Abbie is here

My step-daughter, Abbie, has been visiting with us from Seattle since Saturday. She leaves on Friday. I've just been attempting to maintain order and continue to get ready for the move.

Merry Christmas

 

Source

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

This Mommas Heart Aches

The kids all brought home all of their school Christmas Crafts today. They are all out of school until next year.  Miranda brought a ton of things home. One of her crafts was a Snow Woman cut out of cardboard and glued together puzzle form then painted. Here is a picture:

This is her snow woman....it is pink because....it has Breast Cancer!

(Yes my heart stopped!)

My poor children! It must have been awful to go through this so young. Kiera she wasn't even BORN yet!! I can't help but wondering how this has affected them each. About two months ago Miranda found one of my hats I had used while bald and had it on and said she wanted to keep this hat so she could wear it when she loses all her hair because she has Breast Cancer!

Geesh...this poor Momma's heart just aches for my kids. Here come the waterworks!!

Quote

Why do we have to wait for special moments to say nice things or tell people we care about them?

Randy K. Milholland,

A Thousand Words Thursday

"Mommy, Coloring is completely exhausting!!"

WFMW - Moving and Packing

I haven't done a Works for me in a while because I've been so busy with legal matters and moving! :)) Anyhow. I thought I might just share how I pack. I have very very rarely had breakage.

1. For China and plates I use disposable Styrofoam plates in between each plate. Really cheap and cushions the HECK out of it.
2. Glasses get wrapped in dishtowels or hot pads.
3. Designate a color (sticker) for each room.
4. Note on the box what is inside and if it can wait to be dealt with.
5. 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!
6. Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to underside of furniture. Make sure you bag them first.
7. Keep items from the same room together as much as possible. This will make it easier to sort the contents after you move.

Of course the #1 TO DO is PURGE, PURGE, PURGE!!!!! That I have done and continue to do. Two truckloads GONE and more in process!

For those prayers covering us....Keep it up please!

Visit Rocks in my Dryer for more Works For Mes

Photo Wednesday

Sorry about the flash...I don't have a scanner but in packing for the move I came across this photo of Miranda and me taken in her classroom on 5/12/06.
Right in the midst of chemo..yep! The only picture I let be taken throughout the whole deal. Here I am! And yes..fatter than a COW....I kinda wish I was one of those who LOST weight on chemo rather than GAINED 40 pounds!! Oh Well.
January 24th is my cancerversary THREE YEARS--WOO HOO!!
And Kiera will be three in March!
Check your Boobies Ladies!!!

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping, coconut, chopped nuts, fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.

Today is the day! Lana and Lisa are having a giveaway to win a beauiful, black wrought iron cookbook holder. It would be a great addition to any cook's kitchen. Enter at Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Not Me Monday

It's time for Not Me! Monday! I am an imperfect mama and it does a body good to admit that! To that end, I hereby declare...

I did NOT have to take our cat to be put down Saturday. Not Me!
I did NOT lie and say he was a stray because I couldn't afford the fee. Not Me!
I did NOT scream and yell my Josh's name while he was marching in the parade. Not Me!
I did NOT drive arount to the END of the parade to embarrass Josh again and rack up more candy! Not Me!
I did NOT serve funnel cakes for dinner last night. Not Me!
I did NOT get stressed out COMPLETELY and have yes TWO hissy fits in one day over all this legal rigamaroll regarding moving. Not Me!
I AM not sitting here typing a post ans not ready to take Kiera to speech in FIVE MINUTES!!! BYE!!! Not Me!

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!

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,

Tammy, Kevin, Josh, Garit, Nathan, Miranda, Abbie and Kiera

Just a Thought

Sigh!

It would be nice though, wouldn't it?

PSF - #3 - Christmas Parade

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Here's my eldest's last marching ecperience this year.
I did NOT embarrass him by yelling and cheering him!
TWICE!!!
Yes we drove around to the end of the parade to see it AGAIN!

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??

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!!

Photo Wednesday

I don't feel well!! :(

Wassail

1 1/2 cups white sugar
8 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.

Tackle it Tuesday

Well, it looks like we may be moving out of state which means---MASSIVE FLINGING!!

Just today alone I filled up the entire bed of a full size pick up truck with clothes, dishes and STUFF. I can not believe how much I discarded!! I'm so jazzed! Even if we don't wind up moving it still needs done. I went through my laundry room, kitchen and my bedroom. Yesterday I did all but one drawer of the filing cabinet! Everything gone! No more ugly filing cabinet.. yippee! I got rid of a whole laundry basket full of VHS tapes too.

I still need to tackle all of the children's clothes...definitely NOT looking forward to that! I think I'll do the toddler's room tomorrow (Tuesday) then onto the bath and older two daughters' room. I'm a little nervous to deal with the three boys room!

Sorry but I didn't even THINK about taking pictures. I sure should have! I've been at it for eleven hours and don't seem to be able to stop! Flinging is addictive! ONWARD!!

Sunday Scripture

Photo Credit

Merry Christmas

Source

Giggles

A Different Christmas Poem

I shoplifted this from my newest blogging buddy, Michele @ Michele's Morsels Beelieve

Photo Credit

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. To read more and send a card please click here.
*******************************************
My brother, David, is in Iraq, please also pray for him and his family, thank you!

Focus On Christ at Christmas

Our family has been hit really hard by the country financial recession. It being Christmas is just compounding it. All of the kids realize that there just isn't extra money for gifts this year and we have signed them up to receive a gift each from a local charity. 

My question for you this week is:

How do you keep the focus on Christ at Christmas instead of gifts?

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link here. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new blogging friends!

(Please leave you answer and a link to your Aloha Friday in the comments section!)

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.

T13 - Christmas

I stole this from my friend Nina at Juggling Mama
1. Do you use wrapping paper or gift bags?
I like using paper but more and more I find myself using bags but definetely paper for the kids, what Christmas without a MESS.2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial...I used to always buy a real wreath though so we get the aroma!
3. When do you put up the tree?
The day after Thanksgiving ALWAYS.
4. When do you take the tree down?
If my folks aren't coming soon to celebrate, the day after Christmas. Garit's birthday is New Year's eve so I want it down before then.5. Favorite Christmas gift you ever received?
The beautiful diamond tennis bracelet, which I am too scared to wear! I don't even have an engagement ring but I have this gorgeous thing!6. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Pleading the 5th on this one.

7. Favorite Christmas Movie?
White Christmas with Bing Crosby8. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As early as I possibly can afford to, I collect throughout the year and store in my special hiding places.9. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Derby Pie! Second place Sweet Potato souffle.10. Are your Christmas lights clear or colored?
We switch back and forth but the last couple years have been colored lights.11. Favorite Christmas song?
Hip Hope Noel on the Disney Christmas Sing A Long.12. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Angel, absolutely!!!13. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning has always been the tradition in my house. If they get PJs or special dresses or shirts for the Christmas eve service I let them open those early!
Merry Christmas!!!

Photo Wednesday

This is my FAVORITE photo of my third son Nathan.

Taken by my Mom at Jack In The Box (I miss that place)

in Washington State eons ago...he's 9 now! :(

For more great photos click for these fine sites:

Are you playing today, leave us your link!

Awards

Kim from Homesteader's Heart has gifted me with this wonderful Christmas Spirit Award. Of course with receiving awards, there are some rules that come along with it. For this particular one, the rules are very simple.

They are.... You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award. The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas. You must link back to the person who gave you the award. You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space! Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it's up to you. But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going! Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment on their blog.

Here goes: 5 things I LOVE about Christmas!!!
1. Christmas means that Jesus was born, He gave Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Without Him this day would not exist.
2. I admit I LOVE the Christmas lights. I I put them up in all the doorways of the house and we don't use lamps at all all month long, it's really festive.
3. White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Love, love, love it!
4. Treats, treats, treats and I never feel bad. Snickerdoodles and Derby Pie mainly!!!!
5. I just love the excitement of all of the kids at Christmas. It is genuine excitement for all of mine for the appropriate reason..Christ not gift receiving.
Now I have to tag 5 other people. Here are my choices. You, You, You, You & You Yes I want you to do it!

Also, Kel @ Girl in the Glasses, was sweet enough to think of me and gave me this:

The rules for this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate 10 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

Recipients: Okay I've done this same stupid post TEN times! The links won't work - Geesh!!!! GRRRRRRR sorry ladies, I'm cheating now:

http://mooselovingmamabear.blogspot.com/
http://justmythoughts-momof3.blogspot.com/
http://loris411.blogspot.com/
http://ginrich.wordpress.com/
http://juggling-mama.blogspot.com/
http://dribblesanddiapers.blogspot.com/
http://thotsofamom.blogspot.com/
http://rescueriders.wordpress.com/
http://steffenboys6.blogspot.com/
http://pregnantcancer.blogspot.com/

I have decided to post any awards and tags I receive at the end of each month. If you give me one and I don't get around to it right away...just know I appreciate your thinking of me and I WILL get to it! Thank you guys!!

Giggles

LOL!!! Is this how you feel after all that turkey??

Found this here.

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!

Not Me Monday #1

Woo Hoo! I'm gonna have to start making notes though my chemo brain can't remember all this stuff at the end of the week!

1. Regarding the crab at the beach of Friday, "Miranda, if you kill him, he'll die!", nope I didn't say that--not me!
2. I did NOT create an avalanche of all the storage boxes while retrieving the Christmas Decorations! No, Not Me! I'm organized!
3. I did not start the washer for the third time, same load cuz I kept leaving it there, Nope, not me!
4. I definitely did not cook two turkeys within 24 hours because there wasn't enough the first time around, just for our immediate family!
5. I did not destroy an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies, seriously..how do you mess up cookies. Well the oven being turned off instead of the timer I'm sure had some responsibility.
6. I did NOT sleep through my eight year old daughter getting ready and getting on the church bus to go to Sunday School. Geesh.....now THAT is a confession!!!! Does she not need me anymore.
7. I did NOT start crying at the park when a woman I had just met asked me if we were going to be okay financially for Christmas this year. Oh Come On Tammy!!!!!
8. I did NOT gain back all of the weight I lost last month in two weeks, No, not me!
9. I did NOT only cook one meal on Saturday! Not Me!
10. I am SO NOT about to delete blogs that I follow because they are not following mine! I just can't keep up with the feeds, ya know. Consider this notice...
11. I did NOT let Ki take not only one but TWO naps right around 5 pm this week just so I could make dinner, nope, Not me!
12. I did NOT break three (3!!) glasses this week! Not me!
13. I did not run out of dish soap for three days!! Yes, through Thanksgiving!

SLEEP

DID YOU KNOW? Research shows that the immune system needs 9 1/2 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely -- When was the last time you had this much sleep?

According to the book: Lights Out

Thank You

Thank You, Lord for loving me
And letting me be free
To worship You and praise Your name
All day continually.
Help my every thought be pure
My word be words of praise.
Let everything I say and do
Bring a smile to Your face.

As we go through our day let us be conscious of the words we say. Are they words we want our God to hear? Are they words that will bring a smile to His face? If we are stuck in traffic, are we complaining and fussing or do we take the opportunity of the delay to praise our God? If we are delayed in a long line because the cashier is slow do we mutter and complain or pray for those around us and end our time with the cashier with “Have a nice day and God bless you”? How do we respond to a fussy child or an irritated husband? Let us think on these things and ask God to help our words (and our thoughts) bring a smile to His face.

This is a devotion written by my mom, she has a devotional blog here. Please stop in and visit her.

Aloha Friday #6

I seriously debated mowing leaves to ruin the back door neighbor's Thanksgiving festivities (You know the neighbors that throw their dog poop and grass cuttings OVER THE FENCE!!)
My question for you this week is:

Tell me about something you almost did but resisted because you didn't want to be as bad as the other guy?

Thankful Prayer

Father when I pray to You
There’s many things I say
I ask You for the things I want
And pray for friends in need
Sometimes I cry and throw a fuss
When things aren’t as I want
I forget to give You thanks
For giving me my life

Father, when I pray to You
Let it be in thanks
Thankful for You holding me
Safely in Your hand
Let me always thankful be
For You have set me free
Change my attitude to praise
For all You send my way.

2/25/2006

Philippians 4:6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving…” I’ve never really noted the words “with thanksgiving.” That puts quite a different slant on my conversations with God. I’ve sent many a prayer of supplication in an attitude of complaint and murmuring. I have no trouble being thankful when I have nothing but praises, when everything seems to be going my way. What a difference it would make to always be thankful. There’s no reason not to be. My name is written in God’s book of life. He is in control of my life and nothing can ever separate me from His love. I must choose to be thankful by keeping my eyes on eternity and not blowing up the importance of the moment in my time and space.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the attitudes of complaints and help me dwell in the attitude of thanksgiving in all things.

This is a devotion written by my mom, she has a devotional blog here. Please stop in and visit her.

Happy Thanksgiving

My favorite movies, 84 Charing Cross Road

Another one of my favorite movies...

84 Charing Cross Road
Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft

When a humorous script-reader in her New York apartment sees an ad in the Saturday Review of Literature for a bookstore in London that does mail order, she begins a very special correspondence and friendship with Frank Doel, the bookseller who works at Marks & Co., 84 Charing Cross Road.

Photo Wednesday

This completely adorable child is my Mom, taken in 1944!!
Check out the look on her face!!!!

Mom, you are still beautiful!

WFMW - Gmail

About two months ago I switched over to Gmail. I love it! Here are some of the things I love about Gmail:

Spam Filtering. The Spam Filtering is absolutely phenomenal!!!!Multiple Email Accounts. I have four personal email accounts and Gmail allows me to keep them all in one place. And Kevin has one too. With Gmail you have the ability to send and receive from multiple email accounts all in one place.
Search Capabilities. I get a lot of email (especilly with Freecycle) so being able to do a google search of my email is a a huge time saver.
Conversation Folders. If the subject line is the same on emails they all go into a conversation folder and STAY TOGETHER!!! No more searching to see what that other response said!Filters. I can tag the newsletters I subscribe to and archive them. Then when I get a chance I look at them.

If you haven't made the switch I HIGHLY recommend it!

Abba

Abba, Father, how I love You
For sending Your own Son.
Abba, Father, how I love You
Through Him You make us one.
Abba, Father, how much I thank You
Your spirit sets me free
Free to worship and to praise
You through out eternity.

Let this be your prayer today. If you have accepted Jesus, God in flesh who died for all sins, as your personal savior and Lord of your life, you have direct access to God, the Creator, the Father of all creation. Be sure you don’t get so busy preparing for the holidays that you forget to spend time communing with God.

By GinRich

TT: Toymania

I haven't done a "Tackle" in a while because I've been too busy Tackling! Yes, really!

Today I was going to sort through the three girls toys in their room. It was a gorgeous 68 degrees outside though in bright sunny Florida, so I had this noble idea of literally dumping all the toy boxes out in the front yard and sick them to the sorting themselves. (They are out of school for Fall Break this week.) I get stifled when I'm in their room and there isn't enough room and if I dump it all out in the Living Room like I usually do toys wind up all over the entire house!

So..I dumped out 4 bins of toys on the lawn and told the girls they had 15 minutes..pick up what they want that can fit in the largest bin and the rest are leaving the house. IT WORKED!!!! And the best part--I didn't have to do all the work! It's amazing how many of the three boys "toys" (which they are to old for in my humble opinion) were using vital space in the three girls' room. I will do it this way from now on!

p.s. I LOVE FREECYCLE!!!!

See poor Sam? I've never gotten so attached to a cat but there's the poor guy!

Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe

It's getting mighty chilly out there!!
Serves 8Ingredients:
2 cups water
8 Tablespoons cocoa
8 Tablespoons sugar
6 cups milk
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Peppermint flavoring (about 1/2 tsp)
whipped cream
chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions:
Measure water, cocoa and sugar into a glass measuring cup. Stir well. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes to make a chocolate syrup. Stir in milk and vanilla and peppermint syrup (optional). Microwave until warm. If you don't have peppermint syrup you can add a few peppermint candies to the pot. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for this time of year too!

Comment Luv Enabled

Yippee! I did it! I installed Comment Luv on this blog. Geesh it was a bit nerve racking with all the kids here but....it is complete and functioning!

It should make it a WHOLE lot easier for me to visit your blogs! I used to HATE searching profiles for you guys' urls! Gotta love Linky Luv!!!!

Update on Sam (our cat)

For those of you following the story. Sam was attacked by the neighbor's dog three weeks ago. I think he's close to the end he is YELLOW, his eyes, ears, pads, cheeks, gums - everything, like jaundice. Causes of this include bile duct obstruction, a rupturing of the bile duct, pancreatitic disease, cancer, inflammation of the gallbladder, and inflammation of a bile duct.

The cat curse continues!

What I've Done

I have seen this on a few blogs recently and thought I would play along - it is a fun little ditty.
You are supposed to copy the list and bold the ones you have done:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band4. Visited Hawaii5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - WORLD
8. Climbed a mountain9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own
44 out of 100 - not too shabby... Feel free to play along!

Petition - By Ginger Chapman

Father God, I cry to You,
Help me look only to You.
Forgive me for my deep despair,
Free me from all worldly care.
Keep my eyes turned to Your Light,
Help me not Your hand to fight.
Cleanse me from my darkest sin,
Let Your Sprit flow within.
Free me from my fears and woes.
Let Your Peace come fill my soul.
Unless You live within my life,
There’s no purpose for this life.
Teach me how to love you more
To worship You and praise You, Lord.

Scripture reading: Psalms 42

I laid down to rest asking God what was going on. I had a vision. There was a gigantic battle. There were two armies. One army was in black with rugged swords and hideous faces. The faces were filled with more hate than I thought existed. The other army was in white like a radiant light without swords. Deafening noises came from the dark army but the white was silent. I noticed that as a dark one would penetrate a white one with his sword the dark one would disintegrate. I was in the midst of this battle. Several times during the next day this vision came back. Each time I saw more people I knew in the midst of the battle with me.

I contemplated the seriousness and intensity of the battle. A word came to me on the importance of standing firm and wearing God’s armor. Much has been written and spoken on the parts of God’s armor but I have never found it easy to keep His armor on me when in the heat of battle. It seemed neither my strongest discipline nor my firmest will were strong enough to keep me in His armor.

God spoke to me about how much He desired me to be in the midst of Him. He desired me so much that He was willing to leave His throne, put on the sinful nature of man, and suffer beyond my finite comprehension. He told me how He longed for me to desire for Him to be in my midst. I came to see we do not really understand the meaning of the word “desire.” We live in a materialistic world. Our needs have been so bountifully met. We never lack anything long enough to experience a real desire. Like most of the words in our language we overuse the word “desire” and minimize its meaning.

“How,” I asked God, “do I obtain this desire for You as You have for me?” I meditated on God’s desire for me. I looked through the Bible at instances such as Abraham’s desire for God over the life of his long promised son. Where did the saints of old get such an intense desire — a desire so intense as to enable them to go the full distance?

I really wanted this desire. I knew I could not get it on my own. How could I get it? How do I get anything I want? I must pray for it. Once I allow God to show me the need for this desire, I will want it enough to seek after Him to implant it in me. I asked Him to find the most fertile spot within me to plant His seed of desire. I want it to take strong root and grow. I found things that seemed important were loosing their hold. This type of desire will really cause me to seek after the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The cost no longer matters. I know my goal and desire it with my whole being.

God earnestly desires me to desire Him. I cannot desire Him in that way unless He puts the desire within me. He will not put the desire within me unless I earnestly desire for Him to do so. Does it sound like a confused play on words? Yes, to the world it does. If you hear God calling you, you will want to respond. He will open the door to your understanding. He will enable you to begin an adventure far beyond your wildest imaginations.

I am excited God desires me so much. He is growing within me that same kind of desire for Him. I encourage you to step out and see, taste and drink of Him. You will never be the same again.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me so very much. Thank You for desiring fellowship with me. Quicken within me the same desire for You and for fellowship with You. Draw my mind toward You throughout the day. Teach me to talk to You and to listen to You.

This is another one on my Mom's devotionals you can find more of her devotionals at her blog GinRich here.

Giggles

Visit to the Local Pow Wow

Today we went to our local annual Pow Wow. It was cool...literally! Actually about 45 degrees but right on the waterfront with a kicking breeze!

We were able to watch them demonstrate blowing darts long distances and several different tribal dances. We looked at all of the booths and saw some really cool stuff.

The favorites were all of the different animals skins and skulls! There were even turtle heads, alligator heads/feet/tails, raccoon, deer, buffalo, cow, squirrel, birds, badger, beaver and rabbit skins (Poor Lucky!)

Kiera picked up one of the bunny pelts and I said "Bunny", she dropped it real quick and just kept saying "bun-ee, bun-ee". Awe! Then of course Josh carries on about how when poor Mr. Lucky passes on he's gonna have him stuffed so he can keep him forever! Unless of course he just decides to --KEEP HIS FEET! Geesh!

All in all a fun-filled, FREE, family Saturday outing.

Across the Universe

Across the Universe. I love it for more than just the music, although who can argue with the Beatles? I haven't enjoyed a movie in the theater in awhile and I thought this one was just perfect. It was just quirky enough to make it a musical, but still mostly believable. I actually want to purchase this.

Casserole Recipes

My question this week:

What is your favorite casserole recipe?
We are stretching our groceries and I am SO bored with ours!

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link here. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new blogging friends!

(Please leave you answer and a link to your Aloha Friday in the comments section!)

Quote - Unquote

Thank God for dirty dishes
they have a tale to tell,
while others go hungry
we're eating very well,
with home and health and happiness
I shouldn't want to fuss,
For by this stack of evidence
God's very good to us!

PSF: Kiera

Since we are without an operating camera I'm hitting the archives this week!

Here are some photos of when Kiera was born while I had cancer.

You can read the Journey here if you would like to.


All five kids meet their new sister!


Grandma holding her 8th grandkid!
(Only six are mine though!)


Grandpa holding his 8th grandkid!


Me and my smallest bundle of joy!
Look HAIR!! On me not her!


Kiera sure is checking out that Daddy guy!


Serious Pooh concentration!!!