Thursday, August 31, 2006

Thrifty Thursday


Ok, it's time once again to put on your best Price Is Right thinking caps and guess what I paid for the following:

4: 12 pk Pepsi
4: 12 pk Mountain Dew
2: Glad handle tie trash bags (12 ct.)
1: Alka-Seltzer Cold Night Medicine
2: Kotex (40 ct.)
1: Zone Perfect Bar

I'm just going to put the answer in the comment section, so don't click over to the comments until you know what your guess is! Remember, always include the 5% tax. Leave a comment and let me know what your guess is!

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

In My Cookie Jar


Last week, I requested your recipes for cookies! Thank you, Aubrey for reminding me of the cookies my Mom made when we were younger! I tried a different version using a spice cake mix and white choc chips - yummy! As you can see, Emily enjoyed hers as well! The best part was how easy these were to make and clean up ~ and baking two pans at a time, it went really quick also!

Cake Mix Cookies
1 box cake mix, any flavor
2 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil or applesauce
any add-ins you want
(i.e. - chocolate chips, heath bits, raisins, craisins, etc.)

Mix together and cook for ~10 min at 350.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Perspective


"Our perspective or viewpoint involves the way we look at life. But our perspective also shapes our living. If I am looking at life through a perspective of gratitude and hope, for instance, I will live and think differetnly than if my view was one of bitterness and anger."
~ Thomas Kinkade, Simpler Times

So, what I want to know is: what helps you keep your perspective on the things that really matter? I find it so easy to get blinders on and not see the big picture and get caught up in the little details that really don't matter in the long run. How do you keep your perspective on the things of eternal value and worth? I'd appreciate hearing any thoughts...

Monday, August 28, 2006

Family Carnival Night

We usually set aside Friday evenings to just be together as a family. This past Friday, I planned a little something different!

We had our own little family carnival theme evening. I made corn dogs and funnel cakes which I served on paper plates.


We played bean bag toss, clothespin drop, and a simplified bowling game.

A great time was had by all!

Friday, August 25, 2006

Emily's Top Ten

Emily loves free and/or cheap entertainment, and so she offers you her top ten list in no particular order:

1. Ice cubes and the water that comes when they've melted. It is fun to stir the ice, stand on the ice, eat the ice, drink the water, and splash in the water.
2. Cookie Cutters: these are especially fun if they are all in a basket that can be dumped noisily onto the floor!
3. Pictures! Identifying who is in them is a recent addition to her abilities.
4. Bed or Couch: climbing on, jumping on, rolling on, throwing pillows off of, etc...
5. "Rubbies": a name invented when I was little for dish soap bubbles being rubbed on the fridge, dishwasher, etc...
6. Bubble Wrap: Dancing on this is extra fun!
7. Catalogs!
8. Dryer: climbing in when it is empty and cool is always fun!
9. Cloth Napkins: the best part of this is stealing them off of anyone's lap! Then it makes a great peek-a-boo assistant and as always, a lovely head covering.
10. Tupperware cabinet: Taking stuff out, putting stuff in, dumping all the lids on the floor, chewing on the popsicle making pieces, standing in bowls, and all kinds of other fun!

Does anyone else want to share a cheap or free toy for Emily's enjoyment?

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Lunch

Recently Angie of Carolina Rags and I discovered we go to the same church! Then I was on bed rest and in the hospital - so I just met her a couple of Sundays ago. Well, she came over for lunch yesterday and we had such a nice visit!

We listened to:


We ate:


Build-Your-Own-Quesadilla: fill bowls with grilled chicken, black beans, tomatoes, onions, salsa, cheese, etc... put desired toppings in a tortilla and grill in a skillet! Yummy. Then we had peach smoothies! Mmmmmm!

I gave her one of these and she brought me this adorable apron!!! I love it, Angie!

And, she brought Rachel these sweet burp cloths - so cute!


You can check out all the cute bags and things she makes here. We talked about family, faith, crafting, and of course - blogging! Thanks for coming, Angie! I'm excited to have a new friend!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

What's in a name?

I have always been interested in what names mean and I'm amazed at how parents can name their little baby before ever meeting them and then find that the name and its meaning suit them so well! Several years ago, I made these for the ladies in my Bible Study group at our last meeting. They were so well received, I've made lots more since then.

One lady in my group was named Linda. She did not know that her name meant, "beautiful". And, she shared with us that this was very meaningful to find out because she had recently been struggling with the fact that her mother had tried to abort her several times. Her mother probably did not know the meaning of the name - but it spoke to her in a healing way many, many years later. Isn't that neat? You just never know how God will use us when we take initiative in encouraging others.

To make this, cut out a piece of cardboard to the size you would like the finished sign to be. Take an old pair of jeans or other fabric and cover one side of the cardboard folding the edges over to the front side. Use hot glue or fabric glue to attach. Cut another piece of fabric exactly the same size as the cardboard piece and cut out a window in it to form the "frame". Hand-stitch the person's name and what it means onto the frame piece. Using a concordance, locate a verse using the meaning of the name and write it on a piece of paper that will fit inside the "frame". Glue the paper onto the cardboard (not the covered side). Cut two pieces of fabric scraps to make the hanger and glue one onto each of the top corners. Tie those two pieces together and create a bow to hang the sign. Now glue the "frame" piece onto the front of the cardboard so that the verse shows through.

You can look up the meaning of names on-line by simply doing a search - I usually check more than one site to verify that really is the meaning of the name. Here is an example of one I made for David:

David means Beloved
Deuteronomy 33:12, "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders."

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Recipes?

I'm looking for recipes that any of you have tried and enjoy for either Crock-Pot meals or cookies! I know, what a combination! Here are the restrictions: Crock-Pot recipes should not use tomatoes and cookie recipes should not use coconut - also, we like chewy cookies rather than crunchy or crispy. If you have any recipes to share, I would be so grateful if you would pass them on to me at thehomespunheart [at] hotmail [dot] com. Thanks!!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Breakfast Tacos

I made this for Breakfast the other day for Emily and myself. And, while Emily would NOT touch hers, I really enjoyed it! The only thing she ate was the little bit of salsa I gave her to go with it...sigh.

Whisk eggs in a bowl and cook in a skillet, stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and/or bacon or whatever desired. Spoon into a tortilla and sprinkle with cheese and lettuce! Yummy!

Friday, August 18, 2006

Peaceful Retreat

"On a little or large level, you can make choices that take you away from the battleground (which surrounds us every day in our culture). In the process, you will be choosing to live in saner, simpler times.

How do you do it? At the very simplest level, you find a place to retreat. You arrange for a refuge where you can rest and be renewed before returning to the fray."

~ Thomas Kinkade, Simpler Times

How about you? How do you choose to live in saner, simpler times? Do you have a place, a book, a painting, a chair, etc... that is your place of retreat?

I try to read the book Simpler Times once a year, and haven't read it in a few years. So, I decided it is time to read it again! I'll be sharing quotes as I come across things that I want to pass on!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Homespun Harvest

Does anyone else love Fall as much as I do? I am so looking forward to the Fall season even though it doesn't get very Fallish-feeling here in the South! So, I look for special ways to create Fall around me!

Anyway, I would love to hear your favorite Fall ideas! I am especially excited to plan a Homespun Harvest gathering for friends in October. And, for the month of September, I will post once a week on the following topics related to hosting your own Harvest gathering:

Week One: Goals, Planning, and Invitations
Week Two: Activities and Games
Week Three: Food and Drink
Week Four: Decorating

If you have any ideas related to one of these specific categories, please send them on so I can include them in the weekly post!

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Works For Me!

This is a trick I learned from my Mom!

When making up the crib for your little one, layer a waterproof crib size pad and then a crib sheet. Repeat this two or three times. Then in the middle of the night when the sheet gets wet, you can simply peel off a layer and everyone gets back to sleep quicker! Definitely works for me!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: Surprised by Joy

Things that stood out to me from this chapter:

Page 86, "I believe God meant us to feel fulfilled in family because it satisfies our need for a place to belong, a place where you know you fit in."

Page 87, "The joys get lost in the blur of too many activities, and dimmed by a nearsightedness that sees only the housework that must be done, the educational goals that must be achieved, and the needs that must be met."

Page 88, "...I stumbled upon a truth that seems obvious now, but was a new revelation at the time - I didn't have to teach my children how to learn. God had already prepared them to learn, and I just needed to give them room. I am simply a facilitator, releasing skills and abilities already there in my children."

Page 89, "It (their learning to read) had much less to do with my skill and knowledge as a teacher, and everything to do with their God-given, inherent abilities. ... And to think it happened all within the walls of my humble home, without a student desk in sight. "

Page 91, "I don't think it occurred to me before we began this homeschooling journey just how jealous I would be for their hearts, and how protective I would be of the ideas and values we give them that would be challenged by others outside our family unit. But how glad I am that I have them to train and to shape."

Page 93, "...with my own family, I am becoming more aware of the power of traditions to shape my children's mental picture of family. I see myself as an artist, of sorts, drawing and painting in my children's minds a beautiful picture of family that will remain there for the rest of their lives on this earth. ... It has been such a joy in discovering my new role as a painter of memories. My paints and brushes are all the things I do to build traditions into our home and family life, and my canvas is the minds of my children. That has given me such a renewed joy for refining and strengthening our family traditions. I just love being a family artist!"

Page 95, "...the home should be a place to reinforce creativity. The Creator God has left His mark in my children's spirits. I believe my home should be a place where their creativity will burn brightly through all their childhood...I certainly haven't taught my children how to be creative - I've simply created the opportunity and watched with joy as their creative juices flowed."

Page 96, "In God's good, acceptable and perfect design, the mother is at home, nurturing and loving her children, contributing to the spiritual, character and intellectual training of her children. God's blessings - his joyful surprises - are the natural result of choosing God's will."

Thoughts from the Living Word:

John 15:1-17

* Is your life "fruitful" or fruitless? Because I know that I am attached to the vine - Christ - I can say that my life is fruitful. I can only be fruitful in His strength and grace, but He is faithful to use one that is resting in Him.

* How are you attached to the "vine"? By remaining in Him and being in His Word. When I choose to submit my heart to Him and receive Him as my Savior, I become attached to the vine - the source of life.

* How important is "love" in your life? Without love I am nothing - His love is the greatest gift I could ever receive.

* How do you and your family "remain" (or, "abide") in Christ's love? Choosing Him and His ways, reading and studying His Word, memorizing His Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and deciding to live in His will - obeying Him.

* How does that make your life joyful? There is no better place to be than in His will, when I choose that - I am filled with joy.

John 7:37-39

*What would you think if you were in the crowd and heard the words of Jesus? I would be drawn in by the words "streams of living water". These words imply life, peace, and a continuous flow of love. When I picture a stream of water flowing - it brings a picture of beauty, restoration, health, life, and a calmness that I desire.

* How would his "streams of living water" change your life? The thirst that can never be quenched any other way - would suddenly be overflowing with satisfaction.

* How are you offering that living water to your children? By reading God's Word to them - teaching them His ways and by setting an example in going to Him for these streams of living water instead of to the world.

Philippians 1:3-11

* How confident are you of God completeing the "good work" that he has begun in you? VERY! He says in His Word that He will and His Word is completely trustworthy.

* Why is Paul's affection so deep for the Philippian church? Because He was there when it began - he has been with them since the beginning and has watched them grow and flourish in their faith.

* What kind of life does he pray that they will have? A life abundant in love, insight, knowledge, discernment, purity and blamelessly waiting for Christ's return.

* What kind of life do you pray that you will have? That it would be our goal and desire to "live a life worthy of Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being sterngthened with all power according to His glorious might so that (we) might have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified (us) to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:10-14)

Romans 12:1-2

* How can you and your family offer yourselves as "living sacrifices" to God? Being available and willing to be used by Him, being open to sharing ourselves and our faith with others.

* What kind of life does Paul imply comes from being "transformed"? One that is not conformed to the world - a new way of life.

* What does it mean to have your mind "renewed"? To be focused on the things of God rather than the things of the world - to have a new way of thinking, one that is reborn from the old way of thinking.

Thoughts on Living the Word:

Personal Application: She suggests taking some time to slowly and reflectively look at your family photos and remind yourself of how God has been working in your family through you.

Family Application: Make a spiritual fruit tree (use your creativity). Jesus is the center vine, each branch a family member. During the week, "fruit" is hung upon the tree when a family member does something that brings joy. Goal: to hve others fill up your branch.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Simplicity






"We were made for calm, not chaos, and that is why we long for simpler times. Somewhere deep inside we know that simpler times are better times."
~ Thomas Kinkade, Simpler Times

No More Drips

I can't wait to try this tip I read in a cooking magazine this weekend...

"To keep a gravy boat or cream pitcher from dripping onto the dinner table, rub a dab of butter on the pour spout. No more drips! This trick works on syrup dispensers too."

I had never heard this before ~ hope it works!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Prayer Request

I just read this on Megan's blog - and am so sad. Amy and I worked together at Glen Eyrie and I cannot imagine how she must be feeling. Would you please pray for her if you think of it today? Thank you.

Indoor Picnic

I was wanting to do something fun for dinner last night and decided since it has been so HOT and HUMID outside, we should have an indoor picnic. I spread a big quilt on the floor and covered it with a table cloth, got out bandanas for napkins, and my enamelware picnic dishes.

I fixed Barbecued Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade croutons and toasted french bread. We made s'mores in the oven for dessert (which I discovered no one in my family likes except for me). Overall, it was great fun, Emily loved the freedom, though was quite busy during the meal!
Homemade Croutons (from Better Homes & Gardens June 2001)
2 c. 1-1 1/2 inch cubes French or Italian bread
1 T. cooking oil
1 T. margarine or butter
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried seasoning, crushed (your choice)

Place bread cubes in a bowl. In a large skillet heat oil and margarine or butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and desired seasoning. Cook and stir 30 seconds. Drizzle over bread cubes, tossing to coat well. Pour cubes into skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally over medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes or until cubes are lightly brown and crisp. Remove from pan. Drain on paper towels. Store tightly covered for up to 1 week. Makes about 2 cups.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: Planning To Live

Things that stood out to me in this chapter:

* Page 69, "What mattered most (speaking of her Uncle who had passed away) is that he had taken the time to invest in the most important things in life - the lives of people."

* Page 69-70, "...I need to stick to my priority of training my children with eternity in view, not just their years on this earth!"

* Page 70, "What do I want my children to know? What do I want my children to be? What do I want my children to do?"

"The Biblical values and morals that once were considered commonplace in America now are called out-of-place by an increasingly secular society that has shoved God and the Bible aside in favor of man-made truths."

"I know that I must prepare their minds with Biblical truth and a Christian worldview if they are to keep the faith in a hostile culture."

* Page 71, "What they become as adults and what they do with their lives will depend in large measure on what they know about God."

Paraphrasing the things she talks about wanting her children to know about God: awe, tender love, sovereign, Savior, unchaning.

* Page 72, "The knowledge of God that they take into adulthood is not meant to stop with them, but they are to be a channel of that truth to others, shining the light of His truth in the darkness of their generation."

* Page 74, "I am a guide, a teacher, and a protector to them as they are beginning their own journey along the path of life. I am responsible for helping them develop the godly character and habits that will keep them on God's path of righteousness and life. ... Even though they might know the wonderful truths of God and even impress others with their knowledge, that knowledge will be empty and vain unless it is accompanied by a growing godly character."

* Page 75, "... I know that it is not enough to raise children into adults who know God's word and walk in God's ways. To be fully trained, they must also do God's work. ... God's truth may fill their minds, and His Spirit may be at work in their hearts, but the process is incomplete until the passion of Jesus for the lost and hurting moves their hands to reach out to the people for whom He died."

* Page 76, "My children need to have a ministry. However small or trivial it may seem, they need me to help them develop the passion for and the habit of serving other people in the Lord's name."

"Even as the disciples saw Jesus model servanthood before their eyes day after day, so my children will notice and respond to my example if they see me serving them and others in our home day after day with a thankful and joyful heart."

* Page 77, "I have often noticed that giving our children opportunities to serve builds up their sense of self-importance."

Thoughts from the Living Word:

Philippians 3:1-11

* What would Paul's resume sound like today? From the Life Application Bible page 2150, "Paul had impressive credentials: upbringing, nationality, family background, inheritance, orthodoxy, activity, and morality."

* What things must you "consider lost for the sake of Christ"? Anything that is to my profit - based on verse 7. To me this means, anything that brings me glory instead of bringing God glory. I must put aside the things that are of no value or benefit to Him and His Kingdom - living with an eternal perspective.

* How valuable is it to you to "gain Christ"? I want to say that is the most valuable thing I can imagine - but I know that would not be true based on the choices I make. If I truly lived this, choosing Him would be my highest priority. I realize that I do not always choose Him as the highest priority as I put other things ahead of Him.

* Is your source of confidence the same as Paul's? Yes, my confidence is founded on the ove of Christ and His Word.

Ephesians 5:8-17

* What does it mean to be "children of light"? To live in such a way that shines the light of Christ to the watching world around me. It is easy to blend in to darkness, and living in light means standing out and looking different.

* Have you found out what "pleases the Lord"? Being in His Word, obeying it, and sharing it with those around me.

* How are you being "careful" in your life as a Christian mother? Choosing things that will be beneficial to the character I desire for Emily and Rachel. Guarding what they watch, listen to, who they are around, correcting behavior, and instructing them in the ways of God.

* Are you "making the most of every opportunity" in your life? I know that I cannot answer "yes" to his. How often have I had an idea, a nudging from the Holy Spirit to share or speak up, or an opportunity to praise God publicly and chosen to remain silent or done nothing because I listened to another voice besides His.

* How are you doing the same in your children's lives? I hope that as I continue to become aware of this weakness in my own life, that I will be strengthened in it thinking not only of the example I set for these precious lives, but that I would be mindful of my God and what would please and honor Him.

John 13:1-17

* How would you feel if Jesus, the Creator of all things, washed your feet as a lowly servant would? Unworthy, humbled, wanting to follow His example, motivated to follow Him with a servant-heart.

* Why did Jesus consider the quality of servanthood so important? Because of the attitude that goes along with true and genuine service. It causes us to put the needs of others ahead of our own, learning selflessness and humility.

* How do you model this kind of servanthood to your children? Oh my, this is getting a little too personal! :) There are most definitely times that I don't. But, I can model this for them by choosing what is best for them and most especially through the attitude I display to them.

Psalm 90

* Does you life seem long or short when you read this psalm? Very short considering the eternal and everlasting nature of God.

* What is the point of learning to "number our days" if they are so few and fleeting? God's Word says that the purpose is that I "may gain a heart of wisdom". If I live with eternity in mind and a realistic view of the short life I live here on earth - my perspective will be more in line with God's perspective for me.

* What is Moses' desire for Israel? That they would be satisfied with the unfailing love of God. That they would sing for joy and be glad each day of their lives. That in their afflictions they would be glad. That they would see the deeds of the Lord and that their children would see the glory of the Lord. For God's favor to rest upon them. That the work of their hands would be established.

* What is your desire for your family? That each of us would know and love God wholeheartedly. That it would be our goal and desire to "live a life worthy of Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being sterngthened with all power according to His glorious might so that (we) might have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified (us) to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:10-14)


Thoughts on Living the Word:
* Personal application: she encourages us to spend some time this week with Ephesians 5:8-17. List anything you do with your children that "pleases the Lord." Then, list some ways you need to be "careful." Finally, identify some specific opportunities you can :make the most of," and how you will.

* Family application: Make a Know-Be-Do-Be-Do poster for each child. Choose a verse together that you want each child to "know." Then identify two character qualities you want them to develop ("be"), and have them come up with two ministry things they will "do." I love this idea and want to keep it in mind as my little girls get older.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Works For Me!

Isn't it so easy to just focus on the things we wish were different or that we could complain about? Here is what Works For Me on helping me to stay content with the way things are:

Thankfulness Journal:


Each night right before bed, I write down five things from that day that I am thankful for. It can be little things or big things. Sometimes it is hard to think of five things - and sometimes I can easily come up with lots more. This focus on being thankful helps me to keep my focus and attitude right.

In the front of the book, I wrote out these verses...

I Chronicles 29:10-13,
"David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly saying, 'Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious Name.'"

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Smiling

Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner,
And someone saw my grin. When he smiled I
Realized I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
Then I realized its worth. A single smile, just like
Mine, could travel around the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it
Undetected - Let's start an epidemic quick and get
The world infected.

I read this in the most recent Iowa Country Register and there was no author mentioned.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Baby Tag!


Emily was tagged by Baby Julianna, daughter of Michelle. This should be fun!

3 Things That Scare Me
1. Cars Driving By
2. Strange Dogs
3. Hmmm, I'm having a hard time coming up with a third one!

People Who Make Me Laugh
1. Rachel when she has the hiccups!
2. My Daddy and Mommy!
3. My dog, Katie.

3 Things I Love
1. My pink bunny named Pinky!
2. Water - playing in water, ice cubes, the swimming pool, the bath tub, rain puddles, etc...
3. Dipping food items in sauces!

Things I Hate
1. When Pinky has to get washed.
2. Not getting my way.
3. When people who come and visit have to leave.

Things I Don't Understand
1. Why I don't always get my way.
2. Why Mommy and Daddy get tired before I do.
3. Why Katie (my dog) doesn't like it when I pull her whiskers or step on her tail.

Things on My Floor
1. Books
2. Princess Cards
3. Purses

Things I'm Doing Right Now
I'm sleeping right now, my Mommy does her blogging before I wake up!

Things I Want to Do Before I Die
1. Grow up!
2. Be allowed to use the computer on my own!
3. Watch movies whenever I want!

Things I Can Do
1. Sing "E-I-E-I-O"
2. Jump on the bed.
3. Sweep the floor.

Ways to Describe My Personality
1. Happy
2. Caring and Sharing
3. Friendly

Things I Cannot Do
1. Get the refrigerator open (I sure wish I could!)
2. Open Doors.
3. Sing my ABC's

Things I Think You Should Listen To
1. Veggie Tales songs
2. Michael Card: Come To The Cradle
3. My Mama singing.

Things I Think You Should Never Listen To
1. Negative People.
2. The little voice that says, "no, you aren't able..."
3. A similar voice that says, "go ahead" even when Mama says not to.

Absolute Favorite Foods
1. Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, Salad Dressing, Salsa, Spaghetti Sauce, etc...
2. Ice Cream
3. Graham Crackers and Cheese Crackers

Things I'd Like to Learn
1. How to turn on a movie anytime I want to.
2. How to get the door open so I can go outside.
3. How to get food anytime I want.

Beverages I Drink Regularly
1. Water
2. Water
3. Milk

Shows I Watch
1. Sesame Street
2. Veggie Tales
3. Slideshows of myself

I'm not sure who to tag - so if you want to play, let me know so I can come over and read your answers!

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Sisters Day

I have the best sister ever! She is smart, fun, encouraging, friendly, creative, giving, loves the Lord and she is my friend! Happy Sisters Day, Carrie! I love you! (photo credit: Stacy Richardson Photography)



Here are the newest sisters in our household celebrating Sisters Day!

In addition to these sisters, there are so many wonderful sisters in the Lord that I can rejoice with today as well! I am thankful for each one of you!

5 Things Tag

I was tagged by Lisa to do this:

5 things in my freezer: walnuts, peaches, ice cream, blueberries, cheese

5 things in my closet: my gift shop (items I can give as gifts) and wrapping stuff, filing cabinet, bookshelf, suitcases, and holiday decorating items

5 things in my car: graham cracker crumbs, two car seats, stroller, ice scraper I haven't used since moving from Colorado, and my canvas bags for groceries

5 things in my purse: wallet, check book, address book, medicine, and a snack for Emily

5 things in my wallet: cards, coins, photos, receipts, and sometimes a few dollars

5 people I tag to do this list:

Joy
Megan
Michelle
Mary Ann
Angie

Friday, August 04, 2006

Beauty Tip

I was challenged and encouraged by this in my quiet time this morning ... a great beauty tip for my day! To have a face that is radiant, I must lift it to Him!

Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never
covered with shame."

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Crumb Cake


I wrote this recipe down during an episode of Martha Stewart's old tv show and it is SO yummy! I love a piece of this warmed for breakfast with my beverage of choice: a cold glass (or mug) of organic skim milk!

New York Crumb Cake

Mix together:
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

In a separate bowl mix:
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
2 Tbsp. oil
2 tsp. vanilla

Mix dry and wet ingredients together and press into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Mix together:
2 1/2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Cut in 2 sticks butter or margarine. Crumble over the top of the batter.

Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes rotation half way through. Dust with powdered sugar.

Decorating Idea

I read this idea in Good Housekeeping recently...

You can create decorative touches to a plain wall by using Peel & Stick Paint Samples. Just use craft punches to create fun shapes and peel and stick to the wall. The samples are $2.99 for a set of ten shades sized 3 3/4 inches square each. Fun and inexpensive way to dress up plain walls!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Works For Me!

After a several week break from participating in Works-for-Me Wednesday, I thought I'd join in again this week.

My husband brought me the most beautiful roses last night when he got home from work, and as we unwrapped them, we noticed that one of them was broken off of its stem. So, here is what I did to rescue the poor rose - just place in a canning jar with water and enjoy! I certainly didn't want it to just hang there and die ~ Works for Me!


Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Ten Days of Blessing!


Several of you have asked how we are doing and how Rachel is, so here is a little update! (Thank you for asking, you are so sweet!)

This little bundle has brought so much blessing into our home since she arrived - I have been encouraged in my faith through the gift of God's generosity to us through her and through His provisions of answered prayer. So, as a testimony to God's blessings, I want to share with you some specific things He has blessed us with over these last days.

* I prayed for just the right doctor to be on call when we had to go to the hospital as we are in a practice of several doctors. I had two first choice doctors and one of them was on call. But, leave it to God to go above and beyond, she is from Colorado Springs (as am I) and we had a great time reminiscing!

* I prayed for just the right delivery nurse - having heard several of my friends say they had less than desirable experiences at our hospital. God provided us with the same nurse that had been there when Emily was born whom we had just loved!

* I prayed for just the right timing of her birth - being on bed rest and knowing that God knew and had chosen just the right day for her birthday. The day He chose meant David was not at work on Monday when there was a big issue at his school which will probably be a law suit and court issues, now David won't be as involved - I am so thankful!

* I prayed for God's will during the delivery having had some trouble healing last time, He is so good and allowed things to go more smoothly and continuing to do so since I've gotten home.

* I was prepared for a little baby who screamed a lot and for getting little sleep. Rachel is so peaceful that it creates a peacefulness in me and a spirit of being relaxed that is helping all of us! She does of course wake up in the night, but goes right back to sleep for which I am so very thankful.

I feel like I could go on and on...but here is the way I would best sum it up:

Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Indeed, Amen.