The Eagle's Nest

It seems like everyone is always looking for ways to save time. What exactly we are planning to do with all that time, I'm not really sure -- storing it up?!? I think most of us want to save time in order to have that time to do more of the things we WANT to do vs. the things that we MUST (or feel that we must?) do. I am a poor time-manager, unless I have a plan...a written one. Especially since becoming a mom and having so many more distractions, I really function much better if I have a schedule in place and try to stick to it most of the time. This is the explanation for my absence on this blog as of late -- following the schedule hasn't left me a lot of time for blogging...it tends to come down to blogging or reading early in the morning or late at night, and since those often tend to be ~~dangerous~~, less-than-ideal times for me to blog, it just hasn't happened. BUT, I'm glad to say that things like intentional crafting, creating, teaching times with my daughter HAVE been happening, almost daily...as well as playtime WITH her, reading time for me (I decided I was tired of saying "I don't have time to read."), exercising, and lots of other routine things that should be happening regularly, but in my world, if they are not scheduled, I find myself at the end of the day saying...I meant to do...

I want to share a couple things that have been helpful in this quest if there are others out there like me. (If there aren't any, don't tell me -- ignorance is bliss.) My mom gave me a copy of Emilie Barnes' book Creative Home Organizer for my birthday in November. It's taken me just over 3 months to read it, because it is not written in traditional form. Each chapter has an introduction, followed by pages of bullet points. Yes, there are 334 pages of mostly bullet points! It is an excellent book and I am coming away with many helpful tips, but it is not something to be consumed all at once. It's also probably something that will become a reference book of sorts for me as I go through different seasons of life.

Another thing that has been absolutely fantastic is that I FINALLY put together a home notebook. This is something I have been working on for over 2 years. It took me a long time to figure out what mine should look like, and what would be most helpful for me as a wife, mother, and homemaker. I will confess that Lauren's post about it a few weeks ago gave me the final kick that I needed to get going with it. I discovered some great sites with FREE printables, and a few weekends ago, my husband gave me a few hours to focus on it so I could get it done. It is still a work in progress, but using it has really simplified things for me. I plan to post about that as next week's Tuesday Tip, and I'm thinking of making it a vlog post...........

So enough rambling for today -- I want to share a couple of things from the book I mentioned above, as today's Tuesday Tips.

TOP TIME WASTERS

Trying to do too much at once -- learn to prioritize your tasks.

Failing to plan -- Successful time managers look at the big picture in order to make a plan and set priorities.

Being unable to say no -- Learning to say no (gently and decently, of course) helps you maintain balance among your personal, family, and work time.

Putting things off -- Don't waste time agonizing over an unpleasant chore - either do it right away, hire it done, or forget it.

Doing everything yourself -- You must learn to delegate certain tasks. You can't do it all.

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What We've Been Doing This Week...

2012-02-05T00:40:00.000-05:00

...playing with Lucy...

painting...

making these...

more crafts and coloring...

getting locked out while taking this picture...

making brownie bites...

and granola...

and cinnamon rolls...

coloring...

and cute hair...

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FREE groceries...

2012-02-04T21:41:00.004-05:00

I'm getting ready to work on writing a bunch of blog posts for the next two weeks or so (provided my energy holds out...), but wanted to let you know NOW, to hop on over to Olivia's blog, where she's hosting a giveaway and you can enter to win a $25 gift card to Publix. There's all kinds of ways to enter, so why not stop by?!? Thanks, Olivia, for the chance to win a great gift!

See you next week!

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Ask and Ye Shall Receive...

2012-01-31T15:57:00.002-05:00

Life continues to happen...whether or not I am blogging about it. I must remember this. There are seasons when I can crank out 10 posts in an afternoon and there are seasons when I can't even get 10 words typed. We are currently in the latter (well...except for this post, of course). I hope to carve out some time this weekend to write several posts that are floating around in my head, but until then, know that we are living and breathing, counting our MANY blessings, and reveling in the gifts of one another. Since January was a little crazy around here, this week is the start of my "new year" -- which means attempts at scheduling, more intentional living, eating, reading, playing, etc. Many, many things to keep up with, and blogging just doesn't make it to the top of the list. But...I miss it, so hopefully once things are a bit more oiled and running smoothly, I'll be able to fit in regular blog posts. Don't give up on me friends. :)

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

I was made weak, that I might learn to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness, that i might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all people, truly blessed.

~Author Unknown

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Right Now...

2012-01-29T15:17:00.004-05:00

This reminds me of those surveys (or memes? is that what they were called?) that went around SO much after e-mail became popular...I can still hear my modem dialing up right now as I anxiously awaited to see if I had any mail....

But, I like this one, as it would be a fun way to go back and remember what was going on at various points in life. It would be good to fill it out about once a month and save it...or blog it...

Of course, I found it at my new favorite hangout...

1. LISTENING: quiet...very quiet. just the hum of the baby monitor and the refrigerator

2. EATING: nothing...still very full from lunch...leftover Chicken Pot Pie

3. DRINKING: sweet tea...all afternoon on Sundays.

4. WEARING: jeans, black cami, hoodie. cozy. comfortable.

5. FEELING: excited about a new week with no major plans or doctor's restrictions!

6. WEATHER: COLD...but sunny!!

7. WANTING: a nap...stayed up late last night watching a movie.

8. NEEDING: (a nap), more of me to get it all done!

9. THINKING: about blogging this list periodically...

10. ENJOYING: the weekend with my husband, and my daughter's developing vocabulary.

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Because, it's the weekend again...

2012-01-28T14:59:00.001-05:00

...and because this is what you do when you live far away from grandparents and Aunties. :-)

Thankful Thursday: an early glimpse of Spring...

2012-01-26T03:03:00.002-05:00

Gifts #58-75

- small fingernails painted pink

- coffee in the afternoon

- raindrops hanging...and then falling

- a pink sunrise

- memories of the "highs" of dating

- her bed-head all nested and matted and adorable

- the bed all mussed...evidence of slumber

- the bed all made up changing the whole demeanor of the room

- forts made of blankets and pillows

- Mercy - the clouds ye so much dread...are RICH with mercy

- His Fatherlike tending

- the gift of covenants and families and generations that bless His name

- an October sky...in January

- the gray-blue of her eyes

- the sky in his eyes

- timeless treasures in books on loan from those who have walked before

- tiny yellow flowers still blooming (but not needing mowing!)

- the joy of being home, savoring every moment with her

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Of generations...

2012-01-25T06:38:00.003-05:00

(Note: This post was originally written as an introduction for tomorrow's Thankful Thursday post, but it grew and grew as some posts are apt to do, so I am posting it separately and Iwill post the graces and pictures tomorrow.)

Just this past Sunday, we started a new parenting class at church. We will be watching the video series Getting to the Heart of Parenting by Paul Tripp. (If you are not familiar with Paul, you may have heard of his brother, Tedd, who wrote, Shepherding a Child's Heart.) My husband and I recently had the opportunity to hear Paul speak at a marriage conference (I talked about that here), so I was excited to hear what he has to say with regard to parenting. The video took up about half of the Sunday School hour, and then we followed up with discussion and answering some thought-provoking (translated: convicting) questions.

The interesting (to me...) part of this week's study came at the absolute VERY beginning...in fact, even before we watched the video, as the leader had us look at the passage that Paul would read to begin. You might be thinking to yourself (like I was), "Okay...parenting series...it's probably (insert verse of choice here)..."

Judges 2: 6-15

Yep...Judges. NOT the first place I would turn to in my quest for parenting. But...check out verse 10...

...And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.

You'll notice it doesn't say, who did not follow the Lord, the God of their Fathers...it says who. did. not. know.

The leaders...heads of families, and priests and judges failed to follow God's commands in teaching the next generation of the works of the Lord, as he had commanded them (as found in Deuteronomy).

Only take care, keep your soul diligently lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children, how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, "Gather the people to me that I may let them hear my words so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth and that they may teach their children so. (Deuteronomy 4:9-10)

The emphasis is mine... Notice that the first command is to the fathers (parents) to keep their own soul diligently. We cannot tend to others, if our own is a disaster. Paul (Tripp) said, "You cannot give away that which you do not have."

Hear O, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6)

This language of all your might is expressed totally in Hebrew, so the New Testament states it as mind and strength. This is the language of devotion. God does not demand mere outward obedience to a law, but the heartfelt love and commitment of the whole person. (notes from here)

When I think about devotion, I can't help but think of Olivia Newton-John singing Hopelessly Devoted to You in Grease. I know, I know...REALLY, did she just go down that road?!? Comparing Sandy's adolescent infatuation with Danny to how we are commanded to love the Lord? Yes, I'm afraid I did...but, all joking put aside, we really are to be consumed with God and a good picture of that is how a young lover is utterly consumed with this new emotion.

My notes from Sunday's class...God is the ultimate fact that defines and gives reason to every other fact. Nothing can be properly understood without knowing the character and existence of God. He has created us in such a way that His world reveals Him. Because of this, it is un-natural for us NOT to be talking about Him ALL. THE. TIME. Your job as a parent is to give your child awe of something other than himself. A human being who does not live in awe of God is a profoundly disadvantaged human. Our lifestyle has to be in a place where we're slowing down to discover, notice, and talk about the awe of God with your children. Busy schedules do not allow for this recognition. Children will acquire a sense of awe (of something) from somewhere, if not from us. This sense of awe should be something that naturally flows from us so that our children are immersed in it, from the time they are born.

And then, back to the Bible...I bet this might have been one of those verses where you expected him to start...

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Not only are we as parents to be consumed with awe of God, so that our children see it in us, but God clearly wants the children involved and taught of this awe. And, this is not a teaching "from an arm's length" kind of thing. It seems so often parents feel like they have to "hold back" or "hold out" on their kids until they've made some sort of decision to follow Christ, or worse, until the parents see evidence of a decision. But really, let's be honest here, don't we all make that decision EVERY. SINGLE. DAY? With the presence of sin in our lives, we are all battling this every minute of every day, and those are the moments when we need this awe of God the most.

Something is going to influence our children, and if we're waiting around for them to be old enough to understand, or waiting for this magical moment when they decide to follow, we've wasted some of the most valuable time God has given us in teaching them... by example.

Yeah... by example.

Now, I'm not discrediting time of instruction, family worship, etc. But, if we only invite God at our times when we sit still and quiet and listen (NOT FUN for little kids, HELLO!), or when we are disciplining, God doesn't really seem like someone to be in awe of. He doesn't dwell only on His judgement and curses in the Bible. The main thread of the Bible focuses on His mercy in sending His Son. Now, my 2 year old can't fully grasp that concept yet. But she can understand when I tell her that the moth she is fascinated by and consumed with watching was created by God...that He designed their wings so that they could fly and gave them their colors so that could hide to stay safe and isn't He just magnificent to have designed all of this?

And no, she won't grasp all of that (although I'm constantly amazed!), but in that moment, what has taken place is that she now associates God as being Creator of moths (along with all the other cool bugs), and that is pretty awesome to her. Not only that, but Mom was pretty excited about God and how He designed this... So next time we talk about God, she remembers the moth and Mom's awe and she's receptive. Now she might also remember Mom saying, "You disobeyed and God says when you disobey, Mommy has to discipline you." But, there has to be both...and as her mind matures she will understand more and more this wonder of mercy and forgiveness...or she will tune it out because...there goes Mom preaching about God again.

So...what does all of this have to do with a list of a thousand gifts on Thankful Thursday?

EVERYTHING.

These gifts that I am noticing, experiencing, anticipating... this sense of awe... can be lived out and shared with my daughter, though she is not yet 3 years old. Not just CAN they, but God has commanded it.

This is one of my absolute favorite hymns.

Let children hear the mighty deeds

which God performed of old;

Which in our younger years we saw,

And which our fathers told.

He bids us make his glories known,

His works of power and grace;

And we'll convey His wonders down

Through every rising race.

Our lips shall tell them to our sons,

And they again to theirs;

That generations yet unborn

May teach them to their heirs.

Thus shall they learn in God alone

Their hope securely stands

That they may ne'er forget His works,

But practice His commands.

linked with Women Living Well and Good Morning Girls

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Tuesday Tips: To wholesale or not...

2012-01-24T05:16:00.009-05:00

A big thank you to those that responded to my questions in this post about whether or not you think your Costco membership is worth it. I really appreciated your feedback and found it quite helpful. I ended up going to Costco with my husband (who kept my daughter entertained and fed with samples!!) and wrote down just about everything that I thought we might buy there, along with the price of each item. After some food and playtime at Chick-Fil-A, we headed to Aldi where I did the same thing (you'd think I'd have these prices memorized since I go there at least once a week, but they fluctuate and I wanted to be certain). So, for the past week, in all my spare time (which I've actually had more of since I'm still supposed to be resting...ahem), I've been plugging all these numbers into a chart to figure out what was cheapest and where. What a project, let me tell you! I ended up with 4 pages, single spaced, with 1 line for each item. The findings were surprising, because Costco is cheaper on things that I didn't expect them to be and visa versa with Aldi.

One of the main things I have realized is that grocery prices really differ all over the country, so this list is probably not going to be helpful to someone living in a different location. We all have different stores available to us and other variables that cause our prices to fluctuate. So -- my list may not be accurate for your area, just as I discovered that some of the things you all said in your comments were not true for me here. Also, a lot of pricing has to do with what items you are "brand loyal" to -- I am brand loyal on very few items, and our family has been satisfied with the Aldi brand of most things. I realize this is a personal choice for everyone, so again, something that we have to figure out for ourselves and our individual budgets. I will put an asterisk(*) beside the items that I AM brand loyal to. :-)

Some of the big ticket items that are by far cheaper at Costco:

vitamins

ink cartridges*

dog food*

Of course, these items come in a larger quantity, thus making them MORE expensive, but the outcome is actually much cheaper. So...we just have to figure out how to fit a big chunk into the budget and enjoy the wiggle room later...or save up...

Costco sends out store coupons each month that are good for most of the month and you can buy multiple items (there is a limit) with each coupon. These are the ONLY coupons they accept. Just looking at this month's coupons, it seems that there would be significant savings on:

cereal bars

spaghetti sauce

cereal

Craisins

some cleaning supplies

I was surprised at how long the list of items that I regularly purchase that would be cheaper at Costco actually was. My budget is not such that I will be able to purchase all of these at Costco each time we run out, but hopefully I can buy a few things each shopping trip. I make most of our bread (rolls, bagels, french bread included), and I was surprised to find that some of my baking ingredients are about 1/2 the price at Costco!!

ground beef (if not on sale somewhere else)
ground turkey (here's hoping the salmonella outbreak is over...)

fresh spinach

celery

dishwashing detergent* (Finish is the only brand that gets my dishes clean.)

trash bags

raisins

juice

eggs

coffee

butter

cheese

oatmeal

yeast (less than 1/2 of what I've been paying!!!)

vanilla (1/2 of what I've been paying)

cooking spray

lemon juice

honey

bread flour

vinegar

rice

peanut butter

parmesan cheese

Some of the things that I was expecting Costco to be cheaper on and they were not were:

milk (Aldi still wins)
bread/tortillas (brand names compared with Aldi brands)
produce

paper towels and toilet paper (comparing Kirkland brand with Aldi brands)
tea bags (comparing brand names with Aldi brands)
Frozen Chicken Breasts
condiments (comparing brand names with Aldi brands)

crackers/snacks (comparing brand names with Aldi brands)
diapers (comparing Kirkland brand with Aldi brand)

SO...that is the overview of my (rather extensive) list and discovery. I'm looking forward to shopping at Costco and hopefully splurging to try some of the fun stuff when I'm able to do so. We are also planning to purchase gas there, as they seem to be about $0.05/gal cheaper on a regular basis.

I still plan to coupon on a smaller scale, as I still think I can do better than Costco on some of the cleaning supplies and Health/Beauty products. Many items I get for free or very cheap with coupons, so that will be better than Costco pricing...assuming I can still put in the time required.

For any of you locals, if you want to see the whole list, let me know and I'll e-mail it to you (if you can make sense of my system).

linking up at Women Living Well

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Monday Musings: They who matter most...

2012-01-23T05:26:00.007-05:00

"Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also and he praises her."

Proverbs 31:28

Last week, I finished reading an eBook about Proverbs 31. You can get a copy of the book for free here. The book is good, but I was particularly struck by the meditations on the last few verses.

This verse (28) in particular..."who is praising her? it's not the people in the PTA, her church Bible study group, local newspaper, co-workers, or neighborhood association. It is her children... Arising and blessing their mother is not just about the 'thank you' but about them arising and living honorable, noble, God-fearing lives. This fruit is evidence of a mother's hard work. This is a mother's true reward."

Too often, we get distracted from what is our primary calling as wives/mothers, because there are so many {good} opportunities in our daily lives. But, when it gets right down to it, if our husbands and children are not first and foremost {after God, of course}, then we are not fulfilling our Biblical calling.

In Sally Clarkson's post here, she says,

"One of the great accomplishments and most fulfilling purposes and work of a godly woman is to become a conductor of all that is good, true, and beautiful in the minds, souls, and lives of her children... It is not about curriculum, it is about life and investment, and mentoring, and joy. We dance to His truth and leading in front of our children and they become familiar with the ways and values of the Master Artist as we celebrate Him in our homes, and they in turn dance the steps in their own lives."

And, then also, verse 30 of Proverbs 31:

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

This was the verse of the week for the card that we keep on the windowsill above the kitchen sink, so I read it a LOT last week, and then I read Courtney's thoughts about it in the eBook...

"The woman who fears the Lord will have a God consciousness. She will be aware of God's presence in her home at all times. She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy, and comfort. This woman loves the Lord and desires to please him. She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the Lord."

If that's not inspiration, I don't know what is. But, in case you're still lacking, here's a tribute to a godly woman who truly loved her husband and family. She is a stranger to me, but after reading her daughter's tribute to her, I aspire to be like her.

"You have received so much love - share it with others. Love others the way that God has loved you, with tenderness."
~Mother Theresa

linking up at The Better Mom and Women Living Well

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Weekends are for Bonus Posts...

2012-01-21T06:08:00.001-05:00

Checking in on her toys...

2012-01-20T05:20:00.000-05:00

Christopher Robin takes a bath (and pony tags along)

tea & beans...

bit of a traffic situation here, you might say...

if only doll clothes came in custom lengths...

might have a bit of a problem with those shoes. :)

I don't even know what to say...

what's cookin?

Thankful Thursday: Continuing gifts...

2012-01-19T05:54:00.003-05:00

Gifts #40-57:
- my husband's kindness, even in my sharpness
- the ability to feel hunger
- sunshine after many days of clouds
- chapstick administered by my little 'fashionista'
- friends to share treats with
- an all-together day with my favorite two
- watching him melt when she is particularly cute
- his tenderness with us, his two girls
- his care and concern for me
- her little dance and giggle
- a spirit of repentance in a young heart
- His peace even in storms
- 'Delight yourself in the Lord...' (Psalm 37)
- 'He has blessed us in the Beloved' (Ephesians 1)
- riches lavished upon us (Ephesians 1)
- yummy smelling soap and a cloth made with love for doing our dishes
- waking up to sunshine (and a husband who let me sleep in!)
- his gentle kiss on my forehead.

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Breakfast Quiche

2012-01-18T00:54:00.003-05:00

I've been planning to share this recipe with you for several weeks, and I'm finally getting around to posting it. Some time ago, I signed up for a special offer to receive a cookbook in the mail with recipes from Jiffy (the baking mix company). There are actually quite a few good recipes in this little booklet, and can still be used even if you make your own baking mix (or purchase a brand OTHER than Jiffy...like me).

Breakfast Quiche (printable version)

1/2 cup buttermilk biscuit or baking mix
1 cup cooked ham, diced or bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp. onion flakes
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9" pie plate.
Mix together ham or bacon, cheese and onion flakes, and layer into prepared pan. Blend baking mix, milk, pepper, salt, and eggs. Pour blended mixture into pan. Bake 45-50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

It's delish! I've made it with sausage, also.

So, fast forward and I have a whole bag of spinach that needs to be used ASAP due to an abundance of salad in my house over the last couple of weeks. I was looking around online today to find a crust-less quiche recipe and found this one that looked promising. As I was cooking the spinach, I decided to modify the recipe a bit and combine it with the Jiffy recipe to make this:

So, here's my recipe for this:

Spinach-Bacon Quiche

1 tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 (10oz) package fresh spinach, washed
5 eggs
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup baking mix
2 cups milk
8 slices turkey bacon

In a large pan, melt butter and saute onion until translucent but not brown. Add spinach and cook over low heat until wilted. Chop bacon into small pieces and fry, or cook and then crumble. In large mixing bowl, beat eggs, baking mix, milk, salt, and pepper. In 2qt. baking dish (greased), combine spinach/onion mixture, cheese, and bacon.

Pour egg mixture over spinach mixture.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Enjoy!

linking up at Women Living Well Wednesdays

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Tuesday Tips: DIY Coasters

2012-01-17T21:25:00.002-05:00

Before I get started on this post...here's how we spent a rainy afternoon:

C was making play-doh muffins, and I was cleaning out my coupon binder for the new year. It was a good time! :-)

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was probably one of the least expensive, but there was time and love put into it which makes it very special. And, it's a super-cute gift!!

THESE are my new coasters! Are they not adorable? I love them and it makes me happy, every time I look at them.

It gets even better...my {new} sister-in-law MADE them!!! She made a set for my mom too, and I have to admit I was a little hopeful after mom had opened hers and I was handed a small, square gift with some weight to it...

Aren't the colors great? She knows I love bright colors and these look so nice in my family room with the yellow walls and denim couches.

The underside has felt and looks like this...

Okay...ready for the how-to? This was originally found on pinterest {of course!} and it's 4x4 tiles from Home Depot ($0.16 ea), Scrapbook paper, Mod Podge for adhering, clear spray paint for sealing (she did 3 coats, I think), and felt pads glued to the bottom.

Can you imagine the possibilities for these?!? You could make a set of coasters for every season, every holiday, and think of all the gifts! You could have coordinating coasters for every room in your house... I really could go on and on....

Thanks, Rachel, for a great gift and an exciting blog post! :-)

linking up at Women Living Well Wednesdays

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Crunching Numbers...

2012-01-14T18:52:00.004-05:00

This is my current facebook status:

Costco Shoppers: What things do you save the most on by purchasing at Costco vs. another store? Do you feel like your Costco membership saves you money as well as time? I'm in the midst of crunching numbers...Aldi + couponing vs. Costco...

I'm currently working on a price list to compare prices on items I regularly buy... I normally shop at Aldi, filling in at Walmart or Bi-Lo for items that Aldi doesn't carry. When I have time I try to use coupons matched with sales at grocery and drug stores to save on some food items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Couponing requires a LOT of time, and I'm wondering about scaling back. So, I'm looking into joining Costco. It seems that with the coupons that they send out (the only ones they accept), they might be cheaper on SOME items... I'm also factoring in the membership fee, and the savings on gas.

I'll report back once I finish this looooong list to see what conclusions I come to... In the meantime, I welcome any feedback regarding warehouse stores vs couponing, etc.

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Reading Goals for 2012

2012-01-13T05:35:00.004-05:00

**Note: I just realized I forgot to include one of my newest discoveries, The Meaning of Marriage...perhaps I can fit that in somewhere...

I'm finally getting around to posting some reading goals for this new year, and I'll just say upfront that I may end up adding to or taking away from this list. I'm trying not to be too ambitious, in order to allow room for some new things I will discover and will want to read. In addition to this list are the ongoing studies that I am participating in with other groups. I will list those at the end. Please share any books that you have read recently ...I'm always on the lookout.

January: finish The Prodigal God and 1000 Gifts

February: finish A Praying Life and Creative Home Organizer

March: Give Them Grace and Building Her Home

April: The Ministry of Motherhood and Loving the Little Years

May: Homemaking and Comforts From the Cross

June: The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life and Organized Simplicity

July: Same Kind of Different as Me and Sacred Parenting

August: The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and A Shelter in the Time of Storm

September: One Day and Real Marriage

October: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands and The Happiness Project

November: Though the Darkness Hide Thee and Better Off

December: up for grabs....like I have time to read in December!!

It's an ambitious list for sure. But, I had to start somewhere, and this seemed like a good place. We'll see what happens.

I will also be involved in the following studies with groups:
Lies Women Believe (due to a scheduling change I will be finishing this study on my own)
GMG Ephesians Study (online study)
Shepherding a Child's Heart (SS class at church)
Women's Ministry in the Local Church (with the WLT at church)

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Thankful Thursday: Starting the New Year...

2012-01-12T13:57:00.002-05:00

Ever since I started reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts, I've been keeping my own journal of things I'm thankful for, but it's been very sporadic and inconsistent. I was thrilled to read this post on her blog and find the January list for the Joy Dare in 2012. This will be my guide for actually listing at least 1000 things this year that I am truly thankful for. 3 things each day. The part about this that makes it even more exciting is this is done so that you can photograph your thankfulness as well. I love how Ann's posts include photos, and hope to include some on mine as well. Since I'm a little behind in getting this up, I have almost 2 weeks worth of thanks and pictures, so bear with the long post this time.

Gifts... #1-15
- organization; cleanliness; the gift of loving others passionately
- the sun reflecting off of the deck, making the dining room glow
- breakfast for dinner
- "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..."
- "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified"
- "Isn't He wonderful?"
- old handmade doilies from my Great Aunt; new handmade doilies for Christmas
- a blue glass basket from my brother as a wedding gift
- Scripture all around me, permeating my home
- this list of things for which to be thankful
- a clean, comfortable home, far more than I deserve

Gifts #16 - 39
- disposable diapers
- leftover "Christmas Milk" after naptime
- the gift of gentleness, modeled to me by my own mother
- my husband gently cleaning up after me when I've been sick
- my mother caring for my precious little one
- my daughter who is already modeling gentleness (1 Peter 3:4)
- watching the candle flickering
- showering...after not showering for 3+ days (a personal record!)
- the shadow of her hand in mine walking to the mailbox
- flowers from a friend
- clean, folded laundry in neat piles
- the end of the day, cuddling as a family, reading & praying
- watching her face eating lemons
- Chocolate Peanut Butter balls leftover from Christmas
- his arms gently around me
- light reflecting on yellow walls making all seem aglow
- the clean-ness of lemons
- discovering a book highlighted by a previous reader
- clouds heavy with snow (hopefully)
- warm fuzzy socks
- my precious girl snuggling close in the morning
- her small voice..."Isn't He wonderful, Isn't Jesus my Lord, wonderful?"
- heat blowing through my warm home
- her pens scratching away at the paper while she creates

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update...

2012-01-11T06:34:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to say thank you for praying for me in recent days and for your sweet notes of encouragement. Surgery was successful on Friday, and I'm happy to report we were only at the hospital for about 6 hours total. My hospital experience was fantastic and I'm so thankful for God's provision through all of that. I cannot describe to you the relief as I was waking up from anesthesia to realize that it was over and it all went well. Even in my "foggy" state, I was praising God.

My recovery has been better than I anticipated, despite a small setback on Sunday which we're pretty convinced was an allergic reaction to pain medication. (I spent the day in bed and vomiting...which is very painful with 4 incisions in one's abdomen and no pain medication as that is the cause of the vomiting...you get the idea.) Thankfully, I awoke on Monday with a calm stomach and the pain was tolerable so that I did not need to figure out an alternative medication. Yesterday was even better, and so far today is looking really good! Now, if I can just remember that my body is still healing (especially on the inside) and I still have to take it easy for a few weeks even though I'm starting to feel normal again...

Despite my fear, I was very resolved on the day of surgery, and I was at peace with going to "get it over with." Looking back, I see so many blessings throughout it all and I'm so thankful for my Heavenly Father's tenderness and watch-care over me. Thanks, friends, for your prayers.

Back to regular blogging, soon...

Seeking Peace...

2012-01-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

Traveling home from precious time spent with loved ones, and I'm finally caught up on e-mail, facebook, and blog posts. Arriving home will find me anxious to start on the mountain of laundry, a quick (and not-too-thorough) cleaning of the house, cleaning out the refrigerator to re-stock it again for 2 weeks, a trip to the library to stock up on books and movies, phone calls, sorting through the mail, etc, etc... And all, in 3 days, with a medical appointment thrown in there as well.

I said I wasn't going to do this, but my blog is probably going to be very quiet for at least this week, possibly longer, so I wanted to say something. I am having (routine) surgery on Friday morning, and I covet your prayers for me. I've never been hospitalized or had anesthesia or any kind of surgery, and to say I'm terrified is a bit of an understatement.

It's challenging for me (a lover of new beginnings) to realize that my January is not going to be the way that I want it to be, full of resolutions, new starts, inspirations, and so on... I'm hoping February can be that way. I am reading all of your posts about resolutions, organizing, planning, top posts from 2011, reading goals for 2012, and I want to join in and post some of my own thoughts, but now is not the time, and I have to accept that. Maybe during some of my down-time of recovery I can do that...

So -- don't think I'm giving up blogging for good...just for a little while. In the meantime, pray this for me, as I pray it for myself... every. single. moment.

DPP: Day 29

2011-12-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

(WE are still Christmasing...)

DPP: Day 28

2011-12-28T17:09:00.002-05:00

DPP: Day 27

2011-12-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

DPP: Day 26

2011-12-26T13:06:00.001-05:00

DPP: Day 25

2011-12-25T12:59:00.003-05:00

I count it an honor to know this man and his dear wife. He will celebrate his 94th birthday next week, and they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last month. They spent 50 years of their lives on the mission field and they have SO many interesting stories to share. I could sit and listen to them for hours. C is very fond of them and was excited to find out they would be able to spend some time with us on Christmas Day. She does not usually get too "cozy" with people too quickly, so I was surprised to see her rocking with him, and I had to snap a picture. He was quite pleased, also.

"E'en down to old age all my people shall prove

my sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;

and when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,

like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne."

DPP: Day 24

2011-12-24T12:54:00.002-05:00

(bruschetta)

(table centerpiece)

(salad fixin's)

10 Ways to Love...

2011-12-24T03:15:00.003-05:00

I have previously shared (here, and here) that I enjoy writing out Scripture as a way of committing it to memory. Pinterest has provided some good themed lists for this exercise, and this week was no exception. Once again, I encourage you to write out the verses and meditate on them. It was/is such a blessing to me and I hope it will be for you also.

10 Ways to Love

Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)
Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)
Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)
Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)
Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
Trust without wavering. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)
Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)

Christmas Dinner

2011-12-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel in Stormy 820

Since I shared my Thanksgiving Menu with you, I thought I'd share the Christmas Lunch Menu as well. Christmas Eve is a tradition from my husband's family, so we'll be having spaghetti and this is what we'll have on Sunday after church:

Ham and Smoked Turkey

Mashed Potatoes

Stuffing and Gravy

Corn Pudding

Broccoli Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Yeast Rolls

(And, Mom, if you were planning to fix any of this, we'll be happy to eat it again at your house! ) ;-) I've been in the kitchen since a little after 6 this morning and I'm so glad to have gotten many things made ahead of time. I prefer to do this (whenever possible) so that I can relax and enjoy my family and guests during our time together. Today we had the special privilege of an "Auntie" being in town so C had a playmate. :)

What's on your Christmas menu?

DPP: Day 23

2011-12-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

DPP: Day 22

2011-12-22T05:48:00.002-05:00

DPP: Day 21

2011-12-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

(Essential for survival currently: lists, coffee, chapstick)

Perhaps you noticed the lack of posts other than DPP -- this is probably the best you can expect until after the first of the year, AT LEAST. We are busy enjoying one another over here as we celebrate this wonderful Christmas season. So many fun things to see, do, make, enjoy, hear, smell, taste, feel, love. Truly, we are blessed beyond belief. Merry Christmas.

DPP: Days 19 and 20

2011-12-20T20:19:00.000-05:00

Monday Musings: My Father is...

2011-12-19T04:35:00.000-05:00

This was something that I saw on Pinterest, and as an exercise for myself, I hope to write out each of these verses. What a great way to meditate on our Heavenly Father this Christmas season!

My Father is:

Loving - John 3:16
Caring - Matthew 6:26
Forgiving - Psalm 103:12
Compassionate - Psalm 103:4-5
Giving - Romans 8:32
Understanding - Psalm 139:1-2
Accepting - Psalm 139:1-6
Satisfying - Psalm 107:9
Persistently Pursuing - Luke 19:10
Reasonable - Isaiah 1:18
Pardoning - Psalm 103:3
Healing - Isaiah 53:5
Redeeming - Job 19:25
Loving-Kindness - Psalm 86:15
Renews - Isaiah 40:31
Righteous - Jeremiah 9:23-24
Gracious - Ephesians 1:7-8
Sovereign - Psalm 103:19

Bonus Post for the grands...

2011-12-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

DPP: Day 18

2011-12-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

DPP: Day 17

2011-12-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

"Homeboy Chuck"

"Pirate Snoop-Dog"

(names courtesy of my husband) :-)

DPP: Day 16

2011-12-16T17:09:00.001-05:00

my loves

DPP: Day 15

2011-12-15T17:04:00.001-05:00

Peppermint Meltaways

My Favorite Beef Stew

2011-12-15T04:23:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite recipes and nothing says comfort food like this stew on a chilly evening!

Begin by placing stew beef in crockpot...

Coat with flour, salt and pepper...

Add other ingredients and stir. Cook and enjoy! :-)

Printable Version
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. worcestershire
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 c. beef broth
3 potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped

Place meat in crockpot. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt and pepper; pour over meat, and stir to coat meat with flour mixture. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours or on High for 4-6 hours.

**I often double this recipe, except for the meat.

original recipe from allrecipes.com

DPP: Day 14

2011-12-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Homemade Applesauce (in the microwave!)

2011-12-14T04:06:00.001-05:00

I've been making this recipe for years...like at least 15 years! As a result, it has kind of "morphed" into something that I have memorized and just toss together, so giving you an actual recipe with actual amounts is a bit challenging, but I think for something like applesauce, that's ok. :)

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping apples. For this batch, I think we used about 8.

Place apples in a microwave safe bowl and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until apples are VERY tender. (You may want to place a paper towel under the bowl as the liquid bubbles and sometimes overflows.) Stir every 5 minutes while cooking...being careful as the bowl and contents will get VERY hot.

The apples will cook down considerably.

Pour apples and liquid into blender (or food processor). Add water as needed for consistency, a splash of lemon juice (optional), a smidgen of sugar if needed, and cinnamon to your liking. :-) How's that for measuring?!? Blend until it reaches a consistency that you are pleased with. Some like it chunky, some like it smooth.... ;-)

Serve warm, or chilled. Or...just get a spoon and eat it straight out of the blender.

DPP: Day 13

2011-12-13T22:04:00.003-05:00

Tuesday Tips: Crockpot Lasagna (super easy!!)

2011-12-13T04:46:00.001-05:00

This recipe comes courtesy of dear friends who might as well be family. This is SO easy and it is perfect for Sunday lunch after church, or putting in the crockpot if you're home from work at lunchtime to be ready for dinnertime. It's a flexible recipe, which I like, because you can add or take away from it to suit your taste.

1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey....) browned and drained (I like to add onion, salt and pepper, garlic, and italian seasonings while I'm cooking it. But, you could do meatless if you wanted. The meat can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to put everything in the crockpot.)
1 box bowtie pasta, uncooked
2 jars spaghetti sauce (or 1 very large jar)
1 large container cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
3-4 cups shredded mozarella cheese
grated/shredded parmesan cheese

You will be making layers in the CP, so depending on the shape, you may want to do 2 or 3 layers. This is the order...

bowtie noodles
meat
sauce
cottage cheese
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
I sprinkle the very top layer with some parsley for color.

Cook on LOW for about 4-5 hours, depending on how quickly your CP cooks. As you can see from the picture, mine cooks quickly, so 4.5 hours was a little too long and the edges burned.

Printable Version

DPP: Day 12

2011-12-12T21:52:00.017-05:00

"Christmas Milk" at Grandma's House

Monday Musings: Sin

2011-12-12T04:27:00.000-05:00

This list comes from Lies Women Believe, and as an exercise for myself while on vacation in October, I wrote out each verse. Things stick in your mind better if you write them out -- at least they do for me. I'd encourage you to at least look up and read the verses, and make time to write them out. It's enlightening.

Sin steals joy. Psalm 51:12
Sin removes confidence. 1 John 3:19-21
Sin brings guilt. Psalm 51:3
Sin gives Satan the upper hand. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
Sin quenches God's Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Sin brings physical damage. Psalm 31:10; 38:1-11
Sin cases an ache in the soul. Psalm 32:3-4
Sin breaks God's heart. Ephesians 4:30
Sin opens the door to other sins. Isaiah 30:1
Sin breaks fellowship with God. Isaiah 59:1-2
Sin produces fear. Proverbs 28:1
Sin makes me its slave. John 8:34, Romans 6:16

DPP: Day 11

2011-12-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

WORN. OUT.

Log off and play!

2011-12-11T04:44:00.013-05:00

{credit}

You've probably seen {or at least heard about} the bumper sticker that came out after cell phones {then called car phones} started becoming very popular... "Hang up and drive"

It seems these days, we don't need to "hang up" so much as we need to "log off." It's rare to actually see someone talking on their phone, but EVERYONE is texting or checking e-mail or facebook or tweeting.... ALL the time. If not on the phone, then on the computer.

I am a fan of the internet and cell phones {obviously}, but everything in moderation, and lately it seems like that moderation has been more and more on my mind. My generation is missing HUGE chunks of their children's lives because they are "logged in."
And, I for one, don't want to anymore.

I witnessed a father with his two sons at the park. The older was just a bit older than my daughter and the younger just a bit younger, so probably 4 and 2 or something like that. They got out of the car, boys running to the park, dad trailing behind, phone in hand, pointer finger working hard. The older boy seemed ok to play on his own, but the younger still needed some help and dad was oblivious. He located a bench, sat down, and was engrossed in that little world he held in his palm. A bit later, both boys wanted to swing on a tire swing, so Dad put the phone away for a second and help them on, gave them a big push {that would last awhile} and out came the phone again. After much begging once the swing had stopped, the boys were able to lure Dad out of cyber-world for another push. Once the swing stopped for a second time, the older boy moved on, but the smaller one wasn't able to get off on his own, much to dad's frustration. He alternated between ignoring him and harshly telling him to just get down....but never looking up from his small screen to realize that it was in fact too far down and the little boy could not do it on his own. Exasperation set in for the little guy and he quickly moved into a tantrum, upsetting the father and resulting in the 10 minute playtime at the park being over. On the way to the car, the phone came back out, and the little guy continued to fuss while dad made threats of spankings, never looking up from the screen.

I retell this scene, because it broke my heart. Not only for those little boys who want time with their daddy and that man who is missing SO much, but also because I realized that I am sometimes {far too often} the parent who needs to just send one more e-mail, or check one more thing on facebook, or write one more blogpost... But really... when my daughter is grown up and moved on, will I remember the e-mail, the facebook, or the blogs?????? But, the fun we had at the park that day -- when she was brave and went down the BIG slide all by herself...THAT we will remember.

Managing internet time is something that is heavy on my mind and heart and I have tried various methods. What seems to work best for me {but may not be best for you} is to have set times that I will be online and unless it is VERY important, try to stick to those. I find that if I close the laptop {which in my case also disconnects me from the internet} I am less likely to check e-mail real quick when I pass by and risk getting lured in. My goal is to spend as little time as possible when my daughter is awake using the computer. SO -- that means I get up early and go to bed late and use precious naptime to check e-mail... which also means I spend less time online...which is a good thing.

I don't want my daughter's memories of me to be that I was always behind the computer screen or with my back to her, or always checking e-mail. I don't want her to think that texting is more important than she is. I think the phone is the harder one to pull away from than the computer. We are SO used to being connected ALL THE TIME. I have started leaving my phone at one end of the house while I am at another so that I can't hear it ring and thus am not tempted to start texting and get involved in long conversations.

This is a work in progress for me, and I'd love to know how some of you are managing media time without neglecting your family. If this is a new concept for you, I challenge you to keep track of how much time you're spending online and using your phone...even just the 2 minutes here and 5 minutes there add up.

How many times in a day do you tell your kids {or spouse}..."just a second" while you're online? Next time, ask yourself...do I really need to do this, or am I missing a precious moment with my family for something {fleeting} online?

DPP: Day 10

2011-12-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

Today's pictures are both from my phone,

so I apologize for the poor quality.

The life and times of her toys...

2011-12-10T04:54:00.000-05:00

This will probably become an occasional series that I will post as I accumulate pictures. I have always found it amusing to see my daughter's personality, creativity, and imagination come through in the ways that she leaves her toys. You just never know what is going on in their heads...

It keeps me laughing, so I thought I'd share. This is a collection over several months, with the first one being almost a year ago, and the last being just last week. I'm more in tune with it now, so the posts/pictures will probably be more frequent.

("Houston...we have a situation...")

(apparently Pooh-bear needed a potty-break...)

(GIANT Bear attacks family, Ken & Johnny Quest save the day...)

(apparently General Custer aka "Ken" is an acrobat...)

(at our tea parties, we have strawberries and hot peppers...)

(reading time for Christopher Robin)

(drive-thru tea party?)

DPP: Day 9

2011-12-09T14:59:00.008-05:00

I love the Dining Room in the afternoon

with the sun streaming in...

can't decide whether I like the chandelier icicles or not...

thoughts?

Special Greetings...

2011-12-09T03:03:00.003-05:00

My camera memory was full and cut off.

So, we dumped some videos and tried again...

Happy Birthday, Grandma 'Rie'!!!

We love you!

DPP: Day 8

2011-12-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

(surprisingly, this is one of her favorite Christmas books,

because she loves to look at all the candies.)

Another favorite...

2011-12-08T04:02:00.001-05:00

First it looks purple and then it looks gray and then it just looks delightful. Goes with everything. And, probably looks good on almost any skin tone.

And yes, I am re-kindling my love of all things girly including nail polish...even though it only looks like the above picture for about 2 hours. :-)

(and she likes it too)

DPP: Day 7

2011-12-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

The quality of today's photo is pretty lousy since I took it with my phone. I was waiting around all day hoping to have a picture of some snow to share, but ended up with this random shot while we were painting our nails. :-)

A Case of Pumpkin(itis)

2011-12-07T04:36:00.002-05:00

I get a little crazy in the Fall and then for the holidays. It's my absolute favorite time of year from about October through the end of the year. I love so many things about the season, but of course being a "foodie" I especially get into the seasonal foods. Pumpkin was my thing this Fall... {does anyone else always type pumpking? I do. Everytime. My backspace key is going to looooove this post.} Anyway -- so, very early in the season, I found Pumpkin {backspace} at Aldi for $0.99 a can. I did a little happy dance right there in the middle of the store, and put a CASE in my cart. {do you say cart or buggy or basket??} So I decided to share the recipes that resulted from that case. It is all gone now. And the store is out of it. Until next year, dear pumpkin {backspace}. Sniff, sniff.

Pumpkin Pie (of course)

I used the recipe from the side of the can.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

Pumpkin Chip Muffins

(and some Pumpkin Bread hiding there in the background)

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Roll

And then the recipes that I don't actually have pictures for:

Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin Cake with Crumble Topping (my MIL's recipe)

We made multiple batches of several of these, and gave away a lot of muffins, bread, and pumpkin butter. We are still enjoying the last of the muffins and pumpkin butter.

What's your favorite recipe using pumpkin?

DPP: Day 6

2011-12-06T12:50:00.000-05:00

I couldn't decide...so you get them all...

(first french braid...mommy needs more practice!)

Tuesday Tips: Getting the most out of your mixer!

2011-12-06T04:08:00.003-05:00

Today, I'd like to introduce you to one of my most-used kitchen tools:

My mixer...no, it is not a kitchen-aid, but it is an industrial mixer, and I love it. I often joke about my "love-affair" with my mixer and my crockpot (2nd most used kitchen tool).

A friend recently posted (on facebook) about some outside-the-box uses for her kitchen-aid mixer, and I thought it would make a great post to share with all of you. So, if you have a sturdy stand mixer, here's some new things for you to try...

shredding chicken, using the dough hook
mashed potatoes, using the pastry attachment
whipping cream (or egg whites...)
shredding (tender) beef roast or pork roast for BBQ
mixing up meatloaf
combining ingredients for your favorite cheeseball
mixing ingredients for sausage balls
making soap...like they do at Shenandoah Bath & Body

So -- do you have any to add to our list? Please leave them in the comments section!

DPP: Day 5

2011-12-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

("I hereby declare that for the month of December,

we always have Christmas cookies following naptime!")

Monday Musings: Time...

2011-12-05T15:59:00.001-05:00

{credit}

I haven't heard or thought of (that I remember) this hymn since I was a little girl. But, it came to my mind as I was fretting over circumstances that prevented me from getting the December Photo Project started on time. I know a photo project is a trivial thing, but it was a good reminder to me that I don't operate on my time as I like to think...I operate on God's time. And there's nothing I can do to change that. I need to accept it. I need to embrace it. I need to be thankful for God's time and that He knows what is best for me.

My times are in Thy hand; my God I wish them there;

My life, my friends, my soul I leave entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand; whatever they may be;

Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee.

My times are in They hand; why should I doubt or fear?

My Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand, Jesus, the crucified!

Those hands my cruel sins had pierced

are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand, I'll always trust in Thee;

And, after death, at Thy right hand I shall forever be.

A quick google search for this hymn also produced a link to Spurgeon's sermon "My Times Are In Thy Hand." I have always enjoyed Spurgeon, and this time is no different.

To have our times in God’s hand must mean not only that they are at God’s disposal, but that they are arranged by the highest wisdom. God’s hand never errs; and if our times are in his hand, those times are ordered rightly. We need not puzzle our brains to understand the dispensations of Providence: a much easier and wiser course is open to us; namely, to believe the hand of the Lord works all things for the best. Sit thou still, O child, at thy great Father’s feet, and let him do as seemeth him good! When thou canst not comprehend him, know that a babe cannot understand the wisdom of its sire. Thy Father comprehends all things, though thou dost not: let his wisdom be enough for thee. Everything in the hand of God is where it may be left without anxiety; and it is where it will be carried through to a prosperous issue. Things prosper which are in his hand. “My times are in thy hand,” is an assurance that none can disturb, or pervert, or poison them. In that hand we rest as securely as rests a babe upon its mother’s breast. Where could our interests be so well secured as in the eternal hand? What a blessing it is to see by the eye of faith all things that concern you grasped in the hand of God! What peace as to every matter which could cause anxiety flows into the soul when we see all our hopes built upon so stable a foundation, and preserved by such supreme power! “My times are in thy hand!”

goodmorninggirls

DPP: Day 4

2011-12-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

(packing her Christmas purse...)

DPP: Day 3

2011-12-03T16:43:00.001-05:00

(so fun when they start picking out their own clothes...)

DPP: Day 2

2011-12-02T16:41:00.004-05:00

oh the festive-ness!

DPP: Day 1

2011-12-01T16:33:00.012-05:00

Sometimes we plan things, and God has other plans for us. And thus the reason I am 3 days late in starting this photo project. My times are in Thy Hand...

(one of the ways I keep busy this time of year...)

Tuesday Tips: Decorating with what you have... (and a link-up!)

2011-11-29T08:01:00.002-05:00

The Christmas decorating has commenced around here, and I'm mostly done, save for a few finishing touches here and there. I've spent a lot of time looking around on Pinterest for decorating ideas, and knew that I had to do this one, especially since I have the exact plate that is used (a silver charger, or any other plate would work also!).

I was going from memory, and so mine is a bit different. Like I said, I have this plate, and then I used the scrabble pieces, and put the extras beneath, a few branches from the Christmas tree, and a couple of ornaments (and a few small pine cones that I will pick up next time I am out shopping) and tada!

I loved that I was able to create this with things that I already had in my home...and things that I would not think of using in my Christmas decorating!!! Here's a few of our other decorations...

(our main table, with Jesse Tree in the background)

(This photo album holds all of our Christmas Card pictures from friends since the first year we were married. It's so fun to look back through it each year.)

(Dining Room table...the bowls have since been filled with a white pillar candle in the center and red berries surrounding the candle inside the bowl.

Recognize those napkins from my yard sale post???)

(Dining Room Buffet)

(Living room coffee table...

with the decor that C is allowed to play with.)

(The piano)

Please share your Christmas decorations with us using the link-up below!! I don't have a button (yet), but if you would be so kind as to link back to my blog, I'd appreciate it. And, if you visit other bloggers, I'm sure they'd like to know you were there and how you found them. :-) Let the Christmas-ing begin! :-)

linking up with Teach Me Tuesdays, and Women Living Well Wednesdays

12 Days of Birthday: Day 1 (2 days late)

2011-11-29T06:54:00.000-05:00

(winter canvas tote bag, peppermint mocha Kahlua,

a mug of large proportion, more sbux via(!!),

and an Amy Grant Christmas piano book.)

Monday Musings: the fundamentals...

2011-11-28T06:19:00.001-05:00

As we head into this very busy month (many of us are already very much immersed), these two verses are heavy on my mind and heart...because they are challenging...especially right now.

"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

Take time this Christmas season, to just be still and reflect on God and His place in your life... one of my favorite times to do this, is early morning or late at night, when the rest of the house is sleeping, and I curl up on couch with a mug of something warm to drink, turn off all the lights except for the Christmas tree, have some soft instrumental Christmas music playing, and just enjoy the calm.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in ALL circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16

It's easy to get caught up in the commercialization of this season, and when you're stuck in holiday traffic, holiday shopping lines, running late for a party, drowning in a sea of to-do lists, feeling tension in relationships, dealing with fussy children, and all the other stresses that impose themselves upon us during this month, it is HARD to do these three things...but this is God's will for us. Make a special effort to plan ahead so that you are better able to do these things and when those trials come, try to remember to whole-heartedly rejoice (not just over a great sale!), pray without ceasing (not just about that long line of red taillights in front of you!), and to give thanks in ALL circumstances (not just the ones that are easy and obvious!).

These things are what I am preaching to myself today. Hope they are encouraging to you also.

If you missed my Thanksgiving post, you can read it here.

linking up with Women in the Word Wednesdays

12 Days of Birthday: Day 2

2011-11-26T22:39:00.001-05:00

Y.U.M.

12 Days of Birthday: Days 5, 4, and 3

2011-11-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

Day 5

(Singing snowman/dog...for me...riiiiiight...

I needn't tell you who LOVES this gift. ;-)

2 Christmas novels that I'm itching to start...)

Day 4

(cd, chocolates, and sbux, oh my!)

Day 3

(one of my favorite wines, and a super-cute insulated tote from thirty-one!!)

HAPPY 34th ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS!!! :-)

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving...A Year in Review

2011-11-24T04:57:00.055-05:00

shamelessly swiped

If you had told me last Thanksgiving all the things that would happen this year, I probably would have tried to hide somewhere...or gotten really stressed out thinking about how to handle it all and trying to figure out ways to change it all for the "better." What a blessing that we are NOT in control, and God IS. He doesn't mess things up. He has it all planned out just exactly the way it should be according to HIS perfect plan for our lives.

Here's a recap of the past year...

December 2010 -- our daughter (17 mos at the time) came down with a fever that spiked, and resulted in a febrile seizure, a ride to the ER in an ambulance, and a few hours spent in the ER. Those moments...those very, very long moments when she was unresponsive were the scariest moments of my life. I cried out to Jesus in those moments...literally.

March 2011 -- the dreaded phone call (which I received as a voice mail because my phone was off!) from my husband..."I've had an accident. I'm okay, but the car's not." A few moments difference, and it might have been the driver's side front door instead of the driver's side rear door.

March 2011 -- Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan...not something that affected us personally, but affected those that we love and care about deeply and thus we were emotionally connected.

April 2011 -- An F3 tornado ripped through our neighborhood, literally in our backyard. Looking out our window we saw 2 brick homes ripped apart and countless others damaged. Our friends' house was destroyed. But, all life was spared.

May 2011 -- Just a few days after the tornado, those same friends whose home was destroyed got the phone call that their 2 teenage boys had been in a serious car accident. Broken jaws, concussions, etc. Again, not us personally, but very close to home and affecting those we love and care about deeply. The body of Christ is such that when one member is hurting, the rest feel it keenly.

June 2011 -- the best month of the year! My brother married his true love (and our favorite)! :-) Much rejoicing and celebrating! We also discovered that we would be blessed with another child in early 2012.

July 2011 -- we celebrated our daughter's 2nd birthday, and announced our pregnancy to friends and family.

August 2011 -- the heart-wrenching pain of miscarriage. For the second time in a year, I found myself literally crying out to Jesus. We buried our son, and began the healing process.

September 2011 -- A few days later, a call from my (new) sister-in-law informed us that my brother had an accident at work and was thrown from a horse. I firmly believe there were Angels on the ranch that day (not that they aren't there everyday). He ended up with a broken wrist, and some cuts, scrapes, bruises, etc.

October 2011 -- Another phone call from my husband..."we're replacing the Accord piece, by piece." This time, just a fender-bender.

October 2011 -- A friend, who assisted in the birth of our daughter, had a sudden and unexpected heart condition, and was with Jesus 24 hours later, leaving behind her husband and 5 daughters (ages 3-15).

So here we are... apart from my brother's wedding and daughter's birthday, it would be easy to say that this was a pretty depressing year. And, in all honesty, there have been some pretty low moments. I have, on more than one occasion said that I am so ready to bid GOOD RIDDANCE to 2011. But, I share all of this to say, God is faithful. If you had told me all of this would have happened, I may have given up hope and decided I was done with this "religious business." Where was God when I needed Him? But, having come through it all, I find myself so much more aware of my need of Him, and the realization that I can't do anything on my own. It is all through the strength that He gives...and that strength doesn't come in a 30 or 60 or 90 day prescription. It is daily bread...He gives us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. I can look back and say God is good...I still don't understand why He chose for us to endure some of these trials, but He is good and He is faithful to keep us. I have learned what it means to cry out to God in my time of need and to feel the comforting peace of His presence that He sends to us in solitude and through the ministry of His people.

This year has made me realize more (but probably not enough), the fragility of life. So many near-death and actual death experiences. This has really made me feel very strongly about "living in the moment" and taking a good look at what/who is important and how/where do I want to spend my time. We are not guaranteed our next breath.

As I reflect over the past year, I am thankful that my daughter's seizure didn't have any lasting effects on her -- she is very healthy and very "normal." My husband has come out of two car accidents with no injuries, and insurance has paid for the repairs. Our lives, the lives of those around us, and our home were spared in the tornado (we did have minor damage, but ended up with a beautiful new deck as a result!). Our friends who lost their home were not at home during the tornado (all 7 of them!) and the two that were in the car accident are mostly back to normal, when, from the looks of the car, it's surprising they're alive. They have been blessed with a new home that far exceeds what any of us could have imagined for them. God granted us strength in our weakness to accept His will for our lives in the loss of our son. The process was free of physical complications and I have recovered well physically. My brother is mostly recovered from his injuries and did not require surgery. I could continue listing ways that I see God's faithfulness...they are everywhere.

This post is meant to encourage...to remind you that God is indeed faithful, He is indeed good, and He does indeed love His children. We just might not always be able to understand His plan. That's where the faith and trust comes in, and we just have to believe, and realize, that it is our duty to obey and to trust, and as our Heavenly Father, He will care for us and bless us in ways we never expected.

As we are apt to say around here....it is all by God's grace, and for God's glory.

We have often found ourselves waiting for "the next bad thing" to happen, and for me, wondering what lesson God is trying to teach me that I'm just not getting and what's He going to have to do next to get my attention and what can I do to try to stop Him? Thankfully, He doesn't work that way and He doesn't play games. We have had to repent for our lack of faith, and daily ask Him to help us to trust Him. This song from Rich Mullins has been in my head on more than one occasion this year...it's become my heart's cry.

Well, sometimes my life just don't make sense at all

When the mountains look so big

And my faith just seems so small

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf

You have been King of my glory

Won't you be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark

It's so hot inside my soul

I swear there must be blisters on my heart

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don't come natural to me

I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want

Than to take what You give that I need

And I've beat my head against so many walls

Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band is playing this hymn

And your grace rings out so deep

It makes my resistance seem so thin

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace

You have been King of my glory

Won't you be my Prince of Peace.

Daily Bread...

2011-11-23T04:43:00.008-05:00

We are so blessed. Truly.

We should be exceedingly grateful.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

Tomorrow we celebrate thanksgiving...and we have SO much to be thankful for in our lives. We gather together and we ask the Lord's blessing on a bountiful meal, a meal that far exceeds our "daily bread." How blessed are we to be children of the King.

As we feast together tomorrow, let us not forget to feast at His table, as well as our own. Praise Him for all the good things He sends to us. Things like:

Turkey and Dressing

Green Bean Casserole

Macaroni and Cheese

Sweet Potato Casserole

Yeast Rolls

Apple Pie and Homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream

What is on your Thanksgiving menu?

Gobblers...

2011-11-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

It seems that this week I have SO many blog-worthy things...thus the multiple posts each day. I'm making up for those weeks when I can't seem to get around to posting at all. So, don't get used to it (or, please bear with me...), it will all come to a close soon.

Thanks to Grammy for the fun activity we enjoyed last night...

12 Days of Birthday: Day 6

2011-11-22T12:12:00.002-05:00

(DQ and a movie...yes, please!)

See also:

12 Days of Birthday: Day 7

Tuesday Tips: my garbage bowl

2011-11-22T04:39:00.004-05:00

I love to watch cooking shows...but I have to be careful, because they sometimes make me discontent and they make me very aware of my "needs." You know...I need a Cuisinart Food Processor, I need a new set of knives, I need another grater like that one, I need a cool garbage bowl like Rachael Ray...

The garbage bowl idea is fabulous...and I was really tempted to buy one of these...

And, while I still think they're really cool, the truth was...I didn't need one. The principle is great though, so I looked in my cabinet and found this (very functional) bowl.

And now, when I'm cooking (especially making salads, or other dishes involving cutting/chopping or other garbage producing activities), I usually have the bowl on the counter to put the garbage in... It's just a little bit of time that it shaves off from having to head over to the garbage can (or bring the garbage can to me), but it sure does feel like a lot more. And...it seems less gross.

Do you have a garbage bowl?

12 Days of Birthday: Day 7

2011-11-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Longaberger holiday bag,

holiday notepads (for all those lists!), and gum :)

See also:

Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel in Espresso 840

Monday Musings: Notes from the Marriage Conference

2011-11-21T04:17:00.000-05:00

We were able to attend a marriage conference on Friday night and Saturday morning, so I decided to share a few of my notes from that with you today. Not a lot, because that wouldn't be fair to the speaker, but just a few things...

3 Treasure Principles:
- Everyone lives for some kind of treasure.
- The thing that is your treasure will control your heart.
- What controls your heart will control your behavior.

The things that you name as treasure will always deepen and propel your marriage OR they will victimize your marriage.

Marriages must be fixed vertically before they can be fixed horizontally.

Love is willing self-sacrifice for the good of another that doesn't demand reciprocation or that the person being loved is deserving.

Love loves to love...are you willing?
There is no such thing as love that doesn't require sacrifice.
Is your marriage a chronicle of daily sacrifices?
Love looks to the interest of others.
Love is not a contract; it is a sacrifice.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God...This is how God showed his love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us this way, we also ought to love one another."
1 John 4:7-11

12 Days of Birthday: Day 8

2011-11-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

adorable winter tote from thirty-one, and a lovely candle

Christmas Songs... (and perhaps she sampled the eggnog?!?)

2011-11-20T05:05:00.001-05:00

12 Days of Birthday: Days 12, 11, 10, and 9

2011-11-20T00:06:00.000-05:00

Y'all...

I'm about to reveal 2 secrets...

The first, is that my parents are really, REALLY cool.

The second, is that I'm having a birthday soon, and it's kind of a "milestone year." I am coming around to a season of gratitude about this birthday, despite some real struggles with it throughout the year.

I specifically requested that there be no big "hoopla" surrounding this and no surprise shendigs, etc. Low-key is more of where I'm at currently, and I candidly asked family/friends to honor that request. Mom & Dad, being the very thoughtful folks that they are, respectfully followed this desire, but also knowing how fun presents are, decided to spread out the birthday cheer a bit. So, they came up with The 12 Days of Amanda's Birthday, in which I have a present to open each day leading up to the actual day, and I can't open it until after 9:59 AM each day as that was the time I was born. So, yesterday, all 12 gifts arrived...and I was overwhelmed and then excited.

This is just too much fun to keep to myself, so I had to share with you all. I plan to post each day to let you all in on the surprises...these will probably be bonus posts in addition to my regular posts.

Each gift is in a brightly colored bag with brightly colored tissue paper, and on 2 sides is a (different) photo of me as an infant and the approximate date that the photo was taken, along with the date I am supposed to open the gift and the corresponding #. I thought about sharing all of the photos, but seeing as that would reveal more than just myself, decided to just share the gifts. :)

Day 12

White Fudge Oreos and a new book...
(why hello late night snack attack and reading fest!)

Day 11

2-sided Basket Inserts, Bags for gifting muffin/cookie mix,

Fudge Minty Middle Cookies

(can't wait to try making these once I learn how to use my sewing machine...and oh...those cookies...

they're a celebration on their own!)

Day 10

Snowman plate and spreader, Christmas Travel Mug, and Starbucks Via

(it's christmas party & cheeseball time! and oh, how I love coffee!)

Day 9

Gingerbread House Kit

(looking forward to this fun family activity Thanksgiving weekend!!)

Thanks Mom and Dad for loving me in such a fun way and making my (sometimes dreaded) birthday pleasant and exciting.

Five on Friday (on Saturday): the last day behind...hopefully.

2011-11-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

Thanks for continuing to read this week, despite my being a bit tardy. Here are my top 5 for this week:

1) Like multi-tasking?!? Here's a way to fix your hair and get fit at the same time... Let me know if you have any "moves" to add to the list.

2) Social Media is a part of our lives and like most things can be positive and negative. This article was both convicting and encouraging. The changes she lists are some that I've been seeking to implement in my own life in recent weeks.

3) Gift tags made from tissue boxes, and (cute) wrapping supplies from the dollar store...you must read this one too!

4) In light of Thanksgiving coming up, Ann had a good (re)post this week that I have read previously and enjoyed again. Why Every Day Begs to be Thanksgiving...

5) Maybe I'll just re-name this series, Four on Friday plus a link to Sally's blog. :-) Her post this week on Training it (selfishness) out of our children was excellent. In order to train, we must model...this is where the post gets convicting. I had a conversation with my mom about this earlier in the week and then read Sally's post. She is so much more eloquent than I am. For example:

Jesus reminds us, “I am humble and meek, learn from me.” Learn from me–has he ever said that in any other scripture? Learn from me–if I the teacher and Lord bowed, then you should also do so.

So modeling servant leadership, speaking gently, loving others generously, giving up your time, your body, your convenience, your patience–if he did it, over and over again with the disciples, to show them how to live in service of others–he had compassion on them, then so we must do as mothers. It also means you must be spending hands on time with your children, not leaving them to one more dvd or cartoon or game boy adventure action software, but you have to plan, give attention to this, to build this into their lives.

Bonus Post: New Favorite...

2011-11-19T12:09:00.001-05:00

It looks like I dipped my nails in chocolate. It's that smooth. Yum.

Thankful Thursday: Happy Little Songs...

2011-11-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Tips (on Wednesday): Reuse!

2011-11-16T13:52:00.001-05:00

You know...it is amazing how a search for "butter" on Pinterest provides SO many jokes about Paula Deen....Wow.

But, on to the topic at hand... What do you do with these?

http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/

I typically throw mine away...but not anymore! Thanks to my friend, Grete, who suggested saving them to use for greasing baking pans, mine will be neatly folded (messy side in) and placed in a ziploc bag in my refrigerator. A quick google search suggested other ideas such as using them to push rice krispie treats into a pan (mess-free!), or separating ground meat patties for freezing...

So...do you save your butter wrappers, and if so, what do you use them for?!?

Monday Musings (on Tuesday): Hope

2011-11-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

"Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well,

but the certainty that something makes sense

regardless of how it turns out."

And, I'd like to add, that it doesn't make sense because we see the logic in it, or because we understand it, but it makes sense because we know that God is in control of it and nothing happens apart from His perfect plan, and THAT is what makes sense, my friends.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When every earthly prop gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found,

Clothed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

*We're a bit behind over here at the Eagle's Nest, so hopefully we'll have the Tuesday Tips post up tomorrow. Thanks for your patience. :-)

Five on Friday: Better late than never, right?

2011-11-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

This is being posted much later in the day than I had anticipated, but we enjoyed my husband being off today for Veteran's Day, and we also have family in town for a few days. My original list included 8 posts/websites to share with you, but I managed to get it down to 5! :-)

1) These tights are just too cute. I just about started making some as soon as I finished reading the article. My little lady might be wearing tights everyday of the year...

2) Sally Clarkson's post this week regarding bedtime routines was hugely encouraging to me. We have always had a routine with C, but I was especially thankful for the reminder to continue spending this precious time with her and as she begins to talk, taking the time to listen. "Though it did require a commitment of heart and time on my part, as often we were ready to put the day away for our 'own' time, I see now that this giving and ending with love meant so much to all of our children...Routines are often difficult to establish, but, when cultivated, they become a habit that gives life, love, and security. It is still a gift to me that I now get to share the sweet fellowship best friends, my children when they are home, to tie together all the loose ends, in love and peace."

3) Speaking of listening...here's a good article on The Ministry of Listening. And, lemme tell you...I've never really thought about listening as a ministry, but lately God is giving me PLENTY of opportunities to practice it. I am a very driven person, so I'm all about being productive and crossing things off my to-do list. Listening is HARD for me...but it's GOOD for me, and it's a blessing to those around me.

4) This might be the article that I want you to read most, even if you skip the rest.

5) Finally, it seems folks are all in a tizzy about Christmas decorations going up too soon. Well...I like it, and the way I see it, we should be celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving EVERY day of the year, so why not stretch out this focused season a little longer?!? This is a great article with practical tips on Creating a Home of Thanksgiving all year long.