Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Abbreviated Christmas Story
In those days, the emperor wanted to count all the people that he ruled. He ordered everybody to return to where they were born. Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem. It took them nearly a week to travel there. When Mary and Joseph arrived, they saw people everywhere. People were camped in the streets and beside the road. Mary was tired. They stayed in a cave. The people kept their animals inside that cave. Since they kept the animals in the cave, they called it a stable. Joseph said to Mary, "Let's go into the stable. We can make a bed on the straw. It's better than sleeping outside." They went to the stable so Mary could rest and Joseph made her a nice bed using the straw. That night, Mary's baby was born. Mary wrapped him in and long strips of cloth to keep him warm. She made a bed for him in a manger full of straw. Mary and Joseph were very happy. Mary and Joseph named him Jesus as the angel had said.
Dear God,
Thank you so much for giving us Jesus. Thank you so much for all you do for us. Thank you for loving us. Help me to love as You do. This I ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Friday, December 19, 2008
Quote
Why do we have to wait for special moments to say nice things or tell people we care about them?
Randy K. Milholland,
Randy K. Milholland,
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
WFMW - Moving and Packing
I thought I might just share how I pack. I have very very rarely had breakage.
- For China and plates I use disposable Styrofoam plates in between each plate. Really cheap and cushions the HECK out of it.
- Glasses get wrapped in dishtowels or hot pads.
- Designate a color (sticker) for each room.
- Note on the box what is inside and if it can wait to be dealt with.
- Keep clothing in dresser drawers. I put socks and undergarments in a pillowcase THEN in the drawer to keep those pesky guys from flying the coop!
- Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to underside of furniture. Make sure you bag them first.
- Keep items from the same room together as much as possible. This will make it easier to sort the contents after you move.
For those prayers covering us....Keep it up please!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Not Me Monday
I did NOT have to take our cat to be put down Saturday. Not me!
I did NOT scream Josh’s name at the parade. Not me!
I did NOT drive to the end of the parade just to embarrass him and grab more candy. Not me!
I did NOT serve funnel cakes for dinner. Not me!
I did NOT lose it—yes, TWO hissy fits in one day—over moving paperwork. Not me!
I did NOT scream Josh’s name at the parade. Not me!
I did NOT drive to the end of the parade just to embarrass him and grab more candy. Not me!
I did NOT serve funnel cakes for dinner. Not me!
I did NOT lose it—yes, TWO hissy fits in one day—over moving paperwork. Not me!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Quote
Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgment of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it.
-Kathleen Casey Theisen
I Praise You
I praise You, Lord that I can trust
The path you have me walk.
I need not know where it will lead
Because I know You know.
I need not understand why or where
I trust leave those both with You
And yet I listen in my prayers
In case You want to share.
Sometimes I’d like to know the why.
I’d like to understand
Sometimes I’d like to know the where
So I could make some plans
But then I think that if I knew
I’d interrupt Your plans
For Your ways aren’t for me to plan
But just to hold Your hand.
Many times we find we are walking a path we don’t like or understand. Sometimes it seems we have been down the same type of path at other times. Our finite minds always want to understand our circumstances. We want to know where we are headed so we can “chart our course.”
In the Christian walk our “chart for our course” is in the Bible. Our path leads to eternal life with God, our Father and Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior and Lord. The directions God wants us to take on our way to our Home are His choice. We are on this earth to give Him pleasure. We do this with our fellowship with Him, our trust in Him, our obedience to Him and our love for Him. All these, fellowship, trust, obedience and love, can be carried out without knowing the why’s or where’s of our walk.
It is so nice to be able to just walk and trust. I know where my walk will end. I can trust God’s hand to guide me every step of the way. When my finite mind pushes it’s questions into my attention, I can pause, turn my eyes on my Father, and choose to trust His wisdom and love. Peace overflows as I do this and I can continue my walk in fellowship, trust, obedience and love.
From my Mom's blog here. Stop over and tell her what you think!
The path you have me walk.
I need not know where it will lead
Because I know You know.
I need not understand why or where
I trust leave those both with You
And yet I listen in my prayers
In case You want to share.
Sometimes I’d like to know the why.
I’d like to understand
Sometimes I’d like to know the where
So I could make some plans
But then I think that if I knew
I’d interrupt Your plans
For Your ways aren’t for me to plan
But just to hold Your hand.
Many times we find we are walking a path we don’t like or understand. Sometimes it seems we have been down the same type of path at other times. Our finite minds always want to understand our circumstances. We want to know where we are headed so we can “chart our course.”
In the Christian walk our “chart for our course” is in the Bible. Our path leads to eternal life with God, our Father and Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior and Lord. The directions God wants us to take on our way to our Home are His choice. We are on this earth to give Him pleasure. We do this with our fellowship with Him, our trust in Him, our obedience to Him and our love for Him. All these, fellowship, trust, obedience and love, can be carried out without knowing the why’s or where’s of our walk.
It is so nice to be able to just walk and trust. I know where my walk will end. I can trust God’s hand to guide me every step of the way. When my finite mind pushes it’s questions into my attention, I can pause, turn my eyes on my Father, and choose to trust His wisdom and love. Peace overflows as I do this and I can continue my walk in fellowship, trust, obedience and love.
From my Mom's blog here. Stop over and tell her what you think!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Good Bye Sam
Dear Sam,
I'm sorry we had to put you to sleep today but you were hurting and we just couldn't take it any more. We loved you our dear favorite cat. You were a beautiful, very patient, loving little guy. We are sorry the mean ole dog across the street stole you away from us. You didn't even make it one year. We will all miss you.
Your human family,
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Continued Cat Curse
I think some of you have been following our story of the Cat Curse...well Sam is still with us...he was attacked by the neighbor's dog and apparently something is leaking inside him. He turned bright yellow but as you can see he's not quite so yellow anymore.....maybe those nine lives really do exist??
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
WFMW - Laundry
I am one of those women who fold straight out of the dryer into separate baskets....well I used to be!
Last week I decided to dump the entire week's worth of clean, UNFOLDED (yes, I said unfolded, wrinkled clothes) laundry...dump them all on my king size bed....call everyone in the house to my room and have everyone grab what belongs to them! Worked like a charm! Even my 2 year old got into it (MINE...MINE).
I did it again yesterday...and again, it worked like a charm! So much for folding and bending and squatting all week long. No more kids digging through clean, folded clothes making a mess of them. You gotta love making things easier on Mom!!
Last week I decided to dump the entire week's worth of clean, UNFOLDED (yes, I said unfolded, wrinkled clothes) laundry...dump them all on my king size bed....call everyone in the house to my room and have everyone grab what belongs to them! Worked like a charm! Even my 2 year old got into it (MINE...MINE).
I did it again yesterday...and again, it worked like a charm! So much for folding and bending and squatting all week long. No more kids digging through clean, folded clothes making a mess of them. You gotta love making things easier on Mom!!
Wassail
1 1/2 cups white sugar8 whole cloves
3 cups water
3 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 gallon apple cider
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cloves, water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, and continue to boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to cool for 1 hour. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, and apple cider. Return to the heat, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Moving
Well… it looks like we might be moving out of state which can only mean one thing: MASSIVE FLINGING COMMENCES.
Today alone, I filled the entire bed of a full-size pickup truck with clothes, dishes, and assorted “how did we even own this?” stuff. I am genuinely shocked at how much I let go—and I am absolutely jazzed about it. Even if we don’t end up moving, this purge was long overdue.
So far, I’ve conquered the laundry room, the kitchen, and my bedroom. Yesterday I took down the filing cabinet—every drawer but one. And yes, it is officially gone. No more ugly filing cabinet. Victory is sweet. I also liberated an entire laundry basket full of VHS tapes. Apparently, I was preparing for the year 1997.
Next up: the children’s clothes… which I am deeply not excited about. Tomorrow I’m tackling the toddler’s room, then the bathroom, then the older girls’ room. After that? The boys’ room. I’m nervous. Pray for me.
No pictures were taken because I was too busy flinging with reckless abandon. Eleven hours in and I cannot stop. This is no longer cleaning—it’s a lifestyle.
Flinging is addictive.
ONWARD.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
************************************************
Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
*******************************************
Holiday Mail for Heroes is a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes to deliver one million holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world.
*******************************************
My brother, David, is in Iraq, please also pray for him and his family, thank you!
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
************************************************
Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
*******************************************
Holiday Mail for Heroes is a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes to deliver one million holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world.
*******************************************
My brother, David, is in Iraq, please also pray for him and his family, thank you!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wonderful Love
God, it’s so wonderful
The love You’ve given me
Teach me how to pass it on
to everyone I meet.
Help me not to criticize
But lend a helping hand
Use me, Lord to help someone
to find for them Your plan.
It is so easy to criticize other people. We can find so much falt: how they dress, how they talk, how they look, what they do. It’s amazing how easy it is to fall into a critical spirit yet how hard it is to reach out in love and acceptance. Join me in the challenge of finding something positive in everyone you see today. Make a determination to speak a kind and encouraging word and to help them in some way. Sometimes help is just in the words, “Thank you.” It may be to hold a door open for someone. I could even be in letting another driver into the long line of traffic you’ve been sitting in. Will one car more really make a difference in your schedule? It might make a big difference in the one waiting to get in. Let’s practice God’s love by encouraging and helping.
This is a devotion written by my mom, she has a devotional blog here. Please stop in and visit her. And give her a note of encouragement. She is very diligent in posting these wonderful devotionals but doesn't get many readers. Drop by and check out some of her writings.
The love You’ve given me
Teach me how to pass it on
to everyone I meet.
Help me not to criticize
But lend a helping hand
Use me, Lord to help someone
to find for them Your plan.
It is so easy to criticize other people. We can find so much falt: how they dress, how they talk, how they look, what they do. It’s amazing how easy it is to fall into a critical spirit yet how hard it is to reach out in love and acceptance. Join me in the challenge of finding something positive in everyone you see today. Make a determination to speak a kind and encouraging word and to help them in some way. Sometimes help is just in the words, “Thank you.” It may be to hold a door open for someone. I could even be in letting another driver into the long line of traffic you’ve been sitting in. Will one car more really make a difference in your schedule? It might make a big difference in the one waiting to get in. Let’s practice God’s love by encouraging and helping.
This is a devotion written by my mom, she has a devotional blog here. Please stop in and visit her. And give her a note of encouragement. She is very diligent in posting these wonderful devotionals but doesn't get many readers. Drop by and check out some of her writings.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christmas Favorites Q&A
Christmas Favorites Q&A
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I love using wrapping paper, but lately I find myself reaching for gift bags more often. That said, paper is a must for the kids—what’s Christmas without a little mess?
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial for sure! I used to always get a real wreath, though, just so we could enjoy that wonderful holiday aroma.
3. When do you put up the tree?
The day after Thanksgiving—always. No exceptions.
4. When do you take the tree down?
If my folks aren’t coming over, the day after Christmas. One of my kid's birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I like to have it down before then. (Usually the day after Christmas)
5. Favorite Christmas gift ever received?
A beautiful diamond tennis bracelet. Gorgeous—but I’m too scared to wear it! No engagement ring yet, but I have this amazing piece sitting there sparkling at me.
6. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
I plead the Fifth on this one…
7. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Classic.
8. When do you start shopping?
As early as I can! I actually collect gifts throughout the year and hide them in my “special spots” until Christmas.
9. Favorite Christmas treat?
Derby Pie takes first place, with Sweet Potato Soufflé coming in a close second. Wassail close in line.
10. Christmas lights: clear or colored?
Warm white!
11. Favorite Christmas song?
Hip Hop Noel from the Disney Christmas Sing-Along. It never fails to get me in the mood.
12. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Angel, absolutely. No contest.
13. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning is the tradition in my house, though if the kids get PJs or special outfits for the Christmas Eve service, they get to open those early.
Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
My Recipes From Hawaii
Macaroni-Potato Salad
(sounds a little weird but it is absolutely delish!!)
1/2 lb macaroni, cooked & drained
3 red potatoes, cooked & cubed (I cheat and use one can of cubed potatoes)
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon vinegar
2 cups mayonaise
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 Pkg frozen peas, thawed and drained
Mix it all up together gently and chill well!
(sounds a little weird but it is absolutely delish!!)
1/2 lb macaroni, cooked & drained
3 red potatoes, cooked & cubed (I cheat and use one can of cubed potatoes)
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon vinegar
2 cups mayonaise
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 Pkg frozen peas, thawed and drained
Mix it all up together gently and chill well!
Not Me #1, momisms
Woo-hoo! I’m definitely going to have to start taking notes because my chemo brain can’t possibly remember all of this by the end of the week!
-
Regarding the crab at the beach on Friday: “Miranda, if you kill him, he’ll die!” Nope. Not me. I did not say that.
-
I did not create an avalanche of storage boxes while retrieving Christmas decorations. No, no—totally organized.
-
I did not start the washer for the third time because I kept leaving the same load sitting there. Nope. Not me.
-
I definitely did not cook two turkeys in 24 hours because the first one wasn’t enough. That was purely coincidence.
-
I did not destroy an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies. Sure, maybe the oven was off instead of the timer… but still. Not me.
-
I did not sleep through my eight-year-old daughter getting ready and catching the church bus for Sunday School. Okay, maybe a tiny confession there. She doesn’t need me anymore, clearly.
-
I did not start crying at the park when a stranger asked if we’d be okay financially for Christmas. Tammy, seriously—come on.
-
I did not gain back all the weight I lost last month… in two weeks. Not me.
-
I did not only cook one meal on Saturday. Absolutely not.
-
I am definitely not about to delete blogs that don’t follow me back. I just can’t keep up, that’s all. Consider this your notice.
-
I did not let Ki take two naps around 5 PM just so I could make dinner. Nope. Not me.
-
I did not break three glasses this week. That’s impossible.
-
I did not run out of dish soap for three whole days—yes, through Thanksgiving. Clearly, not me.
Somehow, I survive, laugh, and keep going. But seriously… am I the only one who feels like life is one big “Not Me” confession by the time Monday rolls around?
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