My 100th Blog & a Few Others Facts...

The USA 100 years ago:
The average life expectancy here was only 47 years.

Just 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of our homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars in the entire USA...

and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities? 10 mph

What did Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee share?
EACH was more heavily populated than California!

But it wasn't just those four either...
California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.

The tallest structure in the entire world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour.

More than 95 percent of all births here took place at HOME.

Sugar cost four cents a pound. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women washed their hair only once per month...

and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law saying the poor could no longer ENTER their country.

Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada? 30 people!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from HIGH SCHOOL.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter...

local corner drug store pharmacists would tell you something like:

Heroin clears the complexion...regulates the stomach and bowels,

and is a perfect guardian of health." (Shocking?)

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE USA!

Mallory Shows Initiative!

Be sure to click on the arrow at the bottom of each page of this photoshow to view all the pics.

Happy Birthday...

to our Handsome...

Fun Loving...

son-in-love, Kevin Bledsoe!

We are blessed to call Kevin our son-in-love!

"...All things were created by Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16
You were made by a loving God for His Special purpose.
Happy 37!

Our 3 BB's

That's what we called our children when they were younger. Can't remember now how we came up with this nickname, but it stuck! I talked to Warren about this name and we both decided it must have come from our "3 baby's" thus the "3 BB's!

The pic below was taken at Aunt Teenie's house in Dallas, TX. in 1982.

3 Peas in a Pod

Peas in a pod, peas in a pod,

Each pea telling words from God!

First Pea - Praise!

Second Pea - Prayer!

Third Pea - Power!

Peas in a pod, peas in a pod,

Each pea telling words from God!

Brothers are Better than Super Heros!

Who's Who...

...Kevin or Stone??? Stone or Kevin???

I came across these pics of Kevin Hallquist, my nephew, when going through my old family picture albums. I could not get over how much his son, Stone, looks just like him at this age. WOW! Six of these pics are of Kevin and six are of Stone.

Can you tell me which ones or which????

Give it a try first before you look at the answer below!

Answer to Who's Who below!

(P.S. Shelby, I knew you would just luv this post!)

And the answer is...

... Gini & Meri ...

What fun times we always had when the cousins got together! I can't say that I remember this exact moment, but these were some costumes our kids wore for a school play. Right now I can't even remember the name of the play, but I am sure my kids can! Help me out here, kiddos!

Old pictures...

I have been going through old pictures the last several days. Rather you realize it or not you're making memories every day of your life...and WOW! there has been a WHOLE LOT of LIFE going on in our families!

As I gaze over each picture, I find myself lingering and thinking and questioning:

Did I spend enough time enjoying the moment?

Life certainly has a way of slipping by before you even realize it! So this definitely challenges me to be sure to seize the moments...to linger a little while longer in those moments...and to make a difference in the lives of those in the moments.


So...off and on in my blog I will post some of my favorite old photo's. Hope you will enjoy them and linger a little while longer in the moments of life that God gives you.


Here is one...Do you know who this is?? Leave me a comment (family) if you think you know. I will post another pic tomorrow that will be sure to give it away!

A GOOD WORD...

This is taken from Joni Eareckson Tada's email daily devotional. It is so good! I want God's peace dancing in my heart! I love that expression!

Well, life is hard. For some, it is downright hard. Unhappiness seems to be here to stay. But it doesn't have to be this way, because the answer is not to get rid of unhappiness but to find a new definition for it.

Elisabeth Elliot has suggested that we redefine happiness as duty and honor, sacrifice and faithfulness, commitment and service. Happiness is fleeting and elusive, but joy is an overflow of the perseverance and hope that comes from demonstrating faithful sacrifice and committed service.

Lord of Joy, will You help me redefine happiness in my life? You promise joy in the midst of our suffering, so please let me know Your joy today as I persevere in faithful service and as I demonstrate true commitment in my tasks. Give me Your smile, let me feel Your peace dancing in my heart. That, for me, will be true joy.

Mithing Tooth!

Tanner, Kassidy, & Riley are all missing a tooth or tw0!

Mithing Tooth
I’m having trouble thpeaking

thinthe I lotht my middle tooth.

Jutht yethterday my tooth wath fine—today it wiggled loothe.
At firtht I thought it thilly

when my tooth fell out today,

but no one theemth to underthtand

a thingle word I thay.

(if you are having a hard time reading this, try putting an "s" where there is a "th" except for the word tooth!)

It's a Lazy, Dazy Kind of Day!

Well, here I am...it's 2:00 p.m. and I am at the computer STILL in my p.j.'s! Warren went on a business trip to south Arkansas this morning. So I have just been "tinkering" around the house a bit. I started going through some old, old pics the other day and continued my looking this morning. I came across this one of our 3 children when they were 7, 9, & 10 years old. I remember that I made these outfits for them...if my memory serves me correct...it was July...they are standing in front of Mamaw Meyer's house.

I just love this pic of our three blessings and thought I would share it on my blog.

Children are indeed a gift of the Lord.

A Tribute to My Sisters...

Her Children Rise Up and Bless Her...

Click on PLAY to view this photoshow. Then click on the full screen option to see the words more clearly. There is a small black arrow at the bottom right - be sure to scroll through - 4 pics and 1 video. These were taken in November 2007.

A New Look...

Ever since my three nieces changed their blog layouts, I have wanted too. You do inspire me, girls:) Well, today I had some time to do just that or I should say alot of time since it took me just about all afternoon and evening to finish it just about the way I wanted it to be:) Hope you enjoy my new look!

Be sure to check out the side bar titled, Recipe of the Month. I will try to post a new recipe each month. (Thanks to my niece, Meri!)

Enjoy the Matching Game below also.

A New...Old Bed...

Abbie is now in a BIG girl bed. This bed frame dates back to the 1940's, says her great grandmother Katie. It belonged to her brother. The other matching set is in use at my house. Amy and Kelley used these bed frames when they were teenagers. At 68 years (give or take a year or two) they are still in great condition!

The toy box to the right is one that Warren made our children when they were small. It's about 30 years old and in great shape too.

Abbie luvs her big bed!

Praying before going to sleep!

ABC RAP...

The video below of Mallory & Isaiah reminded me of one of my favorite websites for children, Starfall. Be sure to turn on the sound to hear their ABC RAP!

If you have not checked it out, I hope you do so and tell others with preschool & lower elementary age children about it.

It is one of the BEST sites I have seen to help children recognize the ABC's, to learn the sounds of each letter, to read, and have fun activities. It is a very interactive site!

My grandchildren have enjoyed it! The younger ones who have yet to learn their way around the key board will sit in my lap and be captivated by the action and sounds of learning.

Be sure to check it out...you will be pleased...and your children will have fun learning!

ABC Rap

Your Divine Valentine

A Valentine may play a love song for you,
but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe.

The Lord your God...will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will guiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

A Valentine may give you flowers,

but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all, Jesus.

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

A Valentine may take you out to dinner,

but God has invited you to the most amazing feast ever given.

Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Revelation 19:9

A Valentine may bring you chocolate,

but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

A Valentine may be far away, but God is always with you.

I am with you always. Matthew 28:20

A Valentine may give you something

but God has given you everything.

God...gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

A Valentine may love you for a lifetime

but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 3:13

Praying you're blessed by the wonderful love of God this Valentine's Day and always!

Happy Valentine's Day!

(Adapted from http://www.dayspring.com/ ecards)

All you chocolate eaters, be sure to check out the 7 Myths about chocolate in the post below.

7 Myths & Facts about Chocolate

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...just in time for Valentine's Day! Enjoy your chocolate, quilt-free!
This is a looooong post, but worth the read:)

Here are some common myths about this Valentine’s Day (or any day) treat, along with the facts to set the record straight. (taken from Sparkpeople.com)

Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine.

Fact: While eating chocolate may perk you up, chocolate is actually not very high in caffeine. A 1.4-ounce chocolate bar or an 8-ounce glass of chocolate milk both contain 6 mg of caffeine, the same amount as a cup of decaffeinated coffee. (For reference, regular coffee contains about 65-135mg of caffeine.)

Myth: Chocolate is loaded with saturated fat and is bad for your cholesterol.

Fact: Stearic acid, the main saturated fat found in milk chocolate, is unique. Research has shown that it doesn’t raise cholesterol levels the same way that other types of saturated fats do. In fact, eating a 1.4 ounce chocolate bar instead of a carbohydrate-rich snack has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Myth: Chocolate lacks any nutritional value.

Fact: Chocolate is a good source of magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. It also contains polyphenols (an antioxidant also found in tea and red wine) that have been associated with a decreased risk of coronary disease. An average chocolate bar contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a 5-ounce glass of red wine. A daily serving of dark chocolate, which contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate, can also help lower blood pressure and improve insulin resistance according to a joint study between Tufts University in Boston and the University of L’Aquila in Italy. The findings do not suggest that people with high blood pressure consume dark chocolate in lieu of taking their prescribed medication, but that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may have a positive effect on blood pressure and insulin resistance.

Myth: Chocolate causes cavities.

Fact: Candy alone is not responsible for cavities. Cavities are formed when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars and starches from any type of food (soda, candy, juice, bread, rice and pasta) to produce acid. This acid then eats through the enamel of the tooth, causing a cavity. The protein, calcium and phosphate content of milk chocolate may actually protect tooth enamel, and its naturally-occurring fat content means that chocolate clears the mouth faster than other candy, reducing the amount of time its sugars remain in contact with tooth surfaces. Regular fluoride use, proper oral hygiene to remove fermentable carbohydrate residue and the application of plastic sealants can all help prevent the formation of cavities—whether you avoid chocolate or not.

Myth: Chocolate causes headaches.

Fact: While sited as a common cause of migraines, a study by the University of Pittsburgh has shown no link between chocolate and headaches. The results of that double-blind study of 63 participants known to suffer chronic headaches were published in the neurology journal Cephalalgia. Chronic headaches were once thought to be caused by amines in foods (including histamine and beta-phenylethylamine) such as cheddar cheese, peanuts, cured meats, chocolate and alcohol, but this study eliminated chocolate as a possible headache cause.

Myth: Chocolate causes acne.

Fact: Regardless of what your parents or grandparents may still say, studies in the past twenty years have eliminated chocolate as a cause of acne. In fact, many dermatologists doubt that diet plays any significant role in the development of acne. Acne is now believed to be caused by a combination of high bacterial levels and oil on the skin. For more information about the causes and treatment of acne, click here.

Myth: Chocolate causes weight gain.

Fact: Any food can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. An average chocolate bar contains 220 calories, which is low enough to be a part of a weight control diet if other high-calorie foods are eliminated. Enjoying the occasional piece of chocolate may reduce the risk of severe bingeing, which can occur when you feel deprived of your favorite foods. Chocolate’s bad reputation is slowly changing and research now shows that chocolate can be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, when consumed in moderation. If you keep your portion sizes small and select dark chocolate whenever possible, the occasional treat can be a guilt-free part of your diet.

Be Choosy...Not all chocolate is created equal!

Check out the facts below:

Good for Your Health
70% Dark Chocolate
Cocoa butter
Cocoa liquor
Sugar or cane juice
Dairy-free
Cocoa powder
Thick, tight wrapper
Glossy, dark or smooth texture
Organic

Leave it on the Shelf
Milk chocolate
Partially hydrogenated oil
Natural or artificial color
Corn syrup
Milk, milk fat, or lactose
Dutch processed or Alkalized
Thin wrapper or exposed to light
Blotchy, streaky or rough texture
Conventional (no distinction)

Happy Chocolate Day!

Homemade Beauty Recipes for Winter

I came across these beauty recipes on one of my favorite sites, Sparkpeople, and thought you might be interested in trying one of these out. I have not yet, so cannot confirm how good they are. It is worth a try to try them!!

Sweet Almond Body Scrub
Almonds are packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These compounds make them nourishing to your body inside and out. Try this recipe to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup almond oil
2 tsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry.

Double Almond Body Scrub
Your skin will reap the moisturizing benefits of almond oil and the exfoliating properties of almond meal with this scrub. To make almond meal, toss a handful of raw almonds, with skins, into your blender. Blend for a few minutes until the almonds are the consistency of whole wheat flour.
6 Tbsp almond meal
6 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp almond oil, or enough to bring mixture to desired consistency

Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry.

Chocolate Face Mask
From Halloween to Valentine’s day, chocolate is the ever-present treat that tempts our taste buds. Once regarded as a bane to our health, new research has shown that dark chocolate is healthy—and not just to eat. Compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin when applied topically.
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp cream or plain yogurt or sour cream
3 tsp oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)

Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry.

Oats and Honey Facial
Besides giving you energy all morning long, oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a simple face scrub that can also be used as a mask:
1/2 cup oats, any variety
1/2 cup honey

Blend oats and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin in small circular motions, covering the entire face, neck, and decolletage areas. Rinse with warm water, or, for a mask treatment, allow leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Oatmeal Bath
Taking an oatmeal bath can benefit the whole body. Simply place a few cups of old-fashioned, uncooked rolled oats in the blender, and blend for at least two minutes, preferably longer, until the oatmeal is a very fine powder. When placed in the bathwater, the oat powder should disperse itself into the water, making it cloudy and silky. Soak in the tub as long as you’d like, rinsing only as much as necessary to remove any stickiness from your skin.

Store-Bought Beauty
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own winter beauty products, check out sumbody, an online company that makes eco-friendly, handmade, pure beauty products from natural ingredients like the ones above.

*Note: As with all skin products, do not use any of theses recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, or have very sensitive skin. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. In case of a rash or reaction discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.

John 3:16

Happy Birthday...

Son-in-love, Todd Roy!

We are blessed to call Todd Roy our son-in-love!

"...All things were created by Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16

You were made by a loving God for His Special purpose.

Happy 33!

A Little Homesick...

Abbie spent a full week with us. She is only 2 1/2 years old and did great, but I think by Saturday night she was homesick! She had not cried for her mom and dad all week until Saturday at bed time and thankfully the next day we were taking her to Kansas City to meet her dad.

After meeting up with her dad in KC, we had lunch and made the exchange of car seat, suitcase, blanket, pillow, etc. As we were leaving, Abbie said, "Go to Neenee's house"! Of course that made me smile:)

Todd told us when they got home to Iowa, Abbie wanted to go back to Neenee & Granddad's house! We are so thankful that our grandchildren luv to come to our house and spend some time with us.

How precious they ALL are to us. Watch the photoshow below this post of some Cousin Fun! Be sure to click on the speaker icon to hear the music.

Cousin Fun!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

Chinese New Year, that is!

2008 is the Chinese Year of the Rat!

Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.

The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations--all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Jenny & Todd!

Fun at Neenee & Granddad's

A Day at Neenee's...

and Granddad's too!

Having a good day is waking up to your two and half year old granddaughter singing:

God Bless America, my home sweet home,

God Bless America, my home sweet home!

(All on key and pitch!)

You can see Abbie's first day at Neenee and Granddad's on the photoshow HERE.

Let's Go To...

Neenee & Granddad's house!

This is Abbigail's first long driving trip and a week stay with us without mom and dad. She is 2 1/2 years old. She was ready and willing to go so go we did. It was about an 11 hour driving trip for us & I might add a very peaceful one. Abbie is a very good car rider.

We left Iowa at 8:30 am...after a short nap...2 Veggie Tale movies, book reading, lunch at Paneras in Kansas City (they have the best kids meal: peanutbutter & jelly sandwich, strawberry yogart, cow's milk [as Abbie calls it] and granddad's apple)... Sound of Music Video (Abbie can watch this movie over and over - she loves the singing)...another Veggie Tale movie...AND...

a loooooooooooong nap...we finally arrived home at 7:15ish p.m.


Abbie walked in our door and said, "Where are the cousins?!"


She has made herself right at home! We are anticipating a GRAND & FUN week for all!

Mommy and Daddy, the pic below is especially for you...your precious angel is sleeping peacefully and soundly at Neenee & Granddad's house. Don't miss her too much & enjoy your time together!