Elf Yourself

Check out our holiday greetings!!! Merry Christmas, everyone!!! I just finished all my holiday shopping, and I am home free. I feel like a kid on summer break. Woohoo!!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1475844385

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1475676076

Recipes

I had these yummy treats at AWANA last night. I wanted to share them with you all. Oh, my goodness, they are so good!!! I thought if everyone would like (and as you have time) it would be fun to each post a yummy recipe on our blogs. It could be something new or not.

Saltine Cracker Cookies
40 saltine crackers
2 sticks of butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
12 oz milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Line a jelly roll pay with foil. Lay crackers flat in one layer on foil. Bring butter and sugar to a boil and cook for three minutes (time this). Pour over crackers and bake at 400 for 5 minutes. Pour chocolate chips on the top and spread with a knife. Sprinkle nuts on top and press into chocolate. Bring to room temperature and cool. Keeps well in covered container in refrigerator.

cakes

I made two cakes for a friend last night. It was so wonderfully fun. It took a long time, but they came out so cute. A tinge of guilt hit me as I was making them because I realized that for the past few birthdays I have purchased store bought cakes. At the time I remember what a relief I felt to go pick up that cake and pay the $20. And then I would think, "I could have done that for $3. AND it would have looked way better (okay, at least in my opinion)." I mean I don't have the fancy air brush that sprays beautiful color, but honestly the last one we got was far from beautiful anyway.

After my little daydreaming I realized the reason I had time to do this for my friend was because I wasn't planning a party or getting a house cleaned up. I was able to absorb all of my attention into my favorite part of a party-making a cake! I forgot to take pictures, but if can get some I will post them.

Woodall Pumpkin Cookies

* Double the recipe to use one can of pumpkin
1 c. sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 c. white flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 c. oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. walnuts
1/2 c. chopped dates (Wal-mart, in a small orange box)
Grease baking sheet 350 degrees 10-12 minutes

Icing:
3 TB butter
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. white sugar
Boil above three ingredients for 3 minutes. Cool and add:
1 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
*If you double the recipe there is no need to the double icing. It is very sweet, so only use a little! I just drizzle a little over the tops.

Buy a chicken

I just wanted to encourage everyone that you can purchase a chicken or a goat (or cow, etc) for families in other countries. A chicken is only $35. What a great way to encourage giving this season. Samaritan's Purse has more details: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Click on "Catalog"

Favorite Movies

My favorite Christmas movie is "It's a Wonderful Life". Hands down. THE best movie ever made. Secondly I like "A Christmas Carol" and thirdly "Felicity's Christmas" (or whatever it's called). I've also heard "Drummer Boy" is good.

New Mixer

I finally came to the conclusion that the only remedy was a new mixer. I researched, and really a Kitchen Aid Artisan is the only possibility. Otherwise you are wasting your money. I found a good deal on Amazon. $200 and $20 off. The same mixer is $300 at BBB. Even with 20% off, this was a better deal. I ordered it on Tuesday afternoon and it was here the next day. I still can't believe it! I love it. It is black and looks so pretty in my kitchen. Now I wonder what I ever did without it. It is so much better than my mother's old one. But it had to be this way. It had to break in order for me to change. I loved it too much. Now I will love this one the same and make new memories with my children baking and cooking. Some day they will buy one in hot pink or purple or lime green. But for now we will enjoy using this wonderful gift God has given us.

Good news

Maybe if I buy new beaters it will continue to work. I turned it on without the beaters and it worked. Makes you wonder....I have a hand mixer in the meantime.

Also, my oven got fixed. The other day Elizabeth opened it to put a pizza inside, and the whole glass piece come off in her hand! She was standing there holding the handle. It was hilarious. Until I realized insulation was exposed in my kitchen. Then I freaked a little. But my trusty, rusty hubby got it back together again. :)

Mixer

My mom's mixer of 33 + years just broke today. She gave it to me many years ago. I'm having a sort of mourning as it encompasses so many memories. I learned to bake with it. I remember standing on a chair with my mom hundreds of times, and baking is now one of my very favorite things to do. Then all the memories with my children. All three of them have stood by my side, ready to push the buttons on cue....Spinning the bowl when it would stop. It has made countless smoothies and bowls and bowls of cakes and cookies. And licking the beaters! Yum! Boo hoo.

Thank you

Thank you all for your comforting words and for praying. Max your prayer especially touched me. Thank you for caring about people you don't even know. That is God's Spirit at work. The entire neighborhood knows of the tragedy and SO MANY are praying. I know God has something in this, so please keep praying. I am going to leave a little card or something on the cross they have placed outside...when I can get the nerve. I just want them to feel surrounded by love.

Please pray

I realize there are tragedies everywhere. Yet when one happens close to home, how do you deal with it? Two days ago a two year old girl was hit by a carpet cleaning van just down the street from us. She didn't make it. A friend's husband is a fire fighter and tried to resuscitate her. Yesterday morning he was having a hard time with the whole thing. The neighbors weren't actually the family, they were the babysitter. So sad. He was leaving. The babysitter and the little girl were unpacking groceries. The mom looked away for a second. Just a second. The man was young. Friends said he was sobbing on the news report. He had no idea. I pass by that house every morning. It is a stone's throw. I saw the carpet cleaning van when we left to run errands. I saw the ambulance when I returned. I never prayed. I always pray. But this time I didn't. It has impacted so many. Co-workers. Friends. Neighbors. We are all feeling the grief. The sadness. A small cross and bear are in the front yard. How do they go on? Please pray for these families that have been so heavily changed. Pray for their recovery. Pray for them to know God's love. Pray for all of us to get through this. It has shaken so many. It is hard not to think of your own. Hard not to over-protect. Hard to offer them to Jesus again and again.

Lately

What have we been up to lately? Well, a bunch of everything it seems. A bunch of school. A bunch of co-op. A bunch of cleaning. A bunch of laundry. A bunch of chores. A bunch of child training. A bunch of AWANA. Just a bunch. I feel like a circus clown trying to keep everything going.

Blaine started school last week. The girls are teaching him so far, but I have to keep my ears peeled to make sure they are doing it the way I would. I don't want him growing up with some complex about math or something. I'm sure I will have many days of teaching him, too; but for now this is working.

The girls are learning about botany. I have learned more than I ever did in my entire growing up years in just two weeks. Maybe I wasn't a good student or didn't read everything. I don't know. But did you know that EVERY tree produces a leaf with a planned structure? The outside edge, the apex, the size, the placement on the stem, the shape? I had no idea. This is ground breaking for me. I thought it was sort of random, with a little bit of similarity. Shame on me! Also, the leaves "FALL" because God cuts off the water supply to the leaf with a little scab. Without water it can no longer make chlorophyll. No chlorophyll means no green color. Hence the leaves turn back to their natural COLOR. Wow! Then they fall off the trees (bc they have no water) allowing the tree to conserve what little water it will receive during the frozen winter months. Leaves have tiny mouths that constantly release water into the air. During the winter they need to stop releasing water, so they 'FALL' off. Wow! Nature is so amazing!!!! God is so amazing!!!

What else? I have been able to exercise for about 7 weeks straight now. The most for this whole year, I believe. CB inspired me with her Pilate's videos. I realized I had some collecting dust, so I pulled them out. I also purchased some yoga videos. I love them all. I can tell I have gotten much stronger. I have also been doing strength training, so I know that is part of it. But I am not able to run/walk every day. My ankle and foot still hurt too much if i do that. But I can mix it up with some biking. That helps.

Dare I say that I have also been trying to eat better? Don't you just hate to say that? It seems as soon as you do you fall flat on your face! Well, fall if I must, I will continue by God's grace. I have prayed this time. Prayed that God would take away the desire for sweets (this could take years) and give me a desire for vegetables. I can't believe it, but I actually ate cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots for breakfast yesterday. How weird is that? But I actually wanted it! That's way weird. But never fear! I shall have my turkey and dressing and pie!

Granny's Christmas

When Granny was young they followed the German tradition of putting the tree in a separate room. They weren't allowed to see it until Christmas Eve. She said they could smell the fresh pine and the fruit when they passed by the closed door. I doubt they had it up for as many days as we do! Then they would all come in and there would be lighted candles on the tree (yikes!). Under the tree would be gifts of fresh fruit and nuts. They were so excited! One year she received a doll, the only Christmas present she ever received. They actually celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve and not on Christmas Day. I never asked her what they did on Christmas.

My Granny also always kept her Christmas tree in a separate more "formal" room (though by American standards it wasn't formal at all, just not used very much). She kept fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate covered cherries under the tree. Usually she gave us money for Christmas or a package of fresh sausage. Either was fine with me and much enjoyed. We always tried to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve for her sake.

She had 11 brothers and sisters. Many were much older than her as she was the youngest. In fact by the time I was born, all had passed away except one. He was the only uncle I ever knew and just as kind as my Granny. My Granny's birthday was right before Christmas. She weighed 1 1/2 pounds, slept in a shoe box, and wore doll clothes. My mother still has the shoes to this day. They are not much larger than a penny. She always felt unloved because she knew she had been a burden to her mother as a baby and was really unwanted. The nurse told her mother that she better be glad she had another one because she would take care of her when she was older. Then my Granny would let out her German sigh and cry, "Yah." As she sobbed she would tell of how she was the last one and always took care of "Momma". Everyone else was grown, married, and moved away. Granny and my Popo took care of her and lived with her on her very large farm in Peters. Later they sold the farm and moved to the city. Granny nursed her mother in her elder years through many sleepless nights of asthma. Her mother only wanted her to take care of her, and Granny's presence always brought her peace. My Granny was always appreciative of the many nights her mother nursed her as a baby, and she loved her very much. She never seemed resentful of having to take care of her.

Christmas Traditions

We only have a few as I feel we have kind of floundered in this area, but here are the ones we have...

1) For me, I love setting out the manger scenes and angels in our dining and living room. I can wait on the tree, but this is a must. The kids love looking through the boxes and remembering everything. Usually they help me set everything out.

2) We like to go pick our tree from a tree farm. We visit the same one every year. It takes us a good 1/2 hour to trek through the trees and find the perfect one. After a hay ride, usually some hot chocolate, petting the animals, and jumping from the hay stacks we tie the tree to the car. Then some how we always end up at DQ. :)

3) We have a stocking for Jesus. It usually gets hung with the rest. His name is written on it. Just about every year we remember to put a slip of paper in there with something we want to give Him. It could be a thank you note, it could be a particular area we are struggling with in our hearts, or it could be something we want Him to do in our hearts. Usually I leave them in there, and then it is wonderful to read the next year what we wrote last year. Very fun, and the kids look forward to it so much. This is really more important to me than any of the gifts we buy them.

4) Of course I love visiting the walk of lights in MF. We have also tried the one here in A. and the Bethlehem in B. Any of these will do for me.

5) We drive around at night and look at the decorations.

6) We bake sugar cookies for breakfast. If we don't feel like eating them, then they're ready for later. This kind of takes the place of leaving cookies for Santa.

7) We open presents one at a time. I in particular like this. I'm sure T can shed some light on this one! I can't stand too much going on at once, but most of all it makes it last longer.

8) My Granny used to have a lighted Santa in the window. Every year he was there. She also had a small tree. A couple of years ago I bought a small tree to put upstairs to remind me of her. She always had pieces of fruit under the tree along with different whole nuts. These were the presents she received as a child. Now that I think about it, I might start doing that, too, upstairs.

9) My Aunt used to put a book of Life Saver candies under the tree for me every year. I was the only little one for a while. Then when I had kids she did the same for them.

10) My dad's mother had a tree full of ornaments that she had made from Styrofoam and sequins. I believe they were kits, but I'm not sure. It inspired me to want to make a homemade ornament with the kids every year.

11) And the one the kids look forward to every year is purchasing an ornament of their own. When they are grown they can take them with them. I also purchase one a year, too, so that my tree won't have withdrawl when they are gone! Okay...so it's really so I won't sob violently when they're gone.

12) The kids also like purchasing a nutcracker every year. I'm not sure how long this will last. You can only have so many, but we'll see.

Thank you

Thank you to all for your sweet comments. I feel so loved! I'm not mad at anyone. I'm just trying to do better about letting others know that I need something, but not expecting them to fulfill it. So, I hope I didn't make any of you feel that you MUST comment. But I DO REALLY FEEL LOVED!!! So, thank you!

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." Deuteronomy 30:19

May I say this?

I'm sure not many of you have time to read all the blogs you are dedicated to, and I know posting a reply takes EVEN MORE time. However, it would really mean a lot to me to see a few comments every now and then. It would help me to feel as if what I have to say is important to someone.

I, too, don't have much time to read blogs. I'm picky to only read ones of those I know. Only once in a blue moon do I branch out.

I'm not asking for long replies, just a little, "I read it." would do. I would really feel loved.

If not, I fear I will discontinue blogging. Though we say we don't care if anyone reads it, the truth is that it really isn't much fun if anyone doesn't. I can just as easily write all this in my journal and keep it to myself. I would really prefer that. Somehow that would be easier, but I do this to stretch myself. Hopefully I will become a better writer. But even more so, hopefully I will be better known by those I don't get to see as much as I'd like.

I hope that you all understand. If you are unable to comment due to time restraints, that is fine.

I have only recently learned from a very good blogger friend that commenting is actually expected out there in the blogger world. It is considered a courtesy. I felt so bad as I hadn't been leaving comments, only reading. Since then I have tried to leave comments to the blogs that I read. It leaves sort of a trail for the reader and adds even just a little more meaning to their blog.

Of course I don't expect everyone to comment or anyone for that matter, so please do not feel obligated. I find I usually read one night and comment another. And sometimes I don't comment at all.

And may I say that I really appreciate those that have left comments. You have warmed my soul.

Lovingly,
T

Wall Border

I found a new bedding set for Blaine. I had been showing him sport comforters for a while in catalogs. All of them were met with, "No...I don't like it. I want football." I was trying to keep him well rounded. You know, football, basketball, baseball. But football is on the brain. They had one at Wal-Mart and he flipped out. I was relieved. Finally something. I then got the notion that I'd go ahead and repaint and redo the wall border. They had ONE. Not enough. Unfortunately it was on clearance. That would normally be a great thing, but with his room one would never cut it. I called my mom up and she was able to find one at her Wal-mart, but that still leaves me one short. So....SHOULD ANYONE FIND A WALLPAPER BORDER AT WAL-MART WITH FOOTBALLS, BASKETBALLS, BASEBALLS, AND BLUEJEAN DENIM IN THE BACKGROUND please let me know! There is a thin red and white stripe at the top. I only paid $1.50 for mine, but I am willing to pay up to $10 for it. They have another pattern, but it doesn't match. I would appreciate it wholeheartedly! If you should purchase it and I don't need it, I will still pay you and return it later. My mom is currently searching every Wal-mart where she lives but nothing else has turned up.

Hermit Crabs

Rebecca's hermit crab just changed into the coolest shell possible. It's long and pointy with colorful stripes that go all the way around it. It changed one other time into one she had bought for it. She prayed that it would, and out of 7 shells he picked hers! God cares about the little things. After a week or so he changed back into his original shell.

Tag!

Here is how it works. Tell in your blog seven things we never knew about you and now wish we didn't. In other words...Seven strange/weird/crazy things about me. Then tag someone else-(at bottom of your blog say--I tag_____. And post the blog.

1. I have always been annoyed by the way my dad eats. Poor thing. It's really awful of me. He has a mouth full of implants because they were sucked out from some big truck that he used to drive. But I just can't stand it. I love everything else about him. I also can't stand for the kids to eat in front of me if I'm not eating; the noise drives me crazy.

2. Unlike Tammie, I never finish books. In fact currently I am reading at least 8 all at the same time. I love it! I just read a little when I can; otherwise, I get bored. Novels I have to stay up and read all in a few days. (Tammie, I can hear you cringing-are you okay?).

3. I hate to make phone calls to ask people simple questions. I will procrastinate until it's embarassing.

4. I am awful at housecleaning. Once I do it, it looks great. It's the talking myself into it that takes WEEKS!

5. Once I set my mind on something, on achieving some goal, I cannot tear my mind away from it. I will sacrifice everything to get it done. The children will not eat and I will run them ragged looking for the cheapest "this or that"; though, I've gotten a little better out of sheer survival. Or, I will have the kids stay up until 10 just to get their rooms absolutely perfect BECAUSE we never clean them out that often, and once I get started there is no stopping me!

6. I am a control freak. God help me. Really...I can't stand lots of noise. It's like I can't focus or something. A friend has said it's because I am so visual. I think I'm just mental.

7. Once Micah says we are going to eat at a certain place, I absolutely cannot have him change it. If my tastebuds have gotten used to Chinese, then only Chinese will do.

I tag Alisa!!! (Mom, will you let her know she's tagged).

Newsboys ROCK!!!

The concert was the ABSOLUTELY most amazing, faith building event I have been to in a looooong time. It was like church on steroids by a million. I had no idea how very much these men love the Lord-I mean you just never know. The entire concert gave such glory to God. Starting with Kutless singing "Strong Tower" and "Sea of Faces" the entire mood changed. For me, music is just so much a part of who I am and how I worship God. This was like nothing I could have imagined. To SEE and HEAR all of the body of Christ together like that (4500 to be exact) was just amazing. And these men wanted absolutely none of the glory. Or if they did, they did a great job of directing it straight to God. Somehow they did a magnificent job of having every one of theirs songs (even "Breakfast") come out as a worship song. I have never thought of very many of their songs as worship songs, but will forever have that memory etched in my mind. They invited each of us to join in the worship of our Saviour. And you just couldn't help but get wrapped up and swept away...

He shared his testimony, shared the gospel, and invited many to give their hearts to Christ. Oh, his story was so good. It reminded me so much of what I have been going through this past year or so. It felt so good to know others had gone through this, too. Basically, he just shared that he was a pk and had a drug problem...he was DRUG to church all his life! :) Anyway, eventually he stopped spending time with God and eventually couldn't tell if he was ever hearing His voice or was even His child. He felt very much in the dark. Oh, I wish everyone could hear his testimony. Then God reminded him that he was either feeding his flesh or feeding his spirit. So he had this total life transformation and now you know over 15 years later we have all these wonderful songs they have written. I firmly believe because they give all the glory and praise to God during their concerts, directing the church to worship Him, that is why they have so many hit songs. I just bought their latest CD, and there were only two that I had never heard!!! Next time they come to Texas we will be there, and hopefully we will be on the bottom floor. It was worth twice what we paid.

If THIS concert was so absolutely amazing, what in the world will heaven be like??? It brings me to tears to think of what an absolutely awesome, good time we are in for. One thing is for sure, the Newsboys will be the opening act, and I....will want a front row seat. Until then I think I shall be a groupie and follow them around the world. Do you think Micah and the kids will notice if I'm gone? I'm off to Australia in a few weeks! ;)

I am

I am a mother and a wife
I wonder what it feels like to visit Paris
I hear a call to be a dancer
I see people being saved
I want to be a part of it
I am a mother and a wife

I pretend that someday I will be just the way I want to be
I feel very sad sometimes
I touch roses and soft dew every morning
I worry that I’ll forget to teach something important
I cry about things that make my children sad
I am a mother and a wife

I understand that God’s Word is true
I say it every day
I dream my children will love Him, too
I try to do the best I can
I hope for a peaceful home
I am a mother and a wife

News Boys

We are going to see the News Boys tomorrow night! We are all so excited. It is the girls first concert, and I haven't been to one since George Strait in highschool. So here we go. I'm SURE I will feel old.

Also, through all my sickness and medicinal purchases I happened upon a wonder drug. At least for me and my family. It is Congaplex by Standard Process. I do not know where else to get it but People's Pharmacy. But truly as soon as you or the kids get a scratchy throat or stuffy nose. Start immediately, and it works overnight. We all had some sort of thing going on. We all took it and felt better the next morning. Elizabeth had fever and it took a whole day, but she was completely better in 1 1/2 days. And no one else got it! That has never happened. I should have given her a normal dose, and maybe she would have been better more quickly. Blaine was severely congested, and I was having to give him several breathing treatments in one day. The next morning it was as if nothing had been wrong. I gave some to a friend who was laid out on the couch. She was better the next day. They have chewables for kids that is great crushed and mixed in cherry yogurt; though B takes it straight. The capsules are twice as strong and work great! Directions on bottle.

Stars

Blaine is actually in his room playing quietly!!! I'm scared to move lest I somehow force the stars out of alignment...
I talked to Jenny a little about starting school back up; we get the proverbial, "WHAT!!! We have to do school? We just did it yesterday! I thought summer vacation was forever and that I never needed to know anything else than I already know!" With me feeling behind, that's the last thing I need to hear. So we've been doing something new around here. Micah thought it up completely, printed it out, and implemented it. Thank goodness. I was cleaning up glass and spilled Italian Soda. (Did you know it is possible for Italian soda to "pop" thus creating an explosion that totally drenches your laundry room in red, sticky soda?-Don't try this at home kids. I had to move the dryer. I had to move everything. Need I say more?)

They now get cards for completing their work without complaining. Cards for computer time, TV time, friend time, etc. It's wonderful. They even have to earn co-op, park day, and the like. My aunt sent money for them to buy this wonderful fancy trampoline, so they are even earning cards for that. Elizabeth said, "It's like we have to earn everything. We can't do anything unless we earn it." By George! I think she's got it!

Make Me Over

http://play.rhapsody.com/nataliegrant/awaken/makemeover



I've been silent instead of speaking up
Gave my advice instead of giving love
I have been unfair, faithless and unkind
I have shut my eyes just so I would stay blind
It's not what I'm meant to do
Cause I wanna honor You

Chorus:
Make me over, make me new
Make me a mirror, a reflection of You
Take me all apart, take me to Your heart
And pull me closer
Oh Jesus, make me over

Take away the pride that whispers in the dark
Take the stone out of the middle of my heart
Hidden underneath my insecurities
Is the servant that You've destined me to be
Day after precious day
I get in my own way

So make me over, make me new
Make me a mirror, a reflection of You
Take me all apart, take me to Your heart
And pull me closer
Sweet Savior, make me over


I am only made of Your imagining
I'm dust and clay on the wind
Wash me in the river of Your sacrifice
Until I'm changed, purified
Take me all apart, take me to Your heart
And pull me closer
My Jesus, make me over
Make me over
Make me over
Oh, make me over, Jesus

The Real Me

This is Rebecca's favorite artist, Natalie Grant. I have to agree. She is awesome, and here are one of her songs that I absolutely love! Click to hear. Such an awesome reminder that often we need to let down our mask and let the Creator in.
http://play.rhapsody.com/nataliegrant/awaken/therealme?didAutoplayBounce=true

Foolish heart, looks like we're here again.
Same old game of plastic smile,
Don't let anybody in.
Hiding my heartache,
Will this glass house break?
How much will it take before I'm empty?
Do I let it show?Does anybody know?

CHORUS:
But You see the real me.
Hiding in my skin, broken from within.
Unveil me completely.
I'm loosening my grasp,
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause You see the real me.

Painted on, life is behind a mask,
Self-inflicted circus clown.
I'm tired of the song and dance,
Living a charade, always on parade.
What a mess I've made of my existence.
But You love me even now
And still I see somehow...

CHORUS

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When You look at me.
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life
into a perfect tapestry.
Oh, I just wanna be me,
I wanna be me.

CHORUS

and you love me just as i am.
wonderful, beautiful is what you see
when you look at me.

Reflections and Cookies

"I have shut my eyes just so I would stay blind. Make me over. Make me new. Make me a mirror, a reflection of you. Take me all apart. Take me to your heart, and pull me closer. Oh, Jesus! Make me over....Day after day I get in my own way....I am only made of your imaginings..." If you have not heard this song by Natalie Grant, go purchase it NOW. It is absolutely the best song ever written in all of history.

Here is the best cookie recipe ever made, too. Go make these now and listen to your new music.
Daniel's Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c butter
1 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 c chocolate chips (NOT a whole bag)
Mix butter and sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add dry. Mix well. Add choc chips. 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Take out when tops are still white. Oh my!

Today

This morning I read Psalm 111: "Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart... The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them." I am so delighted to be studying God's creation with my children this year. They are so very cute as Rebecca especially wants to know if this leaf or that leaf fits into "Botany".

"You fill me when I'm empty. There is nothing else. You are all I need....You are all I need when I'm surrounded. You are all I need if I'm by myself. You fill me when I'm empty. There is nothing else. You are all I need." Bethany Dillon. I love her songs.

Today we visited our friends church here in L. Their girls and ours did a very wonderful dance to "Shine". Our friend preached, and I was so touched by something he said. He spoke on Matthew 4, "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” He described the darkness of the verse was very much like our 911 except that the people stayed and occupied the land.

He talked about how Jesus will shine in your life if you have encountered Him and allowed Him to shine His light in you. He went on to talk about the evidence left behind by the disciples following Him and the evidence that Jesus had touched these places of darkness (found later in the chapter). He asked what evidence has Christ left behind in our lives? I thought about that. So many times the only thing I have left at the end of the day is frustration. Or I wake up already in despair. And then I remember that we need to constantly be filling ourselves with His Word and with prayer. If we do not do that the light weakens. Sin gets in the way, and eventually we don't even see the need to repent. I have been in that state over the past year or so. I really feel God allowed these sicknesses to draw us back to Himself. I am so thankful for the suffering. It has been a catalyst to draw near to Him. Thank you, Lord. Somehow through suffering he works His righteousness in us. We need to remind ourselves daily through His word of the great things He has done for us, the sin he has rescued us from, the person we used to be but are no longer, and the new man we are meant to be. "We are a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come." By filling ourselves with His light (the Word) we cannot help but SHINE.

"Lord, let your light shine over us...that we may have light to find our way in the darkest night...let Your grace fall over us....let Your love come over us...that we may be saved....that we may have life....to find our way in the darkest night....Let your love come over us."

It's Friday!!!

We may be sick. We may be down, but it's FRIDAY!!!

Too much time on the computer

Blaine just painted his toenails....

What I've Learned

• I've learned to be quiet. The kids will work out their differences eventually. They haven't actually hurt each other severely (yet) as I've always feared they would.
• I've learned to smile. It says so much more than words and takes more effort sometimes. You certainly never need to take back a smile.
• I've learned to stay home. It is just needed to rest the body, mind, and spirit.
• I've learned to endure some really hard times. Maybe not as hard as some, but for me it was a lot.
• I've learned to pray. Pray when it's good. Pray when it's bad. Pray first. See the doctor or pharmacist second. Just pray.
• I've learned a get well card means A LOT. I need to send them out more often.
• I've learned to read my Bible. What else do you do when you can't do anything else? And what better thing to do when you CAN do something else?
• I've learned that little things like teaching, going to the store, and walking outside are the best things in the world.
• I've learned to lean on my friends.
• I've learned not to be embarrassed at a doctor's office when the kids misbehave. Sad, but true.
• And most of all I've learned that my husband will go to the ends of the earth to take care of me.

Muffins and Grumpy Pancakes

Blaine turned 5 on Friday. He was so adorably cute because this was the first year he actually planned his birthday. Turning 5 was a big deal in his mind (okay, in Mommies, too). So on Monday we were making muffins. He loves to help me mix and pour the ingredients in. Well, this time he wanted to put the batter in the muffin cups. This was the first time I had baked in quite a while and had just gotten the house cleaned up. I wasn't so keen on him doing this, so I said, "No. I think Mommy will do it because it's hard to do." He replies, "Mommy, I'm five now! I can do hard things." And he was as serious as all get out. Sniff! Sniff! Just as I thought: five would mean a few feathers are leaving the nest.

So today we were making pancakes (my fourth actual attempt to bake something this week). I was on the phone with his nurse trying to get some more albuterol. I had to stay focused on that, NOT the pancakes. We got the dry stuff mixed. We cracked the eggs in. "Yes, this is nurse Sandy. Tell me the symptoms he's having and those he's had in the past." I whisper, "Blaine, don't stir right now. Please wait..." And then loudly, "Yes, we're wanting to make sure he has enough for the weekend. What are the signs...." I get off the phone to realize he has stirred the two tiny eggs into the mound of flour mixture. "Blaine, you should have waited for the milk. Now they're going to be LUMPY."

I scurry to the fridge to get the milk and rescue our pancake batter. He cries out, "I'm sorry, Mommy!"
"Oh, it's okay, Blaine, you just need to wait when Mommy says to."
With an actual tear he cries out, "Now they're going to be GRUMPY!" I couldn't help but laugh. Just what I needed for a stressful morning full of physician and pharmaceutical calls.

Summary

Micah said the previous posts were depressing. So here is a summary: We were sick for 6 weeks. I'm feeling better now, and Micah is still hurting.

Did you know?

Did you know???...

1. Your family can survive on sandwiches for 6 weeks.


2. If you whisper, your kids will, too.


3. You can watch football for two straight days with breaks for water and church.


4. That you can spend almost $1000 in just 3 weeks on allergies and your back.


5. That it is possible not to talk on the phone for 9 days straight.


6. That every plan you make can be completely dashed in a matter of minutes.


7. That it is possible to have 5 doctor appointments every week for two weeks straight.
8. And 40 doctor appointments between two (normally) very healthy people in just a 6 weeks time span, but you will be able to do nothing else.
   
9. That if you go to People's Pharmacy and tell them you have allergies they will help you.


10. The doctor there will make you stick out your arm and test your reflexes and pressure points to see how much of an allergy supplement you need. He's kind of weird, but so far his advice works.


11. That it is possible to make it through severe neck and shoulder pain for two weeks, a dad's heart attack, and 4 weeks of severe allergies all in the same 6 weeks.


12. It is impossible to live life normally when you feel dizzy all day.


13. It is possible to not clean your house for 6 weeks.

Well...it is! So now you're caught up on the last 6 weeks, and you didn't have to go through ALL the griping and complaining along the way. :) Aren't you lucky?

Monday

I woke up feeling pretty good. I was hopeful of better days, and then...

Micah couldn't move. He was stuck in bed. After a weekend of mowing, standing on concrete, and playing in the pool his back was completely out. I couldn't believe it. He could barely get to the bathroom. I felt for him. He visited the chiropractor that morning, but it didn't help. The chiropractor really did nothing. All I can say is he lost a patient. Micah needed help, and he took no action upon himself to help him. He went home and rested the whole day with meds, heat, and Bio freeze.

The next morning the same. We woke up at 6 something to get him to a doc at 8:15. My internist whom I've really grown to respect looked him over. He quizzed him about many things, as he had done with me. I was amazed to see him in action but over a completely different subject. He determined that he did not have a herniated disc. He sent for x-rays downstairs at the Austin Radiological Center. He barely made it down there. Since, he has been on muscle relaxants and referred to a physical therapist that will teach him the McKenzie method. We have heard others recommend this method and are hopeful of its results. With the meds he has been able to make it to work and come home. That is all. All other moments he has been asleep. Friday he made it to Blaine's birthday party by a miracle. I am tired. Tired of all this. I have to do pretty much everything. And he hurts.

The chiropractor has since gone on and on about how he should be doing this or doing that. He ordered an MRI on Tuesday after learning that he went to a MD. He may be completely right, but he should have been right on Monday. We still have not gotten the order from his office to get the MRI. It has been a week. He has no one to blame but himself for losing a client. Micah thinks the world of him, but when you need help and can't get it you have to go fishing for yourself.

Saturday

I woke up with no voice and a raging sore throat. Did you know that you can lose your voice for 9 days straight and have lumps in your throat as big as Life Savers? Well you can, and from allergies, too. So I visited the after hours clinic and was supplied with Allegra, Nasonex, and Sudafed. I had already stocked up from People's Pharmacy on some Immune boosting stuff. Did you know that it is possible to take up to 45 pills or more a day? Well it is. I had to drink tar, or it least it tasted like it. I've also had licorice root, and I don't recommend it. In just two weeks we spent almost $200 just in medications (just co-pays) and vitamin supplements. In fact when I went to pick-up my last prescription I guess we had used so many meds that the insurance just got tired of us. I was told that it would cost $143 for my Allegra med. Thank the Lord I tried to pick it up that day b/c I was starting to feel better. The day before I would have done ANYTHING.

And did you know that it is somewhat possible to run a two story house by whispering? I have learned how. And now I know why nuns fast from talking every once in a while. It builds much self-control (which I seem to be lacking today). God sustained us and carried us. My friends loved on us and watched our kids countless times. People have brought meals, driven me places when I was too dizzy, and mowed our lawn. We are overwhelmed by every one's prayers. By His grace and yet another doc app I am finally feeling better. And then...

What else

The same day as my father's heart attack I noticed I felt dizzy walking down the hallway of the hospital. I passed it off as weariness and went on. From then on I noticed it every day for 10 days. I finally went to the doctor. I was sure it was something very serious that I was ignoring. The doctor here in CP told me to go home and eat a candy bar or drink a coke when I felt that way b/c I was hypoglycemic. I wanted to smack him. He hadn't taken blood. He didn't ask any questions. He didn't even check my heart. This is the same group that another doc told me to wrap my foot for a few days after I told her it had been hurting me for 6 months. Let's see I figured that one out, too. A visit to the Podiatrist was in order.

So after the coke doctor, the next day I visited an Internist. Much better. He actually had a brain and used it. He asked me a million questions. Looked at my test results from the previous day and concluded allergies or a virus. Whew! Not too bad. I was told to come back in a week if it didn't get better. Well, then the next week I was busy. Labor day, two dentist app, two chiropractor app, and life. I felt okay. Still dizzy, but manageable. Until Saturday....

I'm Back

Well, it's been a while. Over a month to be exact. Life has been hairy around here to say the least. I have been surviving. My dad had a heart attack on Aug 18. It was so frightening. He was life flighted from my grandmother's farm in Fayetteville to the Heart Hospital in Austin. The last time I was there was when my father-in-law passed away. But somehow I knew this was different. I had peace not to worry. Of course I still worried. His heart attack happened at 12:15 in the afternoon. He was out of surgery by 3 or 4 I guess. My mom arrived around 6pm. It took her about two hours to think straight enough to pack medications and a few change of clothes. I felt for her so badly and wanted to run to her rescue. She was just too far away. At any rate he is doing well now. We were all shook up for quite a while. They are pretty sure (but not 100% positive) that he became dehydrated working out in the fields. They said more heart attacks happen from that than anything else. All he had was Gatorade. No water. It was very hot that day, and he was working hard and sweating like a horse. His overalls were completely wet two days later-head to toe. So as a warning to all of us. We need to STAY hydrated and stop and drink every 30 minutes, take breaks, and don't work in the heat of the day. Dehydration causes the blood platelets to get sticky. They begin to stick around the valves of the heart where there are cholesterol deposits. Then a blood clot forms, cutting off the blood supply. Scary. But God saved him one more time. Thank you, Lord. I wasn't ready to say goodbye, but then I never will be.

Balancing Act

I just wanted to add that Jenny's comments about being content with what she has in her home inspired the idea to use our furniture in the guest bedroom. It helped me realize we DO have really nice things, and I am happy for that. I don't have to feel stuck with them, but I can also move them around to different rooms OR let them go when needed. It's a delicate balance!

Decorating!

Yesterday I found the most beautiful quilt at TJ Max for our new upstairs guest room. It was only $39 (not as good of a deal as Mom and Tammie's rummage sale, but still a good deal). It even had pillow shams to match on another shelf. I thought it was a good find. It looks so pretty and feminine. We'll eventually be moving our furniture into the guest bedroom, and we both think that was a stroke of genius because the furniture matches both in style and wood stain. I feel so good that some things are finally coming together. Now I just need to tackle the closet in the hall (hah!) and our room (double hah!).

I was reading hgtv's site last night about color choices. "Have you ever picked a color only to find that nothing in the world, including your room, matches that color?" That would be me! Yep. I LOVE the color of our room, but everything I find to match it is so UGLY. Therefore there is nothing on the walls. None of the furniture even matches. I feel stuck. My next step will be calling in a decorator. That sounds like such a grown-up thing to do, but I think it just may be time...

HOPE: I picked up some magazines today with the same exact color on the walls, or at least close. Why is it that those things look like they would never go in MY room? Is the color that different? Are the windows special? Or is it that they just don't care how well it matches because in the end they touch it up on the computer before putting it on the cover? The picture does look lovely. I bet they have special lighting! I can only hope mine will look just as pretty.

And why is it that my husband had to buy a new computer program; but it wouldn't work on our computer so we had to get a new computer? Same reason I HAD to paint our room and now we'll need new furniture to GO with the paint! Life is funny.

Pain

Well, you guys are at my mercy today. I have a lot to say. I went to the chiropractor today... I didn't care for it at all. It freaked me out, really. He showed me the x-rays of my spine and skull and how my neck was not where it should be. Even my head is turned to the right (I had already noticed that at home). But the thing is...I do feel better. Much better. But it just creeps me out. Please pray for me to be able to endure this if this is what I must do. At least Micah is going with me and getting his back adjusted, too. If you have never been, it is weird. Just plain weird. At least I can turn my head today much further than I have been able to in days.

For those of you who don't know I received inserts for my shoes from a doctor a month ago. My low arch was causing my ankle and entire foot to hurt to the point where I couldn't walk across the room. I even sprained my ankle at one point just from running a little. For 4 years I've been thinking it was my shoes. When I could no longer walk in my home I realized I needed more help. Too bad my family physician didn't realize that. At any rate the inserts have completely changed the way I walk, stand, run. Everything. And apparently my back, too. I have had pain so bad that it sends me to bed in tears. This week I gave up when I couldn't turn my head on Wednesday. My shoulder muscle was so tight it felt like a huge rock was in there-REALLY!

I have now been told I have a high pain threshold. Great. Just Great. Not what I wanted to hear. Hopefully there is an end in sight.

So Excited!!!

Okay,
I am so utterly excited and just floating on cloud 9. Crystal Lake called us this morning to let us know that we could use their building for free!!! So, not only is this the perfect place to meet for our co-op it will cost us only sweat to clean it afterwards. This is just too good. I am so thankful for the Lord's goodness in providing us this place. Just when I thought all was hopeless, He provided exceedingly & abundantly above all we could ask or think. I was dumbfounded when he said it would be free of charge. I wanted to clean my ear and say, "Excuse me, did you say "FREE"?...Because I'm not really sure I heard you correctly." But I was so afraid he'd change his mind, so I thought I'd just wait until I pick up the paperwork.
God is good-all the time!

TOO FAR OUT

Okay, this one is cynical. Yesterday my mom was called by a neighbor stating that a man was in their backyard, and it was not my dad. Dad said indeed he was not there but had left the house 30 minutes before. The neighbor and my mom went over there to find a homeless man, drunk and unclothed in their pool! At any rate, she called the police and they said they weren't coming out because he hadn't broken into the house! My dad asked him to sit down and wait for the police to come, but he wouldn't do it. So, my dad chased him for two hours in the car. He called the police every time the man went into a different store.

Then Mom saw a cop car sitting in a parking lot, so she went over there to him and asked him if he could help. He said no he could not because he was on an assignment (in the parking lot?). Anyway, my dad called to say he was across the street from where my mom was, so I guess that convinced the cop to go over there and check him out. Meanwhile the police found time in their schedule to go to my mom's house. Of course they weren't there because they were doing the police's job of chasing the guy! When the police questioned him he said, "Well the man was asleep so I decided to take a bath." My dad had been asleep in the house right before leaving, so that means the man looked in the window to spy on him. My dad left without ever knowing the guy was there!

A few weeks ago in a nearby city someone stole a man's truck meanwhile hitting him on the head. He called the police and they came out. Of course the men got away, and the police then charged him $500 because the robbers weren't there and he "lived too far out". Too far out for what? Too far out for you to...DO YOUR JOB? What's this world coming to?

A PRAISE

I am so thrilled about this! We have been praying and praying for a place for our co-op to meet next year. We had one church pegged as our very favorite. We thought they called to tell us that it wouldn't work, but here a week later they called and said that never happened. So, they are praying this very night and meeting to discuss whether or not to let us meet there. I am so excited! I have been praying daily since we got the "no" that God would open a door and allow us to meet there. That He would somehow change their minds. So...we'll see what comes of it all. It is just so perfect with 30 acres to study botany, classrooms and a kitchen already ready for us. A pastor who didn't care if paint got on his new floors because of art! (Of course we would clean it up!) He just laughed and said, "Ah, that's why we put linoleum down. That's what art's for! To get messy." Wow! Please pray with us if you get this message for God's complete will. I know He has the perfect place for us.

Anyway

Okay, so I told you about it anyway.

STUFF

I'm waiting to see if I publish anything of importance here before I tell anyone about it...At the very least I will amuse myself greatly.

I am currently doing a major reorganization of our home. Everything in this room is going to that room, and everything in that room is going to that room; you get the picture. I feel like Ernie and Bert in that book where Bert is looking for his cowboy hat. Man, that is my favorite book ever because so many times in my life I find myself in that same situation!

All the kids toys are getting boxed up and put away for rotation. I have never seen so much stuff in all my life. Why? Why do we shuffle so much? Why do we collect so much? I was astounded when I got their toys and books in the boxes. Utterly astounded. I couldn't believe how much they had! I filled ten boxes. And I go through their stuff all the time. About every two or three months I give away 10 bags or so to the Salvation Army. How do we collect so much stuff?

Brimful...

What? I can't believe I'm joining the ranks of bloggers! It seems like such a trite thing when everyone else you know is doing it and then you decide to do it as well. Oh well. I'll just have to get over that. You see what happened is that I drank half of a Dr. Pepper around 8:30 and now I can't go to sleep. I have more productive things to do than start blogs, but I am hoping in the end this will prove to be helpful to me. You see I feel the motherhood stage of my life is getting the best of me. Er, I mean I hope it is! I am hoping to make some sense of it all by journaling here. Well, maybe I will; maybe I won't. Either way, I LOVE journaling and miss it terribly. A journal can't turn its ears off or change the conversation or ask for a cup of milk. It just sits there and takes whatever you have to say! Nonetheless, I hardly ever take the time to journal and most of the time don't even know where I placed it! I'm working on that. Hopefully I won't lose my computer that much...

All that to say I have immensely enjoyed the entries of various family members and have been encouraged beyond measure. May this be an overflow of a cupful.