Thursday, November 15, 2007

Rainy Day Fun

Here's what we do when it's rainy outside...




Yep, we do the stair slide. You should try it sometime.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Plastic Easter Eggs


Does anyone know where I could buy some plastic Easter eggs in the middle of November? I need them for a birthday party.

Thanks

Sunday, November 4, 2007

My Dad

Hi All,

I thought I should update you about my dad.

My mom called me just before my trip to IN and I didn't get a chance to post about that. She called and told me that my dad's surgery is postponed to Nov 14th.

She called me tonight and told me that they were pretty sure they had to cancel the surgery. My dad's blood pressure has been really wacky. Some days it's extremely high, some days it's extremely low. So far he has passed out three times. He is all bruised because of that. My dad has Parkinson's and this could be a side effect of the disease.

I really want my dad to have the surgery because he is in constant pain, some days he can't even stand up straight. BUT, I am glad that this happened, because I don't want there to be any chance for compliations at surgery time. God is so faithful. He knows what is best for us.

If you think about it, please pray for healing for my dad. He has struggled with Parkinson's for years and it just keeps getting worse. Please pray too for my mom. She has a lot on her shoulders right now.

In case you are wondering, they are saved but are not on the same level as what I am.

Thanks all!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Am I Still Here?

I have had absolutely no time to blog. Yes I am still alive and well, just no time.

Here's some posts to look forward to in the coming days...

Indiana

MIA Craft Day

And, another Free on Friday.

Have a great night.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Free On Friday

Sudoku Game (computer game)

Greenies for Cats (I don't have a cat, just thought I would post this for those of you who do).

World Magazine (8 issues free)

That's it for today.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Please Pray

!. My MIL is going in on Thursday (10/18) for surgery to get her kidney removed. Please pray that everything goes well with NO complications.

2. My father is scheduled to have MAJOR back surgery on October 31. My mom just called and told me that he has a bladder infection and if it doesn't clear up, they can't operate. He really needs this surgery, he is in constant pain. Please pray for healing of the bladder infection and that his surgery will go well with no complications. Please pray for me too, my parents live in FL so I am felling a little nervous about them being so far away since the surgery is pretty major.

Thanks all!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Breakfast Surprise Chowder

Shadow found this recipe on a website where he plays games. We made it last night and it was really good. It is a nice warm grainy meal. I thought I would share...

Breakfast Surprise Chowder
3 Cups cooked brown rice
3/4 C soy milk
1 TBSP honey
1 medium apple, cored & chopped
2 tsp cinnamon
3 TBSP raisins

Cook rice according to package directions. While rice is cooking, chop apple (leave the skin on) and add to honey, cinnamon, and raisins. Stir to coat apples. When the water is absorbed from the rice, add the milk and apple mixture. Stir to combine. Heat until warmed.

We used white rice (it would have been better with brown), fat free milk, and added a little bit of granulated sugar. We also added roasted soybeans, shelled sunflower seeds, flax seed, and dried cranberries.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Need Some Homework Help?

You have got to check this out!


Homework Help!

Free on Friday

Here are today's freebies:

Carmex Lip Balm (I absolutely love this stuff. It's the only chap stick that I use. It heals dry chapped lips in one day!)

Mud Masque for Hair (even our hair needs a spa treatment every once in a while)

Curel Moisturizer (is your skin thirsty?)

3-D Glasses (If you didn't get enough from my last post, here's your chance to get more. For this one you have to go to any Walgreen's and pick up a pair at the photo counter.)

Dr. Pepper from Chick-Fil-A (You have to play a game but then you automatically win)

Hypo-allergenic Pillowcase (you have to fill out a survey on allergies)

That's it for today. Have a great day!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Missionettes and Royal Rangers

Last night was day one of our Wednesday night classes at church. Now that all of the prep work for it is over, I can breathe a little easier. I even may have time to blog again. Throughout the last week there have been many stressful moments on my part (just ask my kids, they'll tell you) but last night went well. I have heard nothing but good responses to the program. We had about 50 kids total (K-5th grade) in the 4 classes. In my class I had one girl ask Jesus into her heart. THAT is why all of the stress and headaches of the last week have been worth it!

I can't wait to see what all God has in store for the church and this program.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Fight Like a Girl

I know I am supposed to be taking a break, but I found this and just had to share.

Lisa Bevere is one of my absolutely favorite speakers. I have seen her multiple times and am always challenged. This week and next she is being featured on Believer's Voice of Victory's daily TV show.

Check it out if you get a chance.

What does it look like to be a powerful, purposeful christian woman?

When God helps you face your fears, you become fearless.

Daughter of God… you are woven into a God’s beautiful story. You are set apart and your life tells a story.

Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16 NIV)

But what story do you want to tell? Mother, what legacy would you leave behind for your children? Beloved, what is your love story? My children have something more in them. I catch it in the faraway glimpses of their eyes. I hear its voice in the music that moves them. I want my life to speak to them in a way they can understand. Love alone crosses all boundaries of time.

Though we cannot determine how our stories begin, we are very much a part of how they will end. Never doubt, there is a wrestling match taking place for how your tale will close. More often than not, happy endings come only after there has been a battle waged with evil. In our world, very little good happens without some sort of fight. Each and every day could be likened to a page. We are the writers who craft the stories with our words and choices. This is but one of the reasons why stories speak so powerfully to us.

When Jesus walked the earth as a man, He was a master story teller. He packaged timeless messages in word pictures. He used parables, natural law, and real-life experiences to teach His audiences about His Father’s kingdom. He wanted the truth to be heard within the framework of living, progressive pictures. He took the abstract and made it tangible and embraceable in the everyday.

We could almost say stories are the original form of movies, because as plots develop, we find our minds moving from one scene to the next. We do not merely hear or read stories; we see them as only we can. In the secret places of our hearts and minds, they take form. Within the framework of our imaginations, characters are cast with whom only we can identify. They move freely and fill in the blanks as the story unfolds.

So what about your story? Before the most exciting parts of your story can be realized, you must first discover your role. I am afraid far too often a true casting never happens. We float through life, hoping someone else will tell us what parts we are to play. There is great potential for danger when we make others responsible for our happiness. God is the ultimate storyteller who wants to reveal His love story in you. He has written your role and scripted the desires of your heart.

Pause and Ponder: What story have you been living? Or more importantly, whose story have you been living? Have you been allowing others to dictate your life’s story or are you allowing God to dictate His grand story for your life?
Remember that the end of your story is not yet written. Even now you are crafting your tale with your words and choices. The world is watching to see which story you will be apart of.

This article is derived from Lisa’s Fight Like a Girl Message

Saturday, October 6, 2007

No Posts Lately

I have been extremely busy over the last week. Here's why...

Our church is soon starting the Missionettes and Royal Rangers Program. Guess who is in charge of making sure it flows together easily. Yep, Me!

That is the reason for my quiet blog. I have been consumed with curriculum, finding workers, meetings, and phone calls.

It starts this Wednesday, October 10 at 7 PM.

After Wednesday, I'll have more time to blog.

End of Summer Fun

You know summer is coming to a close when...



But, IS summer going to end???????

Friday, October 5, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's freebies....


Betty Crocker Warm Delight Mini's (my mouth is watering already!)

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste (sample size)

Complete Multi-Purpose Soln (for contact wearers)

National Wild Life Cards (Christmas is coming, that's 5 less you have to buy or make)

That's it for today. Have a great weekend.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Diet?????

I just wanted to clarify after my last post. I am not going on a diet. I am not intentionally trying to loose weight. If it happens, great! If not, that's great too! The squishy and Alli comments did make me think though.

Yesterday after reading my post, my DSH took me grocery shopping. We now have food in our house. He looked at me and said, "I don't want you to waste away to nothing."

I am so excited this morning, I am trying to decided what to make for our meals today and tomorrow, and the day after that!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's freebies!

Cartoon Network 3-D glasses (up to 4 pairs per household)

Hope Again (by Charles Swindoll)

Bracelet Kit (by commiting to talk to your doctor about cervical cancer)

Joyce Meyer Calendar (2008)

That's all for today! Have a great day!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

I Have Decided...

That, it's time for me to loose some weight. I keep justifying my weight because I keep telling myself that it is left over baby weight. My baby is almost 5 years old so I can't use that excuse any longer.

Here's what happened to lead me to my decision...

1. On Tuesday I was teaching Girly Girl and writing something on our white board. She stopped what she was doing, jumped up out of her chair, came over to me, squeezed my arm and said, "Mommy, you have nice big squishy arms!" Thanks, Girly Girl.

2. This morning Shadow was flipping through the channels when a commercial for Alli came on. He yells out, "Mom, you need to get that!" Thanks, Shadow.

I have found the perfect weight loss plan. We have been implementing it in our house for the last month. Here it is...We have no food in our house. When there is no food, we don't eat. When you don't eat, you loose weight. That's it. It's that simple. We have not been grocery shopping for over a month. We stop in for milk and eggs but other than that, we have not bought a big order of food in a long time (because of no time to do it). Don't worry, I still make food to feed the kids. They are well nourished and are NOT loosing weight.

The last time I weighed myself, I weighed 142. I weighed in this morning (after shadow suggested that I needed to loose) and now weigh 138. See the no food diet works.

Hmmm, maybe I'll write a book....

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

A New Blog

I want to proudly introduce a new blog.

My DSH's All About Music

My DSH's love for music is very evident in his blog. You will get to know lots of different styles of music through it. I may even have to move my Singing Sunday posts over there.

Enjoy, everyone!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Israel Bound

Many of you already know but for those of you who don't, I thought I would share.

In January of 2008, I am going on a missions trip to Israel with 7 other members of the worship team from church. We are going to help lead worship in a 24/7 house of prayer that overlooks the city of Jerusalem. I am really excited to go. I feel like God has something special planned for me while I am there but I still have no clue as to what that is.

Please pray for us (and me) as we prepare for the trip. That we would all hear the heart of Jesus.

If any of you want to be added to my prayer team, just send me an email (saral3@netzero.com) and I will add you to the list. If you email me please put Isreal trip in the subject line. Thanks.

If anyone would like to contribute funds for my trip you can send me an email.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Singing Sunday

After a few weeks of being on break, Singing Sunday has returned!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thankful Heart - [hi-fi] [lo-fi]

Today's song is Thankful Heart by Petra. You can listen to it by clicking above.

This song has been on my heart for the last few days. I am a complainer by nature. I don't complain intentionally, it just happens. This song is making me ask myself "How thankful am I?" Am I thankful in ALL things? When I don't feel like being thankful, Am I?

Charles Stanley (Giving thanks in all Things) puts it this way...

Thankfulness... 1. Constantly reminds us that God is always with us. His presence becomes more and more real to us. 2. Encourages us to search for God's purpose even in the midst of our pain. 3. Helps us submit our human will to God's divine will so we have a change of attitude. 4. Reminds us how helpless we are without God in every situation so that our weakness can become His strength. 5. Forms a stronger trust in God in our heart's while we are walking through the valley of dark circumstances. 6. Lends a key to finding joy -that means peace and contentment, not giddiness. 7. Makes a powerful impact on others when they see us triumphing over very difficult situations. 8. Directs our thoughts back to God instead of on ourselves or our situation. 9. Gives us new spiritual energy, like getting our batteries recharged. Removes anxiety and replaces it with indescribable peace.

As you go through your day today, ask Jesus to help you be thankful.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Our Life In A Car

I have been trying an experiment over the last few days.



We drive a Saturn Ion. As you can see by the picture, it is not a huge car. All three kids are in the backseat with little room between them and that often leads to lively discussions.

Lately it seems that they just CAN'T get along! Fighting, bickering, name calling, etc. has forced me to pull over to the side of the road numerous times for some "not so nice talks." (code for s-p-a-n-k-i-n-g-s)

Here's my experiment and it seems to be working quite well. Whenever the fighting starts, I make the kids lean their head back, close their eyes and put their hands on their laps. Then I get to relish in the quiet of the drive.

I find that it is increasingly difficult to drive while the kids are yelling and fighting. I actually look forward to this type of punishment so I can have quiet driving time.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Free On Friday

Word World DVD (this is a new show on PBS this season. My kids really like it. To get the DVD, you have to email your address).

Pure Essentials from Tide, Downy & Bounce (a sample of Lilac or Lemon scents)

Word Slinger Game (download this game for free, a 19.99 value)

Have a great day!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Free On Friday

Here's today's free stuff!

Sunsweet Dried Fruit (you can pick up to 4 different things).

Simply Nutrilite Food Bar (you get to pick one of two.)

That's it for today. Don't forget to check the Walmart site for more samples.

Have a great day!

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Free on Friday

Okay, Okay, it's really Free on Saturday. I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. Here you go...

Purex Laundry Detergent ( We haven't had to buy detergent for about 6 years (for various reasons) and on Thursday, I ran out and had to buy some. Guess what brand I bought? Yep, you're right, it was Purex.)

Rimmel Lipstick (I don't wear it too often but when I do it's nice to have some on hand.)

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee (My DSH LOVES coffee!)

Have a great Saturday!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Mom Update

Here's another update on my DSH's mom.

She came home from the hospital on Tuesday night. On Saturday, she was taken back to the ER with a fever and diarrhea. She was admitted for that, so she is back in the hospital.

On the Praising side, her leg was not infected this time.

Please pray for complete healing. That the fever would go down. That the diarrhea would stop. That no other sickness would come upon her.

Thanks all!

How Many Parts Do You Have?

Tonight was bath night at our house. Here is a snippet of our conversation.

Me: Bible Bat Boy (BBB), Are you done yet?
BBB: Nope.
Me: Well, hurry up in there!
BBB: Mom, I have to wash all of my parts.

We are using Lever 2000 right now. I guess he had to wash all 2000 parts.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Mark your Calendars

I have a date you don't want to miss!

Wednesday September 5th, 7PM at the youth building of Christ Community Church.

Benjamin Dunn is leading worship for the night. If you have never seen him before, you should come. He is so anointed for worship and preaching. You will be ushered into the presence of God like never before in a youth oriented way.

You can preview his music by clicking on his name above and then the online store. Last time he was here though, it was nothing like the CD. It was even better.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Oh, by the way, my DSH is playing drums. (Just another bonus to get you to come.)

Friday, August 31, 2007

Free on Friday

I just realized that I never posted free stuff last week. I'll try and make up for that today.

Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and Coke The only one I know of around here is in York.

Kashi Snack You get to pick one of three different kinds.

Stonyfield Yogurt You have to vote and then they will send you a coupon for a yogurt.

Dove Hair Care You get to choose which kind you want.

Loreal Skin Genesis (sample of this product. Full size is worth $25 in stores.)

Have a great day!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Is Anyone Hungry?

Tuesday was the staff picnic for the church. It was held at the senior pastor's (Pastor Dave) house. We all had a great time swimming in the pool, playing games and talking to people we don't usually get a whole lot of time to talk to.

It was a nice calm day, until...

Bible Bat Boy found a grasshopper climbing up the wall of Pastors Dave's house. He came to me and said, "Mom, quick, get me a bug container!" (We have numerous bug containers at home. Bible Bat Boy is my bug fanatic.) I picked up the tongs that were beside the grill (with hot dog and hamburger guts still on it) and tried to help him catch this grasshopper. I certainly did not want to touch it with MY hands. That in itself was a feat. Grasshoppers DO NOT like to be caught. After enlisting some help from a few staff members, we finally caught the grasshopper. Now, where to put it? Sherri had a candle holder sitting on one of the tables so I grabbed that. The grasshopper was safe and happy in the container for all to enjoy.

While Bible Bat Boy was enjoying his catch, he called his brother and sister over to look at it. Shadow loved to watch it climb up the walls of the container. The next thing I knew, I heard Pastor Eric, the missions pastor, say to Shadow, "Hey Shadow, I'll split it with you. You eat half and I'll eat half." I ignored that comment because I thought nothing would come of it. Boy was I wrong.

Pastor Eric stood up, walked to the grill and turned it on. He told Shadow to bring the grasshopper to him. I wasn't sure what to do. Do I let him eat it? Will it hurt him? So I asked Pastor Eric if it was okay to eat. He told me that people eat them as a snack in other countries. Although I didn't particularly like the idea, I was okay with it.

In the process of bringing the grasshopper to the grill, it escaped. It was caught and then it escaped again. And again. I think it knew what was coming.

Pastor Eric finally grabbed it and put it on the grill where it jumped out before the door of the grill was closed. The grasshopper was caught again and this time held firmly in place on the grill. After about 2 minutes cooking time, Pastor Eric removed the catch from the grill and set it out to cool.

When it was cool enough to eat, Pastor Eric broke it in half. He took the head and handed Shadow the body. Shadow just stood there looking at it. "Eat it, Shadow" was cheered on by numerous kids and staff. Pastor Eric went first. His assumption on the taste was..."it tastes like burnt popcorn."

Shadow asked Bible Bat Boy to eat it. He said, "no way!" Shadow asked me to eat it. I said, "NO WAY!!!" (A mom has got to draw the line SOMEWHERE!) Shadow got up the nerve and was ready to put it in his mouth when Pastor Eric said he should take off the wings, "They are a little hard to swallow. They get stuck in you throat." Shadow took the wings off and bit part of the body. I asked him what it tasted like and he said , "nothing, really." Then he started to gag. He spit out what was in his mouth into the nearest trash can. I asked him if he was okay and he said he didn't like the shell.

He then ate the rest of it, even the legs.

Rumor has it at church, that Pastor Eric is telling all the staff that he is going to make a missionary out of Shadow yet.

All this said that if you ever don't know what to make for lunch or dinner, all you need is a yard and a grill.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Mom Update

Things have been really busy here at home for a few weeks. Sorry it has been so quiet in my bloggy world.

Here's an update on my mother-in-law.

She was discharge from the hospital and then a couple days later got another infection in her leg. So she went back into the hospital. She was discharged for the second time last night. She is getting a MRI and a renal function test on Thursday so we can see if the tumor is still on her kidney. We fully believe that it is gone after the taking her to the healing prayer service 2 weeks ago.

They found while she was in the hospital that she has something going on with her heart. She had a few episodes of her heart racing. The doctors put her on some medicine for that.

Please continue to pray for her and our family. Pray for wisdom for Beautiful Grace. (She is our medical advisor). Pray for total healing of mom.

Thanks guys.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

I need some organization help!



I have a bunch of pipe cleaners (or chenile stems, which ever you would rather call them). I have tried MANY different ways to store them over the last few years and they just are too big to fit in any of my containers. I am trying to organize my new school room and the pipe cleaners are just not fitting in.


My question for you: How do you store your pipe cleaners?


Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Free on Friday

Here are today's freebies. In honor of my 100th post, I found quite a few freebies today.

Pledge Wipes (three different kinds)

Memory Cross Bible Card (coloring cards for kids to learn the salvation message)

Post-It Sampler Pack

Bowl & Spoon (from Beechnut)

Stayfree

Orange Julius Smoothie (you can click here to find a location nearest you).

Charmin Roll Extender (now you can use mega rolls.)

Laminating at Office Max (free laminating on Thursdays for Teachers until September 13th. I am not a certified teacher but I do home school and I took some stuff over yesterday and was able to qualify for the free laminating. I just had to fill out a Office Max Perks card. This freebie really excites me. I just bought a calender for my school room and wanted to get it laminated but I didn't want to have to pay for it. God is so good to me! You can click here to find an Office Max near you.)

Friday, August 10, 2007

Free on Friday

Is today Friday already? Where did this week go?????


Here is today's free stuff...

Scotch Bright Toilet Scrubber (you have to print a coupon and send in a rebate form)

Post-It Sight Word cards for kids (as a home school mom, I was really excited about this one)

Free Museum Day - Sept 30, 2007 (admission is free for you and a guest at any participating museums. You must print an admission card).

Kids Toothbrush from Colgate (you have to keep a reading log)

Bausch and Lomb Wear and Care (for contact wearers, like myself)

Have a great day!

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Please Pray

It has been a while that I have found the time to blog. Here's why. When the kids weren't in VBS, we were dealing with this. For those of you who don't know, Beautiful Grace and my DSH are brother/sister.

and then this.

and now this.

Please pray for much wisdom for the family, especially Beautiful because she is the medical liason for the family. Please pray also for complete 100% healing for mom. She has been through so much in her life (brain tumor, operation, loss of hearing, sight, taste, and smell on her left side, she has lots of pain in her face because of that.) Satan has stolen so much from her and I would love to see the Lord restore everything that was taken from her as she lives out the remainder of her life.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The Things We Learn...

Last week we have learned 2 things...

1. Mommy can't blog or check email or look for mystery shops while the kids are on the computer. We have 2 computers but only one monitor available. Once school starts it will be better. We will have another computer set up.

2. We learned that we can't run the less-than-a-year-old microwave without anything in it. For 20 minutes. Or this is what happens...it gets extremely hot, smells funny, and stops working. I never realized how much I took having a microwave for granted until it was broken. I tried to make soup, I tried to make popcorn only to remember that there was no microwave to make it in.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Free on Friday

Here is today's free stuff...

Hallmark Channel Daily Survival Kit Click here to see what's in it.

Nestle Crunch Bar (they only give away 2000 per day and they go fast. They are gone for today already.)

Free Bible in mp3

Have a great Friday!!!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

My Take on Speeding


Do you speed?

I used to drive really, really fast. I had no regard for the speed limit. I had somewhere to go and did whatever it took to get there. I felt such freedom in driving fast.

Then...God spoke to me. He convicted me of speeding. He asked me this question (or something like it) Why do you feel you can break man's laws? Do you feel you can break My laws? Why then is it okay to break man's laws? Yes, I argued. Yes, I pleaded. It was after all just a small law of man, right? Can you guess who won?

Fast forward a few weeks:

The real test came...I had somewhere to go and was running late. It was supposed to take 20 minutes to get there and I was running 10 minutes late. You do the math. I would not get there on time without speeding. I decided to do what any normal person would do in that situation. I started to speed. That's when I heard that very familiar still small voice.

"What are you doing? I thought we discussed this. Why are you speeding?"
"But Lord, I am running late. I won't get there in time! (said in a whiney voice)."
"Do you trust Me?"
"Yeah, but Lord, I AM LATE!"
"Do you trust ME????"
"I think so?"
"Trust me in this. Drive the speed limit and see if you get there on time."

My natural mind can't comprehend how but I did indeed get to where I was going on time. Ever since then I drive the speed limit. Every time I am late and start to drive fast, I hear, "Do you trust me?"

Even though I sometimes feel like I am driving like a little old grandmother (no offense anyone) when people are constantly flying past me, I still trust Him. I learned my lesson. How are we to show others that we love Jesus if we break man's laws?

The REAL Price of Home Improvement


This is the part that no one tells you about when you buy a house! The things you do in the name of home improvements!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's free stuff...

Opti-Free Replenish drops (for all of you contact wearers out there)

Dove Clear Deodorant (Come on, admit it. We all stink at one time or another.)

Metamucil Fiber Kit (no comment)

Have a great Day!!!!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Sort-Of New Blog

Natalie over at Mom in Action just changed her blog name to Like I was Saying. Same stuff, just a different name. Check it out .

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

I Am a Hopper!

Are you a hopper? I sure am. Although I will say that I have not hopped as much this year as I have the previous 2 years. Two years ago, I did 7 weeks. Last summer it was eight weeks.

For those of you who don't know me, let me explain myself. I love summer VBS. I enroll my kids in everyone that I can. Of the 17 VBS's that I have enrolled in, only one of them was a dud. I think that is a really good ratio.

At the end of last summer we moved to a different location and there aren't that many churches around me so this year I have only enrolled my kids in 3 so far. This is the whole reason for this blog. I have got to tell you about the VBS that I have just enrolled my kids in.

You can check it out here. It is Harrisburg, PA. It is ALL day. Let me repeat...it is ALL DAY!!!! Can you feel my excitement????? The dates are August 2-4 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM. It's free AND they provide lunch. For anyone who know my hopping history, this one is a no brainer for me!

I hope to see some of you there!

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Dishwasher Detergent

Here's my recipe...

1 Cup Washing Soda (not Baking soda). You can find this in the laundry section of most grocery stores. It's made by Arm & Hammer. It's sold as a laundry booster. Comes in a big yellow box.
1 Cup Borax soap powder. You can find this in the laundry section of most stores.

Combine. Add 1 - 2 TBSP to closed soap section. No need to add to pre-wash section with this detergent. It works well.

After using this for a while I realized that I was using too much (I don't measure. I just pour it in) and there was a white film on my dishes. To combat this (since I am still too lazy to measure), I added 1/2 C powdered Cascade to the mix. That took care of the problem.

I honestly don't know if it is cheaper. I never figured it out. It should be though because I have been using it for a bunch of months and have only had to buy another box of washing soda. I do like however that it is safer on the environment.

Enjoy!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's todays free stuff:

Eucerine Foot Repair Cream
(it's flip flop season)

Eucerin Redness Relief

Eucerin Daily Replenishing Cream

K'Nex Building Blocks
(we are all kids at heart)

Have a great day!!!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Other Uses For...

I just wanted to give you some options in case you are having a party and run out of chairs. Or if you can't find your crib and need to put your baby down for a nap, it works well for that too. Here's a good substitute.



You notice which one looks more comfortable? She is a smart girl!

Monday, July 9, 2007

My Tag Answers

I have been tagged. Here are the answers to the question...Eight random things about me...

1. Without my contacts, I am pretty much blind. I have had to wear glasses since I was 5 years old. Not just any glasses but thick, thick glasses. I daily thank Jesus for the technological advance of thin lenses!

2. I grew up on a farm. We had 75 acres of farmland, 100,000 chickens (then pheasants, then ducks), pigs, horses, cows, dogs and cats. I used to play tag with one of our pigs. It was calico and everyday after school, I would go to the barn and teach it to play tag. One day I got off the bus, went to the barn to play tag and "my" pig was gone. I was devastated but not enough not to eat it. I had my first taste of dog food on my farm. My brother and sister dared me to eat it. So I did. VERY salty is all that I remember it tasting like. Because of growing up on a farm, I have absolutely NO desire to have any pets.

3. I used to sing and play in a band with Matt Goss. He played bass drum and tuba and sang. I played flute, piccolo, and sang.

4. I LOVE to read. I read for at least and hour every night before I go to bed. My favorite type of books are fiction.

5. I make my own fabric Softener and dishwasher detergent.

6. I hate to dust and fold socks (I make the kids do it)

7. I sucked my thumb until I was 12 years old.

8. I always wear my seat belt. If I don't have it on, I feel naked.

I now tag Beautiful Grace.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Singing Sunday

Today's song is by an artist I have never heard of before the other day. I heard this song and I have been singing it ever since. It is very catchy. It's such a great song to sing and shout and dance to. This album is definitely on my I want to buy soon list.

The artist is Steve Fee. He is from Georgia and gives a fresh approach to worship.

Let's make this song the anthem of our lives. We are free! We shine the light of Jesus whether we want to or not! We worship the king with everything we are! Sin is defeated!

The song should play automatically when the page loads.

We Shine by Steve Fee

We shine, we shine the light of God
And when we speak, we speak with words of Love
And when we dance, we may get a little wild
Cause we’re the people of God, yeah the people of God
And when we sing, we sing the angel songs
The worlds been singing around the throne
Yeah, yeah, we’ll worship the King with everything that we are
Cause we’re the people of God, yeah the people of God, yeah

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

And where the spirit of God is freedom rings
And come, come on, throw off your prison chains
We’re liberated by a King, only freedom remains
For the people of God, yeah the people of God, yeah yeah
We’re living in a Kingdom that will never end
We’re living in a power of defeated sin
So come on everybody, let’s praise the King
Jesus is alive, and he’s coming again!

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

We’re going into to all the world
We’re carrying the light of Jesus
And we shine, we shine
In the darkest place, we shine

Yeah, we’re going into all the world
We’re carrying the light of Jesus
And we shine, we shine
In the darkest place, we shine

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

Come on, come on
The Kingdom is coming
Come on, come on
The Kingdom is coming
Come on, come on, come on
Let the Kingdom come down

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Orange Juice Milkshake

I found this recipe a while ago from a book I used when making baby food. I have a hard time getting Shadow to drink milk unless it is in this form. Here's the recipe. It reminds me of an Orange Julius.

Orange Juice Milkshake

1 Cup orange juice
1 Cup Milk (higher fat milk work the best)
Put all in a blender and process for 2 minutes or until frothy and blended.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's samples:

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners I have always wanted to try these but wasn't willing to spend the money on them.

Reynolds Parchment Paper I use this stuff all of the time. I love it!!!

Gas-X Thin Strips (be truthful...we all have this problem at one time or another)

Have a great day!

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Experiments

Shadow has been doing lots of experiments lately. Most of them deal with food. One of the things he wants to do when he grows up is find new foods.

Here are a few...

1. COW M Drink
Mix equal parts of Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Water, and Milk together in a cup. Enjoy. (The little neighbor boy who Shadow got to try this said it was good. I beg to differ!)

2. Milky Water
Mix equal parts of milk and water. Enjoy.

3. Oyster Cracker Ice
Mix equal parts of water, ice, and oyster crackers. Freeze for 2 hours. Enjoy.

I would love to hear about the experiments that happen in your house.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Happy 4th of July!


Happy 4th of July everyone!

I am so glad I live in a country that I am able to worship Jesus without fear of going to jail or being killed. Even though I take this country for granted I feel very fortunate to live here.

My thanks goes out to all of the men and women who fight to keep those freedoms!

Pray today for our leaders that they would get back to the way our forefathers ran our country. Pray today for the safety of our troops.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Fireworks Happy

No, I am not like oH mY wORD and am Hershey Park Happy. Instead I am Fireworks Happy.

We along with probably half of our church, went to CLA's July 4th celebration. It was really fun. A little crowded, but really fun. The fireworks display was one of the best ones I have ever seen. (I LOVE fireworks, I go to see them whenever possible.)

I have seen many, many fireworks displays in my lifetime but on Sunday night, I had a first. It was the first time I ever got hit by a flying fireworks part. Yes, you read correctly. I got hit by a flying fireworks part. And I was covered in paper ash. We had great seats to watch but the wind must have shifted and caused the slight snow shower of paper ash.



To see a picture of Shadow enjoying his day, click here and wait for the 71st picture (we stopped counting at 101 pictures.).

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Singing Sunday

Today's song has been going through my head all day yesterday. It is performed by Russ Taff along with the Bill Gaither Band.

I chose this song because it talks about the unsaved turning their hearts to Jesus. When I first started singing this song on Friday, I thought of the guys outside paving my street. None of them know who Jesus is. And I need to be praying for them.

Every one of us has someone who doesn't know who Jesus is. Take a few minutes today to ask God for their lives. Also ask God how you can be used by Him to bring people to Him.

I believe one day there will be a big party for all of my loved ones when they come to know Jesus.

If you are not familiar with the song, you can listen to it below the lyrics.

Trumpet of Jesus by Russ Taff

I listen to the Trumpet of Jesus
While the world hears a different sound
I march to the trumpet of God Almighty
While the others just wander around
I'm a member of the Holy Ghost traveling band
We're moving on up to a better land
I hear the voice of a Supernatural Savior
Like only those who know Him can

One sweet sound makes
A whole world of difference
When the world seems indifferent to you
His Melody of love calls you to be great
when mere content was all you thought you could be
So if you've been playin' all your days by ear
Never knowin' what your song was to be
Then pull up a chair, let down your hair
And take a few lessons from me

A spiritual fanfare has a sound all it's own
At the birth of a lasting song
It's been two thousand years since Jesus was born
And still the celebration goes on
If you feel the need to get your life in tune
'Cause you're tired of the drudge every day
Then turn yourself around,
Put your feet on the ground
and just hear what I have to say


Friday, June 29, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's free stuff... I couldn't find too much today.

Gold Bond Powder especially good for these hot summer days

MenopauseRx Survival Kit We are all (at least all of us women) going to go through this some day.

Don't forget to check the Walmart site for freebies. It changes weekly.

Many blessings on your day!!!!!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Our Story

In honor of our anniversary on Sunday, I thought I would share our story.

I first met my DSH in 1994 while I was home from college on Thanksgiving break. My home church was a church that was pastored by my DSH's brother only I didn't know that the pastor even had a brother until that weekend. We were introduced to each other and I said hello and went back to my seat not thinking anything of it. Later I was told that he just got saved and came from a background in drugs.

I went back to school (Messiah College) and got on with my life. At the time I had a great boyfriend and we did all sorts of things together. A couple weeks after thanksgiving, I received a phone call from my DSH. I thought that in itself was strange (since I basically blew him off at Thanksgiving) but talked to him anyway. He asked me if I would like to go to dinner with him when I was home for Christmas break. Here is what I thought, "I know I have a boyfriend, but he just became a christian so I should be nice to him. It's just dinner. It's not like it was a date or anything." So I agreed.

We decided to have dinner on Christmas eve at his niece's house. His niece is the pastor's daughter so I felt comfortable doing that because I knew her. We ate tacos and I had a great time with his family. After dinner my DSH asked if he could drive me home and look at Christmas lights on the way. I said sure. As we were driving, he asked me if I would go with him to Sight & Sound to see the Christmas production. I said yes (still just trying to be nice). He was relieved since he bought the tickets already.

We went on our second date on December 26th, 1994. On the way to the theater, we stopped at Isaac's and ate. While there he got me to try Earl Gray tea. I was never really a tea drinker but I have to admit that it was pretty good. (Since then though, I drink a lot to tea). During the show, he nonchalantly put his arm around me. At that moment, I knew I was supposed to marry him.

What about my boyfriend? Well, at that time, he was in Israel on a missions trip so I had no way of contacting him. So at the end of January when he got back he approached me and asked me what was going on. (some of his friends had filled him in on me seeing someone else.) It was not pretty but I prayed that God would send a wonderful loving person into his life because I was not it for him.

We got engaged in February of 1995. We were visiting his family and he took me into his bedroom, got down on one knee and proposed. I, of course, said yes.

As we were trying to decide on a date for the wedding we decided we wanted to go to Creation together. My parents wouldn't let me go with him without a chaperon because they thought we would do something unmarried people shouldn't be doing. So we chose the date of June 24, 1995 which was the Saturday before Creation. Yes, we got married so we could go to creation together. And I noticed that we were getting married on the 6 month anniversary of our first date.

That year 1995, Creation was cancelled due to too much rain. Since Creation was supposed to be our honeymoon, we decided to have a nice relaxing time doing day trips instead.

To sum it up...We met and married in six months and it has been a wonderful 12 years since then!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Singing Sunday


Today is a special Singing Sunday edition for us. Today marks our 12th year wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we broke out our wedding video and are showing you the song that we sang to each other during our wedding.

After watching you will know why you shouldn't store your video tapes in the attic. That being said, the quality of the video is horrific but at least the sound is good. I really just wanted the sound anyway but because I couldn't figure out how to put my own song on the blog I had to do it this way.

Here are the lyrics...

WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE by Phil Keaggy

Love, you have truly won my heart today,
Love, I am by your side and here I'll stay.
As we leave our lives behind and enter anew
A place where we two can now rise,
Take hold of the morning.

Love and devotion walking hand in hand,
More than emotion this is in His plan.
I'm amazed at how He's placed you in my life.
There was a time when my eyes
Couldn't face the morning.

Honey, I'm thankful cause you loved me.
Darlin', I'm thankful cause you needed me.
Oh, what a wonder, oh, what a wonder you are,
Now we are under the everlasting arms.
The everlasting arms.

Love is a lady living for her man.
Love is a man who really understands.
As we leave our lives behind and enter anew
A place where we two can now rise,
Take hold of the morning.

Honey, I'm thankful cause you loved me.
Darlin', I'm thankful cause you needed me.
Oh, what a wonder, oh, what a wonder you are,
Now we are under the everlasting arms.
The everlasting arms.



We started the video with the love verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It is amazing what true love does. I have not arrived there yet. It doesn't seem possible for any human to attain this type of love, only Jesus can truly demonstrate this love. When you are up there getting married its a wonder that people don't turn and run because loving like that doesn't seem to be attainable.

While you go through your day today, ponder those verses. Do you REALLY love others?

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Six Boxes of Cereal...

AHHHHHH!!! I am so excited! I just spent $2.19 for 6 boxes of cereal and a gallon of milk!

How is that possible, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

After church tonight we stopped at Weis Markets for a few things. While we were there, we noticed that they had lots of their GM cereal on clearance, for $1 - $1.84 a box. We got several boxes among other things and while we were checking out, we got coupons for 2 free gallons of milk. They are having this promotion now that if you buy 3 boxes of GM cereal you get one gallon and if you buy 6 or more boxes you get 2 gallons. While we were loading our groceries into our car, I noticed a coupon for $1 off 2 boxes of GM cereal. My kids love to get the coupons out of the machines in the stores and pretend that its tickets or money.

So, I went back into the store and got 6 more boxes of cereal. I used 3 $1 off coupons and one of my free gallon of milk coupons and my total was $2.19.

Granted, the cereal that we bought is sugar laden and very non nutritious but I justified it by knowing that it is fortified with vitamins and minerals and that I paid 50 cents to a dollar per box. Everything is okay in moderation, right? Okay, I guess 16 boxes of sugar laden cereal is not moderation!

Friday, June 22, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's freebies...

Caress Exotic Oil Infusions You have to check the box that says you want a sample.

True Lemon Crystals I have tried these in the past. It works well in water.


Purina Cat Chow 6oz bag I won't be getting this one, we don't have a cat but maybe you do.

Fiber Sample and Shaker Cup I got this sample so I can use the cup for making gravy.

Have a great day everyone!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

My Street

All this week my street is being torn up to replace the curbs and repave the street. Here are some pictures.


My Driveway- we have to park on the street.


One Deep Hole

The team of guys were here all last week too, fixing some spots on the street so they can repave. Girly Girl saw them working and said, "Mom, those guys are working too hard! We need to make them cookies." On Monday, that's exactly what we did. We made them snickerdoodles. Girly Girl wrote an thank you note on each of the bags then she handed each worker a bag of cookies and a soda.



Today I was outside talking to some of the workers and they told me how much they appreciated the cookies and soda. I took the hint and brought them more. Who knows if they ever get treated nice. Who knows if they are appreciated for what they do. I just pray that our act of kindness will plant a seed in their lives for Christ.

Things To Do Without Electricity

Last night our electricity went out at 6:15 PM. And stayed out. And stayed out. And stayed out! Only to come back on at 3:30AM Yep, that's 9 hours without electricity.

You never realize how much you take something for granted until it's gone. All night, we kept saying things like, my CD player doesn't work, or I'm hot, I think I'll turn on the fan. This morning, I am much more appreciative of having electric.

Here's some of what we did during our 9 hour stint...
1. Checked our flashlights to find that only 2 have batteries. (I'll be working on that this week.)
2. Ate all the Popsicles we could before they melted. (this was one of the kids favorites)
3. Played Skip-Bo by candlelight. (boy that's a long game!)
4. Got baths by candlelight. (this wasn't high up on the kids favorite things to do without electricity list, but they were filthy after the park yesterday).
5. Lit as many candles as we could find. (this entertained the kids for quite awhile)
6. We put the kids to bed early (around 9PM but that is early for us).
7. My personal favorite, my DSH and I sat on our porch and eavesdropped on our neighbor's conversation. They were complaining about the neighborhood kids, the street (more on that one later), and life in general.


When the electricity finally came back on at 3:30 AM, I was woken up by some of our lights being on. I looked outside my window and noticed that almost every house in the neighborhood had lots of lights on. My street was very well-lit this morning.

What do you do when the electricity is out at your house? I am looking to expand my idea list.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Singing Sunday


In the spring, I love to sleep with the windows open. In fact I pretty much have the windows open 24/7 throughout the spring. The other morning, we awoke at 5:15 to the pitter patter of raindrops hitting our trampoline ( that sits right outside our bedroom window). The shower didn't last too long and after, all was not quiet.

I have been noticing over the last few weeks that after the rain, the birds are out in full force singing their hearts away. After the rain shower at 5:15 AM, I was laying in bed pondering this fact.

This is what I felt the Lord was telling me. First of all, the sound of rain itself is very soothing. The sound of rain calms our hearts. And the birds sing so much after the rain because the rain brings refreshing, comfort, and food. Rain brings the worms to the surface of the ground. Rain refreshes dry land. Rain brings insects to flowers. Rain also washes the birds, it takes away the dirt and grime covering them. Spiritual rain does the same things for us. It soothes. It comforts. It refreshes. It brings us food. It cleanses.

Next time it rains, listen for the change in the way the birds sing.

Lord, I ask that you would send Your spiritual rain to refresh our lives. Let it comfort our hearts. Let it refresh our spirits. Let it bring a peace to our hearts. Let it wash away all of the dirt and grime that fills up our lives. Let it clear our minds so we can focus on Your Word.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Kids Say...

Tonight while I was working in the preschool room at church the kids were eating their snack and they started talking about their grandmothers. The one kid said he was going to visit his grandma tomorrow. Then another kid said, (and I quote) "my grandma had LOTS of wrinkles. They are all over her face! She has to fix that!" My jaw dropped open when he said that. Then I started laughing. I just hope he doesn't say it to her face.

Can You Spot the Difference?

Before


After







If you guessed the missing tooth, you're right. It fell out at church on Saturday night. We must be at church too much because that's where Shadow's first one fell out too. Time will only tell if Bible Bat Boy's will fall out at church.

Do You Listen?

We hardly ever listen to the radio anymore since we got our iPod but we recently we came upon a new radio station servicing our area. It's different than the other well-known christian station. It plays a wider variety of music and doesn't get in a rut of playing the same song 4 times every hour.

Check it out...

93.1 FM or 88.7 FM

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

You are so funny...

The other night during dinner, Shadow was acting very silly, telling us joke after joke. After one such joke, Bible Bat Boy looked at Shadow and said in the most serious face and tone of voice, "Shadow, you are so funny I can't even laugh." Then he went back to eating his food. The rest of us started laughing hysterically.

God gave Bible Bat Boy an awesome personality. He comes up with funny things all the time, without even trying. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses his personality to further the kingdom.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Gas Prices Got You Down?

As many of you know, I am a very frugal person. I try lots of different ways to save money. That being said, we started an experiment to try to save money at the pumps. Here's our experience (hopefully I'll explain it so that you are not too confused).

When we first started our experiment I was a little scared because in my brain, it didn't seem like it would work. But it actually does.

We started using the high grade gas (93 octane) in our car. This type of gas usually runs 20 cents more per gallon. So in our 11 1/2 gallon tank that's an extra $2.30 per fill up.

Normally we would get 320 miles per tank of gas. Since we started using 93 octane, we now get 360 miles per tank. That's an extra 40 miles per tank of gas!

Or, to put it another way, before our experiment, we got 28/29 miles per gallon. Since we started using 93 octane, we now get 32/33 miles per gallon.

Since we get an extra 40 miles per tank and we get 33 miles per gallon that's over an extra gallon of gas.

Here's where the saving money comes in... We spend an extra $2.30 to put 93 octane into our tank. We get an extra gallon of gas out of our tank (about $3.00). For every time we fill up our tank, we save $.70 - $1.00. It doesn't sound like much, but over a year, that's $52. Over 5 years (the life of our car loan) that's $260 (that's a car payment for us). Not only are we saving money by using high grade gas, we are helping our car too!

Try it for yourselves and you can decide if you save money!

Friday, June 8, 2007

A Visit to the ER

Wednesday night was pretty busy for us. At about 5 pm, the kids were playing outside when Bible Bat Boy came running to the door crying hysterically. I asked him what was wrong and he told me his foot hurt. I looked at his foot and thought it looked like it got pinched but then on further inspection I saw he had a splinter (not just any splinter, it was a small plank) in his foot. For about 10 minutes I tried to get it out (while dinner was over-cooking in the oven). I just couldn't get a hold of it. I prayed, I cried, and still it would not come out.

I researched the internet on how to remove a splinter. Most of the sites said to use scotch tape. I think they were talking about normal sized splinters, not plank sized. One site did say to soak the foot to soften the skin, so I gave that a try. It still didn't work.

My DSH came home from work at 5:30 and he tried to get it out too. We finally decided that a trip to the ER was the thing to do. Right away I had a feeling of dread. (Our history in the ER had not been good, it usually takes forever!) But then God spoke to me and told me it didn't have to be that way and He would be with us. Right before we left for the ER, I told my DSH I was expecting to get done soon and we would see him at church.

Let me tell you, my experience at the ER was amazing! We got there and a woman took out names. 5 minutes later, we were taken to our room. 5 minutes after that, the technician came in to take Joshua's vitals and a nurse came in to check his foot. Soon after that, the registration person came in with a computer to get all of our information. Soon after that, the doctor came in to operate. She told us that she didn't want to numb his foot because it would hurt more than taking the actual splinter out. They wrapped him in a blanket, mummy style with his head and feet sticking out and laid him on the table. I basically laid on top of him cuddling him and singing to him and telling him how much I loved him.

I was so proud of him...He started to shake and get scared but I just kept singing over him. He didn't cry at all! It took the doctor all of 20 seconds to get the plank out. After it was done I asked him why he didn't cry. He told me, "because the doctor asked me if I was going to be brave. Mommy I was brave." He was so good (well-behaved). I could tell at times he was scared but we just kept praying for Jesus to be with us.

We got to the ER at 6:20 and were done by 7:40. That in itself is a record for us!

I won't change my time in the ER for anything. I would change the circumstances of us being there, but I wouldn't change the fact that I got to spend some good quality time with Bible Bat Boy. I will cherish the conversations we had, the songs we sang, and the people we met.

For your enjoyment, here is the plank...

It doesn't look so big here, but it is the size of my thumb nail.

Free on Friday

Here's todays free stuff...

Schick® Intuition® Plus® Razor (You have to check the box that says yes, you want a free razor. If you need a recommendation for this one, check out oH mY wORD.)

Fisher Price Planet Heroes DVD (Click the orange box on the right side of the page. Then it comes up like you are actually ordering something but you do not have to input your payment info.)

Stayfree Dry Max Ultra-Thin Pad (just because)

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Singing Sunday

Today's song was just burning in me during worship practice this morning. Today being communion Sunday, the focus of the service was on how Jesus died for our sins. He sacrificed Himself for ME! That thought is just unfathomable to me. If I was the only person on Earth, he would have died, for ME! Doesn't that just blow your mind? To be totally honest, I don't know if I would be able to sacrifice myself for my family, let alone someone who I don't know. I always knew that He sacrificed Himself for me but this morning it hit home. I ended up just crying out my thanks to the Lord. I am so undeserving of His great love.


I long for that kind of compassionate, unending love in my life. I am working on being able to show that kind of love to others.


This song is an oldie but a goodie. The only music for it that I could find is a midi file so it doesn't sound the best, but it still gives you the idea of what the song sounds like. Click on the title to hear the midi.

Oh How He Loves You and Me
Words and Music by Kurt Kaiser


          Oh, how He loves you and me,
          Oh, how He loves you and me.
          He gave His life, what more could He give;
          Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
          Oh, how He loves you and me.

          Jesus to Calv'ry did go,
          His love for mankind to show.
          What He did there brought hope from despair.
          Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
          Oh how He loves you and me.

          Oh, how He loves you and me,
          Oh, how He loves you and me.
          He gave His life, what more could He give;
          Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
          Oh, how He loves you and me.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Free on Friday

Only one today. We are off to Knoebel's.

Full sized bottle of Coffee Mate Creamer ( I cant wait for this one. My kids like to drink the creamer, as gross as that sounds.)

Blessings on your Friday!!

Thursday, May 31, 2007

I don't WANT to get a Bath!!!



So much for bath time today. Every time we put Hermie in the bath water, he would climb right out. He must have grown because he could never reach the sides of the container before.

Life with Hermie has been very interesting lately. The other day, he tried to climb through a hole about the size of a Quarter. His legs fit but he could not get his shell in no matter what he tried. He was very persistent because he was trying to get in the hole for about 10 minutes. Finally, he gave up and found another way in.

This again reminds me of spiritual things. I want to be as persistent in my prayer life as Hermie is in getting out of his bath. So often I pray for something and if my prayer doesn't get answered in MY time, I give up or forget about it. For example, I have been praying for God to heal my eyes for at least 5 years. (I have had to wear glasses since I was 5 years old. I have very bad eyesight.) I go in spurts where I will really press in and pray about it. But then I get discouraged and stop praying. Another example is my family. My siblings are not Christians and I pray also in spurts for them.

I would love to get to the point where I don't get discouraged and continue to persevere.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Nick Vujicic

I found this video this morning ans thought I would share it with you. This guy was born without any arms or legs and is now using this as a testimony to reach many, many people.

Click here to watch.

Nick Vujicic

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Singing Sunday


Today's group is Tree63. I have been listening to them a lot over this past week and the songs are deep and worshipful. I tried to pick just one but it was really, really hard. So I decided to highlight the band instead.

The band is originally from South Africa. They named the band because they were standing under a tree when they were trying to think of a name. The 63 is from Psalms 63.

Like any other band they have had some good times and bad times. They use those times when writing the lyrics to their songs.

I hope you enjoy this band as much as I do.

Another Blog

After some harassment from me, my sister-in-law, Beautiful Grace Started her very own blog.

Welcome to the Bloggy world, sis!

Friday, May 25, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's today's freebies...

Lotion (it asks for a code offer, but just leave it blank and it goes through).

Noxema Cleanser

Pfizer Pedometer (Classic Mama this one is for you!)

Hope everyone has a great day today!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Wow!

I saw this story this morning. All I can say is wow!

Click here. (After 14 seconds the real story will come on).

The Recording

My DSH had a recording session with some members of The Burning State on Tuesday night while I was at the MIA coffeehouse. Here's what I found when the kids & I got home.