20 Years!!

Happy Anniversary!


Thank you baby for putting up with me for 20 years!



I Love You!

Busy Days

Friday was a play day with Alison, Sienna and Ariya at the beach.  We had a picnic lunch and played, played, played!






My manly man came home late Friday night and Saturday we just spent some time together.   #1 son kept Banjo and #2 son for us while we ran some errands.  My husband and I went to lunch too...hamburgers!  We also went and scouted places to take our family pictures this fall.  We think we found a couple great spots and we will make time to take those photos when we return form our cruise. 

Saturday night Banjo got a possum in the yard!  He has a spot back there he always checks for Ground Hogs.
He checks it so frequently, that he is wearing paths back there.

(there used to be a Ground Hog burrow right in front of the tree.)


(paths of Banjo..)

The ugly possum.  Playing 'possum'. 

My manly man was actually brave enough to pick it up.  It's tail would curl automatically around his fingers!  After a bit of a photo session, we laid him on the ground on the other side of the fence...after about 15 minutes, this possum scurried off for another adventure somewhere else. We've never seen possums actually play dead before.  They just usually hiss and run off.  I do think they are just about one of the ugliest creatures God created.  Like a big RAT.


Daddy brought home a batch of army men for #2 son.  We had a war yesterday afternoon.  I was tan, Daddy was bright green and #2 was dark green.  I was defeated first.  This was pretty entertaining for #2.

Right now I have laundry going.  I have to get 3 suitcases down and pack for 3 people.  I mostly have my things picked out and 1 dinner outfit for my husband.  Just have to throw a few more things together.  #2 goes over to our friends house Wednesday after piano practice.  Wednesday is our 20th wedding anniversary and I have asked my husband to take me to Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  I haven't been there to eat or have cheesecake in YEARS.  I thought that would be fun.

Tonight for dinner~  Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, sauerkraut, corn casserole, biscuits and berry cobbler.

Have a great day friends!

It's Thursday

Outside my window... Warm and Humid, an Indian summer day

I am thinking... About my anniversary trip of course...one week from today we leave for Barcelona, Spain!!

From the learning rooms... money, time, lots and lots of blend ladders

I am thankful for...The Lords provision and protection for me.
"But my god shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus"  Philippians 4:19
"And why take ye thought for rainment?  Consider the lilies of the field,how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:"  Matthew 6:28
 
From the kitchen... Craving a taco salad.  Made with ground turkey but still has nacho cheese doritos!  probably NOT healthy!

I am wearing... Denim skirt, short sleeve tee with green and brown stripes bare feet!

I am reading... The Potluck Club Trouble's Brewing  by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson...(recipes included!  And it says it's 'christian')  The first one was a good read.





I am hoping... Time flies!

I am creating... not much coming from the creativity department today!  I did take a survey linked by my new friend.  Check it out HERE.  These are my results~~

beth, you are a Country Casual

Your home expresses your open, easygoing approach to life. You love unique finds, and can turn a few mismatched garden chairs or floral teacups into a charming arrangement. You appreciate a pretty mix of relaxed pieces, like painted wood or weathered furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, lots of throws and pillows, mementos and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a unique sense of breeziness and charm.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

   

(my happy home colors)

I am praying... for family

Around the house... We loaned out camping equipment.  It is almost all cleaned and put away.  I rolled up the sleeping bags yesterday, now to put them in the attic until next year!

One of my favorite things... My Manly Man.  I sure miss him.  He'll be back from school late, late tomorrow night!


 
  A few plans for the rest of the week... Alison and I are taking the children to the beach for a picnic tomorrow.  I am kinda excited about going! 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is where I will be going tomorrow with my friend Alison.

A Silly Survey

These are usually interesting to read and fun to fill out.  This is compliments of my sweet sister!  Feel free to copy it to your blog and link back to me letting me know you did one too!!

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Iced water, tall, cool and refreshing

2.Where was your profile picture taken?
on my couch

3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
What's that?  Guess not.

4.Name someone who made you laugh today?
My Family!

5.How late did you stay up last night and why?
About 10 p.m.  I was reading

6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
I'd love to move somewhere else.  You all know what I am praying for...in reality, we have no choice we move where the Lord puts us.  When we get to the new place we always reflect back that, yes that was the spot the Lord wanted us to be at that time.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Yep!

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Alison is a hop and skip away.

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
Yes

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
We like it a lot around here.  When I was pregnant with #1 I craved Dr. Pepper.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Last year about this time came home unexpectedly from vacation.

12. Who took your profile picture?
Me

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
#2 son.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
Every day is a GREAT day

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yep

16. Are you upset about anything?
No right at the moment

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
My most special relationship is my personal relationship with God second my relationship with my manly man.

18. Are you a bad influence?
I can be a tad rebellious when the mood strikes me!

19. Night out or night in?
Depends...night in probably.  Night out if its a special night with a great meal and a special someone!

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
Morning coffee... sweet hugs and kisses from my men

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
I haven't visited anyone in the hospital since we lived in Alaska.  It was to go see new BABIES!!

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
I don't have a cell, I don't get text messages!

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
It's okay

24. Do you hate anyone?
No

25. If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find?
Lots of invites to play games...I don't play...sorry

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
If they test for acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin...I'd flunk!!  I have one of those BAD headaches today.  I am almost 40 and have just figured out they are hormonal.  That's what is nice about pregnancy, no headaches.  I suppose after menopause, there will be no more headaches.  I have a few years to go!

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Not that I recall.

28. What song is stuck in your head?
The Altar by Ray Boltz.  I don't even really like the song.  It is in a songbook I have and I just glanced at it today.  I sang the song about 10 years ago in a duet.  Wow... 
 
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
Family... giving me a great surprise!

30. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
It's always a possibility.

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
homeschool

32. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much... it's called worry...thinking

33. Do you smile a lot?
Probably...

Singing

I thought maybe you'd enjoy hearing me sing with #1 son. 

Psalms 98:4
 " Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,
all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. "

Flashback Friday

 

Today's flashback is of my eighth grade graduation.  I was one of the privileged few, to attend a two room school house. This school does not exist anymore I think it disbanded in the 1990's.  For a while it was a community center.  The last I heard about it, someone turned it into a home.  What a unique experience my siblings and I had to attend this school!

That's me!  The young man sitting next to me is John, the other graduate.  The young man at the podium is Nick, I think he was Student Body President.

The graduates!

It's Thursday!

It's Thursday!

Outside my window... A slightly dark, cool, fall day.

I am thinking... About my anniversary trip of course...only 13 more days to go!

From the learning rooms... vowel sounds, BLENDS!  Numbers after 20, counting by two's and five's.  money and time.  It's double days for the first few months.  He seems to be doing so well with it, he is a GREAT student.  It takes us about an hour to complete our work.

This picture is something my parents saved of my school work from first or second grade.  I am sooo thankful for spell checker on my computer now!



#1 son and I figured I was writing about fall and the color of trees when the leaves change!  Too funny!  It made for a good laugh and several jokes about being a home school teacher!

I am thankful for...The growing season I had in my tiny garden.  I absolutely love fresh tomatoes.  They are one of my all time favorite foods.  This is the first "garden"  I've had that I have grown things successfully.  The cucumber is dying now and so are the tomatoes.  They know it's fall!  I think my little hummingbirds are gone also.  We had some rain here over the weekend and the little hummer was faithful to the feeder in the rain but I haven't seen him since!


(one of the last little cucumbers.  Not sure what he is trying to be!  Squash?)

From the kitchen... Daddy's away so the kitchen has been offering different items.  This week we've had taco's, popcorn, waffles.  This afternoon we are having teriyaki ribs, brown rice and green beans.

I am wearing... Still in my pj's, clutching my hot cup of black coffee!  But I have been clothes shopping this week.  I purchased purple shirts for our family pictures.  I also bought some accessories, necklaces and such for my trip.  I think I am going to pack all skirts and tops and wear dresses to dinner.  My manly man will be wearing some nice short sleeve casual shirts and cargo type pants.   I only have one dinner outfit picked for him so far.

I am reading... The Potluck Club by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson...(recipes included!  And it says it's 'christian')  Not too far into it, only a few chapters so far.




I am hoping... I always hope time will go by quickly and the Lord will answer my prayers.  Want to know some things on my prayer list?

• The Lord will move us back to California
• Godly growth and service in #1 son
• Salvation of #2 son
• More babies of my own
• Godly growth in family members
• Safety of my men who are driving in CRAZY New Jersey traffic!
  

I am creating... Outfits to get packed.  I think I have everything I need for the trip for both my husband and I.

I am praying... Remember what I was praying for last Thursday?..."That everything goes smoothly at home while we are gone for our anniversary.  Aahhh so much to worry pray about.  Especially letting #1 son drive around all this traffic with a vehicle...and no curfew or mileage limits or...(?)  Yikes!"  Friday, he got into a minor fender scrape at the college parking lot.  No damage to our van, a crack in the plastic bumper of the other car, he is not sure he did that.  He was okay about it, not too shook up.  He had only been driving alone for 9 days!!  Please pray for his safety while he is driving!

Around the house... Not too much going on.  I have been slowly removing the hanging flower baskets I had hung up around the house.  I have been dumping the dirt in the flower beds in the back yard.  I have one basket left that has purple petunias in it.  It is still flowering, so I'll leave it up a bit longer.

One of my favorite things... My home and the people in it.  I am always comfortable here.  It's cozy, warm and welcoming.  No place I'd rather be!

 
A few plans for the rest of the week... Starting some laundry today.  I had been out of bleach.  I have a pile of white towels to wash.  Nothing really eventful or memorable happening!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

(A place in California I'd like to see...Etna)

Terrific Tuesday... With Recipes

It's a terrific Tuesday!  My phones work.  My internet works.  Life is beautiful!

I have some recommendations and a couple recipes for today.

We had movies and pizza on Friday.  My two guys had to sit through some "chick" flicks.  I actually went easy on the 'girliness 'of the movies since they were going to watch with me!  We watched Faith Like Potatoes.  It is rated PG.. "For some thematic material, an accident scene and brief strong language"  The brief language was similar to "Go and get that gosh, darned, calf out of the stinking, pen now!"  The accident scene did have blood and involved a child.

It was a very good movie based on a book.



I also checked out a good recipe book at the library last week, Casserole Crazy by Emily Farris.  I was able to find several recipes I wanted to try.


I am sharing a few.  I've already tried A Kansas City Masterpiece and have renamed it KC Masterpiece Noodle Casserole.

(I cut the recipe in half and it made more than we three could eat.)

KC Masterpiece Noodle Casserole

1 pound penne pasta (I used whole grain, wheat pasta)Cooked to just under al-dente, drained and set aside.
1 large white onion, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 C olive oil (I just used a few tablespoons of oil)
2 C chopped boneless, skinless chicken breast (Or use leftover cooked chicken or turkey, shredded or cubed)
2 C. KC Masterpiece hot and spicy barbecue sauce (or any flavor you prefer)
1/2 pound Minter jack cheese, shredded
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 C sour cream
1/2.C chopped chives (I used about 2 T.)

Oven to 350*

Saute onion and garlic in oil over medium high heat in medium size frying pan.  Add chicken.  Continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.  Add barbecue sauce, seasonings, cheese and pasta.  Stir to mix well.  Add prepared mix to greased 2 1/2-3 1/2 quart casserole dish.  Bake 35-45 minutes.  Garnish with sour cream and chives.  Serve.
---------------------------------------------------------

Chili Cheese Corn Dog Casserole

2 (8.5 oz) boxes jiffy corn bread mix
2 eggs
2 C milk
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2-3 T. oil
1 pound hamburger
1 packet CHILI season mix
1 (16 oz) tomato paste
2 C water
1 (15 oz.) can red beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 oz) box frozen sweet corn
Cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
1 pound all beef hot dogs, cut into 1/2 " pieces
2 C finely chopped sweet onion
1 C shredded cheddar cheese

Oven to 350*

In large mixing bowl prepare corn muffin mixes according to package directions (using 2 eggs and 2 C milk).  Pour batter into greased 9x13 pan.  Bake only 5 minutes or muffin mix begins to solidify.  Remove from oven and let cool.  In large pot over medium heat, saute onions and garlic in oil until translucent.  Add ground beef and chili seasoning.  Cook until beef is cooked through.  Add the tomato paste and water.  Mix well.  Add beans, stirring constantly.  Add corn.  Stir.  Let simmer 15-20 minutes. on low heat, stirring frequently.  Add cayenne, slat and pepper.

On top of cornbread layer in  pan, layer the hot dogs, raw chopped onion, chili, cheese and another sprinkle of onion on top.

Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until bubbly.  Don't let cornbread get too brown.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Lines Down

Spent the whole day today thinking that phone lines were down.  I don't think they were, I think something was wrong with my wireless internet box!  Oh well.  It was a quiet relaxing day  I'll try to post tomorrow!

Flashback Friday

I tried finding a picture of myself on 8th grade graduation day.  I know I have it somewhere...when you go to look for it, you can't find it.  When you don't need it, there it is staring you in the face.  Happens to me all the time.  So anyway, no 8th grade graduation picture.

This fabulous picture is of myself (on left) and my wonderful sister in law(on right).  My husbands family traveled to Oregon for a short visit with us.  This trip was the first time I'd met my sister in law.  This is spring of 1990.  I was 20 and she is 19.  I'd been married about 9 months.

It's Thursday!

It's Thursday!

Outside my window... Mid morning traffic sounds.  A crisp fresh day!

I am thinking... I am thinking about far away family today.

From the learning rooms... vowel sounds, color review, counting review.

(new charts hanging in the schoolroom.)


I am thankful for...A wise and wonderful husband.

From the kitchen... Not following the menu this week at all.  Last night we had black bean and ham soup with hot cornbread.  I think my oven has been on everyday this week!  The cooler weather is nice for cooking!

I am wearing... Still in my pj's, clutching my hot cup of black coffee!

I am reading...

Ann Tatlock's  Every Secret Thing


I am hoping... Not sure what my hopes are for today. 

I am creating... Working on filling out lesson plans now that I have my parent kits.  I am trying to combine  Kindergarten and First grades.  The first few months will be a lot of double lesson days trying to learn phonics so we can read!

I am praying... That everything goes smoothly at home while we are gone for our anniversary.  Aahhh so much to worry pray about.  Especially letting #1 son drive around all this traffic with a vehicle...and no curfew or mileage limits or...(?)  Yikes!

Around the house... Windows are open house is getting fresh air.  It's needed.  Some kind of sickness has been going through at church.  We always catch it, whether we want it or not!  My manly man has had it since Monday.  Coughing, sneezing and general misery for the last three days!  He is a LOUD sick person too!  Makes us all realize that yes, he doesn't feel good.  Now I must strip my bed and wash linens.  Maybe spray some LYSOL.

One of my favorite things... The sound of my windchime...just outside ...right behind where my desk is.



A few plans for the rest of the week... The men from church are going camping tomorrow night.  I will be home mainly alone until #1 son returns home from work at 12:30 a.m.  I am thinking about having pizza for my dinner and watching a couple really good, girly-girl, cry fest, chick flicks!  (Aww...bummer.  I am not even done with my post and my manly man just called and said he is not going camping after being so sick.  Bummer.  I hate watching girl movies with so much testosterone in the room.  They always check to see what my reactions are going to be!)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

(This is a picture of my maternal grandparents who were married September 9, 1943.  My Mom thinks I resemble her.  Do you think so?)

Toys For Us!

We enjoyed a good family day yesterday.  We went to the mall intending to pick up our JC Penny catalog only to find out they are not in stock!  We walked the mall and people watched, it's one of my favorite things!  We enjoyed sharing a Pecan Cinnabon together.


After our adventure at the mall we went to #2 son's favorite store, TOYS FOR US.  He was rewarded for loosing his two front teeth.  He picked out a barrel full of plastic army men.


Brought them home and played for over 4 hours with them until he went to bed.  He was up WWwwaaaaayyy to early this morning... when I got up he was in bed with the army men spread around conducting war drills!


We had a great dinner of homemade fried rice with LOTS of vegetables and watched a good movie, INKHEART.

Today is laundry, vacuuming and library day.  Be blessed!

What's Up for Today?

Not sure how we are going to spend the day today.  We have a couple ideas.  One thing is for sure, we have to go to TOYS FOR US!



Our sweet #2 son lost both of his front teeth and was promised a trip to his favorite store for loosing them both.  This loss was not as traumatic for him as the other.  We tied the floss to the tooth and Daddy helped him pull it out.  We knew it was time.  He was positioning his lip around the tooth when he spoke to keep the tooth from falling out!

Have a great week friends!

A Hiking We Will Go

We enjoyed an afternoon of good fun with our friends Chris and Sharon yesterday.  We went on a hike in one of my favorite areas of New Jersey.  Thank you dear friends for spending time with us!  When I thought about doing this post these are the verses that popped in to my head.

Romans 1:20
    " For the invisible things of him

 from the creation of the world
 are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,
 even his eternal power and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:" 

Acts 4:12
"Neither is there salvation in any other:

 for there is none other name
 under heaven given among men,

whereby we must be saved."

Matthew 1:21 
"...thou shalt call his name Jesus:

 for he shall save his people from their sins."

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world,

  that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

Flashback Friday

My family and I at my high school graduation, June 1988.

It's Thursday

It's Thursday

Outside my window... a cool, peaceful, fall, morning

I am thinking... about how to get motivated for today!

From the learning rooms... school starts Tuesday for my #2 student.  #1 son started yesterday.  No homework for him yet.  He took the mama van all by himself to school and back and even managed a detour to the shopping center.  On the way home from church Momma had to pay for gas...how does that work?  I'll have to ponder...

I am thankful for... cuddles from a little man!


From the kitchen... I'm thinking about deviating from the menu...(shame on me) and having hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and s'mores for dinner around the firepit tonight.

I am wearing... I'm in my pajamas, thinking about a shower and what to wear today.

I am reading... I've enjoyed two good books this week already...

A Town Called Ruby Prairie by Annette Smith



The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere



I am hoping... Time flies by and soon it will be time for this...


I am creating...  I need to break out the sewing machines and hem a few skirts I found at the thrift store a few days ago.  I'm not that short but these skirts are too long, dragging the floor long!

I am praying... You'd be amazed at all the things I am praying for!

Around the house... Peace and this new gem...I already have a cupboard full of good smelling candles...I guess I'll add another until I can burn it!  I love scented candles!


One of my favorite things... These are my new genuine leather, black flats

for my cruise to go with my new dress!  These shoes are so comfortable!  I got these babies at the thrift store!

A few plans for the rest of the week... My manly man has had training all week long and has been getting home late.  Not sure what the plan is for family day on Saturday.  Monday is a holiday for all of us.  I'd like to go to the beach, it will probably be crazy busy there.  Maybe a drive in the country with a picnic?

Here something  I am sharing with you...One of my old friends who is new to xanga, asked about my book list.  I made her a little list and thought I'd share it with you all.  This is a list of non-christian mystery authors.  I do not necessarily share the views of the authors or share in the lifestyles they portray in the books.  I find them a decent, entertaining and clean read.

Laura Childs (Tea Shop Mysteries with tea party ideas and recipes)
Leslie Meier (Food Mysteries)
Joanne Fluke (Recipes included)
Diane Mott Davidson
Tamar Myers (Amish food mysteries...I haven't read this author yet)
Susan Wittig Albert (herb mysteries...I haven't read this author yet)
Katherine Hall Page (Pastors wife...I haven't read this author yet)
Isis Crawford
Claudia Bishop
Joanne Pence
Lou Jane Temple
Livia J Washburn (Excellent books!)
Joann Carl
Lorna Barett
Cleo Coyle  (These books make you want to drink a ton of coffee!)
Carol Ann O'Marie

Culinary mysteries link

Christian Mystery Authors
Terri Blackstock
Sigmund Brouwer
T. Davis Bunn
Linda Hall
Brandilyn Collins
Robert Whitlow
Alton Gansky
Brandt Dodson
Francine Rivers
Coleen Coble
Harry Lee Kraus
Cindy McCormick Martinusen
Catherine Palmer
Particia Houck Sprinkle
Dee Henderson