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

Quote

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

Randy K. Milholland,

WFMW - Moving and Packing

 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!

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!

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,

PSF - #3 - Christmas Parade

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!!

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.

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.

Sunday Scripture

Photo Credit

Merry Christmas

Source

Giggles

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.

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!!!

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!

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

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.

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!

Random Facts

Well! Silly me was given awards and I did NOT follow the rules..OOPS! I shall now list 8 random facts about myself:

1. I broke my foot last Christmas..spent the morning in the ER...not fun and OUCH!!! Getting up at 2 am with the baby, I haven't taken a sleeping pill since!
2. I broke my arm riding a bike in the second grade.
3. I broke my knee skating, well actually getting plowed over by racing referees at the skating rink, in the sixth grade.
4. I broke my finger in the 10th grade catching a jacket. Yep..jammed it in the floor.
5. I sliced my eyebrow open sliding down a slide into a river (six stitches).
6. I cut my finger at work in Hawaii (three stitches).
7. I sliced open my thumb washing a glass, it broke (six stitches).
8. Every bone I have broken has been on the left side of my body.

There...bet you did not know those facts!!!! I'm a little paranoid now about breaking things after the cancer stuff and Tamoxifen and the "M" thing (menopause, took out the ovaries)!

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

1 qt. water
2 lbs. lean hamburger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cumin seed or ground cumin
2 lg. onions, chopped
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper or chili pepper
1 tbsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1 (16 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tbsp. cider vinegar
3 lg. whole bay leaves

Crumble raw (do not brown) hamburger into water. Add all ingredients. Bring to boil, then simmer for 3 hours. Remove bay leaves. Serve on cooked rice or spaghetti noodles with grated cheddar on top! Mmmmmmmm

This is truly one of my favorite dishes. Perfect for this time of year too!

Funny Photo Day

Our Path

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.
This is a devotional from my Mom (GinRich). Stop by and visit her devotional Blog here.

Aloha Friday #4

We had an encounter with a rat yesterday

in this house...read aabout it here.

My question for you this week:

What's the scariest thing you have ever encountered in your own home??

Ratty was not the scariest thing I've encountered in my home, it was an intruder (I had a restraining order on), but I won't get into that. 

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!)

RATS!

It was very warm here last night so I thought I'd open up the house to get in some fresh air. None of the windows in this lovely home open so we can only do doors. I opened the back sliding door (no screen) and the front door to get some air flow. I showered and locked the doors and decided to retire around midnight. I sat upon my bed to wind down and low and behold....A RAT! YES, I SAID A RAT ran right past me and up the stairs to Ki's room!

I ran after his squealing. (Poor Ki!!) I found something to whack at it and tried to smash the thing! I sicked the dog (Blue Heeler) on it but NO! Stupid thing just tried to get the stick! Oh yes, all along dear Mr. Kevin just watching TV in the Living Room..some Big Foot documentary!

Anyhow, all my screaming woke up every child in the house so I had help then!! Well Nathan and Garit decided to watch all the commotion from their beds, I don't blame them one little bit! Miranda was very brave..I was shocked. We tried to whack it but it ran back into the boys room to the back door, YAY, but IT WAS LOCKED!  Josh didn't want it opened though in case another one would come in. Come on already let's get this sucker outta here! He opened the door again. Meanwhile I was trying to keep Ratty's whereabouts very well known.

Josh devised a mop handle with a steak knife through it to get Ratty. Of course I wouldn't allow it! (Smart kid though!) I had him cornered and then HE CAME RIGHT AT ME and RAN ACROSS MY FOOT! I jumped up on Ki's toddler bed then. She just watched..and watched..taking it all in.

After a brief recovery session from the foot episode I started to chase hin toward the door and guess what? Ratty ran over my foot again. Need I remind you I was ready for bed and barefoot. This time Ratty tried to crawl up. my. leg.  That was it..this was WAR!  By this point Josh decided he was cute...yes, I said my 15 year old son, thought this rat was cute thereby it did not deserve the death penalty.

I called our trusty Blue Heeler back again, this time he saw it! He cornered Ratty and grab a hold. We heard Ratty squeal, but then he was dropped and the varmit ran right into the PANTRY!  I pulled out the toy box the rodent was hiding behind and Ratty went a running into the boys room and finally out the door! Poor dog never saw him leave he was after the little rat for about another hour! LOL!

Lesson Learned: DO NOT LEAVE THE OUTSIDE DOORS OPEN AFTER DARK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!!!!

Experience is what causes people to make new mistakes instead of old ones.

Borax

Some of my favorite uses for Borax:

Borax as a Floor Cleaner
1. Fill a bucket with about 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Add about 1/3 cup Borax.
3. Add 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent.
4. Mix in about 1 tablespoon ammonia.

To remove urine stains and odors:
1. Dampen the soiled areas with water.
2. Sprinkle borax over the areas.
3. Rub the borax over the areas, working into mattress well.
4. Let dry.
5. Vacuum or brush off any remaining borax powder.

Make slime for the Kids:
1. In a glass or ceramic bowl, add 1/2 cup water and 1 cup white glue.
2. Stir in 4 drops food coloring if desired.
3. In another bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon borax in 1/2 cup water.
4. Slowly add the dissolved borax mixture to the glue mixture. Stir well.
5. When not in use, store in a tightly sealed jar.

Aids in drying flowers:
1. Cut flowers you wish to preserve, with or without stem.
2. Sprinkle borax on the bottom of a small box such as a shoe box.
3. Add up to two flowers.
4. Completely cover with more borax.
5. Tape the box shut.
6. Let sit at room temperature for about one week.
7. When dried completely, strain off the borax powder; may be reused for more flower drying.


Kills Roaches:
1. Mix equal parts powdered sugar and borax in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle in cracks along walls and under cupboards.
3. Keep away from children and pets.
4. Repeat as necessary for one to two weeks until all roaches have died.

Kitty Litter:

Sprinkle it in with your kitty litter to mask the odor.

My Brownie Secret

Okay, I'm letting go of a BIG secret here....I know it seems silly but everyone RAVES about my brownies.

This is what I use..Betty Crocker Brownie Mix then add 1 cup dark chocolate chips on the top and about 1/2 cup chopped pecans then lightly tap them in to the mix and bake as directed. The pecans get toasted and oh so good. So simple and yet so good! Try it.

Veteran's Day

Quote

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Scripture Sunday

1 Samuel 16:7
People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Aloha Friday #3

My question for you this week, since it was such a hit last time:

What is your favorite Mommy Moment this week?
What made your heart giggle?

Quote - Unquote

Our Greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

~Confucius

Strength in Faith

Judges 16:6 - And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

My strength is in the faith God has given me. He’s given me the faith to believe, when I gave Him my life and acknowledged Jesus, His only begotten Son, as my Savior and Lord of my life, He accepted me as more than His creation. He accepted me as His child. I know how a parent feels about a child. I would lay down my life for any of my children. That is what Jesus did for me. Through the trials and testings of my walk with God, He has grown in me faith to know He will not leave me or forsake me. Reading His written word, the Bible, has increased the faith. This faith is the only strength I have. Apart from this, I can do nothing of value. It is God’s working through me that anything of value can come. I continue to find when I do something without prayer I get into trouble. I have a great strength within me. I have the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit and the gift and fruit of faith You have and are growing within me. Continue to mature the faith and work through me to Your glory and pleasure.

**Yes, Another on from my mom...I'm running out though..MOM!!! I have gotten several comments from you all about how much you enjoy these.

Just a Thought

Why not learn to enjoy the little things -- there are so many of them.

TT - Places I'd like to visit

Today, I thought I'd share thirteen places I'd like to visit:

Jamaica

Bahamas

New England

Puerto Vallarta

Australia

Ireland

Alaska

Colorado

Yellowstone

Niagara Falls

Florida Keys, again

Smokey Mountains, again

Grand Canyon

Leave us your link here so we can visit you!

Quote

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.

~Maurice Setter

QUEEN OF TOSSING

Whew! I was the QUEEN OF TOSSING this weekend. Sunday, I headed back to the laundry room/storage room/closet....then my bedroom.

I gathered SIX (6) 55 gallon trash bags for charity and 2 55 gallon bags for trash! Omigosh...It looks wonderful. I even rearranged my room. I feel so empowered when I get rid of stuff. I looked at pieces of clothing and then asked myself what it reminded me of...seeing as I've had a horrendous 4 years with a divorce after 17 years then cancer...not all fond memories. SO...if I did not LOVE it and it reminded me of a time I should have been happier OUT it went. (Besides the fact I have gained over 50 pounds since I started my cancer regimen and most of it does not fit anyhow!)

I still have more to do in the laundry room. I'll get back to it soonish but I feel a lot better! Even got it to where I could hide a huge Christmas present in there!!!! Oh! And I've been working on filling up the little trailer for the dump outside as well!!! THAT is huge! Kinda have to be a little sneaky outside...if ya know what I mean! ;)

P.S. - Still on a roll three more tall kitchen bags and a crib- OUTTA HERE!! This is liberating ladies!! The bed of the truck is now FULL!! Woo Hoo

STEAK CASSEROLE

STEAK CASSEROLE
3 or 4 boneless cube steaks
1 can Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
1 can mushrooms (optional)
1 med. onion, sliced

Brown the steaks in a frying pan, then place in the bottom of a baking dish. Pour the mushroom soup over them, add the can of mushrooms if you wish. Spread the sliced onions on top and season with salt, pepper and paprika to taste. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with noodles. The gravy may be spooned over them.

My Favorite Things

This is it Ladies....Uh huh! One of my favorite things in the whole wide world!!

Ice cold with a straw in a glass container!! Uh huh. That's it!

I was Tagged

I was tagged by Sandi over at Pregnant with Cancer. I'm supposed to share 6 random things about me and pass the torch to 6 other blogging buddies. Here goes.. (Blogger is having spacing problems apparently...sorry!)

1. I mentioned before that I always use a straw to drink...well I also wash out the glass/mug two times with soap before I get a drink. (Yeah, I know a little OCD.)

2. I LOVE Caffeine- Free Diet Dr. Pepper! Love, love, love it!

3. I don't sleep...hardly ever. I can sleep during the day...easy..just not at night! Weird??

4. My first daughter's name came from a movie I liked. Both her first and middle names. I had to wait 13 years though to use it! All those boys just kept on coming and coming and coming.

5. I still have MAJOR chemo brain! Grrr. I can't remember SQUAT. I lost a ton of memories too (wish it were only the not so fond ones!) Even from 10 minutes ago. My poor kids must think I have Alzheimer Disease. They are getting more patient with me though...yay!

6. I can not put on the same pair of socks twice...eww..even if they are clean. If it's only been a very short while (like minutes) then they definitely have to go on to the same foot or the toe just doesn't match up!

Meal Plan Monday

Monday again, huh. It seems like it happens each and every week! Jeez!

Entrees:
BBQ Slow Cooked Chicken Legs
Country Fried Steak
Scrumptious Ground Beef Casserole (recipe follows)
Meatloaf
Chicken Spaghetti
Taco Salad


Scrumptious Ground Beef Casserole
1 lb ground beef
1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 (8 ounce) can mushrooms
2 tablespoons brown sugar or sweet pickle juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese
1 (6 ounce) package angel hair pasta, cooked
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
salt and pepper

Brown meat in large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onions, pepper and celery and simmer for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, mushrooms, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook in skillet for 1 hour. Place cooked pasta in bottom of large casserole dish. Spoon mushroom soup over pasta. Pour sauce over the soup and top with cheese. Bake in 350°F oven for 30-45 minutes.

Useless Information

Count the number of cricket chirps in a 15-second period, add 37 to the total, and your result will be very close to the outdoor Fahrenheit temperature.

Giggles

A man left work one Friday afternoon. But, it being payday, instead of going home, he stayed out the entire weekend partying with the boys and spending his entire week's wages.When he finally appeared at home on Sunday night he was confronted by a very angry wife and was barraged for nearly two hours with a tirade befitting his actions.Finally his wife stopped the nagging and simply said to him, "How would you like it if you didn't see me for two or three days?"To which he replied, "That would be fine with me!"

Monday went by and he didn't see his wife. Tuesday and Wednesday came and went with the same results. Come Thursday, the swelling went down just enough where he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

Introducing: An Angora Rabbit

Introducing: An Angora Rabbit!

Can YOU SAY YIKES!!!??!!?

Friday Fill Ins #2

1. My favorite food seasoning is GARLIC.
2. Giggles are music to my ears.

3. Lucky is not reaping what you are due.
4. My Christian beliefs are something I take very seriously.
5. Many people need to learn how to truly forgive and let go, myself included.
6. A Sword was the last thing I bought at the store.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to trick or treating, tomorrow my plans include watching my oldest perform in a band competition.

Love Does Cost

Love Does Cost

God’s pure Love is free to all
For Jesus paid the cost.
He left the throne of His blessed Home
And came to save the lost.
He showed us what God’s pure Love is,
For that He was despised.
He hung in love upon the cross
For us He sacrificed.

If we want to let His Love
Flow through us from His Life
We must share the cost with Him
And give to Him our life.
If we take for us our life
His love can never flow,
For then we feed upon our greed
And love from Him can’t grow.

When you think you cannot feel
Love for fellow man
Just as God’s love to flow through you
And into every man.
It matters not what ‘err you feel
Your will releases love.
Don’t let the cost deter your will
Or God’s love will be lost.

When you love you may get hurt
They spat in Jesus’ face.
But even when they rant and rave
There’s nothing you need fear,
For if you’ve given Him your life
He’s filled you with His Life
And as you let His pure love flow
it soon will change all lives.

Love Does Cost

So many relationships are broken because someone no longer “feels” love for the other. We cannot control the way we feel. God has commanded us to love each other. Why would He command us to do something over which we have no control? Love is more than just a feeling. Love is an action. God commands that you act out love for one another even when you don’t feel like it. The action of love may be costly to the way you feel but you will find that if you act in love because you love God, you will begin to yield more to Him and enable Him to change your feelings.

It may not be too difficult to love someone who love you and strives to please you but what about someone who always seems to irritate you? Spend time praying for someone you have a difficult time loving and then choose to act in love to that person. If they refuse to accept your love, consider it a sacrifice of love to God and continue in it, allowing God to work a miracle in the relationship.

You will find that the more love you give others, the more love God will be able to give to you.

This is a devotion written by my mom. She's awesome isn't she?

Quote

If you want to catch something, running after it isn't always the best way.

~Lois McMaster Bujold

Laundry (2008)

With a minimum of seven people in this house—and eight when my stepdaughter is with us—laundry can be an absolute nightmare. And as the kids get bigger, so do their clothes (who woulda thought?).

I try to do at least one load of laundry every single day. Thankfully, I have a WONDERFUL washer. I can even program it to start up to eight hours later or soak for eight hours, which is a lifesaver.

I fold clothes straight out of the dryer—no excuses. Then I sort everything into four baskets: the three boys, the three girls, mine & Dad’s. The boys are responsible for putting their clothes away and figuring out what’s theirs. I usually do the girls’ clothes… which is probably why there are two baskets of clean clothes in their room at this moment.

Socks, however, are a whole different issue and will definitely be another post.

So that’s how this mom of six does laundry… how do you do it?

A Real Kitchen

I want this!! A real kitchen! Not a kitchen without drawers and missing two cabinet doors. a stove you have to rock back and forth to get the burners to work. A refrigerator that just barely keeps the mile cool enough to not spoil. A sink that won't let go of all the pipe underneath at least once a month. A DISHWASHER and GARBAGE DISPOSAL would be wonderful! Yeah, I know I'm dreaming but hey! maybe we can find another house to rent, huh?

Giggles

Lion Meat

Tonight we went to Sam's Club! My 9yo and 11yo boys begged and begged to buy the LION meat and cook it tomorrow night! Poor guys I had to tell them it was loin not lion!

Closet Mayhem

This week I faced the closet. The one belonging to the three boys. And let me tell you—it was not for the faint of heart.

I tossed and tossed and tossed. Donated. Sorted. And I still have about 40 more items headed to the consignment store. They’re officially aging out of toys anyway. I kept the little cars—because I’m not a monster.

The boys were present for the “you may keep this if you decide fast enough” portion of the program. Spoiler alert: they did not finish their bin in time. So the rest? It just… went. No negotiations. No extended deliberations. Gone.

Five. Fifty-five. Gallon. Trash bags. OUTTA HERE.

Tell me I’m not alone—does anyone else get an absolutely massive sense of accomplishment from getting rid of stuff? Or am I just happily unhinged and living my best decluttered life?

Giggles

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.
He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Quote

Everyone has the key to happiness - you just have to pick out the right lock.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema (pronounced limf-eh-dee-ma) is a possible side effect that can show up during or even long after breast cancer treatment. It causes swelling in the soft tissues of the arm or hand and may come with numbness, discomfort, or, in some cases, infection.

The good news: with the right precautions, you can significantly lower your risk of developing it.

Think of it as protecting one very important arm.

Things to Avoid

• Extreme temperature changes
• Manicures or pedicures that use tools on the affected limb
• Blood pressure readings on the affected side
• Injections or vaccinations in that arm
• Acupuncture on the affected limb
• Tight clothing or jewelry like rings, watches, or bracelets
• Lifting heavy objects with the affected arm
• Unnecessary risks in the kitchen or garden

Basically, if it pokes, squeezes, burns, or bruises—don’t let it happen to that arm.

Things to Do

• Practice excellent skin care
• Use insect repellent when needed
• Follow a balanced, healthy nutrition plan
• Limit salt and fatty foods
• Watch protein intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay active with appropriate exercise
• Elevate the limb (sleep with pillows supporting the arm)
• Carry antibiotic solutions for cuts, scratches, or bites
• Treat any sign of infection immediately
• Seek treatment at the very first sign of swelling

Lymphedema doesn’t have to take over your life—but it does require attention. Listen to your body, protect your arm, and act early.