Valentine's Treats

 These cupcakes were easy and fun to make, but the best part was

that they cost only .40 cents! 

Most of the stuff was leftover from Christmas,

and some I found in my Valentine's Storage Box.

Praise the Lord!

He is so Faithful!

Rocket Valentine's for the First Grade Class

 Blaine made these Rocket Valentine's that say, "You're a Blast!"

(Notice the big gap in his front teeth area- another baby tooth gone)

Blaine is EXCITED about the Party at school tomorrow!  

I hope he can sleep tonight!

Valentine's Greetings from Bluberry Cottage

Cupid's Arrow Valentine's Day Card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Isn't this what you're craving about now? (A nice big Home-made Latte)

How to Make a Delicious Hot Sprinkle Latte   by Popcorn Himself         

First, Warm the milk in a cup in the microwave for 1 minute

Next, Cover the milk with Redi Whip

Sprinkle liberally with Yellow Sugar Crystals

Next, add some Blue Sugar Crystals

I like to add Chocolate sprinkles at the end  for some extra flavor.

Now taste your creation...

I know what some readers are thinking...

"That's a lot of sugar". 

I agree.

But we only live once!

And the joy we received from this little project was

worth all of the Hyper-ness that followed.

I rest my case.

Celebrating Abraham Lincoln's B-day (Mike is Abe!!)

Abe Lincoln (our darling Daddy)
speaks to the First Grade class about his life

Questions and Answers

A memory to be treasured

Mrs. Mote & Tall Abe

Blizzard conditions & no school!

Blaine gears up for a day in the Snow



Playing in the Snow



Everything Beautiful

Cats and (especially) kittens are
favorite things for Blaine
to draw

     Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To every thing there is a season..." (NKJV).  In verse 11 he even added that God has made everything beautiful in its time.  I believe this is true.  I love the words of the Hymn by Maltbie (who names their child this?) Babcock... "This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres." 
      Today is a frigidly cold, gray, icy example of something beautiful in its time.  When I am warm, I can look out at the ice on the tree limbs, shimmering in the sunlight, and thank God for this beautiful day.  Today I had to wake up very early to be at the Hospital to set up and teach a class.  It felt bitterly cold as I trudged out to the car to make my way to work, but as I drove out of the driveway, a cat darted past my wheels and into the woods in front of my house.
      I thought of my darling son, who wants to save and feed and wash every stray cat he sees.  On the way home from school this week, he told me that his purpose in life was to trap stray cats and tame them.  He would be the youngest "Cat Lady" known to man if he had his way, with hundreds of cats being care for in our home.  Currently there are at least 5 being fed twice a day on our back porch, and 2 strays have nuzzled their way into my heart enough that I have bathed them and let them come in for breakfast & dinner & the occasional warm milk ("Bif" and "Theodore" are the names our boy has chosen for them-  cute!)  My sister laughs hysterically at this because I am not really an "Animal Person," never have been.
     As I end this wonderful day, may my heart be grateful for the chance to help Blaine nurture and develop compassion for all of God's living creatures.  Let us all strive to slow down (cease striving, as one bible translation puts it), reflect and give thanks to our most glorious Savior for His goodness to us!

"Be still, and know that I AM GOD." 

Psalm 46:10