tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83254732866224980582024-03-13T11:51:19.802-04:00Mansion MomsMy favorite old hymn as a child was "I've Got a Mansion". Today, knowing I have a mansion in heaven helps get me through my crazy days of being a stay-at-home mommy! Just singing the chorus of the old hymn can lift my spirits even through the toughest of days. I hope you find a verse or thought here that speaks to you and lifts your spirits!Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-43792246997045914192015-03-11T09:59:00.000-04:002015-03-11T09:59:01.593-04:00ComfortingI have a lot of memories from my childhood. Some I could close my eyes and really feel like I am there. Many fun memories come from my lunch times in Elementary school. I was a picky, picky, picky child, so, I never ordered lunch. And in fact, I took the same thing pretty much everyday of my Elementary days. (And on a side note, I took my lunch almost everyday right up until I graduated. Not the coolest thing, but hey a girl's got to eat!) It was comforting to know that when I opened my lunch box, there would be a PB and honey sandwich waiting for me.<br />
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I really wish I could get my girls to eat these little treats. My lunch dilemma would be solved! But sadly, they only prefer PB and Nutella... which I refuse to fix everyday. It is their Friday treat for lunch!<br />
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Now days, I still find comfort in the combo of PB and honey. So anytime I see a recipe with it, I must try it! This recipe was on Pinterest and boast to be a 3 ingredient, no bake granola bar. I did up it to 5 ingredients, but it is still no bake, and we all loved it! I hope your family enjoys!<br />
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2 cups oatmeal<br />
1 cup rice krispy cereal<br />
1 cup peanut butter<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1/3 cup white chocolate chips<br />
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Microwave the PB and honey for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 20-30 seconds until melty and ooey and gooey and yummy. Mix in remaining ingredients and press into a sprayed 9x9 dish. I used a 7x10, but that is an odd size. Place in the fridge for 1 hour or so until set. I keep ours in the fridge because we like them cold. Super yummy!<br />
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And yes there is one missing because I had to verify it was delish before I posted :-)</div>
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Today's Verse</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Let your light so shine before men" Matt. 5:16a</span></div>
<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-73893264070878879122015-02-18T14:27:00.001-05:002015-02-18T14:28:04.297-05:00What's Cookin' Wednesday!Anything hot is what's cookin' this week. Here in NC we are experiencing some of the coldest temps ever. The snow and ice is melting in the sun this morning, but there might be more on the way and the temps are not expected to rise but only fall more in the coming days! Yikes! Where is spring????<br />
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Here are the soups I've made this week. That's the best thing for these cold days. It goes great with the breadsticks I made last week and stuck in the freezer. They freeze so well. Just pop in the microwave and honestly it's like they just came out of the oven! <br />
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Stay warm and I hope your family enjoys!<br />
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Chicken and Gnocchi<br />
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I used chicken breast instead of thighs, omitted the celery and used a little celery salt, and used regular cream of chicken soup and a tsp of garlic paste...it was tasty!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-chicken-and-gnocchi-soup/7d4820af-107c-4726-bc3a-b6b47f8e8809">http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-chicken-and-gnocchi-soup/7d4820af-107c-4726-bc3a-b6b47f8e8809</a><br />
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Black Bean and Quinoa Chili<br />
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I omitted the bell peppers and zucchini. I did add about 1/3 cup of chunky salsa. This was very yummy and warm to the tummy as well!<br />
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<a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2008/07/black-bean-and-quinoa-chili.html">http://www.closetcooking.com/2008/07/black-bean-and-quinoa-chili.html</a><br />
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Breadsticks<br />
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<a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/02/olive-garden-breadsticks/">http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/02/olive-garden-breadsticks/</a><br />
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Check out <a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Showing Joy</a> for the experiments that have kept us busy!Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-87503723881865759042015-01-27T14:09:00.000-05:002015-01-28T10:28:31.496-05:00Old HabitsWhile folding clothes, I heard the beautiful voice of my almost 5 year old. I smiled. I love to hear her singing. Then after I listened to the words, I laughed hard. Not because the song was funny. Not because her singing was hilarious. No, I laughed because it was the end of January and she was singing Silent Night to the top of her lungs. Next day, similar scenario, but instead I heard Little Drummer Boy. <br />
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What had her singing Christmas songs again?<br />
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The thing is, we sing them a lot, or at least we do at our house, for a month straight. We hear them at church, on the radio, at the Christmas events, and they get stuck in our heads. It's hard to make them disappear, and tuck them away for a year, just a few weeks later. <br />
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So, how do these songs relate to old habits?<br />
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Did you make a resolution of eating healthier, exercising more, saving more, spending more time in God's Word? Any time you try to change a bad habit, it can be hard to change and not fall into old ways. I'll skip today's quiet time...I'm just so tired. I have to have that new shirt! Just a few chips won't hurt.<br />
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Here's the thing, I actually tried to start my New Year's resolution back in the fall. I knew 2015 would be here before I knew it, and I wanted to start it off on the right foot well in advance. I didn't go for a diet...I went for a lifestyle change. I started tracking what I ate on a free app. I started using a small stepper in the evenings while the girls were winding down and supper was cooking. I started measuring my portions and trying to eat more veggies. It was great! By Christmas I was already feeling better! I made it through Christmas...I still ate goodies, just not quite as many, and I tried to make a real effort to keep exercising. The stepper was really making a difference. I have always enjoyed exercise videos, but this was new and challenging!<br />
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Now we're in January, and some old habits are trying to find their way back in! A few chips here, and a few tastes there. Not taking the time to keep track of what I'm eating. Sneaking the 100 Grands that have been around our house due to the celebration of the <a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/2015/01/100th-day-of-school.html" target="_blank">100th Day of School</a>! Habits are hard to break...especially when it comes to food. <br />
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So, how do you jump back on the life style change when you've had a few days of over-indulging? I start the next day with a yogurt with a little honey and almonds (all measured). I have a salad with a very lite dressing (that yes I measure to make sure I only use 2 Tbsp) with a good fat or protein like edamame, avocado, walnuts or black beans. I snack on popcorn and fruit. I have a great supper, but really watch my portions and I do still have an after dinner treat...100 cal chocolate Popsicle (aka - the mommy pop - which is what the girls call it) or a very small piece of chocolate. <br />
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This is what I've been doing and I hope to continue to do. I am feeling better, and hoping to avoid cholesterol medicine at my next dr. appointment. I have also been experiencing less pains in my gallbladder area, which had also been very intense back in the fall.<br />
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I'm not going to say no to date nights to my favorite restaurant, or a good brownie every now and then,.. just like I will never resist singing a good Christmas song anytime of year. Last night when my little one wanted to sing Happy Birthday Jesus in the bath, we sung it very loud!<br />
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Old habits are hard to change, but new habits can take their place! Tonight I think I will suggest we sing My God is so Big and put those 100 Grands out of sight!<br />
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Psalm 34:8 "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">O </span><span class="strongs" sn="02938" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">taste</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> and </span><span class="strongs" sn="07200" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">see</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> that the </span><span class="strongs" sn="03068" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">LORD</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> is </span><span class="strongs" sn="02896" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">good:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="strongs" sn="0835" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">blessed</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> is the </span><span class="strongs" sn="01397" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">man</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> that </span><span class="strongs" sn="02620" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">trusteth</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> in him."</span><br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-6070801355067685662015-01-08T11:07:00.000-05:002015-01-08T11:07:57.024-05:00Time for Soup!Happy 2015! I hope it's off to a great start!<br />
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We have been getting back into the swing of things. School has been a little difficult to jump back into this week, but we are finishing up the 3rd six weeks and that means we are half way there! <br />
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Christmas was busy, but fun! Such a nice break when you have to think really hard about what day of the week it is! The girls got a unique swing set, that has become my favorite place to relax. It is kind of like a big circle hammock. My youngest loves telling everyone that their swing is mom's new happy place! It's nice until they start to spin me around and around...then I am not so happy. <br />
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It's cold in our parts...well I hear it's cold almost everywhere. So, it's time for soup! We are having chili tonight, but I wanted to share a lasagna soup we had over the break. Literally one of the best things I think I have ever had! I've seen lots of versions of this on pinterest...but here's mine. I served it with garlic knots. It was so good, we all had seconds! Yay!<br />
I hope your family enjoys!<br />
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Lasagna Soup<br />
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1 lb Sausage - Browned and drained<br />
3 cans of chicken broth<br />
1 can Italian diced tomatoes<br />
1 can tomato paste<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
1/2 tsp onion powder<br />
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning<br />
10 lasagna noodles<br />
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1 cup ricotta cheese<br />
1 cup mozzarella cheese<br />
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Combine all the ingredients except the cheeses and noodles in a large dutch oven on medium heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce to low. Stirring occasionally, cook for 1-2 hours. (This could probably be done in the crock pot also, and we will definitely try it that way. I just cooked it on the stove top and started it early evening and left it.) Turn heat back up to medium high and add the noodles in broken pieces. Cook for another 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. Serve with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella if desired.<br />
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<span class="text Phil-3-13" id="en-KJV-29435" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,</span></div>
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-34500543669045421292014-12-18T15:59:00.000-05:002014-12-18T15:59:18.481-05:00Failing at ChristmasI fail as a mom everyday! Those failures can add up quickly, and especially during this time of year. My house doesn't look like a magazine. The recipes aren't always delicious. And my wrapped presents under the tree are hideous. They look like my kids wrapped them, no joke, but it was all me! How do I handle the small failures that add up to equal one epic fail?<br />
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All these thoughts started recently with our annual making of the gingerbread house. We've tried kits, graham crackers, and so forth, but nothing looks picture perfect. This year we went with a different approach...a log Christmas cabin with pretzel rods. We started off strong, but before long it collapsed...epic fail! I was frustrated and disheartened. But, on the flip side, the candy was good, the hot coco we drank while making it was delicious, and we did laugh at parts of our building process. And thankfully, we had a few more crafts that actually turned out great! (Check out our snowman mason jars at <a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/">http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/</a>)<br />
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I burnt an expensive bag of almonds that I was trying to make for candy gifts...but I successfully made my first key lime pie for my hubby's b-day! Yay! (Check recipe out below!)<br />
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I made Christmas crepes for my girls and the first one was a definite mess, but the others turned out splendid. Try, try again when things don't go your way! I tell my girls that a lot, and this little experience reminded myself of that!<br />
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I printed the cutest Christmas lists for the girls to fill out, and my oldest informed me there might not be enough spaces for everything she wants. Ouch! Sting! That was a major epic fail feeling as a mom! But, I was able to look past it when a few hours later she quoted Luke 2:8-14 and my little one, on her own, wanted to make a birthday card for Jesus. Yay! Maybe they do get Who we are celebrating.<br />
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My gifts look like I wrapped them blindfolded, but isn't it what is inside that counts?<br />
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I may feel like the failures are huge, and our life this month feels like a whirlwind mess...and if I let my mind go to a bad place, I can feel like an epic failure...but isn't it what is inside that counts? </div>
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Isn't it Who is inside that matters? </div>
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Am I letting the One we are celebrating rule in our lives and hearts? Spending time with Him when it's busy, talking about His love and grace while we bake and decorate and wrap and be crafty. Singing Happy Birthday Jesus all through the day. </div>
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Keeping our eyes on Him and not the failures that make me feel frustrated...that's what can bring the joy instead of the heartache!</div>
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I hope you don't have the failing at Christmas feelings I have experienced over the last few weeks!</div>
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But, if you have, turn your eyes to the Savior we are celebrating for. He looks past our failures and loves us unconditionally! Epic fails and all, He loves us! </div>
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Merry Christmas...no matter if it's not picture perfect...Merry Merry Christmas!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 2:8-14</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-8" id="en-KJV-24982" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-KJV-24983" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-KJV-24984" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-KJV-24985" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-KJV-24986" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-KJV-24987" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-14" id="en-KJV-24988" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</span></div>
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Pie Recipe...</div>
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-30667">http://www.food.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-30667</a></div>
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-60724304948053756672014-11-20T14:17:00.000-05:002014-11-20T14:17:35.862-05:00The easiest "pumpkin pie"I blinked and it is Thanksgiving. I can't comprehend where this year went. I am not prepared for the chaos that is coming. Deep Breath!!!!<br />
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I wanted to post a quick recipe that I tried last week for a gathering we had. It was a last minute decision...and a pretty tasty one. We are having a "pie and praise" night this Sunday at church, and I plan to make it again. I love pies! But, I do not make them that often. I am also planning to make another homemade chocolate pie next week for my hubby's birthday. I will try a different crust though. I also saw the cutest pie bites on Pinterest, and I hope the girls and I can try them soon! <br />
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This does use a cake mix so easy is not even the word for it. I reduced the sugar by 1/4 of a cup and only used 3/4 of a stick of butter. With a scoop of ice cream, it was amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.duncanhines.com/recipes/cakes/Duncan%20Hines%C2%AE/pumpkin-pie-crunch/">http://www.duncanhines.com/recipes/cakes/Duncan%20Hines%C2%AE/pumpkin-pie-crunch/</a><br />
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Chocolate Pie<br />
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-chocolate-meringue-pie">http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-chocolate-meringue-pie</a><br />
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Pie Bites<br />
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<a href="http://picky-palate.com/2010/12/20/kiss-pies/">http://picky-palate.com/2010/12/20/kiss-pies/</a><br />
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If I am not back before Thanksgiving, I hope your family has a delicious and delightful Turkey Day!Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-80827894635184351832014-11-10T16:19:00.000-05:002014-11-10T16:19:05.950-05:00That was awesome!It's Monday afternoon. I should be running around getting school work finished, starting supper, finding cleats and shin guards, making sure the jerseys are clean, getting my husband's coaching gear ready, and so forth and so on...but I'm not. Sniff, sniff, sniff!!!!<br />
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I thought I would be more excited about this day and more relieved that the season was over. But after living at the soccer field for a few months, I am going to miss it! I am thankful to have a normal Monday night at home, but I honestly forgot how to have a normal Monday night at home! We miss the kids, the fun, and the excitement! Three fields with three games all going at the same time. Lots of cheering and whistles and running and kicking. I didn't know being a real soccer mom could be so fun! <br />
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Neither of my girls had an undefeated season, but they both had great seasons!<br />
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It was funny to watch the difference in the two teams. <br />
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My oldest's team (in the 7-8 year old league) took things pretty seriously. They were disappointed when they lost; they worked well together, and cheered each other on. The goalies cried when they missed a goal, and we all encouraged them and said they would get the next one. We cheered for the goals our team made, and we cheered for the other team after a collective "AAAhhhh!" was said. They passed the ball. They were excited to be there. They improved every game!<br />
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My youngest's team (4-6 year olds) was a whole different story. The kids just wanted to kick the ball. They danced and chased butterflies. They kicked the dirt and talked to each other. They might have frowned when they missed the goal or they may just laugh, but it was no big deal. They hardly payed attention to the game when it was their turn on the bench. We all cheered no matter who scored...even if they scored in the wrong net. And no matter if they won or lost, the kids only cared about the snacks! <br />
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We walked to the van after a game night where both girls lost. One lost by only one goal, and the other lost by a lot. The oldest was sad and disappointed, and the youngest was dancing and saying, "That was awesome!" (And she's the one whose team got creamed!) <br />
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If we could all have that perspective. We wouldn't take disappointments so seriously, and we would always see the bright side. We'd pick ourselves up and still say, "that was awesome!" But the older we get, the more losing hurts. It takes us a lot longer to find a bright side.<br />
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Today's Verse<br />
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"In the day of my trouble, I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." Psalm 86:4<br />
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When I'm having a day when nothing feels awesome, and I feel like I'm losing...I will call upon Him. He will answer. He will help in my trouble. He will help me find the bright side and give me the comfort I need.<br />
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I love that verse...it is awesome!Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-26766978019386331792014-10-01T15:04:00.001-04:002014-10-01T15:04:59.189-04:00The most delicious pizzas ever...Have you ever grilled a pizza. I was skeptical, but the girls and I decided to get Daddy a pizza grill pan. It is basically a metal pizza pan with small holes all over it. Would we like grilled pizza? Would it burn easily? There was only one way to find out. We made 2 homemade pizza doughs. The girls had a blast doing this! We used a basic dough recipe found online. Nothing special...flour, yeast, water and olive oil. The dough grew and grew, which was awesome to watch, and kneading the dough was like playing with playdoh! <br />
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We divided the dough to make 3 pizzas. We pinched a small amount off of each batch to make a small desert pizza...YUMMY!<br />
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This pizza we made in the oven for 10 minutes on 400, and then broiled for a minute on high...<br />
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S more's Pizza - YAY!<br />
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Dough<br />
2-3 Tbsp brown sugar<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips<br />
12-15 large marshmallows - halved<br />
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs<br />
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Knead the sugar and cinnamon into the dough. Place on a parchment lined pan and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove and add chocolate and marshmallows. Return to oven for another 5 minutes or until everything is melted and the crust is done. Broil to get that nice char on the marshmallows for the campfire feeling, and sprinkle with crumbs before serving! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPRu65u0zW5UJQ-ldyXJDYXqoDzKCygU3IFeIXShkmIphYVpOp0e6ij6DTAbH76su9vXP_68cvBq4dp0NJwDewEbq0ouC6pz4gtM3pz-5o6QBiDeixcMIBpxPGn1vcYHs3EX7vI8MvTs/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPRu65u0zW5UJQ-ldyXJDYXqoDzKCygU3IFeIXShkmIphYVpOp0e6ij6DTAbH76su9vXP_68cvBq4dp0NJwDewEbq0ouC6pz4gtM3pz-5o6QBiDeixcMIBpxPGn1vcYHs3EX7vI8MvTs/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" /></a></div>
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We also made a regular peporoni and cheese pizza...extra cheese on Daddy's side. The key to grilling the pizza is grilling the crust for 5-6 minutes and then flipping. Add your toppings and return to grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is ready.</div>
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And finally...the best pizza ever!!!! Get ready for a Philly Cheese Steak pizza! Sooooo easy and sooooo delicious!</div>
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3-4 Tbsp of evoo</div>
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1 tsp onion powder</div>
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1 tsp garlic powder</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 baby red pepper</div>
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1 banana pepper</div>
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1 jalapeno - if desired</div>
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8 oz. deli style roast beef</div>
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1 1/2 cups of cheese - we used cheddar and mozzarella</div>
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And the best part! Don't question, just do it...</div>
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1/4 cup A1 steak sauce</div>
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Spread the crust with oil and sprinkle with spices. Bake or grill for 5-6 minutes. Add chopped peppers, chopped roast beef and shredded cheese. Drizzle with A-1 and bake or grill for another 5-7 minutes. Hope your family enjoys!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxGrS9IZemdv5lLzc7SXmox_fzlBLJA1fpc25CwM_jMuiRTxVdR3ojQfz93tCC9Fh6sVmKVysqIOUReyUclRrhyifqcVWZ8-AmCmSH7rys9umJuicV98B5FFVkQV5FDdx3n_IMdjZReE/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxGrS9IZemdv5lLzc7SXmox_fzlBLJA1fpc25CwM_jMuiRTxVdR3ojQfz93tCC9Fh6sVmKVysqIOUReyUclRrhyifqcVWZ8-AmCmSH7rys9umJuicV98B5FFVkQV5FDdx3n_IMdjZReE/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" /></a></div>
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Today's Verse</div>
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"I will praise thee with my whole heart" Psalms 138:1a</div>
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Wednesday is pizza time...check out our new way of telling time over at <a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/2014/10/telling-time.html">http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/2014/10/telling-time.html</a>Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-20301667732224744102014-09-29T11:13:00.002-04:002014-09-29T11:13:47.899-04:00ColorsI am officially a soccer mom! Wow! How did this happen? I don't even know all the rules to soccer! I am a sports fan. I can honestly say I completely understand the game of football (unlike my mom who asked how many innings there were in our big football game this weekend...lol!). I love basketball and I love baseball, but now I must learn to love and understand soccer. With my girls on two different teams, and my husband coaching my oldest's team...I am left with a lot of the dirty work of planning for practices, snacks, texting parents, etc. Two different schedules and games overlapping, this should be awesome! I am basically living at the soccer fields for the next month and a half, but we are excited.<br />
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After a late practice last Monday, we rush home to get super on the table, baths and spend a little time playing a game as a family. My mind was going a mile a minute. I was thinking of the other practices (don't forget there are still gymnastics, dance, co-op and church things too), the 4 dentist appointments on 3 different days, my husband leaving for the west coast and taking a red-eye back, school pictures, and you get what was going on. I was worrying over how the week would get accomplished and if I would keep it together as it progressed. <br />
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Then in a moment, I looked up. I was washing my hands at my kitchen sink, when one of those AAHHHHH! moments took place...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGLo_b8SsGNmhiEuPiYACuJj1WASXT4cUsb43iEXPVYlX5OZkI25dvt7ftrCkvzwbJj6qIdeOc51kbnBiLq3Cqu6wXQl1snlqrVrxUZo7j7UGbdbmXkuTSBqqdvNxyEjcPg_UpajeHuM/s1600/sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGLo_b8SsGNmhiEuPiYACuJj1WASXT4cUsb43iEXPVYlX5OZkI25dvt7ftrCkvzwbJj6qIdeOc51kbnBiLq3Cqu6wXQl1snlqrVrxUZo7j7UGbdbmXkuTSBqqdvNxyEjcPg_UpajeHuM/s1600/sunset.JPG" /></a></div>
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The picture doesn't do the sunset justice. The colors were amazing. The view was breathtaking. The effects were so calming. It was going to be a tough week. But the Lord would give me moments like this to remember to take a deep breath, enjoy this hectic life, be thankful for my family, spend time with Him to give me strength, and always notice His beautiful creation. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's Verse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalms 19:1 ESV</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Take time enjoy and be thankful for the world the Lord created for us! His colors and the reminders of His love are amazing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Head over to <a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/">showingjoy.blogspot.com</a> to see a cool color project the girls did!</span></span></div>
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-64107983205824285022014-09-22T15:49:00.002-04:002014-09-22T15:49:18.135-04:00Negative TalkMy daughter recently told me she heard on the TV that "so and so" was a bad person. "So and so" is replacing a politician's name. Now I know politics are important, but I am not a fan of it. And right now, those attack adds are everywhere for a major race happening in our state. Now the person she said was bad, happens to be the one our family will more than likely vote for. So I tried to explain things for my sweet 7 year old to understand.<br />
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Thinking about it later that day, I wondered how many time she might have heard me be negative about someone. The rude lady at the checkout, the mom that hurt my feelings, etc. She's listening to the world around her, including me! I don't want her to hear the negative talk, and I never want her to hear me being negative about another person. Not only is she listening now more than ever (because we are together 24/7 while homeschooling), but she listening and absorbing the information, the reactions, the positive but also the negative. <br />
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I want her to look past the bad and find the good! Always finding the best in people. Realizing we all have bad day...but forgive and move on. You can't always believe what you hear. And the list of lessons to be taught is endless.<br />
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Being positive and building others up...that is what I want my daughter to hear! No Negative Talk!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">edify</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> one another, even as also ye do." 1 Thes 5:11</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm watching what she says, and I'm making sure we talk about what she might hear on the tv or news. But most importantly I'm making sure she understands that negative talk is not something we are going to do in our family, and we can all help each other out by reminding each other to focus on the good!</span></span><br />
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I posted over on Showing JOY about a fun thing we did last week!<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://showingjoy.blogspot.com/2014/09/keeping-busy-having-fun-and-learning.html" target="_blank">Check it out!</a></span><br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-40830479122576142652014-09-16T13:45:00.004-04:002014-09-16T14:38:09.003-04:00Learning CursiveDoes anyone still write in cursive? <br />
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It is not my choice of script, but I sure have been relearning the don't lift your pencil letters with my second grader since school started last month. It is hard! It is tedious! But, much like they say you never forget how to ride a bike, it is all coming back to me. When I had to write Genesis 1:1 on the board this morning, it just flowed out like I had not taken a 20 year break from the beautiful loopy letters. <br />
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Does it matter that she learn to write in cursive? I guess so...she needs to learn to sign her name! But there are not many people that still use this form of writing. Well, in all actuality, we are mostly typing these days and not writing at all...texts and emails make up our communication, not the handwritten letters of old. Online banking has taken the place of writing checks. And the list of new technologies that make paper and pen a thing of the past can go on and on.<br />
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I like the methodical feeling of never lifting your pencil. There may be hesitation as we learn and relearn, but once in the habit, the letters just happen and are beautiful. We can't stop and think about it too much...just like life!<br />
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When I over analyze, hesitate or worry about the next thing, life seems to start to fall apart. We have to 'let go and let God' as the saying goes. Let life happen, trusting that He will make the events flow together for our good. (Rom 8:28) We don't know the future, but we know WHO holds it.<br />
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When I don't think too hard about the letters I'm writing, the beautiful, easy-flowing words appear. <br />
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When I don't think too hard about the trials I am facing, the beautiful, easy-flowing memories can take place in the midst of a not so beautiful world around me.<br />
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I'm not perfect in my cursive writing, and I never will be. I will not ever be perfect in living without worry either. I will have sleepless nights and anxiety that seems to overtake on some days...but in those moments when I hand it all to God, the peace seeps in the broken places and I know it will all be ok somehow. <br />
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Today's Verse<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27b</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Soooooo....I did start a homeschool blog. I'm not sure how good I will be at keeping it up, but as always, I will try my best. I did post a cursive activity we did if you would like to check it out!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://showingjoy.blogspot.com/">https://showingjoy.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-90708620510082282992014-09-10T14:58:00.000-04:002014-09-10T14:58:49.930-04:00Mmmmmm MuffinsHands down, this is the best muffin recipe ever! It freezes well, they are super tasty and they have peaches and walnuts inside. I am not even a huge peach fan, but these are irresistible. I saw a different version of this muffin on another site, but I have made a few changes and the result is sooooo yummy! I wish I had a picture, but I can't seem to keep them long enough to take one :-)<br />
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To freeze, I just wrap individually in wax paper and freeze in freezer bags. Heat for 30-45 seconds and they are amazing. I hope your family enjoys!<br />
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1/2 cup of butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup lowfat plain yogurt<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 cup chopped fresh or frozen peaches<br />
3/4 cup chopped walnuts<br />
2 Tbsp brown sugar<br />
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Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and yogurt and vanilla and mix well. Combine flour and baking powder, stir into creamed mixture just until moistened. Do not overmix. Fold in peaches and walnuts. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle with brown sugar if desired. Bake at 375 for 18-25 minutes.<br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-64165048666245909332014-09-02T10:37:00.004-04:002014-09-02T10:37:57.359-04:00Catching Up!Sooooo....<br />
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Well it's been a while. Not because I intended it to be. Nor because I didn't want to post. It just sort of happened. Each day went by with very few moments for computer time. Hardly any TV time. Just lots of fun in the sun and using our imaginations! I'm not going to whine and cry that it is September...but I do think it might make me feel better. Seriously! But here we are in another school year, and we are ready for anything! I blinked and the summer was over. It is suppose to be hot hot hot here in NC this week, so it is not exactly fall yet. But there is no pool (sniff) and too hot to go to the park (sniff sniff), so what in the world are we going to do? Time to be looking up some Pinterest ideas!<br />
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Oh, and by the way, we are homeschooling this year for our second grader...YIKES!<br />
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So I really do hope to post more. I am debating a separate home school blog. I am excited. I am scared. We are beginning week three...and second grade is hard! I previously did not write in cursive, but I do now. It took me 8 times to write September in cursive yesterday on the board when preparing for today. No joke! I am thankful for this opportunity, and that I feel God has truly called us to do this for this school year, but I am overwhelmed! My little one is still going to preschool three days a week, and we are participating in a cool co-op. We have church; we will be starting soccer soon, and the little one is still in dance and the big one in gymnastics. Life is still crazy plus doing all the school work. But, I am just referring to my fave verse often...Phil 4:13... to sustain me. <br />
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Our theme verse for our home school is 2 Peter 3:18..."But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen." <br />
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Part of our mission statement says..."Learning to put Jesus first, others second and ourselves last." This is otherwise known as JOY. <br />
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J - Jesus first<br />
O - Others second<br />
Y - Yourselves last<br />
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This is something that can be hard for everyone, but we are trying to really instill this in our kids this year. It will be an interesting year. There will be some tough times...there already have been! But we will grow in grace, we will learn more about Jesus, and we will hopefully come out of this in May saying this was an awesome experience!Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-28874785405537476112014-07-07T17:04:00.003-04:002014-07-07T22:58:01.496-04:00Breaking10 years. For over ten years my husband and I have been married and now in July, (YIKES IT IS JULY) we will celebrate 10 years of living in our house.<br />
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Our small, little, cute and cozy house.<br />
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A "starter home" as they call it. A home where newlyweds start their lives together. A first place to call our own. <br />
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The two couples before us lived in this home for the first three-four years of their marriage, but once they had a child, they moved to a bigger home. <br />
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We assumed we would do the same. <br />
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We loved the house...and we still do...10 years later and 2 kids later!<br />
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Our plans didn't pan out. The times we have tried to sell have been a no go. We laugh sometimes about how long we have been here, and we cry sometimes too. We pray and wonder what God has in store. We joke about living here forever...and we just may...only the Lord knows. <br />
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But after 10 years, everything is breaking. Just in the last three months we have replaced the roof, the ac unit, and last week we had to get a new washer. And while it was being delivered we discovered our doorbell is not working!<br />
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Everything is breaking! And in return I have days that I feel like I am breaking too! With everything that seems to be going wrong, there are times I don't want to begin the day for fear of what will happen next. <br />
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There are so many stories of feeling broken in the Bible, and David is a great example. He could be at his lowest, but yet still praising God. <br />
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Today's Verses - Psalms 40:1-3a<br />
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<span class="text Ps-40-1" id="en-KJV-14527" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I waited patiently for the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-40-2" id="en-KJV-14528" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-40-3" id="en-KJV-14529" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I had a morning last week that I just wanted to feel broken all day, I thought of these verses. We are waiting as patiently as we know how, and we have to stay on the rock and not fall back into that miry pit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I read a great piece of advice today in The Secret Place. "While we wait for the big, life-changing events to take place, we often ignore the small things. They seem insignificant, but...they can change everything." </span></div>
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Wow! We can't let life pass us by waiting for what we think should happen. We are on His time, and we can't break and pout while we wait...or we could miss all the other blessings happening around us!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Focus on trusting not breaking... Ps 11:1a "In the LORD put I my trust" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Focus on the blessings not the hardships... Phil 4:19 "My God shall supply all your need."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Focus on making today the best it can be not what could happen tomorrow...Matt 6:34a "Take therefore no thought for the morrow"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Focus on His strength not trying to do things by yourself...Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Focus on Him and we cannot break!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The place I love the most in our darling house is our kitchen. It made me smile the moment we walked in the very first time! We have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen this summer...cooking and doing summer workbooks so as not to forget all we learned in preschool and first grade! One of our favorite recipes also doubled as a science experiment...homemade marshmallows. So good and so yummy! So neat and fun! Also, plain gelatin is sold in 4 pack boxes. The marshmallows call for three, so I also included the pie recipe we used for the leftover pack. Very tasty, especially if your family loves berries like we do! We hope your family enjoys!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe.html</a></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVDnGHjLhHwh2gUmTnkDSyi5YUuTR0DqRc1gbJEFIyC-OlwRJCAVD8pJfBrJSwWbhaq6sHNLM4dLTSmrYfs2IwrwlZE2fpMTnIj9efSQUTk1Uz2wY7An1013ky3cw6cg5y8O3tK-QWnc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVDnGHjLhHwh2gUmTnkDSyi5YUuTR0DqRc1gbJEFIyC-OlwRJCAVD8pJfBrJSwWbhaq6sHNLM4dLTSmrYfs2IwrwlZE2fpMTnIj9efSQUTk1Uz2wY7An1013ky3cw6cg5y8O3tK-QWnc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Pie...no photo, sorry! </div>
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<a href="http://www.recipe.com/creamy-berry-pie/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404607404725_78858" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.recipe.com/creamy-berry-pie/</a></div>
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-88368505328228777462014-05-22T12:44:00.000-04:002014-05-22T12:44:18.368-04:00Yay Yay Yay!!!!Excuse me while I do the happy dance and sing "Yay, Yay, Yay!!!!"<br />
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What's the celebration about?<br />
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I prepared my last lunchbox for the school year this morning...and I am soooooo excited and relieved! And YES, it does cause me that much stress and frustration!<br />
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Wow, how the 13-14 school year flew by...and not that I am rushing life...but am I glad it is almost over. We need a break! And while I know many moms who dread the weeks of filling time over the summer break, I am just as excited (or more excited) than my kiddos! <br />
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For me it means - less driving, less waiting, no lunchboxes, no homework, more time together, less fighting, less stress, and all together a nice break! <br />
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My preschooler successfully finished her first year yesterday! My oldest has a week to go, but we ordered pizza for her last lunch tomorrow and next week is all half days!!!!!! <br />
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Projects for the summer - I have a lot of ideas running through my head, but a main one is finding more things my preschooler will eat in her lunchbox. I have discussed the ups of down of having a picky eater before, and although she has made some improvements, we have a ways to go...especially before kindergarten begins in another year and I have to fix lunch 5 days a week!!!!<br />
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We have just a few summer months every year until the kids grow, get their license, get summer jobs, and will not want to hang with mom and dad and siblings. They'll be too cool for family vacations! And although I don't want to think of those days ahead, in the back of my mind I want to make the most of this time. It's a lot of pressure to make the summer months fun but also productive; filled with activities but also relaxing; lazy but not too lazy! I am anxious to get started and already sad for when it ends! <br />
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I hope to live each day with gladness and thankfulness to be with my little ones! I will lose my temper a few times, and they will aggravate each other, but for the most part, I want this time together to be exciting and something they will always look forward to.<br />
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Today's Verse<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">James 4:14</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">King James Version (KJV)</span></div>
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<span class="text Jas-4-14" id="en-KJV-30352"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-4-14"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Life is short, and time with our children while they are small is even shorter! I pray for a fun and safe summer! One filled with good memories and lots of hugs. New recipes and lots of picnics. Fun outings and rainy days watching movies. Days swimming and days playing. New friends at new camps! </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And a Fabulous VBS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heavenly Father, Thank you for this life, and help us to live it fully... praising You at the end of each day no matter what we have faced!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recipe Links...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Surprisingly Good Slow Cooker Pancake...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-cinnamon-roll-pancake/b72f7f2d-61b7-448a-908c-3704128ae9c4?src=SH">http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-cinnamon-roll-pancake/b72f7f2d-61b7-448a-908c-3704128ae9c4?src=SH</a></span><br />
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New favorite Cookie Bar recipe...<br />
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<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2014/04/chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/">http://www.ourbestbites.com/2014/04/chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/</a><br />
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What my fantastic husband and girls made for Mother's Day - Delicious French Toast ...<br />
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/perfect-french-toast-recipe.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/perfect-french-toast-recipe.html</a><br />
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Hope your family enjoys!<br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-23326340730377613872014-05-06T17:24:00.001-04:002014-05-06T17:24:17.333-04:00Waiting is what I do best!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The title makes me laugh! I sooooooo stink at waiting! But there have been quite a few questions and prayers unanswered, so waiting has become the norm! But I so love God's sense of humor in all of this...and yes I believe He has one and I love it when we see it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We are beginning a new series at our church called "You Asked for It". The pastor will be answering certain questions asked by the congregation. I briefly thought of asking about why we have to wait so long sometimes and add in parenthesis (Do not tell me the story of Joseph!) Well the thought of this question was Sunday and then Monday rolls around and guess who the P31 devo was about...oh yes....Joseph. I laughed and laughed before I read it, and yes it was a great one! The link is below. But this morning, God thought it was time to get serious, and He lead me to verses that truly spoke to me and gave me the peace I needed after a rough few weeks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalms 16</span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-16-8" id="en-KJV-14101"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>I have set the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-9" id="en-KJV-14102"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-10" id="en-KJV-14103"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11" id="en-KJV-14104"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the Lord is our focus (always before us) so much happens...</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) We are not moved! No matter the turmoil, our faith keeps us steady!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) Our heart is glad! When we are children of God, nothing can take the glad out of our heart!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3)We have hope! Not only do we have that hope at our finger tips but we can rest in that fact! No staying up with sleepless nights of worrying; we rest in Hope not found anywhere else!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4) He will not leave us anywhere!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5) He will show us His path...but remember He has to always be before us! It's not going to flash on a sign, but when He is our focus we will find the answers in our prayers and reading! </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6) In His presence there is fullness of joy! JOY! I love joy! It's not just happiness it's a way of life! But you can't have it if your not in His presence which again involves that relationship of praying and reading!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7) He offers pleasures for evermore! Those pleasures are ours for the taking, but again it goes back to the first verse...He has to always be before us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We can't do this alone. We can't manipulate life to happen how we want. We might think we know what is best, but we don't! Oh how I needed these verses today...and the story of Joseph helped too! I want to do my best for the Lord...even while waiting for directions!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/when-your-life-feels-like-a-mess-2/">http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/when-your-life-feels-like-a-mess-2/</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A few recipe links...</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lasagna Cups - so good and easy! I tweaked a little so just play with it. I used homemade meat sauce and three layers of the wontons. I love the wontons as pasta!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11"><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/08/lasagna-cupcakes.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.the-girl-who-ate-<wbr></wbr>everything.com/2011/08/<wbr></wbr>lasagna-cupcakes.html</a></span></div>
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French Toast Muffins - My girls loooooved these so much!</div>
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<a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/french-toast-muffins/cb74717d-fe60-4bd2-93e0-30d6637eeef5/?nicam2=Email&nichn2=Core&niseg2=TBSP&nicreatID2=TBSP_Newsletter_2014_04_14" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.tablespoon.com/<wbr></wbr>recipes/french-toast-muffins/<wbr></wbr>cb74717d-fe60-4bd2-93e0-<wbr></wbr>30d6637eeef5/?nicam2=Email&<wbr></wbr>nichn2=Core&niseg2=TBSP&<wbr></wbr>nicreatID2=TBSP_Newsletter_<wbr></wbr>2014_04_14</a></div>
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Pumpkin Granola Bars - Tasty!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-granola-bars/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.mybakingaddiction.<wbr></wbr>com/pumpkin-granola-bars/</a></div>
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Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-18307372477283523352014-04-24T16:18:00.002-04:002014-05-06T17:25:15.330-04:00What a difference a season makes!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow, what a stark contrast to the last time I posted...which I know has been foreeeeeevvvvverrrr!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We were dreaming of snow the last time, and today I am sitting in 70 something, perfectly sunny wonderful, beautiful day on my back deck...watching the girlies play and enjoying all the green scenery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn't my intention to not post for three months, but life happens. Every time I would tell myself, "I will definitely post today!", the dream would be gone when my head hit the pillow at 11:00 or after, only to get 6 hours later and do it all again. Oh there were so many stories, so many recipes, and a few recipe flops to tell of...but most have been forgotten. My girls are a year older, and unfortunately/thankfully so am I. We did have a snow storm, and then another, and a few ice occasions...is was a rough winter! There have been trips, trials, and both of my girls grew an a few inches in one month. I mean seriously they wore pants one day and the next week they looked as if they were preparing for flood waters! We lost teeth, and there have been several emergency dental experiences!!! It's been a great three up months, but a tiring three months! We look forward to summer, but we don't want to rush through spring. With four more weeks of preschool and five more weeks of first grade, I truly know what it means to say time flies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope to post some recipes soon, but I've learned not to promise myself anything when it comes to writing and recipes lately. I also hope to write more, but with more end of the school year things making their way on the calendar, that more than likely may not happen either...but I will try hard!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will close with this story...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My four year old, and yes my "baby" is now four and tells everybody she sees, started using a new big girl car seat. I made the comment that I was going to have to get used to the new buckle and that it was too hard for Mommy! She quickly replied, "Nothing is too hard for mommies!" I laughed...not just at her trust in my ability and the abilities of all the mommies in the world, but because of the memory verse we had learned the previous week. Great Teaching Moment! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's Verse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Behold, I am the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;">, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is so much that is too hard for me. Right now I am facing a decision that I know if I answer yes, it will be soooooo hard for me. But, there is nothing, and I mean nothing that is too hard for the God of all flesh. We rely on that promise everyday to get us through the hard parts! We look to Him for the answers to the hard questions. We trust Him for strength to get us through the rough stuff. Is there anything you're facing that seems too hard...put it in His hands and know it will be worked out perfectly by the God of all flesh!</span></span>Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-47789839985342850492014-01-28T14:25:00.001-05:002014-01-28T14:25:39.547-05:00We're waiting!We are home early from school! We are watching the radar and peering out the window...hoping and praying for those first flakes of snow. It has been a while since we saw those flakes fall and actually cover the ground, and I have two eager girls who can't hold their excitement much longer. We sure want some snow cream and a snow man. With a few extra groceries and my oldest making sure we had carrots for a snowman nose...we wait!<br />
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We wait for so many things. I waited in line at the grocery store for a very long time last night. I waited a while in the pick up line at school today as the whole school was released at once. I wait for phone calls, for important dates, in the dentist office, for my girls to get their shoes on in the morning, and the list of waiting goes on and on. But my biggest wait and my hardest wait is waiting on answers to prayers. <br />
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As a new list of waits and questions formed again at the beginning of the year, I had wondered if I could start another year with so much uncertainty looming again. But an old faithful verse was brought to my attention last week. As I faced a week of craziness with my husband out of the country, planning the biggest party I have ever thrown(and a surprise one to top it off), and so many other deadlines looming...the verse came and I was calmed. It not only dealt with the waiting I feel like I am constantly doing, but it reminded me of my Source of strength and the only way I can get through it all!<br />
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Isaiah 40:31<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">But they that wait upon the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;"> shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We wait; He gives us new strength; we soar with His help; we run through this life and we keep going because He is there...we wait because He asks us to and because we know He has the perfect and best plan! </span></span><br />
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So we will wait for snow the rest of the day...just like answers to prayers it may come today or it may not...but we will have fun while we wait. Just as I hope to have fun this year even with looming questions and prayers that have yet to be answered! <br />
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Stay warm if its cold where you are...if it is warm I might be a little jealous!<br />
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We do have a roll of cookie dough in the freezer we may be breaking out to bake if we are snowed in tomorrow. We made this recipe last week, but only baked half and froze the other half to bake later. It was a great recipe. It's called Cowboy Cookies, but we changed the recipe just a tad (including adding the pink and purple MMs dad brought back from a trip) so we called them Cowgirl cookies. Hope your family enjoys!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Ingredients</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats<br />2 cups flour<br />3/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/8 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened<br />1 cup packed light brown sugar<br />2/3 cup granulated sugar<br />2 eggs, at room temperature<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup MMs candy<br />1 cup chopped pecans</span></div>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">In a separate bowl, blend the butter and sugars with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and continue to beat until fluffy, about 1-1/2 minutes. Blend in the vanilla extract.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Using a wooden spoon, stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture one half at a time. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, preferably light-colored baking sheet with aluminum foil, then grease the foil.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Using a scant 1/4 cup per cookie, shape the dough into balls and place them on the sheet about 2 inches apart.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Use your fingertips to flatten each ball to 1/3 inch thick. Bake the cookies on the center oven rack for 13 to 14 minutes, turning the sheet about halfway through. When they're done, the cookies should be very lightly browned and still look moist. Don't overbake them.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.</span></li>
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Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-83947389685166262932014-01-08T17:51:00.000-05:002014-01-08T17:51:04.852-05:002014Happy New Year! <br />
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Yes, I know we are a week into the new year, but it is still relatively new! Excuse my delay but better late than never in my opinion. The new year has been awesome, Christmas was spectacular, and as my husband said...the break was good enough that we forgot how hard real life was for a while :) <br />
Now that is a great break!<br />
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We have hit the ground running in 2014. Things usually slow down in January, but it hasn't in our household...with trips and birthdays approaching, it looks like a crazy first quarter. I am still in debate and prayer over what to do about blogging. Oh don't get me wrong...the ideas are still there, and the love of my fingers hitting the keyboard is there, but the time to do so seems less and less and less. So we will just have to see how 2014 goes! <br />
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We have been organizing up a storm, and I have to say that it is going pretty well...the best start of a year with kids ever! We are not tripping over new toys like usual! New bins have been bought, things taken to the dump and to the thrift stores, junk drawers cleaned out, and cabinets reorganized. There are still several things to do and one whole closet to completely reorganize, but we are excited about our progress. But here is the thing...I can't do this in January and expect it to just stay this way until next January. It takes work. It takes effort. It takes discipline to keep life organized. <br />
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My relationship with God can be the same as organizing life. We can start the year off right. We may promise to pray more, love more, read more, serve more... but it takes work to accomplish these things. We can't just buy the prayer journal and devotion book in January and expect it to impact our lives without our effort. Just like keeping an organized house takes daily work, keeping in tune with God's will takes daily work, prayer and reading.<br />
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I hope to keep or home life in order and not get overwhelmed with stuff, just as I hope to not let my spiritual life overwhelmed with anxieties and lack of time. I pray 2014 will be our best yet...we will focus on the positives and not on the negative, be thankful for everything, and know God is in control of this year! <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This verse is a favorite and our verse for the year...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalms 32:8</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was excited about my new kitchen appliances...the stand mixer and the new blender. For my first use, I thought milkshakes with fresh whip cream would be the best option. It was even better with our new milkshake straws from my aunt! These are great! We just blended milk, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and a touch of vanilla. For the whipped cream, we used the mixer on high speed. The heavy cream turned into whipped cream in no time and we simply folded in a little sugar...so yummy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-59409802637356249132013-12-17T15:44:00.000-05:002013-12-17T15:44:11.427-05:00Fun ThingsOne week from today and the kiddies will be waiting for the night to come, finding it hard to sleep, and being so excited for the fun and presents to come the next day. I truly can't believe it! I truly am unprepared! But I am trying to get ready and be excited for my girls sake. I have never quite felt so "off" during the month of December. So not to bore you with the details and to be completely honest, I am looking forward to December 26th when the mayhem is behind us and then to December 27th when my hubby and I will celebrate 10 wonderful years of marriage!<br />
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I have asked and prayed for the ability to find the joy of the season in even the smallest of things. I have thankfully been able to see many small occurrences that brought a smile. A couple of examples...While sitting in the dreaded Dentist office yesterday morning, I watched a small toddler just learning to walk play with an ornament and peer around chairs to smile at me. And I found a little glimmer last night as my daughter asked if we would still have our tradition on Christmas morning. <br />
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I had to ask her which one she was talking about. She went on to describe our Christmas mornings. We go and get the girls from their beds. We cover their little eyes so they can't see the surprises that await them. We snuggle in the bed while Daddy reads Luke 2. Then Daddy goes ahead of us and waits with the camera to capture every smile and delight! <br />
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"Yes my darling, we will still do this." And she was excited. She didn't sigh, like in all honesty I might would have done at her age; she was genuinely excited. I am so glad she likes our tradition, and I am so glad we can focus on our Savior before the ripping of presents ensues. <br />
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Don't forget to read the true Christmas story at some point during the craziness. Don't just listen to the preacher say it, or Linus say it, or the Narrator of the Cantata say it...read it yourself. Soak in the meaning. Reflect on the importance, the prophesy, the unimaginable sacrifice, and the miraculous events. Make reading the real story a priority in all the fun things that December brings.<br />
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Here are some of the new fun things we have done this season...<br />
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Donut Snowman...This was an absolute hit in my oldest daughter's class! I wish I could share some of the hilarious pictures of her classmates while we were making these little treats, but I will just share our practice snowman. <br />
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<a href="http://www.worthpinning.com/2012/12/powdered-donut-snowmen.html">http://www.worthpinning.com/2012/12/powdered-donut-snowmen.html</a><br />
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Cookie Cutter Ornaments...We used craft beads and poured them in metal cookie cutters. Then we baked at 300 for about 10 minutes. We tied with pretty ribbon and it is a beautiful homemade ornament.</div>
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M and M Christmas cards...These have been the treats for my daughters' classmates and teachers. Really cute! We used double sided tape to attach the cards to the MMs.</div>
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I do hope you all have a Marvelous and Merry Christmas! </div>
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Today's Verse</div>
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Luke 2:16</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.</span></span></div>
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-74328455033731582572013-12-11T11:28:00.000-05:002013-12-11T11:28:31.259-05:00What's Cookin'Now don't be afraid to try this! I have always thought if I were to try to make these little tasty things I would have a messy kitchen, frazzled nerves and a burnt mess. But I have to say this was so easy and soooooo tasty! My daughter had asked me the night before Thanksgiving could we try to make crepes over the break. So I found some bravery went searching for a recipe and this is what I landed on. I wanted something festive and fallish, and this was exactly perfect. We also tried with chocolate chips and with nutella and banana. Delicious every way we tried it. The crepes did keep well in the fridge for a couple of days. We layered them with papertowels and placed in a ziploc bag. Another tip was using my immersion blender. The batter has to be very smooth so using a blender of some sort is recommended. I used plastic chop sticks to help with flipping and a ladle to put the batter in the pan. So much fun, not hard and so worth the effort. We will be trying savory crepes soon and I'll let you know how that goes. I hope your family enjoys!<br />
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Pumpkin Spice Crepes with Pumpkin Butter<br />
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/pumpkin-spiced-crepes-with-pumpkin.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/pumpkin-spiced-crepes-with-pumpkin.html</a><br />
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Today's Verse</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">2 Corinthians 9:15 </strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.</em><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></span></div>
<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-82093771035902687372013-12-10T16:54:00.001-05:002013-12-10T16:54:05.419-05:00A sliver of blueAfter four days of nonstop cold, mist, rain, drizzle, fog and just plain grey... my spirits are down. It's not just the weather, or the anxiety that is building from the endless to do list, or the busyness of this time of year, or the wrapping and spending and etc. and etc.; it's much more. But the weather has definitely not helped the situation. <br />
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As I was driving to pick up my daughter, I thought a lot about the grey around me. About others feeling grey this time of year. It is not always the happiest time for everybody. There are people who are missing loved ones or dealing with so much pain that its hard to find the joy we sing about. As the grey seemed to be stuck around me forever, it happened. I crossed a bridge and looked over the lake...and there...small as could be...a sliver of blue... through the thick dark grey...it smiled at me. A sign of hope to come. A sign the sun and the gorgeous blue skies are still up there. They may not be visible, but they are there. A sign the grey would go away. <br />
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I thanked the Lord for the sliver. For the remembrance that just as the sun is behind the clouds, He is still there as well when I am grey. We may not always feel Him, but He is always watching. We may be thinking He is not answering or listening, but He is always working. We may not understand the circumstances, but He always has a plan. A plan bigger than we could imagine. A plan better than we could ask for.<br />
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Just like the saying goes, out of the blue, the sun appeared. As if God just blew the thick dark clouds away the sun appeared and the warmth was so refreshing. I smiled and thanked Him for the sun. I prayed for those who are hurting right now and can't see past the grey. I pray that something or someone will be their sliver...the remembrance that God is there and there is hope.<br />
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Today's Verse<br />
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Psalms 34:17<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The righteous cry, and the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;"> heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.</span></span><br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-74529287321285933532013-12-05T12:05:00.000-05:002013-12-05T13:19:59.783-05:00Broken ThingsBroken.<br />
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That is one word to describe our Thanksgiving Holiday. <br />
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Broken.<br />
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There were several things broken over the time off, but thankfully, we did not let it break our spirits. <br />
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It started with our family traditions being broken. It in turn broke my heart. I spent a better part of Wednesday morning in tears and prayers. What was happening? How could everything I had known for my whole life, just not exist anymore? Slowly, the Lord sent peace. I decided the holiday would not be ruined. New traditions could be started. The girls would still have fun, we would still have delicious food, and most importantly, we still had an immeasurable amount to be thankful for. So by mid morning, we were making turkey cookies and turning my breaking, sad heart into a grateful, glad heart.<br />
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But the breaking didn't stop there. <br />
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Other things broke. I really think the devil was trying to break me into throwing a pitty party. But instead, I figure all the breaking will be stuff we can laugh about later.<br />
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The next broken thing was actually my youngest daughter's face. No laughing matter to begin with. But once the tears were done and the black eye had appeared, we laughed at how she would tell people so frankly, "My sister hit me in my face." Truth be told they bonked heads while playing a hide and seek game, but she loved to tell everyone just the short version. <br />
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An hour later I managed to break my tooth...and I mean I broke it BAD! So there was a sign I was not suppose to eat so much :-). We built a temporary tooth...and yes my teeth are so bad I keep that stuff on hand...and yes I am still in pain and will be having a root canal and crown in my future...but it is still funny to think about breaking my tooth on a piece of pizza the night before the biggest eating day of the year!<br />
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The next morning, Thanksgiving morning, when I dropped my wedding band and the diamond flew out, I was scared to leave the house. What in the world would happen next! But thankfully that was the last broken thing, and thankfully we remained positive and thankful! <br />
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We did celebrate my hubby's birthday over the days off. We skipped the normal evening "surprise" party for a breakfast party since it was on Saturday. And instead of the traditional cookie cake, hey why not break tradition and shake things up every now and then, I made my first homemade from scratch Chocolate Meringue pie. And I have to say, it was pretty tasty. <br />
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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I wish everyone a happy next few crazy weeks as we prepare for all the fun and hopefully focus on the Christmas season and everything it means! Try to stay sane and if traditions are broken, just remember new ones can be super fun!<br />
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Pie recipe can be found at link below. I made a simple crust of 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 stick of butter, 4 oz of cream cheese (room temp), and 1 Tbsp of sugar. The crust was very good, but it was a little thick. Hope your family enjoys!<br />
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-chocolate-meringue-pie">http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-chocolate-meringue-pie</a><br />
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Today's Verse<br />
Matthew 1:21 "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Jesus</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">: for he shall save his people from their sins."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-57244651898349506662013-11-27T11:54:00.000-05:002013-11-27T11:54:39.593-05:00Give ThanksI am running around the house today .... cooking, preparing, making placemats with the girls...you know the fun pre-thanksgiving stuff. All the while, I am singing a song my youngest sung in her little preschool show this week.<br />
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Give thanks (clap, clap)<br />
To the Lord (clap, clap)<br />
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Give thanks (clap, clap)<br />
To the Lord (clap, clap)<br />
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For He loves you...<br />
He loves me too...<br />
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Give thanks to the Lord above!<br />
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The big things...<br />
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My salvation<br />
My husband<br />
My girls<br />
My parents<br />
My extended family (Even though we will not be together this year for the first time in my 33 years, I love each of them!)<br />
Our house<br />
Our food<br />
Our vehicles<br />
Our health<br />
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The small things...<br />
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Devotions that touch my heart<br />
Hearing I love you from my girls without me saying it first<br />
Getting a LYMY message from my hubby (LYMY darling!)<br />
Sunrises<br />
Miracles (big and small)<br />
Baking cookies<br />
Playing games<br />
Toes in the sand<br />
Vacations<br />
Laughter<br />
Bubbles<br />
Christmas ornaments<br />
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The list could go on and on! <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
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James 1:17a<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above"</span></span><br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325473286622498058.post-59279172561721557392013-11-26T13:42:00.001-05:002013-11-26T13:42:16.069-05:00Roller CoasterI have been on an unplanned hiatus. Just like our weather here in NC has been on a roller coaster ride, so has life! Isn't everyone's? I am not complaining... just saying... I wish I could have posted more. There were so many days that things would pop in my head or things would actually happen that would make me pause and say "I need to post that"...but sitting down just never occurred! I didn't realize life would get as crazy as it did starting in October...it is usually at least mid-November until it gets this busy. I am taking a quick moment to post today. I hope everyone is ready for the wonderful week ahead and ready for the excitement to follow.<br />
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I do pray we take time to pause this season... hang out with loved ones, eat good food and spend time thanking our Heavenly Father in prayer and song and devotion for everything He has given us. <br />
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I wish everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! I wanted to post a few links of recipes we have tried recently and some we plan to try! <br />
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Happy Gobble Gobble Day!<br />
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Psalms 100:4 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.</span><br />
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<b><u>Recents...</u></b><br />
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Sweet Potato Crescents<br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-potato-crescents">http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-potato-crescents</a><br />
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Pumpkin Sticky Buns<br />
<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/tips/tipslibrary/baking-tips/easy-pumpkin-brown-butter-streusel-sticky-buns">http://www.bettycrocker.com/tips/tipslibrary/baking-tips/easy-pumpkin-brown-butter-streusel-sticky-buns</a><br />
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Roasted Cauliflower - go ahead and give it a try! We added a little Parmesan and my hubby even liked it!<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/roasted-cauliflower-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/roasted-cauliflower-recipe/index.html</a><br />
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<b><u>Few of the recipes we are planning to make (hopefully, cross my fingers)...</u></b><br />
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Dinner Rolls<br />
<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/worlds-best-dinner-rolls/">http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/worlds-best-dinner-rolls/</a><br />
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Stuffed Potatoes<br />
<a href="http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/08/whats-cooking-wednesdays-blueberries.html">http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/08/whats-cooking-wednesdays-blueberries.html</a><br />
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Toffee<br />
<a href="http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/food/video/13141793/#/vid13141793">http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/food/video/13141793/#/vid13141793</a><br />
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<b><u>Check out Thanksgiving last year...</u></b><br />
<a href="http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving.html">http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving.html</a><br />
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<b><u>Fun games we played in Sunday School...</u></b><br />
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Hide the Drumstick<br />
<a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/grateful-for-fun/#page=9">http://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/grateful-for-fun/#page=9</a><br />
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Pin the nose on the scarecrow<br />
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<br />Showing Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640094054220604595noreply@blogger.com0