tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49762833219325121672024-03-12T21:27:23.925-05:00A Life At HomeA Place to Encourage Women as They Discover the Blessings of a Life at HomeTeresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-49764737031265374242013-05-01T13:42:00.001-05:002013-05-01T13:44:36.878-05:00The End Of Me<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCplKuSIybMxPaQ14JGVxe0Bk8G1ouJfEC-uFhyphenhyphenEAOG-xKRAStIKS9qZJWtYqCLllmQDZ4IodzIA7xpL2nrVXiJM8lZOkRebRhyaDxy3gwGfy984uJ2Q3A8p3RD7VPC-9Wdss4rf3cuqw/s1600/Plans.png" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;">I am a person who likes to fix everything and everyone. Lots of us are like that. </span>As soon as one problem comes up I am coming up with different scenarios to fix it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had, in the past, a plan A, B, C… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, God has always been my plan A, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT if He didn’t come through I always had my other plans in place so I could go to if I needed. I did not rest until it was all settled.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There really hasn’t been many times in my life that I couldn’t fix what was broken</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and make it right again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was super woman…super mom…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">placed on this pedestal for all to be amazed at.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkeiFuMtVkkCpRbeunl_jfx-lHb52pmBk9w3wfxuqchMJJm32a4O4PQ2VYuqIRcfVm9u_3w9kNShkCSLIFYkWV78q2PvCzorbF83k8vUii9doXAI_jRR3YnCwXGN7QsKuLJD9s2ECbec/s1600/Untitled.png"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkeiFuMtVkkCpRbeunl_jfx-lHb52pmBk9w3wfxuqchMJJm32a4O4PQ2VYuqIRcfVm9u_3w9kNShkCSLIFYkWV78q2PvCzorbF83k8vUii9doXAI_jRR3YnCwXGN7QsKuLJD9s2ECbec/s1600/Untitled.png" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the outside at least.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I was so broken on the inside and I didn’t even know it. I thought I was fixing myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is until God brought me to a place where He humbled me. He brought me to a place so broken where I depended on Him for every beat of my heart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter how much I wanted to, I couldn’t will my heart to beat. This was something I just could not fix. I had to depend on Him for my life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember telling God,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when my heartbeat was 28 and I could literally feel my life leaving my body; that I couldn’t fix myself this time. That He would have to come through for me. There was no plan B or C, but I knew He could heal me if it was His will. You know what He said to me? All I heard was one word,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Finally!”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Bible it says:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. </i><i>We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, </i><i>and we thought we would never live through it. </i><i>In fact, we expected to die. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.</b> </i><i><b>And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. </b></i><i><b>We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 1:8-10</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had come to the end of myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is that place where you know God has to intervene.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing that you can do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You cannot rely on yourself, you have to rely on God.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXSefidomeZXdcsapP7_e98eUiYCQ_8L8Zr3d2r3JbH8v8uOzbTbUDwJ1j1EpxBDy7scDzIzJ3natMauVFyd3n0PspXqPAjXWA-31J1RygvjbdlpO9v7B1k4LH5CRNm7PYueoIIEI0xA/s1600/imagesCA8Z7T80.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXSefidomeZXdcsapP7_e98eUiYCQ_8L8Zr3d2r3JbH8v8uOzbTbUDwJ1j1EpxBDy7scDzIzJ3natMauVFyd3n0PspXqPAjXWA-31J1RygvjbdlpO9v7B1k4LH5CRNm7PYueoIIEI0xA/s1600/imagesCA8Z7T80.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He brings us to that place of total dependence and brokenness and that’s when He takes those broken pieces of our lives and redeems them,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to make them something good. It’s when He can come in and change us and then we can go out</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and share what God has done in us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God cannot multiply until something is broken!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He shows up right at that moment of the impossible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we can’t fix it, where we can’t change ourselves,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where we can’t clean up the mess we’ve made and makes it all right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is so He gets the glory. So we realize that it is God who did it, and not anyone else. That place where we aren’t working so hard, striving, begging to make things right in our life. Where we aren’t wrestling every day to change ourselves. It’s when we surrender and say, “God, I can’t do this. I can’t change myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can’t make this happen, but you can. I don’t know where I’m going, but you do!”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my circumstance I needed God to save my mortal body and my inner self. For you, maybe it’s something you’ve wanted to change but just haven’t been able to overcome. Maybe it’s a promise God has spoken to you that hasn’t come to pass yet.You are trying to figure out how to make it happen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe you’re trying to figure out what’s the next step to take in your life?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bible says:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 37:4</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hebrew meaning for delight actually means </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to be dependent on God and to derive one’s pleasure from Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is at that point, when we depend on God, that He gives us the desires of our heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The desire to change, to let it go and let God do it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our desire is Him, and it’s what He gives us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is He who does the changing. It is He who brings those things in our lives that He has promised.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is He who guides us and gives us direction.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I encourage you today, to come to the end of yourself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Teresa</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><o:p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"></o:p></span></span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 13.63636302947998px;">
</span></span></span>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-23284751490673080432012-11-07T11:46:00.003-06:002012-11-07T11:47:30.678-06:00God's Loving Provision<br />
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvY5aA6Ogg7AI8oedhzdebtZVrMzaAMeRlx67eHsL2TvFIkIy-uRuBh749j-LwS_gC0_jIDt8esNmPM8V-ucdv8iHLbRn56InlfLAAJCBYuYPcoZYnZgpYDECUF_UStFVtZZ4qiH0XsUx/s1600/Jehovah+Jireh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvY5aA6Ogg7AI8oedhzdebtZVrMzaAMeRlx67eHsL2TvFIkIy-uRuBh749j-LwS_gC0_jIDt8esNmPM8V-ucdv8iHLbRn56InlfLAAJCBYuYPcoZYnZgpYDECUF_UStFVtZZ4qiH0XsUx/s320/Jehovah+Jireh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was
having a conversation with my neighbor on the topic of how my husband and I
make ends meet. She couldn't understand how we could raise such a large family
on one income with the economy like it is. She was having a hard time just
feeding herself so she just didn't think it was possible.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I'm actually
used to questions like these because we do have such a large family, so my
first thought in how to answer her question was a step by step, detailed list
of how we do things now, and how we always prepare for tight times. As I opened
my mouth to tell her some of those things, God reminded me of the many times </span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">He</b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">
has provided for us.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Like the
time I had been praying to be able to quit my job. We couldn't afford to live
on just Scott's income so I prayed and prayed. Right before I was due to go
back to my job after maternity leave, Scott was offered a 50% raise. Needless
to say, I went in and gave my notice.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Another
time, a few years later Scott's company had massive layoffs. God had prepared
us that entire year for what we knew would be his last there. We didn't even
know about the upcoming cuts, but God did!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I could
keep going because time and time again God has provided for us. Yes, even
through a layoff with seven children at home, God provided.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">As I am
rattling off my standard answers to my neighbor, that still small voice reminds
me of how we have to trust</span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Him</b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> first. Scriptures start coming to my
mind:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hebrews 13:5</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead
of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deuteronomy
31:8</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That
is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food
and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body
more than clothing?</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look
at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your
heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they
are?</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can
all your worries add a single moment to your life?</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they
grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">yet
Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into
the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little
faith?</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink?
What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your
heavenly Father already knows all your needs.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seek
the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you
everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its
own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew
6:25-34</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">While God wants us to be good
stewards and prepare for the seasons ahead, He also wants us to know that it is
He who really provides for us. It is Him who should get all the glory. Yes, we
prepare, but it is Him who is Jehovah Jireh.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">That day I was able to give a
testimony to my neighbor of the faithfulness of God in how He had taken care of
us. I know that in the years many trials have come our way. God has been
faithful every single time. Whether it is from Scott getting extra work, people
bringing over clothes, or God teaching me how to be frugal, we have always had
enough.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, while we plan and while we learn to be better stewards of the money God has
entrusted to us, let us not forget of God's provision. He tells us to trust Him
and not worry, but to seek Him first. He demonstrates His love for us time and
time again by taking care of us no matter what comes our way.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">What are some ways you’ve seen the
hand of God’s provision in your life? Let’s share of God’s goodness today
because I know there are some that could use the encouragement while
they are struggling to trust Him to meet their needs.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">-</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Teresa</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-82365311005324624682012-10-24T09:48:00.000-05:002012-10-24T09:53:30.192-05:00Suffering and God's Grace through it all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD5rYFKJ_Ze3idJfnQ5a9wIbWiyHJM4hyZCtwEyIXPJ4KT-KhqNqzxwkeKd9ejDx6bU_WAnMLFP8mj1NWor0GbSonuyxFxozHT4vEKZe2oTiC0lyscqzJx41S8NxPxiljxOtl0yCJfbyV/s1600/God's+grace+is+enough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD5rYFKJ_Ze3idJfnQ5a9wIbWiyHJM4hyZCtwEyIXPJ4KT-KhqNqzxwkeKd9ejDx6bU_WAnMLFP8mj1NWor0GbSonuyxFxozHT4vEKZe2oTiC0lyscqzJx41S8NxPxiljxOtl0yCJfbyV/s1600/God's+grace+is+enough.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am reading Ann Voskamp's book, "One Thousand Gifts" with the ladies of my church. You can read our blog <a href="http://www.joliblog.org/">here</a>. I was in charge of writing on chapter 5 of the book. It was so good I thought I should share it here.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> To be honest, this was a hard chapter. Reading on grace, suffering in the world, and God’s goodness in all of it reminded me of how I’d struggled with this very thing for so long. I surely don’t have all the answers, but I'd like to discuss a little of what I've learned along the way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I write this, my mind goes directly to a story in the book of the author's son, Levi, breaking his finger in a fan accident. He needed surgery but would recover. It could have been so much worse, but as her mom said, that by“God’s grace”, it wasn’t. At the same time as Levi’s accident there is a Mennonite family that loses their 13 year old son in a farming accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have my own story, as a nurse, when I worked in the NICU. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amanda had triplets that were 24 weeks. They tried for ten years to have babies. I am working fervently to save her little boy. She had already lost her only girl earlier in the week, so I prayed and worked for hours only to have him die too. Before she goes to hold him for the last time she throws herself on me and cries out to God in anguish, </span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“God, please, can’t I just have one baby?! Please</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">don’t take them all!”</span></em></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em>I look at her one surviving son and pray the same thing myself. At that moment I feel my own baby kicking in my womb. She would be our fourth baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What is God’s grace?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Was it God’s grace that Levi was fine and that even though I ended up with 16 weeks of bed-rest, I had a healthy baby girl? </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What then of that Mennonite family and Amanda, who had just lost two out of three of her children?</span> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Was God’s grace not on them as well? </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Is God’s grace only the good that happens in our lives? </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What are the other moments then?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Curses?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many times people struggle to make sense out of things like this. Many become angry and bitter. As Christians it is tricky because we know God loves us and we love Him, but still the questions are there. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Why, God, can’t everybody be healed? Why is there so much pain</span>? Why, God, why?”<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What if our perspective is wrong? </span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann says perspective is how we see things with our eyes.</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> On our own, how we see things are very dim. We are in darkness, actually.</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Word of God is a lens that puts our perspective right. </span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Without God’s Word as a lens, the world warps. </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have to always turn to God and His word to see things how God does.</span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Mg7QpWHHSdPWHGGphMYy2wEvf1fzCHmJGXJNECApUiykwordWiC73REY-SfsLpAgAGGNglfLiv1GXhUJDJzIiYlkRiLLG4eRE3HuwqOAluAOFZFqhtxE4JQ6w03JPorJrJm9eC6Hzw/s1600/eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Mg7QpWHHSdPWHGGphMYy2wEvf1fzCHmJGXJNECApUiykwordWiC73REY-SfsLpAgAGGNglfLiv1GXhUJDJzIiYlkRiLLG4eRE3HuwqOAluAOFZFqhtxE4JQ6w03JPorJrJm9eC6Hzw/s1600/eye.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matthew 6:22-23<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Listen to the words of Job, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” Job 2:10</i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While everyone can easily ask for and accept the good, can we accept the bad as Job did? While no one is eager to suffer, we as Christians have the promise that, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…” Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God uses those dark moments of pain to birth something new. Just as we labor in pain and suffering during childbirth to bring forth a new life. Can we trust God, that He loves us so much that he labors with us to birth grief into greater grace?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann calls this process</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ugly-beautiful. That which is perceived as ugly transfigures into beautiful. The dark can give birth to life; suffering can deliver grace. The God of the Mount of Transfiguration cannot cease His work of transfiguring moments- making all that is dark, evil, and empty into that which is all light, grace, and full.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amanda did take that last baby home. His name was Jonathon which means “God has given” or “Gift of God”. How fitting as God took her pain and began to birth a new beginning with that sweet, baby boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Suffering nourishes grace, and pain and joy are arteries of the same heart.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We need to give thanks for all things at all times because</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All is grace<o:p></o:p></span></em></b></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
<strong> - Teresa</strong></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-86717189482171255862012-10-12T18:07:00.001-05:002012-10-12T18:07:24.619-05:00Battle Scars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNIX94nD1pdyBXxW2gkYcSYViPuJGNnuxrYH1VoKytUknDLDxQWK42wqj99xv6IeAVkDijEpjMjwqfv8VT_9JhMUlnY85seOg-Trxqn-2kMbMvxF24Dn4JXAhwF-D6ECb4F1O9dDanjg9/s1600/Scars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNIX94nD1pdyBXxW2gkYcSYViPuJGNnuxrYH1VoKytUknDLDxQWK42wqj99xv6IeAVkDijEpjMjwqfv8VT_9JhMUlnY85seOg-Trxqn-2kMbMvxF24Dn4JXAhwF-D6ECb4F1O9dDanjg9/s400/Scars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another extra thump in my chest, again, and again. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pins and needles shoot through my body and I start to feel dizzy. Fear paralyzes me as I crumple to the ground.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“Not more of them, God! Why can’t you just take them away? I hate this, this feeling that my heart could just stop beating at any moment! I just want to move on and forget what happened to me.”</em> I yell at God, alone in my bathroom that morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I say this as my thoughts travel once again to that day. My body so swollen that I am almost unrecognizable. My one week old baby lying next to me asleep. My husband sitting next to my hospital bed, his face ashen, his eyes filled with the fear he would never express in words, as we watch </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the monitor. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My heart rate is slowly dropping 35………………32………………….28.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know I am close to death. I can feel it. I can feel the life slowly draining from my body. I try, but I cannot will my heart to beat. I have no choice, with each long pause between beats, to depend on God. To trust Him that He will keep my heart beating. To trust that He will take care of my family should it stop. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is at that moment of remembering, yet again, that God speaks to me.<em> “Those palpitations are battle scars. You have done battle and were wounded, but you are healed. What’s left are just the scars and they will fade over time. The scars you bear help you remember where you have been, what I have done and brought you through.”<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You see, I was looking at my palpitations the wrong way. I thought they were a curse, but they were a blessing. My doctor had even told me they were benign, that my heart was just sensitive from the insult to it. They were evidence that I was alive and healed.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am a nurse so God will often show me spiritual truths using our physical bodies as an example. This is a little of what He showed me about wounds. The physical healing of a wound is a process. It heals from the inside out and forms a scab. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once that scab falls off it </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">leaves a scar. It is a process that takes time. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spiritually and emotionally our healing is a process too, a process that truthfully, many of us don’t want to walk through, but God wants us to walk through it with Him</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. We have all done battle. For some of us it is a physical battle, for others it is inside where no one can see, but God can. He wants us to turn to Him, broken, but completely dependent on Him.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, </strong></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>and I will </strong></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>give you rest. </strong></span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Matthew 11:28<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He wants us to learn to trust Him as He walks with us, as He heals our wounds. </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is all a part of the process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not </strong></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>abandon those who search for you. </strong></span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Psalm 9:10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night, at our church's women event, Night Of Pink, as we were honoring those who had battled breast cancer, my mind once again went back to my own scars and what God had shown me. Once the wound has healed and all that’s left is the scar, the skin where the scar is, is sensitive to the touch but eventually becomes stronger than before. Stronger, but never the same. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spiritually I was walking defeated, paralyzed with fear and anxiety, but all along God had set me free. I just had the scar. The scar that I thought brought me down and kept me in that wounded place, but really brought me power.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Power to live fully, knowing that death did not claim me. Thankful for God’s mercy and faithfulness!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing, you removed my </strong></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>sackcloth and clothed me with joy</strong>. </span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 30:11<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’ll end by sharing a piece of a song by Point of Grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Heal the wound, but leave the scar</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 75%;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A reminder of how merciful you are</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 75%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>I am broken, torn apart, </span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 75%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>Take the pieces of my heart and</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 75%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>Heal the wound but leave the scar”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-Teresa</span></strong>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-25689250963035395652012-04-10T10:34:00.001-05:002012-04-10T10:34:42.615-05:00So I Don't Forget<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdXYmU3asdq3U6S-06BZkoEUw0vTxItPX6aiIcvzNYg0jPoFMqaWnUFDjTIb0rCHYWVLNuw-S2Fv0QFejnynJGjLgth_B5Y84Zu1GOABf6jKO8exlpzqlQQtClUmWOfGd2yWiPmHs5c9r/s1600/bk-fieldnotec-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdXYmU3asdq3U6S-06BZkoEUw0vTxItPX6aiIcvzNYg0jPoFMqaWnUFDjTIb0rCHYWVLNuw-S2Fv0QFejnynJGjLgth_B5Y84Zu1GOABf6jKO8exlpzqlQQtClUmWOfGd2yWiPmHs5c9r/s320/bk-fieldnotec-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I have so much to write about the many things God has been showing me. I want to get it all written down before I start to forget. Don't we do that? God shows us something amazing and we end up forgetting. How many times do I wish I could remember everything He has shown me. I know sometimes something will remind me of a truth I was shown in the past, but as a whole I forget most of the things. Really, I was only encouraged in that moment instead of being able to read back and have my faith built up again and again. <br />
<br />
At my family BBQ this weekend my brother-in-law and I were talking about this very thing. He had a little book that he started keeping to jott things down that he needed to do. What really struck me is that the cover said "Field Journal." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HVQg_OPhWYon1CtM6rdeP1lHn50BwiqjuG3Y85ThWMAOGak-Vip9btOLzFGitH6rsqfBtIw7h5GQ1NOu0ub4xwDV6XKvvxTeEPvdtjrCemqZEP3mwLedkzu25Wmmf8g-aeyNeOw7VqvP/s1600/fieldjournal3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HVQg_OPhWYon1CtM6rdeP1lHn50BwiqjuG3Y85ThWMAOGak-Vip9btOLzFGitH6rsqfBtIw7h5GQ1NOu0ub4xwDV6XKvvxTeEPvdtjrCemqZEP3mwLedkzu25Wmmf8g-aeyNeOw7VqvP/s320/fieldjournal3.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
A field journal, in case you didn't know, is a diary of sorts that scientists write down and even sketch their observations in the field. It is for <strong><u>accurate</u></strong> record keeping. When I was researching field journals, one place said that used over the years and you will be able to see patterns in nature. That got me thinking. I wonder if we did that in our own lives if we would be able to see patterns too. If we accurately recorded everything God has shown us if we would be able to see a pattern of who God is, His very nature. If we would see a pattern of feeling and seeing God all around us, speaking to us in the good times and especially the hard times. If we would see the pattern of God gently leading us down the paths of our life.<br />
<br />
I have kept a journal of sorts for many years, but it has really been for noting my feelings as I walk through something. I now carry a small "field journal" with me to capture even the smallest details God shows me. Including my feelings as I think about Him and His creation. I stand in awe of God and who He is. <br />
<br />
Already I can see how much of an impact it is making and who knows where it may lead. I might have a small inkling though. Try it and see if it doesn't encourage you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-90362728791061515822010-02-28T08:42:00.001-06:002010-02-28T09:50:59.069-06:00Make your own laundry detergent in less than 10 minutes<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192989765052019298" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveXfXvokJnOT_i1a88jrGXIHbLiCsaJBwTzRxIxZCzZkdCB_ffZY9P9QfcliiHwXCBb83c5cO7facW-P_mFUT1sVdnnLXvILdtxDi5VdoDL6Ju6Fhz_qY4UfsO5r7J1jv4OyWeyJ-qXkL/s320/000_1838.jpg" border="0" /><br />I originally posted this in 2008, but thought that I would revisit this little gem since it is time for me to make more detergent. This is a tutorial on how to make the powdered version of laundry soap. I hope to be able to put up pictures of how to make the liquid kind later on today. I prefer the liquid since it lasts longer in this house, but I will whip up a small batch of powdered if I'm in a pinch. No more running to the store just to pick up detergent so I can conquer Mt. Laundry.<br /><br />This is another one of those things that I would have never thought I could do until I saw it on a website I visited. It looked really easy and inexpensive. If it's easy and cheap and works well, then I'm all for it.<br /><br />I have seen a few laundry detergent tutorials out there, but none for the powdered version. My girls are the one who really wanted to do this tutorial. This was their first time making detergent. They were 14 and 12 at the time. So, as you can see, it is so simple that even a child could do it.<br /><br /><strong><em>To start with you'll need 3 ingredients:</em></strong><br /><ul><li>Borax - 1 cup<br /></li><br /><li>Washing Soda - 1 cup<br /></li><br /><li>A laundry soap bar--->Fels Naptha or Zote - 1 cup<br /></li></ul><p>Many people have said that they have had a hard time finding the washing soda or the Fels Naptha. The easiest way to find Fels Naptha is to go to <a href="http://www.dialcorp.com/storelocator/storeloc2.cfm">this website</a>. Under brand you click on laundry care and under item click on Fels Naptha. Then you can type in your zip code. It will tell you all of the stores around you that carry it. </p><p>To find the washing soda call this number. 1-800-524-1328. It is a recording that will give you a list of stores that carry washing soda in your area. </p><p><strong><em>What to do:</em></strong><br /><br />1. Measure out 1 cup of Borax and put into a bowl<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193008108857340530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk96U8N51RbNGb270ftwYp0gOpOp3Zefv4k9COBo9du2qYYHaWiGEfcXp5fDdzkRbUosQXbTb6YzKKW4QISa_4osBt3UTUdDut_5E_0l8vXDsXthaqU4dSnLozN3oFxA51daP-PBEi9r4o/s200/000_0044.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>2. Measure out 1 cup of washing soda and put into a bowl<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193008366555378306" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD5RBpcc9nRUHRGEKpODqR9Pd8lgTcpdWRxo8f-LEHqhl78bzv7nVdShyphenhyphen3Pe20LLHMRI9EwyPJPOjnBY0dHRNMsurr57M7nB7CIgnDmRzA-6VFdR-frsY_2vs0cCi8fbILnqxD6S4QJHc/s200/000_0046.jpg" border="0" /><br />3. Grate 1 cup of the soap bar. Add to bowl with Borax and washing soda. I am using Zote this time. I usually use Fels Naptha, but found this at my Super Target and thought I would try it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZyYHbf1K2U0Sjkm9La8x9x8C7PKSgNpu_wF62jfa1gFZGkqUVnGtV8j8pIeTMWHNPBwFqZz4PYvm9xyMeXf6kVzoRop2sqVyfnzu1hLluPrQf241tyMq-F-9ztB-R3yGmvx4iwrF13eX/s1600-h/000_0047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193008684382958226" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZyYHbf1K2U0Sjkm9La8x9x8C7PKSgNpu_wF62jfa1gFZGkqUVnGtV8j8pIeTMWHNPBwFqZz4PYvm9xyMeXf6kVzoRop2sqVyfnzu1hLluPrQf241tyMq-F-9ztB-R3yGmvx4iwrF13eX/s200/000_0047.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pcV73valelhSby39WhrR24AWFdFMjWDTuEtyMA8g9uYTRfe_WBzZtdstgRudrm-AEp0m_2i0lTY_Cq3Ncr7Pw5lD5UoEVU1bavkkKrdkznmVUtus3ZpTDQiu-3lopbTtWjs8mwHT34pn/s1600-h/000_0048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193009036570276514" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pcV73valelhSby39WhrR24AWFdFMjWDTuEtyMA8g9uYTRfe_WBzZtdstgRudrm-AEp0m_2i0lTY_Cq3Ncr7Pw5lD5UoEVU1bavkkKrdkznmVUtus3ZpTDQiu-3lopbTtWjs8mwHT34pn/s200/000_0048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4. Mix well<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193009315743150770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo7ZEdPQq1eC0pOkXM_FUm-tA46XdipzJGI4Y3FkaXM8BVm3swH095a_gsRqZZqHr1Y_jYnGpajnEpB9xeqJp1CtIAXObXcpbljcu8BXTw5TBC8ByHDKPJ8I9_mhGeZgIgpAwLqhCnjNe/s200/000_0051.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>5. Put in storage container---> In this case we are using an old cool whip container<br /><br />6. Use 1 Tbsp per load.<br /><br />That's it. It's as easy as that. It only cost me pennies per load. A very frugal alternative to store bought detergent. It works well too. If I have a really dirty load I will up the amount I use by a small amount. I know that people use Oxyclean also. Have you made your own laundry detergent? What did you think?<br /></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Pictures of making this version later!</span><br /><em></em></p><p><strong><em><u>Liquid Detergent:</u></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />Washing soda 1/2 cup<br />Borax 1/2 cup<br />Bar of laundry soap 1/2 bar (Fels Naptha or Zote)<br />Bucket<br />4 cups of hot water in large bowl<br /><br /><em>Directions:</em><br />Grate soap and put in a large saucepan. Add 6 cups water and heat until soap melts. About 15-20 minutes. Add washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour the 4 cups of really hot water into your bucket. Add soap mixture and stir. Next, add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let soap sit for 24 hours before using so that it gels. Use 1/2 cup per load. If you are using a front loader use less than this. </p><p>Now, sometimes I add just a tad more soda and borax than the recipe calls for. In the summer is when I do this more as the children get dirtier. I put mine in a 2 gallon bucket with a lid. It fits on my shelf better. One more thing. As the detergent is gelling overnight, we take a hand immersion blender or my husband takes his drill with a paint stirrer attachment and will mix it up a few times. I find it just holds together better. Now, it will separate sometimes, but just mix it up before you use it!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a></p>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-42298445749624298812010-02-18T14:38:00.003-06:002010-02-18T14:55:09.595-06:00Baking Day (part 2)After a quick cleanup of the morning mess and a nice lunch we got back to work making our sweeter items. Mainly things that didn't need time to rise. I didn't get nearly the amount of pictures in the afternoon because my photographer wanted to cook instead, but here are a few we managed to get.<br /><br />We made a double batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, a double batch of apple cinnamon muffins, a loaf of banana bread (that was part of Faith's 4-H project book), packed 10 cups of homemade chicken broth that I had simmering all night in the crock pot, cooked up some ground beef and packaged it, fed my sourdough starter, started another 2 jars of buttermilk, and finally started a batch of crock pot yogurt.<br /><br />Here are the pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. My daughters made them for the first time, (usually I do it). They were great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNeoQcHo-XoYX_1n4FCZzmtMgCDrGjpMoQU-3IQq-5gnmEl98SxV5_39pNzs3G6y04D2E6OGI3i6u35bvXtb_gcaqC0AXeP6ZcFC5XBxa-mNsnLGuk7Q3ae_Ut1zluww7audQamSuqmHn/s1600-h/pumpkin+muffins+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNeoQcHo-XoYX_1n4FCZzmtMgCDrGjpMoQU-3IQq-5gnmEl98SxV5_39pNzs3G6y04D2E6OGI3i6u35bvXtb_gcaqC0AXeP6ZcFC5XBxa-mNsnLGuk7Q3ae_Ut1zluww7audQamSuqmHn/s400/pumpkin+muffins+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439654792489209890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here I am feeding my sourdough starter. It is 6 months old now and is really healthy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPJhoOB3OnxgTQDktLLVV65MA2VXDeS3h64F2dbQ_ZMZXO6uyKDQyEd3L3_NEDuCRMa9Ncan92Azm9FOtifOxSSF8VgRVCP51ORPHPZfgzqcOpQDDL7Ps6pDFXfZnELuUD7bp1m3pR3Fc/s1600-h/restarting+sourdough+bread.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPJhoOB3OnxgTQDktLLVV65MA2VXDeS3h64F2dbQ_ZMZXO6uyKDQyEd3L3_NEDuCRMa9Ncan92Azm9FOtifOxSSF8VgRVCP51ORPHPZfgzqcOpQDDL7Ps6pDFXfZnELuUD7bp1m3pR3Fc/s400/restarting+sourdough+bread.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439685331867623138" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, the finished result. We did not get a picture of the apple cinnamon muffins in here because they were still in the oven and the beef which was browning at the time. Also missing are the 2 jars of buttermilk, which were put away in the cabinet to do their thing overnight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9m1bqKC3pQLsCBkscGFknNyEj05hSzlULuFLB7biVD9_K53v-wGFiI8kDT0rT_hmFISb6sqBOgmRfhFucUaKtfDM8Hf1PhBs0qYj2kPPBSFH0634FcbJMN0uvSd1WsWoPnn1vgybwDM/s1600-h/finish+result+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9m1bqKC3pQLsCBkscGFknNyEj05hSzlULuFLB7biVD9_K53v-wGFiI8kDT0rT_hmFISb6sqBOgmRfhFucUaKtfDM8Hf1PhBs0qYj2kPPBSFH0634FcbJMN0uvSd1WsWoPnn1vgybwDM/s400/finish+result+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439685765881936882" border="0" /></a><br />One final picture of most of what we did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8Yi6FOwM9NXYEW5so9zgIsYwwIJNcoSs3woomqSWerIZMKh2MQSB2CCcrzeS0POh7Bnre3ToH4iENjbTwmPl-G_zECVeqP-3LFslWH2r1GBiQI8AlDJNunr0c-TKXf9JgO-GEYVD0_8Q/s1600-h/finish+result+fixed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8Yi6FOwM9NXYEW5so9zgIsYwwIJNcoSs3woomqSWerIZMKh2MQSB2CCcrzeS0POh7Bnre3ToH4iENjbTwmPl-G_zECVeqP-3LFslWH2r1GBiQI8AlDJNunr0c-TKXf9JgO-GEYVD0_8Q/s400/finish+result+fixed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439688126610889234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-88372721900361230362010-02-18T08:38:00.000-06:002010-02-18T08:55:59.455-06:00Baking day (part 1)Well, baking day was a success! We are some tired gals I tell ya. We took lots of pictures, but they will have to wait till tomorrow because we are going to put our feet up and have a big glass of sweet tea.<br /><br />Here are the promised pictures of what we did in the morning before lunch. We made 2 loaves of honey wheat bread, one loaf of sourdough bread, a double batch of waffles and a triple batch of pancakes.<br /><br />I first started making by making 2 loaves of honey wheat bread.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30Ayb4Wj6Sobrv3Ua_N_aQ17qMPduUlYyTEPwWE0pHfg9cLgBhCii4aV2Aw-KZKhcvT179-Fuo4rKNS0Gl3uLY1nLt7_SIfv48wKDZhyrz42GfGXNAVM4JMgVTKKaqai0KqB_JDPjpPof/s1600-h/honey+wheat+bread.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30Ayb4Wj6Sobrv3Ua_N_aQ17qMPduUlYyTEPwWE0pHfg9cLgBhCii4aV2Aw-KZKhcvT179-Fuo4rKNS0Gl3uLY1nLt7_SIfv48wKDZhyrz42GfGXNAVM4JMgVTKKaqai0KqB_JDPjpPof/s400/honey+wheat+bread.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439579400179865890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I do it all by hand. For a long time i've wanted a Bosch mixer, but God showed me something. Every time I knead my bread I am either praying or singing worship songs. It is just one of the ways I take moments to spend with the Lord in my day. So now I love kneading my bread by hand. It is very calming and satisfying to me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vwjF0wINyplEKpK7uL1kGkGytlc3VY3T4SxSkmYfDXsuknF_FYkJV7pqIj-eZs0dH7X-qV5yeqxKRzly9VvL1L91ATqCbndUceb_Y2bSJIi1_y_sWvRocKCyuGGzn8-hyuT56r-zi03s/s1600-h/honey+wheat+bread+4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vwjF0wINyplEKpK7uL1kGkGytlc3VY3T4SxSkmYfDXsuknF_FYkJV7pqIj-eZs0dH7X-qV5yeqxKRzly9VvL1L91ATqCbndUceb_Y2bSJIi1_y_sWvRocKCyuGGzn8-hyuT56r-zi03s/s400/honey+wheat+bread+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439579092132031362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My daughter loves this picture that she took of me adding more flour while kneading.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwp7Ms8Risx64gS-Q7h1ASuLO31UN-ykfdklB2aBWKc4lHUxVGT4uz1xB4pdBQvWBnMw2xsp3-Av-vtW2T3lHkt4Rv2sa3TDySOBnHAeK4YkdsUo5q5ij_sXJyF_nGtiSsThypum5Bn8F/s1600-h/honey+wheat+bread+6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwp7Ms8Risx64gS-Q7h1ASuLO31UN-ykfdklB2aBWKc4lHUxVGT4uz1xB4pdBQvWBnMw2xsp3-Av-vtW2T3lHkt4Rv2sa3TDySOBnHAeK4YkdsUo5q5ij_sXJyF_nGtiSsThypum5Bn8F/s400/honey+wheat+bread+6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439579932728790482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The final product, after kneading and ready to rise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxL5jh0cNQ_cRp8JWkmwP67vfU60jyZv7zVzOgTs-elaKw6gt2MRAKRSETsVO8Z49fqMVqiBrpJ3CchgKMvA32OkxhVHHNdm122Tkw_AGolfkRpkpKhga1M9Y-fLGlGKD5Hka3cOYOYhb/s1600-h/honey+wheat+bread+8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxL5jh0cNQ_cRp8JWkmwP67vfU60jyZv7zVzOgTs-elaKw6gt2MRAKRSETsVO8Z49fqMVqiBrpJ3CchgKMvA32OkxhVHHNdm122Tkw_AGolfkRpkpKhga1M9Y-fLGlGKD5Hka3cOYOYhb/s400/honey+wheat+bread+8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439580368074622242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the first rise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaLtMM7QoXA32DgTUfL_CZhsiyyaeTjXPeB6Va0gwmreIDK1VAa8vOLgo-n37I6FbMl55fZ94zpBoHWvnwoY9qiVroJhtRc9NU_kklMSLXhlSR3YoLkMp_gsyQ4FwGhiCsuefwRUnTVAn/s1600-h/honey+wheat+bread+9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaLtMM7QoXA32DgTUfL_CZhsiyyaeTjXPeB6Va0gwmreIDK1VAa8vOLgo-n37I6FbMl55fZ94zpBoHWvnwoY9qiVroJhtRc9NU_kklMSLXhlSR3YoLkMp_gsyQ4FwGhiCsuefwRUnTVAn/s400/honey+wheat+bread+9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439580970646105554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is me kneading my sourdough bread. It is a quick rise white sourdough. I don't usually do a white sourdough, but we wanted something like a hearty french bread to eat with our stew. It was delicious!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpN3wXOVvTPawsrMizwp1GoY8ZQ5X25-V_21VzkGZ0LqH-WEiu7ebHttO1lFdm5vVPAXtcfsvdzGrw4GK26Xbi_83fSqj3ag4ZHRk-b_V9ZKEXEodUQiTcsCA28sEZfDzFAjbPyNFpTzJ/s1600-h/sourdough+bread+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpN3wXOVvTPawsrMizwp1GoY8ZQ5X25-V_21VzkGZ0LqH-WEiu7ebHttO1lFdm5vVPAXtcfsvdzGrw4GK26Xbi_83fSqj3ag4ZHRk-b_V9ZKEXEodUQiTcsCA28sEZfDzFAjbPyNFpTzJ/s400/sourdough+bread+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439581707345881522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, it's not a true white since my starter is made with wheat and spelt flour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzzb3VOtgJDXWIq-fHtPYrQonc_-yVTug6zAwavtPSHfgpb9HbZoU0SrIpQVRM0-9Ens2k_UU-mcBpVlQLFn_up574koasOApkxEF1mGvIaiyu7BE__1yxyLYTs-idQEcsELf0mZoe9aK/s1600-h/sourdough+bread+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzzb3VOtgJDXWIq-fHtPYrQonc_-yVTug6zAwavtPSHfgpb9HbZoU0SrIpQVRM0-9Ens2k_UU-mcBpVlQLFn_up574koasOApkxEF1mGvIaiyu7BE__1yxyLYTs-idQEcsELf0mZoe9aK/s400/sourdough+bread+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439586934356665282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it pretty when it's risen?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTuGXwywoSsCRVc700T3xwjNOM6Qc5yBsl5BG8faSXTNgQKhzFn8NpStqa3xldPU0HBsR0e7R77hDSlC63zYA8PKpbseZz-Ql4q86Oka-u0WvCwS5gxyYH8d-rUTf7pw5QHKwsAn9gVr2/s1600-h/sourdough+bread+5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTuGXwywoSsCRVc700T3xwjNOM6Qc5yBsl5BG8faSXTNgQKhzFn8NpStqa3xldPU0HBsR0e7R77hDSlC63zYA8PKpbseZz-Ql4q86Oka-u0WvCwS5gxyYH8d-rUTf7pw5QHKwsAn9gVr2/s400/sourdough+bread+5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439587376311328114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Second rise done and ready to be put into the oven. We didn't get pictures of the final breads until the shot of all that we did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oiY3du8OSDEsQoyBRRZ5FfkwUYPqIKYRvJG9acAqQTC6SnwbFCynyfdmdm6ZNCHRPwLLzF6BJftyVNYspLSIqKtBM4mnj_oJVdCTD1mdk1xEoBqRXRlXLOqB4qAt2rFpRqVv7Wx9TvM2/s1600-h/sourdough+bread+7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oiY3du8OSDEsQoyBRRZ5FfkwUYPqIKYRvJG9acAqQTC6SnwbFCynyfdmdm6ZNCHRPwLLzF6BJftyVNYspLSIqKtBM4mnj_oJVdCTD1mdk1xEoBqRXRlXLOqB4qAt2rFpRqVv7Wx9TvM2/s400/sourdough+bread+7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439587681462378290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are two of my lovely helpers that are making the whole wheat buttermilk pancakes. That is my own cultured buttermilk that I make.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKilwuZlelLzkuNW6XbputA1sf5I_RhUUesWdXSFE3G_DwVdsAAT-aAWFxzNH23CzRWKIrC1-GuOXqJC4gBOFw9KupR7U2ZaopO59-Uzh1RQu7ePHV-8OezFFh89txZWlr1Ov74YljWzlG/s1600-h/wheat+pancakes.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKilwuZlelLzkuNW6XbputA1sf5I_RhUUesWdXSFE3G_DwVdsAAT-aAWFxzNH23CzRWKIrC1-GuOXqJC4gBOFw9KupR7U2ZaopO59-Uzh1RQu7ePHV-8OezFFh89txZWlr1Ov74YljWzlG/s400/wheat+pancakes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439588181942706482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Starting the whole wheat buttermilk waffles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL4o3wuXTamjIV15d1UJm5HgjqBjPWZm0XTLNPcQPwNXMwdPcV0ThiP8Ts2kBhuhhf-Q0J6iutIja72iZ1MiyUcgktCgUK2D6fGSt3W2iE_OzRClXZbRB0n2lPIedgbQbD0uVq6Y5dcrz/s1600-h/wheat+walffles+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL4o3wuXTamjIV15d1UJm5HgjqBjPWZm0XTLNPcQPwNXMwdPcV0ThiP8Ts2kBhuhhf-Q0J6iutIja72iZ1MiyUcgktCgUK2D6fGSt3W2iE_OzRClXZbRB0n2lPIedgbQbD0uVq6Y5dcrz/s400/wheat+walffles+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439588794380903810" border="0" /></a><br />Part two will come this afternoon. It's time for our school day to begin. Hope you enjoy a glimpse into our kitchen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-47466726611141042512010-02-15T20:13:00.004-06:002010-02-28T08:51:45.768-06:00Weekly Menu:Weekly Menu Plan:<br /><br />Back in the day when I used to blog pretty regularly I participated in Menu Planning Monday. I have actually had quite a few people over the last year or so ask if I would ever put my menus with the cost up again. So, here is my menu that was right at $95.00. (Lisa, if you see this, this is for you!)<br /><br /><div><em><strong>Breakfast:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Waffles and fruit<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Baked oatmeal<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Muffins and sausage<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Eggs and biscuits or Baked french toast made with homemade whole wheat sourdough<br />Friday: Pancakes and fruit<br /><em>Saturday:</em> Eggs, hash browns, and a meat<br /><em>Sunday:</em> Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /></div><br /><div><em><strong>Lunch:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Homemade piggies in a blanket and a veggie<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Sandwiches and a veggie<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Homemade macaroni and cheese, carrots sticks and sliced apples<br /><em>Thursday:</em> sandwiches and fruit<br /><em>Friday:</em> Baked sweet potatoes and broccoli cheese soup<br /><em>Sat and Sun:</em> We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /></div><br /><em><strong>Snacks:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Banana bread<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Fruit<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Veggie and cheese tray<br /><em>Friday:</em> Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span></span><br />Crockpot chicken<br />Carrots, celery, onions<br />Sweet potato casserole<br />Garlic bread<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span></span><br />Beef stew<br />Homemade sourdough bread<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span></span><br />3-cheese baked spaghetti<br />Salad<br />Garlic bread<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span></span><br />Chicken and stuffing<br />Corn<br />Salad<br />Pumpkin rolls<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span></span><br />Homemade pepperoni and cheese pizza<br />Homemade bread sticks<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span></span><br />Tatertot casserole<br />Green Beans<br />Salad<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span></span><br />Baked ham<br />Mashed potatoes<br />Broccoli and cheese sauce<br />Dinner rolls<br /><br />Tomorrow we are having a baking day. The schools are out for Mardi Gras, so I figured the kids could have a day off too. Hopefully we'll get lots of pictures up. My oldest is begging to put her new camera to good use.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" style="border: medium none ; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-23676945984906020912008-10-08T09:25:00.004-05:002008-10-08T10:10:04.670-05:00The blessings of teens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_sED4Y4fpXRkME5-EhJU76cLZnVYgBh4g2UA1x3Tt9fSBEx3ExyHZW9EKXsTjvkBUGpuzQjx9EqZHydn2iMD7lSQ7oQSM-r8OLw7S0SutKMVo0rYfQAsnboqR92CuhW-b7b9s7Ye6tSz/s1600-h/cascade.jpg"></a>I just want to take a little time to give some props to my two oldest daughters.They are such blessings to me. Not just because they help around the house, because truth be told, with one of them I have get a cattle prod after her to get her to help at times. It is the relationship that we have that is a blessing. It is watching them blossoming into the young ladies that they are now that is a blessing. It is the honor that they bring to our family that is the blessing.<br /><br />Many times over the years i'd get nervous thinking about parenting during the teenage years. I didn't exactly have the best relationship with my own parents as a teen. They still claim that I am the one that gave them gray hairs. Now I wasn't THAT bad, but it was rough for quite a few years.<br /><br />With our own children, we have always been told that we have great kids in one sentence, just to be warned in the next that one day they'd be teenagers. Of course every teenager rebels and gives their parents trouble, right? At least it seems that many people think this way.<br /><br />Scott and I have stayed up many a night talking about this, praying for our children and the wisdom to do what was right in raising them. We wanted it to be different in our family, (what family doesn't)? Not that we don't ever expect them to make a mistake. We just want to maintain a strong enough relationship to guide them through these years that lead to adulthood.<br /><br />Although we are not all the way through the teen years and we still have many teens left to raise, I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying these years. All the years of training and teaching are really starting to show through.<br /><br />One of the greatest moments was when I heard one of them repeating something that i'd taught them years ago to the little ones. I immediately thought, "Thankyou, Jesus. They actually were listening!" I am blessed indeed.<br /><br />I just wanted to share a picture of my family. It is from Mother's day. I am hugely pregnant with Anna still in this picture, but it is all of us.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254797112310789410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKABzzgN-pzXNb9RmZ7wB0guoL8LwrLq414-wjqeGh32TCHFa8LgSNVb2TjXbjeQbLJqX6OZNq7-5b3O_2OjLOfamF56L_QDcSTLHyz_ogC9fywfMZaBqJgKw08MzlnVrkVgY5U4vjFnGV/s320/101_0137.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-29892593862434756672008-09-29T18:14:00.006-05:002008-09-30T00:15:48.346-05:00Menu Planning Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJay3Ajt0v47EPlZT3KsYb-jXZe3xhsVOq86Iyu8b2s10A6Gs5KUHyFiT-CXja-1ULR25alVTfXBZUIbzbndnq7PewsGahukupvxw-1IkpQodfP6ydofjNoowGaI1ySpCViGIpq64Mu2C/s1600-h/mpmfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251592518429363570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJay3Ajt0v47EPlZT3KsYb-jXZe3xhsVOq86Iyu8b2s10A6Gs5KUHyFiT-CXja-1ULR25alVTfXBZUIbzbndnq7PewsGahukupvxw-1IkpQodfP6ydofjNoowGaI1ySpCViGIpq64Mu2C/s320/mpmfall.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm a little late in getting this posted, but better late than never! This menu cost me right at about $80.00. My weekly budget is $75.00 for our family of 9. Remember though, I was had to completely buy all new meat due to the hurricane that came through. It's ok though since I still had leftover money from my previous budgets.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><em>Breakfast:</em></strong> </div><div>Monday: Waffles and fruit </div><div>Tuesday: Baked oatmeal </div><div>Wednesday: Muffins and sausage </div><div>Thursday: Eggs and biscuits </div><div>Friday: Pancakes and fruit </div><div>Saturday: Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat </div><div>Sunday: Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /></div><br /><div><strong><em>Lunch:</em></strong> </div><div>Monday: Grilled hot dogs, homemade mac & cheese, and a veggie </div><div>Tuesday: Sandwiches and a veggie</div><div>Wednesday: Soup and crackers </div><div>Thursday: Fried ham, mashed potatoes, and a veggie </div><div>Friday: Baked potatoes and vegetable plate </div><div>Sat and Sun: We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /></div><br /><div><strong><em>Snacks:</em></strong> </div><div>Monday: Banana bread </div><div>Tuesday: Fruit </div><div>Wednesday: Homemade cookies </div><div>Thursday: Veggie and cheese tray </div><div>Friday: Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey<br /></div><br /><div><strong><em>Dinner:</em></strong> </div><div><em>Monday:</em> </div><div>Teriyaki chicken</div><div>Eggrolls</div><div>Fried rice<br /></div><br /><div><em>Tuesday:</em> </div><div>Mini meatloaf patties<br />Braised radishes</div><div>Cheesy cauliflower casserole</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Wednesday:--->It's supposed to be cooler, I can't wait!</em> </div><div>Homemade chili</div><div>Cornbread</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Thursday:</em> </div><div>Crockpot ribs</div><div>Mashed potatoes</div><div>Corn<br /></div><br /><div><em>Friday:<br /></em>Homemade pizza</div><div>Breadsticks</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Saturday:</em> </div><div>Smothered pork chops</div><div>Rice and gravy </div><div>Green beans</div><div>Yeast rolls<br /></div><br /><div><em>Sunday:--->Olive Garden night! I got the recipes from copycat recipes. It tastes exactly like the real thing!</em></div><div>Blackened chicken alfredo</div><div>Tuscana soup </div><div>Breadsticks</div><div></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Olive Garden alfredo sauce:</span></em></strong></div><div><em>Ingredients:</em></div><div>1 pint of Heavy Cream </div><div>1 stick of butter </div><div>2 Tbsp. Cream Cheese </div><div>1/2 - 3/4 C. Parmesan cheese </div><div>1 tsp. Garlic powder </div><div></div><div><em>Directions:</em></div><div>In a saucepan combine butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Simmer this until all is melted, and mixed well. Add the Parmesan cheese and Garlic powder. Simmer this for 15 - 20 minutes on low. You may wish to season with a little salt and pepper. I have done this with half and half, but we prefer the heavy cream. But I wouldn't try it with plain milk. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Olive Garden zuppa tuscana soup:</span></em></strong></div><div><em>Ingredients:</em></div><div>1 lb. Italian Sausage</div><div>2 large Russet Baking Potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices</div><div>1 large Onion, chopped</div><div>1/2 package Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Bits or 6 slices bacon, crumbled</div><div>2 cloves garlic minced</div><div>2 C. Kale or Swiss chard chopped</div><div>2 cans Chicken Broth</div><div>1 qt. Water</div><div>1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream</div><div>1/2 tsp fennel seed</div><div></div><div><em>Directions:</em></div><div>Brown sausage in large pot. Place in bowl and put off to side after done cooking. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. Add sausage, bacon, salt, and pepper to taste, and fennel seed and simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn to low heat, add kale and cream. Heat through and serve. Please don't skip the fennel seed. It is what really makes the dish turn out just like the real thing!</div><br /><div></div><div>For more great menu ideas, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/09/menu-plan-monday-sept-29th-giveaway.html">Menu Planning Mondays</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/5328E3D128992649E599608B120048CE.png" /></a> </div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-12663113534876688712008-09-22T15:16:00.015-05:002008-09-22T22:23:06.698-05:00Menu Planning Monday:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj5c2s4rzLrcCl9t2I6_Wq8IBofk70fTz9sw_5A1wQmdE6GMyoH8K6hiy6Zqe-q3BgHHo002FXk4eJfHX4CUlgEnOtaWz0NH6OQW7soSn8_HO2x0VTY225x2j3uwBMqgmfQYzy23I6xoi/s1600-h/mpmhappy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248954396969582674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj5c2s4rzLrcCl9t2I6_Wq8IBofk70fTz9sw_5A1wQmdE6GMyoH8K6hiy6Zqe-q3BgHHo002FXk4eJfHX4CUlgEnOtaWz0NH6OQW7soSn8_HO2x0VTY225x2j3uwBMqgmfQYzy23I6xoi/s320/mpmhappy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I actually planned a menu this week! I don't know if the motivation for it is because I have a class to teach on menu planning and budgeting this week, or if it's because i'm just so ready to get back to normal life again. I normally have a budget of $75.00 per week for my family of 9. This weeks menu cost $100.00 since I was out of so many things. </div><div>So maybe this week isn't as frugal as usual but don't worry, i'm still on budget since I had leftover money from previous weeks. I am also still stockpiling a few things that I have coupons for. I have enough bottles of salad dressing to last the rest of the year or more. I was out of anything that wasn't perishable because of the hurricane so that's why it's a bit more this time. </div><br /><div>I do have to say that it is so nice to eat cooked food again. We are all so tired of sandwiches here. You just have no clue. </div><br /><div><em><strong>Breakfast:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Waffles and fruit<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Baked oatmeal<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Muffins and sausage<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Eggs and biscuits<br />Friday: Pancakes and fruit<br /><em>Saturday:</em> Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat<br /><em>Sunday:</em> Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /></div><br /><div><em><strong>Lunch:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Grilled hot dogs, homemade mac & cheese, and a veggie<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Sandwiches and a veggie--->sorry kids!<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Soup and crackers<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Fried ham, mashed potatoes, and a veggie<br /><em>Friday:</em> Baked potatoes and vegetable plate<br /><em>Sat and Sun:</em> We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /></div><br /><div><em><strong>Snacks:<br /></strong>Monday:</em> Banana bread<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Fruit<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Homemade cookies<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Veggie and cheese tray<br /><em>Friday:</em> Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey<br /></div><br /><div><em><strong>Dinner:<br /></strong>Monday:<br /></em>Crockpot chicken--->recipe below!</div><div>Rice pilaf</div><div>Corn on the cob<br /></div><br /><div><em>Tuesday:<br /></em>Baked tilapia</div><div>Butter and garlic green beans</div><div>Salad</div><br /><div><em>Wednesday:</em><br />Mexican bar night--->we have tacos, burritos, enchiladas, mexican rice, refried beans. Everyone just chooses what they want.</div><br /><div><em>Thursday:</em><br />Family syle chicken</div><div>Roasted squash and zucchini</div><div>Yeast rolls</div><br /><div><em>Friday:</em></div><div>Baked italian sausage and peppers</div><div>Green beans</div><div>Twisted breadsticks</div><br /><div><em>Saturday:</em><br />BLT's</div><div>French fries<br /></div><br /><div><em>Sunday:--->one of our favorites! I can give recipes if you'd like.<br /></em>Mini meatloaf patties with mushroom gravy </div><div>Braised radishes</div><div>Cheesy cauliflower casserole</div><br /><div>One of my easiest recipes that I cook on a busy day is crockpot chicken. It only takes about 5 minutes to get started and everyone here loves it. I used to make it without the thyme and rosemary, but it has made it so much better since we started adding these herbs. We use dried herbs out of our garden, but you can use fresh also if you'd like.</div><br /><div><strong><em>Crockpot Chicken:</em></strong></div><div>1 whole chicken 3-4 lbs</div><div>1 can cream of mushroom soup</div><div>1 can cream of chicken soup</div><div>1 can of water</div><div>salt and pepper</div><div>garlic powder</div><div>Thyme</div><div>Rosemary</div><br /><div><em>Directions:</em></div><div>Put chicken in crockpot. Add canned soups and water, mix as well as you can. Season top of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. I just eye it. I might use about 1 tsp of each. Cook on high for about 6 hours or until done. I usually debone it after it's done cooking since I have little ones. </div><br />For more great menu ideas, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/09/menu-plan-monday-sept-22nd.html">Menu Planning Mondays</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/299/20A6E8A55A9FDF1E72EAC060230831A8.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-41989419285817020262008-07-28T08:35:00.006-05:002008-07-28T09:49:05.594-05:00Menu Planning Monday: Using my stockpile!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk2UDf5dnzc4_ssZtx4U3Qchc5ID4S2nFZuFsf9bOx4F0Ry1woGwseD-V9cGV7wvUGEXnbf4rPeD13w9Qxju0CH5hRUJpIYcNM4H3Lcc9qFMCGcMWR9vFKkRTOT0UdzRssMQV7yORBumn/s1600-h/mpm1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228071059069470098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk2UDf5dnzc4_ssZtx4U3Qchc5ID4S2nFZuFsf9bOx4F0Ry1woGwseD-V9cGV7wvUGEXnbf4rPeD13w9Qxju0CH5hRUJpIYcNM4H3Lcc9qFMCGcMWR9vFKkRTOT0UdzRssMQV7yORBumn/s320/mpm1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>From doing a bit of stockpiling the last week or two I am able to do this menu almost completely for nothing. I did have to buy a bit of meat(only because my freezer went out and I lost my chicken), and of course fresh fruits, veggies, and milk. This menu was just a little over $30.00. Since my budget is $75.00 a week, that leaves me about $45.00 to stock up even more with all the great grocery sales. You can see a few of the deals i've been getting <a href="http://alifeathome.blogspot.com/2008/07/great-deals-at-target-and-albertsons.html">here</a>. </div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Breakfast:</strong></div><div>Monday: Waffles and fruit</div><div>Tuesday: Baked oatmeal</div><div>Wednesday: Muffins and sausage</div><div>Thursday: eggs and biscuits</div><div>Friday: Pancakes and fruit</div><div>Saturday: Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat</div><div>Sunday: Country ham and gravy over biscuits</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Lunch:</strong></div><div>Monday: Grilled hot dogs, homemade mac & cheese, and a veggie</div><div>Tuesday: Sandwiches and a veggie</div><div>Wednesday: Grilled chicken salad</div><div>Thursday: Grilled cheese sandwiches and fruit</div><div>Friday: Baked potatoes and vegetable plate</div><div>Sat and Sun: We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Snacks:</strong></div><div>Monday: Banana bread</div><div>Tuesday: Fruit</div><div>Wednesday: Homemade cookies</div><div>Thursday: Veggie and cheese tray</div><div>Friday: Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Dinner:</strong></div><div><em>Monday:</em></div><div>Chicken and stuffing</div><div>Corn </div><div>Yeast rolls<br /><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Tuesday:</em></div><div>Sloppy joes</div><div>Coleslaw</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Wednesday:</em></div><div>Chili cheese enchiladas</div><div>Mexican rice</div><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Thursday:</em></div><div>Chicken and stuffing<br />Corn<br />Yeast rolls</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Friday:</em><br />Pizza<br />Cheese bread</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Saturday:</em> </div><div>BBQ at my sisters house<br /></div><br /><div><em>Sunday:</em></div><div>Roast </div><div>Potatoes and carrots</div><div>Salad</div><br /><div></div><div>For more great menu ideas, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/06/menu-plan-monday-june-9th.html">Menu Planning Mondays</a>.</div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-2965100908853701092008-07-20T21:36:00.008-05:002008-07-20T23:39:42.845-05:00Menu Planning Monday: Building my stockpile!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT4wlaJIh8EOR75P0R6JS_vc7y1sKVgjK06yXOhlJPlFRtla4GK5UvHUr8_ePyd5kClCynarG5jMNFU19c78cnIG9qFwFdO2Y3H5BErzp3NjcECSSQyPMLwsk4EcFl8pyCo2IY6PxaO7s/s1600-h/mpmhappy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225321098229138690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT4wlaJIh8EOR75P0R6JS_vc7y1sKVgjK06yXOhlJPlFRtla4GK5UvHUr8_ePyd5kClCynarG5jMNFU19c78cnIG9qFwFdO2Y3H5BErzp3NjcECSSQyPMLwsk4EcFl8pyCo2IY6PxaO7s/s320/mpmhappy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Life since the baby has come has been full, but I am slowly getting back in the swing of things. I have fianlly been able to take advantage of some of the sales again so I am getting my stockpile back up. Because of that I have only spent about $50.00 on this week's menu. </div><div><br /></div><div>That still leaves me $25.00 to snatch up any other good deals that I may find to add to that growing stockpile. My goal is to be able to "shop" out of my stockpile and just shop for fresh foods that can't be stored and of course more deals. This is the way to never pay full price for anything again. It's how I am able to keep my food budget so low. Check out this <a href="http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/322488-post325.html">stockpile</a> to see what I'm talking about. Wow!</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Breakfast:<br /></strong><em>Monday:</em> Waffles and fruit<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Breakfast casserole<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Muffins and sausage<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Homemade cinnamon rolls<br /><em>Friday:</em> Pancakes and fruit<br /><em>Saturday:</em> Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat<br /><em>Sunday:</em> Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /><br /><strong>Lunch:</strong><br /><em>Monday:</em> Fried ham, homemade mac & cheese, and a veggie<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Sandwiches and a veggie<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Grilled chicken salad<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Grilled cheese sandwiches and fruit<br /><em>Friday:</em> Baked potatoes and vegetable plate<br /><em>Sat and Sun:</em> We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /><br /><strong>Snacks:</strong><br /><em>Monday:</em> Banana bread<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Fruit<br />Wednesday: Homemade cookies<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Veggie and cheese tray<br /><em>Friday:</em> Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey<br /><br /><strong>Dinner:</strong><br /><em>Monday:<br /></em>Chinese Stirfry</div><div>Fried Rice</div><div>Eggrolls</div><div><br /></div><div><em>Tuesday</em>:<br />Cheeseburger pie</div><div>Green beans<br /><br /><em>Wednesday:<br /></em>Mexican bar<br /><br />Thursday:<br />Chicken and stuffing</div><div>Corn</div><div>Yeast rolls<br /><br /><em>Friday</em>:</div><div>Pizza</div><div>Cheese bread<br /><br /><em>Saturday</em>: </div>BBQ <div><br /><em>Sunday:<br /></em>Rosemary pork tenderloin</div><div>Potatoes and baby carrots</div><div>Salads</div><div><br />For more great menu ideas, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/06/menu-plan-monday-june-9th.html">Menu Planning Mondays</a>.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-66143326137834693782008-06-19T16:37:00.005-05:002008-06-19T18:49:01.857-05:00A few precious pictures of Anna Sophia to shareI know you've probably heard enough of my sweet baby, but I just had to share a few pictures of her. I'm excited since this is one of the first we've gotten of her since getting home. She has no wires and she actually has clothes on too!<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213743739128234834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5CnFj21z0BC-MndsByXYaOdPyR22AHXvB8vdnanejmULPOnW9SOo1_jwz412o5vkneXdOFMLmfXQkDx2JYY83941t2-6akwQxqUDC5rJcRiCiLlv7P2xXmqoP4jIQ1bWvGUwcYsWxsYm/s400/Pretty+in+pink.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Here's one from when she was in NICU still. Nice change, isn't it?</p><div><div><div><div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/sierrarim/101_0309.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-88419128488926432042008-06-18T19:21:00.002-05:002008-06-18T19:31:51.705-05:00We're finally home!!Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes. We are finally home from the hospital. I wanted to give a quick rundown of what happened this week so I am just going to copy and paste what I wrote on my momys board about Anna's stay at the hospital.<br /><br />It was an amazingly easy birth and I felt great afterwards. Anna did well too, they just told me that she had quite a bit of facial bruising. As an old NICU nurse I wasn't concerned because it happens alot but her face was really purple from the bruising.<br /><br />About 8 hours later the pediatrician came and checked her out and said that she was perfectly healthy and that the bruising would go away in a few days. Side note: It turns out that it wasn't facial bruising at all.<br /><br />About 10 minutes after she came in to talk to me she came back, but with another doctor. I didn't recognize him, but it turns out he was a new NICU doc. She then told me that while she was in here that Anna coded and had to be resuscitated. Usually they start resuscitation efforts on newborns well before they have no heartrate, but when they found her in the crib she had no heartrate and of course was not breathing. After working on her awhile they were able to get her heartrate back up to normal and she was breathing on her own. Of course she was immediately transferred to NICU.<br /><br />I was told that she had a seizure but they weren't sure why. They suspected that she either had a heart defect, that she had bled into her brain or that she had an infection. They ran quite a few tests but all came back normal. The problem was that she kept turning blue. She hasn't had another episode since Monday night. They never have figured out what was causing them, except for some transitional issues, but decided to let her come home.<br /><br />We possibly still have to go do a 2-D echo of the heart and are going to ask to be set up with an apnea monitor, but we are hoping that everything has resolved. We are thanking God that she is ok and that we got to bring her home. The doctors don't expect there to be any permanent damage, but we of course just have to wait and see. Right now she is acting as if nothing ever went wrong.<br /><br />The nurses that resuscitated her told me that it was a miracle that they happened to walk by her when they did. Neither of them were supposed to be in there at that time. Another minute later and we might not be holding her right now.<br /><br />So needless to say I am enjoying my sweet baby girl. I might be MIA for a few more days while I recoup from this week, but i'll be back soon. Again, thanks so much!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-10209931869252055182008-06-15T02:00:00.002-05:002008-06-15T02:01:31.811-05:00We're heading to the hospital!My water just broke so we're heading off to have a baby! Please pray for us that everything goes ok!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-74851664227489693012008-06-12T09:37:00.044-05:002008-06-13T12:03:39.265-05:00Simple project to pass the time: Making a t-shirt dress!Ok, since i'm so hugely pregnant and don't feel much like getting out these days, my husband and I thought it might be nice for me to do one fun project a day until baby comes. Today I decided to make matching cute t-shirt dresses for my two youngest girls. They make great play or going out dresses and are so cheap to make.<br /><br />I thought I would put a tutorial up for those who feel adventurous. I am usually pretty bad about putting pictures up, but I do realize that many people, myself included, are visual. They just need to see it.<br /><br />All you need is basic sewing skills for this project.<br /><br /><strong>Supplies needed:</strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><ul><li>1 t-shirt (I payed $2.00 each for the tshirts i'm using)</li><li>1/2 - 1 yd of material (For my 5 yo daughter I am using 1 yd, for the 2 yo I am using 1/2 yd. I bought the material for $1.00 yd.) *If making for a bigger girl you will need to add more fabric. Up to about 2 yds.*</li><li>Matching thread</li></ul><br /><div><em></em></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHhi3v64BXZZJaM6R3slT-98OWzuyUdIh6VyvM1Wh6dPLMWizYEE5DueaqaLoYqhH3AnTc8W8e7IZG-rlHs7-BPNVmFcLgZzuxRvQNzy2aLfBT_HTKFkBIRiUaY1_Gk_Xp10KCzHsGSuS/s1600-h/101_0257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211012767216862066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHhi3v64BXZZJaM6R3slT-98OWzuyUdIh6VyvM1Wh6dPLMWizYEE5DueaqaLoYqhH3AnTc8W8e7IZG-rlHs7-BPNVmFcLgZzuxRvQNzy2aLfBT_HTKFkBIRiUaY1_Gk_Xp10KCzHsGSuS/s320/101_0257.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Step 1:</em><br />Put t-shirt on your little one. Mark or measure how many inches right to the belly button. After taking it off, cut it where you marked. You can cut it a little shorter than this if you want, I like the way it falls cut a little shorter so I usually go 1 inch above the belly button.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmrCCeIc5SKrdFY46Z47g_J1s4776vHmNy8tS6Co6vvy4l59Cz_Gpp9k2w60UZW6rSsIlCtWi7Q-sNaxDOsMY8NsiWJkG4uDgjfKnDPRb5P-iG-lk-45nBsPO8pLV35beCsqMj4L3TI2N/s1600-h/101_0270.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211017368876654802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmrCCeIc5SKrdFY46Z47g_J1s4776vHmNy8tS6Co6vvy4l59Cz_Gpp9k2w60UZW6rSsIlCtWi7Q-sNaxDOsMY8NsiWJkG4uDgjfKnDPRb5P-iG-lk-45nBsPO8pLV35beCsqMj4L3TI2N/s320/101_0270.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Step 2:</em><br /></div><div>Fold fabric in half, lengthwise with the selvage edges together. Selvage edges are the edges that have not been cut. *If you are making a dress for a bigger girl, fold fabric in half with the cut edges together instead of the selvage edges. Sew down the long sides.*</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMtPOHr8mdA1sUkv9zxpynyHpntDCZa-aaE5Z0nNHTvpuN_B9dqun7bEKKgR93OIY7Htg2WKKqGEf-yBYa20AbcGd2hMpuC1Gfpu21DcGKAmWjbolmR9NqeV3zu91MDN4EOqIcRh6jGdv/s1600-h/101_0259.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211014399871192914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMtPOHr8mdA1sUkv9zxpynyHpntDCZa-aaE5Z0nNHTvpuN_B9dqun7bEKKgR93OIY7Htg2WKKqGEf-yBYa20AbcGd2hMpuC1Gfpu21DcGKAmWjbolmR9NqeV3zu91MDN4EOqIcRh6jGdv/s320/101_0259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><em>Step 3:</em><br />Sew sides together to form the skirt. I usally like to make a french seam here, but that's just to keep it from fraying on the inside. If you want to learn how to do a french seam, go <a href="http://www.alternative-windows.com/seams.htm">here</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayEMqf0xybZj-eDtlvf3xEuJkVkCwZbfdosAzlYXbUTKO2Nno1UFkJUb0mSXvL0HxTbpbLrubXgk1Cu1w67ITvfz5Hk6-Zcqsbk72bUoJFJmwnKECf4jSBl-5ExGUv6jYDpbK3tv2bjo3/s1600-h/101_0260.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211015769657646210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayEMqf0xybZj-eDtlvf3xEuJkVkCwZbfdosAzlYXbUTKO2Nno1UFkJUb0mSXvL0HxTbpbLrubXgk1Cu1w67ITvfz5Hk6-Zcqsbk72bUoJFJmwnKECf4jSBl-5ExGUv6jYDpbK3tv2bjo3/s320/101_0260.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><em></em></div><div><em>Step 4:</em><br />Mark the center front and center back of the shirt and skirt with pins.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjnwZln497Gq8Q1iCFqdADTcY-4MU1axsiN2yF6dkZGpLG5T4oln1ignEumPPdt3xoC9HjuX7O1VefRgeeXg3rvgdfcPAEzajzaccFHZ3GrNA4JqMPRy8G6zozfFToKDNlu_XRuIJl7Fa/s1600-h/101_0272.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211016541254601090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjnwZln497Gq8Q1iCFqdADTcY-4MU1axsiN2yF6dkZGpLG5T4oln1ignEumPPdt3xoC9HjuX7O1VefRgeeXg3rvgdfcPAEzajzaccFHZ3GrNA4JqMPRy8G6zozfFToKDNlu_XRuIJl7Fa/s320/101_0272.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em>Step 5:</em></div><div></div><div>The skirt will have the right sides facing eachother now. Sew a basting or <a href="http://www.alternative-windows.com/seams.htm">gathering stitch </a>(which is basically a very wide stitch), at the top of the skirt. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSwUrbHbfrxhwaL_R2vHnDg2RZjkuLmvGguMTBmQelsZ1STBI-iazexGF66C0mII5KuAsRhmxIhoMu4-B3PPXgSPGeP2eN2Ye70g7ivCz7MLHciqVzl1mlaBEPL3ZXJQhTlXuiaR_oIlv/s1600-h/101_0266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211020013604784930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSwUrbHbfrxhwaL_R2vHnDg2RZjkuLmvGguMTBmQelsZ1STBI-iazexGF66C0mII5KuAsRhmxIhoMu4-B3PPXgSPGeP2eN2Ye70g7ivCz7MLHciqVzl1mlaBEPL3ZXJQhTlXuiaR_oIlv/s320/101_0266.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><em>Step 6:</em><br /></div><div>Pull the gathering threads to make the gather of the skirt.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mv74rqyJJac_CF9au_5rSZsQXla8GiSwY2v-JIepu3kEhzlQtKFyA0AkBkIePjbvrN7ZfARC6Wsrx5B7jG-7AYwH6BGqj3jMmubTw0lKBWwu7BGY-b0PFJ8Q4bGcy86JYDIdg-0EExTV/s1600-h/101_0269.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211021087298434674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mv74rqyJJac_CF9au_5rSZsQXla8GiSwY2v-JIepu3kEhzlQtKFyA0AkBkIePjbvrN7ZfARC6Wsrx5B7jG-7AYwH6BGqj3jMmubTw0lKBWwu7BGY-b0PFJ8Q4bGcy86JYDIdg-0EExTV/s320/101_0269.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Step 7:</em><br /></div><div>Turn the shirt inside out and put it upside down in skirt. Match center pins of skirt and shirt together and pin. Now adjust your gathers as needed.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgs6D86_lyEzdmrqkSxkWXWa2UK7sZo8D7UI5lvMIDGuke08gs95UEtAPWakokcL71Yhiqc2dXykI-5KoOl7fd2uPT3Ie876KOrrY5As7rkTjnhKscGMhLlt2vTH_GP8Qn5NRgabQfRfp/s1600-h/101_0273.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211021850102673554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgs6D86_lyEzdmrqkSxkWXWa2UK7sZo8D7UI5lvMIDGuke08gs95UEtAPWakokcL71Yhiqc2dXykI-5KoOl7fd2uPT3Ie876KOrrY5As7rkTjnhKscGMhLlt2vTH_GP8Qn5NRgabQfRfp/s320/101_0273.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Step 8:</em> </div><div></div><div>Once gathers are adjusted to fit the width of the shirt. Sew the skirt to the t-shirt. I like to go around twice. Once in a zip zag stitch. It is stronger that way. My first few I had to restitch holes because my girls play so hard.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza6U6IapEhDoTa_G2DGMEgg-vy1oiqG5XPKQ-BhcUvOJdLpC2TJ3qKtMkFiq1wzaQImaqiyKRnxIjl-sw9T1C6JlvuPjAm_AtIendNT2CVLs7eRx9wr0cJ9nMyCV8M8GnFZWPc0yLksw-/s1600-h/101_0274.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211022430820740946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza6U6IapEhDoTa_G2DGMEgg-vy1oiqG5XPKQ-BhcUvOJdLpC2TJ3qKtMkFiq1wzaQImaqiyKRnxIjl-sw9T1C6JlvuPjAm_AtIendNT2CVLs7eRx9wr0cJ9nMyCV8M8GnFZWPc0yLksw-/s320/101_0274.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Step 9:</em><br /></div><div>Turn dress right side up now. Try the dress on your little one to see where you want your hem. Pin it and then sew. I like to do a double fold on the bottom of the skirt because it makes the dress fall better at the bottom and it keeps it from fraying. Once I have it pinned around I just take it and fold it inside itself. Then I sew it. Of course, that is just optional. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDaqK3t5zVaMjPAjY0aHf9V8Acuw9bwuzgfulXGfm-9s3ZruLdH0XStUCaPVS6bL_BSFx9CCDXqvTRTzfd9XRR0c7jgeBh_XIi__zw-TLrzXTWyMmMoCk13BafySg7jDAmztZsGI9RHfz/s1600-h/101_0275.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211022788113954674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDaqK3t5zVaMjPAjY0aHf9V8Acuw9bwuzgfulXGfm-9s3ZruLdH0XStUCaPVS6bL_BSFx9CCDXqvTRTzfd9XRR0c7jgeBh_XIi__zw-TLrzXTWyMmMoCk13BafySg7jDAmztZsGI9RHfz/s320/101_0275.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div></div><div>The finished product! <div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211095825512384530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUH7RRC5HdNM-BR0sTrPAzEjpbepAobS2-uPp7XcfozyfNikBC4Nj2cxVR0osUJ2cxties3A4Z826KMwLIm_LDTCA8kFkUju3OWgMVtnvP5N90E8qXyOH2VOmvwn_5hovvfCXHZPXmq4Vy/s320/101_0277.jpg" border="0" /> <em>Optional:</em><br /><div>I have added eyelet lace at the bottom before to add a little something. You can also take the leftover t-shirt material and make a matching scrunchie or add ruffles on a sock. I like to crochet a matching ruffle on socks to wear with it. So cute! Maybe that'll be my project for tomorrow!</div><br /><div>It really is simple to do and can add to your little girl's wardrobe for not much money. After reading Crystal's <a href="http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/blog.htm">Frugal Friday post</a> and Jennifer's comment on my blog, I decided to add that you can make this project even more frugal by using up older t-shirts that your little girl may be outgrowing. Reusing them extends their life and saves money. Have fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-24187972328386922272008-06-04T06:44:00.007-05:002008-06-04T07:20:16.555-05:00Summer family project time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOap4rD7ZfrmJI12Rax3Yl-3xpfPAqpGt7rxIKSWG3_nkPETvgCRKiUuy-fSPI8hhe_7iUpb8-L4Q7kRoSw8jUDyCLR5cGDuapJ9BHDpXjt4hAnFYduxclZNQfrkZasdIMaCvQW5Qfi9it/s1600-h/WFMW+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207999197099303826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOap4rD7ZfrmJI12Rax3Yl-3xpfPAqpGt7rxIKSWG3_nkPETvgCRKiUuy-fSPI8hhe_7iUpb8-L4Q7kRoSw8jUDyCLR5cGDuapJ9BHDpXjt4hAnFYduxclZNQfrkZasdIMaCvQW5Qfi9it/s320/WFMW+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>This week is a themed week for Works for me Wednesday. It is the "Mom, i'm bored" edition. This is something that we all dread hearing. After a long summer break i'm sure it's bound to happen at some time. I used to hear it all the time. Of course I always loved coming up with creative ways to make the children stop telling me every five minutes that they were bored. I could always help them not be so bored by scrubbing out the trashcans or by dusting the baseboards. You get the point. It still got to be tiring though, so we changed things up a bit for them.<br /><div></div><br /><div>First thing I want to say is that we homeschool. It is a bit different for us since we don't follow the typical schoolyear schedule. We take off one whole month in the summer (this year we are taking off the month of June), and we take off the whole month of December. I have found that just having a shorter summer break cuts down some on the "Mom, i'm bored" cries.<br /></div><br /><div>Now you know it would be too easy if that's all it took, but of course I still used to hear it pretty often. That's when we took it a step further and implemented a few summer changes around here. It has made a huge difference and it's actually quite fun.</div><br /><div></div><div>First thing to go is the TV. We turn it off every summer, for the whole summer. There is nothing on but reruns anyway, but I find that the kids whine about being bored more if they sit in front of the TV everyday. So, off it goes.</div><br /><div></div><div>Every year the children also attend one camp. The last three years it has been a music day camp at one of the local churches. It's fun for the kids and it takes care of one week. Plus it's free!</div><br /><div></div><div>The big thing we do though that has made the most difference is complete a family project together every summer. Last year we built a chicken coop together. If you want to read more about our chickens, you can do so <a href="http://alifeathome.blogspot.com/2008/04/i-said-that-that-this-week-would-be.html">here</a>. This year we have been working on checking off Mom's nesting list. Baby should come at any time now so it's got to get done. We have painted a few rooms in the house, built a loft bed, and we are about to start expanding the chicken run. </div><br /><div></div><div>Including the children is something we love doing and we never hear, "I'm bored!" It also helps them build skills that will help them later on in life. Most importantly, it helps build our relationship with our kids and it makes great memories. If you don't have any big projects to do, do something small. Build a birdhouse, plant a flower garden. Lets the kids pick. It works for us!</div><br /><div></div><div>To get more great ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this summer, visit <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/06/works-for-me-th.html">Rocks in my Dryer</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a> </div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-9286764595838974172008-05-30T14:55:00.003-05:002008-05-30T15:54:12.938-05:00Frugal maternity clothes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5rwklYTu84inEwZbQzHzWa1aQ-KG6FpIJnsb1cEAs5HRBpdpPIwudemGc_2blZ36bYM_37RmkbtEN4eqLJUGUGJxFsdmdhfdvT6mhlpy7xbGwIvpwkqc60sWn6fs77OgWg9sCnp4ONj9/s1600-h/WFMW+2.jpg"></a>My <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/05/works-for-me-ch.html">works for me Wednesday</a> post is pregnancy related this week. I also thought this would make a great post for <a href="http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/blog.htm">Frugal Friday's</a> at Biblical Womanhood.<br /><br />I am nearing the end of my pregnancy so it is what is consuming me at the moment. It is also the stage where you are constantly uncomfortable, and nothing fits. Yes, my body is uncomfortable this time, but I can say that my clothes are not.<br /><br />I have always had to switch sizes at the end or wear the one pair of gouchos that still fit. It is not fun to have to wash and wear the same thing everyday. This time around though, I found a great tip online early on that I thought I would try.<br /><br />What I did was use an old t-shirt to make my waistbands for my maternity clothes. I guess it would be something like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ingrid-Isabel-Bella-Band/dp/B000ETNUMC">Bella Band</a> that they sell, except a bit more frugal. Now of course, to make this work you do have to know how to at least operate a sewing machine, or know someone who does, but you do not have to be an expert at it.<br /><br />I have actually made myself a few biased cut A-line skirts this time and used old t-shirts for the waistbands. You can find the tutorial to make the skirt <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-bias-cut-skirt-with-wide-stretch-wai/">here</a>. This tutorial is not exactly maternity, but it works well as a maternity skirt.<br /><br />The great thing that I found out through trial and error is that I could use just the waistband to reconstruct some of my regular wardrobe. I just cut off the bottom of an old t-shirt and stitched it over the normal waistband. I can just remove it after i'm back to my normal size.<br /><br />For example, I have a demin skirt that I love to wear that no longer fits. It has a side zipper that I left down. I then took the t-shirt I had cut and pulled it to where the zipper ends and stitched it all the way around right over the top of it. There is no need to make the stitches super small. Now the skirt stays up and I can use it all the way through my pregnancy. Which is hopefully only another week or so! :-)<br /><br />The great thing about the t-shirt waistband is how comfy it is. It is about as comfortable as the waistband in the gouchos I have. Another great thing is that it grows with you all the way through. No more having to buy more than one size. It has been a lifesaver here. It is easy and frugal too!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-89309072310099796002008-05-18T20:59:00.014-05:002008-05-19T21:43:45.763-05:00Menu Planning Monday: Kids choice week!<strong><u></u></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201914224914769666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KuSrHm7hVqKG469pn9XD4blMhb0mXFlxKo9krEs_c0hmKVIBFXhmb2EmgzkGBUH5YvWBo4JmUJ1xwL78AoqJeoeuy2T-2Io-kQ_az6pmmQaHSqEULWC-UavZGD0yyC1znZDl7okgF4ks/s320/Menu+Planning+Monday+Linky.jpg" border="0" />First off, I just want to say how nice it was to have almost a full week of crockpot meals. I think I have decided to do this every so often. Eventhough I didn't have to leave town, it was still nice to not to have to worry about dinner every night since we've been so busy. It was such a nice break for me.<br /><br /><div><div>Now it's back to normal again. This week is kids choice week. It is always a big hit around here. What I do is have each one of the children pick out a meal they would like to eat. We have five children that pick a meal right now, so Mom and Dad get a night too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, the older three are responsible for helping me plan the menu, making a grocery list, cooking, and serving the meal. It gets them involved in every aspect of menu planning. My goal is to have their spouses thank me one day. Of course the little ones just help Mom or dad cook and serve the meal. </div><div><br /></div><div>They all really love to help me in the kitchen. Sometimes a little too much, if you know what I mean. Doing this helps to keep only one child in the kitchen with me at a time. At least for one whole week! It is also a nice one-on-one time for us. </div><div><br /></div><div>This menu will cost us right at $60.00 for our family of eight. My weekly budget is $75.00 so I plan on spending a little to buy a few staple items i'll be needing soon. Maybe i'll be able to get some really great deals that I can stock up on.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Breakfast:</strong></div><div><em>Monday:</em> Waffles and fruit</div><div><em>Tuesday:</em> Breakfast casserole--->just got this recipe from a friend!</div><div><em>Wednesday:</em> Muffins and sausage</div><div><em>Thursday:</em> Homemade cinnamon rolls</div><div><em>Friday:</em> Pancakes and fruit</div><div><em>Saturday:</em> Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat</div><div><em>Sunday:</em> Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Lunch:</strong></div><div><em>Monday:</em> Hot dogs, mac & cheese, and a veggie</div><div><em>Tuesday:</em> Sandwiches and a veggie---> We're going blueberry picking and then having a picnic at the park!</div><div><em>Wednesday</em>: Chicken salad and baked potatoes</div><div><em>Thursday:</em> Grilled cheese sandwiches and fruit</div><div><em>Friday:</em> Soup and crackers</div><div><em>Sat and Sun:</em> We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Snacks:</strong></div><div><em>Monday</em>: Amish Friendship bread and milk</div><div><em>Tuesday:</em> Fruit</div><div><em>Wednesday:</em> Homemade chocolate oatmeal cookies</div><div><em>Thursday:</em> Veggie and cheese tray</div><div><em>Friday:</em> Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Dinner:</strong></div><div><em>Monday: 10 yo son's pick!</em></div><div>Meat lasagna</div><div>Brocolli with homemade cheese sauce to top</div><div><a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/pumpkin_dinner_rolls">Pumpkin rolls</a></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Tuesday: Mom's pick!<br /></em>Chinese stirfry</div><div>Fried rice</div><div>Eggrolls</div><div><br /></div><div><em>Wednesday: 14 yo daughter's pick! She'll be cooking with Dad since he's the one that makes this. </em></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0OwuY6yMxfotaFREAtugGD8YGgY5cDXv7sEi_5k-H5tPEr7WS5oxUEvf5-W42EfNNUhJYqM3YGoD3c5kacdEsUOw3fk_IcnxdsDt8WYtoeF_3sAcmG7i95gzsj23Ab2IybF5yR3VC44P/s1600-h/crawfishcrabmeatpie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201917648003704610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0OwuY6yMxfotaFREAtugGD8YGgY5cDXv7sEi_5k-H5tPEr7WS5oxUEvf5-W42EfNNUhJYqM3YGoD3c5kacdEsUOw3fk_IcnxdsDt8WYtoeF_3sAcmG7i95gzsj23Ab2IybF5yR3VC44P/s200/crawfishcrabmeatpie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Crawfish pie</div><div>Homegrown green beans--->The first of the year!</div><div>Pumpkin pie<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Thursday:</em> <em>12 yo daughter's pick!</em></div><div>Chicken and sausage jambalaya</div><div>Corn</div><div>Yeast rolls</div><div><br /></div><div><em>Friday: 5 yo daughter's pick!</em></div><div>Homemade pizza rolls</div><div>Breadsticks and marinara sauce for dipping<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Saturday: 3 yo son's pick!</em></div><div>Sloppy joes</div><div>French fries--->this counts as a veggie, right?</div><div><em></em></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Sunday: Dad's pick since we didn't make it last week!</em></div><div><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_33022,00.html">Italian sausage and peppers</a></div><div>Corn </div><div><a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/italian_cheese_bread">Cheese bread</a><br /><br /><u><strong>Homemade Pizza rolls:</strong></u><br /><em></em></div><div><em>Ingredients:</em><br />Mozarella cheese<br />A jar of pizza sauce or you can make your own (i'll share my recipe another day)<br />1 package of egg roll wrappers<br />oil (for frying)<br />Whatever toppings you want to go inside of them (we stick to pepperoni that I chop up coarsely, onions, bell peppers, sausage, and ham. Not all at the same time, just whatever we have at the time.) </div><div></div><br /><div><em>Directions:</em></div><div>Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Place a spoonful or two inside an eggroll wrapper. Fold as you would an eggroll. Bottom up, sides in, and then moisten the top then fold it over to seal it. Fry in your oil till golden brown. You can use a deep fryer if you want or just put at least an inch or two of oil in a frying pan on the stove. I'm sure you could bake them, but I have never done it so i'm not sure how long you would need to cook them.</div><div></div><div>*for the little ones I will cut an eggroll in half and make mini pizza rolls. These would look more like the pizza rolls you buy in the store, but taste so much better.</div><div></div><br /><div><u><strong>Crawfish Pie:</strong></u> </div><div> </div><div><em>Ingredients:</em></div><div>1 med. to large onion<br />3 stalks of celery<br />6 to 8 cloves of garlic<br />1 can of cream of mushroom soup<br />1 can light or regular evaporated milk<br />1 pound of crawfish tails<br />5 tablespoons of cornstarch<br />pie crust for 2-crust pie<br /><br /><em>Directions:</em></div><div>Preheat oven to 350°. Sauté onions, celery and garlic in butter or olive oil. Add milk and soup; bring to medium boil. Add crawfish, bring to medium boil again then add corn starch. Lower heat and cook for another 10 minutes or until thick. Grease pie shell w/butter and place pie shell in bottom of pan then add thickened mixture. Put on top shell and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. I have a great recipe for pie crusts, but i'll have to dig it out of my other binder. You can always use a store bought crust, you just have to buy a double one since it covers the top.<br /><br />For more great menu's, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/05/menu-plan-monday-may-19th.html">Menu Planning Monday</a>, hosted by I'm an Organizing Junkie.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><strong><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></strong></a></div></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-35774983596569243812008-05-13T22:19:00.004-05:002008-05-13T23:59:18.142-05:00Natural products to keep in your medicine cabinet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjm3VPzzB4tUN6YHU92pv_Ymk2lcquU8Esri09kq7ljhkQa1_ZkIaEjRa6h9RNw7kYMfR6Qbbz4b8bHTlcU-SEVQswSCjJsoH3uwv6DXq8eKYPreLC3JdRIlMQltsQbB8Jw7mcYtQiQbl/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200064043197965954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjm3VPzzB4tUN6YHU92pv_Ymk2lcquU8Esri09kq7ljhkQa1_ZkIaEjRa6h9RNw7kYMfR6Qbbz4b8bHTlcU-SEVQswSCjJsoH3uwv6DXq8eKYPreLC3JdRIlMQltsQbB8Jw7mcYtQiQbl/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a>Since I get a few questions on how we afford medical care for our large family I thought this would be a great post for Works for me Wednesday.<br /><br />Now, I love my children's pediatrician. She is a wonderful doctor. We used to be in her office every other week but now we hardly ever have to see her and that's the way I like it. With 6 children, it would cost me a fortune if they were sick all the time. Because of that, there are a few things I like to keep on hand to try first in my medicine cabinet before we head to pay the doctor a visit.<br /><br />These are the things I would never be without:<br /><br />1. <em>Tea Tree Oil</em><br /><br />There are many uses for tea tree oil. First, it is an antiseptic. It is great to put a diluted amount on scrapes, cuts, and rashes. It's also great for you cloth diapering moms to add to the diaper pail or when you wash the diapers.<br /><br />2. <em>Aloe<br /></em><br />Of course most of us know to use this on burns. It is very soothing.<br /><br />3. <em>Ipecac</em><br /><br />Those of us who have small children should keep this on hand in case of accidental poisoning. It induces vomiting. Of course, be sure to call the poison control center first. They will let you know whether or not to induce vomiting.<br /><br />4. <em>Echinacea </em><br /><br />Great for cold and flu season. They have a brand that I really like that is made for children. It is called Herbs for Kids. That way I know i'm not overdosing them.<br /><br />5. <em>Olive Leaf Extract</em><br /><br />This is probably one of my favorite natural products to use. It is used during cold and flu season. It is also wonderful for seasonal allergies. It is an antiviral and an immune builder. The brand I use is by Seagate. It is actually a nasal spray. When I have to use it, it works pretty fast.<br /><br />6. <em>Mullein and garlic oil</em><br /><br />This is great for earaches. It helps soothe the pain. Note, if the eardrum is perforated then do not use it.<br /><br />Of course this is not a complete list of things I have on hand. It is just what we use the most. Ok maybe not the Ipecac, thank the Lord for that, but the others we do. There are so many natural treatments out there that it's hard to know which ones to use for what ailment and to know if they are safe or not. I try, for now, to stick to ones that I know will be safe.<br /><br />This is just something that I wanted to share that works for our family. For more Works for Me Wednesday topics, head over to <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/">Rocks in my dryer</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-18605681352879498612008-05-12T08:01:00.012-05:002008-05-13T15:43:57.260-05:00Menu Planning Monday: Crockpot week!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtthuxlXvpKu61LPgZQq8TAwVqHIHXW021cuPG0-JFKKxKw-8apY_SbFoVbhVNazFTbsVSDUF3CPMy0vY-PedPOGR6eAWS4IgLrNtqqjh_oVNhvE9xkA0xn0CFmxZKaimqdzTb2kO_5hR/s1600-h/mpm3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199485154620909170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtthuxlXvpKu61LPgZQq8TAwVqHIHXW021cuPG0-JFKKxKw-8apY_SbFoVbhVNazFTbsVSDUF3CPMy0vY-PedPOGR6eAWS4IgLrNtqqjh_oVNhvE9xkA0xn0CFmxZKaimqdzTb2kO_5hR/s320/mpm3.jpg" border="0" /></a> This week was supposed to be kids choice week, but we received the news that my Grandfather is doing worse than they thought. Eventhough I am in late pregnancy I need to make a trip up there to be with him before he goes. This menu is all tentative and can easily be done by my older children and husband if I need to leave suddenly.<br /><div><br /><div></div><div>Eventhough I don't feel like making a menu plan right now, I know that we still need to eat. I also know that having a menu will save me from actually having to think much about what we're going to eat this week.</div><br /><div>I have deemed this week crockpot week. I might actually cook one or two meals, but I will be using my crockpot as much as possible. I will post recipes later on today for those of you who would like them. </div><div></div><div>Lots of people still like to know how much I am spending weekly for my food budget. This week will cost me right at $50.00, since I need a few staple items.<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Breakfast:</strong><br /><em>Monday:</em> Waffles<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> <a href="http://alifeathome.blogspot.com/2008/02/baked-oatmealmmm-mmm-good.html">Baked oatmeal</a><br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Muffins and sausage<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Homemade cinnamon rolls<br /><em>Friday:</em> Pancakes and fruit<br /><em>Saturday:</em> Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat<br /><em>Sunday:</em> Country ham and gravy over biscuits<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Lunch:</strong><br /><em>Monday:</em> Sandwiches and veggie<br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Hot dogs, mac & cheese, and a veggie<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Salad and baked potatoes<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Sandwiches and fruit<br /><em>Friday:</em> Leftovers<br /><em>Sat and Sun:</em> We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Snacks:<br /></strong><em>Monday:</em> Homemade <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/2008/02/necessity-mother-of-invention.html">peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies</a><br /><em>Tuesday:</em> Fruit<br /><em>Wednesday:</em> Banana Bread or homemade bread drizzled with butter and honey<br /><em>Thursday:</em> Veggie and cheese tray<br /><em>Friday:</em> Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Dinner:</strong><br /><em>Monday:</em><br />BBQ ribs in crockpot</div><div>Green beans</div><div>Salad</div><br /><div><em>Tuesday:</em></div><div>Crockpot chicken</div><div>Rice</div><div>Corn</div><br /><div><em>Wednesday:<br /></em><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/140411">Slow cooker salisbury steak<br /></a>Mashed potatoes<br />Brocolli and carrots</div><br /><div><em>Thursday:</em><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_33022,00.html">Italian sausage and peppers</a></div><div>Green beans</div><div>Garlic bread<br /></div><br /><div><em>Friday:</em><br />Homemade BBQ chicken pizza<br /><a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/italian_cheese_bread">Cheese bread</a><br /></div><br /><div><em>Saturday:</em><br />Chicken breasts and potatoes bake in foil</div><div>Corn</div><div>Yeast rolls</div><br /><div><em>Sunday:<br /></em>Crockpot roast</div><div>Potatoes, onions, and carrots</div><div>Salad</div><div><a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/pumpkin_dinner_rolls">Pumpkin rolls</a><br /></div><br /><div>For more great menu's, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2008/05/menu-plan-monday-may-12th.html">Menu Planning Monday</a>, hosted by I'm an Organizing Junkie.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a> </div></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-59093454794390402862008-05-10T11:10:00.009-05:002008-05-10T21:26:41.202-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYXxhvpMJdfHWS6khXvqGjbbIzjXIuQTNiNP-UNPAVLkzV4jJzuyS3x8MoUZ6v80QNABg4gIotx-b8gJ0dnR4lvMSazHyoeTXhWldet1X8lmEz6VnF2i9EsroIyTP0IqFH1XPnm5-XpYZ/s1600-h/MY-00052-D~Happy-Mother-s-Day-Pink-Tulip-Posters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198790737135982562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYXxhvpMJdfHWS6khXvqGjbbIzjXIuQTNiNP-UNPAVLkzV4jJzuyS3x8MoUZ6v80QNABg4gIotx-b8gJ0dnR4lvMSazHyoeTXhWldet1X8lmEz6VnF2i9EsroIyTP0IqFH1XPnm5-XpYZ/s320/MY-00052-D~Happy-Mother-s-Day-Pink-Tulip-Posters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I know that I have been slacking just a bit with posting, but we are still busy preparing for baby to come in a few weeks. We have painted two rooms, built a loft bed for one of our daughter's, and went through all of the children's clothes. Now this weekend we are still checking off Mom's nesting list by cleaning out toys and bedrooms.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am working on my next series of posts on how I made my transition from the working world to stay at home mom. I have had many women ask me to write something about this. It can seem an like impossible thing to do, but it isn't! I am hoping that it will encourage and inspire all of you who have that huge desire to come home. I am hoping to get them up this week, so stay tuned!<br /><br />I did want to write to tell all you Moms out there, "Happy Mother's Day!" I want to encourage you, as mothers, to enjoy your children. I know it's easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted. Remember though, that God has blessed you with those precious children. "Lo, children are a heritage of The Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward." Psalms 127:3<br /><br />I want to share this video I found. Now, I am not a fan of country music, but I thought that this video serves as a nice reminder to cherish the children we have since there are many who would love the chance to be where we're at. Have a great weekend and make sure you give lots of hugs and kisses to them babies!<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JqfGqOx2iDQ&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JqfGqOx2iDQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976283321932512167.post-14109894699354501642008-05-06T23:20:00.007-05:002008-05-07T00:50:48.131-05:00What doesn't work for me: Homemade dishwasher soapThis week is a themed week for What Works for me Wednesday. It is, What DOESN'T Work for me. Well, the one thing I have tried unsuccessfully over and over to make work is homemade dishwasher solution. It does not work!<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>I love saving money. I love using as many chemical free cleaning supplies and I love <a href="http://alifeathome.blogspot.com/2008/04/make-your-own-laundry-detergent-in-less.html">making my own laundry detergent</a>. You would think that I would love making my own dishwasher soap. Nope! I have tried at least 3 different recipes and none have worked. </div><br /><div></div><div>The problems I have had, are a thick film left on the dishes, and the solution not cleaning the dishes well at all. I have tried using vinegar as a rinse aid, which is fine, but it does not help. So this frugal, natural kind of momma is sticking with Cascade! If you're thinking about it go ahead, but for me it was a waste of time. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197497294574466034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmwO7WtWJ5aZTMaWQ3bmmI1wq9eTqfRHl6qdUpvwI0BxwcL81vesXiyfdPhjqyFyyYfxHS60hFkgS9mCbeCvhvYlJa9UAOFEuxkETJSLdicXCoKEZFVIY2sRSWXfF-SKOphjhOBANd7ZK/s320/cascade.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Of course, if you have any tips that I may have looked over on how to get it to work, i'd love to hear about them. And of course for more things people have tried and found does not work for them, visit <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/05/works-for-me-if.html">Rocks in my dryer</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/122/7F26EE167ECC04EE9D0A1CD346746C89.png" /></a> </div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15659128838097326959noreply@blogger.com9