Good Reads: Part 1

I have always enjoyed a good book.  When I was younger I used to read under the covers with a flashlight while I was supposed to be sleeping! :)  The past couple years, I haven't read as much as I used to or liked to.  But that's about to change. 
A couple weeks ago, I heard about a book called "Do Hard Things".  It's written by 19 year old twin brothers, Alex and Brett Harris.   I was able to borrow the book and ended up reading it pretty quickly.  What impressed me was the things that these twins and other teens around the world are accomplishing at such a young age. 
The book talks about doing 5 different kinds of hard things.   1.  Hard things that take you outside your comfort zone.
2.  Hard things that go beyond what's expected or required.
3.  Hard things that are too big for you to do alone.
4.  Hard things that don't pay off immediately.
5.  Hard things that go against the crowd. 

Even this book is geared towards teens, I really go a lot out of it.  It really got me thinking about the hard things in my life, things that I want to do, but used to think they were too hard.
Jerod ended up buying the book the other day and now he's reading it.  I think it will be a good gift also for some teens that are graduation from high school.

The New Blog!

The new blog with BIGGER PICTURES has arrived! I've really enjoyed working with Nikki at Expressive Style Graphics! She has been so helpful and I recommend her to anyone! Thank you Nikki!

This post is a practice one to make sure I get everything right. :) So I thought I'd post a couple pictures of the Christ Statue in Rio de Janeiro since Jerod and I were there a year ago this month.

Enjoy!

Bob

For those of you that know me well, you'd know that I LOVE my cat Bob!  And if you know me REALLY well, you'd also know that Bob is actually my brother's cat, but I claim him as my own! :) Every time I go to the farm, Bob is the first one that I want to see.  We've had Bob for about 8 years now.  We've had a lot of different cats over the years, but he wins first place for the cat with the most personality!  My dad used to say, "He's a cat that thinks he's a dog that wants to be a human."  Yep, that's Bob.

Bob would follow you where ever you went.  He would walk the pastures checking fence with my dad (the dog part of him), get between your feet when you're trying to do something, run up to you when he heard you pull in the driveway (again = dog), try to sneak in the house as often as he could, and he loved to be petted and held.  Most of the time wanting all the attention on him, like a jealous child.  :)

He has annoyed so many other cats over the years, they finally just learn to tolerate him.  He loves to think that he's in control.  For example, he will not let the Golden Retriever Emma, up on the deck when he is there.  There are two sets of steps and both Emma and Bob would run from one to the other, with Bob hissing and displaying his claws, showing Emma who's boss! Bob can be such a nuisance at times, picking fights for no reason. But I love him anyway.  We all do.  

Hannah called me Friday last week and told me that Bob had been hit on the highway.  We have lost a few cats to the blacktop and this time, unfortunately, Bob was no exception.  :(  It's just not going to be the same now going to the farm without Bob there.  

Blessed To Be A Blessing

I've been reminded lately to take time out for others.  To put my desires aside and focus on someone else.  Either by sending a card or taking the time to listen.  Because really, our lives aren't about us are they?

So I've been thinking lately... what would people do if money wasn't an issue in their lives?  Would you think that you had been blessed to be a blessing?  Or would you hoard it all and full fill your desires and wants?  Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong having desires... I think it's good to have vision!  But would you be so focused on yourself that you forget about others?  It's something to think about...

And because posts really ARE better with pictures... here is Nathan, posing AGAIN for my camera! :)  

April 14

Today, I am happy to say that it's my husbands birthday!!  A year ago today, we were in Brasil and drinking shots of coffee after a huge buffet that was so good.  (I can't remember what kind of coffee it was, but it's seriously like an espresso shot!) :)  

This year, we spent the day like any other Tuesday, but made sure to enjoy time with each other and with our family.  Balloons and cake will eventually disappear, but just know that my love for you won't.  :)  I love you so much Jerod!  Happy Birthday! 

Easter means...

Easter is such a wonderful holiday in my book!  Remembering that Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for YOU and for ME!  The great thing is that He rose again... which is Easter day!  

Jerod, myself and Nathan spent the morning at church and the afternoon with family.  It was a great day!  This evening I got on my wonderful friend Maureen's blog and saw that she spent Easter at THE EMPTY TOMB in Israel!  Now, that would be a great way to celebrate Easter! :)  Thanks for sharing Mo! 

The Mail

Have you ever gone to get the mail, glanced at it and then felt like putting it back in the mailbox? :)