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!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
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.
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.”
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.”
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
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??
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!
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!
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