Husband of 25 years learns how to make grilled cheese!

blog spot has technical problems images to follow.

The world stands amazed!!!!!!

Husband who was going to once again run to costco to get more hot dogs (his weekend "Daddy makes lunch" fair). When wife tells him, We are going to travel back east next year! This is our mutual goal, his (our) hearts desire. There is lots of food in the house.
Husband with mild panic on his face asks what can we eat.... (music to jaws)
With a calming voice of reason Wife speaks..."Well how about a grill cheese and grilled ham for Dash" (son is allergic to milk).
Timidly He asks..."how do you do that"? Step by step the lesson ensued.
Yes Amazing! Beloved husband humbled himself with great dignity and learned how to make grilled cheese! Perhaps next time he will do it on his own without a loving teacher to supervise and do half the work.
You know the kids had to eat every bite:)
Husband receives standing ovation and loving embrace for relieving said wife of a meal preparation and for being such a great sport about it!

Prayer for Whats lost

Yesterday was a lovely day.
My son was outside and when I went to say hello to him. He was rather upset over a 1 inch "guy" that had fallen out of his Lego creation of a motorcycle. He was desperate. I found him pulling at the grass and very frustrated. Asking him what was happening he responded, close to tears, that he was playing and had lost the guy who was riding in his motor cycle. I asked him where the play had taken place. He and I scoured the yard and stirred the rocks near the teeter totter, for several minutes, looking for some time with to avail. I gave him my best counsel.
"When I cant find something I ask God to help me out, because he knows the whole planet" I said to him, and asked him if he had asked him. My son refused the advices so I told him how very sorry I was that he had lost it, but that I was not going to waist any time continuing to look if he was not at least willing to ask for Gods help. I told him that if he asks God to help him I would be more than happy to come back out and look. I came in and asked God to soften his heart and if God would help us to find it to build the child's faith.
Some time passed. I heard one heart wrenching little boy crying, and it began to come closer to the door in he approached. Just undone in tears. Beside himself, he told how he had looked every where. "I even asked God to help me" he said...
Oh well if you asked him for help I'll agree with you in that and come out to look with you. I am sure we'll find it then.

We went out together and after 5 more minutes of searching I looked down right beside the teeter totter and right there on the stones sat the "tiny 1/4 by 1 inch little black figure, right there in plain sight (we had already searched the area). I reached down and picked it up and bent down to my sweet son eye to eye and said to him..."son you asked God , then we asked together... In the scripture it said that when two or more agree and ask it shall be done as the believe..." I opened my hand and gave him the toy...He fell apart and just sobbed with the glee of delight and the pain of a life time poured out a humble little spirit. Holding me and trembling,shaking with amazement. I tenderly told him "I love you" he thanked me and I told him he was welcome for my help but that it was God who had found the toy and to thank him. When he calmed a little I thanked him for listening to my counsel. We thanked God liberally and rejoiced together.

This moment in time was a very poignant moment with my Son. He healed deeply in that moment. He has had a bit of an edge every sense we adopted him at 10 months from a very abusive environment of deprivation and neglect. He respected Me in in a very reverence way. It is like he has gained this very deeply felt security and safety. He is like a changed child not so angry under the surface as he has always been. He has an ease about him today that is remarkable.
He even tested this whole process out last night. We had Taco Bell and I usually do not share my seal as a point of principle my husband insists on (I would never get to eat a meal in peace).
Well I had enough of my Mexican pizza(no cheese extra tomatoes:) and thought that perhaps Dash might like it (rarely have I ever felt that it was more than enough but I have been dieting).
I asked dash if he might like to finish it for me. He exclaimed! I prayed that you would give it to me MOM!
Wow it was so sweet! the interactions are like this all day today.

Photo Hunters *pink*

Sweet Beauty 2001

Friday Feist

Appetizer
Name a great website you would recommend to others.
Gracious Hospitality

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night?
I dream almost nightly. Often talking with God and visiting places that are like I were and praying for those in the dream

Salad
Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name?
I had a few, a favorite dog Mitzi she was a boarder callie, and a cat or two that were my sisters. Once a chick.

Main Course
If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise? I think I would be just right for a public Safety announcement for Children.

Dessert
What is your favorite kind of hard candy?
I really like so many different kinds :) Lemon drops

What I believe according to my manuel.

In order that every one who believes in Him-who cleaves to Him, trust Him and relies on Him-may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever!
FOR GOD SO GREATLY LOVED AND DEARLY PRIZED THE WORLD THAT HE [EVEN] GAVE UP HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN (UNIQUE) SON, SO THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN (TRUSTS, CLINGS TO , RELIES ON) HIM SHALL NOT PERISH-COME TO DESTRUCTION, BE LOST-BUT HAVE ETERNAL (EVERLASTING) LIFE.
FOR GOD DID NOT SEND THE SON INTO THE WORLD IN ORDER TO JUDGE-TO REJECT, TO CONDEMN, TO PASS SENTENCE ON - THE WORLD; BUT THAT THE WORLD MIGHT FIND SALVATION AND BE MADE SAFE AND SOUND THROUGH HIM.
He who believes on Him-who clings to, trust in, relies on Him- is not judged (he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation; he incurs no damnation).But he who does not believe (not cleave to, rely on trust in Him) is judged already; (he has already been convicted; has already received his sentence) because he has not believed on and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God- He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.
The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: that the Light is come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deed) were evil.
For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the light and will not come out into the light, but shrinks from it, lest his works - his deeds, his activities, his conduct- be exposed and reproved.
John 3:15-20

Good Evening!

Busy Day We went to a physical Education event this evening for Sweet Beauty's class. We are so blessed. What wonderful equipment and great educators there!
I had my MILove here teaching Beauty to knit. I worked on a Robot costume for Dash to use at his class party. I have the fabric to make a Dorthy dress for Beauty. My dear MILove picked up the gingham for me and even found it on a reduced price by 1/3! A lot of work to do for just an hour at school but it is the agreement I made with them as to what I am willing to do for the 31st.
It was fun working with dash on the Robot.
I have PT in the morning. I have the Stem electric pulse on my back as they heat soak it and stem on my knee, Then the do an electrical stem on my thigh and heat soak it. If I can I ride the stationary bike for 5 min. then use the leg press for 2x12 at 2 plates. Then a 2 pound weight with legs off the side 2x12 and then an extension with same weight straight up. He added some core strengthening with the rubber band over the door and pull down with tummy tight. My back has been very painful getting back up now. I am going to get an appointment to talk to a man about spinal pain management, but my sister said the shots are really very bad. I am chickening out now a bit. This pain my subside as I drop the weight. I have a narrowing of my spinal collum it gets inflammation and just well...Arg! I walked around the block! Big accomplishment my knee is doing great and the leg muscles improving.
I rested and had a nice day. Getting my jewelery table back was a thrill.
I have saved a bundle making every meal on the meal plan this week! That is a huge improvement. Even so I am bone tired Physical therapy is demanding a lot out of me.

Thankful Thursday

"Gods in control not me" is Hosting

I am so grateful that We have a creative God who surrounds Himself in splendor.
I embrace his heart toward us that he would desire beauty to surround our lives.
I thrill in the witness of joy at creative moments. Knowing it is His heart to be artistic.
Thinking of the carpenter and how lovingly his work must have been performed.
Each chisel and every mortis and tenon joint perfectly fashioned with skill.

I am thankful for inspiration.

When I think of his example. His hands on his tools creating,

Glorifying God.
With every good thing.
I am inspired,
and grateful!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Random things Said at my house on a given day.

1. "Good Morning"
2. "Let kindness be the rule of your heart"
3. "You will have each other all of your lives as friends or enemies, you choose.
4. "Choose whats right so that it will go well with you"
5. "Watch out!, that ol' green eyed monster is robing your peace" (jealously)
6. "Don't let any thing rob your peace"
7. "Strife is a thief"
8. "Feelings are O.K. just watch out how you behave"
9. "Set a boundary"
10. "Respect each others boundaries"
11. "When you...I feel...and I would prefer if..."
12. "I love you"
13. "I forgive you"---"Please forgive me"

"Do something to renew your mind"...He said

Good Morning!I hope this finds all of you full of the joy and beauty of a new day!
Yesterday at therapy I met a wonderful gentle giant who lovingly said to me..."Do something to renew your mind. You are renewing your body and now let your soul have a chance to be refreshed"...
Well I keep my spirit refreshed and my body is being addressed, I knew he was right, I prayed and followed my vision. I stopped at a jumba juice and got a carrot juice (not the normal mango-a-go-go ) I felt good about my low cal choice.:) Then I went to the Library for an hour WHAT FUN!!!!It had been a very long time ago that I last went there.
Yes I am feeling so much better, today I will rest though I am sore from my therapy and all the chores and a play date yesterday. I will slow me down today. Reading and perusing my new treasures will be a sweet change this day.
I will sill have my chores but I will go easy.

I had so much fun just wandering the shelves yesterday at my local Library. I thought off all the things I have been wondering about and looked for things to read as references.
I got a "Frost Book!" :)

Some developmental heads up references, these are an invaluable part of parenting. I have used them through each stage. The other volumes are now out of print and apparently they have fallen apart. I think I might write a parental book:)

I have decided to allow the kids a costume for their class event only.
Beauty and I are going to build a volcano. Dash and I are doing a thanksgiving craft today, or a Robot. Grandma is coming over today for a knitting lesson for Beauty.

O man !!!! This is my candy!

Just A Mom, That's More Than Enough: Heather Spriggle bound over on abuse of autistic child charges

Just A Mom, That's More Than Enough: Heather Spriggle bound over on abuse of autistic child charges

Works for Me Wedensday

"Eating For Your Blood Type" see this post
Pumpkin Spice mixes have Nutmeg in them.
Nutmeg causes inflammation in type "O" folks.
So I make my own
Ginger (great anti-inflammatory)
Cinnamon ( neutral for type O )
Allspice
Clove a beneficial
Those are pie pumpkins very heavy for the size and little seeds to them.
I will roast the seeds in sea salt (iodine is great for "O" skin health)

Wordless Wedensday

"5 minutes for Mom" is hosting

For the Mommies

Tails from the scales Weel #4

193 starting

191 week one

191 week two (at 189 on Friday)

193 week three

190 week four (189 peeked at me)

This week is a tuning point for me. I am on the other side of the Injections. This hamster got her bearing back!!!! I worked all day yesterday and NO No NO Joint pain !!!!!!!!!!!!! My wheels are a' spinning. Today is the second day I have the privilege of doing the exercise at physical therapy. I have to go slow, but Monday I used the leg press. I felt the muscles in my bum for the first time. I am so excited! I feel like I am being given another chance at an active life.
The eating for your blood type has made me regular and my abdomen is shrinking. Cupcakes made it o my mouth as did a lot of candy corns yet I still lost. I am getting used to the types of foods the "eating for your blood type" suggest and my energy is way up. No coffee now at all for four weeks and the green tea gives me a little boost. The b12 sub linguals are awesome. My energy is now the normal. When I used to need a cup of coffee it was like the energy came from a cup. Now my energy is coming by avoiding the foods that are on the avoids list. I made a dish with turmeric and lamb and rice. Turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory. I felt great! after eating it. The foods are now my medicine. No Pain killers all weed not even Tylenol.

Tackle It Tuesday

Carolyn Does this answer your Question :)
That and really good tunes. My husband did a wonderful collection of sound tracks from
Last of the Mohegans, Legends of the Fall and Brave heart. Great Music!

Good Morning!
Well today is another motivated Tackle it Tuesday.
I think that this is one of the best meme's .
It has helped me so much to be motivated that I have now really looked at my weeks more carefully
It is my hope and intent to live more purposefully.
With the sight of a reward at the end of the goal. Next year to have saved enough to go back east with the family and do a history trek of the D.C. area.

After the kids were dropped of at school I went to the grocery to get the things I need to finish off this weeks menu. I had several really good buys, produce and such.

When I arrived home these two needed loving. Willy needed his ear cleaned and treated with the medication. Rena was so funny she was ,I think , under the impression that I may be hurting Willy and tried to place herself in the middle with lots of very forceful kisses and in my face "see Me". They both actually climbed into the bath tub, as if to ask for a bath. I think they need a lot of attention too.

After baking the cookies and cup cake and dinner this was a challenge that remains for today. Beloved said last night as he awaited his guy to show up for mens group "I'm sorry I couldn't help you get these dishes done" it tickled me so I said..."Me too!" and laughed.


After

Tomorrow!
Yikes! I need to go get the garden rake. I can not bend under to get all the stuff from under the bed. Dash was not amused with the idea of clearing under his bed for me this morning"can I get it after school Mom?" was his plea.

So many little things to separate Again. He needs the help at 6. I have allowed a mess in their rooms to a limit , but I need to sort out his clothes and pass on stuff so I can get a better idea of what I need to make for him. I know I need to make him pants. He is so skinny and tall I can hardly buy them if I wanted too. He does not ware jeans for the texture is a problem with his Sensory issues.

I almost got the clothing and towels and some of the blankets done. Beauty threw all of the pile on the couch, across the room last night while looking for a toy. My word she just was so surprised she did anything wrong. "I was going to pick them up"... Well now They have the dust and dog hair on them...Arg...
I need to redo the decorations on the dining table Dash left a cup of water on the Oak table it was spilled and the table cloth soaked remained on it until I returned from dropping them off at school. I found it and the wood is now a little blistered! I had to wash and reset it, This time I will put the plastic pad under the the cloth like I should have done in the first place. I knew I should have before. I was just short stepping to get it done.



After

Maybe tonight?

The night before camping Sweet beauty spilled over a rack on the bead table. I need to fix this for I have a Special order I get to work on. Hay! Lisa B. I found some wonderful Pink I think you are going to love.

Autumn Harvest Joy!

Hay! "Ohio Farm Girl" I love how your rubbing off onto me!
It really is a wonderful time of year!

I am taking a big tray of these to the therapists office for the staff. They have served me so lovingly for so may days over the last many years. I was able to do the leg press (very little weight 2x12 reps then 8x1rep). Then I even was able to do an extension at 2 pounds 10 x 2 sets Wow! I feel alive. I'm not hurting to much either tonight.

The kids gagged The cup cakes down :)
It was so nice to offer the men's meeting a snack too.
It felt so good to get out my tips again. I also made Beloved his
I made "Breakfast Cookies" (link) today.
I had the oven warm most of the late morning then the late afternoon.
I took the dog to the vet for his ear, the Vet began to open up about difficulty with answering her daughters spiritual questions. "Be ready to give answer for what you believe"...
She said "I'm not ready" ...I told her about the difference between Relationship and religion. Religion being mans understand and relationship being a primary function. What do you believe? Could you answer earnestly? I believe in the true religion as in the text... Take care of the widow and the orphan in their hour of distress. Keep oneself unspotted from the world. This is true Religion in the sight of God. That is what I read in my Bible. Of course John 3:16 yet that is my relationship. It was a really cool moment in time worth ($) the Vet Visit. Again I'm reminded that nothing is what you think it is about. It is all about God being Glorified. So, I recant my griping about the Vet Costs. God's got me covered there, He owns the planet.
The meal plan was followed today and it really helped my focus to know what I was going to fix. I had some romaine to clean for my lunch so I just broke it up for the supper salad, it was ready for me. Beloved even got to finish his supper .
Kids are asleep and I got up at 5:30 am so the day is winding down early.
We had a power outage yesterday.
Boy the fires in California are really bad!
We also had an event in community, A wheel chair was wrecked and a helicopter in our park aired evacuated someone. Hubby saw it on his way home. We have n man who must of had a bad stroke who is always in his chair up and down the sidewalks, I just saw him the other day. We are concerned about what may have happened . I'm sure the buzz will be about the school tomorrow. Many of the kids were doing a practice in the park at the time.
The mens group was nice and the kids are bathed and read too and in bed now.
My Sweet beauty was such a bug tonight. Sometimes I wonder how much she understands? She was looking for a little dog on the couch where I had my last two loads ,clean, awaiting being folded she took the clothing and just threw it over head and under hand across the living room floor trying to find her toy. "I was going to pick it up" Arg!!!!!!!! The floor is full of dog hair!
That child leaves me to wonder how able she is?
Totally surprised and so tunnel vision she does not even understand what she was doing is wrong. Crazy Making Kid.:)
tomorrow is Tackle it Tuesday. Oh man you'll all have to come and get me if I get lost. It is Dash Hawks room...d d d d d d theme from jaws....
I will use the garden rake. Sound familiar? Anyone?

Days of the week Schedule

Monday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Ironing Day (gardening)
Wednesday: Sewing Day
Thursday: Market Day
Friday: Cleaning Day
Saturday: Baking Day
Sunday: Day of Rest (Bible time)

This is something I have been trying to find. In the 1960's this was a common "Workday" Schedule. Homemaking was a type of employment respected by many.

Inspirational Blogger Award

"Shorty Bear" Dear Denise, has reached out once again in a loving embrace to life up my heart. We are more than survivors. We are overcomer's in Christ Jesus. For without Him we can do...Thank you for acknowledging me along the road walked together.

She wrote:
This lady has been to hell, and back. She is such a lovely example of a faithful survivor, and she inspires me to be more than I am. Bless you always.

Make it from Scratch Carnaval

Go visit "Miles to go Before I Sleep"
Make it from scratch carnival.
This was Originally posted 9/10/07

Taco Seasoning Mix in bulk homemade.

If there is one thing that I don't like to do it is to purchase over priced seasoning mixes that are full of ingredients that just might make hair grow on your chest and your eyes cross.
So I make my own in bulk to last for 2-3 months at a time. The packets are ? what $1. -1.50 each now? Let me show you a trick. No artificial preservatives here.

Taco Seasoning mix
1/4 cup dried chopped onion
1/8 cup sea salt
1/8 cup cayenne pepper (can use chili powder)
1/2 cup potato starch (can use corn starch or any other thickening agent)
1 tablespoon garlic power
1 1/4 cup dried oregano leaves
2 table spoons cumin
stir in bowl and then grind in pistil and mortar or food processor.
Seal it in a canister and use it up in 2-3 months
alter it to your preference.

You only need 2-3 tablespoons per 1 pound of ground beef
3, 8oz cans tomato sauce
taco shells
and fillings.

Last night Daddy Man and I were sharing concerns over snack time after school filling little tummies with junk and no room for nutrition. So the kids had a taco or two after school instead. Snacks after good food. Hubby encouraged feeding them while the appetite was there.
Strike when the iron is hot!

Clearence Rack Electric Meat slicer

Last night I went to Wal-Mart to get the Tooth Fairy gift and while searching the clearance shelves, I found this for$23.
My thought is that at $5. and over a pound for lunch meat I can do better than that. All the preservatives are so so good for us either. Beloved gets migraines from some nitrites
If I do roast and turkey I can "cut" that cost substantially.
My wrist does not last as well as it used too. (I pulled it all the way back when my daughter was an infant,I caught it in a door handle. Then when Dash was just home from Russia I fell with him in my arms just after I had a hysterectomy surgery and caught us with the same hand bending it almost completely back again) I did both babies single handed. My right hand was in a brace almost two years on and off. That was a trial:)
Anyway this will be a good tool. Beloved was very concerned of my safety with one of htes tools however.


It folds up nicely

I can buy several whole turkey's soon sometimes almost free during this season. Now is the time to use us pantry fodder. In a few weeks we can get real cheep lead in adds at the grocery stores.
I know to let the meat chill well before slicing.
Does any one have any good lunch meat recipes?

I gave it a maiden voyage on a large brick of cheese for sandwiches and cracker/cheese lunches for Daddy and Beauty.

The Deli's and stores have wax paper between their slices for good reasons.
This worked fast for me. Clean up was pretty easy. I can buy large 3 pound blocks at Costco and Slice it now. I have grated our own cheeses for the most part. Now slicing is very easy to do.

Over Salt River and threw the city to Grandmothers house we go...

This is my Mother through marriage. She is a sweet woman who has played so many roles in my life over the last 25+ years but the best has been, My Friend.

Sweet beauty had asked me if I could teach her how to knit. I do not have this skill, so I suggested her Grandmother. Beauty has it in mind to fulfill a gift that Laura Ingals (Little House on the P.) gave one Christmas. She wants to give something very special that she did herself.

So Grand Mother took the time to get the yarn for her. We hoping she can come for a lessen here on Thursday. They live some distance and it is very challenging for them to be able to get with the kids. Remember we started out very late in this parenting thing. That made it hard on them age and strength wise.

Sweets did a great job. She caught on quickly. I was taught how once by her but without a mentor at hand I did not know how to fix a problem when it occurred.

Look at her concentration

She was able to get about an inch done.

Menu Plan Monday

While the Salmon in the freezer rolled over to this week We saved considerably last week. I feel so good about it. I am so grateful to the host of this meme for promoting the good disipline that helps us set our goals.

Sunday Smiles

While enjoying her crunchy dry cheerios (sorry the dirty teeth:) this morning ...
GLEE exclaims!!!
"Its out!"...
From every corner we all come to her to celebrate her freedom from the "tooth"...
This Molar has been loose for several days of annoying, painful anticipation.
Beauty said"I think this one deserves a toy, not just money."
That is her third tooth this month. Braces are due to start in January.
Such good news, she had a little friend that had to have some pulled.

She is very Happy and enthralled with her new litter of pups.

Autumn Swap

Christine over at "Are we there yet Mom" held an Autumn Swap
My good fortune was to receive from Kailani at "Island life" a wonderful assortment of All Natural Dry roasted Macadamias Nuts with Sea Salt, and Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts too. Yummy!!!!!
The Prettiest Stationary note cards with Plumeria flowers on them and Plumeria bath crystals. Time for a little luxury :)
The sweetest thing is a Calender of Beautiful Native flowers. I need a new calender (just yesterday I was contemplating ordering one) and this one is soooo...beautiful. Every month has the most amazing photographs of flowers that look like they grow in paradise.
Thank you Kailani for a taste of your home Land.
The kids loved the chocolate covered nuts (me too), they are a treat. Yummy

and thank you Christine for the Wonderful Autumn Swap.