and the winner is...

Melanie!

Congratulations Melanie! I will contact you for shipping information.

Well, that was fun! Thanks for all the nice comments.

It has been really busy around here these last few weeks. We are now in full swing with the oldest two and all there school, work, activities, etc.

This would have been little one's first day of preschool had I not changed my mind a few days ago about sending her. Her teacher came to the house two weeks ago for a little visit, we had open house last week, which was all good. We met the parents, the children, we did some cute activities, all nice enough. Then we got into the car and I had an epiphany of sorts and realized I really did not want to send her to this or any other preschool, for this year anyway. My patient and supportive husband is completely on board with the new plan for which I am so very grateful. I bounced back and forth on this decision all summer. I think I drove my wonderful, patient, always supportive husband a little crazy. Once the decision was made, the call to the school to opt out completed, I was finally peaceful.

We have lots of great activities planned for home, out in the community and with friends. I am confident it is the best thing for her this year.

give-away...

I have been wanting to say thank you to all who stop by this blog, it really makes it fun when you take the time to read what we are up to here. Thank you for your kindness and support. To those who leave comments, thank you-I love that! Some don't-that's fine too. Blogger does not allow me to reply to comments directly, at least not that I have figured out. I'm sorry I didn't realize this sooner, but I can just leave a comment after you leave a comment so I think I will just do that.

That said, I am long overdue on a give-away. So here it is. This little purse/tote is made of decorator fabric and lined, so it is pretty sturdy. The inside is lined with the textured wine colored fabric and has a pocket inside for cell phone, keys, etc. I took a picture inside and outside to try and get the true colors. I just love this fabric for fall.

Just leave a comment and you have a chance to win. The drawing will be within the week. To make it a little more interesting, link this post on your blog and get an additional chance to win. If you have a blog or not, each time someone leaves a comment to enter and mentions your name, gives you an additional chance to win.Have a fabulous Monday!

it's a God thing....

Every Wednesday, my daughter and I go to my friends house to say the Rosary with a group of moms from church. The moms pray , the kids play. It is always a nice morning.
This morning as I was tidying the kitchen, I had a thought to make a banana bread to bring over, so I did. I called my friend and told her I had a banana bread in the oven, so don't bother to make anything. She was really surprised because she had planned on making one this morning when she woke up, but her husband ate the bananas. She really didn't have the supplies in the house to make anything else so she was going to pull some a pie out of the freezer, which I'm sure would have been fine.
I know this is kind of a silly story and you may be wondering why on earth I felt the need to share this with you, but here's the thing. To me and my friend it served as yet another big reminder through the smallest of details how much God cares for our every need. It reminds me to listen to the still small voice of God that leads and guides me.
If I feel compelled to make banana bread, I should make banana bread. If someone keeps coming to my mind, maybe I need to call them or better yet pray for them. That's how God works, that's how he uses us to help others. In my life right now, with my primary focus being a wife and mother, I may not be able to work in a soup kitchen or volunteer at the hospital, but I can do things like these. I just have to be quiet enough so I can hear Him.
Anyhow, here is the recipe. It comes from a little cookbook by the Sisters of St. Dominic.

Banana Bread

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
3 very ripe bananas-the riper the better
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, salt and vanilla. Sift flour and baking soda and add to mixture. Add bananas and nuts. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

enjoy, it's moist and delicious.