3 things

Three things I'm grateful for:
1. My independence.
2. My freedom from scrutiny.
3. God's grace.

What the heck, let's list a few more:
4. My daughters.
5. My mom's sobriety.
6. Food on the table.
7. A roof over our heads.
8. My job.
9. The beautiful fall scenery.

Pumpkin Muffins

I have this recipe for pumpkin muffins that I made a couple of months ago. My oldest daughter normally doesn't really like baked pumpkin items, except for pumpkin pie, so I didn't think she'd like these muffins. Boy, was I wrong! She has begged me to make them several times. Today I did. I just took one batch out of the oven and put the last one in. The house smells of delicious baking aromas. I love that smell.
It reminds me of my grandma.

Fall

Fall break has officially begun! Hair colored, Cam's sports physical, some cleaning, laundry, and perhaps baking something. I'm sure to accomplish something, no?

In Honor of the 36 years...

36 things I've learned:
1. Sometimes it's okay to have a piece of cake.
2. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don't skip it.
3. As Mrs. Lane says, "They're ALL God's children."
4. Never let good friends go.
5. Recipes from The Food Network usually turn out delicious. Try one!
6. It feels good to lose weight if you need to.
7. Writing is cathartic.
8. With God, all things are possible.
9. Patience often feels difficult to come by.
10. When in doubt, pray.
11. Don't ever look back.
12. Mistakes are made so that we can learn from them, not for punishment.
13. There is happiness in the simplicities of life.
14. A hug is worth millions!
15. Live for today - not for yesterday and not for tomorrow.
16. Don't sweat the small stuff.
17. Reading is a journey.
18. Students' immaturity goes a long way.
19. It's too bad parenting doesn't come with a manual.
20. I love Target!
21. I do not like Wal-Mart.
22. Reese Cups are slices of heaven.
23. Walking and jogging are great stress relievers and are a necessary part of life.
24. Nikes are the best running shoes for me.
25. It's good to sweat sometimes.
26. Friends are a necessity for sanity.
27. The word "courage" is a loaded word.
28. Networking with other writers is awesome, and the relationships formed can last a lifetime.
29. I still want to publish a book.
30. Music is a big part of my life. It can move me.
31. I love my mom being clean and sober!
32. Never give up!
33. Our children will always be our children, even as adults.
34. The beach is calling me!
35. Smiling takes less muscle than frowning.
36. Life is good.

Happy Birthday to Me

Well, I didn't really believe I'd see thirty, but now I am a whoppping 36 years old today. I think later I'll post 36 things I've learned in my lifetime or some quirky thing like that. . .

The Hunger Games

I am currently reading a young adult novel titled The Hunger Games. This is a novel packed full of suspense and anticipation. It reads more like an adult novel than a young adult one. There is already another novel in the series in hardback which I will be ordering from my language arts class's book club. We are trying, as a whole, to read 100 books so that Peyton Manning will donate a million books to needy children. This is a competition through Scholastic Book Clubs that faces Eli and Peyton Manning off in a healthy, worthwhile competition where classes across the nation pick one side or another having needy kids be the ultimate winners. What more could you ask for? Books are an invaluable part of my life, and it is my hope that more young adults pick up the reading habit. It's a good habit to have!
Tonight I go to my Survivor Book Club meeting at the middle school where I am off to discuss a recent book I have read along with middle schoolers who have also read the book. Then, I will make a booktalk presentation to the group in hopes that some will choose to read what I have read again so we can discuss the themes, characters, and more next month. Won't you join in and catch the reading bug, too?
What good books have YOU read lately? I'm always looking to add to my list...