for the ticket; visiting all 4 places once is like buying tickets at half price.  It was too good a deal to pass up.  To make the trip more economical and healthy, we packed our lunch and took plenty of water bottles.  We didn't buy any souvenirs or snacks because we knew it would be out of our budget, but we didn't need any of these.  We took plenty of pictures, and brought our own snacks.  It was a perfect day, weather-wise and every way else.  I'm so glad we did it!

I know, I should post some of the pictures.  I will.  I'm just too tired today. ;)  Have a relaxing evening everyone.

Five Question Friday

It's the first day of June, and you know what that means?!  That's right, it's the start of hurricane season. :P  Here's to hoping for a very quiet and uneventful one.  It also means there's only 4 more days of school, though that's not really accurate, since the last 3 days of school aren't "school" days, they're field days, so no classes, and Monday most of the teachers will have a goodbye party, so if anything today is really the last day of school.  It's also Five Question Friday day, and if you want to be a part of it, visit Mama M at My Little Life.


1. What were you scared of as a kid?
The same thing I'm scared of as an adult - mice.  Eww, even looking at the word gives me the creeps.

2. Do you sleep well in a hotel?
I sleep well anywhere.  I can fall asleep standing up - I did once, on a one day cruise that was relaxing but also exhausting.  By the time we got back and were waiting for the ship to dock, I leaned up against a wall and dozed off.  It's a gift.

3. If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who and why?
It's so funny, I'm not the least bit starstruck.  I mean I'd like to meet Michelle Duggar because she's such a great lady, but I'm in no rush, I'll see her in heaven.

4. It's a hot summer day. Do you prefer to be pool side or at the beach?
I prefer any place with air conditioning ;).  If I had to choose between the two, I'd say the beach.  There's something about pools resembling large public toilets that doesn't appeal to me :P

5. What is your favorite summer dish?

Anything on the barbecue grill is perfect in my estimation, except I don't have a grill. :P  I love sausages, especially kielbasa, on the grill, along with grilled veggies and oh! grilled pineapple!  Oh my word that is so delicious!  Put pineapple along with chicken, shrimp, peppers and zucchini on a skewer and put that on the barbecue - to die for!

Move It Mondays

Welcome to a new week!  The countdown has started, my son has 12 more days of school and we are excited about summer vacation!  I'm excited, and grateful to God, for the results of some tests I had done last week.  I've been experiencing pain in my joints, my fingers mostly and recently my right elbow.  The pain had become so bad I couldn't straighten the arm completely.  I had to have several tests done because of the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis.  My grandmother had it, and my mother's younger sister does as well, and while I didn't think that was my situation I decided it was better to be safe than sorry.  Well, my tests came back negative for RA, praise the Lord!  The doctor says it's osteo-arthritis, which isn't great but it's better than the RA.  At least I can breath a sigh of relief in that regard.

As for today, I focused on getting my bedroom dusted and vacuumed.  I also vacuumed the rest of the house because Molly is shedding again.  Ugh!!  I feel like no matter how much I vacuum and dust and clean up, the house is still filled with dog hair.  Hopefully this is seasonal and won't last much longer.  I didn't do much else because I pulled a muscle in my back and my sciatica is acting up as well (it might be the weather - we've gotten rain everyday for the past couple of weeks).  I figured a day of taking it easy was in order.

My daughter continues looking for work.  Hopefully she'll get some good news soon!  Have a blessed week everyone!

Thursday Thoughts

* It's another stormy day in South Florida.  We've been getting beaten down with lots and lots of much needed rain.  The thunderstorms are here, and poor Molly isn't enjoying the noise.

* To top it off, our neighbor who lives behind us is doing tile work in their house, and they're cutting tiles outside every time the rain stops.  That's the only time Molly will go out, since she doesn't like being in the rain, but she won't go out if there's any other kind of noise.  It's making her antsy.

* Speaking of antsy, my daughter's been home just a couple of weeks and is getting discouraged because she hasn't found a job yet.  Everyone's been telling her it's normal, what with the economy being what it is, but she likes having things done on her timetable and it's bothering her that she's still unemployed.  What bothers her the most is places that tell her they'll call on a certain day but don't.  Unfortunately, folks lie. :P

* She is happy about one thing:  as a graduation present we got her the Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar but not the amp.  The one she wants costs about $600.  She's already got about $375 saved up from graduation gifts, which is nice.  I think that's why she wants a job so badly.  She needs that amp for her guitar.

* School is winding down for my son too.  He's already turned in a couple of text books.  There's 14 days of school left - last day is June 7.  He's pretty happy about that. :)

* I've been compiling a list of things to do this summer that are free, cheap, or at least affordable.  In the free department, there's the free movies at our local theaters on Tuesdays - Thursdays.  We've watched these the last 3 years.  On the list for this summer:  Zookeeper, Mr. Popper's Penguins, Puss in Boots, and Kung Fu Panda 2, among others.

* There's a free/cheap combo at the bowling alley.  Children sign up and get 2 free games per day.  Grown-ups get a sweeter deal:  for $29.95 the summer pass allows 4 persons to bowl 2 games per day all summer long.  I just need to get the bowling shoes for us, since shoe rental is not included.  We enjoy bowling, it's good exercise, and this deal is hard to beat.

* Another incredible deal is the Summer Savings Pass in South Florida.  $45 for kids 3-12, and $55 for adults.  What do you get?  Entrance into 4 South Florida parks all summer long - Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and Lion Country Safari.  That's entrance the entire summer, as many times as you want, for one low price!  I'm working on this month's budget to make sure I can get tickets for E and myself.  With my daughter looking for work and determined to start working ASAP I'm not sure she will be able to join us, but I'd sure like for her to.  Just visiting 2 of the parks pretty much pays for ticket - visit all 4 parks just once and you've paid half price.  I really want this deal!

* I'm also looking into service projects in our area.  I want for us to serve in the community, whether it's at a local orphanage (where my daughter is already signing up to volunteer) or a local family ministry just north of us, I think it's important to remember how very blessed we are and to share with those less fortunate.

* Of course there's the typical stuff to do in South Florida - beaches.  My kids aren't big fans of the beach, though.  They don't like the sand or the heat or the crowds (I'm not fond of the crowds either).  We can have picnics at the local parks, too - there's one right across the street and another one a short drive away that has basketball hoops.  My son E is into basketball now, so a packed lunch and some outdoor fun will be quite easy on the pocketbook :)

* We have to make time in July to move my oldest son and all his and his sister's belongings back to South Florida.  That's when the lease on the apartment is up.  I'm looking forward to having my kids close by again.  My son says he's going to get a roommate (one of his best friends) and move into a place nearby.  I hope they can find something affordable.  Prices here are much higher than in Central Florida.

Are you preparing for summer?  It's right around the corner!  Have a blessed day everyone.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, May 15, 2012...

Outside my window...the hot, humid day is winding down, and hot, humid twilight is taking over.  It would be nice if we got some rain and the humidity went away.

I am thinking...of the tests the doctor performed today and when I'll get the results.

I am thankful for...modern day medicine.  There's not a cure for everything, but we sure have come far.

I am going...to take a shower after I finish this post.

I am wearing...a colorful top with brown and fuschia as the main colors, a jean skirt and black flip flops.  It was in the 80s today, very hot.

I am noticing...painful joints, which is why I went to see the doctor.

In the kitchen...we had breakfast for dinner.  Pancakes, sausages, and hash browns.  I like doing that once in a while.  It's a nice change of pace.

I am reading...through the Bible with my son; we're on chapter 19 of Genesis.  I'm almost finished with the Duggar book again.

I am hoping...to find more fun things to do over the summer on a budget.

I am wondering...where the Lord is leading my daughter.  She has a few opportunities she's looking into, but she wants what God wants.  She's a smart girl :)

I am looking forward to...summer vacation, and some plans we have for bowling, movies, and serving in our community.

Around the house...I got lots done yesterday, but with the doctor's appointment this morning and an anti-inflammatory shot that was given in my seating section :P, I didn't get much done today.

I am pondering these words..."Thankfully, our Father in heaven is near to hear our prayers yet so far above us in power that He can meet every need." - Julie Ackerman Link.

One of my favorite things...is fun activities with my kids.  Nothing beats an afternoon of bowling and laughing with 3 great kiddos.

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is the last day of Awana, and next week is the awards ceremony.  I'm gonna miss those kids!  My daughter has another job interview; we're praying for the Lord's blessing.  There's a sleepover at church this Friday for the T & T girls; I'm not sure if I'll make it, but I want to try.  And church on Sunday, of course.

Wanna join in the fun?  Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook.  God bless.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In

Here are my four Friday fill-ins for this week.  For some reason they were easier to answer this time around.  Maybe I'm actually getting good at this ;).  If you'd like to give it a shot, visit Hilary at Feeling Beachie.

1.       In the summer ___
In the summer I hope to do some service work in the community.  There are several outreach ministries that could use some extra hands, and it would be a good experience for all of us.

2.       I always ____ when I___
I always end up with an allergy attack when I cut the grass.  I'm going through one right now.  Ugh.

3.       Reading ___  makes me ____
Reading grammatical errors makes me lose total concentration.  I can't focus on what I'm reading because I'm too busy looking at the spelling or grammatical error.

4.       4. I like to live _______ because  _____
I like to live in Florida because the weather is just the way I like it: sunshiny and warm.  (Well, except for those pesky hurricanes).

Five Question Friday

Ah, Friday, blessed Friday!  The day before Saturday, when I get to sleep in for a half hour longer than the rest of the week!  Yes, I get to wake up at 7am instead of 6:20 (okay, a full 40 minutes more of sleep).  What can I say, I'm a morning person.

So, here are my Five Question Friday answers, and if you want to try your hand at it visit Mama M at My Little Life.

1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?
Remember these 2 words:  I'm sorry.  Use them frequently.  They heal wounds faster than Neosporin.

2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?
Obey God in all things.  Not religion, but God.  Religion makes up rules, God teaches in love.  Obey Him above everything, and life will be a whole lot easier.

3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)
Here in very hot, very humid South Florida, it's impossible to spend the summer with the windows open unless you want to convert your entire home into a sauna.  Since we don't have a swimming pool, our only option is the air conditioner working together with ceiling fans in all the bedrooms and the family room.

4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?
That question depends on the pregnancy.  With my oldest I couldn't stand eggs, not even the smell of them, but with my 2nd pregnancy I ate white rice and fried eggs several times a week.  With the oldest I craved mini Reese's peanut butter cups, which explains why my son loves them so much.  With my youngest it was pasta.  It seemed to be the only thing I could hold down in my first trimester for some reason, so I enjoyed it all the more.

5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?
Oh wow.  Um, let's see...I guess Mrs. Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show, because she taught her children with love and consistency, and loved her husband.  She had a lucrative career but still put her family first.  I think she was one of the few Proverbs 31 moms on television.

Five Question Friday

What a lovely Friday evening here in South Florida!  It's supposed to rain tonight, which would be so neat!  I love hearing the rain against the window at night; it's like God's lullaby.

Here are my five answers for this week's five questions.  If you want to give it a try, visit Mama M at My Little Life.

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?
No, I avoided that because my mom used to make me sit at the table for hours till I cleaned my plate, and I hated it.  I tried to serve what I believed they would eat, and I've not had a problem.

2. Do you give an allowance?
Not a weekly allowance, but my youngest will get money for good grades and accomplishments in school.  I don't believe in giving a child an allowance just because.  Children need to learn to earn, or else they grow up expecting everything to be given to them as though they deserve it just for existing.  The world isn't kind that way.

3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?
NO!  And it annoys me to no end!  When we first moved in to this house I did park in the garage, then the hubby decided he wanted to convert the garage into a game room, and put a 9 foot pool table in there along with exercise equipment and a wall unit complete with TV, DVD player and music.  Well, the pool table got lots of use in the beginning, then it slowly became a trash collector.  The exercise equipment got used sporadically, and now isn't used at all.  My son will occasionally have his little friends over and they'll play pool, but it's not like he's in love with the thing.  I want my garage back!!

4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?
Okra.  'Cause it's nasty.

5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?
Moving my 2 oldest children back to South Florida.  My daughter graduates from college next Thursday (yay!) and both kids want to come back down.  That's fine with me - I love having my babies nearby!

Five Question Friday

Good Friday morning! Can you believe it - I'm posting my Friday post, on Friday! I'm actually on schedule! I'm so impressed with myself. I'm also thankful it's Friday. It's been a long and busy week. This post should help me relax a bit:

1. What is your current favorite tv show?

That would be 19 Kids and Counting. I love the Duggars! What a loving, God-fearing family. It's also nice that I can watch it with my kids and not worry about content. Even during Anna Duggar's labor and birth there was nothing inappropriate. That's a lot to say in today's TV world. 10,000 channels and nothing good to watch.

2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?

There's something I remember vividly. My m-i-l was going to beauty school, studying to be a hair stylist. I'd allowed her to practice on me once, just a trim, and that was okay. She was doing hair coloring and needed actual hair to practice getting colors and tones right. I had long hair at the time, just under my shoulder blades. She asked if I was willing to give her my hair for her class, and I said no. I've never liked short hair for myself. So she was giving the family haircuts to practice, and stupid me let her give me haircut. I didn't have a mirror in front of me so I couldn't see what she was doing, and it didn't occur to me that she would do anything differently than what I'd asked. Before I knew it, she'd cut my hair so short it was like a guy's haircut. I was so upset I refused to let her touch my hair again. She never finished the beauty course, either.

3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?

I thought playing the clarinet was pretty cool, until my friends started playing drums. Then I thought drums were way cooler :P.

4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

We're always looking for ways to save money, especially in the summer. We have 2 local Cobb Theaters that show free movies Tuesday - Thursday mornings at 10:00am. Last week we saw Shrek Forever After, totally free. The movies are typically one or two years old but hey, it's free, and the air conditioned theater feels really nice.

5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?

That's an interesting question. I enjoy flying, and love the fact that I'll be where I need to be lickety-split. But this is a beautiful country, with all types of different terrains to be seen and discovered. I wouldn't mind driving through and seeing snow-capped mountains, lush green plains, deserts and beaches. Florida is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but it would also be great to see everything the USA has to offer.

See how easy that was? Now it's your turn. Join us at Mama M's My Little Life for some fun Friday trivia. Have a blessed weekend.

Five Question Friday

It's Saturday morning, so I think I'll do Five Question Friday today! Hey, I checked yesterday morning and the questions weren't up. So technically it's not my fault if I'm a day late ;). Oh, all right, here we go:


1. What is your favorite summer time activity?

These questions make me chuckle. I know most people live in 4 season climates, but I live in South Florida, so for me summer is just a bit more hot and humid than the rest of the year. It's not a huge change in activities. I guess we spend more time at the park or the pool but only because school's out, not because the weather has improved. If anything, summer is my least favorite season here because it's sweltering hot the entire day. I'm looking forward to the fall.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?

Sale. I worked for over 11 years at a cosmetic and suncare manufacturing firm, and I found out that most of these detergents, soaps, make-up, sunscreens, etc. are basically the same exact thing. All that changes is color, fragrance, and in some cases a few "additives" that are put in at such low percentages they barely make a difference. In other words, for effectiveness they're all pretty much the same thing, so I buy what's cheapest. That's what works for me.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?

Again with the summertime theme! LOL!! Okay, okay, I'll say barbeque. Which, by the way, is used year round in my part of the country. It's common to see people roasting entire pigs outdoors for Christmas and New Years. That's life in forever summer land.

4. Do you have any talents?

Yes. Everyone does. God gifts us all with certain talents, we just need to figure out what they are. I have found that I have the gift of teaching, especially children. I'm not a school teacher but I've taught Sunday school and I've led a few women's Bible study classes, and it's something I enjoy even though I'm very shy and speaking to large groups (read: 3 or more people at once) makes me break out in a cold sweat. That's how I know it's not just a talent, it's a God-given gift that He uses for His glory.

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?

I would instantly become an interior designer/decorator. It's a passion of mine, to take something that looks "bleh" and turn it into something that looks "ahhh". I've done it in my own home and helped others too, and I just love it! Of course, it's not something I'd call myself an expert on; I realize interior designers study their art and work at it diligently, while I just enjoy looking through magazines and finding pretty things for my home. But it's something I've always loved and would happily do it as a profession.

Look, I know it's a day late, but wouldn't you like to answer some Friday questions even if it is Saturday? C'mon, give it a try! Visit Mama M at My Little Life, and have yourself a blessed weekend.