Reflecting

It has been a long, learning year (have not arrived or perfected those teachings, though!!). I know God holds changes for the coming year, but I purpose to move if and where he leads.

We are still recouping, and planning to progress with our painting, etc.

Today, I have a headache---trying to keep it at bay somewhat to get to hear the girls play for teen nite and their testimonies! Of course, I will cry - not sob audibly like I can occasionally do!! I will do it with finess. We cannot go to Pastors for a bonfire, etc., as the smell of the smoke would push me over the edge!

As the New Year starts, I am aware that even in the past week the Lord has shown me miracles....oh, one I must share is that the Mom that was on life support has come out of the coma and is progressing soo much that the Dr. said she could go home soon.......that is a miracle. Friends that have a camp north of here suffered damage during the Christmas day tornadoes but were blessed to recoup the boat that sunk! That is a miracle! My friend cried when I told her I got new furniture; she said I had mentioned it a couple of years ago to her and she has been praying daily for that!! She had many pages of her prayer journal to turn back but loved to place the words.."PRAISE" and "ANSWERED" beside the request!!

I love the fact that my friends pray for me, even in the minutest of deatils and the Lord hears...be it stress, furniture, or a Mom's heart....you all are there---caring and interceding....and I do for you, too. I do believe that is why God allows my insomnia at times...

So, as a New Year is here, I must give thanks for you and to you for being there .

Post Christmas

Today is the day of change. Sharon left at 5:00 this morning....Derek's flight is at 12:10....I must say time has flown---I feel as though we spent so very little time together. Last minute shopping and cleaning frenzy does take time! I must say that it was a most enjoyable time with Sharon.. She fit right in with our family! She told me we were an exception in today's families that they do not enjoy life!! I suggested we were a dying breed!! (not literally yall!!) She is a very kind and talented young lady...a schoolteacher of fifth graders at a Christian school that have a goal in life to break their teachers (we all have heard of the dreaded class that no teacher desires)...She is creative with her discipline. She was thankful for the stickers and colored pencils we go her for her stocking! She also loved the pretend with Maddy on Christmas day.

WE did have a lovely Christmas together and some great meals!! We spent a lot of time laughing together! We did get to church together and sang together. I was down with a migraine yesterday, and the family went and explored Tarpon Springs. They nixed the Sea World activity because they left soo late! They had loads of fun.

So now, we get to go back to normal---just what is normal???

We are back on the quest of passport seekers. I pray it is not too complicated and that I get my original birth certificate to keep (after all it is an antique!!LOL)

I still have some errands to finish today after the airport trip, so I have beans cooking for chili.
For those who do not know, we have had a cold snap here in Florida...it was in the 30's at 11:00 last nite.....the temp is in the 40's now. So, I will turn the beans into a creative dish and make jalapeno cornbread and call it a meal!! We may have to whip up dessert, though (the cookies are running out!)LOL

Thanks to the faithful....I can experience your lives with you, too.

God's blessings to you today.

Merry Christmas

Now that noone has blogged in the past few days, I thot I would catch up a little !

It is Christmas---we are celebrating the birth of our Saviour!

In our devotion this morning, we focused on Gabriel's appearance to Mary, and how precious to
God she must have been even as a child to know that such a special angel would deliver the message to her. God sent the best messenger always to give his Will to those lowly ones on earth.And, after the appearance, they each (EVEN THE YOUNG MARY) gave praise to God and glorified Him....our purpose here also!! Because of our Saviour, you each have been brought inot my life to share friendship and for that I am thankful!!

My day started early today; I baked pumpkin cranberry bread and then started with chocolate chip pecan pies, hash brown casserole, ham, apple crisp, fresh green beans.....I now am making our dinner....a little of the same...since there wee very little left, I have backup here!!

We went to my son's home and had a wonderful tiem with family. Aharon at this point thinks we are out of our minds or fits in...we get to script what she shares with her family!! LOL ...
She has a blog, and I will check after she returns home!! Maddy was soo cute, and loves every gift she gets. We got her some more dresses for church and school. Josh got a ski jacket and goblets and cookbooks. Tracy got maternity clothes and a wooden tray and some ornaments .
I got a Paula Deen cookbook (yea, Pam!! I secretly wanted one)...and some shopping guides to London and Paris. Also, Tracy made me a sterling silver "GRANDMA" bracelet with Maddy's birthstone on it! CUTE...a grandma jewelry that works!!

That is only the tip of the iceberg...we are a blessed family, and everyone is happy with any gift, including our visitor. They all have expressed their thatnks today.

I pray you each are enjoying your loved ones.

May you be blessed beyond measure today, the birthday of our KING.

Home at holiday time

Can't believe I am back......

It has been a busy week.

Good things have come out of it!! New furniture--sofa and loveseat .....also, did I mentiona new Christmas tree?? Yes, the old one DIED!!!! So, yesterday, I had to get a new one!! This one is taller and bigger around. All the kids (including Sharon, our visitor ) decorated it while I cooked dinner!! I heard a lot of chatter and laughs!!

Thank you for your prayers...I felt them all week and know there is no other way I finished my tasks (as well as my family) with out God's help and my praying friends!! Thangs are well and I do believe our visitor feels accepted, and knows for sure we are the weirdest family on the face of the earth!!

God is good---the tree is up and decorated and all the gifts are bought (gotta find where we stashed them!!LOL) and get them packaged!!

We do have a couple of prayer requests:

1) Aaron has a friend whose Mom was found unresponsive yesterday...she seemed to have a severe CVA and the family had to remove life support....this young man is the oldest --the youngest is five. Pray for this family as they will have to have a funeral right after Christmas witha parent being both Mom and Dad.

2) A friend whose son's wedding reception the girls and I assisted with in the summer emailed to say the son and daughter in law wer eight weeks pregnant and the baby died yesterday...pray for Shawn and Sarah...I know my friend had bought maternity clothes a Christmas gifts as this was not anything they had anticipated....pray also for my friend to be able to find something else, too, as she grieves!!

3) I see God at work in my unspoken request....and covet your prayers!

My prayers are with each of you!!

Quick Gift Ideas

QUICK GIFT IDEA:


Layer dried beans, peas , lentils, etc in a jar, adding a layer in the center of boullion and onion powder, a bay leaf, salt and pepper. Place a pretty lid on top (add fabric or ribbon) with the following instructions:

CONFETTI SOUP

Add 6 to 8 cups of water to mixture. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and cook on medium for about two hours. (check for doneness) In the final ten minutes, add a can of diced tomatoes, and if desired some cooked ground beef, chicken or turkey, or even smoked sausage(uncooked).


* You may have to add a little more water if it boils down too far....You want it to be soupy.


ANOTHER QUICK GIFT IDEA: Snowman Soup

Take a Christmas themed mug and place a hot cocoa packet (there are some wonderful flavored ones at the grocery), a small ziploc of miniature marshmallows, a candy cane and a hersheys's kiss in the mug and place plastic wrap starting at the bottonm and gather near the top. Secure with a ribbon.


Blessings to you as you prepare to bless others.

Here's to stolen minutes....

I am treating myself to time to post as I enjoy my coffee. I have already gotten a load of laundry in and scrubbed the bottom kitchen cabinets and a few odds and ends. I still cannot see the end of the tunnel!

There is no painting yet and the carpets are BAD! I looked at a sofa, but they did not have the exact color (my husband is insistent thaat we get one!!) SOOOO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Lord slowed me down yesterday as I went to pick up some groceries. My daughter looked at me and stated, "Mom, do you think the Lord is trying to teach us patience?)"...guess that is why I was not angry when I returned home and saw what I perceived as a lack of progress (their rooms are clean, though!!)

My desire is to only focus on Jesus, the reason for the season, adn sing carols as I am in the midst of all this. I have seen angry people and rude people out---funny what pressure changes the real reason for who we are and what we do!! And, I believe there are many out there that are complacent to the fact! I had a Pastor's wife recently tell me that there are no people in their area that feel they need salvation! Imagine that!! Everywhere---restaurants, drive throughs, laundromats, grocery stores, Wal Marts or Targets, they all need what we have and that is the HOPE that is season celebrates...(take a bunch of tracts to share!)

My all of you be especially blessed today!!

Quick and easy meal

GOT THIS FROM PUBLIX BUT REVISED IT A LITTLE

Chicken Risotto Soup (Serves 6)

2 T EVOO
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup diced bell pepper
1/3 cup diced onions
5 cloves garlic
8 oz. Sliced mushrooms
3 oz. Fresh spinach (2 cups)
1/3 c. long grain rice
4 cups. Chicken broth or stock
¾ c. half and half
1/3 c. white wine (I use white grape juice)
2 cups. Cooked chicken or turkey
¼ c. water
2 T Cornstarch .
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat large saucepan on med high. Add celery, onions pepper, garlic and mushrooms; stir 2-3 minutes. Mis corn starch in water, set aside. Add all other ingredients but chicken. Cook 15-20 minutes until rice is done. Add corn starch and
Stir until thickened. Add chicken and heat thoroughly.

Chive Butter Rolls
12 rolls (premade or homemade)
1 ½ T. Sour cream
15-20 fresh chives (rinsed)
2 T Butter
Chop chives and add sour cream and butter. Microwave together for 20-30 sec. on highOr until butter melts. Spoon over rolls. Bake in a 350* oven for 10-15 minutes.

I really do have a positive outlook

My early mornings have offered me a little time to catch up....

Let's see....my son at seminary wants to bring his girlfriend home for the holidays. Not that I cannot entertain, you see...it is just as a woman, I see all the things in my house she will be evaluating......walls that have needed paint for a LONG TIME!! (YEARS)....carpet that needed replace a LONG TIME AGO (years), ETC..........Did I mention that her father is the pastor of teh 800+ member church (her grandfather started it!) and over the seminary????? So, the pressure is on.......Oh the day she arrives would be my daughter in law's birthday and we have worked sooo hard for relationship, I do not want anything to hamper that or to make her REALLY SPECIAL for that day!

My oldest son is giving his dad and me a trip to Europe in Feb. The glitch is that it takes about 6 weeks to get passports (we just found out yesterday) and our travel dates are just under six weeks!! Plus the law is changing on the first, so it is imperative we get them immediately....My husband has no time until next week to accomplish this!?!?!?!? When you are self employed, others often dictate your schedule! Did I mention it will be Winter there and my husband has a thyroid condition that makes him COLD? So the hunt for EXTRA WARM CLOTHES is on, too,.

Did I mention I still do not have presents for my three sons, and only one for my husband??

Sorry if I seem a bit negative, I am a little overwhenlmed!

We did go to my granddaughters Christmas program last nite. They wore their pajamas to sing...it was cute! I love to hear little ones sing...they have such enthusiasm (and volume when they REALLLY KNOW a part!!) They were soo cute cradling their arms and "sleeping on the hay".... for the last song, they had peppermint candy canes and sang about how it used to be on the Christmas tree and how much better it felt in their tummy! They turned them upside down to make a J in the end for "Happy Birthday Jesus. Of course we got hugs and kisses and I will post pics later if my electronic assistants can download them for me! (My granddaughter's gown was cute , but I must admit the favorite was the red haired boy with the red and white striped union jack pj's with Sant and Snowman on the front!!--adorable!)

Sorry yall are my therapy group for the day!

Bloggin Blurbs!

I must say that I am already tired, with the full day ahead of me......THAT IS LIFE!!

I want to thank yall for praying for me---contine to do so.....my unspoken has taken a change and makes my heart a little heavy!!

Also, I must give praise, for I emailed a young lady a couple of months ago whom I heard was having some difficulty with NO support---and I have a little rapport with, because of taking TIME with her!! I am not ringing my bell---I just am thankful she let me in her life.....one of those kids noone wants to take time to dig beyond the surface...anyway. She finally emailed me...I cried because I know she has not shut all remnants of God out of her life!! She is a sweet, intelligent girl who seeks acceptance---right where she is!! Pray as I have emailed her badk and suggested we get together.

As you all do, I have several friends going through heavy trials right now....pray for God's presence in each of their lives and direction!!

I am soo thankful for my bloggin' buddies (yes, women can have buddies!! LOl)...they encourage me!!

May God be ever present in your walk today!

JUST FOR JAYDE!!!!!!

OK--just becasue you are adorable!!! My secrets revealed!! (SSSSSHHHHHHHH-do not tell!!)


1. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU DO,BUT NOBODY ELSE KNOWS FOR A REASON? I am a pack rat of sorts and the reason they do not know is obvious—I am embarrassed by it!!
.2. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT? When I was about 8 and in the church children’s choir and my slip fell off (my older two sisters had used it and passed it along!)3. WHAT IS YOUR MOST SECRETIVE SECRET? I am going to be a grandma(for the second time) and my extended family does not know***this is because I must wait on my sonand daughter in law to tell---we are not allowed!!*****
4. DO YOU HAVE GEEKY PAJAMAS? IF SO,WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?THE PRINT? SHEEP? Are M&M pajama bottoms geeky??


So, now on to the next "getting to know you!)

This is the Day that the Lord hath Made

OK-I know you think I have fallen off the face of the earth--but alas, here I am (I have been hanging out at Pam's house!) She has pics to chronicle the time!! All of you who know her well---she is laughing and smiling more and enjoying life!!! We are glad to have her here in our little corner of the owrld (she needs to learn to relax a little more!)

Today is the Lord's day. We will have avisiting Pastor, as Pastor Naill and Mrs.Dina are in Australia visiting the Koon family, missionaries we support there. I am praying hearts will be touched by the Word....I also am praying that those who are "too comfortable" will be out of that zone and looking inward and upward!

I am blessed to have yall in my extended family....your prayers are coveted. I see Good at work and am soo thankful for that presence in my life.

My prayer requests are #1...deep unspoken #2 My son, Derek has finals at seminary this week plus a 20 page paper due!! #3 Derek will be flying home next Saturday...pray for safety and NO ICE #4 My son Josh is flying home from South Africa today sometime...he got a flu bug there and had to go to a clinic for IV because of dehydration #5 which should be #1 that my children hear the voice of the Lord and seek to serve Him and a hedge about those things and people that seem to want to pull them off that path

That is enough for now---I am praying for you as you seek the Lord and worship today and for your health and your families.

God bless you mightily today!

PSALM 121

Quick Tips

Do not have a lot of time. but thought I would giv eyou a couple of quick tips--I will send recipes later!!


Clean your counters, floors, mirrors and appliances and sinks with alcohol---it adds a shine you cannot get from other cleaners. I do not use insecticide, and use alcohol to avoid allergic reactions while killing bugs and ants!


FOR PIE BAKING:

Use an iron griddle or skillet turned upside down to place your pies on. It gives a light brown crust and helps it not to be soggy . I have used small and large skillets as I o not have a griddle;
it is well worth the trouble!!


FOR LAUNDRY:

This suggestion we learned the hard way by those that think you should cram every dirty towel or pair of jeans into one load......Add baking soda to the rinse water to give clothing a fresh smell.
(about 1/2 cup for large load)



Happy Home Management (se we are degreed in our field!!)

TheValue Of Children

The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year, * $741.38 a month, or * $171.08 a week. * That's a mere $24.24 a day! * Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich". Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

* Glimpses of God every day.

* Giggles under the covers every night.

* More love than your heart can hold.

* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.

* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites

* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint,

* carve pumpkins,

* play hide-and-seek,

* catch lightning bugs, and

* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:

* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,

* watching Saturday morning cartoons,

* going to Disney movies, and

* wishing on stars.

* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay on Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,

* taking the training wheels off a bike,

* removing a splinter,

* filling a wading pool,

* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

* first step,

* first word,

* first date, and

* first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, So . . One day they will like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren

Another for your platter

For those making p;atters, here is one more:


Peppermint Brickle

40 saltine crackers
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups crushed peppermints
(this season, Andes makes a prepacked white chocolate and peppermint that works)

Arrange saltines on prepared baking pan (I used a little Pam spray for easy cleanup).
Place sugar and butter in pan on stove. Cook at medium heat until it comes to a boil. Boil for three minutes. Pour over saltines. Place in a 325 degree oven (preheated) and bake for five minutes and remove. Sprinkle peppermints over top. (You may use chocolate or any other flavored baking chips or morsels--just spread them around after melting. If humid, return to fridge for about five minutes to firm them up for separating.)

Easy--great tasting!!!



COMING LATER (OR TOMORROW) CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY COOKIES!!

Time for more pumpkin

This is delicious---very moist---great for gift giving--one to eat, one to share!!! E*N*J*O*Y*!





Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 can solid pack pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice or water
1 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 9x5 loaf pans. (my friend says sugar works well instead of the flour--have not tried it!) Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and juice in a large mixer bowl; beat until just blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture, stir until moistened. Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
*For THREE 8x4 loaf pans: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. For FIVE OR SIX 5x3 inch mini loaf pans, bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

COOKIE TIME

Ok--you asked for it, so I will publish some recipes. If it is real humid (like Florida), bake a minute or so less, so as not to have dried out cookies!


Fudgy Cappacuino Cookies



1/3 cup softened butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 Tablespoon Instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 egg whites
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated or powdered sugar

Mix butter 30 seconds until creamed. Add brown sugar, mis lightly, and add cocoa, coffee, soda and cinnamon. Beat until combined. Beat in eggs, yogurt and add flour. Mix well. Cover and chill three hours. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cookie sheeets. Place 1 inch balls of mixture in sugar and roll to coat. Place 2" apart of cookie sheet. Bake at 350 8 to 10 minutes.
the cookies "crackle on top)







COMING TOMORROW: PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

DON'T BE A SCROOGE

Did not know I would be able to post, but a friend sent this:
Please paste on your blog for us to enjoy---(with your answers, of course, not mine!!LOL)


Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to KnowYour Friends and Coworkers!You know the drill - ! Don't be a scrooge!!! Copy the email below and paste it into a new email. Then, answer the questions and email them on to all of your friends and coworkers (including the person who sent it to you).
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Love both, but depends if I want hot or cold! (U SHOULD TRY ABUELITA HOT COCOA)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? wraps
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? white
4. Do you hang mistletoe? of course
5. When do you put your decorations up? First weekend in December
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? cranberry salad
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? shopping at the dime store with money from Salvation Army
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? WHAT TRUTH??????
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? depends
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? It's a family affair
11. When you decorate, do you go all out or do you just put out a few decorations? ALL OUT-some in every room!
12. Can you ice skate?.....do not know---haven't tried recently
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? no

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The birth of Christ
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? chocolate chip pecan pie or Christmas cookies
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2

17. What tops your tree? An Angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving, of course
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? "O Holy Night" and for fun "Sleighride"
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum to stir hot chocolate with
21. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE IT --haven't tried driving in it for a while, though
22. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th St
23. Favorite Christmas game? Does our Nativity advent calendar count??
24. Is Christmas your favorite holiday? YES YES YES
25. Do you like caroling? YES and LOVE IT, especially when we were able to go to nursing homes

FRIDAY ALREADY????

It has been a little grueling the past couple of days. I have been "entertaining" a friend, and because of the emotional and day to day as well of physical struggles in her life, it is very draining. I love her as a friend, but I have heard each story many. many, many times, and soemtimes that many times in a day. Here is a refuge for her...I just include her in my errand running and she can do her laundry! Pray for her ---she and her husband desperately need a place to live, but more importantly, they need to seek the Lord and serve him, not give lip service. I am sure you all know friends and/or family like that. And, I can see why they are partly to blame for their condition as well as how the lord is trying to get their attention. I must address some of these in the coming weeks!! I covet your prayers.

My girls are off to a youth rally sponsored by the church we used to attend. They now have someone working with the youth, but still is awkward for them to see people from that church.
They love the rallies and the pastors and the fellowship with our youth!!

Better still, my husband is taking me out tonite---the first time in a long time!! Yes, dinner without the comfort of our children!! AKA--A DATE ! Woo hooo!! Gotta get ready!

Will post tomorrow....

Blessings to you!