Menu Plan Monday

"Organizing Junkie" hosts this carnival. I have been wanting to join for a good motivator to help me keep on track.

Woo Hoo I did it. I set this weeks menu today. No small feet. I think this will help budget and keep me focused a little better.

Manic Monday

Over at Hunna's Hapenings you'll find this meme.

You’ve won $100,000 – but have to give it all away. To which charity or institution would you donate it?
I think I would send half to each of the two Russian Orphanages that my children came out of.
What do you think is the most soothing sound?
silence
Does time heal all wounds?
God heals all wounds. In time we are able to touch them if the pain becomes bearable. No time does not heal all wounds. Often we need a little help to walk through healing. Repression is often an effect of time on a wound left un-healed it will just bubble up in other ways.

Fun Monday *Recipe*

Hosted today by "Food Snob"
I best go meat this new to me blogger.

Sorry side ways pictures I am having a technical problem.

Inside the cupboard doors I have always kept items of importance or interest. I make cakes so I use my doors near the cake pans to store the images and I write in perma marker the amount each pan holds in cups this helps me when I have a party to do. It is a great time saver.

Party tray examples out of the holiday news adds give me inspiration.


Near the stove/oven I keep lists of temperatures and storage times. Spice lists and lists for the supplements each family member uses both medicinally and also on a daily basis. My brain just won't hold on to all this stiff. It is my brain on the self (or in this case the cupboard door.)




These are my cook books, herbal and health manuals. I have a messy shelf. :)

This is an open file drawer all hand written (some from my own mothers hand as well as my husbands mothers) Many are clipped. I must admit have had very little time to use these the last several years. Usually cook from the palm of my hand. It will be good me get in here for some fresh recipes, although I rarely do follow them. I use a lot of substitutions because of allergies to dairy and wheat. I also like to vary our food source. So I use varied thickeners as opposed to just using corn starch for example.

This and That.

I gotta to tell you about this.
Yesterday I did not take my purse with me. I did not want to carry it in the crowd. When We pulled away from the house, like most moms do > I notice I had neglected to moisten my lips. Well... I though oh well Lord it sure would of been nice.
At the circus I was climbing to the top of the bleachers with the family and there , YES! you guessed it! was a brand new, doubled sealed , unopened , unscented, unflavored brand new chap stick! Just under a bleacher where there were no other people to ask if it belong to them. Just for me. :)

As per a request. This is the jelly spreader. It has a wide stiff blade with one serrated edge as well. This is a great 2 in 1 tool. When making sandwiches for the lunches. It is well used also to spread frostings butters and such. A great little tool.

My Salvation Story

Is now posted on my a life restored blog.
It is with great courage I share .

I have been asked by several of you to share my Testimony of my salvation. This is a difficult thing for me to do. I was left very tender. As often is the case when I touch those things of long ago. The comments left helped me a lot. I get scared about telling these truths. I don't know if it is a fear of judgment or concern over chasing folks off cause it is hard stuff. I feel sad though. It is so weird to remember those times. It is so long ago now that it is almost like I am talking about someone I used to know.

Sunday Smiles

What a lovely day! The morning sound around here are so intoxicating to imbibe in. Our Son coming in to greet me softly announces a new city he has built. "It is in the back yard Mother". Willy Wonka Bar (the choc. Lab) is all over the hope of an outstretched arm. whimpering like a toddler wanting to be held. Then the sounds of click and click tapping across the laminate floor and small voices in deep debate that ends peacefully (the dvd) had been chosen. It was the movie from the night before. Looking over to see to see my beloveds face he has serenity expressed , no furrowing of his brow. Telling him he looks like when we married 25 years before "thats hard to believe" states he. "I don't have my glasses on..." say I. "that explains it" he smiles and lets out his morning laugh. The children are explaining the finer points of the old west and details of intent of character. They speak in great detail teaching each other what they know. We have taught them the responsibility of passing on your knowledge. That we are all teachers when we do so. To whom much is given much is required.

After we mused over the finer moments in time, and how these simple mornings resonate in our minds, we arise as well.
I saw myself making Pancakes(apple) this morning and set about doing so. I have not made morning fair for some time. I exchanged ideas with a fellow blogger last night and I left an impression of how blessed We are truly are to have all the ingredients for it in the House

I was compelled me onto do what I can do...I also worked on the breakfast cookies for Hubby to take to work. I ran out on thrusday and he had no breakfast.

I served them on the patio. Much to everyones surprise and delight. Today was our first cool (relative) morning. It was not to hot to eat outside and we all did so.

Last week my daughter asked me if we could ever go to the fair. On Friday we went to the city for Dash's speech therapy appointment. WELL....on the counter were free tickets to admit a childx2, and free admission for adult,x2. It was a Shriner's Circus. If we were ever to put our selves into a circus I thought that would have a better crowd and atmosphere.

So at breakfast we also broke the news to the young ones. They responded as if I said the moon is purple. It did not register at first. I stood in front of the breakfast table and exposed the tickets. Well, Miss Fiction...Do you remember when I answered your question with... If you want to go you'll need to ask God for a way. Your Father and I do not have a budget for it. HE HEARD YOU! So soon after the boys cleared the table we were off.

The freeway had a closure and so our skills of transverse got us there with 2 minutes to spare. We parked and it was a 2 block walk and Beloved was concerned about me. I thought I'll just have to do it. Just then a man named Paul pulled behind us while another family raced to the cart too. I sat in the front with the kids and beloved walked to the gate to meat us! Just perfect with my knee right now it would of left me greatly pained! We had a great time.

It was free to get in because it was laced within with many money sucking opportunities. We celebrated with some cotton candy. While we watched the trapeze. We had sat right in front of it! We later mover to a more center bleachers. We had no one around us at that spot.

The children understand how I feel about "wild things best left wild" So I let the expeirence things for them selfs giving them a chance to decide what they think of...
such things.

the kids each were given the choice of 1 intermission activity. Miss fiction rode an Elephant (Pit Bull was his name) at $6. a ride


and Dash chose the giant slide at $5. for four trips down.

Disappointed they could not do the ponies and get the photo with a bear they had a little pout, but soon overcame and we were back up in the bleachers. Dash had a harder time with "no" over wanting a drink, I was unable to search a drinking fountain due to climbing the bleachers.

We stopped at a Mc D. on the way home, drinks were then made available as apposed to paying $$$ for a 4oz cup o' sugar ;0 I had a bottle of water in the car for the drive on the way home for them.

I was startled and appalled at the lack of respect and enthusiasm for our Flag. The crowds did not even clapping or show any respect to the winners of a raffle or those awarded with volunteer acknowledgments.

Ofter we returned. I napped for several hours while "The daddy man" watched "Back to the future" with the kids. When I awoke I was famished. Dash and I had some left over pancakes.
Soon it will be bath time (now past). The week will begin again. My jaw is doing better my energies a little tapped though. I don't think I'll do the new crown, I'll switch that appointment with a check up for the infection. I think I better let things settle down before opening another tooth up. This socket thing has been a trip! now my eye hurts.

We had a day of fun for the kids. It was so nice to get them out of the house and into an adventure. beloved hurts I think that we cant do more fore them. I thanked him. He is working 50 hour weeks now and we are not hurting. It is however different when your living on 1/3 of your customary income. Dash needs to be able to accept what we are able to offer without a big seine.
We have so much and everywhere around us hands are into the pockets seeking a gain. Beloved is going to look into some WEB education to investigate doing some hosting and earning income somehow through getting a distributor. He has asked me to come up with some ideas for items that might be hot sellers.

Thinking of the morning and finding a bug on my floor YUK! The dishes well, I pressed through the Weekends worth of home cooked meals and snacks and cleaned the kitchen so I could "Rise and Shine" Tomorrow!

Beloved came in and said "how do you do that?" !
"I left you a half an hour ago and now I come in hear and it looks like this!"
I made lunches hoping that that might give me some more time to satiate Dash's demand for attention and too still have plenty left for Miss Fiction. What great privileges I (we) were given today.
God redeems my time I'm telling you!

Blogging Star Award

"Mom of three girls" just pasted on an award to me. How thoughtful is that! I enjoyed the hug. I am in a place where the kindness was a gentle embrace.
Thank you Dear Lady.

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Well after some thought about this honor the idea came to me. How am I a star? "this little light of mine" and "If you live your life under a bushel you've lost something kinda crucial, You've got to live right to be the light of the world!"
(a line from Jesus Christ Superstar) ooo shows my age :)
"Rise and Shine" this is on a sign over my kitchen sink. To shine is a choice to make daily (some days pose battles that are a lot harder than others). Bring light, and the warmth of your light to others around you, shine!
I'm suppose to pass this award on to five other bloggers that I feel are a "Blogging Star".

1.Spaghetti Pie
2.Scribbit
3.Ohio Farm Girl
4.Living and loving every minute of it
5.JD'S days

Shine on all. You are stars!

A Smiling Wife (Poem)

This is my "Carnival of family life Submission" It is a weekly writing contest hosted by kailani at "An Island Review".. Come spin a pen (or click clack a keyboard), join us and share your mind.
The carnival is up over at "Mom on Wheels"

A Smiling Wife

I have a friend with one great need.
He longs to see his woman smile.
A gentle word, a soft embrace.
Too many wounds, resentments, stolen away.
Of all the loss it is poignant to know
the sweetest loss, her smile.

The power of this,
tenderness within .
Safety, a peaceful place to rest awhile.
Empty are the pursuits to gain,
all is loss whether self righteous or profane.
Emptiness is all that remains.

What power we hold,
yet untold.
Lost in a flicker of carelessness.
Warm eyes, a simple grin.
It is what is most important to men.
We may not see this until a tragic end.

So in your strength
smile at him.
Offer your eyes of warmth
a safe place to enter in.
Gain all that he needs in you.
You will have a forever friend.

Life is a series of challenges.

I woke up this morning happy and just fine the night before. I noticed that my socket hurt and that my jaw was stiff and swollen.
Well after a shower and a Sweet husband attending to a prescription for me. I look like this. The swelling is progressing. Thank God the Pain is bearable (yet steadily getting worse). I am feeling flu like symptoms and I think I'm in for a ride. I may go into the urgent care if it goes to far. Hubby researched it on Google and the advice is to do so if symptoms get intense. Irony is that just Thursday I had my complete evaluation (no cavities!). The x rays showed no problem with any other teeth near the dry socket. I told him it just didn't feel right and it was dismissed to the slow healing time of a dry socket. I am supposed to have a crown replaced on Monday morning (other side upper) . Funny, if it were not so darn tragic:)
Life is a series of challenges.

I called the dentist on his emergency line. He gave me the number to his college. I called him and he was in Colorado enjoying his day. He very kindly ordered an anti biotic rx for me.

Photo Hunter Paper

I was challenged in 2005 to write a 50,000 word manuscript.
This is my fictional Novel.
It is a story of a woman who is a hospital clergy member with a mysterious journey into the passages of her faith.
It is still in the edit phase.
This took great courage to share with you.

I had to cover the flash to get the image sorry for the poor image quality.
My dear friend over at "Life in the midst of writing..." just published hers (we worked on them together) , and it is now available on Amazon. One day I will finish the edits on mine and follow her courageous example to publish.

Friday Feast

Organic baby greens, Red Salmon,sweet red peppers and tomatoes
In a China bowl. My lunch today.
Christine over at "Are we there Yet" Is hosting today

Friday Feast

Appetizer

What is your favorite type of art?

Realism is preferred over most. I love textile works, Thrown pottery, ceramics, BEADED WORKS! Expressions of the heart that are full of true self representations of the artist (this of course is the joy and pure beauty of the art of children).

Soup

When was the last time you got a free lunch (or breakfast or dinner)? Who paid for it?

It is a long time ago, but a friend came for a visit mid day and brought a salad for me. We shared a lunch break. That was when I was still home schooling. She gifted me with a meal and thanked me for the gift of a peaceful table to enjoy it at (that comment was the dressing on the salad, so to speak:).

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how emotional are you?

I emote what is true to me. To emote is perfectly whole and healthy. It is when the behavior gets waked out that it is witnessed as a negative. I tell my kids to trow balls at the back brick fence rather than to hold it in. I hope to show them how to emote appropriately and to never swallow it or hold it in. I use boundary techniques of "when you...I feel... and I would prefer if you ..."
We need to know how we effect each other. We have no control over how any one will react,so this is done without expectation. We can't change others but we can effectively learn to act rather than re-act. In doing so we can clear up misunderstanding of intent. Often amends and or clarifications can be offered.So I say a 10 and grateful for it. It took me almost 40 years to learn how to cry. I was never allowed to as a child. The punitive nature of my childhood taught repression. NOT GOOD causes heart attacks, high blood pressure and a slew of ailments we see around us.

Main Course

Approximately how long do you spend each day responding to emails?

Through out the day around 1 1/2 hours most early morning or very late evening. I also count comment responses to that total. I have almost stopped watching T.V. all together and am much better off for it.

Dessert

To what temperature do you usually set your home’s thermostat?

We have an automatic timer set up on it. During the off-peak hours when utilities are much cheaper we chill the house down to 78* at 1 P.M. it shuts off and increases to 82* It stays off most the early afternoon and it will come on again automatically for an hour or so in the late afternoon. At 8 P.M. It is begin to chill the house down again for sleeping. We keep the house from heating up during the mid day by scheduling chores during off peak hours. All that will change soon. On October 1st the winter schedule begins and will go through late May. It is hard to switch to the winter schedule. I save substantially on the costs of electricity using this life style. It works well for our family.

She made me smile.

Amy at "Laughing through the tears" gave me a gift this that I just found this morning.
We rejoice that Amy is doing better, recovering day by day.

Donetta is first y'all. She makes my heart smile because I know how much she truly cares about me. I know that may sound selfish, but while she faces tougher obstacles than I do, she puts others first. I know she prays for me and is genuinely concerned about my well being. We've just begun our friendship recently, but I feel loved by her. And how could that not make me smile? Thank you friend for all you do for me!

Now I don't know how you figure to compare obstacles.

Mother and Daughter Blog Carnival

My daughter is 10, yet with special needs she had to battle for what to some may seam a simple thing.
Tonight out of the thin air after all had gone to bed We heard an exclamation "I DID IT" !
Their Daddy was on duty and I had my I-Pod on listening to music in the silence of the house. He and her did the interactions. She then came to me very upset and I not being savvy to what was going on inquired. "I did it Mommy" she said.
"What honey, what did you do sweet heart"? Crying because her Father was trying to bed them and I not wanting to interfere, asked her to to discuss it with him. He then came in and concerned and upset told me that what she had done was to address and succeed in overcoming a challenge he had given your several months ago. He promised her, that if she could count backwards from 100 to 0 he would give her $5.00. Well he was not there to see it. So she was distressed over the accomplishment unwitnessed. Some time later, after I supported him in going to her, and just holding her so as to get to the bottom of why she was crying and to listen.. She came out full of joy! She had managed to repeat the performance in his presence! NOW she can get the pen she wants from the book fair! She earned it! She had remembered her Fathers promise, HER FATHERS PROMISE. Her Father also remembered it too.

How I wish I would always remember my Fathers Promises to this his daughter. If you...I will...
Conditional, yes. Trust worthy yes.

Sewing Manna

I went to the thrift store Wednesday morning after the dentist. I found all this. I was looking for an apron pattern. Out of this huge box of patterns three patterns fell out when I lifted it down to my eye level the only apron pattern in the box fell out onto the floor before me! so cool. (.29) cents a pattern!

I came home with a gold mind of a find. Someone had donated all this fabric! I stumbled upon it!
Look at that baby blue silk!

I will make covers (Got a pattern now for it) for the surger and sewing machine. out of the pillow block print.

can you believe this yardage!

In total I think around 38 yards!
That thick pile of blue and white flannel (soft 100% cotton light weight flannel) A night gown for me :)

For around $28.00 !!!!!!!!! Wow! so... you may say, where you gonna put all that fabric Donetta? Under the presser foot of course!

Welcome Autumn, Home Decor

I found this yardage and most of these decorations at the thrift store. I got the yardage for $3. and it was a perfect length to make a table cloth out off. After washing and pressing it just hemmed the ends. It has sweet little sayings on it. I LOVE WORDS OF LIFE!

The cute little leave, gourds and beaded wire were all in a bag for $1.99! They are just perfect

I hope you can see how cute these candle holders are. $1.99 each. I think I need to repaint them eventually. I need to set them on something to make them stand out better.

See the detail of the beads, as you know I love , Did I tell ya I LOVE BEADS! :) This would be such an easy technique to do just thread a ton of beads on a wire the twist every so often! To Cool! They shine so pretty.

I had the topiary and the candles. There are a few things up in the attic that I have made over the years. With Thanksgiving held here at the "big house" This will be changing this out a few times. I just can't get in the attic today so...I use what I can :)

New Meme Craft Project Thursday

Caterpillar Craft

"three peas in a pod"

Is hosting a new meme
Craft Project Thursday
This looks like a nice Idea and you know me I'm all about introducing kids to art.

Thursday Thirteen...

Christine from "Are We There Yet Mom?" is hosting for us.
Thirteen things that begin with “A”

1. A little boys curiosity can be amazing!
2. A little girl can be so tender and gentle (so can her brother)
3. A series of shots can help Knees bend and function
4. A cup of coffee is even good when it is cold.
5. All food is for the body not body is for the food. FREEDOM.
6. A just God keeps an eye on the innocent to save them from crooks.
7. A Amplified Bible is my good friend and mentor.
8. A husband loves God with all his heart and this is so good!
9. Absent menu, I have no idea whats for supper and thats O.K.
10. A peaceful home is wonderful.
11. A fall season approaches. It was 70* on the back porch this morning! Dash was cold!
12. A Harsh word is awful and amends can be made. :{
13.An excited Mother gets to go get her children in 15 minutes. They are such a joy!

Thankful Thursday

My Father's eye upon me as He searches over the face of the earth saying is there anyone who will stand in the gap and pray. That He cares that I say "here I am" . I am so privileged to be a party to His loving mercy upon His humanity. I stand awed that He loves us all so much.

I am thankful that those around me say "here I am". My husband delights in these opportunities and does not ever resent it. Some spouses do resent the inconvenience.

I am grateful that I am able to be here available every day. Whether I am busy or not that I don't have to fret a loss to offer my availability. My time is always made even. Little events will happen. Like yesterday when looking for a apron pattern. I lifted a box of 60-70 patters to search three patterns fell out and one of those was the only apron pattern in the box. He always redeems my time.

I am humbled that my kids get to witness all of these acts of service that I simply walk into without pursuit or effort on my part. Being available is all that is needed.
My daughter embraced me at the school with such affection. Her teacher said she was so glad that it was me there to help the children. me = Gods presence=peace=God being Glorified!=safety for the children.

Car crashes, unconsious woman, stolen mail, police and 650 kids pictures.

Wow What a Morning!
It is no !p.m.
This is right out of a novel!
So I have a rushed (picture day at school) morning and on the way to school I see a car up on the curb with someone at the wheel. So I turned my car around to check on her and I beeped my horn she looks up at me and then passes out. I told my kids to stay in the car. (we were on a very quiet neighborhood street). I go over to her and her foot is on the gas and the car is in drive with the tire holding it from moving. I shifted it into park and turned it off and pocketed the key. I spoke to her and then a wonderful big beautiful man stepped my way with a cell phone. He called 911 and a neighbor came out I told her to grab an umbrella. The woman was in and out of consciousness.

I started to pray over her and the big beautiful man beside me prayed with me! I then sang softly to her for she was very combative when he said that help was on the way. When she heard the sirens she began to get very combative I whispered in his ear that I can not afford to get hurt. I told her I needed to go to my kids. (the neighbor had oped the cars passenger side and the kids had eye contact with me all the time). The Paramedics came and I left them the key and took off.

On the way around the park there was another event, a MAJOR accident with a Mom on a gurney. Two cars badly damaged.

The kids went to school. I returned to stop by where the car was and they were loading her into ambulance. I asked the paramedic and he said she was going to be alright.

So I had a wonderful drive (3 minute) home only to get a call before I even sipped my coffee that Dash needed his picture money. I went to the school post hast and took an extra pair of socks Miss fiction needed. I went to the room where the group photos were being taken to find only a man and his wife there. I told them I had signed up and yet never got a call to help with picture day. After asking them if they needed help they were thrilled. Apparently a misunderstanding occurred and the son of the photographer dismissed volunteers (much to the chagrin of the photographer) I was the only parent volunteer. 650 kids :) It was fun and I was honored to be available to help. The Wife took off and I helped until noon. I saw my kids get the picture taken and the classes of the student body were very well behaved. Only one angry teacher who frankly concerned me ( a time for prayer). Teaching is very hard work!

So Coming home I stopped by the car to leave a get well note and my name and number. When I checked the door I found the car to be unlocked . Try as I might I could not get this car to lock.
So I looked around and far to many important papers, mail and medical records were around the seats and floor. So I decided to secure the property and call 411 to get the home number and let them know I had her things. Well this is where it gets suspicious. 6-7 inch stacks of unopened mail in several names were there in the mix. I at first thought is was only a mother or something so I called the one persons name to tell them that I have there things. The people only spoke Spanish after 5-7 phone calls of goggle interpreter I got another call from them to translate by a friend. I told the interpreter that even though this is bad news God was watching over her so she now knows
Mean while the police have been called and they are supposed to be here any time now to get all this stolen property. The Spanish Woman had her identity stolen by this unconscious, up on the curb, woman driver. Oh I drove back and removed my name and number from her car.

O.K. this is the strange thing. The Man had no shoes on! (If you live in Arizona you understand) a child , a woman sometimes rarely any one who normally wares shoes can go barefoot here the side walk burns feet. Why was he out walking with no shoes on? I gave the key to the paramedic and shook thee mans hand thanking him. I had to get my kids to school so I needed to leave. He stayed there. He thanked me so kindly and lovingly I had chills..

Post script 5 P.M.
The officer just left. The woman behind the wheel had been arrested three days ago. She had been released to a hospital. They arrested her again today for being under the influence of drugs behind the wheel as per my report. I testified that she was behind the wheel with the car running and the key in the ignition. She was the registered owner of the car. She was the person with the 6-7 inch stack of bills from the varied medical facilities.
I wonder ...There was a duck with a pink ribbon... I wonder if she was in grief over a recent diagnosis...? The officer said that sometimes folks have more than one identity. He is going to tow the car. The other name will have a utilities check and perhaps the other family is not involved. I sure hope not. If not I jumped to a conclusion. She may have just been a desperate woman Ill and distressed. I would rather think that be the case. However she could of easily of hit the children on the sidewalks. They were all around waiting for the school bus. I keep telling my kids no matter what we did what was right.

Works for Me Wedensday Morning chores

"Rocks in my dryer" is hosting Works for me Wedensday
When making lunches in the morning I lay out a paper towel. Set out four sliced make two sandwiches and cut one in half. Hubby gets the other the cool thing is all the mess is on the paper towel. It is very sanitary. I do not use towel with inks in them for food preparations.
Kids lunches finished all in 5 minutes. Then keep that paper towel out to keep using check it out.

I use it to spread the "all fruit jam" on Miss Fictions bread.
Next tip the yogurts are purchased when I get them 20 for $10. FREEZE THEM! They think it is a treat and they do not expire. They are cheaper too!

anyway... Now after cracking the eggs adding the, Onion salt I use a chop stick to scramble the eggs, Very easy to wash off the cooked egg

I wipe off the spreader with the towel (saves a little water) toss it in the dishwasher and then I use that same towel to wipe off the jelly spreader too, and toss it too. The counter has no mess all things back into refer and I'm done. ( I use a slice of ham with my scrambled egg.