How to Hold A Story
1 year ago
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Let's Catch Up!
I am such a bad blogger. Days are so full and I find it hard to sit down and write what is going on in our lives.
Do you remember this post? Well, guess what? He is now living inside my home and has made himself quite comfortable!
After the first few days of living on our porch, it started raining and got pretty cool and windy outside. The kids started to worry about the kitty, so hubby suggested that we open up the garage a few inches so he could come inside. We put his water and food bowls in the garage as well. He became quite comfortable and would often sleep in a box he found. The only problem was that two more cats found their way into the garage as well! On Saturday morning hubby went into the garage and found a bag of trash ripped open and some pee on the floor near the door. Hubby was not too happy, but the kids told him he couldn't blame it on the little kitty. Maybe the two other bigger cats scared him or they actually did it themselves! So yes, we gave him another chance!
On Sunday morning hubby went out into the garage and found an injured, bleeding, baby bunny in the garage. The kitty was playing with it and the bunny was desperately trying to get away! So, that was it! Hubby got the bunny out, put kitty out, and closed up the garage. When we left for church, I made sure his water and food dishes were back on the porch. However, when we returned from church, he was gone! We could not find him anywhere! The kids and I were feeling a little sad. We took a walk and looked around, but he was no where to be found! After a whole week at our house, he had moved on!
We were pretty sure we would never see him again. But on Friday evening the door bell rang, and the little girls from next door were holding our kitty. He had taken up residency on another front porch down the street. Their mom knew the lady that lived there, and I guess the lady talked about the kitty that she was now taking care of! The girls went and looked at the kitty and said it was the one that had been living on our porch. They brought him to us and we brought him inside that evening. We have no idea who his original owner is, but he is living in our home now.
I knew he was fairly young. I am not sure of his age, but after visiting Pet Smart and seeing the cats they have there, I would guess that he is 3-4 months old. He has lost two baby teeth since being here. Micah actually saw him spit one of them out. He picked it up and brought it to me. He wondered what it was. I told him it looked like a tooth. I checked the kitty's mouth and saw another tooth that looked just like it and it was loose. Micah found that tooth the next day!
The kids are having a lot of fun with him. Just one thing, he and the dog do not get along. At first, the dog was actually scared of this little kitty. She would avoid him at all costs. How can the 60 + pound dog be afraid of such a little cat? As time went on the dog has gotten to where she acts like she would like to eat him. The kitty taunts her. He chases after her, but if she gets too close, he arches his back and hisses at her. She then growls and goes after him. She has gotten scratched a few times. Most if the time they avoid each other, but we keep an eye on them. When we have to leave the house, we make sure that they can not get to each other.
Can you please tell me how to get the cat and dog to like each other? I so desperately want them to live here together in peace. Also is there a way to keep the cat off of the kitchen counters and the kitchen table! That is something I really need, too! Also we are taking suggestions for a name for our kitty. I have always had a hard time naming animals. The kids have thought of a few, but no one can come to agreement on anything yet!
Speaking of Luke's Birthday, he and Anna both recently had a birthday.
They grow up way too fast!
The other day I took the children to the Creation Museum. I will share some pictures from our trip soon. I also have been crocheting a lot recently. I mostly know how to make scarves and hats. I want to learn how to make some other things as well. I have a hard time sitting down and following a pattern. It takes time and concentration. It is hard to get enough time for quiet around here to concentrate. I am eying a shawl pattern though, that I might try soon.
I have been trying some new recipes too. I hope to share some of them with you very soon. The kids were always wondering why I was taking pictures of food. They are now so used to it that they never ask anymore!
Well, that's all for now. I hope to be back soon.
Do you remember this post? Well, guess what? He is now living inside my home and has made himself quite comfortable!
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| Here he is sleeping in an empty box from a toy Luke got for his Birthday! |
After the first few days of living on our porch, it started raining and got pretty cool and windy outside. The kids started to worry about the kitty, so hubby suggested that we open up the garage a few inches so he could come inside. We put his water and food bowls in the garage as well. He became quite comfortable and would often sleep in a box he found. The only problem was that two more cats found their way into the garage as well! On Saturday morning hubby went into the garage and found a bag of trash ripped open and some pee on the floor near the door. Hubby was not too happy, but the kids told him he couldn't blame it on the little kitty. Maybe the two other bigger cats scared him or they actually did it themselves! So yes, we gave him another chance!
On Sunday morning hubby went out into the garage and found an injured, bleeding, baby bunny in the garage. The kitty was playing with it and the bunny was desperately trying to get away! So, that was it! Hubby got the bunny out, put kitty out, and closed up the garage. When we left for church, I made sure his water and food dishes were back on the porch. However, when we returned from church, he was gone! We could not find him anywhere! The kids and I were feeling a little sad. We took a walk and looked around, but he was no where to be found! After a whole week at our house, he had moved on!
We were pretty sure we would never see him again. But on Friday evening the door bell rang, and the little girls from next door were holding our kitty. He had taken up residency on another front porch down the street. Their mom knew the lady that lived there, and I guess the lady talked about the kitty that she was now taking care of! The girls went and looked at the kitty and said it was the one that had been living on our porch. They brought him to us and we brought him inside that evening. We have no idea who his original owner is, but he is living in our home now.
I knew he was fairly young. I am not sure of his age, but after visiting Pet Smart and seeing the cats they have there, I would guess that he is 3-4 months old. He has lost two baby teeth since being here. Micah actually saw him spit one of them out. He picked it up and brought it to me. He wondered what it was. I told him it looked like a tooth. I checked the kitty's mouth and saw another tooth that looked just like it and it was loose. Micah found that tooth the next day!
The kids are having a lot of fun with him. Just one thing, he and the dog do not get along. At first, the dog was actually scared of this little kitty. She would avoid him at all costs. How can the 60 + pound dog be afraid of such a little cat? As time went on the dog has gotten to where she acts like she would like to eat him. The kitty taunts her. He chases after her, but if she gets too close, he arches his back and hisses at her. She then growls and goes after him. She has gotten scratched a few times. Most if the time they avoid each other, but we keep an eye on them. When we have to leave the house, we make sure that they can not get to each other.
Can you please tell me how to get the cat and dog to like each other? I so desperately want them to live here together in peace. Also is there a way to keep the cat off of the kitchen counters and the kitchen table! That is something I really need, too! Also we are taking suggestions for a name for our kitty. I have always had a hard time naming animals. The kids have thought of a few, but no one can come to agreement on anything yet!
Speaking of Luke's Birthday, he and Anna both recently had a birthday.
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| Anna celebrating her 10th Birthday! |
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| Luke on his 8th Birthday! |
They grow up way too fast!
The other day I took the children to the Creation Museum. I will share some pictures from our trip soon. I also have been crocheting a lot recently. I mostly know how to make scarves and hats. I want to learn how to make some other things as well. I have a hard time sitting down and following a pattern. It takes time and concentration. It is hard to get enough time for quiet around here to concentrate. I am eying a shawl pattern though, that I might try soon.
I have been trying some new recipes too. I hope to share some of them with you very soon. The kids were always wondering why I was taking pictures of food. They are now so used to it that they never ask anymore!
Well, that's all for now. I hope to be back soon.
Have an Awesome Weekend Everyone!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
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| Isn't he beautiful and a little creepy all at the same time? |
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| I took this by holding my cell phone from below. I think it is kind of neat with the blue sky in the background! |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
This Is Not Our Cat!
We have this sweet little kitty that showed up on our doorstep a couple of days ago! The children have fallen in love with him!
He seems to be pretty young, as he is still pretty small and skinny. Yesterday we gave him some milk and I cut up some popcorn chicken for him to eat. We also gave him water but he would not drink that! I had to run out to the store yesterday to get some medicine for Luke so I just happened to pick up some kitty food! When Hubby came home he asked, "why do we have Cat food?" I told him that we needed it! He said that we did not need it! Umm, well we kinda wanted something for kitty to eat!
The truth is I love cats. Actually I love animals in general. We have a dog that is allowed inside our house. This dog acts like she wants to eat the cat! The cat stays in the front and the dog goes out the back so that we can keep them apart! We cannot really keep this cat. I am hoping we find his owner so that they can be reunited.
Luke has been having some major allergy symptoms. His eyes have been swelling up really bad. The past couple of days have been even worse. I just wonder if he happens to be allergic to the cat! He wants to go out so badly to play with the cat. I told him today that he has to stay in all day and away from the cat to see if he gets any better. The pediatrician gave us a new allergy medicine to try as well as some eye drops. Let's hope these help. So far I am not convinced!
So, even if the owner is not found and Luke is not allergic, we cannot keep this cat! Hubby and I are not interested in having a litter box and we really don't have a good place to put one anyway!
Yes, I am talking myself out of keeping this cat! He is very sweet and affectionate! The kids adore him. The dog abhors him! What shall we do?
Until we figure it all out, I guess we will be doing more of this!
He seems to be pretty young, as he is still pretty small and skinny. Yesterday we gave him some milk and I cut up some popcorn chicken for him to eat. We also gave him water but he would not drink that! I had to run out to the store yesterday to get some medicine for Luke so I just happened to pick up some kitty food! When Hubby came home he asked, "why do we have Cat food?" I told him that we needed it! He said that we did not need it! Umm, well we kinda wanted something for kitty to eat!
The truth is I love cats. Actually I love animals in general. We have a dog that is allowed inside our house. This dog acts like she wants to eat the cat! The cat stays in the front and the dog goes out the back so that we can keep them apart! We cannot really keep this cat. I am hoping we find his owner so that they can be reunited.
Luke has been having some major allergy symptoms. His eyes have been swelling up really bad. The past couple of days have been even worse. I just wonder if he happens to be allergic to the cat! He wants to go out so badly to play with the cat. I told him today that he has to stay in all day and away from the cat to see if he gets any better. The pediatrician gave us a new allergy medicine to try as well as some eye drops. Let's hope these help. So far I am not convinced!
So, even if the owner is not found and Luke is not allergic, we cannot keep this cat! Hubby and I are not interested in having a litter box and we really don't have a good place to put one anyway!
Yes, I am talking myself out of keeping this cat! He is very sweet and affectionate! The kids adore him. The dog abhors him! What shall we do?
Until we figure it all out, I guess we will be doing more of this!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Monster Cookies
I recently stumbled upon this recipe and knew I was going to have to try it! Most of you have probably heard of Monster Cookies before. Many years ago a friend gave me a recipe for Monster Cookies that were made from scratch. They were very yummy, but they seemed a bit time consuming!
This recipe calls for using cookie mix that comes in a pouch plus a few more ingredients. Maybe cheating just a bit, but they were yummy and a whole lot quicker! I made the recipe exactly as it is written except for I had some Reese's Pieces on hand, so I added them too! One person who reviewed the recipe mentioned adding peanut butter chips. That sounds yummy too!
Ingredients:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate candies
Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir all ingredients except candies until soft dough forms. Stir in candies.
On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 1/4 cupfuls (very large cookies!) dough about 3 inches apart.
Bake 12 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely. Store in covered container at room temperature
*(To make 36 smaller cookies, place 2 heaping tablespoonfuls dough about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes)
These cookies are completey low in calorie and fat, NOT! But oh so yummy!
This recipe calls for using cookie mix that comes in a pouch plus a few more ingredients. Maybe cheating just a bit, but they were yummy and a whole lot quicker! I made the recipe exactly as it is written except for I had some Reese's Pieces on hand, so I added them too! One person who reviewed the recipe mentioned adding peanut butter chips. That sounds yummy too!
Ingredients:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate candies
Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir all ingredients except candies until soft dough forms. Stir in candies.
On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 1/4 cupfuls (very large cookies!) dough about 3 inches apart.
Bake 12 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely. Store in covered container at room temperature
*(To make 36 smaller cookies, place 2 heaping tablespoonfuls dough about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes)
These cookies are completey low in calorie and fat, NOT! But oh so yummy!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Happy September!
It is September 8th and life is is full swing! We are near the end of our 3rd week of school, however this was only a 4 day week.
I had started a few posts through out the Summer and hoped to finish them, but I never have. Right now it seems overwhelming to get caught up with all the stuff I have missed on this blog. So, I decided to just start where we are now and possibly add a little about our Summer as I go.
This year I have 6 kids in school, a first grader all the way up to a 10th grader. Last year there were seven, but Rebekah graduated. It seems a little strange just having 6 at home full time. When you have so many kids, even with just one missing, the dynamics change quite a bit.
Rebekah is going to the local University and living at home. She does not have her drivers license yet, so Hubby or I have to drop her off and pick her up. Her schedule is so full, that she is not home very much. She has long days at school and she also works several evenings a week. I feel like I hardly ever see her. She is getting the hang or her busy schedule, but she is quite worn out which is totally understandable!
Our Summer was quite busy with the Musicals from our Church. There were many practices and both Musicals had three performances each. Let's just say that we were doing a lot of running around and dinner was usually on the run. It was a lot of fun, but it was also great when it was all over! I really felt like I needed a vacation afterwards. I only had to transport my kids, I cannot imagine how the people leading these kids through every practice and performance felt. There were a few young ladies that taught the choreography for both groups and some days they had 2 practices in one day. Can you say Workout?! I should have joined in and learned the dance moves too, it would have been a great for weight loss.
We did fit in a visit to go see my Mom in Virginia. It was so nice just to be with her. I absolutely hate being so far away from her and the rest of my family. I wish we could at least live closer so that I could easily go for the weekend or something. Last week she fell and when I got the call, it tore me apart that I could not just get up and go be with her. She thought she had broken her leg, but ended up being a small fracture and some badly bruised ribs. That has got to be painful enough though. The good news is that she got to go home! She hates having to stay in the hospital!
While in Virginia, we did get to go see Faith's grave. While I know that she is not there, but with Jesus, it is still nice to visit, since this is a little bit of her I have here on earth.
Just like all the other times we have visited, many of the kids run straight for Faith's Grave and the start cleaning it up and pulling away any long grass, etc. It always Blesses My Heart! This year I did not get a picture of it though.
Even though it has been a bit hard to get back into a regular routine of school,etc, it also feels good! Kids just seem to do better when they keep up somewhat of a regular schedule. They also go to bed a bit earlier too!
It has been a really hot summer here, but the past few days have been cool and wet and rather dreary! It just seems that we go from one extreme to another. I really would like to have some nice Fall weather though. Some cool days with Sun, yeah, that's what I want!
Today I will leave you with a song I have on my heart:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
I had started a few posts through out the Summer and hoped to finish them, but I never have. Right now it seems overwhelming to get caught up with all the stuff I have missed on this blog. So, I decided to just start where we are now and possibly add a little about our Summer as I go.
This year I have 6 kids in school, a first grader all the way up to a 10th grader. Last year there were seven, but Rebekah graduated. It seems a little strange just having 6 at home full time. When you have so many kids, even with just one missing, the dynamics change quite a bit.
Rebekah is going to the local University and living at home. She does not have her drivers license yet, so Hubby or I have to drop her off and pick her up. Her schedule is so full, that she is not home very much. She has long days at school and she also works several evenings a week. I feel like I hardly ever see her. She is getting the hang or her busy schedule, but she is quite worn out which is totally understandable!
Our Summer was quite busy with the Musicals from our Church. There were many practices and both Musicals had three performances each. Let's just say that we were doing a lot of running around and dinner was usually on the run. It was a lot of fun, but it was also great when it was all over! I really felt like I needed a vacation afterwards. I only had to transport my kids, I cannot imagine how the people leading these kids through every practice and performance felt. There were a few young ladies that taught the choreography for both groups and some days they had 2 practices in one day. Can you say Workout?! I should have joined in and learned the dance moves too, it would have been a great for weight loss.
We did fit in a visit to go see my Mom in Virginia. It was so nice just to be with her. I absolutely hate being so far away from her and the rest of my family. I wish we could at least live closer so that I could easily go for the weekend or something. Last week she fell and when I got the call, it tore me apart that I could not just get up and go be with her. She thought she had broken her leg, but ended up being a small fracture and some badly bruised ribs. That has got to be painful enough though. The good news is that she got to go home! She hates having to stay in the hospital!
While in Virginia, we did get to go see Faith's grave. While I know that she is not there, but with Jesus, it is still nice to visit, since this is a little bit of her I have here on earth.
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| The kids always want to take my picture while we are there! |
Just like all the other times we have visited, many of the kids run straight for Faith's Grave and the start cleaning it up and pulling away any long grass, etc. It always Blesses My Heart! This year I did not get a picture of it though.
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| My beautiful necklace from My Forever Child. |
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| Close up of my Necklace |
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| Micah using Uncle Rick's fancy camera! He did not want to give it back! |
Even though it has been a bit hard to get back into a regular routine of school,etc, it also feels good! Kids just seem to do better when they keep up somewhat of a regular schedule. They also go to bed a bit earlier too!
It has been a really hot summer here, but the past few days have been cool and wet and rather dreary! It just seems that we go from one extreme to another. I really would like to have some nice Fall weather though. Some cool days with Sun, yeah, that's what I want!
Today I will leave you with a song I have on my heart:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
by Helen H.
Lemmel, 1922
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
Hebrews 12:2
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Perfect Peace
The Lord has been gently whispering to me about His Peace. I desperately need His Peace in my life. The last few days there have been Scriptures about Peace popping up from different sources like friends on facebook or something I just happen to be reading. It is quite obvious that The Lord is trying to tell me something. I really do need His Peace and I seek it! I will pay attention to what He is saying and I will study what the Scriptures say about His Peace.
This morning I woke up with this Scripture on my mind. Then when I went to read my Bible, this verse was part of the Scripture Reading Plan for today. ( I am following a plan to read through the Bible in a year, which I am terribly behind on!) Do I think this is a coincidence? Absolutely not! God is working on my Heart and I am going to pay attention!
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
I am sorry I have been absent from this blog. I miss being here and I miss you all! This Summer has been a bit busy, but I also have had a hard time just sitting down to write. I really do hope to be here more often. It is like therapy for me to write here. Thank You to the Faithful few that still read this. I hope to be back real soon!
This morning I woke up with this Scripture on my mind. Then when I went to read my Bible, this verse was part of the Scripture Reading Plan for today. ( I am following a plan to read through the Bible in a year, which I am terribly behind on!) Do I think this is a coincidence? Absolutely not! God is working on my Heart and I am going to pay attention!
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| Picture Credit |
Isaiah 26:3
I am sorry I have been absent from this blog. I miss being here and I miss you all! This Summer has been a bit busy, but I also have had a hard time just sitting down to write. I really do hope to be here more often. It is like therapy for me to write here. Thank You to the Faithful few that still read this. I hope to be back real soon!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Lemonade Cake
I am always looking for a new recipe to try. Unfortunately for my waistline, I tend to be drawn to dessert recipes! I happened upon this recipe the other day and just had to try it.
Back Many years ago a friend's mom would make a cake very similar to this for our church home group. I do not remember her putting icing on it though. I just remember the moist lemon cake that I just loved!
Lemonade seems to always go with Summer, so if you enjoy lemonade, you should try this yummy cake! I do recommend a light fluffy icing to go with it. When I made it, I used a buttercream frosting. I believe a lighter, fluffier icing would go better.
I found this recipe here and it originated from here.
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| Picture Credit |
Ingredients:
1 box lemon or yellow cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 container Whipped fluffy white or fluffy lemon frosting ( I ended up using a buttercream frosting.)
Yellow colored sugar, if desired
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make cake as directed on box for 13×9-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes.
2. Mix lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over top of cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
3. Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.
2. Mix lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over top of cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
3. Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.
While this recipe is very delicious, it did not seem to measure up to my friend's mom's version. Pam, if you happen to be reading this, please send me your Mom's recipe!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Yes, I Am Still Alive!
Hello There and Happy Friday everyone! I have missed being here and hope to be here more often! I miss all my Bloggy friends!
Life has been busy, but really, that is not the main reason I haven't been here. I just have been in a "Quiet" mood. I am not sure what it is all about, but I have just wanted everything to be quiet! Crazy, since I am the mother to 10! Where do I find quiet?
I actually started a post a couple of weeks ago, but never finished it! It is all about the happenings at our house during the month of May. I hope to finish it up in the next couple of days. Now I will have to write about June too!
Maybe this is what God is saying to me right now!
Life has been busy, but really, that is not the main reason I haven't been here. I just have been in a "Quiet" mood. I am not sure what it is all about, but I have just wanted everything to be quiet! Crazy, since I am the mother to 10! Where do I find quiet?
I actually started a post a couple of weeks ago, but never finished it! It is all about the happenings at our house during the month of May. I hope to finish it up in the next couple of days. Now I will have to write about June too!
Maybe this is what God is saying to me right now!
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| Picture Credit |
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
I hope to be back real soon and to more regular posting!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Hallelujah! Christ Arose!
Praise God! He Has Risen, Just As He Said!
As I reflect upon Resurrection Day, I am reminded of this Hymn I learned in my childhood. I can still hear the voices harmonizing and especially the bass voices booming from the back row of the choir! I love the message of this song, and I am so Thankful that He Arose! He Arose for you and for me!
Low in the Grave He Lay
by Robert Wadsworth Lowry
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph over His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph over His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph over His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Have a Blessed Resurrection Day!
Hallelujah! Christ Arose!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Trying Another Recipe ~ Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Anyway, the other day I needed to make a dessert for a function at church. I was looking for something I had never made before and preferably non-chocolate. I came across this recipe from Taste of Home that sounded yummy and easy enough to make. It is called Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars. I love Cheesecake and I Love Strawberries, so this sounded like a wonderful mix!
This is a recipe that I recommend if you enjoy Cheesecake and Strawberries. The only thing I changed was I added sugar to the strawberries. I did not add a lot of sugar and it really could have used a little more. I used unsweetened frozen strawberries, but probably would just use the sweetened kind the next time.
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars Recipe
No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed ( I recommend adding sugar or use sweetened frozen strawberries)
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 3/4 cups finely crushed cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (4 tbsps.) butter, melted
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 large eggs
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
Blend strawberries in blender container until smooth. Transfer to saucepan; add cornstarch. Cook and stir until thickened. Cool.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter in small bowl; press firmly into bottom of prepared pan.
Beat cream cheese until fluffy in large bowl. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Pour over crust.
Drop strawberry mixture by spoonfuls over batter. Gently swirl with knife or spatula.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool. Chill. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 to 3 dozen bars.
I found this recipe here.
Enjoy!
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Little Bit of This And That Plus a Birthday!
I am still alive! Well, at least I think I am! The kids keep us pretty busy and something is always going on! As I look at the calendar, the next few months seem like they will be busier than ever! Blogging could be pretty sporadic!
The past 2 weekends have been JBQ and TBQ State competitions. I am proud to report that our kids did really well. Our JBQ A-League team (which includes Anna and Sammy) was in a 3 way tie for second place. So it ends up that they were 4th in the gold division. That was good enough for them to go on to Regionals! Anna came in 3rd place individually! She is pretty competitive and she has worked really hard! I should also mention her teammate Tyler came in fourth! They did so well, and we are so proud of them!
The B-League team also did really well. It is an all girl team and they came in first place in the silver division. Micah and Luke are in C-League and they did awesome too! They came in first place in the gold division. Luke worked harder at the end, so he answered more questions than he has before! I believe it has help to build his confidence! He got 8th place individually and was so excited to get a trophy!
Our TBQ teams did awesome too! Rebekah's team came in first and Rebekah got First place individually! This is her Senior year, so what a wonderful way to end her TBQ career! She will be going to Regionals next month with her team. Victoria's team came in second place! So Awesome! They too, will be going to Regionals!
Matthew is on the Middle School Team and they came in First in their division. His Team will be going to Regionals as well!
So, as you can see, there are some of the things that are on our upcoming agenda, not to mention the possibility of Anna and Sammy's team, Rebekah's team, and Victoria's team advancing to Nationals! I will also have to be running our kids to practices every week for our Church's Musical. There are actually 2 different musicals for 2 different age groups. I will have 3 kids in one and 4 in the other. Their practices are on different nights, so it will be a lot of transporting going on. The performances are in August with each group having two performances each. I would also like to fit in a trip to Virginia so that I can visit my Mom and the rest of my extended family.
To add to all of that, Rebekah and Josh will be starting College in the Fall. We will have to help them get ready for that and do all the necessary preparations! I personally find having older kids a bit more challenging than the little ones!
Recently Hubby celebrated his Birthday. I made his cake this year. He pretty much said that he would like any cake except chocolate. I scoured through recipes and decided on a Caramel Cake. Looking through so many recipes on the Internet, I came to the conclusion that most of the recipes were of a yellow cake with a Caramel Frosting. So, I decided to cheat just a little!
I used a yellow cake mix and mixed it up according to the directions and then stirred in some melted butterscotch chips. Originally I made a layered cake, but evidently left the cakes in the pans too long or something. When I tried to take them out, they were completely stuck! I had sprayed the pans with PAM, so that was not the problem. In the process of trying to get them out of the pans, one of the layers broke into pieces.
Yeah, so I mixed up 2 cake mixes and stirred in some melted butterscotch chips and poured it into a large pan. I am not sure of the dimensions, but it is a lot bigger than a 13x9 pan. I thought that since it was such a large cake that I probably should double the recipe for the Frosting. Well, in all actuality it probably wasn't needed. The Frosting was sort of like fudge and in the middle it was at least as thick as the cake! It was really yummy and the kids did not complain about too much Frosting! I wish I had taken pictures after it was cut so that you could see how thick the icing was!
Here is the Recipe for the Frosting!
Caramel Frosting From Scratch
2 sticks butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup Pet's Evaporated Milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Melt butter and brown sugar and evaporated milk. Cook two minutes over medium heat (no longer than two minutes). Add vanilla. Remove immediately from heat. Add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.. Will frost a three layer cake!
I found this recipe here along with a cake recipe.
Warning: It will give you a major sugar rush!
Have a Great Weekend Everyone!
The past 2 weekends have been JBQ and TBQ State competitions. I am proud to report that our kids did really well. Our JBQ A-League team (which includes Anna and Sammy) was in a 3 way tie for second place. So it ends up that they were 4th in the gold division. That was good enough for them to go on to Regionals! Anna came in 3rd place individually! She is pretty competitive and she has worked really hard! I should also mention her teammate Tyler came in fourth! They did so well, and we are so proud of them!
The B-League team also did really well. It is an all girl team and they came in first place in the silver division. Micah and Luke are in C-League and they did awesome too! They came in first place in the gold division. Luke worked harder at the end, so he answered more questions than he has before! I believe it has help to build his confidence! He got 8th place individually and was so excited to get a trophy!
Our TBQ teams did awesome too! Rebekah's team came in first and Rebekah got First place individually! This is her Senior year, so what a wonderful way to end her TBQ career! She will be going to Regionals next month with her team. Victoria's team came in second place! So Awesome! They too, will be going to Regionals!
Matthew is on the Middle School Team and they came in First in their division. His Team will be going to Regionals as well!
So, as you can see, there are some of the things that are on our upcoming agenda, not to mention the possibility of Anna and Sammy's team, Rebekah's team, and Victoria's team advancing to Nationals! I will also have to be running our kids to practices every week for our Church's Musical. There are actually 2 different musicals for 2 different age groups. I will have 3 kids in one and 4 in the other. Their practices are on different nights, so it will be a lot of transporting going on. The performances are in August with each group having two performances each. I would also like to fit in a trip to Virginia so that I can visit my Mom and the rest of my extended family.
To add to all of that, Rebekah and Josh will be starting College in the Fall. We will have to help them get ready for that and do all the necessary preparations! I personally find having older kids a bit more challenging than the little ones!
Recently Hubby celebrated his Birthday. I made his cake this year. He pretty much said that he would like any cake except chocolate. I scoured through recipes and decided on a Caramel Cake. Looking through so many recipes on the Internet, I came to the conclusion that most of the recipes were of a yellow cake with a Caramel Frosting. So, I decided to cheat just a little!
I used a yellow cake mix and mixed it up according to the directions and then stirred in some melted butterscotch chips. Originally I made a layered cake, but evidently left the cakes in the pans too long or something. When I tried to take them out, they were completely stuck! I had sprayed the pans with PAM, so that was not the problem. In the process of trying to get them out of the pans, one of the layers broke into pieces.
Yeah, so I mixed up 2 cake mixes and stirred in some melted butterscotch chips and poured it into a large pan. I am not sure of the dimensions, but it is a lot bigger than a 13x9 pan. I thought that since it was such a large cake that I probably should double the recipe for the Frosting. Well, in all actuality it probably wasn't needed. The Frosting was sort of like fudge and in the middle it was at least as thick as the cake! It was really yummy and the kids did not complain about too much Frosting! I wish I had taken pictures after it was cut so that you could see how thick the icing was!
 |
| Happy Birthday Hubby! |
Here is the Recipe for the Frosting!
Caramel Frosting From Scratch
2 sticks butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup Pet's Evaporated Milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Melt butter and brown sugar and evaporated milk. Cook two minutes over medium heat (no longer than two minutes). Add vanilla. Remove immediately from heat. Add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.. Will frost a three layer cake!
I found this recipe here along with a cake recipe.
Warning: It will give you a major sugar rush!
Have a Great Weekend Everyone!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Create In Me A Pure Heart
I am using a Bible Reading Guide that has you read through the Bible in one year. I actually started this plan in the middle of last year. So today, I was reading from the Day labeled July 30th! Hey it doesn't matter that I didn't start on January 1st!
It is really good to be in God's Word. I have had a hard time being consistent with it, but I have been Blessed by my effort of working on it! I decided that my relationship with God is more important than any other part of my life. To keep that relationship Going and Growing it requires effort on my part. Spending time in His Word and Communicating with Him frequently is how this is accomplished!
I have decided that I will spend time with God and His word before I will open up my computer each day. I feel like I must make Him a priority before anything else! I like to get on my computer first thing in the morning to check emails and of course facebook! I have got to make sure I know what is going on with everyone! But God has to be First!
Anyway, today's reading included some of the Psalms. I really enjoy reading the Psalms because they are a great encouragement to me. I think I need to include the Psalms even on days when it is not on the reading plan!
This Scripture really stood out to me!
 |
| Picture Credit |
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12
I Highly Encourage You To Spend Time in God's Word Each Day!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Has Ris...
Or Has it?
The past few days have been just beautiful around here. The feeling that Spring is in the air is bringing relief that Winter is about over. I am reminded of this little poem that my Mom would recite! Looking all over the Internet I found a few different versions.
The version I remember most went like this:
Spring has sprung. The grass is ris. I wonder where the flowers is?”
Bad grammar, I know! I do not remember if there was more to it or not.
Here is another version I found:
It has been pretty warm here, mostly in the 70's. Today has been warm again, but a cold front is moving in and with it Thunderstorms are expected this evening. We are in a Tornado watch until tonight. The next few days are supposed to be in the 40's. It was nice while it lasted!
Here is a reading from the Thermometer in Rebekah's car showing the outside temperature taken yesterday.
I walked around the yard to see if I could find any sign of life. I was a bit surprised to see that my Rhododendrons are going to bloom in the near future.
 |
| If you have any clue why there are spots on the leaves and what I can do about it, please let me know! |
I found many dandelions. You know a lot of people spend a lot of time trying to get rid of these, but there is something about the pretty yellow flowers that I really like!
After taking these pictures, I realized that we have a lot of weeds in our backyard! But some of them are so pretty!
 |
| Are they weeds or wild flowers? |
 |
| Growing up, I called these violets. I have no idea what they are really called. |
 |
| Here they are a little closer up. My pictures are not showing their beautiful blue color! |
 |
| Here is some wild onion growing amongst some of the pretty purple |
As I was walking along, I also found some really cute kids playing!
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| Micah on the swing |
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| Luke |
Upon further inspection, I found the turtles are coming out of hibernation. Four of the five have been spotted. The smallest one named April has yet to be seen. Of course Zach was the first to be seen. He is the most outgoing turtle and he has personality! Last week, he had just his head sticking out of the ground!
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| Here's Mr Zach! |
I believe that Spring is my favorite time of the year! As the weather grows warmer and new life is starting to sprout, it makes me feel as though I can break out of my shell and out of hibernation! There just seems to be a new hope and a new promise. It makes me feel like I have a fresh new start!
 |
| Picture Credit |
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
Happy Almost Spring Everyone!
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