S.A.H.M. I Am!

Healthy-er

2012-01-25T13:06:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know that “Healthy-er” isn’t correct. But it is appropriate at the moment. Several weeks ago, in the post Road to Normal I told you about our house guest and some health issues. Today we went back to the Health Department to get the test results from that day.

First of all, did you know that in these circumstances, even at the request of the patient you are not “by law” allowed to have someone in the room with you when you are read your results? Which I think is quite ridiculous, because really if the results are bad, you don’t want to hear it alone. Did you also know that “by law” you cannot be handed copies of your test results, but they have to be put in a sealed envelope and then handed to you to open (after having just TOLD you the results)?

So…drum roll please……all tests for STD’s are NEGATIVE!!! Thank you Jesus!! Now, keep in mind that the day she went in they told her she DEFINITELY had something. They gave her a shot of antibiotics and 2 prescriptions for antibiotics and asked for contact information for any recent“partners” so they could contact them . They even sent her to the ER for another shot, not to mention sending her home with lots of pamphlets about not spreading the condition. And yet everything came back negative. So as the “patient” and the “professional” exited the meeting room and the “patient” told me the results, I asked the simple question “WHY IN THE WORLD DID YOU TELL HER SHE DID, GIVE HER ALL THESE MEDS, FREAK THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT AND SEND HER TO THE ER?”

“I’m sorry I can’t answer any questions presented by anyone other than the patient.” GAH!! So the patient repeats the question, a little bit more colorfully and, are you ready? The professional says to her “Oh, you had an abscessed tooth and we were concerned about it potentially developing into meningitis.”

I swear, if I’ve ever wanted to go postal in a public place it was today.

But instead of believing that these people are that incompetent, we choose to believe that God answered prayers and healing took place. Thanks so much to those of you who have been standing with us and lifting us up!!

Now, if you can pray for housing and employment for her, I’d GREATLY appreciate it.

Princess Recovery– Book Review

2012-01-21T16:02:00.001-05:00

Book Description:

At two, she only wears dresses because she's a princess like the ones on TV. At six, she wants the trendiest, scantily clad doll because all her friends have it. At eight, she's begging for makeup because she wants to be pretty like the teen superstars.

Your daughter has every opportunity to be independent and confident--if only you could help her tune out the rest of the world! But can you really deny your little girl dresses, cartoons, and friends until she is out of danger?

Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Jennifer L. Hartstein has good news: you don't have to! Her unique program teaches you to curb the world's influence on your daughter--without making her live in a bubble. In this debut book, Dr. Hartstein teaches you to:

Encourage your daughter to pursue her passion with industry and intelligence
Establish high but realistic expectations of your daughter and her future
Provide context for problematic influences--from the media to prissy peers
Build a mutual trust that will withstand her adolescent growing pains

With this plan, you can bring balance, confidence, and self-sufficiency into your daughter's life without denying her a modern, vibrant childhood.

My Thoughts:
I have always been careful as to what toys the girls play with and the style of clothing they wear. I’d never thought of it as a “Princess” issue, but more of a “this doesn’t match our values as a Christian family”. For example, we don’t allow Bratz dolls, toys that involve magical powers and skimpy bikinis for babies. We’ve taught the girls to dress modestly, but that doesn’t mean they were skirts and dresses all the time. They are both quick to point out that certain outfits are “just not proper”.

It’s good to finally see an “educated professional” who stands up and says ENOUGH!! Dr. Hartstein points out some subtle and not so subtle marketing strategies aimed at our daughters, and gives excellent advice on how to deal with these issues inside our family as well as in relationship to extended family, friends and peers.

I highly recommend this book for parents of girls of any age. I would also say that older daughters might do well to read it for themselves to better understand the motives and intentions behind todays mass media marketing.

Author Bio: Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD, author of Princess Recovery: A How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters, a child and adolescent psychologist, is a regular correspondent for The Early Show. She has also appeared on Fox News, The Today Show, and Headline News. Dr. Hartstein uses a variety of treatment approaches that promote strong self-awareness, distress tolerance, and acceptance. She lives in New York City.

The Road to Normal

2012-01-15T09:03:00.001-05:00

As you may recall in my last post we added another displaced family member to our home in December. This one came with a lot more issues, challenges and stress (for me anyway).

Here we are three weeks into the process and although we are making progress, it’s slow and tedious. I have managed to retrieve certified high school transcripts to prove that my cousin is who she claims to be…which is a required document to get a state ID card if your ID is stolen, lost etc. So we drove several hours to pick that up, and then went to the DMV to get an ID. ID’s are now mailed to you, and it takes 7-10 days to arrive. We finally got it last Wednesday. Thursday we went to the social security office and ordered a new card, yep another 7-10 day wait.

In the meantime, I kept having this nagging something just isn’t right feeling that wouldn’t go away. So I made an appointment for the new house guest with the local health department. The appointment was at 2:45 in the afternoon. At 9:30 that night we were finally back from the ER with her. She was dehydrated, her blood sugar level was 486, yes FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX!! In addition, there is definitely an STD for which she got a shot and 2 different prescriptions for antibiotics in addition to diabetes meds. (They have assured us that she doesn’t pose a risk to me or the girls since we use the same restroom…..but let me just say there is more disinfecting going on in this house than you can imagine.) Test results should be back in, guess what 7-10 days! (I really dislike those time limits anymore.)

Did I mention that most homeless folks don’t have health insurance, or money to pay for meds? Yeah, so in the meantime I’ve helped her apply for financial assistance at the hospital to cover the ER bill. We’re covering the cost of meds (thank you Wal-mart for $4 generics for most, not all, of the meds she needed.) We’ve been to social services to apply for food stamps and in two weeks we have an appointment at the free clinic and with another community group who may be able to help us get her into a group housing situation.

So dear readers, if you get a chance, pray for us as we walk through this. I know it’s the right thing to do as we prayed and sought direction before taking this on…but its not fun by any stretch of of the imagination. In the meantime be thankful for things you take for granted, a roof, food, medical treatment and safety. These are all commodities that aren’t readily available to everyone.

Unto The Least of These

2012-01-02T09:37:00.001-05:00

I’ve been in church most of my life. I’ve listened to all the talk of impacting the world, reaching the lost at any cost, starting new ministries to “help the wounded”, reach the down and out, blah blah blah. Yet, those churches stay stagnant, with no new faces, no down and outers who have been reached. Leadership claims that people are “unreceptive”…but those people aren’t going to come to you, you have to go to them and put a little action to all your fluffy spiritual talk. I’m sick of it, I touched base on it a bit in a book review some months ago entitled Real Church.

When the holidays approach people get more into the “giving mode”. Lets throw an extra box of spaghetti in the food pantry bin, maybe even take a name off the Angel Tree and purchase a gift from the Dollar Store. Because after all, it’s Christmas, it’s about Jesus. Or is it?

A week before Christmas I was contacted by a desperate woman. She was scared, homeless and alone….and she was family. A first cousin, who some 12 years ago rebelled and ran from the force fed religiosity of the day. Now here she was, with no food, no where to sleep and no way to get help hundreds of miles away from “home”. The church that she’d went to for help in that city told her to “have faith”, “trust God” and sent her on her way. No warm meal, no coat in the December chill…just words.

The stranger that took her home (for his own purposes) was kind enough to let her use his phone to contact me, and even agreed to help get her to a bus station if I could get travel arrangements made. This “sinner” at least fed her and gave her a place to sleep, although with costly strings attached. But it was more than the “church” had done.

I made travel arrangements by internet and by phone. I prayed and asked God to please put someone there to help her as she traveled.

December 23 I stood at a bus station in a city near by my home. I watched people exiting the bus, excited to be home for the holidays. Then I watched a frail, weak and sickly remnant of a woman step off the bus. Her total worldly possessions were in a black trash bag, shoved inside a box. A box she didn’t have money to pay for, but a traveling couple paid the $6 for the box, or else her few possessions would have been left behind. A box she was too weak to pick up, so she just scooted it along with her foot. Another stranger gave her $4. She was able to buy a soda, pack of mints and bag of chips, her first meal that day, and her only food until the 18 hour bus trip was over.

Prior to her arrival I’d contacted several local churches, ones I have close ties too. Ones I’ve worked with and for. Pastors and pastors wives who are my “friends” on Facebook. Churches that have ministries for women in these circumstances. I asked “can you point me to any resources that are available to help us to help her get back on her feet?”. That’s all….just ideas of how to get help. Not ONE SINGLE CHURCH so much as responded to me. No return message, no “sorry I don’t know what to do”…just nothing.

Thankfully, I did reach one great lady from the local Baptist church (gosh I’m loving the Baptists more and more). She showed up with clothes, pajamas, money and Christmas gifts that she and some lady friends had purchased, collected and wrapped. She showed up with information on where to go locally for help….she showed up with a love for a woman that she’d never met, but was willing to reach out to because THAT is what Jesus calls us to do.

More than a week has passed now. Our visitor can now walk pretty well, carry her own laundry basket to the washing machine and stand long enough to wash some dishes. All things that she was too weak to do when she first arrived. She’s gained some weight, and is looking healthier already. She’s reading her Bible and her Christian books and making progress. We’re in the process of getting her identity restored (as her purse and everything in it were stolen at gunpoint on the streets).

The holidays have slowed down progress, not a lot of the necessary offices were open last week. Hopefully we’ll be able to cover some much needed ground this week and have some things in the works.

But yeah, don’t expect her to be too anxious to get involved with “church”. The empty words didn’t feed or clothe her.

Christmas Goodies (A Week Late)

2011-12-27T14:09:00.001-05:00

The girls and I had fun making our usual sugar smorgasbord for Christmas. We made fudge, peanut butter balls, potato candy, gingerbread men, sugar cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies and chocolate/cherry cookies.

It would have been nice to have shown you all of our hard work before Christmas, but it didn’t happen. So here are some photos of our handy work to get you in the mood for next year!

I bet you gained 5 pounds just looking at the photos, didn’t you?!

Missing in Action

2011-12-18T08:34:00.001-05:00

Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been posting a great deal recently. (If you haven’t noticed, then let me keep my little fantasy alive in my mind will you?)

I have some really good reasons for my absence, I really do. First of all for the first time in over 8 years I’ve gone back to work full time, on THIRD shift. Yes, I go to work at 11pm and get off at 7am the next day. Except on those days where they schedule us 12 hours and I go in at 7pm…. or on those days where a meeting/training session is scheduled for 7am and I don’t get off until 8am or later. Oddly, when I took this job, one of my questions was “do you work a lot of overtime?”…..needless to say someone told me a big old fat fib. Basically, I’m averaging 48-56 hours a week…at night while the world slumbers.

I’m still homeschooling and doing all the other things I normally do (albeit, maybe not as well as before). On an average day I get 2-3 hours of sleep. Yesterday, after being up for 32 hours straight I slipped into a 12 hour coma…so I should be good to go for a few days.

In addition to that crazy schedule, the girls have been super busy with all things Nutcracker. The week of November 28 there were practices every night, several hours in length. The week of December 5 was stage week. Between the girls practices, and my working backstage we logged in a total of 22 hours of practice (yes in addition to the 56 hour work week). December 10 and 11 was show time. Two performances on the 10th, and 1 on the 11th. If you go to my homeschool blog Learning Curve you can see the girls in their costumes. Olivia was a mouse and a baker and Lindsey was the naughty Gingersnap.

This week was the end of Awana and the last Activity Day get together for this year as well. Yesterday we finished ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for the year, so I am commitment free until January!

This week, we’ll focus on making cookies, fudge, peanut butter balls and all sorts of goodies. We’re a bit late on getting started, but I’m sure you can understand why. We’ll be elfing people by the end of the week, I hope.

The goal is for me to work 8-12 months in order to replace the 2 vehicles we have. Both vehicles are over 190,000 miles, and all those little quirky things are starting to go wrong…you know, windows work some days and not others. The AC quit working long ago in the van, so on days when the windows don’t work and it’s hot you can’t drive without having a heat stroke.

So just try to be understanding for a bit. I haven’t forsaken my blog, or my readers. I’ve just forsaken sleep….sigh.

Christmas Ornament Show and Tell - 2011

2011-12-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

Jolanthe at No Ordinary Moments is hostessing the 2011 Christmas Ornament Show and Tell. I LOVE Christmas ornaments and have a very eclectic tree. So getting a chance to show off a few is always fun!

This first ornament doesn’t do well in photos…and I can’t figure out how to get my flash to turn off. This cute little porcelain mouse, is flocked where his fur is, so he feels like velvet. The color is washed out (and faded in real life), but he’s wearing a blue velveteen gown and cap, and holding a Bible. The little porcelain feet dangle inside and make a cute little tinkling noise. My brother Nelson bought this one for me when we were under the age of 10, so yeah, it’s old…ahem.

Next is a fancy schmancy ornament I bought for my first tree. It’s a blown glass basket with little glass roses in it. Not particularly “Christmassy” I guess, but I just love this one.

Last, but certainly not least is this hand carved nativity scene. It’s carved in real olive wood from the Holy Land. I picked this one up in a gift shop in an airport somewhere during my travels. Although the exact location escapes me at the moment.

What treasures does your tree hold this year?

Small Town Treasures

2011-11-21T17:33:00.001-05:00

We live in a smallish town, although it’s an independent “city”. It has lots of cool, quirky things that you don’t find in big towns. For example we have a free trolley system that provides transportation around town. We have interesting buildings and some great stores.

The catholic church is beautiful. And yes, I really did take that photo myself. I was walking the girls down the street to ballet and thought it was just too pretty to pass up.

My FAVORITE place (and my kids too), is the little toy store downtown. It always reminds me of the movie “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”…well except the building isn’t alive and the owner isn’t 700 years old.

Look at the lovely gingerbread display in the main entry way. Each building is a replica of a building in our town. Too cool!

Even better is the inside of the store! They have REAL toys, not electronics, no blood – guts and gore. But doll houses, castles, dress up clothes, puppets, books, musical toys, games…..and you can PLAY with stuff! I tell you it’s dreamy!!

And if you have a quarter, you get to ride Sandy, the horse! If you don’t have a quarter, they give you one and you STILL get to ride!

Of course, if you step outside the store you might see this, and get to ride….for a bit more than a quarter.

Or if you’re in the mood for some live music walk a bit farther down the street.

See! I told you my town is cool!

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-06T16:14:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is coming up fast, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite recipes. These are actual recipes that I use regularly, and that my family loves. I know there are a lot of carbs here, but I don’t fix all four things each Thanksgiving (some wait until Christmas…or are added to stretch the leftovers a bit longer).

Dressing Balls:

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup of butter
16 oz. Pepperidge Farms Herb Stuffing Cubes
1 tsp. salt
3 eggs, beaten
broth or water

Cook onion and celery in butter until Tender. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Add enough broth/water to make moist (enough that it holds its shape, but not soggy).

Shape into balls and bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until crisp on the outside.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes:

5 lbs. potatoes
1 tbs. garlic
3 cubes chicken bullion
1 8oz. package cream cheese
1 8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup butter
salt to taste

Peel and boil potatoes, garlic and bullion cubes until potatoes are done. Drain well, blend in sour cream and cream cheese. Put in crock pot on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in butter just before serving.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese:

2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
8 crackers crushed
2 cups shredded cheddar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk

Cook macaroni in salted water, drain well. Grease 8X8 baking dish with butter. Combine macaroni, butter, cheese and cracker and place in baking dish. Combine milk and eggs and pour over top of macaroni (do not stir). Top with additional cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

Corn Pudding:

1 can creamed corn
1 can whole corn
8 oz. sour cream
1 small box Jiffy corn bread mix.
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour in a buttered 9X13 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes (or until set in the middle).

Proverbs in 31 Days

2011-10-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Amy at Moms Tool Box is hosting Proverbs in 31 Days beginning November 1 and ending December 1. If you need some accountability in your reading, or just want a group reading experience that’s less intimidating than the Bible in 90 Days, then read along.

Biggest Loser Challenge–Week 5

2011-10-14T15:21:00.001-04:00

Any post that starts off with things like “I am not amused!” can’t be good, right? Yeah, so…I AM NOT AMUSED!!

It rained hard 3 days this week, which means I didn’t get to go walking on those days. So I can see not losing anything, truly I can. I did eat out last weekend, while I was away at the Extraordinary Women Conference. So I could even accept a small gain and understand it, but to gain 4.4 pounds, in a week???

I am NOT AMUSED!

Bible in 90 Wrap Up

2011-10-08T22:12:00.001-04:00

This week we finished up our Bible in 90 Day Challenge. This was my second trip through the 90 Day Challenge, but it was my first time mentoring a group.

I started off with 16 in my group and ended up with 7 of us (including myself) completing the challenge. Several of the ladies in the group had some major things happen during this last 90 days. I’m so proud of how hard they worked to finish their commitment despite the struggles.

If you’ve never read through the Bible I highly recommend that you sign up for the next 90 day challenge! I’ll be posting more about that soon!

The Biggest Loser–Week 4 Weigh In

2011-10-07T11:52:00.001-04:00

I totally forgot to write a blog post last week on this topic. Maybe it was because the loss that week was minimal, a mere .8 of a pound, but at least it was a loss!

I’ve been walking 5-6 days a week for anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The duration and intensity of the walk depends on who tags along. The six year olds little legs can’t go as fast or as far as I can alone. Olivia, who is 8, has appointed herself as my walking buddy. Most mornings she is up and ready to go before I finish my coffee. On occasion she’ll say “I think you need to spend some time alone today, so you can walk by yourself.” Seriously, she said that one day last week and this week. Although I think an accurate translation is “I’m having fun playing with the puppy so I’m staying here.”

This week I did well with the walking. My eating wasn’t the best, not that I ate “junk”….but one night we had mashed potatoes pork chops and greasy gravy for dinner. Yes greasy gravy made from the pan drippings…you know it’s not healthy, but you just can’t say no!

Anyway, despite myself I managed to lose 2 pounds this week! That puts me at a total of 9.2 pounds lost so far. I’d really hoped to be further along, but this time I’m taking the slow and steady approach instead of crash and burn.

Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Breakfast Rolls

2011-10-05T12:39:00.001-04:00

I love hot sweet rolls for breakfast on Sunday when there’s no time for “real breakfast food”. My friend Michelle posted this recipe on Face Book and I had to share it!

Ingredients:
2 (8-count cans) of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
4 0z cream cheese, softened
1/4 Cup light brown sugar
1/4 Cup canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On parchment or wax paper, unroll each can of crescent rolls to form 4 rectangles placed side by side. Pinch seams together to form one long rectangle. Place cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg into a mixer; beat until well combined. Spread mixture over your two crescent-roll rectangles, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges. Starting at long end, roll up then cut into 1 inch pieces. Place around 2 9 inch cake pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.

Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting recipe below.

Frosting:
4 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon canned pumpkin

Directions: Mix all ingredients into a large bowl until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve rolls warm.

WorshipFest 2011

2011-10-03T13:43:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we were privileged to be part of WorshipFest 2011. This was an awesome day of praise, worship and the Word set in a beautiful outdoor setting. The temperatures dropped and it was VERY chilly, but well worth bundling up for.

Lindsey and Thomas both sang at the event. It was Lindsey’s first time singing in front of a crowd (with the exception of being in our small church). She picked her own songs, so she did “The Revelation Song”, and then two short songs that she’s learned at church and in her sign language class. I was super proud of her! I so love to see my children praising God out of pure hearts!!

Thomas sang as well. He used to sing in our previous church praise team, and in various churches. But in recent years his second shift work has kept him from being able to attend the mandatory midweek praise team practice, so he hasn’t been allowed to use his singing gift. So we were super excited for him to again get to use his voice in ministry to the glory of God.

We are so excited to see the doors that God is opening for us as He allows us to be a part of what He’s doing in these last days!

Preparing For Winter

2011-09-29T23:29:00.001-04:00

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping and the garden is fizzling out. Now that the summer work is behind, it’s time to start getting ready for winter.

Our home has a heat pump/gas furnace, and a woodstove. The woodstove is our main source of heat, as it’s both cheaper and warmer. I’m a bit behind in getting wood ordered and stacked for the year, I'm thinking I need to order one more load.

The girls love helping with the wood, and working as a family to get things done. I guess it’s all those “Little House” books they’ve read? In any event, we all pull our share of the load around here.

Don’t worry though, Olivia really didn’t move that wheelbarrow load of wood, it was my job…but she looks really convincing huh?

This Radio Flyer wagon has come in quite handy over the years. Neither child fits in it anymore, but it certainly helps with the workload!

There’s a great satisfaction at the end of the day, when the last piece of wood is stacked and everyone goes inside for hot cocoa!

Frugal In It’s Simplest Form

2011-09-26T10:29:00.001-04:00

Today I’m the guest blogger over at Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling. Here’s a snippet of my post.

Shortly after the birth of our second child, we found ourselves on a VERY strict budget. To be honest, we had $25 a week to feed the four of us and that included diapers, hygiene products and all the cleaners and paper products. Granted the baby was breastfed, and Olivia was around 3 and not a big eater, but still $25 didn’t go far in the natural….

To read the rest of the story head over to Frugal In It’s Simplest Form at Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling.

Biggest Loser Weigh In–Week 2

2011-09-24T16:03:00.001-04:00

This was a crazy busy week. To be honest I didn’t get in one single walk! I also didn’t get in much eating or sleeping! Stress, doctor appointments, new puppy (sick puppy) and the start up of the fall activities for the girls all collided this week on me.

The good news it that besides a few more gray hairs, I also came away with a 4.6 pound LOSS for the week! Don’t ask me how, I don’t care, but I’ll take it!

The Versatile Blogger Award

2011-09-21T23:44:00.001-04:00

I was so surprised, and so thrilled to receive the Versatile Blogger Award, given to me by Sheri Salatin. Thank you SO much!

Here are the rules to accepting this award:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share seven things about yourself on the post.
3. Pass the award to fifteen bloggers that you think deserve it.(I’m going to go for 3, just because most of the blogs I follow don’t “do” these type of awards.)
4. Lastly, contact all of the bloggers that you’ve picked for the award.

So here goes:

7 Random things about me:

1. I can wiggle my ears.

2. I ran a marathon in London in 1999.

3. I love chocolate!

4. I only drink coffee for the flavored creamers.

5. I’m allergic to certain fruits (seriously).

6. I love spinach.

7. I can read an entire book in several hours.

And I’m passing the Versatile Blogger Award onto these 3 folks:

Jammerill at Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling.

Donna at Donna’s Daily Grind.

Chrissy at For Such As These.

Biggest Loser–Week 1 Weigh In

2011-09-16T10:54:00.001-04:00

Some gals (and a guy or two) in town decided to start a 12 week Biggest Loser challenge and asked me to join in. I tend to do better when I’m competing so I said yes.

The initial weigh in was September 9 and we’ll go for 12 weeks, ending on December 2. Besides losing weight, there is a monetary motivator. Each person pays $10 to participate (there are 20 participants I believe). If you lose weight or stay the same you’re good. If you gain weight there is a $5 penalty to pay for that week. The winner at the end gets all the cash! This has the potential for making some nice Christmas money for someone!

This week I’ve done well. The girls and I have gone for a 45 minute walk each morning. I took Olivia to the tennis court early in the week to teach her some basics. I’ve had no soda or sweet tea this week and I don’t think any chocolate either. So if you notice I bark at anyone it’s the lack of caffeine and sugar speaking, really it is.

The results? A loss of 1.8 pounds for this week! It’s a slow start, but at least I’m moving in the right direction. Hopefully, someday I’ll be back to my marathon running self of days gone by.

My Memories

2011-09-15T11:03:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wanted to try scrapbooking and just didn’t think you had the time or money? Well here is an AWESOME way to keep your memories fresh, beautiful and without having a ton of scrapbooking supplies cluttering up your house! My Memories is an awesome digital scrapbooking software! It’s easy to download, easy to use and easy to order prints (or even order a bound book for gift giving!).

Look at these two lovely layouts. I completed both in less than 5 minutes and that’s without reading the tutorial!

The software is normally only $39.97, BUT My Memories is offering a $10 off coupon to all of my readers! Go to the My Memories site and then enter your special offer code of STMMMS5881 to save $10 off the regular price!

Stained Glass Hearts– Book Review

2011-09-07T23:15:00.001-04:00

Stained Glass Hearts Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective

By Patsy Clairmont
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description:

Much like stained glass, life's broken pieces become the prism through which God's grace shines most brightly and beautifully.

"Life is no doubt full of difficulties, but it is also filled with promise and possibility," says best-selling author and WOF speaker Patsy Clairmont. In Stained Glass Hearts Clairmont guides readers to view the difficult experiences of life through the lens of God's grace. Using art as a theme, and likening people to stained glass windows, she shares that it's when we're surrounded by darkness that His healing light shines most brightly within us. Encouraging women to step back and see life from this new perspective, Patsy offers help and hope for the dark places of life.

Along with character studies of women in Scripture, and modern-day, relatable stories, each chapter includes:

Chalice—memorable quotes

Mosaic—recommended music

Spires—scriptures and readings

Litany—sample prayers

My Thoughts:

I love Patsy Clairmont’s wit and insight. I can hear her voice as I read her rich, impassioned words. The once agoraphobic Patsy now enjoys life to the fullest, and expects those around her to do the same.

Stained Glass Hearts isn’t an “everything will turn out sunshine and roses book”. It’s more of a “when life hands you lemons, make pink lemonade” kind of book. Patsy understands, and points out, that in this life there will be times when we don’t understand why…and it’s ok to admit we don’t have an answer, lest our answer be trite and faulty.

At the end of each chapter there is an “Art Gallery” section, where Patsy has graciously lists suggestions for museums, poetry, music, scripture and prayers to help you see the beauty in life and in living.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is “One thing I’ve learned after circling the block of life at breakneck speed is that you need a sense of humor to survive aging – actually to survive life. Otherwise a case of ornery can seize you, and you’ll break out in cranky. And that’s never cute on anyone.”

Although I read Stained Glass Hearts in one setting, it’s a definite slow read. I’ll be rereading, digesting and experiencing this book over and over through my stained glass heart.

^{I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.}

Where Did The Last 6 Years Go?

2011-09-05T21:24:00.001-04:00

September 3, 2005 was winding down, news coverage of Hurricane Katrina was the only thing on tv (and I don’t mean that in a bad way) and I was several weeks out from my due date with Lindsey. At the time, a volleyball game seemed like a good plan (I won!, go me!). I distinctly remember my mother in law calling and fussing over the phone because I was playing ball while pregnant.

The next memory was of me waking up, in a puddle and thinking I’d peed the bed while asleep. It didn’t dawn on me until a few minutes later that my water had broke. Hey, in my defense my first labor/delivery was a totally man made nightmare, so I didn’t know what was “normal”. My next thought was geez, now what do I do? So I called the midwife…”Are you having contractions?”….”Yes, they started at about 10 minutes apart, now we’re at about 7.” ….silence… ”You are on a cell phone, heading toward the hospital, right?”…. “Um…no.” My husband came stumbling in, bleary eyed at this point “Who are you talking to?” …. “The midwife.” WHAT??? and he came a bit unglued.

So I called the person who, for MONTHS, had agreed to watch Olivia for me, and she says “It’s almost 2am, I don’t think I can come right now. You’ll have to call someone else.” WHAT??

Yeah, so I called Mary, who lived 40 minutes away, she got there in 30. In the mean time I emailed friends with an update of my 5 minutes spaced contractions. When Mary arrived, contractions were at 4 minutes, I tried explaining to her about Olivia’s morning routine but she basically shoved me out the door towards the van. Then on the way to the hospital I said “run by the post office will you, I need to mail some bills”. My husband came totally unglued at that point…he called me WOMAN. “Woman, I don’t have a catchers mitt in the van, and I really would prefer to not be driving when the baby comes.” Calm down folks, really it’s OK.

So after we left the post office (yeah, I won that battle) we arrived at the hospital. The lady who checked me in wasn’t convinced I was in labor, neither was the charge nurse on the maternity ward. They said I was in too good of a mood and didn’t appear to be in pain. Well, then that means that all the prayers and confessions for a pain free childbirth are doing their job. They didn't like that answer, so she hooked me up to a monitor and when it showed the first, MAJOR, contraction she said “oh my God, you are in labor”. Really, ya think?

She then sent me out to walk around the hospital for a while to speed things up, and told me not to go too far “just in case”. Ok, so 1) the hospital wasn’t THAT big and 2) I’m at the hospital, they should know what to do “just in case”. So an hour later and the contractions are about 2 minutes apart so I went back to my room.

The nurse didn’t believe me when I told her how close the contractions were at this point. So she hooked me back up to the monitor. SURPRISE! She offered to let me sit in the birthing tub to relax, while I waited for the midwife to arrive. “But whatever you do, DON’T push if you feel the urge, we don’t do water births here.” Right, and so I’m getting in the tub now WHY?

By the time I got in the tub, and got “comfy”, it happened, the almost uncontrollable urge to push. So back out of the tub, into the bed and 3 pushes later and voila! Lindsey made her grand debut!

Then I blinked.

Suddenly this 8lb. 11oz. chubby little bundle….

…had somehow turned into this beautiful, bright eyed, vivacious little bundle of energy and love.

Happy 6th birthday Lindsey! But seriously, you need to slow down a bit….I can’t keep from blinking much longer.

When God Orchestrates–Women of Faith

2011-08-28T17:40:00.001-04:00

Ok, I have a HUGE confession to make. I never attended a Women of Faith meeting before because, well to be honest, I thought it would be a lot of “fluff” and no real substance. This past weekend forever changed that, along with SO many other things!

But the story starts way before I left for the WOF conference in Washington DC. One day, as I was sitting at a stop light and watching the other drivers go by I thought “geez these people all look so unhappy”. Several stop lights later I happened to catch a glimpse of ME in the mirror and I though “wow, I look just as unhappy as everyone else!” This wasn’t something new, it was just getting harder to hide.

I had been unhappy for quite sometime. But even worse, I’d lost my joy. Then anger (ok, rage) became an issue. Things were spinning out of whack. More and more of life’s demands and the needs of others had taken their toll. I was floundering, drowning in a sea of meeting the needs of everyone around me, while literally dying on the inside.

The night before I left for WOF I had a conversation with my husband. Ok, it was more like my last nerve snapped, and he stood and blinked at me as the last sentence rolled off my tongue. “I am completely unhappy, and as far as I’m concerned at this point, my coming back home after this weekend is totally optional.” Yeah…pretty heavy conversation.

Any-who, I arrived at my friend Donna’s house late Thursday. Our original plan was that she’d meet me in DC after she got off work on Friday. However, that had changed and I was going it alone Friday and she’d join me Saturday. So I took the metro into DC, found my front row seat and sat alone…not a single person sat on that front row…just me.

The morning speakers were Sheila Walsh, and Dr. Henry Cloud. Interesting enough, each – in their own sessions, talked about happiness and joy. Sheila had a great quote that I scribbled down “When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change, THEN you will be begin to change.” Then she sang a phenomenal version of Amazing Grace.

Then Dr. Cloud spoke and he was explaining about stress and how it affects our minds and bodies. He gave the illustration of experiments that had been done on monkeys (back before PETA). He said scientists would place a monkey in a locked cage and begin to bang and clang and flash lights and just do all kinds of crazy things to make the monkey freak out. Then they’d check it’s stress level hormones (yep they were through the roof). Then they added another factor. They placed a second monkey in the cage with the first monkey. They still did the same crazy stress test, but the monkey’s stress level hormones were cut in half, just because there was another monkey to share the stress. He said people are the same, no matter what we’re going through if there’s SOMEONE, ANYONE to share the stress with you it’s easier.

So Henry then said “turn to the person beside you and ask, baby will you be my monkey?” I turned to look at that row of empty chairs…no monkey for me…and that sucked.

But you know what, I laughed. I laughed more in the past two days than I have in ages. Sheila and Henry were both wonderfully witty, and insightful and sharing Gods love and His love all the while.

All of the speakers were wonderful, and funny and full of God’s word, and wisdom. Even better, they were each transparent. There was no churchy “I’m all that, I have arrived” going on with these gals (and Henry Cloud and Ken Davis). The worship team was incredible! Mary Mary ROCKED DA HOUSE on Friday night. You haven’t seen anything until you see Luci Swindol getting down to Shackles! Natalie Grant….wow, that’s the only word that even comes close….WOW!

Each song, each speaker, said, did, sang something that spoke directly to me. Nichole Johnson’s session impacted me the most, hands down. There was an “ah-ha” moment when I realized where the rage was coming from. I realized I have some areas that were broken, that weren’t “reset” properly. It’s time for those areas to be addressed.

I got my joy back. WOOT!! Happy will take longer, because it involves others. Here are some of the quotes that will stick with me for years:

“Let all the idiots in your life take care of themselves!” ~ Henry Cloud

“The bigger the trouble, the faster you run home (to God).” ~ Shelia Walsh

“Enjoy your life, because nobody told you that you can’t."~ Luci Swindol

“Humor is a gentle way to acknowledge human frailty.” ~ Ken Davis

“Life’s greatest value is often found in its broken pieces.” ~ Nichole Johnson

“All addiction is ultimately a dysfunction of worship.” ~ Lisa Harper

^{I received two free tickets to Women of Faith for review purposes. I received no compensation for my review and the thought and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.}

Women of Faith–Here I Come!

2011-08-24T07:11:00.000-04:00

As you may recall, I wrote last month about God blessing me with a trip to the Women of Faith conference. If you didn’t read that post, you can do so by going here.

So here I am, in the countdown days before I leave. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we have to get done before going away for a few days!!

Best of all, my best friend Donna will be going with me! She and I haven’t been on a trip together since I was pregnant with Olivia…and she’s 8!! Ok, technically it isn’t a weekend “away” for her, as we’ll be staying at her house, but at least we’ll be in another city most of the time! (On a side note, we’ll also be going to the Extraordinary Women conference together in October!)

I’m excited! I NEED this! I can’t wait to tell you all about it when I get back!

Bible in 90–Week 7 Check In

2011-08-22T06:50:00.001-04:00

This week marks our halfway journey through the Bible! It’s amazing how quickly this first half of the journey has flown by. There have been days that I was dreadfully behind, and days when I’ve been meagerly ahead. As I start week 7 of the journey, I’m right on track, thank God!

I have to admit, I’m really glad to be finished with a lot of the early Old Testament! I’m really looking forward to Proverbs as it’s my favorite book of the Old Testament, and once I make it by Ecclesiastes it’ll be smooth sailing!

I’ll be out of town early Thursday through late Saturday this week. My goal is to get ahead Monday – Wednesday so that I’m not behind come Sunday! What goals do you have for the week?

Remember, keep your eyes on the prize! Keep pressing towards the mark! You CAN do this!!

Raising Hell (Book Review)

2011-08-16T23:18:00.001-04:00

When author Julie Ferwerda contacted me about reviewing her newest book I was a bit hesitant. Why? Because in her new book “Raising Hell”, Ferwerda attempts to prove that there is no hell. Yeah, seriously.

Ferwerda says “I spent months researching before I finally came to the overwhelming conclusion that the teaching of hell, as in the doctrine of eternal torment, is simply a “tradition of men” that had pagan origins and eventually worked its way into Christianity through the Latin church, several centuries after Christ.”

My Thoughts:

Sorry, I’m not convinced. Blame my Pentecostal church upbringing if you must. If we were/are in need of a savior, then there must be something to need saving from. Julie’s biggest proof is erroneous translation from language to language throughout the years. Granted there probably has been some error in that area, but if we start picking apart everything with what could have, should have, might have, maybe didn’t, we’ll change the Word so much that we won’t know what it’s about anymore.

While I don’t agree with Julie’s idea that hell doesn’t exist, I do agree with her on one very major issue. We, “the church”, need to spend more time spreading the gospel, the GOOD NEWS. What is the good news? Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Christ the Lord.

We need to tell the world about God’s love for us. His provision, His deliverance, His protection…..tell them the GOOD news and you’ll see them drawn to Him for who He is, not for an “easy button”.

If you would like to find out more information about author Julie Ferwerda, or her book Raising Hell you can go to her websites by clicking on the links above.

_{Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes only. The thought and opinions herein are strictly my own. I have received no other compensation for my review.}

Thunder Dog–Book Review

2011-08-05T22:11:00.001-04:00

Thunder Dog The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero

By Michael Hingson with Susy Flory
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description:

A blind man and his guide dog show the power of trust and courage in the midst of devastating terror.

It was 12:30 a.m. on 9/11 and Roselle whimpered at Michael’s bedside. A thunderstorm was headed east, and she could sense the distant rumbles while her owners slept. As a trained guide dog, when she was “on the clock” nothing could faze her. But that morning, without her harness, she was free to be scared, and she nudged Michael’s hand with her wet nose as it draped over the bedside toward the floor. She needed him to wake up.

With a busy day of meetings and an important presentation ahead, Michael slumped out of bed, headed to his home office, and started chipping away at his daunting workload. Roselle, shivering, took her normal spot at his feet and rode out the storm while he typed. By all indications it was going to be a normal day. A busy day, but normal nonetheless. Until they went into the office.

In Thunder Dog, follow Michael and his guide dog, Roselle, as their lives are changed forever by two explosions and 1,463 stairs. When the first plane struck Tower One, an enormous boom, frightening sounds, and muffled voices swept through Michael’s office while shards of glass and burning scraps of paper fell outside the windows.

But in this harrowing story of trust and courage, discover how blindness and a bond between dog and man saved lives and brought hope during one of America’s darkest days.

My Thoughts:

Loved it! But I guess I need to be a little more wordy, huh? The author does and exceptional job of painting vivid images of his miraculous escape from the Twin Towers.

The book switches back and forth from retelling the horror of 9/11, and learning about both the author and the guide dogs life and training. I learned more about living with blindness in these 200+ pages than I have in my 40+ years.

What I liked most was Hingson’s sharing his faith in God, and how in the midst of that nightmare, he cried out to God and God answered him. He quickly points out that it was because of God and the prayers that were going up on his behalf that kept him alive on September 11.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes only. I received no other compensation for my review. The thoughts and opinions shown here are strictly my own.

A God Thing - Women of Faith Conference

2011-07-20T20:06:00.001-04:00

God is funny…in both the ha-ha way and the SURPRISE way. In the last several months He’s been dealing with me on stepping away from some things and into some other things, and not all of those choices are popular. So I took a bit longer to move than I probably should have in some areas.

This last month I resigned from some areas of ministry that had become a burden, but “needed to be done”. Within 48 hours of actually resigning (as opposed to knowing I should but not having DONE it yet), things started to happen. Some are BIG things, like this post for example. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit trapped right now, and drowning in a sea of unpacked boxes and yard sale fodder.

Then there was an email from BookSneeze telling me that they were giving me TWO FREE tickets to the Washington DC Women of Faith Conference!

I love this blurb from their site:

Escape from the everyday at a Women of Faith weekend and be refreshed, encouraged and inspired. Because the God who loves you can do far more than you can ever Imagine.

Escape, yes sir, I’m needing to escape!! I NEED to be refreshed, encouraged and inspired. Because truthfully I’m feeling dry and discouraged. I’m TOTALLY expecting an awesome encounter with God!

Bible in 90 Week 2 Check In

2011-07-17T22:45:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe we are already into week #2 of the Bible in 90 challenge! My goodness where does the time go?

I’m pretty odd in the things that I pick up on as I read straight through, instead of stopping to study. For example, I find it really intriguing that these dudes of the old testament could, um well…YOU KNOW…without seeing the face of the female and not realize that geez, this is the wrong gal. Things that make you go, hmmm…

Anyway, I have a great group of ladies that I’m mentoring. I’m very pleased with everyone’s progress and willingness to lift one another up in prayer. Trust me, we’ve had some major things going on within our group this last week and it’s so good to know that ladies we’ve never met are standing with us!

Please visit the Week 2 Check In at Moms Tool Box.

God Is In Control

2011-07-12T22:39:00.001-04:00

Sometimes in life things happen and you wonder why, and then later you see the reason. This is one of those weeks.

We have a family member who has been having major health issues the last several years. My husband and I had already discussed that mostly likely this person would be coming to live with us. In our minds we were thinking 6 months to a year at the earliest. Wrong.

Last week I was at Emergicare with this person on Friday of last week, and because of the current situation she was put on short term disability with her employer on Monday (yeah as in yesterday Monday). Short term disability lasts three months, and allows her to keep her medical insurance. In the mean time we’ll be applying for full disability for her as she most likely won’t be able to return to work.

So today I began the arduous task of packing her apartment up and rearranging our home to make room. We should have it all finished by this weekend if we don’t have any rain to slow down the moving process. (Did I mention that the temperature here today was over 100, and with the heat index it was around 115?…no, I don’t think I mentioned that).

Anyway, so it’s a whirlwind of things to get done…and I had to wonder what in the world brought such a drastic turn of event literally overnight?

Fast forward to today. She received a phone call from a co-worker. Her employer announced a large layoff today, that will take effect on Thursday. Guess who was in the group to get laid off? Yep…you got it. Had she been there, and been laid off she would have have lost her insurance at the end of this month.

So see, God is in control even when it looks like things are just getting crazy.

Bible in 90–Week 1

2011-07-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Woohoo! The summer session of Bible in 90 is on! Today is Day #1 and we’re well on our way. I’m so excited to be mentoring 15 ladies this go around!

Check in day is always on Monday. Even thought it’s the first day, be sure to check in today in your designated group. Click to go to this week’s check in post. Once there, click on your group number or letter and leave a comment for others in your group to read. Also, comment back to the others in your group, pick a few people and pray for them.

You may also be interested in seeing what others are blogging about. You can go to the link up site here.

A Fully Tummy

2011-07-08T23:08:00.000-04:00

My friend Chrissy at For Such as These will be heading to Africa this week with her husband for their adoption court date. Woot! Woot! Last week she found out that the orphanage where her infant son lives is in desperate need of formula for the infants that are being brought to them.

A true mother, with a servants heart, Chrissy asked if anyone would like to send supplies with them on their trip. The thought of babies being hungry ANYWHERE is unthinkable. It’s amazing how asking a few moms with little children can quickly get donations rolling in.

This is what a full tummy is made of…and it’s on it’s way little ones!

Thanks so much to those who donated!

A Love/Hate Relationship

2011-06-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

Before you get too worked up, here is the object of my affection and disdain.

First let me point out that I got my lovely bike, and this lovely bike for the hubby…

…FREE from my local Freecycle website where folks offer up things they no longer need. If you need/want it, you contact the person who did the offering and you get that item for free. So the price was definitely right on these bikes.

So why the love/hate relationship? Well, I love the fact that it helps me to exercise, and spend time having fun with my kids. The part I hate is THIS:

Yeah, that seat has got to be the most uncomfortable thing ever invented! Granted it may have something to do with the fact that I’m carrying an extra 100 pounds on my frame…but let’s lay the blame on the seat, shall we?

Cole Slaw 101

2011-06-24T20:47:00.001-04:00

Summer has finally arrived and along with that comes cook-outs, pool parties and picnics. A staple picnic/cookout food is cole slaw. Who can resist that crunchy, tangy, creamy concoction?

Some people think that cole slaw is hard to make, but nothing could be simpler. All you need is a head of cabbage (purple cabbage will be fine too), a couple of carrots and dressing (see recipe below).

Some people like their cole slaw chopped really fined, similar to the KFC slaw consistency. If that is you, use a regular box grater like the one pictured below. Grate your cabbage and carrots on the side that gives you the desired consistency. Watch your fingers! Grating goes quickly and nobody likes to fine part of your knuckles in their dinner plate!

If you like your slaw in bigger pieces just use a really sharp knife. Pull the outer leaves off the cabbage and then quarter your cabbage. Cut the core out of all four quarters and then use your REALLY sharp knife to slice the cabbage to the size you like best. Ditto about watching the fingers.

Then add this yummy dressing, mix and chill.

Cole Slaw Dressing:

1 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of sugar
3 Tablespoons of vinegar

Mix well until sugar is dissolved. Pour over grated cabbage and carrots. Stir well to coat evenly. Add a few shakes of celery seed for garnish if desired.

See how easy that is? Enjoy!

Bible in 90 Sign Up Begins Today!

2011-06-22T11:27:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wanted to read the Bible from cover to cover but just haven’t gotten around to it? Or maybe you’re feeling the nudge to spend more time in the Word and less time doing “stuff”? Perhaps you’re looking to fast some “things” and need to replace it with something else? Regardless of your reasons for wanting to read more of the Bible (or excuses for not), the Bible in 90 Days Challenge is an awesome tool and accountability venue. Reading begins July 11, 2011 and runs through October 9, 2011.

I can tell you from my own past experience, just making the commitment and FOLLOWING THROUGH is a big step. I can also tell you that the benefits reaped are amazing! God is cool like that!

You don’t NEED to purchase anything. But if you want to be counted and assigned to a accountability group, you do NEED to sign up. Registration begins today, sign up here.

I’ll be a mentor this go around, so if you’d like to be in my group, just enter that information in the last question where it asks if there is any other information you would like to share. (In case you don’t know, my full name is Joesette Huffman…grins.)

We Have a Winner!

2011-06-18T20:17:00.000-04:00

The winner of “Hungry for God” is comment #2 from Becca! Congratulations Becca and thanks to everyone who entered!

Rites of Passage

2011-06-10T15:12:00.001-04:00

There are some mile markers that seem to hold greater value in our lives than others. When you’re a kid, learning to ride your bike without training wheels is a biggie. This past week, both girls moved beyond the training wheel world and closer to “grown up”.

Olivia’s passage was necessitated by the fact that one of her training wheels broke and there was no other option but to learn. Lindsey on the other hand, has the mind set that if Olivia does it so can she. And so, she did.

Olivia’s biggest hurdle was getting her feet on the pedals and pedaling before the bike toppled over with her. Once this issue was conquered the rest was easier.

Lindsey’s biggest issue was trying not to gloat too much as she rode by her struggling sister.

But, as is often the case, the prideful tend to find themselves humbled in one way or another. You show off a little too much…

First thing you know your foot gets snagged, and suddenly the view is different…

Slow and steady wins the race. And a humble spirit prevails.

Not A Fan–Book Review

2011-06-02T22:35:00.001-04:00

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan—or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life.

Description:

Are you a follower of Jesus?

Don’t answer too quickly.

In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all.
Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period.

In any case, don’t take the question—Are you a follower of Jesus?—lightly.

Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.

Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

My Thoughts:

Not a Fan by Pastor Kyle Idleman is one of those in your face, make you stop and really think kind of books; with a bit of dry humor and sarcasm thrown in to boot. To read the prologue click here (I recommend this). To read Chapter 1, click here (yeah, ditto).

One of my favorite sections of this book says:

I have found that when someone goes through a difficult time or a painful circumstance, who or what they are truly following is often revealed. When our first response to suffering is to turn to anyone or anything other than Jesus it may reveal that our affection is divided and we are following someone or something other than Jesus.

OUCH!!

Personally, I think every “Christian” should read this book and truly evaluate your relationship with Jesus. It’s that good! Not a Fan is confrontational, as was Jesus. It’s also liberating, as was (and is) Jesus.

I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan for review purposes only. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own and I received no compensation for my review.

Hungry For God (Book Review and Give Away)

2011-05-30T23:25:00.001-04:00

“In your heart you feel the longing---an emptiness that can't be satisfied by food, or friendships, or entertainment, or success, or anything this world can offer. Only God can fill the void. More than you know, you hunger for God. In Hungry for God, critically acclaimed author Margaret Feinberg puts you in touch with your desire for intimacy with your Creator and what it takes to find fulfillment.”

Each chapter offers discussion questions for small groups, Bible studies, and book clubs. The book comes in paper back and audio book format.

To preview the first 16 pages of the book, click here.

My Thoughts:

One of my favorite quotes from this book is “I’m convinced that people today know a lot more about how to become a Christian than about how to be one.” As pointed out by the author, the reason is that we don’t spend enough time with God, studying His word and listening to His voice. We aren’t hungry for God!

Have you ever wondered “God is that you talking, or was that me?” I think we’ve all been there at some point. Margaret Feinberg points out some practical, Biblical ways to hear God’s voice more clearly. She also shows you how to respond when you realize that you really did miss God…now what?

Give Away:

I will give away one copy of this book at 8pm one June 18, 2011. If you’d like a chance to win, just leave me a comment below. Be sure to leave a way for me to get in touch with you!

Disclosure: This book was provided for review purposes for free by Zondervan. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own and I have not received any compensation for this review.

Dissatisfied

2011-05-27T23:17:00.001-04:00

Webster’s defines dissatisfied as not satisfied, not pleased or to be discontent. Ok, that helps…not. Discontent on the other hand is defined as “a restless desire for something one does not have.” As Lucy from the Peanuts comic would say “THAT’S IT!”

The normal status quo of “Christianity” just isn’t doing it for me anymore. I watch people falling through the cracks of churches. They are wounded, confused, abandoned…seemingly of no worth or value to the “body”. Yet those are exactly the ones that He died for.

These poor lost ones either strangle on the milk of the Word, or become malnourished and weak from lack of meat. Lengthy three point outlines that can’t be understood, applied and lived aren’t working. The brick buildings, fancy clothes and dignified church people have become dead and lifeless.

The spiritual time clocks are punched on Sunday morning and at the mid week service, but what about the rest of the week? When not so much as a prayer is offered up on behalf of a town all but destroyed by a massive tornado, you have to wonder will they stand with me during a bad time?

Discontent is where I am. I have a restless desire for something that I don’t have. I see glimpses of it. I can tell it’s there, almost. I feel the prompting to make changes that won’t be liked, understood or agreed with by some. But at the end of the day, there is only One to answer to.

God spoke to me today, through my 5 year old. Totally oblivious to the thoughts and feelings and unrest I’ve been struggling with, her sweet voice announced “A servant doesn’t just stand and watch. A servant helps!”

Bible in 90 Challenge

2011-05-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

The next Bible in 90 Challenge will begin July 11. I HIGHLY recommend that you make the commitment and join up. The time commitment is big, but the rewards are great!

I’ll be mentoring a group this go around! I’m really excited about the opportunity to see people’s lives changed as they set aside time to spend in the Word!

God Cares About Lettuce

2011-05-19T10:16:00.001-04:00

Last year, Lindsey invited a friend to go to Awana with her. This friend had been asking her single Mom to take her to church, but the Mom had been raised Catholic, and didn’t quite agree with it all. So when Lindsey invited her, a God kind of snowball began to take shape.

They started attending the church that hosts the Awana program. They became involved in one of the small groups and I could see a big change in the Mom and the child. But, the Mom had questions that nobody at church took the time to answer. She started to miss more often than attend….she fell through the cracks.

I’ve been working with her on my own, outside the confines of the “church” walls. She’s growing…but doesn’t have a strong support system.

Tuesday night, I sent her a message on Facebook…”Hey, this may sound stupid but…..do you NEED lettuce?”

She responded: “Why did you ask about lettuce?”

Me, feeling a bit stupid right about then said “Well, because my garden is out of control and I have more lettuces coming in than we can eat. And…well I felt like I should ask you about lettuce.”

Her response was almost instantaneous. “OMG! My office is having a luncheon Thursday and they asked me to bring salad for everyone. But I don’t have the money to go buy salad for that many people…..”

Long story short…Wednesday night at Awana I gave her 2 gallons of lettuces, endive and spinach. Enough to feed her office and then some.

With tears in her eyes, she said “Who would think that GOD would care about something as simple as LETTUCE?”

“God cares about YOU…the lettuce was just his way of showing it.”

Common Sense vs. College Education

2011-05-14T19:34:00.001-04:00

Olivia’s softball team had practice scheduled today. Approximately 15 minutes into practice there was a major down pour. The college educated coach kept everyone practicing. The parents started gathering equipment.

Then there was a sudden flash of lightning and a roar of thunder. Parents and kids alike started to head for cover…and the coach says “hey guys, we’re not done here!”.

A wise 10 year old turns around and says “Dude, my bat is metal, my facemask is metal and we’re playing on a field surrounded by a metal fence….YOU do the math.”

Common sense 1, college education 0.

Good Grief

2011-05-04T21:47:00.001-04:00

Olivia came be-bopping into the room this morning and asked “Mom, what do you think of this outfit?”

Um, well, you look quite lovely dear. But this is not what an 8 year old is supposed to look like, right?? Where did the “little” girl go to?

Olivia Turns 8

2011-05-03T21:02:00.001-04:00

Here are a few photos of Olivia’s 8th birthday party. We even had a guest visit from Flat Stanley.

You can only do so much with a horse theme on a cake.

Keeping a group of 10 kids fed can take several sets of hands!

The birthday princess (she wore that tiara all day, until the cowboy hat was unwrapped.)

I LOVE this kid! He has the sweetest southern accent in the world and acts more grown up than most adults I know.

Poor Dylan…it’s hard being the only boy at the party.

The happy cowgirl!

The new horse, “Princess”.

Flat Stanley and DaCoach.

These kids are like little rubber bands!! I thought we’d never get finished with Twister!

Pretty little sister….

As you can see, I don’t do a lot of bells and whistles for birthday parties. We cooked hotdogs on the grill, played twister and corn hole and just let them be kids. I had a couple of crafts ready, but since the weather was so nice, and everyone was having a good time playing, I sent the crafts home in the goodie bags. It was a great day!

10 Years and Counting!

2011-04-21T10:48:00.001-04:00

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary!! Amazingly it doesn’t seem nearly that long, and yet it seems as though we have always been together.

In that 10 years, we have:

watched the 9/11 tragedy unfold,
grieved the loss of a child,
celebrated the birth of 2 wonderful children,
watched as relatives on both sides of the family went to be with the Lord,
seen friendships come, and friendships go,
seen the Lord provide for us financially when there seemed no way,
watched miracles take place as we’ve prayed for others,
grown in our relationship with each other,
grown in our relationshp with the Lord,
and many other amazing, and sometimes sad things that have shaped us.

What does the next 10 years hold? Only God knows. But regardless of who and what comes or goes, we know that a three cord strand (Jesus, Thomas and I) is not easily broken.

Easter and Coconut

2011-04-19T18:53:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered why coconut is associated with Easter?Hershey’s Kisses Coconut are only available at Easter. There are always coconut cakes and coconut eggs at Easter. WHY? If you know, then let me know would ya? Not that it’s important but it’s one of those crazy things that make you go “hmmmm”.

So keeping with the mindset of coconut and Easter, I thought I’d share a YUMMY recipe for a coconut cake. Once you make the cake and frost it, you need to let it sit in the fridge for 3 days. So don’t wait until Saturday night to make this one.

Coconut Sour Cream Cake

1 yellow or white moist cake mix
2 cups sugar (granulated not powdered)
16 oz. sour cream
12 oz. frozen coconut, thawed
1 ½ c. frozen whipped topping, thawed

Prepare cake mix according to directions. Make 2 (8-inch) layers.

Bake, cook and split the layers with thread or dental floss.

Combine sugar, sour cream and coconut. Blend well and chill.

Reserve one cup of the sour cream mixture for the frosting. Spread remainder between layers.

Combine reserved sour cream mixture with whipped topping. Blend until smooth. Frost and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days before serving.

George Bailey Syndrome

2011-04-13T17:33:00.001-04:00

Do you remember that scene from “It’s A Wonderful Life” when George Bailey has his little melt down and says something along the lines of “No sir, not me, I’ve put my life and dreams on hold for everyone else and I’m not going to do it anymore. This is my last chance out of this one horse town and I’m going to take it!”

Like many of you, I’ve seen that movie countless times. But this last year, for some reason that scene tore at my heart. There was a mental flood of memories of the things that I’ve had to give up and walk away from for the common good of those around me, just like George.

I can’t say that I begrudge any of those things. I mean, how can you not put your life on hold when the person who raised you is diagnosed with cancer and becomes incapacitated for a great length of time? How can you not give your last cent to keep someone from losing their home, even though it means your hopes of purchasing your own home fall into the ashes? How can you not bring an adult family member into your home and retrain their bodily functions, even though it means ruining the furniture and embarrassing the daylights out of you and them? George Bailey would have done all those things too.

So here I stand on the brink of making another life altering decision. One that must be made for the good of someone else. I’m assessing the things that will have to change. How to make those changes work most smoothly for all concerned. Quite honestly I’m struggling with it, selfishly.

In the end, there will be no ringing bell on the tree. No angel getting his wings. But, like George Bailey, there will be that circle of family, friends and acquaintances who are better for it.

Do what’s right, do it right, and do it because it’s right…cuz that’s how I roll. But I have to do it willingly, and in this instance, I’m working on that part. The truth is ugly sometimes.

Spring in the Garden

2011-04-11T19:59:00.001-04:00

This has been an unusual spring for us. In a twelve hour period we’ve had snow, rain, hail and thunderstorms. Our temperatures have been 30-40 degrees different from mid morning to mid afternoon, with the high temperatures being in the MORNING and the cold setting in by mid afternoon.

My flowers are a bit confused as well. Some of them are stunted, some took advantage of the one 80 degree day and sprouted only to have sleet and snow fall on them again.

We have started some of our cold weather veggies already. The peas, lettuces, spinach and endive are popping through the soil, and the onion sets are finally in the ground.

My strawberry bed is looking a little shabby. The squirrels wrecked havoc on it last year, but there are a few little blooms!

My two larger flower beds on the outside of the yard house tulips, bee balm, spiderwort, daisy’s, Easter lily's, roses, Echinacea, coreopsis, azaleas and gladiolas.

I also have a small iris garden up the hill just beyond the two tulip gardens.

To the left of the sun porch I have a long flower bed that houses more irises, red hot pokers and peonies. I also plan annuals throughut this bed once the irises have finished blooming.

The backyard has flower beds everywhere I can find a spot. My favorite two are right off the patio. This one holds a Bradford pear tree, lambs ear, grape hyacinths, daffodils, tiger lily's and lamium.

Here I have black eyed Susan's, salvia, lambs ear, lavender, tiger lily, chrysanthemums, columbine, daffodils, sweet Williams, spiderwort and a rhododendron that doesn’t like me very much.

Behind our little garden shed I added another hodge-podge flower bed. Here you’ll find bee balm, spiderwort, lamium, Echinacea, chrysanthemums, tiger lilies and chamomile.

To the far back left of the yard I have an L shaped flower bed. Here I have a bleeding heart, salvia, black eyed Susan's, day lilies, and a wisteria bush/tree.

Finally at the back of the house I have my newest creation. This one has both a lilac and forsythia bush in addition to various hostas, vinca, sweet Williams and fever few.

Here are a few up close photos of what is currently in bloom.

Bible in 90–It Is Finished

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

When I said I was doing the Bible in 90 challenge someone asked me “how are you going to digest all of that at once”…and I responded “I’m not” and I didn’t! But that’s not a bad thing!

For me, signing up for the challenge wasn’t about gleaning something from every scripture (although there was a lot of that too), but it was more about a commitment to spend a certain amount of time in the Word, out of obedience. Because it’s really easy to let that slip on the never ending things to do list.

During the last 90 days, God has revealed some areas that needed work (I’m not perfect, who knew?). I had to cut out time spent on other things like computer time, and eating…yes eating. Instead of obliviously snacking away the late evening hours I spent that time feasting on the Word. I lost 25 pounds!!

I don’t think it was coincidence that during this 90 days, our Pastor called the church to a 50 day “fluid fast for families”. So I’ve been drinking only water for the last 30ish days (eating is normal, just no fluids other than water). Again, it’s about the obedience.

So the challenge is over, and I’m so glad I did it. Having the accountability group was a big help. It would have been nice to have people I know reading along with me…maybe next time!

Speaking of next time, the next Blogging Through the Bible in 90 Days/ Bible in 90 Days session will begin on Monday, July 11. As it gets closer, I will post information on signing up to read. I HIGHLY recommend it.

In the meantime, be sure to visit the Celebration Link Up and congratulate those who finished the challenge!

Bible in 90–Almost There

2011-03-28T08:37:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that this 90 day challenge is almost at an end. It really has gone quickly, and been a great opportunity.

I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed the New Testament much more than the Old Testament. But after reading about the New Testament church all at once (instead of snippets) I realize how much work there is to do both individually and corporately!

Be sure to come back by on Saturday for my end of the challenge wrap up, and for info on the next Bible in 90 Challenge!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook–March 24, 2011

2011-03-24T11:29:00.001-04:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the temperatures have dipped back below 50. Most of my flowers have already popped up and things are blooming.

I am thinking...I need to cover up my lettuces this afternoon. Temperatures are supposed to drop below 20 tonight.

I am thankful for...my husband, my children and our futures together.

From the kitchen... bacon, eggs and toast were served at 10am. Homemade pizza with the girls later.

I am creating...a longer things to do list!

I am going...on a play date with the girls this afternoon. Followed by baseball and softball practices back to back this evening.

I am reading...the Bible in 90 Days.

I am hoping...that the weather folks are wrong and we do not get snow this weekend.

I am hearing...the wind whipping through the awnings.

Around the house...we have vegetable seedlings started near all open windows.

One of my favorite things...sweet tea, and I can’t have any for another 3 and a half weeks!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Ball practices, ballet and a trip to the in-laws for a cookout on Saturday evening.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing...spring brings new life, new hope clothed in beauty.

You can read other ladies’ daybook entries by going here.

Weekly Weigh In–A Few Weeks Late

2011-03-15T07:02:00.000-04:00

I’m behind on my weekly weigh in posts. I got busy and missed writing one, and then last week I completely missed weighing in!

So in a nutshell I’m stuck at a 25 lb. weight loss since January. Now I know that 25 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. However, 20 of those pounds came off in January and the other 5 have taken 2 months. It may have something to do with the Girl Scout Cookies.

Overall 25 pounds is good…now if I can just buckle down and focus, and exercise and, gosh I wish I had saved one or two of those cookies! Sigh…

Bible in 90–Weekly Wrap Up

2011-03-14T02:57:00.001-04:00

Even though I haven’t written a blog post each week, I am on track with the reading program. We just finished up the Old Testament. Let me say, those prophets of old had some HARD words to deliver.

I’m excited about being in the New Testament now. The reading has a better flow to it. It’s also great to be reading through the four gospels this close to the Easter season, giving a refresher of what Jesus went through for each of us, all because of His great love!

Extraordinary Women 2011

2011-03-11T19:34:00.001-05:00

My best friend Donna and I used to go to St. Louis every year to attend the Joyce Meyers Women’s Conference. Then I had babies and finances changed…and well you know life happened.

This year we’re attending the Extraordinary Women Conference and we’re SUPER excited! The speakers are going to be great (Sarah Palin, Lisa TerKeurst, Jennifer Rothschild, Julie Clinton and Donna VanLiere).

The music is going to be incredible! (Jeremy Camp, Francesca Batistelli, Michael O’Brien and Meredith Andrews).

The fellowship is going to be amazing! Donna and I alone for a whole weekend being US. Not somebody’s mom or wife or employee. Just US, being US! Alert the media and the police.

And in the middle of it all, we’re expecting God to do some awesome things both in and through us!

Regret Free Parenting–Book Review

2011-02-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

Regret Free Parenting, by Catherine Hickem is by far the BEST book on parenting I’ve ever read. Why? Well, partially because it uses a lot of scriptures to back up her points. Mostly I think it’s because instead of pointing out all the faults of little Susie and Joey it makes you take a look at your own heart, motives and Christian walk.

The initial reading of this book was rushed in order to complete my review in a timely manner. However, now that I’ve completed this task I’ll be rereading and working through this liberating book. Then I can put an addendum to my review testifying of how it helped me and ultimately my children!

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any other form for my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Bible in 90 Wrap Up

2011-02-20T10:13:00.001-05:00

Last week was just plain crazy busy, so I didn’t get a chance to do a wrap up post. I did keep up with my reading though. It’s hard to believe we’re over halfway through our reading! I’ve got a bit of free time this morning, as both kids are under the weather and we’re home from church. So I’m doing my wrap up a day early.

Part of our reading this week included my favorite book of the Bible, Proverbs. No matter how many times you read through Proverbs, there is always another nugget of wisdom and truth to apply in our daily walk. Once again, as I read Proverbs 31 I’m challenged to reevaluate my walk as a Godly woman. There is work to be done, but I’m making progress and moving ahead; often one tiny step at a time.

Daddy’s Girls

2011-02-15T18:03:00.001-05:00

My girls are definitely “daddy’s girls”! They think going to the hardware store with him in one of life’s greatest pleasures (it MAY have something to do with the Slurpee’s on the way home).

In any event, they are truly blessed to have a father who takes time to do little things for and with them. He’s been working crazy amounts of overtime recently, so this past weekend he took off to just be with the family.

First a trip to Lowe’s to make a music box craft…

Then over to the play area at the mall…

Then a manicure…

Then on to the park!

Weekly Weigh In–Back on Track

2011-02-15T08:34:00.001-05:00

Although this wasn’t a stellar weight loss week, it headed in the right direction. I lost the pound I gained during Super Bowl week and an additional pound as well.

So, I’m at a total 20 pound weight loss. I don’t know that I’m going to hit my February goal…unless there is some drastic drops the next two weeks. But that’s ok, we’re headed in the right direction, so it’s all good.

Weekly Weigh In–Stupid Super Bowl Party

2011-02-08T15:39:00.001-05:00

How’s that for a lovely “pass the buck” title? So to get the pain out of the way, let me say that yes I did gain 1 pound this week.

Now onto the why’s behind the number. On Saturday I had a 2 hour “me time” while the kids and spouse were at various activities. So I ran by Starbucks and bought a Frappuccino for lunch (it WAS my lunch, not in addition to lunch)…but still it was loaded with sugar, fat and calories…but it was really good and I truly enjoyed every sip!

Later in the evening we made homemade pizza and brownies for dinner. I went light on the pizza, but did indulge in a brownie. I didn’t eat the whole pan (in fact 3 days later and the pan still has brownies in it), this was a victory.

Super Bowl Sunday is probably what truly did me in. I drank soda the entire evening, instead of water. The 7 layer taco dip was my dinner, and there was a yummy dessert. I didn’t eat a lot of anything, I never felt stuffed. However, I just wasn’t really paying attention to what I ate, and it showed.

But you know, it’s 1 pound..it’ll be gone soon. The weekend was truly enjoyable, and I’m ok with that! How did you do?

Bible in 90–Week 5 Review

2011-02-07T17:16:00.001-05:00

Well, I’m glad to announce that I’m still on schedule! I guess that’s not much of a week in review, eh?

To be honest, my reading time was interrupted a lot this past week. A lot of those interruptions were mental, meaning my mind wandered a lot. So, yeah, like I said…I’m up to date, but I didn’t focus like I should have this last week.

Basically, my only reason for this post is to let you know that I did my reading. Go me…(she says with a tone). Hopefully next week I’ll have some deep, insightful nugget of truth to share with you.

Weekly Weigh In–The Benefits of Shoveling Snow

2011-02-01T08:54:00.001-05:00

To be truthful, I ate not so clean this week. It was the week of the “visitor” and I had some serious chocolate cravings. I wasn’t as bad as I could have been, or have been in the past. But admittedly, Olivia’s chocolate ice cream was assaulted somewhat.

We had a 10 inch snow this past week. I’m attributing all the shoveling I did to my weight loss success. I had a 2 pound loss. I’m very happy with that number, it gives me a 19 pound loss for the month of January. It also pushed me over my goal for the month!

Be sure to visit the Weekly Weigh In over at Eclipsed.

Bible in 90 Week 4 Review

2011-01-31T17:59:00.001-05:00

Truthfully, this week was more of a struggle. No particular reason why, it just seemed to not be registering with me. I kept up on the daily reading, but some days I felt like I retained very little.

What I did notice those was interesting. In reading through I Kings and II Kings, I noticed that whenever a Godly king raised up, and then turned on God it always pointed out that “King ____ tore not down the high places, and began to worship other Gods”.

This made me stop and ponder why some people seem to struggle with the same sin over and over. They didn’t tear down that “high place” that was given to that thing, be it addictions, sexual immorality, gossiping or any other area.

How do you tear down such a high place? First admit it exists. Then renounce the sin, and consecrate that area of your life to God, by replacing it with a Godly thing. For example, when the craving for a cigarette or drink hit, read your Bible, or pray or sing praise to God for your deliverance.

So now that the area of high places is on my radar screen, I need to take a good look and see what areas I’ve left open.

How about you?

The Value of a Child

2011-01-26T22:40:00.001-05:00

When Roe vs. Wade was passed, and abortion because legal, there was a great shifting that took place. Suddenly, unborn babies were no longer people, they became “decisions”. As I’ve said before, at that time the seed of death was planted into the children of this nation. We’ve reaped harvests like Columbine more than once as those born after that “decision” carry on with their lack of concern for human life.

However, I’ve noticed something else that is equally as distressing, even in the church. Parenting has become optional. Yes, you may carry your child full term and bring it into the world…but do you PARENT? Do you sacrifice your wants and even needs to make sure that the child that God has entrusted to you is raised and trained up?

Hillary Rodham Clinton made the comment that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Sadly the church has fallen into that mindset as well. Passing the buck of parenting off to any person or organization that has an opening; and then expecting to get the good parent seal of approval. But, did you DO anything in your child’s life?

Recently, a friend asked if I knew of any “family friendly” churches. By that she meant one where adults and children sit together, as a family and learn God’s Word. The answer was no. So I posted the question on Facebook to see if I could help her out. From the “charismatic” camp I got several comments and even sarcastic emails, quick to point out that having a “children's church” is a sign of a thriving church. But is it?

Is abdicating our Biblical responsibility to train up our children to our church (no matter how good) parenting them? Parenting, and training our children begins at home. The responsibility falls squarely in our laps. Anything else, is extra, sprinkles on the frosting so to speak.

Our church actually had a “family Sunday”, so that children could sit with their parents to learn how to sit and listen during a service. You know what happened? On those Sunday’s 90% of the people with kids stayed home. They weren’t about to take the responsibility of even SITTING with their own child during church.

You will invest your time in whatever you value. If you value your children, you’ll invest time in them. You’ll take the time to teach them God’s word. You’ll take the time to teach them how to behave. You will take the time to know where they are, who they are with and what they are doing.

Just so you know that I’m not totally “anti-children’s church”, I’ll point out that I teach the elementary age kids in our church, almost every week. Recently, I asked a very simple question in class, one that anyone should know. Almost everyone looked blank. So I asked my daughter if she knew the answer. Before she could respond one of the other kids in the class blurted out “That’s not fair, you DO stuff with her!”

Pretty sad, isn’t it? What’s even sadder, is that this wasn’t a kid from the “bus ministry”. This wasn’t a kid from the “wrong side of town”. This wasn’t a kid with a rough background. This was the child of one of the LEADER’S in our church.

Sadly, children pick up on this all too quickly. Your child is looking for someone to care enough to invest time into them. If it’s not you, it may very well be the pimp or dealer on the corner.

Value your children! They were valuable enough for Jesus to shed his blood for.

Weekly Weigh In–Woohoo!

2011-01-25T15:23:00.001-05:00

To be honest, I wasn’t looking for much of a loss this week. I hadn’t been “bad” with my eating, but I’d also been busy and haven’t gotten to exercise a great deal (ok, NONE).

Then I started looking at some things I have done this last week like reorganizing the basement and stacking a pickup truck load of firewood for examples. I realized that although not “exercise” it definitely burnt some calories for me.

I came away with a 4 pound loss for the week! So for the month of January, I have a 17 pound weight loss going!

Although, to be honest I don’t think the exercise or my own doings have a great deal to do with it. I’ve noticed that while doing the Bible in 90 challenge I’ve lost those old cravings. I’m not binge eating out of boredom. So maybe I’ve been feeding the wrong part of myself all along? Shoving food in my mouth trying to satisfy for deeper craving for God?

Be sure to go over to the Weekly Weigh In and congratulate Kris on no longer being obese!! She has done an amazing job this last year and she deserves a lot of high fives!

Bible in 90–Week 3

2011-01-24T12:50:00.001-05:00

I’m really happy with how much I’m getting out of reading the Bible this rapidly. Granted, I glazed over some in Numbers and Deuteronomy, but even then there were nuggets that I’d never seen before.

This week we covered Joshua, Judges, Ruth and 1 Samuel. There was lots to chew on through these books but Samson got my attention the most.

If you recall, God spoke that Samson would be a Nazarite from birth. (Judges 13:7) His mother was instructed not to eat anything that cometh from the vine; drink wine or strong drink, not to eat anything unclean. (Judges 13:14)

Once Samson was grown he decided he wanted to marry a Philistine, against his parents wishes. (Judges 14:1-3) He was already starting to show some signs of disobedience, but it was only a little. Then in verse 9, he took honey out of the dead lions carcass and ate it, but didn’t tell his parents about it. (Now, keeping a secret or two.) The problem there is that he was a Nazarite, and anything dead was unclean he wasn’t to touch it…but to EAT it?? Eww!

(Judges 16:1) shows us that he then went in to a harlot. Verse 4, he fell in “love” with Delilah. (Judges 16:16) He gave in to the “daily pressure” and told his secret and paid the price with his eyes and finally his life.

But look at Judges 16:20…And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he knew not that the Lord was departed from him.

Those “little” sins, those “little” disobediences that seemed to go unnoticed gave him a prideful (ok, downright cocky) attitude. But they also started to slowly separate him from God. By the time his hair was cut and the Philistines were on him, he wasn’t even able to discern that God’s power had left him.

Often, we are like Sampson. A little disobedience here, a small “pet” sin there. Maybe it’s a haughty attitude, because after all we are “God’s man/woman of power for the hour”. Then the daily pressure of something BIG, something IMPORTANT, something that can cost your very life comes along and you give in because each of those little areas have slowly separated you from God. You are no longer tuned in to hear that still small voice.

Suddenly you’re out there alone, floundering in the aftermath. You cry out “God where are you? Why did YOU let this happen?” If you’re fortunate enough to have physically survived, and spiritually smart enough, you look around and see God….way back there, where YOU LEFT HIM.

(Judges 16:28) And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once…..”

Kick your Delilah to the curb today! The cost is too great!

This is the Stuff

2011-01-19T22:32:00.002-05:00

This reminds me SO much of certain people, it's TOO good.

Weekly Weigh In–The Small Week

2011-01-18T14:33:00.001-05:00

After last weeks unbelievable 10 pound loss, I really wasn’t expecting anything at all comparable. But still, there was that faint glimmer of hope that got squelched on the rocks of reality.

I did petty well on my food choices this last week. I did give in and allow myself to have a sliver (and I DO MEAN THIN) slice of chocolate cake yesterday. I ended up eating the frosting and leaving the cake.

I’m incorporating more veggies into our menus. I’ve found that baked sweet potato fries, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Old Bay Seasoning is one of my favorite foods!

I think one of my biggest “hidden calorie” count is in drinks. I’ve cut out sodas, but sweet tea is still a staple at the dinner table. Coffee with flavored creamer is another one that adds up too. So I will have to really watch my liquid intake this coming week.

Exercise was non existent. I’ve been having severe pain in my foot and ankle since April of 2010. The foot doctor can’t find anything wrong, but it hurts terribly. This last week was the first week off of anti-inflammatory meds, so I wanted to give it a good chance to be “normal”. Yeah, well that failed miserably and I’m in just as much pain as ever so on with the walking program I shall go.

So, although it wasn’t nearly as stellar as last week. I did pull off a one pound weight loss. Please keep in mind that I have one of those old fashioned “rotary” style scales and not a fancy digital. So if I post all poundage only and not ounces, that is the reason.

Be sure to visit the Weekly Weigh In and cheer on everyone else.

Bible in 90–Week 2

2011-01-17T08:29:00.001-05:00

First of all, let me just say that for the majority of Leviticus I was thinking “eeeew…yuck…gross!!!”

Then when I hit Numbers and the numbering of the tribes of Israel, I couldn’t help but think that these were some intense reproducing folks! My goodness!! But, they didn’t have as many leisure activities and hobbies as we do, so I guess they had to find something to do!

However, as I read about their disobedience to God in so many areas I started to have thoughts like “How dumb can people be?” or “How could they doubt God after all He had already done?” etc. etc.

Then that still quite voice reminded me of the times He’s given me a small directions “Don’t eat that.” “Don’t go there.” “Don’t say that.” Of course, in some instances I “ate that”, “went there” and “said that”. Just like those dumb Israelites. The difference? We have the Bible to read and the Holy Spirit to guide us, they didn’t at that time. So really, who’s the dummy now?

The point? Well, I guess it’s just that we need mercy and grace just as much as they did…maybe sometimes more! So maybe, just maybe we need to extend a little mercy and grace to the dummies in our lives, and hope they do the same to us!

Pruning the Dead Areas

2011-01-15T18:13:00.001-05:00

Today was the perfect winter day to get out and work in my flower beds. Lindsey and I spent a couple of hours pruning the dead things from last summers grand finale. Then at one point, Lindsey asked why we were cutting the dead flowers off. So I explained that you have to cut the dead ones away, so the new ones can grow in the spring.

It was right about then that the Lord started talking to me along those same lines. In our lives we go through seasons where things are blooming and flourishing. However, seasons change and suddenly we find ourselves in a winter season of life. Things are dead, dry and brittle. The things that were once vibrant and colorful suddenly are prickly.

Let me give you an example from my own life. When Olivia was a newborn, I found a local MOMS group in the city I was living in. It was my lifeline! I had no clue about being a mother, caring for a baby or how to keep from climbing the walls now that I was at home full time with this tiny stranger.

My MOMS group was my refuge, my training ground. I met other mothers who didn’t have it all together either, but who freely shared the knowledge they did have. Some of the strongest friendships I have came from that group of women. Even though I live in another city I know I can call certain people from that group and say “I need prayer NOW!” and I know I’ll get it, and vice versa. (Hi Jolanthe!)

I served on the committees for that group and couldn’t wait to get to it for every meeting. When Lindsey came along she was toted in as well. Then after a few years, I noticed the meetings were becoming a drudgery. I no longer looked forward to going. I stopped volunteering to do things and started missing a meeting here of there. Then we moved, and although it was still within driving distance, I just didn’t go back the following fall.

The season had passed. The group had served its purpose in my life, but it was time to prune it off and go on. Even now, several years later I direct new mothers to that MOMS group. I’ve been asked to come back to visit, to work, to be a part…but it’s just not happening, it’s dead.

Sometimes friendships, clubs even church activities become dry, brittle and lifeless. The thing has served it’s purpose in your life, and its time to move on. (Please note, if you just want to bail because Sister Suzie didn’t say hi to you at the coffee bar, you aren’t off the hook. You just need to put on your big girl panties and realize it’s not Sister Suzie’s job to validate you.)

So my point in all of this is that you need to be wise enough to recognize when your seasons change. Be brave enough to prune the “good things” that no longer have life in them, in order to produce the “God things” that are waiting to spring up.

My Good Deed for the Day

2011-01-12T21:46:00.001-05:00

I was looking at nail polish at Wal-Mart, and this dad, with a super cute little girl comes up the aisle. She was maybe 4 at the oldest. She wanted press on nails, he had no clue and she's like "look daddy here they are". So he got her some nails, and polish..it was really cute.

Fast forward about 5 or so minutes later and I see them somewhere else and notice she's getting a bit antsy while he's talking to her about the stuff they are getting. About 3 minutes later I run up on them again and she's in full fledge wild pee-pee dance mode. He's still being like the coolest dad in the world talking about Barbie's and stuff with her but totally not seeing what's about to happen.

So I walk up and say "Um, excuse me sir, I hate to butt in....but you're about to have an accident on your hands."

Blank look. Crickets chirping.

By now child has her hand fully embedded in her crotch and her legs are crossed. He says "excuse me?"...so I point at her and say "she needs to pee...NOW".

I've never seen a grown man panic in such a manner before. It was hilarious. So I point him to the nearest bathroom (thankfully about 3 aisles away) and he leaves his cart and takes off RUNNING through Wal-Mart with her.

I saw them from a distance later and he yells "THANKS LADY! THANKS ALOT!".....

Yep, I saved his butt from a big old chewing out when he got home.

Weekly Weigh In–The One Where I Stuck With It

2011-01-11T17:15:00.001-05:00

I’m doing several things at once (imagine that). I’m working through the Bible in 90 days, and the Do or Do Not Challenge. I’m thinking that the two together are a good idea. It can’ hurt anything, right?!

So anyway, this week has been pretty good. I haven't’ had any major cravings, or binges either. This in itself is a great thing! I haven’t gone all “diety” with my food. Although day 1 I fixed an incredible salad that all but curled my toes! I did however cut out sodas, and sweets and switched from white bread to 15 grain bread that is OH.SO.YUMMY!

Now that you’re all anxious with anticipation, I guess I should just give in and tell you that I lost 10 pounds…seriously. I weighed and re-weighed myself several times to make sure it was right.

So I’m not sure it there was a lot of water retention going on, or the fact that I was coming straight off the holiday binges or what. I certainly am thankful to see the scale move in the right direction…although I’m a bit dumfounded as to how I got such a big number. I’m sure by next week it’ll even out!

Be sure to visit the Weekly Weigh In to see how others are doing in their quest for better health and thinner bodies!

Bible in 90–Week 1

2011-01-10T08:38:00.001-05:00

Initially, I was worried about the time commitment for completing the Bible in 90 Days. However, I’m finding just the opposite to be true. I’m finding I have more time and and getting far more accomplished! God is cool like that!

Here are a few interesting tidbits that I picked up from the first week of reading.

- Sodom, Gomorrah, Babylon, Babel and Nineveh are all cities noted for their perversion and illicit lifestyle. All of these cities came directly from the lineage of Ham. (Genesis 10:6-20) In case you don’t remember the story, he’s the son of Noah, the one who went went in on Noah when we was drunk and Noah cursed him. (Genesis 9:19-27)

- I never realized that Abraham remarried after the death of Sarah; and that he continued to father children! (Genesis 25:1-2) I found it interesting though, that in preparation for his death gave all his goods to Isaac only. Neither Ishmael not those from his second marriage received an inheritance.

- I realize that customs are a lot different now than then, but I still totally don’t get the whole “go sleep with my servant” mentality of the ladies of the old testament. Along those same lines I find it interesting that not once a man said “Honey, maybe it’s me and not you. Call in the pool boy and see if you can conceive with him.” Of course I KNOW it was because they were trying to keep the lineage of the male going….but still…

I did glaze over a bit through the genealogies. Then last night as I read about the building of the tabernacle I thought I’d slipped a cog because is all sounded too familiar…then I went back to Saturday’s reading and realized it was almost the exact same wording. One giving instructions and one repeating the instructions that were followed….but geez, late in the evening when my eyes are already starting to blur, it’s just not fun to momentarily think I reread the wrong 12 chapters! Imagine my relief when I figured it out!

Read the Bible in 90 Days Challenge

2011-01-01T11:16:00.001-05:00

As everyone makes out their list of New Year’s Resolutions, here is one that I encourage everyone to do! Read your Bible through in 90 days! Sound like too much work? All the more reason to do it!

However, you don’t have to do it alone! Amy @ Mom’s Toolbox is hosting another Bible in 90 Days challenge, starting on Monday, January 3rd. The challenge will run through the end of March. You can join in by signing up here.

Interested? You can find out more about the Bible in 90 Days on Amy’s blog.

Checking In…

2010-12-29T14:55:00.001-05:00

Hello dear readers! Christmas is behind us and a new year is looming closely on the horizon. I’ll do an after Christmas post for you soon, I hope.

In the meantime, I’m planning our first week back to school; perusing curriculum catalogs for the next school year and attempting to work up an entire Sunday School curriculum for our church. Not to mention birthdays…we have 3 in the next 7 days.

So be patient, I’ll be back soon and hopefully have some exciting things to share.

Potato Candy Recipe

2010-12-16T14:47:00.002-05:00

Potato candy is a funny thing. Either people look at you like you’re nuts and say “eeeeeeeeww”; or they say “I haven’t had that since I was little”. So far this year I’ve had more of the favorable responses than the “ewww” one. So here is a recipe for those in both camps. You can either make it and decide you don’t like it after all, or make it and reminisce about your childhood.

1 small potato
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. butter
1 lb. confectioner sugar
peanut butter

Peel, boil and mash potato. Mix in vanilla and butter. Mix in sugar (using your hands works best). Mix well. Place mixture between wax paper and roll it out very thin. Remove top sheet of wax paper, spread peanut butter on top of mixture. Roll up like a jelly roll.

Chill and slice in thin slices. Enjoy!

The Nutcracker

2010-12-13T21:44:00.001-05:00

This is the first ballet I’ve ever attended. Saturday night we watched the show, Sunday afternoon I worked backstage. Let me tell you, backstage is HARD work!

The production was WONDERFUL! I’ve been told that it rivals professional shows. The guest artist was Jurijs Safonovs. He is such a wonderful dancer, and so pleasant to work with.

Olivia had a wonderful time in her first year of The Nutcracker. It was so much fun watching her excitement build. But what I loved was her level of confidence.

Here are a few photos from backstage today. Aren’t they adorable? Olivia’s solute in the last photo was impromptu on her part, and way cute.

My daughter, the clown:

Lindsey is now super excited about next year. She has grand plans for being a Gingersnap….but I think she’s going to miss the age cut off for auditions. Olivia is already planning out the next few years worth of roles as well.

Aren’t they a lovely couple?

Christmas Crafting

2010-12-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

The girls love to make things for people. Even if it’s just scraps of paper glued to each other, they put lots of love into their art work.

This year we ventured into the world of making potholders. Yes, I know, it’s another rite of passage to make potholders as gifts.

The girls and I really enjoyed working on these. And, yes, the colors really ARE that bold.

So look out grandma’s, you’ve got new stuff coming! (Don’t worry, NONE of the grandma’s have a clue how to turn on a computer.)

Small Things To One

2010-12-06T21:47:00.001-05:00

Our neighbor, Ms. Kay, is a lovely and lively 70ish widow lady. She is a native of Luxembourg, and has the most delightful accent. More importantly, she has a wonderful warm and loving disposition about her. She’s become a surrogate grandmother to Olivia and Lindsey.

In her native land of Luxembourg they celebrate “St. Nicholas Day” on December 6. So we decided to treat her to a little St. Nicholas Day celebration.

The girls and I made her some lemon poppy seed scones. Added some German chocolates, various teas and some ginger honey for her scones. Then the kids made a lovely St. Nicholas Day card. Our original plan was to leave it by her door with her morning paper so she could be surprised, but the wind is gusting up to 35 miles per hour today…so we opted for a personal delivery.

There’s nothing like making a little old lady burst into tears first thing in the morning! She was so surprised and excited, almost like a little kid herself! She squealed “you have no idea how much this means to me!”

I tell you this, not to say “oh wow, look at us what great people we are”. Rather, my motive is to show you how something so small and simple can mean the world to someone else.

So this holiday season, and all year long, look around. See who needs a little pick me up, a little something that says “you matter”. Rather it be some scones, or a bouquet of wild flowers or 10 minutes over a cup of tea.

Be a blessing to those around you.

Left Over Turkey Recipes

2010-12-01T11:01:00.001-05:00

By now, you’re tired of turkey. But you can pull the remaining meat off the bones and freeze it for later. Here are a couple of recipes for your leftover bird.

Creamed Turkey:

1/4 cup margarine
small onion, chopped
garlic to taste
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk
2-3 cups of turkey pieces
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Melt margarine, add onion and garlic and sauté until tender. Stir in flour until all butter is absorbed. Add broth, milk, salt, pepper and turkey. Cook until desired thickness. Serve over toast, biscuits noodles or potatoes.

Turkey Pot Pie:

9” deep dish pie crust
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (15oz.) mixed veggies
2 cups cooked turkey (or chicken, or ham)
1 can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom if using ham)
1/2 cup milk
sage

Preheat oven to 350. Drain veggies. Mix veggies, meat, soup and milk and sage. Pour into pie crust. Top with 2nd crust. Poke hole in top to let out steam Brush with egg. Bake 30 minutes until golden brown.

The Little Things

2010-11-30T12:07:00.001-05:00

Little things can mean so much more than big and extravagant things. (Although, a new car wouldn’t be frowned upon.) Sometimes those little things, turn into family traditions that make the best memories.

When Olivia was born, I decided to buy her a new Christmas ornament each year, to commemorate something special that had happened in that year. So obviously, her 2003 ornament was “Babies First Christmas”. We’ve followed this tradition with both girls, and by the time they are grown they’ll have an interesting assortment of ornaments and memories.

While we were at the beach in September, the hubby and I took an evening stroll to the Christmas Mouse. I LOVE that store. Anyway, this year I decided to get Olivia an ornament to remember her first Nutcracker performance. I found THIS…isn’t it grand?

On the bottom of her pretty little foot, I’ve written the year. When we put up the trees this past weekend, I gave each girl their new ornament to hang on the school room tree. I seriously thought Olivia was going to burst into tears. She’s thanked me a gazillion times for it.

Lindsey received the lovely ballerina on the far right below. I’d planned to get her one in blue, since she moved to the blue leotard class this year. But alas, all the blues were babies or little blond haired girls. This one looks more like Lindsey.

What Christmas traditions does your family have? I’d love to hear!

Thankful Thoughts

2010-11-26T13:50:00.001-05:00

I’ve noticed that on Facebook and other venues, people have been posting their list of things to be thankful for all month. Now that Thanksgiving is over, I observed a noticeable absence of those posts.

So today, I’ll take time to write about some of the things I’m thankful for. I truly am thankful for having a Savior, and knowing that my eternal home awaits. I’m thankful for a wonderful, Godly husband who goes above and beyond in his role as husband and father. I’m thankful knowing that both of my children have already asked Jesus into their hearts and that they are growing in a personal relationship with Him.

I’m blessed beyond measure. God has truly been good to us. Some days the pressures of “life” can cloud my thoughts and make me (and you too) forget how many things we have to be grateful for.

This week, we were blessed to be able to spend time together as a family. We’ve traveled to a few places, which again give me reason to be thankful. At Monticello, I realized again how blessed we are to live in this nation, to have freedom and to be thankful for our founding fathers.

As we toured the Blue Ridge Parkway, I was reminded of how blessed we are to live in a warm house, with clean water to drink and food easily accessible.

As I sat down today to drink a warm cup of ginger peach tea, I was thankful for a growing friendship that God has blessed me with.

There are so many things to be thankful for. Not just on the fourth Thursday of November, but in every minute of our lives. Let’s not take for granted those things, but take time to be thankful.

Homeschool Blog Awards – Winners Announced

2010-11-24T08:15:00.001-05:00

The Homeschool Post has announced the winners of the 2010 Homeschool Blog Awards. If you get a chance go by and visit the winning blogs.

Thanks to those who nominated, and voted for either of my blogs!

D.A.D.D. (Dads Against Daughters Dating)

2010-11-17T09:28:00.001-05:00

As the parents of two VERY lovely daughters, we’ve often been told by people that we’ll need to carry a shotgun to keep the boys away. Today I saw this shirt and it totally cracked me up. Please don’t get offended by it.

However, if like me, you HAVE to get one for your husband for Christmas, you can get one here.

Afternoon Tea, November 12, 2010

2010-11-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

It’s official, we have a Friday afternoon ritual. Tea in the parlor! (ok, it’s on our sun porch, but still.) Since I haven’t had an opportunity to go grocery shopping, I rummaged around and found what items I had on hand and made some AMAZING chocolate chip scones! (The recipe is at the bottom of this post.)

Even Olivia liked the scones and she’s not big on “new things”. My husband had tea with us….of sorts, see what I mean?

Lindsey and I had mint chocolate tea, and as you can see below, she LOVED it. Olivia drank just plain old regular sweet tea, cold…but she at least drank tea and it was in a cup, so it’s progress!

And here is the official “I shall take no tea” to end our day.

Chocolate Chip Scones:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
8 TBSP. butter softened
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3 TBSP. orange juice (or more if needed)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sift sugar, flour, salt and soda together. Mix in butter and orange juice (adding more juice if necessary to make a dough). Mix in chocolate chips.

Place dough on a floured surface and form into a 9 inch circle, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 12 triangles. Brush tops with butter and sprinkle on a bit of sugar. Bake for 12 minutes.

Disgusted

2010-11-11T09:44:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, not having cable television leaves me in the dark about current events, which is not always a bad thing. However, after reading a post at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers this morning, I realized that this one current issue is one that does affect me, or at least my blog.

I’m sure most of you have heard about Amazon’s unwillingness to remove a very offensive book that promotes criminal behavior against innocent children

So let me point out that any links to Amazon are there only because it was a requirement for a product review or book review. I would encourage to find alternative distributors for your curriculum and reading products, and I’ll be making changes to links as time allows.

Homeschool Blog Awards Voting Begins!

2010-11-08T12:01:00.001-05:00

Voting for the 2010 Homeschool Blog Awards is underway! I’m happy to announce that S.A.H.M. I Am! is nominated for Best Homemaking Blog. Also, my homeschool blog Learning Curve is nominated for Best Homeschool Mom Blog.

There are a total of 20 different categories to vote on. When you have a chance, go by and vote for all your favorites.

Pumpkin Pie Dessert - Recipe

2010-11-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

Are you hosting a fall get together, or going to a potluck? Here is a recipe for a DESLISH pumpkin dessert. It’s somewhere between pie and cake…but right in the middle of yummie!! I just made one last weekend and have had to give our the recipe several times this week!

Pumpkin Pie Dessert

1 yellow cake mix
½ cup margarine, melted
3eggs
3 cups pumpkin
½ tsp. ginger
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ cups sugar
¼ tsp. salt
2/3 cup mil
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup sugar

Measure 1 cup dry cake mix and set aside.

Combine remaining cake mix, ½ cut melted margarine and 1 egg. Mix well, press into a greased 9X13 pan. Mix together pumpkin, ginger, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 eggs, salt and milk. Pour over crust.

Mix reserved cake mix, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ¼ cup sugar. Cut in 3 TBSP margarine to form crumbs. Sprinkle over top of pumpkin.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes (until the center is firm and set).

Serve warm or cold.

Afternoon Tea

2010-11-05T15:56:00.001-04:00

The girls and I have been reading a lot of the “American Girl” books. We all love colonial and Victorian era books and movies. So this afternoon we decided to have our own little tea.

We used Thomas’ grandmothers crystal sugar and creamer set, and a few antique tea cups I’ve acquired, and added some yummy sweets.

Earlier in the week, we made these lovely fans, and the girls used those as they chatted and flitted about.

What great fun with my girls! They’ve requested a weekly tea. Lindsey truly enjoys tea, Olivia not so much….but she’s a big fan of the sweets. Maybe next week we shall make some scones?

Yet Another Milestone….

2010-11-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

Lindsey reached yet another milestone today. She lost her first tooth, at 5. (Olivia lost her first one at 4.) It’s official, I don’t have any babies anymore…..waaaaah!

And for the record, only the first tooth gets $1…the rest are only worth 25 cents.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – November 2, 2010

2010-11-02T08:54:00.001-04:00

For today, November 2, 2010

Outside my window: It’s VERY cold this morning. The temps dropped into the 20’s last night and we have a very heavy frost. Lots of leaves yet to fall!

I am thinking: I should NOT have eaten any popcorn balls last week. Diverticulitis flair up in the making…not a happy camper.

I am thankful for: The right to vote!

From the learning rooms: We’re adding more life skills this week. Today is day #1 of babysitting a 2 month old. The girls are learning how to tend to a baby (something I had NO clue about when Olivia was born..and I was 35 then.)

From the kitchen: I’m trying to work my menus from my pantry to avoid shopping as long as possible. Today’s main meal will be homemade sausage gravy and hot bread.

I’m wearing: Tie-dye shirt and jeans…big surprise, eh?

Around the house: More leaf raking today, and laundry as well.

I’m hearing: Olivia is singing in her bedroom and Lindsey is reading a book to Eliana.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing different this week, except on Saturday I’m supposed to go to my friend Donna’s for a scrappy day!

To read more Daybooks go here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – October 26, 2010

2010-10-26T16:22:00.001-04:00

For today, October 26, 2010

Outside my window: It’s a lovely fall day! The day is a bit cool and overcast. The wind is blowing the colorful leaves around in swirls or red, orange and yellows.

I am thinking: I may need to return to the foot doctor for my second shot of cortisone. My foot has been throbbing terribly today and walking is very uncomfortable.

I am thankful for: I’m thankful to have a husband who works 50-60 hours a week so that I can be home to raise our kids.

From the learning rooms: Once again we ventured out of doors for our science lesson this week. We worked on tree identification and had a lovely time. You can read all about it at Learning Curve.

From the kitchen: I’m preparing beef stew for the crockpot for tomorrow’s meal.

I’m wearing: Jeans and a t-shirt, again. I need to branch out more!

I am reading: Curriculum catalogs. I’m already looking at next years choices!

Around the house: Today was a cleaning frenzy! I’m a clean freak, I admit it. Today I cleaned all the ceiling fans, moved all the furniture and cleaned under it, wet mopped all the hardwood and vinyl floors, vacuumed the carpet areas, dusted, scrubbed both bathrooms, pruned the house plants and put up a new shower curtain. Laundry is next on my agenda!

I am hearing: My kids are laughing hysterically upstairs over something. I should probably investigate!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Wednesday is dentist appointments, piano lessons and Awana. Friday is regular ballet and Saturday is Nutcracker practice.

If you would like to visit other Daybooks, go here.

City on Our Knees (Book Review)

2010-10-24T21:04:00.001-04:00

Amazing, beautiful things happen when people have the courage to live, work, and pray in the spirit of unity and peace. Often, though, to make these amazing things happen, we have to step out of our comfort zone and into a world we find uncomfortable or intimidating. Sometimes that world is physical; other times it can be emotional, relational, or spiritual.

City on Our Knees shows this, encouraging you to take the first step. It offers stories of people who have stepped across lines. Lines of discrimination, persecution, doubt, prejudice, pride, bitterness, self-isolation, and despair. I pray and hope that you will be inspired to see how just one person, or one small group, can be a mechanism for change.

God can use us right here. Right now. All we need is faith that He has our best in mind. And believe me—He does.

—TobyMac

My thoughts:

City on Our Knees is real life stories about ordinary people who embraced the hand they’d been dealt in life, and forever changed the world around them. If you’re tired of making excuses…it’s too hard, I’m too old, I’m too young, I’m too poor….read about these amazing people, who through the power of God impacted the world for His glory, not theirs!

You can purchase a copy of City on Our Knees from Amazon.

Disclaimer:

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own. I received a free copy of The Strategically Small Church for review purposes only. I received no other compensation for my review.

My Compassionate Child

2010-10-20T09:07:00.000-04:00

Olivia loves animals. Lindsey, not so much. However, she has such a tender heart for anyone or anything that is being treated poorly. We recently went to a “heritage festival”, which was a bust as far as the “heritage” part goes. But I digress. However, you could pay for horse drawn wagon rides.

There was also this small donkey attached to a cart. The cart wasn’t big (you can see it at the rear of the photo.) The girl in charge of taking people on rides was reckless and thoughtless though. I had watched her from afar as she whipped the poor little donkey to make it run too fast for the heavy load it was pulling. (Carrying two teens at a time.) She didn’t like my answer when she asked if the girls wanted to ride with her. But again, I digress.

Lindsey hadn’t seen her treatment of the little donkey. But she saw the sadness of the little animal and was drawn to it. She stood for the longest time, stroking the little donkey’s neck and talking gently to it. It eventually moved closer to her.

As she stood and rubbed on the little donkey, she said “Mom, I wish we had a farm. I’d take this little donkey home and nobody would ever be mean to him again.”

A compassionate heart sees the hurt in those around it…even when it doesn’t see what caused the hurt. When was the last time you looked through the eyes of compassion?

The Simple Woman’s Daybook October 19, 2010

2010-10-19T22:13:00.001-04:00

For Today October 19, 2010

Outside my window... Today was a PERFECT fall day. The sky was bright blue, temps were in the low 70’s and just the faintest of breezes blowing.

I am thinking... I’m thinking about starting another load of laundry. But it can wait until I’m finished here, right?

I am thankful for... I’m thankful for the Chilean miners who were rescued.

From the learning rooms... Today we took our lessons outside as we combined science, art and nature study.

From the kitchen... Today was a dull meal of fish sticks, peas and noodles. (That’s what happens when I forget to lay out meat to thaw.)

I am wearing... my standard, jeans and a shirt.

I am going... to see my friend Donna in three weeks!

I am reading... Zealous Love, A Guide to Social Justice, by Mike and Danae Yankoski

I am hearing... the hum of the dryer.

Around the house... The girls and I worked in the flower beds this afternoon. We pruned all the dead flowers, weeded and put in some edging around the newest flower garden.

One of my favorite things...TEA!! It’s therapeutic!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Wednesday is piano lessons and Awana. Thursday we have Activity Day and 4-H. Friday is regular ballet and Saturday is Nutcracker practice.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… There is no greater feeling than to know that people feel welcome when they enter your home.

If you would like to visit other Daybooks, go here.

Vinegar

2010-10-18T14:47:00.000-04:00

My friend Amy (Hi Amy!) makes fun of me a lot because of vinegar. Most of my cleaning, and household questions are answered with “use vinegar”. Or at least in Amy’s mind that’s my most popular answer.

So just to prove to her that I’m not crazy here are a few good uses for vinegar.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.

Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.

Sanitize outdoor furniture and picnic tables with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar.

Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.

For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.

Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.

Keep car windows frost-free overnight in winter by coating them with a solution of 3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water.

Cats hate the smell of vinegar. If you have a cat that is marking its territory around your house, spray the area with white distilled vinegar then rinse with a hose.

Tenderize meat with white distilled vinegar. Use it in marinades or when slow cooking any tough, inexpensive cuts of meat.

Remove kitchen odors that come from burnt pots or when cooking certain foods by boiling a small amount of water with 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar so that the steam circulates throughout the room

Now if you still aren’t convinced, you can go to Vinegar Tips to check out 1001 uses for vinegar.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2010-10-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

Yes, I said pancakes! These are oh so yummy and make your house smell DELISH!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

It’s Official

2010-10-15T15:30:00.001-04:00

Fall is officially here, we had to build the first fire of the season! We woke up to 64 degrees IN the house this morning. By noon it was still only 66. Now it’s a toasty 71 and the girls are camping out by the woodstove reading. It’s amazing how cozy and homey a fire can make a house!

We baked zucchini bread too. The smell of the spices mixing with the smoky smell from the fire is SO wonderful!

I’m drinking my hot tea again. There is just something therapeutic about a warm cup of tea. Coffee is ok, but tea just seems to be soothing and calming, even more so in the gray days of fall and winter.

I’ll be making our first pot of stew or chili this coming week; depending on what cuts of meat I find marked down at the market when I go in the morning. If we have chili, it will be accompanied by hot corn bread. Soup will be accompanied by a fresh hot loaf of bread. Either sounds delish, right?

Pumpkin Bread (Recipe)

2010-10-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

Here is yet another wonderful recipe to use all your fresh pumpkin (or canned). If you aren’t sure how to cook and use fresh pumpkin, be sure to read my post here for instructions.

1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat over to 350. Mix dry ingredients; mix wet ingredients; combine the two.

Pour into buttered loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

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