Hoping you have a wonderful day with your friends and family

Thanksgiving Proclamation

How many of you have read Abraham Lincoln's original Thanksgiving Proclamation? I recently read it and was amazed that what was written in 1863 applies even more so to our country today, and was challenged by what a powerful call this is to give thanks to God! So here it is for you to read with your family:

Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863 ~ Abraham Lincoln

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their own dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet recognize their sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We know that by his divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear the awful cal;amity of civil war which now desolates the land and may be a punishment inflicted upon us for out presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people.

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, but the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in the foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens

9 Months - by Erin

Well here I am, 9 months pregnant! I’ve packed on almost 40 lbs, my rings don’t fit on my fingers, and I can’t remember if I’m eating because I’m hungry or if it is because I have food in my house. I always thought I would have the famous “pregnancy glow” but for me it’s just turning out to be “pregnancy sweat.” I feel somewhat like I’ve let myself down with my own expectations of how I was going to feel during pregnancy and what it was going to be like. I thought it would be a harmonious dance with the natural preparation my body and heart would be making with my growing baby. However, I feel as though it’s been just the opposite. I’m not sure if every mom-to-be has had this kind of pregnancy, but I’m here to honestly say that it happened to me.

In the beginning I had extreme morning sickness; anything I looked at or smelled made me want to throw up. I felt like everyone else was enjoying their meals, laughing and eating great food, while I was sulking in the corner with a bucket in my lap on the verge of dry heaving. Then as the weeks went by, my appetite returned and I began eating everything in sight... and completely outgrew all my clothes. I became crazy over the foods that I never ate before because of the calories. I wanted to eat healthy but for some reason had no desire too. I kept reminding myself that my husband & I were so blessed to have been given a baby so easily and fast. I kept thanking God for our wonderful joy and at the same time thinking negative thoughts when I saw girls wearing tight jeans that I used to be able to fit into. It seems so vain, but my body change has been the hardest part of my pregnancy. With that said though, I should still be thanking God for allowing my body to hold such a precious gift, at whatever cost it might come with.

As my due date quickly approaches, in time for his wonderful Christmas season, I should be going over my breathing, packing my bags for the hospital and lining up my baby’s pediatrician, but instead I’m still consumed with the thought that as soon as the baby is out I can go for a jog and wear my jeans again. So as vain as this pregnancy has been for me, I hope some one out there can understand. And I pray that these feelings are no indication of what I will be like as a parent. Because one day when my own daughter grows up and becomes pregnant I hope to look at her when she is 9 months along and tell her that she has never looked more beautiful; just like my own mom said to me.

True Beauty

In a highly trafficked hallway of my home sits a wooden plaque with the word, 'SIMPLIFY' painted on it. To some women this word means to clean out the closets, eliminate the dust bunnies, or enter all the loose receipts into the checkbook. Yet to others, it means to say yes to fewer things and stop overbooking schedules.
When my children were young, it meant making sure everyone got enough rest and a schedule was in place. As they got older, it meant making sure I carefully chose their activities so that quality overshadowed quantity. Of course along with this type of prioritizing came the need to balance time with my husband, my outside activities, and friendships. Somewhere between then and now - I have come to realize that all the scheduling, short cuts learned, and simplifying can not take the place of knowing your purpose.
The world will tell you that the external variables should dictate how you spend your time. Truly, there are days when situations and circumstances will force you to be flexible and change what you have planned. But your number one priority is to begin each day with God. Allow Him to shine your true beauty. Dedicate each day to Him, for Him and because of Him. If you are able to - before you get out of bed, before that first foot touches the floor, ask Him to fill you with His holy presence. He has a purpose for you and your day.
Especially with the holidays beginning, you will need His touch. Give Him your days - Colossians 3:17 tells us that our lives should honor God. This is possible and you can do it, with the touch of the Savior. 'Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life- and place it before God as an offering' (Romans 12:1) Worship God on the center stage of your life, simplifying the many tasks before you by dedicating them to Him.
You will have enough time to do that which God wants you to do. Come before Him and allow Him to love you. A little early Holiday gift is waiting for you - enjoy it - "True Beauty". Happy Thanksgiving! Carolina /aka Nina http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It93_NLaS1A

Let's Talk Turkey!

I know--unoriginal title and unoriginal subject. But, for tradition's sake, I'm going to write down a list of ideas for what to do with your turkey leftovers. This is from the magazine, "American Baby" - November 2007, pgs 110&112, and there are some unique suggestions among the well-known ones. Below that is a unique way to use up turkey meat - in an Italian-style bolognese sauce! However you decide to eat up those leftovers, I hope you have a blessed and delicious Thanksgiving!

1) Chop and use as an omelet filling along with cheddar, green onions, and tomatoes.
2) Chop and add to chicken broth with thin slices of carrots, celery, and chopped onions for a light soup. You also can add quick-cooking rice toward the end of cooking. Season with your favorite snipped fresh herb.
3) Slice, dice, and add to a chef salad.
4) Heat with cooked rice and canned black beans, then use to top tostada shells along with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
5) Make manicotti: melt cream cheese with chives, onion, and some milk to make a sauce, mix in a little Parmesan, and stir about half with chopped turkey and cooked broccoli. Fill cooked manicotti shells, arrange in a baking dish, and spoon the rest of the sauce on top of the shells. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes to heat through.
6) Chop and add to prepared macaroni and cheese with a little pesto for a new twist.
7) Chop or slice and add to a pasta salad.
8) Combine chopped turkey with coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, mandarin orange sections, and your favorite vinaigrette for a quick and crunchy Asian turkey salad.
9) Create a turkey Caesar sandwich by layering lettuce, sliced turkey, tomatoes, and avocado slices between horizontally split pita bread. Drizzle bottled Caesar dressing over filling before putting the sandwich tops in place.
10) Slice and toss with barbecue sauce and use as a topper for a store-bought pizza crust along with provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and sliced apples.
11) Chop and use as a quesadilla filling along with your favorite cheese, salsa, and chopped cooked vegetables.
12) Make biscuit pockets by flattening refrigerated biscuit dough and filling them with chopped turkey, Monterey Jack cheese, and a little honey mustard. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
13) Slice and wrap in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and bacon.
14) Chop and roll in purchased refrigerated crepes with stuffing, and drizzle with gravy.
15) Wrap in tortillas with plum sauce and shredded broccoli slaw for Asian wraps.
16) Chop and combine with mayonnaise and your favorite turkey-salad ingredients.
17) Slice and add to a grilled cheese sandwich before grilling.
18) Chop and sprinkle over tortilla chips spread in a baking pan, top with shredded Mexican-blend cheese, and bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes for easy nachos.
19) Chop and add to mixed greens along with strawberries or mandarin oranges and balsamic dressing for an easy, citrusy salad.
20) Stir chopped turkey with pizza sauce, add mozzarella cheese, and use as a filling for squares of refrigerated pizza dough. Bake per package directions.
21) Make turkey Reuben sandwiches by spreading bread with Thousand Island dressing, then layering on sliced turkey, tomato slices, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw. Top with another slice of bread and grill in a skilled or on a griddle.
22) Shred and add to your favorite chili recipe of beans, tomatoes, and onion. Top with cheese.

Below is a recipe from "Giada's Family Dinners" by Giada de Laurentiis, who suggests using leftover turkey in this, because it calls for the dark meat and people usually use up the leftover white meat with sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Turkey Bolognese (8-10 servings)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds coarsely shredded cooked turkey (preferably dark meat)
6 cups marinara sauce
1 cup water
2/3 cup chopped fresh basil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. spaghetti
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1) Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the celery and carrot, and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Add the turkey and saute 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring often, to allow the flavors to blend. Stir in the basil. Season the sauce generously to taste with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 week ahead. If storing for future use, cool the sauce completely, then transfer it to a container and freeze. Bring the sauce to a simmer before using).
2) Meanwhile, in a very large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten as needed. Serve with the Parmesan.

Farmer's Hash (breakfast for dinner)

This is inspired by a recipe in "Everyday with Rachael Ray" magazine.


What you need:
3 T. butter, softened

2 large corn muffins, halved

1 T. olive oil

Leftover pork from Wednesday, cut into small pieces

1 small onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

salt and pepper

1 2/3 cups chicken broth

Leftover roasted potatoes from Wednesday, reheated in microwave for 1 minute

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 large eggs

1 T. hot pepper sauce

2 scallions, chopped


1) Spread half the softened butter on the cut sides of the corn muffin halves. In a medium skillet, cook muffins cut side down over medium heat until toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

2) Add the olive oil to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high, add pork and heat. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Crumble in the muffins. Add the chicken broth and heat through, 1-2 minutes. Mix in the leftover potatoes. Top the stuffing with the cheese, cover with foil and remove from heat.

3) In a medium nonstick skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. In a medium bowl, (a lot of mediums!) beat the eggs with the hot sauce and season with salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the skillet and cook, scrambling, until set, about 5 minutes.

4) Serve a pile of stuffing topped with the scrambled eggs. Sprinkle the scallions on top.

My Week 22 Cravings

I'm well adjusted into my 2nd trimester now, am able to eat whenever and whatever I want, which is a blessing! 

But for some reason, I don't really have food cravings this time around. Instead, I've been craving for crafts. I'm overwhelmed by this surge of feeling to create something cute. My biggest problem is.... I don't know how to do anything. I don't know how to knit or sew, and all I can do is drool over these delicious pictures and just cry over them (I'm at this overly emotional stage right now):P I'm hoping that before this baby comes, I'll be able to learn these skills. Thankfully, there are so many craft blogs out there, and they provide tutorials for beginners like me. Another favorite blog of mine is Stardust Shoes. It's such a creative and classy blog, it makes me so hungry :D Hopefully, I'll be able to post my own pictures like this in the future.

Tasty Tossed Salad

2 bags prewashed tossed salad of your preference
Leftover breaded chicken from Monday, chopped into small chunks
3 kiwi, halved with flesh scooped out from skins and cut into chunks
1 pint of strawberries, hulls removed, and sliced
Generous handful of cashews
Olive Oil
Balsamic vinegar

1) Toss the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Serve individual portions and sprinkle light with olive oil and vinegar. Toss again. It's so easy!

Share your Traditions

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here already! The days can go by so quickly, before we know it we will be celebrating with friends and family, and then the Christmas season will begin.

Will you be continuing traditions from years past with your family, or perhaps starting some new traditions this year? If you have little ones, you will likely have a few 'hand' made paper turkeys to display...what other crafts are do you make with your children?

Whether you will be making some festive dishes, creating unique crafts or sharing a favorite tradition with your family, now is the time to start planning it.

We would love to hear from you! Please share your favorite thanksgiving tradition, craft or food with us!

Also check out these resources for more great ideas for your family's thanksgiving:

http://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/

http://www.just4kidsmagazine.com/nov.html

http://familyfun.go.com/parties/holiday/specialfeature/thanksgiving_mgi_ms/

Pork cutlets with roasted potatoes and veg.

6 pork cutlets (save 2 for later meal)
1 1/2 cups flour
salt and pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 lb. potatoes, washed and cut into large chunks
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Olive Oil
1 1/2 T. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme
Coarse salt
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots

1) Preheat the oven to 450 with a rack in the lower third. Put the potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then drain potatoes and set aside.
2) Meanwhile, in a large baking dish that is also stovetop safe (or just use a medium skillet and then transfer the mixture to a large baking dish later) heat 1/4 cup of olive oil. Saute the onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic, rosemary, and 1 tsp. of dried thyme and saute another 2 minutes. Add the drained potatoes and stir well. Put in the oven, roast for 15 minutes, toss well, and roast another 10-15 minutes, until crisp and golden brown. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt right before serving.
3) While the potatoes are roasting, mix the flour, a little salt and pepper, and 1 tsp of dried thyme in a shallow dish. Dredge the pork cutlets on both sides in the flour mixture, then saute over medium to medium high heat in batches in olive oil in a large skillet. They should cook about 4 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
4) As the pork is sauteing, put peas and carrots in a bowl and cover with water. Microwave for 3 minutes until hot and tender (or steam or boil them, if you prefer).

Chili con Carne

Like I said previously, feel free to substitute ground turkey or extra kidney beans for the ground beef. This recipe comes from "Carole Clements' Cook's Companion".



3 T. veg. oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 lb. ground beef

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. light brown sugar

4 T. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 (5 oz. ) can tomato paste

8 fl. oz. beer (I use Heineken, and I think I use a little more than 8 oz.)

1 (15 oz. ) can of tomato sauce

12 oz. (or whatever the can size is) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Sour cream

Grated cheddar cheese

1 cup uncooked rice (recipe originally served with spaghetti, but my husband's a rice guy. Also great over a baked potato!)



1) Heat the oil in a deep saucepan and cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with the side of a spoon.

2) Stir in the garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste, beer and tomato sauce and stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 50 minutes.

3) Stir in kidney beans and simmer 5 more minutes, uncovered.

4) Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, stir, cover, lower heat, and simmer 20 minutes until all water is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Serve chili over rice with sour cream and cheese!

Real Family

This past Saturday night and Sunday morning flew by in a flurry of activity. I ran around making the guest beds, putting away all the laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, buying a few extra groceries and cleaning up the general 'clutter' in my house......that's right I had company coming. The best kind of company though, my family!!
My mom, sister-in-law and two nieces came for a few days and though I made some special efforts to get the house ready, I knew that the kids (ages 3, 2, 1 &1/2 and 8 months collectively) would quickly undo any straightening and spread their own decor of toys, chaos and fun! They did, and it was wonderful. I love the chaos of family. I may have done a little extra work to prepare for their coming, but found that I did hardly any work while they were here.

When a child cried, Nana was there to hug them or their uncle danced around to make them laugh. When kids fought over a toy, a mom was there to 'remind' them to use kind words and share. The women helped in the kitchen so much that I feel like I hardly cooked or did any dishes. Everyone was always ready to help a toddler off the potty, hold the baby, run to the store for 'soft' tissues to soothe a sore nose or just sit and read a book.

I loved seeing the children laugh and hug their cousins and enjoyed getting to reminisce, play games and just laugh with the adults after the kids were in bed. The best thing about being with family though, is knowing that they love you, just as you are. Your family doesn't care what you look like when you roll out of bed in the morning, they are just glad that you are there. They don't mind if your house is messy, they are just thankful to be under one roof. When you are sad, your family is ready to hug you, cheer you up or just be with you. If you say something stupid your family knows when to laugh with and when to just pretend they did not hear it. When you make a mistake, your family forgives you because they know you are not perfect, in fact they know most of your flaws. Your family sees you at your best and your worst....and still loves you.
I am so grateful to have a family like this, a real family in every sense of the word. It makes me think of how I treat my family in Christ. Is my church family a real family? As brothers and sisters in Christ, do we put aside outward appearance/pretense and and love each other. Are we ready to give a hug, forgive each other, or just sit with someone for no reason other than the fact that they are part of our family? Do we love when we see someone at their worst?

Let's take the time as we head into the holiday season to show real love to our families.

Parmesan Chicken with Sage-Butter Sauce

This delicious chicken is based off of one I found in the "Cuisine at Home" magazine; it is almost identical. Their method for giving the chicken a great crust works really well! I use whole eggs instead of egg whites for the dipping mixture, but if you can use those spare egg yolks, then by all means just use the whites! They also recommend making your own bread crumbs, but I use store-bought, salt free seasoned mixed with plain.

4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves (save 2 for later meal)
4 egg whites (or 2 eggs)
4 t. cornstarch
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cups coarse dry bread crumbs
2 T. chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teasp. dried)
2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon, minced
1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive Oil
1/2 lb. whole wheat pasta, such as penne
5 T. unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
5 T. shallots, minced (about 3 large shallots)
3/4 cup dry white wine (I sub. chicken broth)
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 t. fresh lemon juice
1-2 t. fresh minced sage (or dried/ground sage)
2 cups frozen green beans

1) Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare chicken breasts by halving and pounding to 1/2" thickness. Set up two cooling racks with aluminum foil underneath them (for easy cleanup).
2) Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, and juice of 1 lemon in shallow dish for dipping mixture.
3) Mix next 6 ingredients in a shallow bowl for the crusting mixture.
4) Dip each piece of chicken in the dipping mixture, then the crusting mixture, and then put them on the baking racks to rest 20-30 minutes so that the crust can dry a little (secret to crispier crust).
5) While the chicken is resting, put water on to boil for the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, set aside until ready to serve.
6) Meanwhile, make the sage-butter sauce. Melt 1 T. unsalted butter in a small saucepan and saute the shallot over medium heat until soft, 2-3 minutes. Add wine, cream, broth, and lemon juice (2 t.). Simmer until reduced by half, 8-10 minutes. Whisk in remaining 4 T. butter, 1 T. at a time, stirring constantly. Do not add the next addition until previous has melted. Finish sauce with sage and salt and pepper. You can keep it warm in a cup set inside a bowl of hot water, stirring often, until you are ready to serve it.
7) Heat a few T. of oil in 2 or 3 (as many as you need for the chicken) large, nonstick, ovenproof skillets over medium-high heat. Saute the chicken on one side about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Carefully turn with a spatula, then transfer the skillets to the oven to finish cooking. Roast the chicken just until done, about 8 more minutes.
8) While the chicken is roasting, cover the green beans in a bowl with water and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Alternately, boil or steam as desired.
9) Serve the chicken with the pasta and green beans and drizzle the sauce over all three.

This Week's Menu and Shopping List

This weeks is fun and includes one of my (and my husband's) favorite winter meals: Chili! This is made with ground beef, but you may substitute ground turkey (although who wants to get their fill of turkey now whenThanksgiving is just around the corner?) or you can increase the amount of beans that are in the chili. I'm telling you this now so that you can shop accordingly!

Here is the lineup:



Monday: Parmesan chicken with whole wheat pasta, green beans, and a sage-butter sauce

Tuesday: Chili!

Wednesday: Pork cutlets with roasted potatoes and peas and carrots

Thursday: Tossed salad with chicken, kiwi, strawberries and cashews
(If you or someone you are cooking for is like my husband who says, "I'm not a rabbit" when I try to pass off a salad as a meal, then pick up a loaf of nice bread to serve with this and maybe also a box of brownie mix for dessert and you won't hear any complaints!)

Friday: Farmer's Hash and Eggs (breakfast for dinner)



Instead of a super-fun recipe, I will share some ideas I've found for what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers! If you have any that you would like to share, please leave them in the comments section and I will post them in Friday's entry so that everyone can benefit!



Shopping List for this Week:
Produce
2 lemons
5 T. shallots, minced (about 3 large shallots)
2 large onions
1 small onion
1 green bell pepper
11 garlic cloves
2 lb. potatoes
3 kiwi
1 pint of strawberries
2 bags prewashed tossed salad of your preference
2 scallions

Pantry
4 t. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups coarse dry bread crumbs
Olive Oil
3 T. veg. oil
1/2 lb. whole wheat pasta, such as penne
1 cup uncooked rice
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 T. light brown sugar
1 (5 oz. ) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz. ) can of tomato sauce
12 oz. (or whatever the can size is) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Balsamic vinegar
1 T. hot pepper sauce

Meat
4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
2 lb. ground beef
6 pork cutlets

Spices
Salt and Pepper
2 T. chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teasp. dried)
1-2 t. fresh minced sage (or dried/ground sage)
4 T. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 T. dried rosemary
2 tsp. dried thyme

Refrigerated
4 egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
8 large eggs
3 T. salted butter
5 T. unsalted butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
Small/Medium container Sour cream (topping for chili)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese plus as much cheese as you prefer for topping your chili
1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated

Frozen
2 cups frozen green beans
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots

Bakery
2 large corn muffins

Misc.
8 fl. oz. beer (I use Heineken, and I think I use a little more than 8 oz.)
3/4 cup dry white wine (I sub. chicken broth)
Generous handful of cashews

I found a secret :)

I'm in the middle of my 2nd trimester and I'm nesting like crazy. 

It has been a bit frustrating though, since my list of "things to do" is growing but my body can't follow as much as I want it to. So at times, I look through my craft blog collections and gather ideas for organizing, creating a cute nursery, sewing, decorating, etc. At least, these will satiate my appetite for crazy nesting period.... temporarily :P

Throughout my expedition, I found a secret. It's called Little Birdie Secrets (click on the name and it'll take you there). She has great ideas, tutorials, and lots of pictures (which I like the most). I like this blog a lot since many of her projects look easy enough to accomplish. Hopefully, I'll get to finish some projects before my bundle of joy arrives in spring :)

When Words are Many.... - By Sue

We recently got a new family plan for our cell phone usage. My husband informed me that I would have 750 minutes for the month as this was my average usage from my prior phone service. I was shocked and thought, “that is a lot of minutes and that’s just on my cell phone!” Truthfully I could not figure out how I spent that much time talking on my cell phone. I have always prided myself on the fact that I usually use the cell only for urgent matters. I know I do not have 750 minutes worth of urgent matters in a typical month. This got me thinking, how much time do I spend on my home phone? Is it more than 750 minutes? What do I talk about that requires so much time anyway?

Proverbs 10:19 says that "where words are many sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." I’ve found this to be true, especially when I am talking to girlfriends. If I am on the phone too long sooner or later a comment will be made about someone that is not necessary. Do I plan on having these conversations – usually not. But when our words become many we are likely going to run out of positive things to say because we are human and are tempted to sin. We cannot help it. So what is the solution? Keep our words at a minimum when possible. It is fun to catch up with friends on the phone but when I see that I am out of positive comments or the conversation is taking a negative turn then it is time to say good-bye and God bless you. I always regret when I negative or hurtful comment comes out of my mouth. Just as squeezed-out toothpaste cannot be put back in the tube, our words, once out of our mouths, cannot be taken back.

The same is true and maybe even more important, when it comes to the words we speak to our children. Our family, particularly our children, tend to hear more of our words than anyone else. While we should be speaking to, teaching, encouraging and instructing our kids it is important not to let the stress or frustration of the day flow out of our mouth and onto them. "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Matt. 12:34)

Lord, May the words that I speak and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you today. Show me when my words may be leading me to sin and teach me when to be quiet. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Classic that Keeps Kids Learning

Do your kids love using the computer.....do you? Recently I have been checking out several educational and kids websites with my daughter. Our all time favorite is the newly updated Sesame Street website. This site has hundreds and hundreds of video clips, songs and great interactive game. It includes some of the best loved, classic sketches from the show we all grew up with and a huge variety of new videos and games too.
My favorite feature is that you can search by character, keyword or topic to find related games and videos on almost anything. I love that I can quickly find games or video clips with my daughter's favorite characters to reinforce what I am teaching at home. So whether your child is working on sharing, potty training, learning numbers or colors, brushing his teeth, getting over her fear of the dark...or has an upcoming sleepover, doctor's visit or new sibling arrival - this site has something to address it and help you make learning with your child fun!!
The other feature I appreciate as a parent is that I can select a combinations of interactive games and videos for my daughter and put them into a playlist for her. I can make it as long or short as I want and even save for future use. Then when the playlist is done, she is finished with her computer time. (You can also search by celebrity names to find clips and music even your older kids might enjoy!)

Check out all the Sesame Street fun, old and new, at the Sesame Street Homepage

Budding Personalities - by Beth R.

People don't believe me when I tell them that I knew, from before they were born, that my two children would have extremely different personalities. But I did!
The first time I was pregnant, when the baby stretched out a limb uncomfortably against the inside of my belly and I gently pressed it back, that was the end of the story. No more pokes. Obviously this child could take a hint, figure out another way to be happy, and go on to other things. During my second pregnancy, when Baby Number 2 tried to augur a limb into my stomach wall, I did exactly the same press-back -- but this time, I got a jackhammer of insistent jabs in response! Wow, this kid wanted what she wanted, and wouldn't take anything else for an answer! And, I have to say that now that they are fully grown, they still have these basic personality traits. One is Mr. Laid Back -- and the other is Miss Extremes!

Is one personality good, and the other bad? Not at all! A wise person I knew once said that every character quality has both a good side and a bad side. So, the compliant child who doesn't insist on his own way may also have trouble expressing his opinions or asserting his values at school. And the child we call "strong-willed" (and possibly develop more gray hairs over) can end up having that extra dose of passion that helps them excel in circumstances that require assurance and perseverance. As moms, we have infinite opportunities to observe the buddings of personality over the years. Have you watched for them lately? Have you taken note of the little behaviors that help you learn about your children, directly from your children? Those profound observations muttered in baby-talk, those sparks of (sometimes stubborn) individuality, those outbursts of passion and perspective -- they all give us snapshots of our children's strengths. And if we are keen to learn from them, they can become the basis for powerful (and empowering) validations which we alone can provide as a parent during the their teen years. And boy do they need them then!
To me, "personality" is short for "personhood reality." Observing my child's choices, likes and dislikes, and behavior patterns helps me see who my kid is...fundamentally. And timelessly -- because how he or she reacts at four years of age is not too different from the way he or she will react at fourteen, or at forty-four. So finding the strengths in the personality traits of my little ones, and celebrating them, and finding ways to help my kids develop them has become a rewarding theme of mothering. It can be chaotic to sort through issues such as: What type of discipline works best for him? Which after-school pursuits are right for her? Who needs more unstructured time, and who doesn't? By observing your children impartially and sympathetically, you will respond to the characteristics you see and construct a different individualized parenting path for each of them, within the framework of your common family values.
Then actually, eventually, your children do stop being kids and turn into fantastic people. And, if you have reflected their personality traits honestly, and if you have worked with them, instead of trying to work against them -- in short, if you have accepted them for who they are -- they also turn into your friends. You will never stop being their parent, but at that point, you can also step into the role of a trusted collaborator as they begin to craft their grown-up life, along the lines of their own individual strengths, which you have helped them develop.

So please, let's not try to mold our children into anything else than the the unique people God made, with the wonderful personalities that God gave them. Let's teach them ways to master and direct their personality traits, not squash or minimize them. God gave them inborn strengths that He can turn into positive expressions of human potential. Good parenting is just being a tool in His hands as He performs His artistry. And guess what -- in the process, we get our personality traits fine-tuned by Him as well!

Looking Outside Ourselves for the Right Answers by Nina

Just about every magazine and newspaper that came to my home this past year had the message of the need for change in our country. On any given day in 2008, we would wake to to news of economic downturns, loss of jobs, increased gas prices, the condition of our military troops abroad, chaotic weather patterns, and the need for social reform. Thus, when our new President Elect spoke to those in Grant Park on the evening of November 4th, Mr. Obama was not only speaking to the tens of thousands of supporters gathered there, he was also speaking to those of us who stayed awake late enough in our homes. There was great emotion, skill and competence in the speech he made, and although I did not vote for him, I listened with a open heart for now he will be my president in January. He was communicating to those who voted for him as well as those who did not. He expressed his desire to lead all Americans to better times ahead.
How do you share your Christ centered faith, your vision, your reality with those you come into contact with daily? Are you believable? To reach the heart of another, it is not our skill that will persuade. To reach the heart of another, it will be our competence in our faith, a biblical view that must be able to challenge cultural trends, and love that believes, follows, and lives for the Gospel of Christ.
I have friends who hold divergent views about reality. It has taken me time to learn how to express sincere acceptance of these special people without judging them and yet not agreeing with them. I have wrestled with whether to lay out my arguments, try to persuade them or just accept them.
God is continuing to teach me how to live with a biblical view in a world that is secular. It is better to listen much, speak little, and not become angry. (James 1:19) This means that as I lay each circumstance at His feet and ask Him how to handle it, I listen. The answer usually does not come in my timeframe. You know if God is doing a work in you when you must wait. 'Love your neighbor as yourself' is God's call to how we are to reach the hearts of others.
I once heard a pastor define a Christian as one who begins with God and his choice of us. It is based on truth of who Jesus really is. It changes everything about my life. And, then the question of where we seek life's answers begins not within ourselves, because if we look within ourselves, we will always be disappointed because our faith will always seem like it isn't enough. If we look at our heart, we will see our own sinfulness. We must look look outside of ourselves for the answers. We must look to the Lord.
As our nation faces much uncertainty, let us look to Jesus for answers. The bible tells us that the Truth will set us free.

A Guide to List and a List to Live By

The most powerful force in life............................... Love!

The greatest asset.................................................. Faith!

The most powerful channel of communication....... Prayer!

The most important thing in life............................ The Power of God!

The greatest joy..................................................... Giving!

The worst thing to be without................................. Hope!

The most destructive habit..................................... Worry!

The world's most incredible computer.................... The Brain!

The greatest loss.................................................... The loss of Self-Respect!

The greatest natural resource................................. Youth!

The ugliest personality trait................................... Selfishness!

The greatest problem to overcome.......................... Fear!

The most beautiful attire....................................... A Smile!

The most crippling disease.................................... Excuses!

The most dangerous pariah................................... Gossip!

The two most powerful words............................... I Can!

The most worthless emotion.................................. Self-Pity!

The greatest shot in the arm.................................. Encouragement!

The most effective sleeping pill.............................. Peace of Mind!

The most prized possession................................... Integrity!

The most satisfying work...................................... Helping Others!

And the greatest attitude....................................... Gratitude!

I got this excerpt from a magazine and is written by the National Chaplain.  I thought it was quite motivating so I thought I'd share with you. Have a blessed day :)

What To Do With All Those SOCKS!

In my house we have a pile of so called 'extra' socks whose mates were mysteriously lost somewhere in the journey from dirty laundry hamper to clean folded laundry. Do you have extra socks hanging around....or old worn socks? Instead of permanently relocating them to the trash bin, try out some of these creative and practical uses for all those extra socks:

• Use old socks for dusting - they fit nicely over your hand and are easy to wash (*kids socks fit great over their own hands too and make it fun for them to help dust!)
• Keep a couple old socks in your car, tool box, or garage for a make shift glove when you need to change a tire, pick up some smelly trash or a check your oil.
• Make easy hand puppets by glueing/sewing on button eyes, mouth and yarn hair (*keep a hand puppet in the car for a fun when the ride gets boring).
  
• Use socks to wrap fragile knick knacks (like christmas ornaments, or thin candles) - they are much more durable that tissue paper and can be reused forever.
• Use socks when packing your suitcase, slip shoes into them to keep your other clothing clean or use to keep your brush, comb and hair supplies together.
• Put kids socks on the bottom of frozen icepops, so kids can hold and eat the pop without freezing their hands (the sock also helps catch drips too).
• Use socks for containers for game pieces or small toys that you want to keep together.
• Put an old sock over your child's cold sippy cup before placing in your bag - the sock will soak up any condensation or drips.
• Use a really colorful or fashionable sock for an ipod holder.
• Use baby socks as a quick cover for a pacifier before throwing it in your bag!
  

These are just a few uses for all those extra socks. Do you have any creative uses for your old and extra socks? If so, please share them with us!!

99 Balloons

After watching an amazing video about a baby named Eliot Mooney who lived only 99 days I was touched and immediately aware of how much I have to be grateful for, especially the blessing of two healthy, thriving children.
Little Eliot beat the odds by even being born, his parents lavished love and prayer on him, prayed God for him, and celebrated every day he was alive....no, in reality they celebrated his every moment. Every moment that God gave them with him was a miracle and a joy and they knew it. In the midst of what would be for most a heartbreaking tragedy, the Mooney family found the presence of God strengthening, comforting, and guiding them.
This story reminded me not only to seek God to be able to endure struggles in my life and let His glory shine through, but to cherish every moment He has given me with my children, my husband, and my family. Each moment truly is a gift and I do not want to take those moments for granted. Whether my children are sleeping peacefully, laughing at each other hysterically or crying and screaming to get their way God has given me each moment with them and I am grateful for each one.

At Eliot Mooney's funeral, 99 balloons were released into the air.....one to celebrate every day of his life. What are you doing to celebrate every day of life God has given you and your family?

I hope you can be inspired by watching the Mooney's story at : http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Spontaneous Praise

Very recently, my 15 month old daughter has started to have occasional "Mommy-dependence" again. She has gone through separation anxiety in the past, but this is a little different. She is now able to talk. So if she is upset, she cries out, "Mommy! Mommy!" to me in this pitiful voice that makes my heart ache with both sadness and happiness. You see, I'm sad to hear her sound upset, but I'm also so moved by how much she wants me, and (I'd like to think) how much she loves me.

Another recent development with my daughter is her ability to give good hugs. Sometimes while in the middle of playing with some toys, she'll just come over and climb up into my lap or reach up for me (sometimes saying "up! up!"). Then, when I pick her up she wraps her arms around my neck and rests her head on my shoulder. This usually doesn't last very long, and she's soon squirming and saying, "down! down!" and going back to her toys, but I treasure each one of these spontaneous outbursts of affection.

It made me think, though, about my relationship with my Father in Heaven, and how I show my affection to Him. I'm certainly like my daughter in that, when I am upset and struggling with a situation, I am quick to call out to God for help and support. I reach out for Him in prayer, earnestly and repeatedly, calling out to my "Daddy" for help and comfort. But I realized that I'm not very good at showing the Lord spontaneous bursts of affection everyday, like my daughter has just started to do with her hugs.

His Word says, "I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." - Psalm 7:16. This is only one of the many verses that talks about thanking and praising God. And I really like what 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I pray everyday, but how often do I simply praise God and thank Him whole-heartedly for all of His blessings? How often do I say, "I appreciate that you are taking such good care of me," and "I love you for all that you are."? Rather than throw up a dozen quick "thank-you's" during the day that are not truly heartfelt, I need to start to show earnest appreciation and love for God that is spontaneous and sincere.