I am just wondering where did November go? It seems like we were trick or treating just the other day.... and now, I am thawing a turkey, addressing Christmas cards(that I was able to find for $1.00 a box.... yes, they are brand new. They just happen to be some from last year's stock but they are this year's stock for me), cooking for the big day tomorrow and making the list. You know the one.... Black Friday.
My hubby has won major brownie points with me and my friend, Amanda. He is willing(note: I didn't say offer) to watch Amanda's boys while we take part in all of the mayhem that is going to be happening 'round these parts on that day. We don't really have a "plan" but we know that we will make a couple of memories. We will be going to Walmart(no Target 'round here) and to JoAnn's. We both want to get some good deals on fabric..... other than that... tune in later to hear all about it.
I had this great idea.... but great ideas are only great if you follow through with them. I had read some where to start your family letter in Jan. Adding to it a little each month. After finally finding it... I do that with everything. I'll put it some place thinking that I won't forget where it is and guess what???? I forget. Anyhow, I did find it and I did start it but Jan. is as far as I got. Now, if I had continued with my writing adventure and if I had jotted down just a few things each month.... all I would have to do now is tie it all together. Since I didn't; I will be starting from scratch and composing it just like I do every year. Perhaps, I'll make that my new year's resolution????
From our family to yours... may you all have a blessed holiday season.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A solider's mother
My mother in love was asked to speak at a Veteran's day service/memorial. Below is what she said. I would like to thank all of you for the prayers concerning my brother in love. Please continue to pray for the men and women and their family members who faithfully serve our country.
I have been asked to share a little about my family and an incident that happened recently.
Because of poor vision, my father was not accepted into the US military during WWII, instead he joined the Merchant Marines, acting as ship doctor and inventory control officer. He wasn’t going to be left out of the war.
Our oldest son, Curry, is an Army Warrant Officer in Artillery and has served during Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosvo and was in Baghdad when it fell. He has served well during his 21 years. Curry now works planning the army of the future.
Our son-in-love Rick serves in the Army Reserve as a Major and is presently involved in his second tour of Iraq. He is an engineer and works to re- build what the war has destroyed.
Our youngest son, Kyle joined the army 2 years ago. He’s our warrior, so of course he is in the Infantry. He left last July for an 18-month deployment to Afghanistan. Recently Kyle was home on leave. During his second week home, he found out that his platoon had been hit. The first humbvee was hit by an IED, three of his platoon’s men were killed, four were hospitalized in Germany, not expecting to return to duty. Of the three killed, one was Kyle’s battle buddy. One of the other two was sitting his Kyle’s place in the truck and was killed. The horror of the incident, the pain of losing men he cared about and the reality of war hit our home. Kyle worked his way through his emotions. A couple of days before he was scheduled to return to duty, he told me that he was ready to go back. To go back to his job he had been trained for, to go back for his buddies that had been lost and to go back to take care of his boys. You see, Kyle’s older than most of the men in his company and he has begun to have a protective nature toward those he has influence on.
What peace we have in knowing that Kyle is ready to meet his maker and that he is ready to go back to the job he believes God put him in. Gary and I put him on the plane to return to active duty with a proud heart and a peaceful soul.
In Matt. 11:28-29 (and not quoting all the verses) it says
“….I will give you rest…..And ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
In these turbulent times of economic stress and job insecurities, may you have “soul peace”
In these uncertain times of wars and rumors of wars, may you have “soul peace”.
When you are alarmed and dismayed by fighting’s without and fears within, may you have “soul peace”.
And I will close with Psalm 91 which is Kyle’s favorite:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…..”
I have been asked to share a little about my family and an incident that happened recently.
Because of poor vision, my father was not accepted into the US military during WWII, instead he joined the Merchant Marines, acting as ship doctor and inventory control officer. He wasn’t going to be left out of the war.
Our oldest son, Curry, is an Army Warrant Officer in Artillery and has served during Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosvo and was in Baghdad when it fell. He has served well during his 21 years. Curry now works planning the army of the future.
Our son-in-love Rick serves in the Army Reserve as a Major and is presently involved in his second tour of Iraq. He is an engineer and works to re- build what the war has destroyed.
Our youngest son, Kyle joined the army 2 years ago. He’s our warrior, so of course he is in the Infantry. He left last July for an 18-month deployment to Afghanistan. Recently Kyle was home on leave. During his second week home, he found out that his platoon had been hit. The first humbvee was hit by an IED, three of his platoon’s men were killed, four were hospitalized in Germany, not expecting to return to duty. Of the three killed, one was Kyle’s battle buddy. One of the other two was sitting his Kyle’s place in the truck and was killed. The horror of the incident, the pain of losing men he cared about and the reality of war hit our home. Kyle worked his way through his emotions. A couple of days before he was scheduled to return to duty, he told me that he was ready to go back. To go back to his job he had been trained for, to go back for his buddies that had been lost and to go back to take care of his boys. You see, Kyle’s older than most of the men in his company and he has begun to have a protective nature toward those he has influence on.
What peace we have in knowing that Kyle is ready to meet his maker and that he is ready to go back to the job he believes God put him in. Gary and I put him on the plane to return to active duty with a proud heart and a peaceful soul.
In Matt. 11:28-29 (and not quoting all the verses) it says
“….I will give you rest…..And ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
In these turbulent times of economic stress and job insecurities, may you have “soul peace”
In these uncertain times of wars and rumors of wars, may you have “soul peace”.
When you are alarmed and dismayed by fighting’s without and fears within, may you have “soul peace”.
And I will close with Psalm 91 which is Kyle’s favorite:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…..”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I ♥ fondant
All I can say is WOW!!!! Here's one cake from course 3. This was Logan's first time working with fondant. Her instructor is wonderful(and a little partial to Logan). The fondant doesn't taste as yummy as the buttercream frosting but it is really pretty. See what you think.
Christian Hospitality
Romans 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
What does hospitality look like to you???? Are you hospitable???? Now, let me ask; do you practice Christian hospitality???? What's Christian hospitality and how does it differ from social entertaining?????
Entertaining focuses on the host. The home must be spotless, food must be prepared and in abundant. The host must appear relaxed and good natured.
Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guests' needs; such as a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or just acceptance. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup.
Don't hesitate to offer hospitality because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain. (This is from the commentary in my NLT Bible).
Saturday, November 8, 2008
What's that.... something new????
If you look to the top right you'll see some thing new. Thanks to my sweet friend, Amanda, I was able to add this "button" to my blog. (thanks techno friend) Click on the button and you will be taken to an amazing blog. Angie is the author of "Bring the Rain". She has offered seven prayers to pray over your children during seven different times throughout the day. Her challenge is to pray these prayers for seven days.... but I am sure once you start and are consistant; you'll continue. Only great things can happen we meet our Master and pray for the ones that we love. I agree with Amanda......we can pray these prayers for ourselves, also.
I will tell you that Angie has an amazing story. I spent most of a week with her reading her blog. I would encourage you to take the time to read her story; Angie is an very talented writer and she allows God to use her as the vessel that she is called to be. Grab your favorite drink, turn off the phone, tissues are a must and come spend a little time seeing what faith one woman has and the strength God has given to her. (In order to read the beginning, you must go to the beginning of her blog.....scroll down to the Blog Archive and click on Jan. then scroll down to Jan. 12. 2008; The beginning of the story.)
I will tell you that Angie has an amazing story. I spent most of a week with her reading her blog. I would encourage you to take the time to read her story; Angie is an very talented writer and she allows God to use her as the vessel that she is called to be. Grab your favorite drink, turn off the phone, tissues are a must and come spend a little time seeing what faith one woman has and the strength God has given to her. (In order to read the beginning, you must go to the beginning of her blog.....scroll down to the Blog Archive and click on Jan. then scroll down to Jan. 12. 2008; The beginning of the story.)
Friday, November 7, 2008
It's been awhile
Once again I find myself not posting to my blog like I had hoped when I started it again. Why is that???? Because I have to many things that I ♥. ( I can't believe that I made the ♥ sign!!! WHOO HOO!!) I have recently discovered that I ♥ quilting. It can be a little obsessive; okay maybe that's me and not the quilt. I am VERY close to completing my first quilt. This is the top piceced together, quilted(not tied), and bound. The funny thing about things that we ♥..... it takes time to do them.
I wondered how do I add one more thing to my "to do" list????? Here's my solution to my "situation"; get organized. HA HA. I have certain things that I HAVE to do for my "job". I have always wanted to clean as I go.... but never have stuck with it. This past week I didn't do too bad. I cleaned as I went, had meals in my freezer and was able to spend more time on my sewing and other things that I ♥. Mainly the way I looked at it was like this... spend an hour in the am getting my job squared away and then I wouldn't feel guilty for taking the time to do the things that I love so much. Maybe this will allow me to blog more regualrly.
My next task is learning how to text... Logan is loving trying to teach me that one.
I wondered how do I add one more thing to my "to do" list????? Here's my solution to my "situation"; get organized. HA HA. I have certain things that I HAVE to do for my "job". I have always wanted to clean as I go.... but never have stuck with it. This past week I didn't do too bad. I cleaned as I went, had meals in my freezer and was able to spend more time on my sewing and other things that I ♥. Mainly the way I looked at it was like this... spend an hour in the am getting my job squared away and then I wouldn't feel guilty for taking the time to do the things that I love so much. Maybe this will allow me to blog more regualrly.
My next task is learning how to text... Logan is loving trying to teach me that one.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Busy Bee
Today was a very productive day..... even with the fam at home. Usually, I plan my cooking days during the week when it's just me and the pups. Here's what I cooked for this month. All is in the freezer waiting to be eaten..... yummy!!!!
Beef Stroganoff
Italian Stuffed Chicken Breasts (chicken breasts stuffed with ham, mozz. cheese and sun dried tomatoes). This is a meal kit and will need to have the Tomato Cream Sauce.
Panera's Cream Cheese Potato Soup
Outback's Alice Springs Chicken
Sirloin Strips in Wine Sauce
Chili
Hamburger -cooked and waiting to be used for pasta.
Crock pot Chicken taco meat- this will be used for tacos at the beginning of the month and quesadillas at the end of the month.
Quiche for hubby for breakfast this week.
I have to make scalloped ham and potatoes, but I just don't think they will freeze too well. Also, the freezer is pretty full.
This month I tried to buy 90% of the staples that we would need for the month and then use the second half of our budget to purchase fresh items and dairy as needed. So far, it has worked.
Once we move to Alabama, we will live about an hour from a commissary. And 30 minutes from Walmart. I also want to spend more time sewing and focusing on the upcoming holiday season... cooking this way will allow me less time in the kitchen each day. I do have other meals planned, but either they are already in the freezer, something very simple like hot dogs and mac & cheese, breakfast or we are ordering out. I would like to bake one day to have some goodies in the stocked up, too.
Beef Stroganoff
Italian Stuffed Chicken Breasts (chicken breasts stuffed with ham, mozz. cheese and sun dried tomatoes). This is a meal kit and will need to have the Tomato Cream Sauce.
Panera's Cream Cheese Potato Soup
Outback's Alice Springs Chicken
Sirloin Strips in Wine Sauce
Chili
Hamburger -cooked and waiting to be used for pasta.
Crock pot Chicken taco meat- this will be used for tacos at the beginning of the month and quesadillas at the end of the month.
Quiche for hubby for breakfast this week.
I have to make scalloped ham and potatoes, but I just don't think they will freeze too well. Also, the freezer is pretty full.
This month I tried to buy 90% of the staples that we would need for the month and then use the second half of our budget to purchase fresh items and dairy as needed. So far, it has worked.
Once we move to Alabama, we will live about an hour from a commissary. And 30 minutes from Walmart. I also want to spend more time sewing and focusing on the upcoming holiday season... cooking this way will allow me less time in the kitchen each day. I do have other meals planned, but either they are already in the freezer, something very simple like hot dogs and mac & cheese, breakfast or we are ordering out. I would like to bake one day to have some goodies in the stocked up, too.
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