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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Time

Well, it's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!  The season is upon us, and I am SO not ready!!!  I am hoping to go out shopping today, and finish it up.  Yeah, right!  Then, I get to wrap!!  Maybe I should just get gift bags and be done with it.  :)

My parents are having Matthew come over tomorrow afternoon, and spend the night with them.  To say he is excited, is an understatement!  He had his dad get out a bag, so he can get packed up.  He was commenting on how big the bag was, and that he could hide in it, and surprise the grandparents!  So, he put himself in there, and then zipped it up.  Then, he started yelling that he couldn't get out!  LOL  Really, he is an intelligent child.  Just lacks some common sense--as in the story of the train.  I haven't told you that one, yet. 

My hubby has a fascination with train sets to go around the Christmas tree.  So, he has a new train set under this years tree.  For some unknown reason, Matthew laid his head down, as close to the track as he could, and got hit in the head by the train.  I found this story out, when I asked him at the dinner table what the funny mark on his forehead was.  :)

I've been having fun making new candies, and cookies!  I tried out making Home made Mounds Bars, and Layered Mint Fudge.  Both yummy.  We also made up some Home made Snicker Bars, and some pretzel candies.  We made 2 different kinds of Pretzel candies--you take the round pretzels, and place a Hershey's kiss in the middle, put it in the oven, and melt it for a bit, then, remove from the oven and press in an M&M.  The other way, was to take round pretzels, and place a Rolo candy in.  Melt it a bit, and then press in a pecan--made little Turtles.  YUM!!  We also made a triple batch of Peanut Butter Kiss cookies, and my dh made some roll out cookies yesterday!  I don't do rollouts!  Matthew was hoping for some Christmas tree cookies, and so Sam and Matthew helped cut out the cookies--Sam liked making stars!  The rest of the children frosted and decorated the cookies.

I found a new fun, FREE organizer.  Did I mention it is free????  I used to love my Palm Pilot, but this will take the place of my Palm Pilot.  I love to go paperless when I go shopping.  The new program is found online, but, you can download it to your iPad, or even to your smartphone.  You can put in shopping lists (even make up lists for each of your favorite stores!), it has a calendar (so you don't double book appointments, like someone in our family does--hint, hint, Rachel!), a journal, to keep notes of what your family is doing.  You can put in all your family members, and their email addies,if you choose, and it will email the family the week's schedule!  You can color code each family member.  You can put in your recipes, as well as make menus from the site.  All this for free!!  (it does have some ads on the site, but I haven't had a problem with that!)  They do have a Gold version, where you can pay, so you don't get the ads, but, like I said, I haven't had a problem with it.  You can tell each family member what your username and family password is, so they can each go in and add to the schedule, etc.  The name of the program is Cozi, and can be found at http://www.cozi.com

We have a fun game on Facebook right now.  Everyone is guessing whether Josh and Brittany will have a boy or girl, what day the baby will be born, and how big.  Their actual due date is December 30th.  I can't wait to meet this newest blessing.

Well, I suppose I should get going, and get some shopping done, with my Cozi list!!

Remember to keep Jesus first, in all of your preparations!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

"How Sweet to Hold a Newborn Baby"

"How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives,
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives."
 (taken from "Because He Lives" by Bill Gaither)

Things got really busy for me on Sunday!  My next door neighbor was expecting her 4th baby.  They were at a nearby laundromat, when her water broke.  So, they took off for home, as she was having a home birth, and called me and asked if I could run into town to pick up their daughter and their clothes.  I got the daughter back home, and 1/2 hour later, they called to tell me they had a daughter.  I brought over a package of diapers and wipes for them, as well as loaned them my baby scale, as they didn't know how much the baby weighed, and my scale is very accurate.  They had a beautiful 8 pound baby girl.  Then, about 4 hours later, they called and asked if I would help them out, as the mother's placenta still had not delivered.  She was hemorrhaging, and having seizures.  I ran over there, and sat and talked with the neighbor.  Told her I had been through almost the same thing, just no seizures.  Her husband had decided they would go to the hospital, but they were going to have me help get her into their vehicle, and transport her themselves.  I told them both I thought it was more important to call for an ambulance, as we needed to get her stable as soon as possible.  I said I wasn't going to push them either way, and whatever they decided, I would help them out.  I left them alone for a bit, and they decided to call the ambulance.  So, the mom asked me if I would clothe her baby.  What an honor!!!!!  So, I got to pick up this precious newborn baby, and clothe her.  What a sweetie!!!  The mom went off to the hospital, and got things taken care of, and she is now discharged, and at home, and enjoying the precious family.

So, what does a mom of many do??  Ha!  Aside from school, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., I have been trying to do some extra cleaning. Oh, and moving bedroom furniture around!  Becca got a beautiful daybed, and so we had to move some beds around.

The past few Saturdays, we have been cleaning up the outside things, and getting ready for winter.  This last Saturday, we took the old trampoline frame apart, and hauled into the truck, so we can take it to the recycling center.  We also moved both the gas and charcoal grills into the shed.  Dan mowed our lawn--hopefully for the last time.  :)  We mowed it about a month ago, but then we got some really warm weather.  We took down a motion light that we just bought and installed.  It had quit working, so we took it back.  Moved the patio swing into the garage.  Pushed both picnic tables up against the house, and the new glass patio table into the shed.  Then, I also washed almost all of the windows, inside and out (left 4).  And, I cut Dan, Andrew and my hubby's hair.  Is that enough for one day??  I also studied my Sunday School lesson.

Today, aside from school, cooking, etc., I finished up the four windows I didn't get done on Saturday.  I was also able to clean up the rest of Sam's "decorating".  He had decorated various things with a blue permanent marker.  Yikes!!  I had cleaned up most of it, soon after it happened, but had run out of Sol-U-Mel.  That stuff works wonders!!!!  I had ordered another bottle, and it came in last week, and I used it to get the blue permanent marker marks off Rachel's harp, and an antique sewing desk.  And, I also made up 3 spreadsheets for Becca, Dan, and Andrew to keep track of their school hours.  Now, I am ready to put my feet up.

Last night, hubby and I went to a Gideon's Pastor Appreciation Banquet.  Had a nice meal, of a salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrot buttons, turkey with stuffing, and cheesecake.  We heard a nice story of a lady, who had come from an atheist family.  She "stole" a Gideon Bible from a motel when she was 14.  She ends up becoming gloriously saved.  The attendance this year was a lot less than former years.

Last week, my dad had surgery on his back, again.  He is in a lot of pain.  He had a ruptured disk, and that is what the doctor repaired.  But, that was just a small portion of his back problems.  The doctor told him that he has a very bad back.

Well, I guess that catches us all up to date.  :)  I will try to do better.

Monday, October 3, 2011

"The Wonder of Your Love" by Beth Wiseman book review

"The Wonder of Your Love" by Beth Wiseman, is a story about an Amish woman, Katie Ann Stolzfus, whose husband left her to go to the modern world. Her husband, you find out, has been living with a modern woman, and does not know his wife is expecting their first child.  He is killed in a car accident.  Enter Amish Eli Detweiler, a widower of many years, who had remained single, and raised his family of 6 children by himself.  They meet at a wedding, and really like each other, but realize that they are at different stages in their life, he is done raising his family, she is just beginning.  This book has a few twists and turns, and some of it is rather predictable.

I did enjoy the book, as it was easy to read, but I did have a few problems with the book, and authenticity.  Because I live in Wisconsin, and we have quite a few Amish people around, as well as ex-Amish in our church, I know a little of their life.  My first complaint, is that Katie Ann being Amish, has an "Englisch" best friend, Martha.  They see each other quite often, and the "Englisch" friend is even allowed to attend the Amish services.  Next, Katie Ann has a refrigerator and freezer in her house.  Also, both Eli, and Katie Ann are allowed to fly in airplanes.  Pretty much unheard of.  So, if you can overlook these discrepancies, you would probably enjoy the book.

The statement I disliked the most, was that, Martha said, "it didn't matter what religion you were as long as you were fully committed to the Lord."  YIKES!!  Really???  It doesn't matter what Religion you are??  I would be happier if she said it didn't matter what denomination you are, but Religion??  It was just a small statement, but I really have a problem with it.

So, if you can overlook the authenticity issues, as well as not mattering over which religion you are, the book was interesting to read.  After the book, she did give some recipes, which were fun to read through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Waking Hours" by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson Book Review

This story is about a high school girl, who was found brutally murdered in the town of East Salem.  They call in forensic psychiatrist, Dani Harris, to help the DA unravel the mystery behind her death.  All the suspects are teenagers who were at a party with the girl—yet no one remembers what happened. Could one of them be a vicious killer?  Along with this murder, Dani is also dealing with her own night time traumas, of waking at 2:13 every evening, from a dream filled with water, blood, or destruction.  Weird things are happening around the town, as well--like the deer caught in the high rise electric lines. 

She also has to deal with her emotions over her parents death, as well as those for Tommy Gunderson, an NFL pro football player, whom she had gone to high school with, and they had unspoken feelings for each other back then, but hadn't seen each other since.  Tommy comes alongside her to help unravel this mystery.

I have read all of Lis Wiehl's other books, and this is the first book, I believe, that she has had published under Thomas Nelson.  I really enjoyed all her other books, and looked forward to this book.  I thought the book was very well written.  Had me interested from the start.  I probably shouldn't have read it right before bed, because it was spooky!  I liked it when it just dealt with the physical aspect of solving the crime, but didn't care when they went into the spiritual spooky aspect of the story, where there is a night time visitor that passes through the walls of the house, etc. 

I did enjoy the book, and I had my nose in the book, every chance I could!  I just wish they would have given solid answers to some of the spiritual spooky stuff--unless that was their intent?  Still am confused a bit. . .

I received an advanced reading copy of the book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze program.  I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Light Show Pictures



Ben and Dan were doing the Light Show at the Knapp Park.  Great job, fellas!

Garden Musings

I was out this morning, weeding the garden (and rock picking!).  I had a really nice time with the Lord!  I do not like to garden.  I don't like to get dirty, or hot, and I don't like bugs.  But, this morning, it was enjoyable.

I know why Adam and Eve liked to walk and talk with God in the cool of the morning.  It is so peaceful, and quiet--no distractions, just them & God.

As I was weeding, I was thinking of how our life is so much like my little garden.  Weeds grow up--trying to choke out, and use up the good nutrients for our fruit (vegetable) producing plants.  I had some weeds, that had wrapped themselves right around the plants.  Gently, tenderly, I removed them.  God is like the gentle, tender gardener--helping to remove those things that get our mind off Him, that crowd out our walk with Him.  So, I will gently remove the weeds closest to the plants--but, beware of the ones in the rows, I am ruthless with my little digger!!!  So, what things are choking out your walk with the Lord??  Are you enjoying your time with the Lord??

We need to water that garden,too,  and the water for our Spiritual Life, is reading the Bible.  (here is where that part of the analogy breaks down--because I can overwater my garden, but, a person can never over water their Spiritual garden--you can never overload on reading the Bible too much!) 

Another thought I had, was--vegetable bearing plants are only hear for a season, and they have one purpose to be here--to produce!   We, each one of us, is only on this earth for a season--am I being productive for the Lord??  Am I bearing much fruit for Him?  Are you??

I'm a little different when it comes to my plants.  :)  I talk to them.  I tell them how the Creator has made them, and that they are here to provide food for my family, and how they are doing such a great job.  I got to thinking--I wonder how often God is waiting for us to talk to Him, as He yearns for our praise and adoration, and communion.   I love the verse that says, "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." Psalm 55:6

So, are you seeking God?  Have you had your rich, quiet time with the Lord??

Monday, July 4, 2011

Little Secrets

My dad is the GREATEST!!!  He has so many neat ideas on how to fix things, and to get them to work!!  I am working on the glider rocker, and I was going to get rid of all the springs (even though only 1 broke).  Dad told me how to put a new spring in (if I can just find one!)  The websites I had read, said not to install a zigzag spring yourself, but to take it to a furniture repair place, as it was too dangerous.  I forgot that my dad made furniture, and used those springs!  So, he told me that I should find a spring, and he would be able to help me get the new spring on.

Also, we had the trailer out one day, and we picked up a sofa for my parents.  We were having trouble with the light plug on the truck, and Dad asked me if I still had some of my Pepsi.  Yes, I did.  So, Dad told me to put a little bit of pop inside the plugs, let it set a bit, and then shake it out.  The lights worked perfectly!!!  Dad has so many cool ideas like that!!  And, you should see his workshop!!!  So organized!!

My neat idea came when we were looking for a new stove, which I didn't need after all.  Did you know they have ovens that steam clean??  Well, that got me thinking!  I do not like cleaning out the microwave.  Everyone is *supposed* to put a wrap on their food, but, most times it doesn't happen.  Then, the splatters get cooked on.  So, my thought--take a cup of water in a microwave safe dish, and heat it 3-4 minutes. Then, just wipe out the microwave.  It works!

Happy Independence Day!

I am so grateful to God for the freedoms we enjoy in our free country!  Be thankful to the ones who have given us our freedoms, and those who continue to fight so we can stay free!  Even though our country celebrates this Independence Day, may we remember we are to be Dependent on God.  I hope that everyone who reads this post, has a spiritual freedom, that you have given your life to Jesus Christ, and made Him Lord of your life.

I'm not sure if all of us will be going to the fireworks display, as my little punkin, Matthew, is not well at all.  He started in with a fever yesterday afternoon.  Then, he started vomiting during the night.  He is up now, and taking some ice chips.  We shall see how that goes. 

We plan on having the Light Show tonight, before the fireworks display, and passing out flyers for The Power Team, and also for Sports Camp.

I am making sure I don't "wreck the 4th", as I did last year--LOL!  I was told last year, that I wrecked the 4th, because I didn't buy sparklers, and we didn't have s'mores.  Apparently, every year we do both.  This year, I am making up for it!  I bought some little tanks that you light the back, and they drive and fire.  I also bought some spinners, that you nail to a post, and light up the ends.  And sparklers.  ;-)  We will have s'mores before we go, and then, we will take popcorn, and caramel corn to the display.

What are your plans?

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Strawberries, round 2

I decided to get some more strawberries.  So, hubby and 2 little boys went along with me.  I wish I had taken a picture of the two little boys, as the checkout lady was so tickled to see their strawberry juice faces.  We picked 2 more gallon sized pails, which I made 10 more small jars of freezer jam, and froze 9 quarts of whole tomatoes.

I also made some crock pot pork chops. Yum!  It is nice to have supper done, or nearly done, so I can go on to other things.

We finally got the netting on the cherry tree.  The tree has really gotten big, we had to hook two nets together, to get it to fit.  I waited too long to get the netting on, as we lost cherries.  Bummer.

The laundry soap was getting low, so I made a whole new, bigger batch.  The last batch was only 2 1/2 gallons.  :)  I wasn't sure if any of the children would react to it, so I made half a batch, to try it out.  Seems to be working really well.  This soap does not use Fels Naptha, which is what I think the children were having reactions to.  So, I whipped up 5 gallons of laundry soap.

Tomorrow, we plan on going to the Dells!!  Woo hoo!!  Spend some time at the water parks.

I also got a whole bunch of work done for the Power Team promotions--made up about 150 postcards, as well as worked on 4 lighted thumb tips.  They now work great!!!  The boys need to start practicing.  Oh, and I also made a mouth light, too.

It's great to get work done.  I think I will take my Chore book along to read, as long as I have 3 hours to kill in the car.  Moving right along. . .

Still need to pick up some stuff for the Sunday School picnic.  Not sure what games I should have my class partake in, or what treats to pass out. 

Siah is having a 25th birthday celebration on Saturday, we will be back for that, and will enjoy celebrating with him.  He got an I Pad for his birthday, and he is really enjoying it--almost as much as I enjoy mine.  ;-)

I should go get a bowl of my home made Very Cherry Ice Cream--it is so yummy!!!!

Update:  Instead of having the ice cream, I made two batches of popcorn.  I love my Whirley Pop popcorn popper!!  (and no, I am NOT paid, or reimbursed to say this!)  It makes the best popcorn.  The first batch I made was regular butter, and the next batch was Kettle Corn.  The children say I make the best Kettle Corn.  They are so sweet!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Oh, Summer Days!

I am enjoying my summer!  And finding deals!!

On Saturday, we got a corner armoire for $15!  And, a full sized bed for $10!!  We've been looking for both items for a long time.  The funny thing is, we went to the house only for the armoire.  The lady just happened to ask if we needed a bed.  We also got a slide for the jungle gym on sale, as well as a hanging pot with flowers for half price.

Sunday, we had the whole family over, and I made Crock pot style Gyros.  I think everyone enjoyed them, there wasn't any left over.  :)

On Monday, I took my mom strawberry picking.   We picked 2 one gallon pails, each.  I made mine into freezer jams, as well as some frozen whole.

Today, I spent weeding the garden.  Well, I should say I weeded, and removed rocks from my garden.  I wasn't sure if it was a vegetable garden, or a rock garden at first.  :)

Then, I fixed the pool pump.  Figured out I assembled it wrong.  Argh.  It is now working wonderful.  I still need to figure out where the hole is, in the top tube.

We went into town, to pick up some photo coffee mugs I had ordered, as well as to see about getting some donations for the Power Team.  I really need to work on the thumb tips, so we can do a Light Show for the 4th of July Fireworks.  As they are doing the Light Show, we pass out flyers, announcing the Power Team.  It draws a crowd, and what better way to get people, when they are already assembled in one place.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Living Last Supper photo

Three of my sons are in this--Josh is Jesus in the middle, Dan is John (to the left of Jesus), and Josiah is Judas sitting left of Dan.

My big, beautiful back yard


My new gazebo.

   The picnic tables --the big one is new, the little one I repainted to match the big one.



 The new swing from Siah and Sarah outside my bedroom patio door.

                                                

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

I figure if you haven't posted in a while--try to catch up all in one day. :)

I forgot to mention--we were supposed to be on vacation this week.  But, we are not.  My hubby hurt his back last Friday.  I have never seen him in so much pain.  I took him to the chiropractor, who said his L4 and L5 were out of position (dh said he heard it pop!!  OUCH!)  He put him back into place, and then gave him a back brace.  Rick said he was feeling some better, but still in pain, insomuch, that he could not even sit!  Thankfully, my dad was preaching on Sunday (which is another miracle!)  Sunday afternoon, the deacons came over to the house, and prayed for him.  Sunday night, Matthew jumped up and over Rick, and he was in terrible pain, again.  But, the amazing thing??  The very next morning, he woke up, feeling much better--and could even sit!!  Yes, he is still sore, and is still recuperating, but he is so much better than he was!

So, how do you handle disappointments??  We were all counting on taking a vacation.  Yes, we will take it later, but it was rather hard to do things we normally do, thinking that we should have had some time off.

My other disappointment?  Well, my oven quit working!  So, dh had had it with the stove, as I have had a few problems with it.  So, I wrote out a list of what I wanted in a new stove.  I found the perfect one!!!  Really!!  Then, I had the idea, maybe I should pull my old stove out from the wall, unplug it, and see if the computer would reset.  Well, it did, and I'm still using it.  So, I have to give my desire for a new oven over to the Lord.  Yep--I really did want a new one (I was going to get a convection oven).  But, look how much money we saved, by just keeping the one I have.  I really do like this stove, but, I kind of had my sights on a convection oven.

The miracle of my dad?  Well, a couple weeks ago, my dad had a stroke.  Mom took him into the nearby hospital, which had the miracle stroke drug.  After they got his blood pressure down, they were able to administer this drug.  Then, they airlifted him to Eau Claire.  By the time he landed (less than 10 minutes), he had use of his hand again.  He stayed for 2 days in Critical Care, and was discharged.  The one doctor suggested he go to a Stroke Clinic, but his regular doctor says that's for people who are really bad--problems with speech, or moving a limb, etc., whereas my dad is doing great!!  So, that is the miracle that my dad was able to preach on Sunday!

First days of summer vacation!! Woo Hoo!!

Yesterday was our first day of summer vacation.  Yippee!!

So, what did I do??  I asked on Facebook, what I should do--work, or take it easy, and got a couple responses--telling me to take time off, and not do any projects.  I'm not a procrastinator.  :)  So, I got right to work.  Dan and I mowed our lawn.  Dan used the riding lawn mower, and I used the push mower (I've been doing that lately, as I need the exercise!)  I go around all the trees, jungle gym, pool, garden, etc.  It makes it easier for the person on the rider.  I'm so glad we got the lawn mowed, as last night, and all day today, it rained.

I also have fixed Matthew's bike, for the umpteenth time.  Hoping this time, it stays fixed!  I also did a bunch of sewing yesterday.  And, I am working to fix our glider rocking chair, as it broke a spring.  How's that for 1 day??


Yes, we got our pool up, and most shockingly---I planted a garden!!!  Well, I guess you could call it a garden.  It's about the size of a toddler's shoebox.  LOL  Well, it's a little bigger than that.  I have planted 3 asparagus plants, 2 rhubarbs, 2 blackberry, 1 raspberry, 2 heirloom tomatoes, and some green beans.  Mostly perennial plants, which is what I prefer!

We have had crazy weather.  We had 2 very nice, hot days--it got to 103 degrees!!  Then, it dropped down to 50.  Yesterday was a nice day, in the 70's, but now it's cold and rainy.

Today, I did a small amount of cleaning.  I got a new computer for my birthday, and I'm trying to get things up and running on it.  Getting older has it's challenges in trying to figure things out.  :)

We found a newborn black manx kitten, abandoned by it's mother.  We tried to help it, fed it with a dropper, but it died the next morning.  It had some problems.  I won't go into details, but it was GROSS!

I've also been painting!!  I think the little picnic table is all done, now!  Yippee!!  For a while, I was sporting Green and Yellow highlights in my hair.  I had offers to give anyone free green and yellow highlights, as well, but no one took me up on it.  Rick and I painted a wood picnic table green and yellow (it looks sharp), that we were given.  I think it took 5 coats of paint!  Ben finally told us to use a roller--not only did it save time, but it covered it well.  Then, I looked at the little children's picnic table, and that needed some work!  So, after scrubbing it down, putting primer on, it matches the grown up picnic table.

We've acquired some new stuff for our back yard.  We got a screened in gazebo from my parents, a swing from Josiah and Sarah that I really enjoy,  and we bought a fire pit, and a hammock.  We have really enjoyed the fire pit--eating s'mores, and cooking hot dogs, and we got some pie makers, too!  First, I had gone to Wally World, to get some pie makers.  They had some for $10, but were so cheaply made.  I was discouraged.  The poles were bent, and the handles were plastic and swiveled.  Not safe at all!!!  So, dh had the idea to go to Scheels, and they had some really nice, cast iron ones!!!  Regularly $15, and I got them 1/2 off!!!!!!  We have made cherry pies in them, as well as a grilled cheese sandwich, and some Reubens!  I love summer!  Have you ever used those really big marshmallows??  They are fun!

Nick of Time - Book Review

I have read all of the Bug Man novels.  I anxiously awaited this newest book, insofar as to stay up until midnight to request a free book from Booksneeze.  :) 

The Bug Man is Nick Polchak, who is a forensic entomologist.  Nick and Alena (a cadaver dog trainer) are to be married on Saturday, four days away, when Nick disappears.  Nick is caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, and he feels he needs to solve the murder.  He promises to call Alena every night, but, something always happens (one time he ends up in jail).  The book has many twists and turns in it, and I was thoroughly captivated.

I have mixed feelings about the book.  I love Nick's humor, I always have.  But, I didn't care for the ending.

I also don't like to see alcohol in a Christian book.  I am very conservative, and do not even care to read about anyone imbibing alcohol.  I wish Christian books would raise the bar higher.  This is a clean book, but, not much on the Christian side, it's just a good read (barring the alcohol).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Getting ready for the big drama

Well, at least the drama isn't in our house!  The drama is at our church.  No, not the whining kind of drama, but a play.    Our church is doing a production of the "Living Last Supper".  Of the 13 men (Jesus and 12 disciples), 3 of my sons are in the drama.  We have jokingly said that in a few years, I could have 7 of my sons in the drama.  So, Josh, the oldest is Jesus.  Josiah, 2nd oldest is Judas, and Daniel (14) is John.  My husband jokes saying, "Should I be concerned, one son is Jesus and the other is Judas?"

I did take pictures today, but we are missing some of the men.  The funny thing is, we haven't had 1 practice in all these weeks, with ALL the men present!!!!  Today we had 10.  We are praying for the health of the men, as there are some awful sicknesses going around.  We really feel this is going to be a wonderful outreach.  So much work has gone into the production, the men learning the lines, my parents in the directing of the play, the people working on the background, furnishing the table pieces to make it authentic, making the tables and benches, making of the costumes, etc.  The list goes on and on.

This morning, during the worship service, I got to hold Claire.  It was so pleasant. I do think she got a bit hot, and so I put her in her car seat, and she started smiling, and laughing.  I so wanted to take a picture, but I didn't think it was appropriate during the service.  She'll have to smile at me another time.  :)

I should go and put in some more recipes.  So many recipes. . .  If you have any you want to share--send me an email!  Would love a new one.  :)

"Same Kind of Different as Me" book review

"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.   It was a very intriguing true story, about a modern day slave, or perhaps a sharecropper, who meets up with an upscale couple, and turns his life around. 

I was very surprised to hear, that even though slavery was abolished all those years ago, that in essence, there were still slaves in our day and age.  Denver was born on a plantation, raised by his grandmother, and worked in the cotton fields, so that he could purchase from the plantation owner's store.  How convenient, huh?  No matter how much cotton Denver would pick, the plantation owner would always say it was the same amount. Even though Denver never went to school, and never learned how to read, there were some heart warming stories of how he got a brand new bike.

Later on, he caught a ride on a train, and headed west.  He then became homeless. 

Enter Ron and Debbie Hall.  Debbie has dreams of a poor man, who was wise, and by his wisdom, he saved the city.  This man is Denver.  Ron is an international art dealer, who has done very well in his trade.  Debbie, his wife, encourages Ron to join her serving at a local mission.  They befriend Denver, and so starts the story.

Each chapter takes turns with Ron and Denver sharing their side of what happened, and it is entertaining.

I enjoyed Denver's bits of wisdom, where, one time, Ron laid his keys on the table, and Denver asks Ron, "Do you own somethin that each one of them keys fits?" Ron said he did.  Denver then says, "Are you sure you own them, or does they own you?"

I also found it thought provoking, that Denver would just be happy that "he woke up" that morning, how each of us should be grateful to God, for another day allowed.

Denver gets to preach in a church, and Ron introduces him.  Ron wanted to tell a bit of Denver's story, and Denver says, "Just tell em I'm a nobody that's tryin to tell everbody 'bout Somebody that can save anybody."  And he later goes on to say that everybody is different, "the same kind of different as me."

At the end of the book, it has questions to get you to think about subjects the book brought out, such as homelessness, prejudice, forgiveness, etc.  It also had a conversation with the authors, on where they are now.  I really enjoyed the pictures, to be able to put a face to the story.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, April 16, 2011

So, what does a mom of many do??

I just love it when people ask that!  I've been pretty busy, doing--NOTHING!  Ha, ha!

A little over a week ago, I broke a toe.  I know--I am clumsy!  I was excited, as my dh was going to take me out for a date.  So, I was hurrying to wash the table.  I was quickly going around the table, when a mean old metal chair got me between the toes.  Doubled me right over.  Dh asked what was wrong.  By the look of green on my face, he knew I was in pain.  We BOTH thought my toe was dislocated, as it was laying right over the top of the little toe.  So, for our date, we spent it in the Urgent Care.  :-( 

So, I have been sitting with my foot up, and ice on it--for the most part.  :)  How does a busy mom stay down??

The very next day, we took my parents to IKEA.  Mom and Dad had never been there.  It was great!!  I wasn't planning on buying anything!  ;-)  I didn't purchase much.  I got a laptop lap holder, to keep it cooler; a little desk light that is very bright (I think I'll use that near my sewing machine, and anyplace else I can think of); and 10 new cups--they were way cheaper than the dollar store, or even a thrift store.  They got me a wheel chair, so I wouldn't have to walk that huge store.  There is no way I could have walked the store, but my dad--who just had back surgery, and has knee problems--walked the store just fine!!  We are so proud of him.

I have been doing some reading.  I love my iPad!!  But, my problem is--when I download a book from the library, they only give you 1 week to read it in.  And, it was a busy week, so I didn't get the book read.  The book was, "Life Without Limits", by Nick Vujikik.  Would I love to meet his parents!!

On Monday, I took my Mom out shopping!  We went to the Mennonite Bulk Store, and I spent way too much!  But, it is all stuff we need/use.  Then, we did some fun shopping.  Went to the 2nd hand stores.  Mom got a sofa!  I got 4 new dresses!  Rick and my Dad had to come with the trailer.  While we were waiting for them to arrive, we told them we would keep on shopping, so we could fill up the trailer. 

Then, we had to get the sofa in their house!  What a job!  But, thankfully, their neighbor saw us struggling, and came over and helped us get the patio doors off, and we got it right in.

We will be very busy, the next two weeks!  Tuesday is GKGW.  Then, we have the Living Last Supper, from Wednesday night through Saturday night.  Sunday is Easter.  Then, we have to get ready for the annual business meeting on May 1st, of which, I still need to do my report.  Yikes!  Then, later in the day on May 1st, we will take off to go to District meetings.  It will be relaxing for the children and I, but my hubby has to work it.  Then, we are talking about taking a few days off.

I have also been working on a new program I bought.  It is called "Cook 'N" by DVO.  Wonderful program!!!!  It should make my menu planning MUCH easier!  So, for now, I am putting in my recipes. 

Last night, we had a fun time.  Grilled out steaks, even though it was snowing!  Then, I made Black Forest Brownies.  Watched an episode of Good Luck, Charlie, and then played "Monkey See, Monkey Do" on the Kinect.  Fun!!

Monday, April 11, 2011

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews book review


“The Final Summit” by Andy Andrews was the first book I have ever read by this author.  “The Final Summit” is the sequel to “The Traveler’s Gift”, and even though I did not read the first book, I was able to keep up in this book, and it could be read as a stand alone book.  I am not a big fan of time travel, or sci-fi, but with that said, I did enjoy the book.  He brought to life historical characters, such as, Winston Churchill, Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, Eric Erickson (whom I had never heard of) just to name a few.  It has a fictional character, David Ponder, who is grieving the loss of his wife. 

Gabriel comes to David Ponder, and takes him to the final summit, where they have a set amount of time, to give the correct two word answer to the question, “What does humanity need to do, individually, and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”  It kept me wondering what the correct two word answer would be, throughout the book.  

At the end of the book, it gives a web address where you can unlock an exclusive video of Andy sharing behind the scenes stories.  That was interesting, as well.  Another noteworthy feature, that I found appealing as a home educating mom, was that they offered downloadable companion curriculum to go along with the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this as an ebook free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Busy days

I had a little free time last night.  Rick and the boys all went to see "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".  The 2nd one.  So, I did some recovering of  a stool.  That was on my project list for over a year.  Yikes!!  But, I got it done!!  Also, I put some plastic covering over my 3 new stools.  They had a suede on the seat cushion, and I was worried about spills, so I bought some plastic, and covered the suede.  It was nice to get some projects accomplished.  I still have some MAJOR projects left to do.  I ordered the book, "Managers of their Chores", and I need to read it, and put it into practice.  Then, I also need to get my recipes put into my new program.

On Monday, we celebrated Rick's 50th birthday!  We had my parents, Josh & Brittany, Siah & Sarah and Jeremiah and Claire, and Ben all over for a meal of baked parmesan chicken, baked potatoes, and cashew green beans.  He got some funny gifts from Josh & Brittany!  One was a camel back, that was filled with Mountain Dew, and they said it was his IV bag!!  He also got a daily divided pill keeper, filled with Skittles.  Clever!!  He also got an Iced Tea Maker, a Wii fishing game with a fishing pole, some shirts, chocolate covered peanuts, and Vanilla Coke.  No coffee!   I gave him a digital frame, with all sorts of scanned pictures of his childhood up to the current!  I also gave him an ereader.

We had beautiful weather up until this last Monday.  It was in the 50's, and snow was melting.  Then, we started to get rain on Tuesday, and lots of it.  By Tuesday night, we had freezing rain.  If I had known we were going to get the freezing rain, we would have canceled the Growing Kids God's Way on Tuesday evening.  We got home at 9, and it was still raining.  An hour and a half later, we looked out, and we had 5 inches of new snow!  Then, it started to thunder and lightening.  If that happens during the winter, know that you are going to get hit with a bad storm.  We even had to cancel the Wednesday night services.  All totaled, I guess we got 13 inches of new snow!!  That has now broken the record for the most snowfall in a year. 

We bought an X Box 360, and Kinect on Thursday.  We have been having fun playing with it. Last night, while the menfolk were all gone, Becca & I played some games on it. The funny thing is--when you are done playing against each other, at the end--it will show you video clips of you while you are playing, and everyone looks like a total geek!!  It's actually pretty funny to watch.

Last night, I made egg rolls for supper, and invited Ben over.  I thought he might enjoy a nice meal.  :)

Today, we have to go to the airport and pick up the special speaker for our revival services.  His name is Ron Rhoads, and he is flying in from Texas.  I'm guessing he won't be ready for our cold and snow.  

I am hoping to go to the thrift store, before we go to the airport, as there are some things I need.  I am looking for a huge platter bowl.  I had one, and it got dropped on the floor.  It was wonderful for making a huge meal of Fettucine Alfredo, and the like.  Also, I need to find a nice dress for the celebration where they are honoring us for 20 years of service here.

My time is counting down, as I really need to start scanning in photos of our 20 years here, to put into a presentation!  I have 8 days left!!!!  I need to get moving on that.

I've been rough on myself!  Last week, I was tired, and not paying attention to what I was doing, and while I was ironing, I put the iron on my left hand.  Nice burn.  It did get me out of dishes for most of the week, however.  Was it worth it?  No.  Then, for Rick's party, Matthew was helping me cut the green beans, and he cut his finger.  So, I put a band aid on it, and took over for him.  I was talking to Brittany, when I sliced right through my thumb.  Brittany then took over for me.  Hmm, maybe that is why I had green beans left over, huh??  The word passed quickly!

Well, I need to get going.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Ben is home!

We got Ben back from Madison.  It is so nice to have him back in this area!  We picked up a U Haul trailer on Monday, but had some troubles with lights, and getting it tight.  You name it.  They won't let you leave until it is all working.  Finally, at 10:15, we were able to get on the road.  Got down to Madison, loaded him up, cleaned out his apartment, and came back home.  He moved into Josh & Brittany's house.  It will work out nicely for them all, I'm sure.

I got my hair done today!!  We will see how I like it.  Sam isn't sure he likes it.  Jon came home from work, and talked and talked to me--never even noticed!  I sat there with a big old smile on my face.  Finally, he looks at me, and says, "You got your hair cut."  Yes, I did--took off about 8 inches.  It is also colored, and high-lighted.  It is now about shoulder length, and cut in layers.

I have been scanning in pictures for the 20 year celebration for us, here at the church.  So many pictures. . .

I am bushed tonight, so I think I will head to bed.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Busy, busy days

Here we are into March already!  Where does the time go??  We have been celebrating birthdays around here, as we have 3 birthdays in March.  Becca turned 17 on the 5th, Ben turned 23 on the 10th, and my hubby will be 50!!!  on the 21st!!

So, I read this ladies food blog every day.  She makes a lot of home made pudding.  It's been years since I made homemade pudding!  So, she tells on there how at the end, she has to strain her pudding to get the bits of cooked egg out of the pudding.  Yes--she says--bits of cooked egg in the pudding.  Hmm--she adds the hot mixture to the egg yolks way too fast, as I have never had bits of cooked egg in there.  So--I had to try for myself, if I could still make pudding, without bits of cooked eggs in it.  Oh, yeah!!!  I am still good!!  Happy dance!  So, I made butterscotch pudding.  It was so good!!  I made a huge batch of it, as I was hoping it would last a couple days, as Sam loves to eat pudding before bed.  He eats 2 of those containers.  His favorite is chocolate, and I tried to get a big can of chocolate at Sam's club, but they just didn't have any.

We got a new to us car on Thursday.  We got a 2009 Chevy Imapala.  That will be nice for my hubby to take around on church work, and a lot easier on the gas!

Tomorrow, the Mannon Family Movers are in full force, again!  We head down to Madison to move Ben back up here.  He will be moving in with Josh & Brittany, but we need to get his furniture all back up here.  Not sure where it will all fit, but we did clear out some space in the garage, in case he needs to store some stuff.

Yesterday, I was pretty busy.  Helped clear the garage, gave 5 hair cuts, made the pudding, and various other odd jobs.

One of these days, I want to take my parents to Ikea, as they have never been to one!  I thought they would enjoy that.

I ordered some things to help me out.  I will soon get, "Managers of their Chores", as I need help in planning the children's chore lists.  That gets to be burdensome.  And, I am also getting the book, "Cutting your Grocery Bills in Half."   I would love to coupon, but who has the time??

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Saturday at last!

Well, I made it to Saturday!!  It's been a busy week.  And, an emotionally draining week.  Yesterday, we got to go to a hospital, to visit Sarah's sister, who just had her 6th child.  That's fun!!  She now has 2 girls, 4 boys.  After the hospital visit, we went to a funeral home, to support the family, whose 18 year old son/brother committed suicide.  Life/death  all in one day.

Later today, I will head over to Josh & Brittany's house for the baby shower for Claire.  I have the cutest dress!!!  Shhh, don't tell Sarah!

Otherwise, I am hoping to lay real low today.  Drinking lots of orange juice, as I am trying to beat this cold/cough. My nose is best friends with the Neti Pot.  If you aren't familiar with a Neti Pot, just think of it as your own personal water boarding torture. Ha, ha.  No, really, I do much better after I have a treatment.  And, I have learned to relax while doing the treatment, so I don't sputter, and feel like I am drowning any more.

I need to go over and fine tune my Sunday School lesson. I am now teaching the young people, aged 9 to 13.  They are a fun group!!  I also need to re-do the church calendar, as I forgot to add in Day Light Savings Time.  I also need to make up a sign up sheet for the March Ice Cream Social, for people to bring in the ingredients. (so much for having a quiet day, huh?)

Dad has been having nose bleeds and coughing up blood.  I am hoping they will go in to the clinic, or at the very least--call a Triage nurse.  My parents aren't sure if it is because of the new meds (which he has discontinued), or Physical Therapy.

Ben is moving to his home stomping grounds!  It will be the week of March 14th! It will be nice to have him back here.  We are still praying he will find a job in his field.

Dan got some really good news at the Orthodontist!!  In April, he will get his braces off!!  They have only been on since September 2010!!  His orthodontist advertises "Get it straight fast!".  They sure are!!  He is still not done with his treatment, as he will then go to a retainer.  But--the really cool thing??  He will get them off 2 days before the play, "The Living Last Supper".  We were hoping the play would be as authentic as possible, and Dan plays John in the play.  I don't think the disciples had braces back in the day.  :-)

Poor Becca is still wearing her braces.  She's had her bottom ones on a long time, and has only had the top ones on since January.  BUT--she has a MUCH smaller mouth than Dan, and they are still working on expanding her palate, to make room in the mouth.  Her only other option is to pull perfectly good teeth.

Well, I guess that's all the news.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Do I really have to come up with a title??

I so enjoy watching the little children for the Growing Kids God's Way class that meets every Tuesday night.  The little ones are just so much fun!!!  I usually have one 3 year old that comes, and three 1 year olds!!  Yes, they are busy, and oh, so much fun!!!  There is 1 girl, and 3 boys that come, and the little girl is just the sweetest!!  She loves to snuggle!!  If I have to get up to wash a face, or get a toy for them, she will stand by the rocking chair and bang on it, as if to say, "Get over here, sit down, and hold me!"  She gets so tired, and she looks at the boys as if to say, "Just sit down, be quiet, and let me go to sleep." And one of the boys must have thought I needed to keep drinking, because he kept bringing me my bottle of water, and wouldn't put it away unless I had taken a drink out of it.   I'm thinking of writing a book, entitled, "Everything I learned about life, I learned in the Toddler Nursery."   

Snow, snow and more snow.  I think if I sing my "Let it Snow" song, I might be kicked out of Wisconsin.  :)  We got around 18 inches of new snow on Monday.  I drove my dad to the back doctor, for a post op check up.  The roads were rather frightful!  Mom & I decided we were going to drug dad on the way home, so he wouldn't be scared.  We didn't, but it sure was fun to joke about.  Dad is doing good--since the surgery, whilst sitting, he can now lift his left foot 5 inches off the floor, which he couldn't do before that.  They are having him go to physical therapy twice a week, and after the first visit, they have already seen an improvement.  Dad is still in TONS of pain, and the doctor prescribed some meds, as they think there is some inflammation around the nerves.  I just realized I didn't mention that Dad had surgery on his back!  Oops.  I really need to do better at updating!

YIKES!!  I didn't realize I haven't mentioned that I am a Grandma again!!!  Claire Anneliese was born on February 8th.  Beautiful girl!!  She goes in to the pediatric cardiologist tomorrow, as she has a heart murmur that needs to be checked out.  So, that means we get Jeremiah tonight and tomorrow!!  He is so much fun!!!

Jeremiah loves to walk around, and he talks a lot, well, babbles.  And he holds his pointer finger and thumb pinched, and then, says, "Ummmmmm."  Like he's trying to figure out what to say next!

I've been battling a cough/cold for quite some time.  Why is it, I can eat healthy, take all sorts of vitamins, and my cold lasts for weeks.  My hubby??  He does not eat nearly as healthy as I do, and I have to force him to take vitamins, and he gets over the cold in 2 days?????

We are looking forward to not going anywhere this weekend.  In four weeks time, we had been to the Dells/Madison area 3 times!!  One of our Dells/Madison trips, was for Ben's graduation!!  YIPPEE!!  The night before he graduated, he came to visit us at our motel, and went to the waterpark with us.  We were JUST talking about leaving the waterpark, and going to get something to eat, when Ben walked across the hot tub, carrying Matthew on his back (we were all in the hot tub), when he bumped his knee on the ledge in the hot tub.  Ben limps out, and sits over and away from us.  I asked him what was wrong, and he mouthed to me, what I thought was, "My bum knee."  (he slipped and fell on the ice earlier this year, and his knee has still been giving him troubles).  I said, Your bum knee?  He said, no, I need help.  I came over, and here, he had gashed his knee in, and there was blood all over the place.  We got a life guard to come help us get Ben to the First Aid room.  Two funny things.  1)  One lifeguard asked another if they needed to vacuum out the hot tub.  The other said, "No, we only do that for vomit or feces."  Comforting, huh??  Not really!  2)  The first aid man said he would butterfly the gash, and I asked him if they had any super glue.  He then asked me if I was a nurse!  No, we just have lots of cuts, and a doctor once told me to use super glue. 

Ben is now graduated, and we are praying for him to find a job in his field.  If you would pray with us, that would be great!!!

Rachel is moved back home, and it is so nice to have her here.  She has her own room, but she shares my sewing room.  It was kind of a compromise.

Oh, my hubby bought me an Ab Glider!!  So far, I haven't been able to use it much, as the young men in the family have been working out.  I had my eye on it, as I really need to get in shape.  Also, during our morning school, I have a little pedal machine, where I can sit in any chair, and pedal away.  I can adjust the tension on that.  I use that most mornings.

Well, speaking of the Ab Glider, I'm off to go use it!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Learning Flexibility

Ok.  So I have this huge chicken (around 8 pounds).  We put it from the freezer, into the fridge in the garage a couple days ago.  I got it out today, so I could spice it up, only to find, it is still VERY FROZEN!!!  Change of plans for dinner!  Tonight, we are trying a new recipe, called Taco Pasta. 

I sure was counting on the leftover chicken, though.  And, it's rather embarrassing, when I told Sarah that they could stay for supper, as we were having chicken.    There is no way that chicken would get thawed, though.  

We still have Jeremiah, and he is such a sweetie!! We have been having so much fun with him!!  He is walking all over the place, and is getting inquisitive, checking out all the rooms in the house, and my cupboards.  :)  Love that!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Time for an update.

Well, here we are, into the new year, already.  Where does the time go??

My poor dad has been having back/hip problems (he thinks it is sciatica).  He is really in a lot of pain. Then, we got more snow.  As if we needed more, ha!  We had a snow storm in early December and got 2 feet of snow, or thereabouts.  Today, we got another 3-4 inches.  My dear husband went over to my parents house, and snowblowed for them.  Then, Mom asked us to come over for supper.

We had a wonderful dinner at my parents house!!  We had a meal in the pressure cooker, and it was so good--had pork chops, that were so tender and tasty, with gravy and peaches and I'm not sure what all else was in there, and we put that all over rice or noodles.  YUM!!  Brownies for dessert.  (she caters to my children--she is so sweet)  While we were there, Siah & Sarah dropped off Jeremiah, as they were going out to eat with Josh & Brittany.  I begged them to let me keep Jeremiah overnight.  He is so much fun, and so easy to take care of!!!  I was going to watch Jeremiah tomorrow, anyway, as Sarah has a prenatal visit in town.  This just works out so nice.

Sometime this month, I should be a grandma, again!  Sarah is due on January 23rd.  Should be a girl, whom they are naming Claire.

I had a wonderful Christmas, did you??  I got some very nice presents, as everyone overly blessed me.  I got some of my favorite perfume, a new crock pot--of which I am so excited!!  After cooking, it turns to warm!!  My old crock pot was cooking things too fast, and when we would be out and about, we would come home to a nice crispy meal, rather charred.  :p   I wish the Christmas break could have lasted longer, however.

Ben graduates in just a couple of weeks!!  We are so excited for him, and we are looking for a motel, as we need to be down there for a couple of days--February 4th & 5th.  We will have to see what the Lord has in store for him.

Well, my brain has turned to mush.  I am so tired.  So, I will close off, as I think I am just rambling.  :)