It's Word-filled Wednesday and I'm linking up with the Internet Cafe . Encouragement has become so important to me lately.  I know many who are in need of some encouragement, including me. Blessings and love,

Counting one thousand gifts has become such a blessing for me.  I am taking the time to notice the simple everyday things in life.  How often have I missed those special blessings because I was too busy to notice? So, I continue my counting... I taught the girls in Culinary Camp all about table manners.  They learned the proper way to set the dinner table.  I found a wonderful way to help them remember the proper placing of the utensils from All Free Crafts . The author shared a story and described  "the fork was the imprisoned princess, separated …

Happy Father's Day! I'm so fortunate to have a great dad.  I realize how rare that can be. My dad always made me feel special growing up.  As a teenager, I had a curfew and if I wasn't home on time Dad would come and look for me.  I always had a dime in my shoe every time I went on a date.  My dad made sure of that.  I know I'm dating myself with that one; lol.  No cell phones back then! My dad is very proud of his Norwegian heritage.  My maiden name is Sumstad.  There is a town in Norway named Sumstad where my paternal grandparents raised …