Thursday, March 30, 2006
Jesus, take the wheel by Carrie Underwood
I'm not much into country music but this song is good. The title pretty much says it all.
Beating Up
I have found in my thoughts lately that I worry too much and beat myself up. Whether it is not doing enough in my parenting or schooling or housework or ministry. It can be overwhelming. I feel that I genuinely try but so many times feel the failure. I will let my thoughts get to me before I even realize it. Taking thoughts captive can be a challenge. I've realized that self talk or enemy talk can be upon me so fast and have me down before I even know it. I don't feel that I live my life with a lot of regrets but I think that is the thing I fear the most....regretting. I don't want to regret how I raised my children or treated my husband or how my kids turn out or the ministry I am involved in. I want to see fruit like I feel I should see it. I want so bad for my kids to be passionate about the Lord but I have seen other faithful parents whose children didn't choose that road. I have fears. I am not in control. Nor do I really want to be but it seems that sometimes I wish I were. It seems that my actions look like I have the illusion of having some semblance of control. It is almost a relief for me to realized I don't and that He does. It is also a thing I fear. I know He loves me and realizes all I can handle but I wrestle there. I wish I didn't. I don't want to feel beat up daily. I am praying that He will help me with this battle of the mind and choosing to see the good He has done in me and allow Him to deal with the struggles and future. I need to rest there. I hope I will. But, really, the point I have to come to is that it is not about me and my wants, rather His purpose. His purpose scares me, I can't be perfect in it and I feel that means failure. But He knew that didn't He? It is more of a process of trusting....which I also have issues with. Wow, still so much growing to do. Growth, that is a process I can relate to.
Menu Plans
I was inspired to write out my plans due to my sister(LL) and friend(TOFTG). I wanted to link to their sites but my link button is acting up. Plus, it just helps me when I get it on paper or blog...:)
Monday
L-Mac & Cheese, fruit salad
S- Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Cheesy Potatoes
Carrots and Peas
Fruit Salad
Tues.
L- Grilled turkey & cheese
S- Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup
fruit
Wed.
L-Hot Pocket sandwich
S-Creamy Chicken with Pasta, veggies, bread and butter
Thurs.
L-PBJ
S-Chicken fajitas or enchildas
Refried beans and rice
Friday
L-Meat, Cheese and Fruit Kabobs (copied from my sister)
S-Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green beans
Sat.
L-chicken nuggets, chips,
carrots and broccli, fruit
S - Pizza at the church
Sun.
L-Out to Eat
S-Cereal
Monday
L-Mac & Cheese, fruit salad
S- Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Cheesy Potatoes
Carrots and Peas
Fruit Salad
Tues.
L- Grilled turkey & cheese
S- Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup
fruit
Wed.
L-Hot Pocket sandwich
S-Creamy Chicken with Pasta, veggies, bread and butter
Thurs.
L-PBJ
S-Chicken fajitas or enchildas
Refried beans and rice
Friday
L-Meat, Cheese and Fruit Kabobs (copied from my sister)
S-Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green beans
Sat.
L-chicken nuggets, chips,
carrots and broccli, fruit
S - Pizza at the church
Sun.
L-Out to Eat
S-Cereal
Monday, March 27, 2006
Riveting Hero
I had the real privledge of reading the beginning of a book from a Viet Nam vet with a purple heart. I couldn't put it down. It was riveting!! The Viet Nam vet just happens to be my Dad. I was amazed at all that my Dad faced. I have to share a short paragraph about one moment when he and the other marines were squatting down waiting to move because they knew the enemy was close around them. It is not even the most suspenseful part but one I didn't know which gave me even more insight into what they faced.
"We were spaced out 20 yards or so between each other to not cause any attention while our point Marines were observing the village. We were waiting quietly for what seemed forever in this heat and humidity. As I squatted down near a bush to wait I noticed movement in the monkey grass 30 yards to my side. I noticed this large snake which appeared to be 6 to 8 feet long, not sure what kind but the head was much larger than the body. I was told later that it probably was a Monocellate or King Cobra, they can grow up to 17.5 feet long. He raised his head above the grass and looked around and then seemed to fix his eyes on me and headed my way. I could not fire my weapon without giving away our position so I drew my bayonet and got ready to try and cut him in half before he bit me, as he got close and I got ready he stopped and looked at me and then headed in the opposite direction. What a relief as I took a deep breath and wondered what would have been the outcome. I understand that there are around 140 snake species in Vietnam and 30 of them are poisonous."
I can't wait until my Dad finishes his story. I will be recommending it to everyone. He faced such opposition and has never been one to talk about it unless we asked. He is a man who is unassuming but has such magnificent strength. I think the thing I took away while reading is that He is a hero. He would never agree to that but he is. He got a friend who was freezing up out of fear, to act and move when the enemy was firing at them. If he hadn't they wouldn't have made it through. He also helped another man who was just sitting by his friend grieving and in shock and forced him to move. I am also equally thankful to others who saved his life in the midst of battle. It was so harsh some of what they faced but I am so thankful that my Dad made it home and that He had the Lord to lean on during that time. Dad, thank you for your bravery and heroic measures. You are my hero!
"We were spaced out 20 yards or so between each other to not cause any attention while our point Marines were observing the village. We were waiting quietly for what seemed forever in this heat and humidity. As I squatted down near a bush to wait I noticed movement in the monkey grass 30 yards to my side. I noticed this large snake which appeared to be 6 to 8 feet long, not sure what kind but the head was much larger than the body. I was told later that it probably was a Monocellate or King Cobra, they can grow up to 17.5 feet long. He raised his head above the grass and looked around and then seemed to fix his eyes on me and headed my way. I could not fire my weapon without giving away our position so I drew my bayonet and got ready to try and cut him in half before he bit me, as he got close and I got ready he stopped and looked at me and then headed in the opposite direction. What a relief as I took a deep breath and wondered what would have been the outcome. I understand that there are around 140 snake species in Vietnam and 30 of them are poisonous."
I can't wait until my Dad finishes his story. I will be recommending it to everyone. He faced such opposition and has never been one to talk about it unless we asked. He is a man who is unassuming but has such magnificent strength. I think the thing I took away while reading is that He is a hero. He would never agree to that but he is. He got a friend who was freezing up out of fear, to act and move when the enemy was firing at them. If he hadn't they wouldn't have made it through. He also helped another man who was just sitting by his friend grieving and in shock and forced him to move. I am also equally thankful to others who saved his life in the midst of battle. It was so harsh some of what they faced but I am so thankful that my Dad made it home and that He had the Lord to lean on during that time. Dad, thank you for your bravery and heroic measures. You are my hero!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Hair Reformation
While being at my Mom's she tried desperately to help my bleached blond (that I had previously messed up) with very dark one inch roots take a better turn. She pulled my hair through to do some low lights. Well, we pulled a little too much through and it all turned dark. It was like a dark ash gray....hmmm...nice. We decided the next day it must be remedied again so once again I went through the poking my head while she painstakingly pulled it through yet another time. Finally I would look natural. She didn't pull as much hair through and although it is much lighter it is more of a dark blond with a few highlights. Aww well, we tried. I don't want my hair to fall out so we must stop for now but maybe in a month....heehee....Mom is begging me not to touch my hair again. I feel it was a process from ugly egg to trying to get to the swan. Maybe I made it to a wan.
Suprisingly Lengthy Trip
What started out as a trail to visit family has turned rather lengthy. I took my husbands car at the last minute due to hurrying to beat out bad weather that was coming where I was going. I made it in time to be safe. Thank you Lord. However, when I was driving those 70 mile an hour my car was beginning to shake pretty bad so I would slow down. I was worried that a screw was loose around the tired or something. It seemed to do okay without the shakes when I slowed down. It was hard to stay slower because I was in a hurry to end our 14 hour trip but at the same time I didn't want to be on the side of the road either.
When I got to my husband's side of the family they specifically asked if I had car trouble. (God protecting) When I told my Mom in law about my trouble she took me straight to the shop where we found out my tires and alignment were bad. My parents-in-law graciously blessed me with all new tires. THANK YOU!!However, the car place said they couldn't get it aligned because I had a rod that was bent and it needed to go to the dealer to get fixed. So, I decided to do that when I got to my folks. Of course, I stopped at sister's first and enjoyed my time then headed to my parents. I took it to the shop and they had to order a part that wouldn't come in until Tues.
Well, they called me yesterday and had the part(which was going to be very expensive with labor) but couldn't get it to align so they found further problem. Our fiances can only take so many hits. Please pray for our car problems to end and it not be as severe as it is sounding. I couldn't sleep for a while last night thinking but God has given peace and I know He is in charge of all.
I will say that my family has been so wonderful to accomodate and love on me while I keep staying on yet another day. We are having a wonderful time but Really Missing Hubby/Daddy and ready to head back home. I would covet your prayers that the soloution would be brief and good.
When I got to my husband's side of the family they specifically asked if I had car trouble. (God protecting) When I told my Mom in law about my trouble she took me straight to the shop where we found out my tires and alignment were bad. My parents-in-law graciously blessed me with all new tires. THANK YOU!!However, the car place said they couldn't get it aligned because I had a rod that was bent and it needed to go to the dealer to get fixed. So, I decided to do that when I got to my folks. Of course, I stopped at sister's first and enjoyed my time then headed to my parents. I took it to the shop and they had to order a part that wouldn't come in until Tues.
Well, they called me yesterday and had the part(which was going to be very expensive with labor) but couldn't get it to align so they found further problem. Our fiances can only take so many hits. Please pray for our car problems to end and it not be as severe as it is sounding. I couldn't sleep for a while last night thinking but God has given peace and I know He is in charge of all.
I will say that my family has been so wonderful to accomodate and love on me while I keep staying on yet another day. We are having a wonderful time but Really Missing Hubby/Daddy and ready to head back home. I would covet your prayers that the soloution would be brief and good.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Dancing
I have had so much fun family time this week. It has been good. It is hard to feel you want to be in two places but can only reside in one at a time.
While we were at my sister she and I enjoyed listening to music and dancing around while making lunches or cleaning up or just being goofy.
Anytime my kids hear upbeat music their little bodies just get to grooving. I love to watch the process.
My nieces put on a skating show for me that was just to die for!! They got costumes that really made me excited to go see the show. They did a terrific job!! Little ice princesses in the making.
My nephew is a hoot!! His dance is a jive and boogie (kindof like his Daddy) ! He really hears the beat and can move to it!
My Mom and Dad have been taking dance lessons and I got to see their moves....very cute!!! I would love to do this with my husband....exercise, romance and fun!
I love that God did put dancing in the Bible and He loves for us to dance unto Him. I think how fun it is for me to watch others dance for joy and I can see why He must love it.
So, off I go to dance another day and enjoy!
While we were at my sister she and I enjoyed listening to music and dancing around while making lunches or cleaning up or just being goofy.
Anytime my kids hear upbeat music their little bodies just get to grooving. I love to watch the process.
My nieces put on a skating show for me that was just to die for!! They got costumes that really made me excited to go see the show. They did a terrific job!! Little ice princesses in the making.
My nephew is a hoot!! His dance is a jive and boogie (kindof like his Daddy) ! He really hears the beat and can move to it!
My Mom and Dad have been taking dance lessons and I got to see their moves....very cute!!! I would love to do this with my husband....exercise, romance and fun!
I love that God did put dancing in the Bible and He loves for us to dance unto Him. I think how fun it is for me to watch others dance for joy and I can see why He must love it.
So, off I go to dance another day and enjoy!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Sister-hood
I have been visiting family and having a blast! I LOVE LOVE my Sista!
She and I Love to talk and laugh!
She is the one I can turn to when the mexican dinner is hitting my bladder and give a look to let her know a bathroom is needed pronto ain't no time to climb a ladder! She doesn't shudder or complain but only lets me do my thing.
She is the one who can turn music on and we sing together at the top of our lungs. We love to dance and act as on stage hoping that no one will see through the window blades. We still love using our old hand mikes and laughing at each other which isn't so nice.
I love to tease and get her goat because she gives me a look that can make me roll.
She is the one who can twitch her tiny nose and look like bewitching's samatha and poise.
Tonight we were visiting in the room and she asked me if that made me think of a girl we had known. I couldn't recall and she went out of the room only to come flying as if shooting bullets from boobs. I lost it with laughter and she calmly said "You don't recall?" All that she heard was very loud Ha Ha's.
She is all about details and loves her graph paper. She sometimes likes improv but would rather be safer.
She has always loved to read and books are a treat. I can't wait for her first written book I know I will be glued to my seat.
She is the person all friends want to know. She is loyal to the end and no punches will throw. She speaks truth in love and is empathetic and kind. She is like a ruby, a very rare find. I love her so deeply and feel that God knew, deep in that womb He must create two. I love that she enters life stages with me and that we challenge each other as we grow into maturity.
I love that she looks to God to be her guide and follows His word trying not to glide by. She loves her sweet husband and darling little children and strives to be a better servant. She leads other women by the life that she leads, allowing them to see her up moments and retreats.
She takes pride in her work and cares for her home. Living life's moments for the Lord on the throne.
I don't know how to express the joy that she brings it reminds me simply of hearing her sing.
I cannot believe how blessed I have been to have Such a Sister and Such a Dear Friend!!!!
She and I Love to talk and laugh!
She is the one I can turn to when the mexican dinner is hitting my bladder and give a look to let her know a bathroom is needed pronto ain't no time to climb a ladder! She doesn't shudder or complain but only lets me do my thing.
She is the one who can turn music on and we sing together at the top of our lungs. We love to dance and act as on stage hoping that no one will see through the window blades. We still love using our old hand mikes and laughing at each other which isn't so nice.
I love to tease and get her goat because she gives me a look that can make me roll.
She is the one who can twitch her tiny nose and look like bewitching's samatha and poise.
Tonight we were visiting in the room and she asked me if that made me think of a girl we had known. I couldn't recall and she went out of the room only to come flying as if shooting bullets from boobs. I lost it with laughter and she calmly said "You don't recall?" All that she heard was very loud Ha Ha's.
She is all about details and loves her graph paper. She sometimes likes improv but would rather be safer.
She has always loved to read and books are a treat. I can't wait for her first written book I know I will be glued to my seat.
She is the person all friends want to know. She is loyal to the end and no punches will throw. She speaks truth in love and is empathetic and kind. She is like a ruby, a very rare find. I love her so deeply and feel that God knew, deep in that womb He must create two. I love that she enters life stages with me and that we challenge each other as we grow into maturity.
I love that she looks to God to be her guide and follows His word trying not to glide by. She loves her sweet husband and darling little children and strives to be a better servant. She leads other women by the life that she leads, allowing them to see her up moments and retreats.
She takes pride in her work and cares for her home. Living life's moments for the Lord on the throne.
I don't know how to express the joy that she brings it reminds me simply of hearing her sing.
I cannot believe how blessed I have been to have Such a Sister and Such a Dear Friend!!!!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Whooo HOO!!!
Two Weeks Off of any praise team practice or leading!!! CAN I get an AMEN! Whoo Hooo!!!
Oh yea
No team practice
Oh yea
No team leading
Uh huh
Goin Home now
Get to see
My Family
bum ba da dum ba da dum bom bom
I asked another praise team in the area if they would be willing to lead ours for a couple of weeks and they said YES!!
And that's not all!!! Are you sitting down?!! Prayers have been answered!! We got a good offer on our house!!!! IT looks like things are going through!!! WHOO HOOO!!! Can I get a shout of P-R-A-I-S-E!!!! Okay, I'm not T.D. Jakes....just a want ta be.
Well, I must be off to pack and get headed home!!! :) Hope you are having a great day! Oh yea, it looks like there may be some severe weather coming....I'm trying to beat it so I would covet your prayer support for travel!
Oh yea
No team practice
Oh yea
No team leading
Uh huh
Goin Home now
Get to see
My Family
bum ba da dum ba da dum bom bom
I asked another praise team in the area if they would be willing to lead ours for a couple of weeks and they said YES!!
And that's not all!!! Are you sitting down?!! Prayers have been answered!! We got a good offer on our house!!!! IT looks like things are going through!!! WHOO HOOO!!! Can I get a shout of P-R-A-I-S-E!!!! Okay, I'm not T.D. Jakes....just a want ta be.
Well, I must be off to pack and get headed home!!! :) Hope you are having a great day! Oh yea, it looks like there may be some severe weather coming....I'm trying to beat it so I would covet your prayer support for travel!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Courageous Woman
I was reading a book I had bought a while back to take my daughter through. It is called Polished Cornerstones. Anyway, it addresses so many wonderful issues. I got to one chapter last night that baffled me. It was about a Courageous Woman. It was talking about the things that you should be asking yourself about yourself or your daughter to see if she was living a courageous life.
I guess I never expected to find many of my fears and worry to be about being courageous. I always thought I was. But, as I read these questions many of them convicted me greatly. I thought I would share some of the thoughts.
Is she afraid to trust God with her life?
Does she trust God to protect and provide for her?
Does she trust God to work all things (good and bad) together for her good? (that's a tough one)
Is she afraid she will be hurt or denied happiness if she submits to your authority?
Does she respond to her fears with prayer for God's strength and courage?
Does she recall God's word when she is fearful?
Is she afraid of peoples opinion of her?
Is she afraid to fail?
Is she afraid to try again when she fails?
Is she afraid to try anything new?
Is she afraid to stand up for what is right?
Is she afraid of the future?
Is she worrisome, continually visualizing potential dangers, failures, and problems?
Is she afraid of personal harm?
Is she afraid to say "no" when others ask her to accept responsibilities that will cause her to over-extend herself?
.....and on it went. Wow. For me this was really good to read. It had scripture and other books to read and work on in this area.
I really like this book because it gives great thoughts and ideas to do with your girls or yourself. They also have one for boys called "Plants Grown up" but I haven't read through it yet. If you haven't heard of this and would like to check it out I think the site is www.doorposts.net.
I guess I never expected to find many of my fears and worry to be about being courageous. I always thought I was. But, as I read these questions many of them convicted me greatly. I thought I would share some of the thoughts.
Is she afraid to trust God with her life?
Does she trust God to protect and provide for her?
Does she trust God to work all things (good and bad) together for her good? (that's a tough one)
Is she afraid she will be hurt or denied happiness if she submits to your authority?
Does she respond to her fears with prayer for God's strength and courage?
Does she recall God's word when she is fearful?
Is she afraid of peoples opinion of her?
Is she afraid to fail?
Is she afraid to try again when she fails?
Is she afraid to try anything new?
Is she afraid to stand up for what is right?
Is she afraid of the future?
Is she worrisome, continually visualizing potential dangers, failures, and problems?
Is she afraid of personal harm?
Is she afraid to say "no" when others ask her to accept responsibilities that will cause her to over-extend herself?
.....and on it went. Wow. For me this was really good to read. It had scripture and other books to read and work on in this area.
I really like this book because it gives great thoughts and ideas to do with your girls or yourself. They also have one for boys called "Plants Grown up" but I haven't read through it yet. If you haven't heard of this and would like to check it out I think the site is www.doorposts.net.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Shout Out
This weekend was a tough one. I got sad news from back home and some friends as well as an incident happening that made for a very tough weekend. I have had tears and sadness as well as busyness.
I must say though that last night I was flipping through some channels and came upon T.D. Jakes. I don't know if you have heard of him but he gives amazing word pictures. He was talking about Joshua and he was talking about how God wants us to praise Him even before a wall comes down. How he wants us to shout out His praise and trust Him.
T.D. was getting into it and asked if anyone wanted to shout out praise to God to which the people in T.V. land started shouting and so did I!! It was so great! I know you are thinking I am loosing it but really, how many times do we just let out a real shout to God?
Anyway, the people kept shouting and he let them. It was really neat to watch and listen because it made me think of that seventh day and what the people of Israel must have sounded like. It was powerful.
He was saying how God wanted Joshua to follow and seek His guidance daily. That for the first days God was saying to walk around the wall one time and come home. Then, at the end he said Joshua may have started to walk around one time again when the Lord would have guided Him that "No, you need to listen daily" and shared the the final plan of walking 7 times and shouting.
The walls come down.
Then, I just have to laugh thinking about it, T.D. said "Then, they became High steppers, stepping over the rubble and moving on. High steppers!" Just like we need to do when the walls that have blocked us finally come crumbling down. Step over that rubble and move on.
I must say though that last night I was flipping through some channels and came upon T.D. Jakes. I don't know if you have heard of him but he gives amazing word pictures. He was talking about Joshua and he was talking about how God wants us to praise Him even before a wall comes down. How he wants us to shout out His praise and trust Him.
T.D. was getting into it and asked if anyone wanted to shout out praise to God to which the people in T.V. land started shouting and so did I!! It was so great! I know you are thinking I am loosing it but really, how many times do we just let out a real shout to God?
Anyway, the people kept shouting and he let them. It was really neat to watch and listen because it made me think of that seventh day and what the people of Israel must have sounded like. It was powerful.
He was saying how God wanted Joshua to follow and seek His guidance daily. That for the first days God was saying to walk around the wall one time and come home. Then, at the end he said Joshua may have started to walk around one time again when the Lord would have guided Him that "No, you need to listen daily" and shared the the final plan of walking 7 times and shouting.
The walls come down.
Then, I just have to laugh thinking about it, T.D. said "Then, they became High steppers, stepping over the rubble and moving on. High steppers!" Just like we need to do when the walls that have blocked us finally come crumbling down. Step over that rubble and move on.
Tagged
My sweet friend tagged me with this fun little kitchen questionaire.
1. How many meals does most of your family eat at home each week? How many are in your family? Since I homeschool we eat a lot of meals at home. However, since we started soccer and have practices three nights a week at supper time and church or meetings the other nights as of late we have eaten out much more for supper. There are 4 in our family.
2. How many cookbooks do you own? around 22 My favorites are the "Fix it and forget it!", "Fix it and forget it Lightly" and "Fix it and forget it entertaining". They for the crockpot so it is nice to get it started early and it smells great at the end of the day...if you are there to eat it at the end of the day. :) I also love all the kid cookbooks...quick and more my level...Ha!
3. How often do you refer to a cookbook each week? Weekly.
4. Do you collect recipes from other sources? Yes, I love getting recipes from family and friends. I also check out the internet for some great recipes.
5. How do you store those recipes? In a plastic baggy(that holds my favorites) or recipe box. But mostly use my cookbooks.
6. When you cook, do you follow the recipe pretty closely, or do you use recipes primarily to give you ideas? It depends, as with my hair, I think that I am a gormet cook as well and I wing it. If I don't have some ingredients I improvise with what I think should go there.
7. Is there a particular ethnic style or flavor that predominates in your cooking? If so, what is it? Probably not, I like a mixture, Southern, Mexican, Italian.
8. What’s your favorite kitchen task related to meal planning and preparation? (eating the finished product does not count) Serving plates with the yummy meal prepared.
9. What’s your least favorite part? chopping....I'm not very patient.
10. Do you plan menus before you shop? Try to.
11. What are your three favorite kitchen tools or appliances? Pampered chef Vegetable steamer, only about $11.00 but it is amazing. Put raw or frozen veggies in, push microwave for 3 minutes and wa-la...tender steamed veggies to put in entree or just eat. Of course I love my microwave, fridge and dishwasher.
12. If you could buy one new thing for your kitchen, money was no object, and space not an issue, what would you most like to have? new dining room chairs...they are pretty and antique but wobbley.
13. Since money and space are probably objects, what are you most likely to buy next? Pampered chef stoneware casserole dish.
14. Do you have a separate freezer for storage? Yes- a small chest.
15. Grocery shop alone or with others? Hubby picks up on the way home. We do angel food and then get smaller things along the way. When I must go I probably prefer to go alone just for think time.
16. How many meatless main dish meals do you fix in a week? Probably 4-5. Grilled cheese, mac and cheese, pasta and veggies etc.
17. If you have a decorating theme in your kitchen, what is it? Favorite kitchen colors? I don't really have a theme. It is mostly white and that is fine for fresh feel. I would probably prefer a taupe or light yellow color. I had that in our last house and enjoyed it, with white molding.
18. What’s the first thing you ever learned to cook, and how old were you? Cinnamon toast or chocolate chip cookies....teenager. My Mom was WAY to sweet to us and did most of the cooking.
19. How did you learn to cook? I learned some from watching and helping my Mom. I probably learned the most just by trying once I was on my own and then married. My husband and I learned together. After that I just got more info. and learning from family and friends.
20. Tagging… I’m tagging Janiners and Warmhearts and any new friends on site that would like to try.
1. How many meals does most of your family eat at home each week? How many are in your family? Since I homeschool we eat a lot of meals at home. However, since we started soccer and have practices three nights a week at supper time and church or meetings the other nights as of late we have eaten out much more for supper. There are 4 in our family.
2. How many cookbooks do you own? around 22 My favorites are the "Fix it and forget it!", "Fix it and forget it Lightly" and "Fix it and forget it entertaining". They for the crockpot so it is nice to get it started early and it smells great at the end of the day...if you are there to eat it at the end of the day. :) I also love all the kid cookbooks...quick and more my level...Ha!
3. How often do you refer to a cookbook each week? Weekly.
4. Do you collect recipes from other sources? Yes, I love getting recipes from family and friends. I also check out the internet for some great recipes.
5. How do you store those recipes? In a plastic baggy(that holds my favorites) or recipe box. But mostly use my cookbooks.
6. When you cook, do you follow the recipe pretty closely, or do you use recipes primarily to give you ideas? It depends, as with my hair, I think that I am a gormet cook as well and I wing it. If I don't have some ingredients I improvise with what I think should go there.
7. Is there a particular ethnic style or flavor that predominates in your cooking? If so, what is it? Probably not, I like a mixture, Southern, Mexican, Italian.
8. What’s your favorite kitchen task related to meal planning and preparation? (eating the finished product does not count) Serving plates with the yummy meal prepared.
9. What’s your least favorite part? chopping....I'm not very patient.
10. Do you plan menus before you shop? Try to.
11. What are your three favorite kitchen tools or appliances? Pampered chef Vegetable steamer, only about $11.00 but it is amazing. Put raw or frozen veggies in, push microwave for 3 minutes and wa-la...tender steamed veggies to put in entree or just eat. Of course I love my microwave, fridge and dishwasher.
12. If you could buy one new thing for your kitchen, money was no object, and space not an issue, what would you most like to have? new dining room chairs...they are pretty and antique but wobbley.
13. Since money and space are probably objects, what are you most likely to buy next? Pampered chef stoneware casserole dish.
14. Do you have a separate freezer for storage? Yes- a small chest.
15. Grocery shop alone or with others? Hubby picks up on the way home. We do angel food and then get smaller things along the way. When I must go I probably prefer to go alone just for think time.
16. How many meatless main dish meals do you fix in a week? Probably 4-5. Grilled cheese, mac and cheese, pasta and veggies etc.
17. If you have a decorating theme in your kitchen, what is it? Favorite kitchen colors? I don't really have a theme. It is mostly white and that is fine for fresh feel. I would probably prefer a taupe or light yellow color. I had that in our last house and enjoyed it, with white molding.
18. What’s the first thing you ever learned to cook, and how old were you? Cinnamon toast or chocolate chip cookies....teenager. My Mom was WAY to sweet to us and did most of the cooking.
19. How did you learn to cook? I learned some from watching and helping my Mom. I probably learned the most just by trying once I was on my own and then married. My husband and I learned together. After that I just got more info. and learning from family and friends.
20. Tagging… I’m tagging Janiners and Warmhearts and any new friends on site that would like to try.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Gripping Fear
Last night I had one of those dreams that sets your heart racing. It was about my daughter, one of my greatest fears, and I walked in after it had happened. She was scared needing me and I was wanting to kill someone. I began pelting her with questions wanting to know all and find someone. She couldn't think clearly and just wanted comfort. I woke up very sick at my stomach and heart racing. I was so full of emotions. I ran to my Father seeking comfort, I wanted Him to tell me nothing like this would ever happen to my children, that they would never have any discomfort, that they would always be protected, that I would never have to face this fear or walk through this pain etc... I know he doesn't promise me no pain or hard times but I still want that.
He told me "Be still and know that I am God"
I felt calm again.
He told me "Be still and know that I am God"
I felt calm again.
Psycho Soccer Parents
I was floored last night when I went to a soccer practice at all that transpired. My daughter who is 6 was on a team of 5-6 year olds and her coach decided they would play against another team for practice. The other team happened to be boys. Anyway, the girl on our team who is probably the best started crying in the very beginning. She had a sideline of parents, aunts, gramps cheering for her and instructing her and you could tell it was serious to all. If she didn't do something right she would get frustrated and start crying. After a while of this the coach looked at the parents and asked if she should take her out...parents said "No, she is fine." Then she and a boy on the other team slammed into each other and went down. I knew that had to really hurt. She hopped up crying hard and again her parents yelled to her to be tough and keep playing. At this point the usually passive coach took action and made her come out. I was really proud of her for at least doing the right thing in spite of it all. Then, a little boy on the other team kicked at the soccer ball and missed but landed on his tooshie very hard. Our star player was back in the game at that point and took advantage of his pain and kicked it in to which all her family cheered. The little boy was crying and the coach of the other team brought him out. I was feeling so sorry for him only to hear his loving response from his Dad say "Suck it up...suck it up" and give him no love and even began getting mad at him for not stopping the crying! He finally did suck it up and stop. Come on people....give me a total break!! I know we don't want our kids crying all the time over menial things but when they are hurt? We are talking 5-6 year olds suppose to be doing this for fun!! I mean, this wasn't even a game it was a p-r-a-c-t-i-c-e. Our star player also likes to shove in order to accomplish her goal and get the ball. At the last game almost all the parents on the other team began instructing their kids to shove her down and play how she played. It was really bad and I was shocked at what I was hearing. At this practice, I seriously thought about going over to that little boy and telling him I would be crying too and that wasn't a bad thing. But, his mom looked like she could probably take me out so I refrained.
I was thinking about the messages that was sending to those kids. To the boy....when hurt don't show any emotions...don't seek help....suck it up. To the daughter...I know your tired and sad but make that goal!! Do whatever it takes even if you have to shove people out of the way to get what you want...It is more important than you are!! Man, I know that I , as a parent, make many mistakes and make my kids hear wrong messages all the time but this is one instance I just don't see the point! Just had to share my psycho soccer parents moment.
I was thinking about the messages that was sending to those kids. To the boy....when hurt don't show any emotions...don't seek help....suck it up. To the daughter...I know your tired and sad but make that goal!! Do whatever it takes even if you have to shove people out of the way to get what you want...It is more important than you are!! Man, I know that I , as a parent, make many mistakes and make my kids hear wrong messages all the time but this is one instance I just don't see the point! Just had to share my psycho soccer parents moment.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Shhhhh
I saw a video clip that really touched me...well several from this site www.sermonvideos.com. I want to share the words to one.
Shhhhh.....
Stop thinking
planning
worrying
about your marriage
taxes
cars
the news
your job
money
relationships
sports
the stock market
what's on tv
your future
your past
your kids
your education
your weekend
your wardrobe
about where you will eat
after this
None of that compares to what I have to tell you
but you have to listen
Be silent
Be Calm
Be Still
and know
that I am God.
Shhhhh.....
Stop thinking
planning
worrying
about your marriage
taxes
cars
the news
your job
money
relationships
sports
the stock market
what's on tv
your future
your past
your kids
your education
your weekend
your wardrobe
about where you will eat
after this
None of that compares to what I have to tell you
but you have to listen
Be silent
Be Calm
Be Still
and know
that I am God.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Romantic clothing
I have been searching for some time for romantic clothing. I love the look of the edwardian time and victorian age when people look so flowy and beautiful. I want that now. I am really tired of going to a store and being forced to see rolls of skin fall out, shirts that are skin tight and not pretty in the least, low rise jeans that look more like a plummer with the crack showing than women. Around here it seems the tighter the shirt and the more the rolls the better. ugh. Then I have to look at my own clothing. It's not that I mean to get it to tight but at times when I stand it looks pretty good but when I sit...HELLO...there we go. I mean, don't you ever just want to walk the field in a prairie skirt or go waltzing with the victorian gowns, or go for a stroll like Lizzy in Pride and Prejudice with the empire waist gown? I would love to make the classy, ladylike, romantic clothing of old, marry with a more modern look. Some days I long for the prairie days of baking bread and flowing the fields in my skirt (okay, I would like to keep my air conditioning and dishwasher and I know they did MUCH more than bake bread ) and just feeling well....feminine.
I don't want jumpers that are frumpy, I don't want dresses that make me look like a triangle, I just want dresses that would fit and look flowing and beautiful and casual and light. Is that to much to ask? I told my sister that I think this would be a great business venture for me. Right after I finish learning how to sew.
I don't want jumpers that are frumpy, I don't want dresses that make me look like a triangle, I just want dresses that would fit and look flowing and beautiful and casual and light. Is that to much to ask? I told my sister that I think this would be a great business venture for me. Right after I finish learning how to sew.
March Already?!!
I couldn't believe it when I realized we had just passed through yet another month! Yikes!! Today my son was talking about how in just a few years he would be thirteen and sister eleven. I felt a great panic come over me!! Not my babies!! I have been around a friend with youth, one daughter about to graduate and go to college and I am watching her go through elation for her daughter and sadness for herself. She has another son that will be a senior next year and another daughter that will just be beginning high school next year....whoa!
Anyway, it has definitely taken me from calm to fear to calm to fear to prayer. I love my kids SO much and it hurts to even think about them all grown up. I am so sentimental. However, I am also excited for their futures and what God will do through their lives. I am excited about when I will get to spoil their kids and maybe be a grandmother. There are still many things I look forward too. I'm hoping that I will grieve it along the way and be okay when it really happens. Well, I can hope can't I!?
I think another thing that got this thought going was we had a prospective worship leader in last weekend. We spent most of our time with them (he and his wife). They are SO young...just little pups! It really made me feel old. I think I like to still think of myself as young but I am truly in the middle age now! Anyway, he seems to have a real heart for worship and I think he will do good but he will also have a lot to learn. We are all in prayer over this. I'm sure we all have pros and cons so it is just really finding out what God wants for our church. I have to admit I am probably more anxious to get it done than most so it is tempting to just say yes so someone else will be doing it. However, I know the consequences if it is not a good fit...tough, for them and us. So I want to be as sure as we can that it is a right fit.
I have to say though, I have been enjoying worship leading a little more now that I am getting a little more of an idea what to do. There is still a lot of learning going on but it is not as overwhelming as it was at first. I actually had quite a lot of older adults coming up to me after last weeks second service saying they really felt the Lord's presence that day and enjoyed the songs. I was glad for that. I had felt Him too and I'm so thankful for His grace and mercy to me. Thanks for your continued prayer support for me!
Well, I guess that is all I have to time to write at present. March on!
Anyway, it has definitely taken me from calm to fear to calm to fear to prayer. I love my kids SO much and it hurts to even think about them all grown up. I am so sentimental. However, I am also excited for their futures and what God will do through their lives. I am excited about when I will get to spoil their kids and maybe be a grandmother. There are still many things I look forward too. I'm hoping that I will grieve it along the way and be okay when it really happens. Well, I can hope can't I!?
I think another thing that got this thought going was we had a prospective worship leader in last weekend. We spent most of our time with them (he and his wife). They are SO young...just little pups! It really made me feel old. I think I like to still think of myself as young but I am truly in the middle age now! Anyway, he seems to have a real heart for worship and I think he will do good but he will also have a lot to learn. We are all in prayer over this. I'm sure we all have pros and cons so it is just really finding out what God wants for our church. I have to admit I am probably more anxious to get it done than most so it is tempting to just say yes so someone else will be doing it. However, I know the consequences if it is not a good fit...tough, for them and us. So I want to be as sure as we can that it is a right fit.
I have to say though, I have been enjoying worship leading a little more now that I am getting a little more of an idea what to do. There is still a lot of learning going on but it is not as overwhelming as it was at first. I actually had quite a lot of older adults coming up to me after last weeks second service saying they really felt the Lord's presence that day and enjoyed the songs. I was glad for that. I had felt Him too and I'm so thankful for His grace and mercy to me. Thanks for your continued prayer support for me!
Well, I guess that is all I have to time to write at present. March on!
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