Posted in Family Life
Thanksgiving is upon us. . . and while the days have been getting shorter in anticipation of winter, activities around here have been bustling while we prepare for the one day the world has determined to give thanks. . .
Long, long ago, thanksgiving was given daily for the many gifts that God delivered to the new immigrants of our nation. God's holiness was poured over this great nation and a breath of heaven was felt by the Pilgrims as they learned to till and harvest the soil and prepare a bounty to dedicate to God. With the Indian's assistance, the Pilgrims learned new ways to plant crops. They had reason to rejoice, God was good to them. . . .
Even then, the festivities still included a BIG spread of delicious food. . . . .Soon our table will be set with candles and savory roast turkey, smoked ham, fresh cranberry relish, straight from Grandma's recipe, whipped sweet potatoes with butter - brown sugared pecans spread delicately over the top, steamed vegetables and hot, mouth watering apple and pumpkin pie. . . While most ladies are busy cooking in the kitchen for the entire day preparing this hearty feast fit for a king for their family, our family is one of a complete role reversal. I am permanently banned from the kitchen for the day . . . Dad likes Thanksgiving "His" way. The turkey is fried crispy, the ham is smoked all night and all day, the stuffing is prepared with crawfish - a Louisiana specialty, and the pies are baked to perfection. Can you feel your mouth watering yet?
Lord, I give you praise and thankfulness for all of the many blessings you have blessed us with, your mercy and grace is magnificent....I thank you for protecting our family and my husband during his numerous days of traveling and for the many blessings you have seen fit to give to us...thank you for my husband, children, family and friends...for the gift of salvation. . for the new baby growing inside of me. . .thank you for our great nation. . . thank you for the freedom we have to worship you...for your Word that guides and mentors us on our journey.. and thank you for your son Jesus, who paid the ultimate price to achieve us a glorious future in heaven with our Maker... Many blessings to you all on this glorious Thanksgiving Day. May we remember to ALWAYS give thanks to God for everyday that God's breath of heaven is breathed into us. . . .
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The girls have anxiously been awaiting Dad's return back home. It occurred last night after a long, but needed, 10 day trip oversees. It was all work related as he had to visit several Air Force Reserve Recruiting offices.
Communication began with a rocky start, but once he figured out he had his international calling disk inserted backwards in his phone, we could talk once again. It was the longest we haven't talked to one another since we were married. At one point, frustration was high and the paying the local phone rates was looking better and better. He was a hero to his girls when he brought them more German chocolate than they could eat in one sitting. Doodler and Rubber had theirs gone before lunch. Momma even dipped into the Tobler chocolate. It was hard to resist after having just one. There is something different about German chocolate than American chocolate. I can't seem to put my finger on what it is though? We are praising God for bringing Dad home safely and also for providing such a productive trip for him. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song.. . . Isaiah 12:2 |
Psalm 139:14 . . . I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. It was a wonderful day when I got to see our newest baby's heart beat for the first time. I measure 10 weeks and the doctor said everything looks perfect. After having already gone through a miscarriage, it was such a relief to see that precious little pea growing and to continue to rest in God's strength and trust. 2 Samuel 22:3. . . the God of my rock, in Him will I trust. He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; Thou savest me from violence. The girls bustled and giggled all day, as if they were holding onto a life or death secret. At lunch, Juggler almost slipped but caught herself quickly, after a quick nudge from Little Woman. I was warned later, while running errands that we must be back home, promptly at 5:30 p.m. and that I wasn't cooking dinner tonight, nor could I stop and get my favorite fast food dinner (what is it about greasy french fries that makes morning sickness oh so much better?). These girls have such a HARD time keeping secrets - it was as if they were going to burst at the seams! In walked our dear friends from church at 5:30 with food (our dinner) in their hands. What a pleasant surprise! The last thing I feel like doing at the end of the night is cook these days and then to not have to cook - what a blessing from heaven. . Genesis 49:24-25 . . . .But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob, from thence is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel, even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. It was a marvelous meal of garlic/lime chicken, noodles, steamed brocolli, warm, delicious, homemade wheat bread (by Josiah) and a scrumptious chocolate cake (by Orianna). Little Bear especially enjoyed the chocolate cake, but not the bath that followed. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for friends, godly friends, that care so immensely. Our church family is so important to us, being away from family, at times like these. God is so good to us. . . . the more I seek you, the more I find you, the more I find you, the more I love you, I want to sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand, lay back against you and dream, feel your heartbeat, this love is so deep, its more than I can stand, I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming. . . . One of my favorite songs by Kari Jobe, "The More I Seek You," May God bless you and yours today and always. . . . Michelle
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I must apologize for not writing sooner about our vacation. We've been back now for over a week and I seem to be waning in energy due to this pregnancy. It's been recommended to me by a special friend that I try hard candies with peppermint extract to ease the nausea. Although this is not my most favorite time of pregnancy, it is so worth it in the end to be able to hold that precious bundle of joy. Several ladies in our church are desperately seeking God in prayer for a BOY for us. I just smile sweetly and think how wonderful that would be, but in the big scheme of things, it really doesn't matter to me - whatever God determines best for our life is fine by me. We had the most wonderful time while in Orlando, enjoying the ample supply of activities to do while in that area. "Simplicity" is a foreign word in Orlando and everything is all about DISNEY WORLD. Our first day was spent at Downtown Disney - of course shopping, but we actually had more fun at the lego store looking at all the amazing lego creations outside of the store. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm, typical of tropical Orlando, Florida. We spent the week with friends of ours, the Davis' (ok, we followed them around like lost little puppies) while our husbands were attending the same Recruiting Conference (I'd go out on a limb and say we had so much more fun than they did!).
This picture is for Independent Woman who loves Winnie the Pooh - actually, I'm not sure who wouldn't think Pooh adorable. The next day we visited the happiest place on earth - Magic Kingdom, where we saw our share of princesses and extra special characters. We learned a few things while there - Doodler, loves roller coasters (especially when she doesn't have a clue what is about to happen) and Rubber is braver than she knows - she rode Splash Mountain with Little Woman and Juggler and would've gone back for more if the line wasn't so long. Doodler had her day made when we finally got to visit inside Cinderella's castle and she had her picture taken. . . .
The final highlight of our trip was a day at Hollywood Studios. We even got to take Dad with us. We did have to wait one and a half hours to ride the new Toy Story ride which was a disappointment after waiting for so long. All's well that ends well, because Dad got his picture taken with his favorite character - Buzz Lightyear. With an awesome Fantasia light show to end the evening we were all completely wiped out and ready for our trip home the next day.
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We have been bustling around here this weekend getting ready to leave on vacation for a week. We are traveling to sunny, Orlando, Florida, where we will meet up with Dad, who is attending his annual conference. The preparations seem numerous when multiplying that by 5 children, completing it all without the help of my right hand man, and adding on morning sickness (why they call it this when it goes on ALL day is beyond me?). In my weakness though, I call on my Savior for His strength. I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. . . . .Philippians 4:13 Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. . . . . .Jeremiah 33:3 When no one else is around to help, God is there - Alpha and Omega - He who loves me.
Stay tuned for more great details of our vacation and pictures to follow. Blessings to all of you - may your week be filled with His holy peace. . . . . . me. |
Why is it that Satan creeps up on you at the most inopportune moment. Just when I believe that everything is under control, God pulls me back and gently reminds me. . . .Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; My understanding these days is so weak and weary. I need to turn to Him constantly and I need for His guiding hands to come along side of me to nudge me in the right direction.
After a long night up with Little Bear (she's turning one and is still nursing during the night) she awoke at 5:30 am for another feeding. I was just getting up for my daily walk and quiet time. Feeling very frustrated that she was awake again, I realized, "why am I bothering, she'll just be awake now." So, in the quiet still of the early morning, I held my Little Bear while she nursed and I prayed to God to take away these selfish, self-centered feelings of never getting time to myself. They overcame me so quickly and fiercely that it took me aback. Have you ever realized just how awfully you were sinning, but couldn't stop the feelings from flooding over you? While God didn't bring any verses to my mind during this morning, what He did to answer my prayer proved something wonderfully, amazing to me. Psalm 143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness.
God, in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what I needed, when I needed it and all I needed to do was ask and I would receive. Little Bear actually fell back asleep (only for an hour mind you, but it was enough) so that I could get up and enjoy a brisk walk, as well as read what I consider God talking to me through someone else's words. I am currently reading, "A Mom Like You, by Vicki Farris" and in the chapter that I read this early morning, her words rang out like a 5 code alarm. 1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever. Ms. Farris reminds us that we are to never lose sight of our God given responsibility of being a wife and a mother first. We must die to our own selfish desires and commit our lives to serving our family. Why must it be so difficult to stomach some days? I praise God that nothing that I horribly do will ever take me from His presence. One of my most favorite songs these days is "I Belong," by Kathryn Scott. If I ever lose sight of His mercy, all I have to do is sing that song and instantly my heart is filled with His peace!
Thanks to Dad, Little Bear had her first ice cream cake for her birthday. She was entirely sticky by the time she was through with the extra large piece that her father gave her. She only minded a moment when we had to remove the remnants via a warm bath. Her loving sisters volunteered to assist in opening her presents; a new Little People Van with a momma and baby and a Pink Piggy Bank with extra large colorful coins that she can put into his belly while he sings to her.
It's official - we are expecting #7 (for the family) - #5 birth for me. The girls are thrilled and are already working on the next girl's name. We've had a boy's name forever, maybe, just maybe, the Lord will bless us with a boy this time, but whether it be boy or girl, I feel so blessed to be able to receive another of God's blessings. . . Thank you all for the sweet notes and comments you leave. They mean so much to me.
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Posted in Daughters
Little Bear turned one today! It seems like it was just yesterday that she woke me up early in the morning with the announcement of her coming arrival. The girls and I spent the morning walking around the park, which is close to our house, awaiting for the contractions to intensify. My dear huband was concerned, so we loaded up the girls around 10 a.m. to take them to a friends house for the day, figuring that with this being my 4th labor that everything would progress rapidly and we would have our dear daughter by the afternoon.
We arrived at the hospital, and they wanted to send us home because I wasn't dialated enough. Finally, one of the nurses believed me that the previous three labors had began exactly the same way, so she allowed me to stay and walk for an hour. Once the admission paperwork was filled out and I was transfered to a room, I was allowed to get my epidural and RELAX! Within an hour we had our beautiful Little Bear!
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. . . . . . Psalm 127:3 Isaiah 29:23 . . . .For when they see their many children and all the blessings I have given them,they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Israel.They will stand in awe of the God of Jacob. Happy Birthday Baby - We LOVE YOU!
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Posted in Show and Tell
I thought I'd share some of the finds that my dear husband and daughters found Saturday, while I was away at the women's bible study for our church. I love repurposing old treasures into something new and lovely for our home. A beautiful, antique quilt rack to hold not only my lovely creations for my girls, but the quilts that my mom has hand sewn for each of her granddaughters. What fun it will be to change out the different quilts and so much better than stashing them atop my armoire.
A hope chest for Little Woman to fill up with treasures. Sitting in her bed, she can gaze out the window, spend time seeking God, reading His words, leaning back against His everlasting love, which is overwhelming, all the while envisioning her treasures in that chest that she'll share with her future husband.
Even Barbies need a fabulous home to spend their time. This amazing home has many surprise compartments in which a master bed turns into a bathtub, a stereo plays, a switch between the bedroom and kitchen with just a blink of an eye, and the phone ringing in the background while Barbie is busy cooking dinner for the family. This all turns into hours of fun for 3 little girls to imagine and dream of their future lives as wives and mothers.
I have always wanted a beautiful collection of antique tea cups ever since I was a young girl working in a bed and breakfast inn during my high school years. Each afternoon at 4 p.m. we would serve tea and bread to our guests for the night. We would hear incredible stories, both old and new; each story coming from the heart of the storyteller. I just love the pink roses. It is called "Rose Chintz" and they are from England. The black and white cups are from Japan. With my love of tea they will never be longing for use. . . .
For more great treasures, Kelli, over at There's No Place Like Home hosts "Show and Tell Friday." |
Posted in Biblical Thoughts
During our morning devotions this week, we are studying about being a devoted woman. . . Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the L
I want to share the beautifully, inspired words of my children, as they express their thankfulness of having grandparents. I have several fond memories of my grandmothers, but we didn't get to visit them as often as my children visit with their grandparents. It is such a joy and blessing to have grandparents to share memories with. We are so looking forward to next year when we will be within a days drive of each of our families. My Rubber I'm thankful for my grandparents because: they tickle my back they play outside with me they take me to a hotel so that I can go swimming they visit me they love me My Juggler wrote that she was thankful because: They are still living They tell funny stories They tickle my back (this seems to be a recurring theme) They take me swimming They play in the yard with me They help me to sew They take me to fancy restaurants They tell us stories of the past They visit me Little Woman wrote a very extensive list Their wisdom, even if it is unsolicited Their stories about my parents or their past Their ability to tickle backs (I see where this is of extreme importance to all) That they love me They will write me letters To take naps with Be read to Clean with Taking us to eat at places we never get to go Spend time at fun places Sharing vacations with us Share good cooking skills Makes earrings for me May you remember to honor and revere your parents and grandparents as God designed it to be. Enjoy every minute that you have with them! |
Posted in Family Life
Our weekend was peaceful again, with beautiful weather and happy memories made. Life is all about making memories that we can glorify God with. Many hours were logged on the trampoline, bouncing, sharing giggles and just simply having fun. My dear hubby bought the family a spectacular camera so that we can capture pictures and memories of the girls. They are growing up so fast, I'll blink and soon they'll be raising their own families.
You will notice the new look of my page. This happens when one is trying to edit two accounts on one computer. The other night I was trying to add something onto the sidebar of Juggler's page and I went into my editing page to view how I had placed the HTML codes. Somehow, this transferred her template onto mine. Thank goodness God was merciful that night, because I didn't lose any of my entries - only just the things I had on my sidebar. . . . . For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed," saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10. Even though I should have felt utter anger and frustration for the task ahead of me of loading everything back on the page and creating a new template, I did not - I felt peace. Where once I would have errupted into a fit of rage for the inconvenience, God worked through the inner battle to comfort my soul and provide peace and strength for the task ahead. . . . . He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many with me. Psalm 55:18 I spent several hours that night reloading our pictures and updating the category labels. In the end it worked out fine and I even got my categories reloaded without too much difficulty. I even like the layout and color scheme better than my previous page.
I would ask for some prayer for my brother-in-law who was in a bicycling accident this weekend. He apparently crashed while on a bike trail and punctured a lung. He was not near home and is now in a hospital in San Francisco awaiting doctor's approval to travel home. Please pray that he will listen to the doctor and heed their suggestions as well as for healing on his lung. I hope your weekend was pleasant and filled with many wonderful memories. My prayers are with each of you that your days are filled with God's grace and mercy! Thank you for the kind words you leave. Blessings, |
Posted in Recipes
With the weather changing around us, it makes it so pleasant to be outside. Our dear neighbors moved this week and they couldn't take their trampoline with them, so the girls have been enjoying our new, but used trampoline in the backyard. Juggler was up ever so early the first morning bouncing all by herself. Soon, Rubber came and joined her. The Doodler likes the trampoline, but she'd rather have it all to herself, telling everyone around her that they bounce too hard. Even Little Woman and Little Bear made it out to bounce. It was a bread baking day today. Two loaves of whole wheat bread and a loaf of zucchini bread. I thought I'd include the bread recipe because it turned out so delicious. It's a shame that no one else in the house enjoys it as much as I do.
Zucchini Bread Ingredients:
Preparation:Put zucchini in strainer and press or squeeze with hands to get some of the excess liquid out. In a mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, and oil together. Stir in the flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and walnuts, mixing just until all ingredients are combined. Add drained zucchini. Mix well. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes at 350°, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out with very little or no crumbs clinging to it. Early this morning, I spent time reading a recent find at the library, A Mom Just Like You, by Vicki Farris. In one of the beginning chapters, she expressed how intensely this one verse continued to help her during her days homeschooling. Later, when I sat down at the computer for a moment to check my email, this same verse came in on my email. God is so gracious and so generous to supply my every need, exactly when I need it, so I began to ponder the significance of this revelation. It seems that I needed a lesson in "leaning." The word lean means, "to cast one's weight to one side for support." So often I find myself saying, "I can do it or I'll get it all done," never once recognizing the strength that the Lord grants me to fulfill my daily tasks. I also haven't been leaning on His infinite wisdom and plan for our family. I struggle desperately with wanting to have more children, but I forget that I've laid this in His hands, His timing, not my own desires and timing. Proverbs 3:5 - 6. . . . .. . . Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I pray that you will let God direct your path and while He is doing so, lean on His understanding and not your own. Blessings, |
Posted in Family Life
Today was the first day after a long hot, humid, southern summer that we could enjoy the outside. When we awoke this morning it was actually in the 60's. We took Little Woman to her first driver's training class. After 45 minutes of class they released us until Monday. At least they gave her some chapters to read and worksheets to complete. With only 10 classes, she is going to have an enormous amount of class work crammed into a small amount of time.
The afternoon was upon us faster than we could imagine. We picked up a donated baby swing and bouncer seat for the church nursery. The remaining afternoon was spent cleaning up the house for Daddy's return from his business trip. With a combined team effort, we tackled cleaning out Mom's car. While Little Bear played in the hose, Juggler was cleaning the floor mats. During our cleaning frenzy, hot, savory Sloppy Joe's were warming in the crockpot for our dinner. It's one of Daddy's favorites!
Daddy made it home shortly after dinner, and yes, there were still sloppy joe's awaiting his return! The early evening enticed the girls to go outside and enjoy the cool weather. One of my favorite pasttimes as a child was rolling down grass hills. Little Bear was toddling close at hand, watching every move, patiently awaiting her day of rolling down a hill. It reminded me of my own faith and patient waiting upon the Lord for all of my daily needs. Romans 8:25 . . . But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
The only way that I can even imagine making it through a day is by having faith that God will stregthen me in all that I do. 2 Corinthians 9:8 . . . And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work.
What a perfect ending to a wonderful day.
Did you get a chance to enjoy your children today and behold the beauty of the outdoors that our glorious Lord created? Romans 1:20 . . . For from the creation of the world the invisible things of Him are clearly seen, being understood through the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
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Posted in Biblical Thoughts
I awoke early this morning, before the glorious sun peeked it's way into my window, andI felt the pangs of the start of a cold coming on. I'm afraid my dear Juggler has passed on her sore throat and stuffy nose. Even in the midst of my pains I'm reminded of this verse, In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 I can hardly stand to wait another day before I can order more elderberries so that I can make our elderberry tincture again which helps to boost our immune systems. When Little Bear was born last year I struggled with not producing enough milk and began enjoying an infustion of mother's milk tea every morning in the attempt of increasing my supply. While, I'm not sure whether it worked or not, I did receive a rather surprising revelation; I enjoy hot tea. . . . This is a blessed thing for when one becomes ill, hot tea is the most relaxing and soothing comfort for a sore throat. I can infuse so many different herbs into my teas to assist in the cold fighting process. I've added honey, lemon, lime and sometimes ginger. Colds tend to make us tired and weary, but God will never leave me weary or downtrodden. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, II Corinthians 1:3. How I love how He strenghtens my body during times of illness or trouble. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
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Posted in Contests
Our sweet Juggler has just posted her 100th blog entry and she is tickled pink. For the givewawy, she has crocheted several beautiful bookmarks and has scavenged her over-crowded bookcase to pass along a few books for others to enjoy. She wants to draw a name by this Friday, September 19th. Won't you please help me to support her (I'd enter the drawing, but I already got a bookmark made for me)! Just leave her a comment here! Blessings, Michelle |
Posted in Family Life
What a lovely day it was today. Even though Juggler woke up sick with a sore throat and a visit to the doctors, God was present during our time together. He protected her by supplying the doctor with the opinion that it wasn't necessary to have a referral to an ENT even though her tonsils were inflamed. According to his expertise, he felt that her swollen tonsils were common for a child her age and he recommended to simply wait until she was having difficulty breathing before we entered into major surgery. Juggler thanked God for his intervention, because while the thought of having unlimited ice cream and popsicles for a week after surgery appealed to her, the thought of major surgery scared her more! Little Bear was taught a new skill today by Little Woman. She showed her how to drink refreshing water from the hose while Momma was trying to water the dry flowers in the front yard. She loves being in the hot summer sun of the south, playing in the water and if I didn't know better, I'd assume she thought that God created nature simply for her. It's hard to believe that she's already 11 months and walking. . . . . . .
What a beautiful face you shine upon our family! Your smile is a breath of fresh air. Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. . . . . Psalm 127:3
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Posted in Family Life
Where did the weekend disappear to? We had an absolutely, wonderful time fellowshipping with friends. God graciously brought old friends back to us for a short while. So, for an evening we got to spend precious moments reminiscing and catching one another up on the last 4 years. Even better, dear husband got to smoke his all time favorite ribs. He's even found a new smoking chip that made the most mouth watering ribs yet (even I enjoyed them when I don't normally enjoy ribs! YUM :0) I think Tom consumed the most, so Juggler passed on her nickname to him to own, "Meatatarian." On Sunday after church we attended a double birthday party for neighbors of ours. The girls were enthralled with the water slide. Simple fun with the numerous amounts of girls in our neighborhood also provided hours of pleasure. Good company is a wonderful blessing from the Lord. The adults mingled among one another sharing stories, laughter, and smiles. . . . . The sun was intense, with the heat sweltering around us. We came home around 6 p.m. and collapsed in front of our fans and air conditioner. Southern heat will wear a person out . . . . but God will always strengthen us. May God bless your day and strengthen you. . . . God is my strength and power, and He maketh my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33 |
Posted in Daughters
Little Woman passed her skill of cross-stitching onto Juggler last night. Little Woman began her cross-stitching hobby many years ago when I taught her. Our first attempt was less than perfect, especially since I found out later that she had thrown away the beginning attempts of her piece when she got frustrated. The second time she attempted to cross-stitch, something in her finally ignited. It was a passion overflowing and there was no stopping her.
Now, she can share the skill with her younger sisters. It gave me such a joy last night to watch the two together, sharing a moment, I know will forever be remembered by both. . . . . . Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
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Posted in Recipes
We were preparing food for our potluck fellowship dinner tonight at church. I thought I'd share this favorite recipe of ours with you.
Chicken and Dumplings 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders 1 cup frozen green peas Dumplings: 1 c flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vinegar shake of salt and pepper 3/4 c milk Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped Dice tenders into bite size pieces and set aside. Wash hands. Place a large pot on stove over medium high heat. Add oil, butter, vegetables and bay leaf and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season mixture with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Add flour to the pan and cook 2 minutes. Stir broth or stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Add chicken to the broth and stir. Mix biscuit mix in a bowl. Drop tablespoonfuls of prepared mix into the pot, spacing dumplings evenly. Cover pot tightly and reduce heat to medium low. Steam dumplings 8 to 10 minutes. Remove cover and stir chicken and dumplings to thicken sauce a bit. Stir peas into the pan, remove chicken and dumplings from heat and serve in shallow bowls. We had a wonderful day of school, exploring God's creation today during our nature study. The Juggler found us an interesting specimen to observe today in the backyard. We were looking for our friend the toad that hangs out in our garden, but instead she came across this. . . . . .
God, in His infinite wisdom, created an amazing spider to rid us of those pesky insects that destroy our crops. The spider's only downfall, that we could discover, was that he also eats honey bees which are beneficial to all of us. For what would our world be without honey! I hope your day was wonderful! Blessings, |
Posted in Biblical Thoughts
Awake in the still of the night with Little Bear, restless from an ear infection, she snuggles close to me while she nurses herself back to sleep, while finding peace and comfort in her momma's arms. Unable to sleep well this last week, within the darkness I find peace and comfort during these times by turning to my Heavenly Father. I snuggle close in His warmth and security. He reminds me to let go of my selfish desire to sleep and to turn to Him, giving Him my prayers, thoughts, dreams, hopes and desires. Here I find a quiet place to rest in His peace, comfort and love. It is here I realize that He provides me all the strength that I need to make it through the day.
God is at work, everywhere I look and in the quiet moments He gives me I find Him. My heart longs for Him and He finds me. All around me I find His wonderous creation and blessings; my husband, my children, my home, all of the belongings we've collected over the years which we fondly treasure. May I rest in His love and may I always be lead by His gentleness. . . . . . . . . |
Posted in Momma Questions
What ever happened to a man treating a woman with respect? Has it been lost to belittling and degrading? We live in an Air Force community, in which until yesterday, I believed we all were one community, there to be there for one another when spouses were deployed, being neighborly and simply taking care of what God has provided for each of us. Now, I'm not too sure. It's amazing how one person in a community can spoil the commraderie that was begun years before them. We walked our dog last night, on which he normally decides to take care of business on one of our neighbor's lawn. Being neighborly (and I've witnessed those who aren't neighborly), the girls and I picked up the poop into a bag and looked for the closest garbage can to throw it in. Out runs the man of the home's garbage can, yelling at us in harsh tones, "What did you just put in my trash can?" I told him I put "trash in there?" "Well, that is totally unprofessional, come and take it out?" Mortified, I walked back to his can, turned it to the side and removed the bag of dog feces. All the while, he continued to berate me in front of the girls, about how unprofessional I was. All I could say was, "I'm sorry sir, I didn't know I was doing something wrong?" The mood home for the remainder of the walk was somber for all of us. Did I do something wrong? If someone was walking by with their dog and they needed to dispose of feces, I wouldn't mind if they used my trash can. Since we don't own any of these homes, I view the trash cans as community property, but more so, I view our community as a whole and we are to make sure to do the responsible thing of picking up after our animals. Moreover, I felt totally mortified and degraded that he asked me to remove the feces from the garbage pail, while in front of my children. Unfortunately, my husband is TDY at the moment, otherwise he would have come to my rescue - maybe the incident would have turned out completely differently if he had been there? Now, I ask myself, what would Jesus do in this situation. My dear little woman suggested we bring them a pie and once again apologize for insulting them by throwing trash in their garbage can.
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