This I Believe

We Love Chocolate and Malt

Our family, at least the girls, love chocolate malt. I learned to love malts when I was a young girl in Michigan in the 1950's. Of course, back then malts were still very popular at the soda fountain. My love of malt balls is the result of the fact that my mommy would buy them as a treat from time to time when we went out to town, either St. Joseph or Benton Harbor, Michigan. Many years later, in the 70's, I would take all my little kiddies to the Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sears and Roebuck had a candy counter and I would buy ask for "a $'s worth of malt balls, please." Then as I strolled my several babies and a few more tag -alongs around the store, we would eat our malt balls.
Through the years the girls and I have made it a habit to buy them for treats when we would be near a candy store or bring a bag home to someone as a treat. Malted milks are very good too, and our family has them sometimes for Family Home Evening. Hardees has a malted milk that rivals the ones from the old soda fountains of the past. As a matter of fact, I think I put on a few pounds a couple of years ago eating them. It is so easy to slide right into the drive-through and order one up. They even put a dollop of real whipped cream on the top along with a bright red cherry. Oh boy, what a treat! Try it someday. I was in the tire store today, having my wheels aligned and had time to kill in the waiting area. I am sooo ashamed to say, I tore out a few delicious recipes from back issues of magazines they had there. This recipe looked really good to me and I want to try it soon. As soon as I get off my low carb diet. Thanks, Martha Stewart!

Lindsay's Thirteenth Birthday

Lindsay turned 13 on Monday the 23 of February. She is such a happy and delightful young woman. We are so glad to have her as part of our family. Grammy and Poppy took her out to eat and #1 China and then we came back home to a happy party with Allison, Briggs and all the kids.
Allison made the beautiful birthday cake. She got some nice gifts and had a good day.

"Step Out In Faith"

This is from my Scrapgirls newsletter this morning. Nice advice.

Clammy, shocks, clenching....

Shocks of clamminess clenched my stomach as I looked out my bedroom window over the valley. I didn’t know what to do and the decision I must make was causing me to experience mild panic attacks at night. After a few days, I began to dread the attacks and soon I found myself watching television late into the night because I knew that when I turned off the television the attacks would come.

This morning, I awoke with two thoughts drumming in my brain. “You know what to do. Step forward with faith.”

Immediately, I realized that a decision I was trying to make was the source of my distress. I was pushing down my true feelings. I was forcing myself to choose something that I didn’t like because it seemed more responsible. My internal critic was responding to potential criticism – real and imagined.

Instantly, I knew what to do. I decided what to do. I stepped off the curb with faith. I’ll find out in time l if I made the correct decision, but, no matter what happens, I'm glad I listened to my heart.

- Ro

P.S. I find it interesting how often my problems solve themselves during the first few groggy moments of the day. This is why I keep a notebook on my nightstand. I want to write the impressions down before I miss them. I recommend that you try it, too!

By Ro from http//www.scrapgirls.com

The Greatest Love of All

"The knowledge that Heavenly Father loves us and that we are His children gives us strength, comfort, and hope to live this mortal life. Allowing the Savior to atone for our sins is the greatest expression of our Heavenly Father's love for each of us. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

--Dean R. Burgess, "Do You Know Who You Are?",

Happy Valentines Day

Birthdays Again?

Yes, we had another birthday party for the month of February. Poppy and Caleb had their birthdays on February 7th and 8th. So, on Sunday afternoon we gathered as a family to celebrate.
Poppy was getting a unique gift. Hopefully a surprise. Briggs III had cooked a delicious bbq dinner and we were all hungry. We waited and waited and Poppy did not come. After a call to the church we found out he was only just leaving. Grammy was upset of course, but eventually he came.
We all ate the delicious meal, sang Happy Birthday and gave Caleb and Poppy their gifts. It is still unknown as to whether Poppy was truly excited about his gift from Grammy- a potty in a box and a sink too. The gift was much needed indeed and now he has to find the time to put them in. Soon, as possible we hope!

Snow Day!!!!!!!!!??????????

Ringggggggggg...early this morning. It was our seminary teacher, Debbie, letting us know that there was no school today. Then soon after, ringgggg...again. This time Dr. Trollinger called with his recording to let us know it was a snow day. All of this before 6:00 am. Now, Chloe usually sleeps until almost 7 because she does not have to get up so early as the teenagers, but this morning she is
up and going. I WANT TO SLEEP! IT'S A SNOW DAY! NO SCHOOL KIDS! But Gabe and Chloe are so excited about no school they could not sleep. I am kind of glad, because Gabe was questioning me last night on wheather we would have school since we had a little snow come down yesterday evening. I am glad he is not disappointed. Now, if they will only be quiet and happy all day. Then I think I will enjoy this snow day! Oh, the pictures are of the snow that fell in great big flakes late yesterday afternoon.

February- Birthday Month

Ian, Caleb, Poppy, Aunt Joanne, Cousin Wally, Uncle Arlo, Lindsay, Old Great Grandpa Mac (deceased) Let me know if I missed one!!!!! Yes, Billy Too!LOL And Ashley.

Ian's 12th Birthday!

Today is Ground Hog Day, February 2. Twelve years ago today, Ian Briggs Gilliam, our grandson was born. He has grown up to be a great kid. Smart, sweet and happy. He is the oldest son of our son Adam. On Saturday we all met at the skating rink for a birthday party. I brought a car load of cousins and he had some school buddies there. Everyone had fun skating and celebrating! His cousins, Joshua, Chris, Lindsay, Gabriel and Chloe were there. We brought Seth Bradley, a friend of Gabriel"s and his sister Jade had fun with Chloe. Uncle Kelly and Aunt Aimee were there too, along with the rest of Ian's family. We look forward to watching Ian continue to grow into a good young man. I can't believe he is almost in junior high. It seems like yesterday that Kelly and I were at the hospital waiting for him to be born. Time goes by fast!