Free

During yesterday's church service we sang a couple of songs that pertained to being free or having freedom in Christ Jesus. Sometimes music ministers to me more than the message that's given. Anyhow, the word 'free' has been ringing in my spirit today and I took the time to see what dictionary.com had to say about the definition of the word 'free'. As, you can see, I have quite a bit to contemplate......

Free-
–adjective
1.enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery: a land of free people.
2.pertaining to or reserved for those who enjoy personal liberty: They were thankful to be living on free soil.
3.existing under, characterized by, or possessing civil and political liberties that are, as a rule, constitutionally guaranteed by representative government: the free nations of the world.
4.enjoying political autonomy, as a people or country not under foreign rule; independent.
5.exempt from external authority, interference, restriction, etc., as a person or one's will, thought, choice, action, etc.; independent; unrestricted.
6.able to do something at will; at liberty: free to choose.
7.clear of obstructions or obstacles, as a road or corridor: The highway is now free of fallen rock.
8.not occupied or in use: I'll try to phone her again if the line is free.
9.exempt or released from something specified that controls, restrains, burdens, etc. (usually fol. by from or of): free from worry; free of taxes.
10.having immunity or being safe (usually fol. by from): free from danger.
11.provided without, or not subject to, a charge or payment: free parking; a free sample.
12.given without consideration of a return or reward: a free offer of legal advice.
13.unimpeded, as motion or movement; easy, firm, or swift.
14.not held fast; loose; unattached: to get one's arm free.
15.not joined to or in contact with something else: The free end of the cantilever sagged.
16.acting without self-restraint or reserve: to be too free with one's tongue.
17.ready or generous in giving; liberal; lavish: to be free with one's advice.
18.given readily or in profusion; unstinted.
19.frank and open; unconstrained, unceremonious, or familiar.
20.unrestrained by decency; loose or licentious: free behavior.
21.not subject to special regulations, restrictions, duties, etc.: The ship was given free passage.
22.of, pertaining to, or characterized by free enterprise: a free economy.
23.that may be used by or is open to all: a free market.
24.engaged in by all present; general: a free fight.
25.not literal, as a translation, adaptation, or the like; loose.
26.uncombined chemically: free oxygen.
27.traveling without power; under no force except that of gravity or inertia: free flight.
28.Phonetics. (of a vowel) situated in an open syllable (opposed to checked).
29.at liberty to enter and enjoy at will (usually fol. by of): to be free of a friend's house.
30.not subject to rules, set forms, etc.: The young students had an hour of free play between classes.
31.easily worked, as stone, land, etc.
32.Mathematics. (of a vector) having specified magnitude and direction but no specified initial point.Compare bound1 (def. 9).
33.Also, large. Nautical. (of a wind) nearly on the quarter, so that a sailing vessel may sail free.
34.not containing a specified substance (often used in combination): a sugar-free soft drink.
35.(of a linguistic form) occurring as an independent construction, without necessary combination with other forms, as most words. Compare bound1 (def. 11).
36.without cost, payment, or charge.
–adverb
37.in a free manner; freely.
38.Nautical. away from the wind, so that a sailing vessel need not be close-hauled: running free.
–verb (used with object)
39.to make free; set at liberty; release from bondage, imprisonment, or restraint.
40.to exempt or deliver (usually fol. by from).
41.to relieve or rid (usually fol. by of): to free oneself of responsibility.
42.to disengage; clear (usually fol. by from or of).
—Verb phrase
43.free up,
a.to release, as from restrictions: Congress voted to free up funds for the new highway system.
b.to disentangle: It took an hour to free up the traffic jam.
—Idioms
44.for free, Informal. without charge: The tailor mended my jacket for free.
45.free and clear, Law. without any encumbrance, as a lien or mortgage: They owned their house free and clear.
46.free and easy,
a.unrestrained; casual; informal.
b.excessively or inappropriately casual; presumptuous.
47.make free with,
a.to use as one's own; help oneself to: If you make free with their liquor, you won't be invited again.
b.to treat with too much familiarity; take liberties with.
48.set free, to release; liberate; free: The prisoners were set free.
49.with a free hand, generously; freely; openhandedly: He entertains visitors with a free hand.
Use free in a Sentence
See images of free
Search free on the Web

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Origin:
bef. 900; ME fre, OE frēo; c. Goth freis, OHG frī (G frei), D vrij, Skt priyá- dear. Cf. friend, Friday

—Related forms
freeness, noun
o·ver·free, adjective
o·ver·free·ly, adverb
quasi-free, adjective
quasi-freely, adverb
un·free, verb (used with object),-freed, -free·ing, adjective
un·free·ly, adverb


—Synonyms
49. See release.

Hold On

A couple of weeks ago, at Wednesday night bible study, my pastor's daughter stopped me in the hallway and gave me an encouraging word. I don't know this young lady and she doesn't know me. In fact, she said that she could only remember seeing me once before. I go to a fairly large church and I would not have expected this person to know who I was. I know of her because she sings in the choir and she is one of the student leaders in my daughter's youth group. Other than that, I only know that she is Pastor Kevin's daughter, and not much else.
I said all that, to get to this....she told me that I had crossed her mind during her prayer time and that when she saw me in the hallway that the Lord told her to tell me to just 'hold on'. 'Hold on'. Now that could mean a variety of things to me at this place in my life. It could mean that things are going to get worse, so, just 'hold on'! It could mean that things are going to get better or change dramatically. Hmmmm....
I still don't know what I am 'holding on' for exactly. All that I really know is that God is good and that HE is my provider (Jehovah Jireh) and the source of my strength. So, I will continue to press on and do what I can, let God take care of the rest and just 'Hold On' until something new happens.

Just For Fun

Below is a list of things people have done in their lives. I bolded the ones I've done. I'd love to see your answers, so if you do this on your blog (if you have one) leave the link in the comments. :-) Here's mine:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been inside an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

My Simple Lady's Daybook … January 29, 2010

Outside my Window…rainy!!

I am thinking…my brother Kevin, he would have been 39 today (I really miss him sometimes).

I am thankful for…good friends.

From the kitchen…not much, we had chili dogs last night.

From the learning rooms…I am still studying Proverbs.

I am wearing…a denim skirt, a tan sweater and navy blue flats.

I am reading…not much, just blogs this week.

I am hoping…for a job for DH, "please Lord?"

I am hearing…birds outside.

I am creating…plan to make a cookbook for someone dear to my heart.

Around the house…laundry, I desperately need to do laundry.

One of my favorite things…lunch with the girls.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week- not much, I am off on Saturday, so maybe something fun.

Hot Potato Salad Recipe

Hot Potato Salad

6-7 Medium potatoes cubed and cooked to fork tender
5-6 slices bacon cooked and chopped

Sauce:
3/4 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 pkg powdered Hidden Valley Ranch Salad dressing mix
2 tbs. bacon grease
3 thinly sliced green onions (whites and green tops)

Preheat oven to 375f

Stir sauce ingredients together and add to cooked potatoes and bacon. Mix thoroughly and pour into a 13 x 9 baking dish (lightly sprayed with cooking spray). Bake for 25 to 30 min.
Serve warm.

We really enjoyed this dish. The original recipe called for cooking this for 35 to 45min. I cooked it for 35 min and found that the dish was a little dry for our taste. So, I recommend watching cooking for 25 min.

Monday, Monday.......

It's beautiful outside today. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, a breeze is blowing and it's 68f, it's nice. I have the office door open to air out this stuffy place and I am enjoying the relative quiet.
Even though the day is nice, my heart is burdened with some things today. I am in a place of not knowing what is going to happen with my job. There is the possibility of a new owner that has offered me a 'position' if the sale goes through. But, I can honestly say that I am not interested in being married to a job 24/7. My heart is at home and working the number of hours that I work now puts a burden on the family. The other possible new owner, yes there are 2, is actually the man that sold this place 3 years ago to the current owners. I am in no way interested in working for him. He is not a man of honor and I don't really care for the way that he conducts business.......I'm just being honest here.
The other thing that has been on mind is a gentleman that I have been praying for that stays here at the park. I 'heard' this morning that he is going to prison for 2 to 10 years for a DWI. I believe in justice and that one should pay for breaking the law. Especially if another's health and safety are at risk!! I just wish that I had been given the opportunity to talk to him more. I guess maybe I am supposed to just be praying for him and leave the actual ministering to the Prison Ministry. :)
God is good.

My Simple Lady's Daybook

My Simple Lady's Daybook … January 13, 2010



Outside my Window…it's sunny and cool.

I am thinking…about the future.

I am thankful for…my sweet daughter.

From the kitchen…made grocery list for DH.

From the learning rooms…I am still studying Proverbs.

I am wearing…a denim skirt, long sleeved purple t-shirt and keds.

I am reading…EverAfter by Karen Kingsbury

I am hoping…for a peaceful day.

I am hearing…the clock ticking and the wind rustle the palm trees.

I am creating…rag dolls with Savannah (we really need to finish them)...still!!

Around the house…wanting to buy a meat grinder.

One of my favorite things…our nightly family devotions.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week- diagnostic tests for the homeschool student, researching some vegetarian meals for our fast, reorganizing schooling and adding some additional units and prayer, prayer, prayer.....

My Simple Lady's Daybook

My Simple Lady's Daybook … January 11, 2010



Outside my Window…it's sunny, clear and cold.

I am thinking…about answering a few emails.

I am thankful for…the temperature rising a bit outside.

From the kitchen…considering what to prepare for supper.

From the learning rooms…I am studying Proverbs.

I am wearing…a denim skirt, red 3/4 sleeve t-shirt and black flats.

I am reading…a Cindy Woodsmall fiction about an Amish girl (can't recall the name right now!)

I am hoping…for an uneventful day and visits from friends.

I am hearing…the clock ticking and birds chirping outside.

I am creating…rag dolls with Savannah (we really need to finish them)

Around the house…things need tidying up.

One of my favorite things…the quiet of the office when my boss is gone ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week- diagnostic tests for the homeschool student, researching some vegetarian meals for our fast, reorganizing schooling and adding some additional units and prayer, prayer, prayer.....

New Year Stuff

We spent New Year's Eve at home again this year and enjoyed watching television and just "hanging out". Nothing spectacular, but it seems to suit us just fine.

Monday launched us back into the regular routine of schooling, working and chores. It didn't seem easy for any of us. I certainly wasn't ready to return to work after 4 days off and the homeschool student wasn't too keen on getting back to her regular routine either. I don't know about the teacher, he's not much of a talker. :-)

It looks as if the new year is already going to hold some major changes for me. My place of employment is being sold and I don't know what that will mean for my having a job. We'll see. I have heard that the former owner is purchasing the park and I am not optimistic about my staying in this job. But, God is my provider and it will all work out for my good in the end. Job or no job, it'll be OK.

On January 3rd, we decided to participate in a 21 day fast along with others in our church. As a family we are doing the Daniel Fast, with a diet of primarily vegetables, fruits and water (with some modifications for DD). 2 days in and I already miss my daily chicken intake, but not the sugar and bread as much. DH had a super bad caffeine withdrawal headache yesterday, but it seemed to subside in the evening.

With all of the learning and trials that we experienced in 2009, we felt that we needed to start 2010 in the right place spiritually. This fast will hopefully allow us to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly as to the direction our family should be heading. In addition to the Daniel Fast, I have decided to not access Facebook for these 21 days. I didn't realize how much time I spent checking my "wall" on a daily basis. I was checking FB on my phone, home PC and work PC numerous times throughout the day. I have found that it was such a habit that I had to move the icon from the front page of my phone and log out of the app. so that it was not so readily accessible. That's sad......I know.

So, all in all, these first few days on 2010 have already held some surprises. I ask that you pray for us and our job situations, as DH is still home and searching for a job and my future looks uncertain where I am .

Cornbread Recipe-Jiffy Copycat

I am not buying premade mixes for baking. Here is an example of what I am using instead:

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (copycat)

Makes 8.5 oz=1 box of storebought mix

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

to make muffins add:
1 egg
1/3 cup milk

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl, mix well.
2. Whisk in vegetable oil and mix until dry mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
(If another recipe calls for a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, add the ingredients above.)
3. To make corn muffins, preheat oven to 400F, spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Combine mix with egg and milk, mixing well.
5. Fill muffin pan 1/2 full, bake for 15-20 minutes.

The Year In Review......

When we started 2009, our family was starting to experience some positive changes. DH was having some success in changing careers and it looked as if that particular battle was going to be over for us. Then 2 months later, he was at home looking for a job again. This has lasted for the past 10 months. The challenge has been harder than ever, I don't know if it is due to the fact that we seemed to be getting beyond this phase in our life or because this is the longest that we have been in this situation with no solution in sight. Whatever the reason, it has been a real struggle. But, through all of this struggle, we have learned so much about ourselves and the faithfulness of the Lord.

We have learned that we can do without much of what we considered essential in the past. We no longer eat meals away from home, but I have discovered that I enjoy cooking for my family more than ever. In doing so, the way that we obtain our food has also changed. We shop for the best price, buy in bulk, planted a garden and canned some of our harvest. My family prefers to eat my cooking than restaurant meals. We bake our own bread and baked goodies, so we but flour and sugar in 25 lb. quantities. We purchase our meat in 20+ lb. quantities to obtain the best possible price. In fact, any non-perishable is purchased in large quantity. This may mean that we are eating ziti pasta for everthing that requires pasta, but so be it. There is an absence of convenience foods in our pantry and I have discovered that I like it that way. For the first time, I know all of the ingredients that are in the food that I now prepare.

We are now homeschooling DD. The internet has had a wealth of information and help with developing a curriculum for her. Our goal is to purchase a curriculum, but until then, she is studying for free from internet resources and is flourishing. I was amazed at what was available at no cost online. Full curriculum outlines from public and private schools, so we are able to draw from that free information and teach her accordingly. Our math, english, spelling, science and bible are from sites with free full year long lessons along with textbook, worksheets, tests and teacher/answer guides. Literature is based on recommended reading for 7th graders from the library and schools. I found lesson plans online for each book that she is reading with complete worksheets, discussion questions, projects and tests. The only area that I would like to change is getting involved in a homeschool group and to return to dance lessons. The dance lessons will require a change in the finances though. So, it will wait until a change occurs.

I am still working outside of the home. This has been my biggest struggle. I returned to work to finance dance expenses for DD. I was to work part time and it has grown to a full time position with overtime over the past year. My heart's desire is to run a business from home that will allow me to homeschool and teach homemaking to DD. Working outside of the home while DH is laidoff has caused me to really reflect on what the Bible says about womanhood and a wife's calling. I know that I am called to be a helpmeet to my husband and that he is the spiritual head of our home. I have found the conflict in having to work for someone else and having to consider what work is asking of me over what DH wants me to do, like mandatory overtime. He doesn't like that I have to be gone 6 days a week, but I am required to do so because I have to work and this job has been a lifesource for us. I have come to the realization that this is the Lord's job and I will work until I am moved elsewhere.

We have joined a church after attending for about a year. DH has jumped in with both feet and DD is enjoying the youth group. I haven't participated in any of the ladie's activities yet, but that is subject to change on Friday......

I can say that we have been SO blessed through all of this. We have grown closer as a family and have come to the knowledge that even as it has gotten worse financially, it has gotten better in God. I ask that you pray for us during this season. Our family is highly aware that this is a time that we are to reflect on our Saviour and His sacrifices and gifts to us. That is and will be our focus during CHRISTmas. There won't be presents under our tree this year, but the gifts that we have been given this year are so much more than we could have asked for.

Changing of the Seasons

Ready for change? I am.

Up to date? Not so much.

Here we are in May and I can hardly believe that I have not posted on this blog since January! Summer is upon us and my last post was in reference to snow and Christmas. So now we play 'catch up'.....

We have had a few interesting day trips and events happening around here in the past few months. Probably the most interesting was Miss Thing doing You're A Good Man Charlie Brown at the local theatre. Boy howdy, was she good! She had the part of Snoopy and was hilarious. There are times when she lets her good sense of humor show and her Dad and I are just left in tears of laughter. But that is nothing compared to her acting in this show. She seems to have a natural comedic ability. This kid never ceases to amaze me. Of course we did not take 1 picture! We are sorry parents.....I know. Maybe I can beg some pics of the show off of a more prepared and organized parent and post them.

We went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the day. That was an interesting time. We were a bunch of grumpy people that probably should have stayed home. LOL. After it was all said and done we had a good time, but there were times that I thought "we will never do this again!". We will though. Here is a pic from that day- I call it 2 Turkeys.

We didn't do anything fun for Spring Break this year. I had to work and well, that takes all of the fun out of everything.

In April, we went to Washington on the Brazos State Park for the day. We had taken a day trip there in September, but we did not go to the historic farm that they have on site. So, when we decided to take a drive to see the Texas Bluebonnets in full bloom, we decided to make a trip to Barrington Farm. We picked the perfect weekend to go. The were having the Real Texas Women weekend. Barrington Farm was the home to the last president of the Republic of Texas (Johnson, I think, was his name). They have historians and volunteers that dress and run the farm as if it was the 1850's and 60's. On this particular weekend, they had demonstrations and handicrafts of the ladies of that time period. Miss Thing was able to try her hand at some of the handicrafts and had the best time. We all had a wonderful time and are looking forward to going back again. Here are some pics of that adventure-

Making a diary.


Feeding the chickens.
Made a corn husk doll...yes, she closed her eyes on purpose. Odd child.

And lastly, the most handsome man there!

I have more pics of the farm and can't get blogger to load them, so I will try to do another post with more pics.

Until then, y'all be blessed (and be cool!).

Whew, it's been a while!

I haven't taken the time to blog lately. I just wasn't feeling it. Here's what has happened around here since then-

1. It snowed! 2 times in 3 years in Houston....that has to be a record! haha. Here's what it looked like at our place.

2. Christmas-We had a small Christmas as far as gifts are concerned here a Chez Langley. But, our spirits were lifted and we spent some time with precious family that we get to see way too little. This really was a Christmas season that was about the celebration of Christ's birth for our little family. Here's the young lady of the manor with her very first sewing machine...that face is priceless. What a beauty! lol

Oh, and Zoey (the dog) was very interested in the gifts!

3. We spent New Year's day with my sweet SIL and her hubby. Oh, and their too cute granddaughters, Alyssa and Madison. We had lots of fun. Sorry no pics.

4. School break ended and we have gone back to the daily grind. (note: the following pic is from last year. She is MUCH older and more mature now that she is in the 6th grade. No really, just ask her.)

5. Mikey is working out of town, so keep him in your prayers. Here is his handsome mug! I sure do miss him.

Blessings-The Langleys

Crazy Christmas Season

Here we are again in December. I hope that everyone had a super Thanksgiving. We did. Our Thanksgiving was nice and quiet, just the 3 of us. We had the big old turkey meal and just spent time together hanging out and watching UT vs. A&M game.

I love quiet restful days with my little family. It seems that we are always on the go and busy, busy with dance lessons, performances and other obligations. This Autumn has been nice. Miss Thing has been on a break from dance lessons since September and we have had some nice quiet time together. At times, it seems as if we were always in different places and not together near enough. This break has given us time to do some of fun things.

DH took Miss Thing to Autorama to see all of the custom cars and hotrods. The show also had BMX guys, skateboarders and in-line skaters doing tricks on a half pipe/ramp thingy. They filled up the memory card in the camera taking pictures and had a blast. This was evidenced by the fact that they called and text messaged me the whole time telling me about the great fun they were having. Did I mention I was at work? Yep. 'nuff said. Here are some pics of the adventure.

DH was disappointed that the only celebrity appearances that they got to see were Sponge Bob Square Pants, Patrick (from Sponge Bob show) and Dora the Explorer. Yes, they missed the Texans Cheerleaders and Mini Me (from Austin Powers, I think his name is Vern somethingorother?). Miss Thing was relieved because she did not want to have her picture taken with any of the celebrities (especially Mini Me).

But now the break is over and we are back to the normal obligations. The Little Princess opens this week and she is (we are) in for show performances 3 nights a week and 2 matinees on weekends for the next few weeks. It seems like she is in a show every December. First, The Nutcracker for 3 years and a Ballroom Christmas show last year, this year a musical. What a blessing for her to get to do all of these things. I am happy that she gets to do what she loves. Even if we always have a Crazy (busy Christmas Season).

Our Pirate Princess

Well, today is Halloween and I was ready for it to be over weeks ago. I have never been a fan of the scary stuff (movies, monsters, haunted houses, etc.), so the fact that Miss Thing has expressed no interest in Halloween this year has been just fine with me. If I recall correctly, I think that she only ever went Trick or Treating one year and there were some houses that she just wasn't going to approach because of the decorations. Most years we have taken her to church festivals that are held on Oct 31st to specifically avoid all of the scary stuff. The one thing that she always loved was the costumes. The best costume Miss Thing ever wore was a pirate costume that I made from stuff we had around the house. This was at the height of the Pirates of the Carribean craze and I surprised her by making the costume that day while she was at school. She was So excited and we had such fun that evening.





But, tonight there will probably be no costumes to photograph. It looks like our little girl is growing up, much too fast for my taste. I try to appreciate all of the stages of her growing up because, the older that she gets, the faster time seems to fly by. Each day seems to bring about more of a young lady and less of a little girl. As much as I will miss the days of Barbie dolls and play-do, I look forward to seeing the stages of her becoming a Godly young woman. So, as I sit here with tears in my eyes, I encourage you all to enjoy the different stages of life. God has prepared such beauty in each one and although we have tough times and it will look as if He has forgotten that we even exist. He is here and His miracles can be found in the most mundane of things if we just look for them.......even in the Pirate Princess growing up.

A little bit of this & that......

Well, the past 2 weeks have been a bit more positive for the Langley's. I have returned to work (part-time) and Mike has a turn-around that starts in couple of weeks. Plus, my boss has given him some part time work around the park helping with the repairs and clean up. Just as I was getting accustomed to being at home!!! No fair!

Miss Thing just finished her first 9 weeks of school and after some serious studying she has been able to pull out all A's and 1 B. The 6th grade is proving to be a bit of a challenge so far. Tonight is the PTF meeting at school for report card distribution and apparently a musical performance of some kind. She is very excited. "Performance Babies" (the name I have given to Miss Thing and all of her friends who sing, dance and act) are always excited to be putting on a show.

Then there are times when a stage is not necessary for a performance...... like our family outing to the San Jacinto Monument this Summer. Yes, it was hot, really hot, and this was her artistic interpretation the day.

Then there are the random pics........

Fear

Curious

Food Demonstrator/TV Chef

Comedian

I love the blessing that this child has brought to our lives. She is non-stop and I love not knowing what she will come up with next. What a gift she is.

Welcome to our little blog.

Welcome.

Since it's Monday, I would like to "play catch up" on the last week in our little corner of the world. The week was the usual, school for Miss Thing, Hubby still looking for work after IKE did his number on the petro-chemical industry, and I just puttered along while I wait for the RV park to have the necessary repairs needed to re-open.

On Saturday, I had some alone time. Miss Thing was spending the night a friend's house and Hubby was at the stock car races with his friend B. That made for a pretty quiet day on Sunday as they, and the pup, were sleepy and zonked out all over the furniture most of the day. Check out the evidence below :0)


Too funny!


Some exciting news is that Miss Thing will be in the musical The Little Princess at our local playhouse/theatre. She is taking a break from ballroom right now and is excited to be doing something in the way of performing. She did 2 musicals this past Summer with the same playhouse and seems to have a real knack for acting and singing. I have yet to find a stage that this child doesn't want to be on, she really enjoys performing, good thing she's good at it.