tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36190687495975305012024-02-07T01:38:35.590-06:00The Accidental Pastor's Wife"The mind of a woman plans her way, but the
Lord directs her steps" - Proverbs 16:9 (my paraphrase!)Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-77852804158447099042009-04-11T17:49:00.001-06:002009-04-11T17:49:18.923-06:00That's Easter: Death to Life<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/5-tP5RNh-_g' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/5-tP5RNh-_g'/></object></p><p>Another one I saw on the girltalk blog...</p></div>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-24111627870768970812009-01-27T18:51:00.000-07:002009-01-27T18:52:40.829-07:00Sweetie Pie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.smilesbywire.com/SittingImages/Digital_Images/P0620/108/994/5e504a51-dda7-11dd-8fbf-00151721f168w.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.smilesbywire.com/SittingImages/Digital_Images/P0620/108/994/5e504a51-dda7-11dd-8fbf-00151721f168w.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Momma's sweet girl...two months old.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-87453790107889739582009-01-27T07:37:00.002-07:002009-01-27T07:47:36.162-07:00The Best Years of My LifeI was chatting with our most advanced in years church member last week, her children are grown and gone, her husband died. I think I was complaining about how much I had to do and hadn't done yet that day. <br /><br />And she looked at me and said, "Someday you'll be walking around your house looking for something to clean because nothing will be dirty."<br /><br />I'm young, healthy, and so are my four beautiful kiddos. It's busy, it's messy, it's stressful...but does it have to be? I was reading over at <a href="http://preschoolersandpeace.com">Preschoolers and Peace</a> a while back and something Kendra said really stuck with me: You shouldn't be so focused on the "HAVE TOs" but should instead embrace the "GET TOs": I get to teach my children to read and all about David Livingstone in Africa and how to write a good book report and how to count by tens to 100. I get to prepare delicious meals for them every day. I get to cuddle them all afternoon on the sofa with a good book or a good PBS kids show. I get to help them learn the skills it takes to run a home. I get to give them warm, positive memories of home. AM I? <br /><br />I mean, what do I really want anyway? A house that has no evidence of children living it and a bunch of free time to myself? Doesn't the Bible say something about how young women should keep busy so they don't become troublesome gossips? (I need to find that verse, but I have a beautiful sleeping baby on my chest and a 5 year old eating eggos in my bed next to me...)<br /><br />So my prayer this morning is that I will gratefully embrace the noise, the mess, and the busyness. I hope you can, too.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-61263968928432601432009-01-22T17:34:00.001-07:002009-01-22T17:34:39.188-07:00The Guacamole Song (with Recipe)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/kRlqsvphYww' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/kRlqsvphYww'/></object></p><p>This is all I have to offer--my kitchen is torn up for a remodel and well, I'm homeschooling with four kiddos running around...</p></div>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-68039057446659191932009-01-03T18:34:00.003-07:002009-01-03T18:43:08.067-07:00A Blogging Dry SpellBaby #4 has pushed me to consider shutting down my blog. While she's the most precious, cuddly little peanut, she also doesn't like to sleep more than two or three hours at night and she's confounded her "veteran" mommy on how to change that. Yep, I've read all the books (Babywise, Happiest Baby on the Block, What To Expect, ETC...) I've even swaddled her in the <a href="http://www.miracleblanket.com">miracle blanket</a>, to no avail. <br /><br />So, I'm pretty tired, overwhelmed by the chores before me but thoroughly enjoying this new little one. I just don't find I have much intelligent to say.<br /><br />I have been watching copious amounts of Food Network and did you know that old episodes of Trading Spaces come on TLC at 4 a.m sometimes?<br /><br />But I've also found a new favorite author in the midst of the busyness: <br /><br />Marilynne Robinson<br /><br />I've read her first novel, Housekeeping, and loved it. I'm halfway through Gilead, which won a Pulitzer Prize, and so far I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. <br /><br />Check back in sometimes and maybe I'll have something to contribute to the conversation. In the meantime, I'll be nursing, cleaning, teaching and reading, and praying for some sleeping!Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-2186281830885636732008-12-26T14:05:00.001-07:002008-12-26T14:05:30.127-07:00I'm Moving Back In (Surrogate Sharers Ep.6)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/V4NBzVWNXT8' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/V4NBzVWNXT8'/></object></p><p>Couldn't resist this one...</p></div>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-42228091437266972852008-11-12T08:35:00.002-07:002008-11-12T08:43:57.943-07:00Sid the Science Kid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pbskids.org/sid/parentsteachers/media/images/patFourKids.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 410px; height: 285px;" src="http://pbskids.org/sid/parentsteachers/media/images/patFourKids.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I have a new favorite kids' show. I already love most of what PBS Kids produces. I love how you don't have to put up with all the stupid commercials like on Nick Jr. or Disney Channel. Since we have TV now, due to someone's injury a few months ago, I've discovered all kinds of programs out there that really are quality (though I honestly DON'T understand the Hannah Montana obsession).<br /><br />Sid the Science Kid is a new favorite around here. It's produced by Jim Henson studios and is created using computer animation. The colors are bright and fun, the music is fantastic. It's geared toward preschoolers and helping to develop their interest in science. As a result of the water melting and freezing episode, my five year old became a man obsessed with freezing juice in popsicles and freezing water in plastic cups. <br /><br />So check your local PBS station to see if they air Sid the Science Kid!Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-10861719841233999632008-11-12T08:28:00.002-07:002008-11-12T08:34:20.694-07:00Adjusting to Baby #4Hey Friends! <br /><br />My sweet little girl is now one week old and we've been adjusting as best we can. She's not a colicky baby at all, but does love to be held, especially in the middle of the night when her mama would like some blessed sleep. <br /><br />Her head of dark hair is so soft, her back so furry, her smell so sweet, her hands so tiny, her legs so, uh, "chicken-y" :). She's just a precious, precious girl.<br /><br />Our 20 month old thinks she's a living, breathing baby doll and tried to body slam her the other day on the couch while I was changing the baby's diaper...<br /><br />Her older brothers think she's pretty great, too, and beg to hold her (but when told to wash their hands first, decide it's not worth it...stinky little boys!). <br /><br />Hopefully, I can post a good photo here soon of our new girl. Thanks to all of you who have been checking in on me! I appreciate it :).Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-59219890947168232872008-10-31T09:41:00.002-07:002008-10-31T09:46:22.407-07:00Salmon Swim UpstreamIf you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know how much I love celebrating the Reformation and last year my posts dealt with the fun ways we've tried to celebrate in the past. There really are lots of great resources out there, so be sure to click the links from my previous Reformation Day posts.<br /><br />But, you can only swim upstream for so long.<br /><br />This year I have a ninja, a race car driver, and a butterfly.<br /><br />We'll go to the neighboring church's harvest festival, drive to some church member's houses to get candy, take some pictures.<br /><br />*sigh* <br /><br />Quick update: Monday begins the official checking to see if I'm dialating or not and marks 37 weeks, which is when I delivered baby #3. I'm as big as a house, can hardly put on my socks, and not sleeping so much. This is our last day of homeschooling for a while and we'll focus on playing games, reading books, hanging out...So if I disappear again, you'll know why. :)Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-76390257705262014292008-10-18T11:34:00.003-06:002008-10-18T11:43:35.816-06:00A sudden, mysterious disappearance from the blogosphere REVEALED!I have not fallen off the face of the earth...but here's what I have been doing:<br /><br />My dear husband broke and dislocated his ankle in September so I've been, uh, pretty busy caring for him, the third grader, the kindergartener, the toddler, and the 34 week old baby still baking in my tummy. <br /><br />He has about a week and a half more of his Aircast boot thingie then he can attempt to put some weight on it. <br /><br />I've delivered all my babies around 37/38 weeks. So the question of the hour is: Will he be able to drive me two hours to the hospital to deliver this baby?<br /><br />I try not to think about it. <br /><br />But I did want to share a hilarious conversation I had yesterday with my 5 1/2 year old:<br /><br />Little boy: Are you for that Rock Obama guy?<br /><br />Me: Well, I'm voting for the other guy, John McCain, I guess.<br /><br />Little boy: Yeah. That's who I'm for, too. That other guy doesn't want you to have your own money. He wants to give it away. <br /><br />Maybe we've been watching a little too much Fox News???Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-85329380577198759642008-09-16T21:36:00.003-06:002008-09-16T21:48:09.593-06:00Kevin Swanson's Unloving WordsPlease explain to me why someone, who is becoming a popular speaker on the homeschooling circuit, writes blog entries like the one dated from September 1?<br /><br />Here's the link to read it for yourself. I first saw it on <a href="http://thatmom.wordpress.com">Thatmom's blog</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.generationswithvision.com/blog.aspx">Kevin Swanson's Take on Sarah Palin</a><br /><br />These are harsh words spoken without compassion, full of judgement and scorn. I'd hate to be his homeschooled daughter who comes to Kevin Swanson with the news that she's pregnant out of wedlock. With a response like that, I'd think that girl would see abortion as a better option than a public, graceless, tongue lashing from her father. Apparently, it must not make any difference if you've repented and turned from your sin. Fornication, working outside the home, I guess these are the unforgivable sins?<br /><br />Bristol Palin is making the hard, humiliating, difficult choice. She's admitting her mistake, taking responsibility for her actions, and choosing to give her child life and her baby a father. Is that contributing to the "demise of the family"? I'd say that's showing the world how God can take something wicked (sex outside the marriage covenant) and turn it into something beautiful: a loving family with a mom and dad who are committed to each other and to the life of their baby. <br /><br />And this is the face of homeschooling presented to the culture.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-58520756854185437752008-09-12T10:29:00.004-06:002008-09-12T10:44:21.301-06:00Sarah Palin--Do I Even Bring It Up?To say there's a tension in my mind right now regarding this pick would be an understatement...<br /><br />To say I haven't been influenced by the Voddie Bauchams and Kevin Swansons in the world through all the literature I've read through the years about homeschooling would be untrue...<br /><br />To say I haven't been influenced by 13 years in the public school system where I was told that I shouldn't be the nurse, I should aspire to be the doctor wouldn't be true either...<br /><br />Yet, I LIKE Sarah Palin. I admire her tenacity. Her drive. Her decision to carry her baby to term and rejoice over his birth. Her support and love for her daughter who made a wrong choice, yet is redeeming herself by doing the hard, humiliating thing and carrying her baby and marrying her baby's father. <br /><br />I understand the points being made about Deborah, the passage in Isaiah that talks about women being in leadership as judgement on Israel, about Titus 2:5...<br /><br />I choose to be a keeper of the home in a narrow sense: I homeschool, I don't work outside this sphere. <br /><br />But I think the better question among all of us is "What does it mean to be a keeper at home?" <br /><br />Does it mean you can NEVER under any circumstances work for anyone else? Some would say it does.<br /><br />Does it mean that your family cannot suffer because of your own ambitions? I think so.<br /><br />Sarah's husband, Todd, completely supports his wife in her bid for the vice presidency and her job as governor of Alaska. From what I understand, he cares quite a bit for the children, as does their extended family. Is that wrong? She let go the chef because she wanted to cook for her own family. And I'm sure letting go the driver was a bummer considering how kids need to be carted everywhere these days...<br /><br />If her husband is OK with this, then what right does Voddie Bauchaum have to say on CNN that she's being disobedient to the scriptures when the definition of "keeper at home" is not specific at all? <br /><br />I just don't know, except that I hope she'll be an advocate for families in the White House.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-29541699778698426322008-09-10T09:41:00.003-06:002008-09-10T09:54:33.431-06:00WFMW: Creating Your Own Cookbook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/09/05/wfmwbanner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/09/05/wfmwbanner.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's no secret I LOVE TO COOK. I even love menu planning and grocery shopping. I think it's because I don't feel guilty buying food like I feel guilty buying stuff for my house or clothes or whatever. I mean you have to EAT.<br /><br />With that said, I will divulge my system for organizing recipes I clip from magazines, the internet, and ones I write myself. <br /><br />For many years, I had a computer program called Mastercook. When I only had a couple kids I was very disciplined about typing in recipes into their recipe form and then printing them off. (I actually make a cookbook for my friends when they get married to give them a head start in finding stuff their families will like to eat.) <br /><br />I still type up recipes occasionally but the best part of my system are the plastic page protectors I slip all the recipes into. I then collect them in 3 ring binders. I'm a messy cook and they wipe clean in the sleeves. My collection of personal recipes has grown to include three binders: <br /><br />1. Appetizers, Drinks, Desserts<br />2. Breakfasts, Salads, Side Dishes<br />3. Main Dishes<br /><br />Now, I just pull out the recipes from magazines or from the internet and put them in my binder. <br /><br />Works for me!Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-83048641355408912682008-09-09T10:54:00.001-06:002008-09-09T10:54:00.841-06:00The Internet Overdose Song (w/FREE mp3)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/uyPDHh4d1Xo' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/uyPDHh4d1Xo'/></object></p><p>Gotta love it!</p></div>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-27924086304540789742008-09-09T08:47:00.002-06:002008-09-09T08:55:22.781-06:00Magic books?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XZtMbkSHL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XZtMbkSHL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />OK. I need a little feedback here. My son is doing the accelerated reader program at school for part of the day and our local library has put all the a/r books together on the shelf for your convenience. Yesterday, my son found a very thick book called Magyk by Angie Sage. I've read some reviews on amazon about it and most people just think it's a poorer quality Harry Potter. I've not read anything yet about anything inappropriate in regard to sex or violence. But as a Christian, I worry about reading books about sorcery. <br /><br />YET, I'm now reading The Fellowship of the Ring and I freely let my children read C.S. Lewis books and fairy tales. <br /><br />So what's the difference? Does it matter? What do you do? Is it worth censoring in this area or will that just provoke more interest on his part? I think he chose it because it was thick (and worth 7 a/r points) and had an interesting cover.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-24933537648603322922008-09-07T19:37:00.003-06:002008-09-07T19:43:52.938-06:00A Favorite Company<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.invitingsmiles.com/Brown%20gingham%20Lavender%20small.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.invitingsmiles.com/Brown%20gingham%20Lavender%20small.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />What?! Two posts in one day? <br /><br />I suppose this might seem old fashioned in this new-fangled internet age, but I still love to send out snail mail birth announcements. I don't do photos in them since hubby has a wonderful family website that we use to share pictures, but I like to find something really cute to send out to people. I usually put our website on the announcement. <br /><br />For the last two pregnancies I've ordered beautiful announcements from <a href="http://invitingsmiles.com">Inviting Smiles</a>. I LOVE this company! You can pre-order your announcements and they will send you the envelopes, which I address and stamp ahead of time. Then, once I have the baby, I call and let them know the information for the card and within a week or so, they arrive and my mom (whose here by now helping me!) and I stuff envelopes and mail them. Finished! Now THAT feels good to have that done so quickly.<br /><br />So check them out or tell a friend. The announcement here is the one we chose for our third baby, our first girl. I think I've found a couple I like for this next girl but I need to have hubby take a look, too.<br /><br />Can you tell I'm ready to have this new baby? :)Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-39500517782884693812008-09-07T14:33:00.003-06:002008-09-07T14:48:00.230-06:00Some New Thoughts on Being the Pastor's WifeLadies, you all know I'm about 29 weeks along with another sweet baby girl and the two areas of my life that have suffered during this pregnancy have been gardening (I won't even post pictures this summer. It's TERRIBLE out there. Overrun with grasshoppers, weeds...shameful) and blogging. <br /><br />I've also made a few changes in what requires my attention. I have bowed out of most ministry commitments at church not because I'm not interested or don't love the people, but because I'm only one person with almost 4 kids. Yes, everyone is busy but I no longer feel the need to "carry my weight". I serve in the church nursery and that's the extent of it. I'm friendly, I call folks for playdates or sometimes to come over for dinner. I make sure their pastor has enough time to prepare, I iron his shirt, I remind him of things should the need arise, I make him tasty meals and clean the house and teach the children. <br /><br />My point is, fellow pastor's wives, I know I must very carefully decide what I'll commit to do. Yes, I will come to every wonderful MOPS meeting, but I cannot be the one posting flyers about it all over town. Yes, I'll attend every ladies' Bible study but I can't lead it anymore. Yes, I'll come to or suggest a women's ministry event but I can't be the one to plan it and carry it out. Yes, I'll come to church every Sunday and take my kids to Sunday School but I can't teach it. <br /><br />There are lots of ways to show my support and commitment to our body of believers, but just because I'm married to the pastor doesn't mean I'm the go-to woman for every event. I've learned, slooooowwwlllly, that I don't have to be involved to some degree in everything that goes on. My ministry at this season of my life is to my family of small children. <br /><br />Are there some days I wish I could do something "more" than that. YES. But I keep reminding myself of something someone said to me once, "The days with small children are long, but the years are short." Someday, when my children are grown, I'll be the one helping plan the picnic, the ladies' event, the Bible study, whatever.<br /><br />But for now, I just can't.<br /><br />And that's OK.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-67328004512518953112008-08-28T07:14:00.001-06:002008-08-28T07:16:24.056-06:00Best Homemade Pizza Crust EVERYou honestly won't believe how delicious this is. In fact, it's soooo good that my pizza loving man wants it INSTEAD of take out. <br /><br />Here's the link to the recipe:<br /><br /><a href="http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/T/272.htm">http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/T/272.htm</a>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-35629574197175238202008-08-20T06:57:00.004-06:002008-08-24T09:38:53.370-06:00Not a Homeschooling Purist?We've decided it's time to send our oldest to the public school for part of the day. Each day for about three hours he will get instruction in reading, art, and recess :). During that time I'll teach his little brother and chase his little sister around and carry a baby that's due in a few months. <br /><br />In so many ways, the decision flies in the face of so much of what I read about the homeschooling vs. public school debate. <br /><br />Scare tactics, like those used by the HSLDA, that any involvement with "government" schools, the derogatory term used for them by some militant homeschoolers, means you are putting your entire family at risk for social services to come take your kids away. <br /><br />Criticism by Christian parents who believe the Bible requires you to homeschool your children can make you feel guilty for even considering any other alternative. As soon as you add "God told me" to a statement it automatically carries more "weight". <br /><br />Bloggers who detail their homeschooling days in such a way that everything appears to run smoothly and she is "super mom", but they neglect to mention the fact that they have a housekeeper who comes or young teenagers who assist with smaller children. In other words, they project an image that regardless of how many children you have you SHOULD be able to keep an orderly home and teach all the children so that your husband returns home to find you smiling and not crying. <br /><br />Yes, academically homeschooled kids score great. But did it occur to you, as it did to me a few months ago, that if you had the kind of student-teacher ratio in all the classrooms that you have in homeschooling homes, you'd get better scores? Or the fact that many families attempt homeschooing and it doesn't succeed so guess where they send their kid? The public schools, which are comprised of a vast demographic of kids from every social class and family type imaginable. Everyone is tested, not just the "smart" kids, which certainly affects the scores of the entire group.<br /><br />Here's my point: Each and every school, family, parent, and kid is different. You absolutely cannot make sweeping statements about what everyone else should do in how they choose to educate their child. Yes, I would LOVE to have other homeschooling families here. In fact, it would make the whole experience a hundred times better for all of us. But it's not reality. <br /><br />So this is what we're trying. Do I have reservations? Yes, some. But right now, this seems like the best choice for our family.<br /><br />Time will tell.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-29011328455954741862008-08-08T16:35:00.003-06:002008-08-08T16:40:34.451-06:00Quick Easy Pasta SaladI made this up one night using what I had on hand. Since we're being so frugal there were no extra trips to the store for ingredients! <br /><br />1 lb corkscrew pasta<br />2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped<br />1/2 head of broccoli, cut into very small florets<br />3 shredded carrots<br />1 c mayonnaise<br />1 c sour cream<br />2 pkts Good Seasonings Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix<br />2 T sugar<br /><br />Cook noodles according to box. Drain, but don't rinse. Let them cool a bit. Toss with vegetables. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian seasoning packets and sugar. Pour over noodle/veggie mixture until combined. I like to serve this not too cold.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-12117343522952205982008-08-06T10:05:00.004-06:002008-08-06T10:11:22.131-06:00Frugality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AHBY27B9L._SL160_PIsitb-dp-arrow,TopRight,21,-23_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AHBY27B9L._SL160_PIsitb-dp-arrow,TopRight,21,-23_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Our family is taking the plunge to wipe out debt! We're making great progress because we've been listening to<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com"> Dave Ramsey's </a>podcasts and I read his book The Total Money Makeover. I am INTENSE about this! We spent $254.00 on JUST FOOD for the month of August. Now that doesn't include diapers and paper towels, but for food alone that was IT. I built in another $100 for milk, eggs, and produce in town, as well as any wiggle room I might need. <br /><br />And so far so good!<br /><br />Here's a great<a href="http://http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html"> link</a> from Crystal, the money-saving mom, that she posted today.<br /><br />The borrower is the servant of the lender!Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-23277740155978274262008-07-31T22:10:00.002-06:002008-07-31T22:12:42.690-06:00Columnist at Fox News Makes Some Insightful Points on ObamaI realize I've not been terribly articulate lately or attentive for that matter. But my garden is dying, my carpets need vacuuming, my laundry needs putting away...so something has to give and it's usually THIS.<br /><br />Anyway, I thought this guy was pretty insightful regarding Christians' relationship to Obama, especially since I'd be classified as a "world view" Christian. <br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,395101,00.html">link</a>.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-31595376193238189982008-07-28T06:53:00.001-06:002008-07-28T06:55:08.328-06:00Encouragement When Attendance is DownI thought this was a fantastic post. Even though it has to do with children's ministry, the truths apply to all church members.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://ministry-to-children.com/summertime-attendance-lows-how-to-avoid-discouragement/">link</a>.Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-67346459403893557442008-07-25T07:16:00.001-06:002008-07-25T07:18:15.371-06:00Excellent Parenting LinksOver at Tulipgirl, a website I really, really like, she posted a whole <a href="http://www.tulipgirl.com/index.php/2008/07/ezzo-weekend-teaching-toddlers/">list</a> of helpful articles in dealing with toddlers. I just had to share!Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619068749597530501.post-1035689147363518982008-07-21T07:25:00.001-06:002008-07-21T07:25:50.037-06:00The Cheese Rap<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/yvppFMRy0ZE' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/yvppFMRy0ZE'/></object></p><p>They did it again! I hope these guys become so famous. <br /><br />Prepare to start your Monday laughing!</p></div>Julohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820423652844135856noreply@blogger.com1