Sunday, November 30


Starbucks Ornament
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
"Many people will walk in and out of you life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."
~ Anonymous

Thursday, November 27

Happy Thanksgiving





Pumpkins

Originally uploaded by MAPryor


To my dear family and friends, wishing all of you a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown



Wednesday, November 26

Thanksgiving Pies

Sheldon made the comment that there is something happy about a house when you smell food cooking, and over and over he requested that I make pies. To capture the aroma of pies baking, I have attempted to make mom's sweet potato pies. I'll have to say my first attempt was not too bad, but I can assure you my pies will not make a debut on the Martha Stewart show. Nope, not even close. Due to the slight spottiness on top of the pies (which may be an indication that I over-baked the pies), Mark's first witty remark was, "they look like they have leprosy." (After I about knocked his head off (just kidding), we laughed). I assured him that they may not look the prettiest, but they taste good! However, they will have to pass the ultimate taste test, and Mark will make the final decision. So dear readers, I'll post a picture soon.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!







Monday, November 24

Happy Birthday, Babe!




IMG_0075

Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Singing Happy Birthday to the man I adore. Babe, wishing you a special, fantastic day! You are so amazing, and I love you!



You are my best friend, and I am only too thankful to share your life. I admire your faithfulness to God. You truly are a prayer warrior, and you have a great passion to fulfill the will of God. Thank you for everything that you do!


Saturday, November 22

Reaching For Greatness






IMG_0723



Originally uploaded by MAPryor


“Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown”( Charles de Gaulle)

Perhaps this is why some people never reach greatness because they are too intimated by the unknown. Too often we want to see what is around the next corner, but life is about stepping forward even when you are unsure of what may come your way. We have a sure foundation, our trust in the Lord! You must also have faith: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1)

Our tomorrows are like precious surprises. Sometimes the surprise is a learning experience while other times it is a package of pure joy. You never know what the next day holds and that is why you simply need to make the best of every situation that comes your way. Yes, sometimes you may weep, but other times you may soar like an eagle. When you are experiencing the fulfillment of a great victory, then life's lesson does not seem so painful. However, you must endure the pressure and not explode but rather just keep moving forward toward your destination of greatness. "It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle." (Richard M. DeVo) Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. Your destiny is great!



Friday, November 21


IMG_0674
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Sometimes we just need a little inspiration while cleaning house. My way of cleaning: Clean the upstairs, take a break, and then clean the downstairs. Here's a great household motto: Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy. (Author Unknown)

Monday, November 17


IMG_0652
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Saturday, November 15

What's Going On?





IMG_0712
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

What's going in the Pryor household -- Mission written and oral report which is due on Friday, November 21, 2008! My table and desk are cluttered with papers and notes. Books are on the coffee table, but I know that tomorrow morning everything will once again be in order. Searching the internet,I found a comment that stated, "it's the report that often keeps parents up late at night." Truer words could not have been spoken! Our approach has been that I give Sheldon a topic that I want written. He in turn writes the paragraph and then I help out by typing it.

Our goal was for him to finish writing it by Friday evening and then over the weekend we would work on the illustrations. We planned on using next week to simply prepare for the oral presentation. We were well on our way to reaching our intended goal, when at 9:30 p.m. (Thursday evening) I read an e-mail from his teacher that addressed the format of the report. Well, I realize rather quickly that we did not follow this exact order; I panic. Hence, his teacher receives an e-mail from a fretful, tired mom. After dreaming about his report,I awoke with a calmer disposition, but I was still worried. On the way to work, Mark and I are discussing what we need to do. His advice, just turn the report in and do better on the next one. That's easier said than done. (Although I was seriously considering it.) I was telling Maria about it, and her approach was okay, so Sheldon rewrites it; no big deal; it will take him maybe an hour to write. This made me laugh at myself and view the dilemma from a more casual perspective.

Thankfully, his teacher let me know that we have the necessary information, but we need to put it in the correct order. An outline was given to Sheldon, and we have spent the majority of this evening re-editing the report. Sheldon even came up with a creative paragraph describing the mission use today. He described it as an old piece of mud that they don't use anymore. Of course, we laughed but we had to rework this thought so that it would be more acceptable and teacher friendly. I can assure that we know quite a bit about Mission San Gabriel Arcangel. On the bright side, we have concluded the written draft, and it is now time for Sheldon to write the final version!

I guess this is one of the joys of parenthood--helping your child with reports, reports and more reports. Someday, I will laugh when my grandchild is driving his parents batty over a mission report! Oh, the joys of parenthood, but I absolutely love it!



Saturday, November 8

You Are A Vessel

What are you thinking about? My thought for today concerns a vessel.

What is a vessel? The most basic definition of a vessel is "a hollow container used to hold liquid." From a botanical standpoint, a vessel is any of the tubular structures in the vascular system of a plant, to conduct water and mineral nutrients from the root." From an anatomical standpoint, a vessel is "a duct or canal holding or conveying blood or other fluid." Regardless of the definition, a vessel is something of great importance and serves an important function: it holds something. Further, a vessel sustains one's life. You are a vessel of honor. You are the one that God uses to enrich the lives of others. There is no need to be envious of another vessel because you my dear friend are a unique vessel, a unique individual with your own special interests and talents.



How does a vessel become marred and fail to serve its purpose? The vessel can only become marred when you allow jealously, insecurity, bitterness, hatred, and apathy (to name a few) to begin to taint what is flowing out of the vessel. Why is that people have a difficult time praising someone? Well, I like that singer, so I'll worship. He's is a good preacher, so I'll shout an amen here and there. You must understand that it is not about you or your actions, but it is about God. Are your actions or reactions pleasing in God's sight? God just wants your adoration and praise. When you become stingy with your praise, you become a leaky a vessel. It is okay to offer a compliment because compliments beget compliments. "A compliment is verbal sunshine” (Robert Orben) Patch up those leaks and allow God to reign in your life. It's time to become a Vessel of Honor!









Friday, November 7

Life Is About Choices

Life's not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming. It's about the choices you've just made, and the ones you're about to make, it's about the things you choose to say - today.

It's about what you're gonna do after you finish reading this. (Mike Dooley)


Wednesday, November 5


IMG_0604
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home.
- Anonymous