tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59220103153843357082024-03-13T18:34:19.205-07:00Anything but OrdinaryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-88795212373383868962017-03-24T14:45:00.002-07:002017-03-24T14:45:34.640-07:00Moving UpWe are in the midst of March Madness at our house. Our madness however has nothing to do with a sport, unless you consider moving sporting. It is a complete mess over here. I promise, Noah had it easier getting the ark ready to go than we do getting all this junk sorted, trashed, given away, packed, and moved. I hate this process. I am the pack rat of the family. I want to keep it all, pack it, store it, never to see it again! But don't you dare get rid of it. I WANT it! I may NEED it. Anyone who has known me for six months or more and is reading this (hi Mom), is dying laughing right now at how true this really is. However, I am so tired of seeing all the clutter and piles. Our whole lives have become clumps of mess. The garage, the shed, closets, corners of the rooms, counter tops, desk tops, flat surfaces; the list could go on and on. I.Am.Done. No more. Its time to purge. Of course, I want to purge when we have like 3 days to go, and we still have 2 weeks worth of stuff to do. But hey; I never said my timing was great. <div>
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So The Great Purge of 2017 is on. My daughter is amazed. "What about these shoes Mom. They were favorites of yours. They'll fit Marian in a year or two." "Keep them. Wait! NO! Stop it. Get rid of them. If no one can wear it at by the cold weather change, its going.!" She kept standing there, unsure if I was serious, or if she would be in trouble later when I figured out the shoes were gone. Here's the secret. After years of hoarding all this stuff, I have no idea what I kept and what I didn't. I haven't seen most of it in years. And won't see it for many more unless I start sorting the mess. So off it mostly all goes. There are plenty of children in this area that barely have clothes to cover them, and I have sheds full of stuff my children will never wear because I'll never remember to pull out the stuff I saved for that someday down the road. I'm even going to sort my hand made stuff. GASP! I don't need every pair of PJs I've made for Christmas the last 10 years. I don't need all the dresses I ever made for Jeffie Jean. I even have dresses I made for my niece boxed up! They were made to use; it's time they get used! </div>
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Here's the thing. All this time, this stuff has been useless. We couldn't get to most of it, it was stored horridly, and was unusable. And it started encroaching on our everyday lives. We couldn't all get in the living room without moving piles so we could watch a movie together. My nightly ritual to go to bed consisted of moving piles from my bed to my chair. The kids were no different. They couldn't ever play with their toys much because of all the mess of stuff being all over. We are social people, but haven't had anyone inside our house for a couple years. We have been crippled, really. We don't function as we should. I could list so many things that are effected. Children who aren't responsible, who don't clean up after themselves or care for their belongings. Adults who are forgetful, irresponsible, and excuse laden. Finances are effected. Emotions effected. The list could continue.</div>
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So here we are, at an impasse. And its time to not carry the baggage with us if you will. I'm not moving all the mess!! Change is coming. It's inevitable. And this should be a simple break. Out with the old ways and the old house, in with new ways and a new house. It will be simple, but hard. I mean, how can I not live with the plastic allergy band I wore in the hospital when Heathie was born?! And who is going to love Jeffie Jean's tiny, chipped, jewelry box as much as I did? (you know, the one that has been at the bottom of a packed junk box for the last four years) Oh, there will be important things kept, no doubt. I'm not expert level yet. You can't make me get rid of the stuffed bull that kept vigil over Heathie's NICU bed, even if it was partially shredded by a dog. Or the little "Mr. Mischief" shirt Anderson nearly wore out, but completely defines his toddlerhood. But I don't need all their coats, shoes, ties, etc. I don't need my maternity clothes from 1998 when I only weighed 100 pounds (yes, I hate me too). One might say our theme this week might be, "Let it Go", but I'm going with "Movin' Out"!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-47325987725873119122016-10-19T09:17:00.001-07:002016-10-19T09:22:14.752-07:00Morning Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My alarm went off at 0630 today. I turned it off. I knew that I HAD to get up, but I rolled over and snuggled up to Heath for just a few more seconds of warmth. Knowing full well that I would go right back to sleep if he didn't get up; and of course was secretly praying he would stay put. And for the first morning in weeks, he did just that. Soon, the alarm was sounding its 0700 call, and I was still in bed, still wondering how I could stay where I was yet still get everyone up and going. Corbett was beginning to let me know he was going to need his second breakfast (because the first came at 0400), and I got up to see if Daniel and Jeffie Jean were up. Its a big day for them, and I was hoping they were more responsible than their mother. Sure enough, they were up, dressed, and The Girl was finishing styling her hair. The Boy was already styled, smelling good, and put together for his day out. So he was sent to wash the dishes that got left last night, and she was sent to start breakfast.<br />
See what happens around here if you are responsible? It got them out of the bathroom, and that was what I needed anyway.<br />
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Corbett is beginning to let me know he's about to get desperate. Heath has gotten the littles up. I can hear them not so quietly getting up and around. His coffee is brewing and bible and journal are sitting at their ever consistent spot at the table. I head in to my room to feed the now angry baby, and the parade of good mornings soon follows. Surprisingly, all seem pleasant and excited to start the day. Maybe sending them to bed at 1930 as a punishment last night was really a good thing! Corbett doses off, so I lay him down and head back to the others to see how they are all doing. Heath has gotten laundry in the wash, breakfast is in the oven, and littles are nearly all dressed. Except those two girls, Marian Glen and Georgia Beth. They are still giggling and flitting around pretending as little girls do. I text the oldest who is off at college, and remember how much my heart aches now that it is torn and living in Norman and here. I remember I have important things to send to my sister, and quickly print off the release and sign it. After snapping a quick pic and texting that to her, I begin the hunt for an envelope. Because they grow legs and move every two weeks as soon as I put them away after paying bills. It didn't take all that long this time, and I had that ready to go all before 0800. This is where I foolishly begin to think I'm going to have a productive day. Jeffie Jean brings breakfast and my mug of deliciousness to me, and I set them down to hold Lucy Jo for a few moments. The time has come for Heath to head off to work, and another piece of my heart walks out the door. Everyone else sits down to eat, and I remember I need to rotate the laundry. But its not quite done, so I turn my attention to the smell coming from Lucy Jo's diaper. As soon as that is finished, I look at the clock and realize its time to get the two oldest (of the house now) to the high school to take their PSAT test. Hmmm, I'm still in my pajamas, but know I won't be getting out of the van, so a sweatshirt it is, and out the door we go. Pep talks ensue, and the teens head in to a world they only hear about in stories. Back at the house, we clean up after breakfast, I get that pesky laundry rotated, get TL's envelope mailed, play with the not-napping baby, brush through an epic case of bed-head, continue to strongly instruct children in the art of clean up and self-control, change a couple more diapers, and remember I have a breakfast plate sitting around here somewhere.<br />
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I sit down long enough to eat my cold breakfast, gulp down my room temp tea, and send out a couple texts and Facebook well wishes, look longingly on my newest crafting project, and get back to today's tasks. I have forgotten what it's like to have a house without teenagers. I know teens get a bad rap, but really, other that the emotional roller coaster they like to ride, they are invaluable to me. And mine are no exception!<br />
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So now, its 1030 in the morning. I still haven't gotten dressed. The baby is calling my name again ever so demandingly. Lucy Jo has been on the table, in the bath tub, over the couch, and under my bed already. A second load of clothes is in the wash, the couch is buried under the dried clean clothes. The kitchen still has breakfast dishes to do. The piano is plinging (is that a word?)<br />
along with the tune of new students and difficult lessons for old students. Marian Glen is living in her world of make believe. And I am teaching five different children 100 different lessons. Or something like that.<br />
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These are my days. They differ slightly. Mondays are full with Food Pantry work and school with my Mom. Tuesdays are juggling Heath being off and still trying to get school taught. Wednesdays consist of school and a long, late, yet rewarding night at church. Thursdays are our slow day with just school on the regular schedule. Fridays are full of last minute assignments, and children being released from a week full of work and responsibilities. It's full around here. Sometimes I feel like an unwilling slave in the belly of a ship rowing to the ever present beat of the drum of time. Some days, I just want to throw down the shackles of responsibility, and fly free; satisfying my every whim. Other days, I so desperately miss my Malcolm that I just want to hide in my room eating my sorrows into oblivion until he comes home. And then there are the days I just want to sleep. Like, leave my bed for only bathroom purposes, turn on the TV and binge on ridiculousness and sleep. But most days, I go about my day happily fulfilling my purpose as a wife and mother. I change diapers, wash clothes, clean dishes, kiss faces, care for scrapes, find STUFF, keep the peace, remember everything, and love my children. Because no one can do this as well as I can for my children. They are the pieces of my heart, and I am their heartbeat. The day will come when I'm sitting on my couch, fully dressed, chores done, crafts completed, and its 1030 and I won't know what to do with the rest of the day. For the pieces of my heart will be scattered across this land.<br />
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I know that the dishes will always need washing, the laundry ever present. This isn't a sprint we are running, but a long race with many curves, hills, and obstacles. I'm so very happy to be spending this race with my family; worn, busy, and content.<br />
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<i>Thank you Lord for who You are. You are ruler over all, and still wanted me. You are my Creator, Sustainer, and Author. And even in my wickedness, You became my Savior, Redeemer, Champion. Despite my weakness, You have blessed me beyond measure, and lent me your children. Give me the grace to raise them in Your likeness. Praise to You and You alone.</i></blockquote>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-87133063226602800002016-02-24T10:20:00.000-08:002016-02-24T10:20:05.065-08:00Where to beginThe last time I posted something I wrote was nearly nine months ago. That's an entire fetal lifetime. I don't think it's that I haven't had anything to say, I just haven't know how to say it, or more likely I just don't know how to get it all from my heart and onto "paper". And I'm finding I am becoming a very mean spirited person. I keep starting lots of posts, but there is nothing gracious about them.<br />
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Like, accepting your age and being happy about it. I just had my 39th birthday, and I am good with that. I like that I'm nearly 40. Most days. But then somehow the post turns into a rant about body image, dressing the part, and not trying to be your teens' best friend so you can continue to relive your youth. Cut that one.<br />
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Then there is the post about dealing with your first born child's senior year and preparing to move off to college within the year. In the middle of all the memories, the accomplishments, feelings of pride, I get off course. And out comes my frustrations with the college application process, the constant pressure to perform, and well wishers adding to the pressure with the constant questions of "what is he going to DO?". Needless to say, it's in the trash as well.<br />
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I've had posts on the struggles of motherhood, homeschooling, juggling time and schedules. But somehow, my husband comes off as uncaring and uninvolved. That poor man has spent weeks fixing things around the house, sorting through junk, and he has had cleaning and putting together our library. And instead of seeing that as the blessing and act of love that it is, I'm writing about how alone I feel. Another post bites the dust.<br />
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But the worst post of them all has been the one I want to write the most. This winter has been such a struggle for me. It started with a sick baby, and probably an innocent question, "Are you pregnant?" The nicest part of the whole post (I've deleted it and started again about 20 times), has been the title, "It's Never Anything but Hateful to ask a Woman if she is Pregnant". The post just becomes nasty from that point on. I'd like to say I was being sarcastic and punny, but my heart was really dripping with the bitterness that shows in the posts. And with each post that hit the cutting room floor, more of my heart was consumed with the anger that was taking over. Truth be told, I liked being mad. Sitting in the filth of self-righteousness. The question was asked over and over all winter. Week after week, I added the names to my list of people who were rude and uncaring. When I did find out that our eleventh child was indeed on the way, I added to the list all the people who said I knew you were, or It's about time you figured it out. And with each name I added (seriously, in bright red ink), a little more of my heart turned to stone. <br />
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Y'all, I'm tired of being this person. My entire life, outlook, and person is being consumed. I'm tired of not enjoying my day. Of not being thrilled to raise my children, or seeing the best in my husband. I'm tired of feeling used, taken for granted, and brushed aside. When I step back to see life as it is truly being played out, I'm being unfair and judgmental. I'm condescending, ugly, and everything I'm mad at others for being. And it's just not who I am, nor what I should be. I'm a child of God, and there are standards!<br />
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So here I am, beginning to sweep out my trash bin. I've shredded my list of names.<br />
And asking God to sweep out my heart that has become a nasty trash heap itself. I am looking to find joy again. To be understanding and loving to those whom God has blessed me to walk through life again. And most of all, I'm asking God to quiet my desire to put others opinions first. To look to Him to be the only thing that matters to me.<br />
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I'm praying He will capture my thoughts. <blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God, here I am. Demolish these strongholds. Do Your work on me. Destroy any false or proud thoughts I have; anything that is not in sync with Your Word. I cannot take this apart on my own, I need the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Renew a right spirit within me. (Paraphrasing from 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Psalm 51:10)</span></h3>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-3949266477517703302015-06-23T09:16:00.000-07:002015-06-23T09:16:47.523-07:00Changing my Quiet Time Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been reading my Bible for years now. Like 30 or more years. Not cover to cover every year; in fact that has only been done a few handful of times. Though I have worked hard to read from God's Word nearly everyday, there are plenty of times I have not. But even with all this "experience", I've never mastered the art of Bible Study. <br />
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Oh, I've tried over the years. I have all the sad attempts at taking notes from what I've read. There have been countless store bought helps, downloaded outlines, and numerous blog suggestions tried. And I still have struggled. In fact, it became just a task to check of my to-do list; something my quiet time should never be. And at this point, I seem to avoid <em>actual</em> Bible Study. I just don't know how, and it is so frustrating. <br />
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I stare at that blank journal page, and the sweat begins to form. Thoughts of failure, and doubt start whispering to me. I begin by reading the passage of scripture, and try to start answering questions about it. How does this apply to my life? What is God wanting me to learn? What verse sticks out to me? What is this saying to me? What about me? Me. me. me. me. By this point, I'm struggling to breathe, and think I might be having an anxiety attack. So I put it all away, and try to ignore the elephant that lives on my nightstand. I was defeated before I ever began.<br />
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But a few weeks ago, I was looking through some stuff on Bible Study on Pinterest, trying to find the "system" that was going to cure me. And as I was reading through a blog post that really had nothing to do with Bible study, a sentence jumped off the page and seemed to <strong><em>scream </em></strong>at me. It was quietly tucked in a lengthy post, and was not the focus of even the paragraph it was in. It was just fulfilling its role as a place holder from one thought to the next. <span style="font-size: large;">But it was there that God spoke.</span><br />
I stared at the screen as the sentence reverberated through my thoughts. "What does this say about God?" It just echoed over and over all day. <br />
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And I've been testing it out. And thinking on that statement more and more. It is unbelievably freeing to view the scriptures this way. My focus is no longer on me.<span style="font-size: large;"><em> Let's face it, the Bible isn't all about me.</em></span> So why should I be making it that way? And no wonder I was panicky trying to read it when the main goal was to insert myself into it. That's just overwhelming. Instead, I'm beginning to read this Text to see who my Creator really is. And what a difference! I am falling in love all over again with the One who called me out of darkness and gave me Life. I am seeing new attributes of Him, wanting to read more to discover more. And there is a desire to emulate what I read. Think about it. When you see all these attributes of God listed on a page, its a beautiful list of perfection. Who wouldn't want to be like that?<br />
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So I'm quietly learning to study my Bible. Taking small steps each day; discovering a little more than I knew the day before. And expecting this to become my norm. With just one simple question. <blockquote class="tr_bq">
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What does this say about God?</h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-44479799726536788072015-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:002015-03-19T05:00:07.934-07:005 Truths to Thriving with a NewbornOur family ushered our newest member into this world at the beginning of February. Lucy Jo is our tenth addition, and is absolutely precious. She is a great baby, with typical needs. And while I wish I could tell you our life has been magazine perfect this last month, it has been textbook crazy. I lovingly call it a time of Newborn<em>itis.</em> <strong>And even with the best of babies, there are days you wonder if you and your household will ever be normal again!</strong><br />
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So, as an experienced Mom (that's code for the OLD mom), I've come up with 5 essential truths to thriving through the Newborn<em>itis.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth 1:Plan expecting the unexpected. </span> </div>
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Babies can't read a clock, nor your handwriting. Sometimes, they need to eat every hour. Or maybe sleep longer and go five hours between feedings. They can be known to cry for no reason. Or maybe its just that <em>they need to hear Momma's heartbeat</em>. So when you make plans, whether for a day outing, pictures, school for the older children, or time with big siblings, hold to those plans LOOSELY. Know ahead of time, your plans will be prone to change. Be flexible so you don't break. And remember, <strong>Babies are more important than a to-do list</strong>. It will be there tomorrow. Or the next day. There's no rush.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth 2:Now is the time to try something new.</span></blockquote>
I can hear many of you screaming, "WHAT?!". Trust me on this one. You know all those cute crafts on Pinterest you've pinned to do with your toddler? Now is a great time to do a couple of those! <strong>That 20 minute catnap your baby is taking is the perfect amount of time to color a picture with the toddler, paint a pet rock, or blow bubbles on the front porch.</strong> I've watched YouTube with my bigs, learned new braided hairstyles, and was the guinea pig for new card trick ideas. And you don't need to do this EVERY nap, just once or twice over the course of the next few weeks. But remember Truth #1, and be ready to drop plans quickly!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth 3:Forget previous opinions.</span></blockquote>
For nine months, you have been planning and dreaming about life with your newborn. Friends and family have added in their thoughts and stories along the way. You have an expectation of how life is going to look, how it is going to be. But in the midst of spit up, cries, sore nipples, sleep deprived motions, and dirty diapers, you will wonder what you were thinking! I swore I'd never leave the house without socks and shoes on my baby, coordinated outfit, and matching hat donned on his precious little head. Then I had to<strong> </strong><em>let it go</em><strong>,</strong> and go with what worked. It's okay to re-evaluate your thoughts, change your position, and break your own rules. And your baby can go to the store in a onesie and blanket. You've maybe never done this before. <strong>I've had a newborn 10 times, and I STILL change how I do things</strong>. What works with one baby, doesn't always work with another! And that being said...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth 4:The T.V. is an OK ally.</span></blockquote>
I know. This may cost me my image. But seriously? When you haven't slept for 36 hours, only eaten the left over cold eggs your toddler refused to eat, and cannot remember your last shower? If that precious bundle finally falls asleep, set that toddler on the couch or in your bed, and put on an age appropriate movie! Trust me, it won't happen all that often. But even if it does, <strong>you aren't going to ruin your child</strong>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth5:Rest really is important.</span></blockquote>
The doctor has told you to sleep when your baby sleeps. Your Mom has told you to take a nap. Your body is crying out for rest. Get some! This is probably the most important Truth, and hardest one to come by. <strong>So I'm going to let you in on the secret to getting rest. Stay home. It's really that simple</strong>. I know you want to show the world your precious blessing. You have errands to run, people to see, places to visit. But your health, both physical and mental are more important. The best thing that happened to us this go around was a sudden break out of strep throat or flu or something. Everyone but two of us didn't get sick. We slept often, played games together as a family, and spent time with each other. And after two weeks (one of sickness, one of making sure the contamination period was over), I felt wonderful! I wasn't snapping at everyone. I felt as if I could handle anything that came my way, and I was ready to face life at a little bit faster pace. People who were brave visited us at our home a couple of times during that time. And we did go to my parents' house a few times after the first week. But we were just able to unwind and adjust for a bit. And after you take your infant out for the first time, you will remember how exhausting that is! And will appreciate your need for rest.<br />
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Congratulations on your new baby. I can't tell you how much I love new Mommas and their little ones. Be good to yourself, and give yourself all kinds of grace. And know this, <span style="font-size: large;">I have prayed for you today</span>! Some days you won't be sure you can make it through. Just take it from diaper to diaper. One feeding at a time. And you will see you are the BEST Momma to that baby!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-80844946948969091332014-11-18T08:53:00.001-08:002014-11-18T09:02:13.062-08:00Advent Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: Links in this post are affiliate links. I will receive a small monetary compensation for anything ordered through those links. Thank you!</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8xJ8nxqI1iQgjSxarGwf93GWSg8vjv_rggNRgHWRO3xUeViIIVNz1O0h2AmA2SbHYjfAVwcjqF1-EHHWVpe4Y1aTCThvPAcSzkgXbgTCkjkB6-wmHiWdrcUvidSt6mcMMW6kY-8Gyao/s1600/JothamSeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8xJ8nxqI1iQgjSxarGwf93GWSg8vjv_rggNRgHWRO3xUeViIIVNz1O0h2AmA2SbHYjfAVwcjqF1-EHHWVpe4Y1aTCThvPAcSzkgXbgTCkjkB6-wmHiWdrcUvidSt6mcMMW6kY-8Gyao/s1600/JothamSeries.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
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Christmas is on its way, whether we are ready or not! And I know, many of us still have Thanksgiving on our minds, and we want to celebrate it before we crowd our lives with Christmas. But there is a little preparing that needs to be done, and I would like to suggest one quick purchase to help your family prepare itself for Christmas.</div>
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Our family began seven years ago reading a book for Christmas. Actually, it was for the Advent season. We begin reading right around Thanksgiving, and read a bit of the story each day afterwards, ending the story on Christmas morning. But we don't read just any old book. We were introduced to <u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825441749/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825441749&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=LB34YFWP5URF2FY5">Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0825441749" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent</a></u>, and began a journey ourselves. We had never really celebrated Advent before, and this became a very special part of our holiday season. The children, Heath and I could not wait to get evening chores done, get home if we were out, or be ready for bed so we could start our time of reading together. We usually sing a song or two together, but the purpose of those moments was to read the story. </div>
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Jotham is a 10 year old boy shepherd boy in biblical times, who finds himself in great trouble. The story twists and turns, is full of suspense, and keeps you wanting more. Jotham finds himself face to face with legendary thieves, slave dealers, robbers and more. He also finds scribes, other children, wise men, and a tiny baby. To be fair, when we started reading this story, my children were nine and under. If your oldest is preschool aged, I'm not sure these are the stories to fit your family yet. Unless your child is used to sitting for 15-20 minutes listening to you read. I often have color sheets for my littlest ones to work on while we read so their hands stay busy and they stay engaged. </div>
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The biggest bonus is that <u>Jotham's Journey</u> is just the first in a series! We rotate through the years and follow with <u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825441722/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825441722&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=NCTWSKB5Z3PFN6K5">Tabitha's Travels: A Family Story for Advent</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0825441722" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Tabitha's Travels</a>,</u> and <u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825441730/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825441730&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=DZ6MAH45D5FUMMXN">Bartholomew's Passage: A Family Story for Advent</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0825441730" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Bartholomew's Passage</a>.</u> Both of these stories are woven into the original story, but follow a different child. Our children are already looking forward to this year's adventure, <u>Bartholomew's Passage</u>!</div>
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This year's Advent story is set to begin on November 30, so you still have time to get your own copy of this book. And if you are an <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/video/primesignup/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1402131641212&ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=O7R5C2VULYLB3XYV">Join Amazon Prime - Watch Over 40,000 Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=pf4&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Amazon Prime member</a>, it will come to you in a couple of days, at no extra cost for shipping! I know that this has almost sounded like a Reading Rainbow book report, but I'm just giving you our family's honest opinion about the books. I get nothing in return (unless, of course the affiliate links), and was not asked to give my opinion. I'm just the kind of person that likes to give her opinions to others for the fun of it!</div>
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Whatever you do this season, remember to prepare your hearts, and the heart of your family. Don't get caught up in the rush and noise of the season. Instead, find yourself resting quietly at a manger stall, learning from the miracle that was and is Jesus. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-58496748348537657542014-11-04T08:03:00.000-08:002014-11-04T08:07:26.381-08:00Marriage and AnniversariesHeath and I celebrated our eighteenth wedding anniversary this week. And by celebrated, I mean we woke up, said happy anniversary to each other, posted something on social media about it, and got everyone put together and to church on time. It's the first time in 18 years we didn't get away for a few hours by ourselves. I thought I was going to be sad about it. It just couldn't be helped. When the coffers are empty, there's not much to be done. But instead of sadness, I have been very reflective.<br />
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I was only 19 when we wed. Heath was a whopping 21. We stood there on the stage of our church and made promises we had no idea how to keep, nor what the cost would be to keep them. We said "I do", and could only see how that affected our here and now. We were ready to conquer the world, because together, we could do anything.<br />
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Fast forward over the years, and trust me, they do go by at<strong> lightening speed</strong>, and we have learned a few lessons. See, we knew things were not going to be easy. We knew times would be good and times would be hard. There would be ups and downs. We knew all that in our heads. Life had already shown us that. We just didn't know it in our hearts how we would be stretched, intertwined, hurt, broken, and brought together. I'll never forget our first fight. Scared me to death. Heath walked out, and left me in our apartment alone. I just knew I had blown it only a few weeks into our marriage. There was so much to learn. Those first few years were filled with multiple address changes, family moving in with us, us moving in with family, job changes, poor financial choices, and the births of babies. Lots of finding our way. We weathered the ups with the downs fairly well. <br />
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But as life goes on, it just seems to get more complicated. Much like the ever growing clutter and stuff that tends to collect in our homes, our lives were collecting "stuff" and it was getting harder to wade through. The mountains were getting bigger. Which meant that the good times were even sweeter, with abundant happiness. But the flip side meant that <span style="font-size: large;">the valleys were getting deeper</span>, darker, full of heartache. <br />
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We now have nine children. With the tenth child expected to be born in February. And life has never been harder. And just as we have welcomed life to this world, we have watched it leave. Have said hard good-byes. We are struggling more now than ever. Most days, I feel like I'm drowning. It wasn't supposed to be this hard. Those young newlyweds? They just <em>knew</em> that by the time they were nearly 40, they would have "arrived". With success clearly written all over their lives. It's not happened that way. We are basically starting over. <br />
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And here's the deal. I'm not that young, naïve girl anymore that worried over little things. I have grown up. MUCH. I have a history, a story. And I can tell you this. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I could go back, do it all over again, I would <em>still</em> choose to say "I DO".</span></blockquote>
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In fact, I say I do every morning. I get up everyday and choose to love my husband. I say "I Do" to the good times and bad times. Marriage is not a life full of that mushy, giggly love. Full of sunlight, fluffy goodness, and smooth roads. It gets ugly. You get dirty in the process. Storms come, and leave their mark. What I have learned is that you can't hang all your hopes on the fairytale. The best parts of marriage are what come from the ashes. I made a promise eighteen years ago, and since I better understand what that promise truly was asking of me, I can better fulfill said promise. Would I change anything? Do something different? I can honestly say no. From our mistakes, we are growing. We have learned to love each other more than we ever could have imagined. We also have learned that our idea of success has changed. Sure, it would be nice to have a little more financial success. But we are STILL married, eighteen years later, and there isn't any doubt this will be the way it is for our life times. And we are able to conquer anything, still, because we have each other. We have learned to CHOOSE. And we choose each other. We may make the wrong choices in many aspects of our life, but this is the one thing I know we will always choose. We choose each other, our marriage, our life built together. It's not always pretty, and there may be days we don't like it, but we haven't let feelings get in the way. So to my husband I say, "I love you. It has always been you, and always will be you. I can no longer see where I end and you start. You are forever my choice, I still do."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-85756503281151296182014-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:002014-06-09T05:00:01.257-07:00Five Gifts for Fathers that Would Meet Cliff Huxtible's ApprovelWhen I think of Father's Day Gifts, the first thing I think of is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnr3r5ZTpbI" target="_blank">episode</a> of The Cosby Show where Cliff has had enough of the bad gifts. His chest of gifts is so funny! Soap on a Rope. How does one use it? Light up ties, hats, belts, and suspenders. So for all the Dad's that don't promote themselves, here are five quick, simple ideas that are sure to be useful to the Father in your life!<br />
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<li><u>MOVIES</u>~ I don't know of a single guy that doesn't love movies. Whether your guy likes action and adventure, Sci-Fi, or classics, there are plenty of options for him. Some of the favorites for my guys are, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HWWUQYY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HWWUQYY&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=LEFK4RHOCY43SRLZ">The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HWWUQYY" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DB97LCM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DB97LCM&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=CJ5YIPAUN3CDMNT6">Star Trek: Stardate Collection </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DB97LCM" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYRLUEG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IYRLUEG&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=D3T4ZOVHELIZPXUO">John Wayne Film Collection</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IYRLUEG" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The possibilities are endless!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044BBOQK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0044BBOQK&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=OSMBYZ3S5XUP75DC">Kreg K4MS Jig Master System</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0044BBOQK" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />~ My guys all love to get dirty, make big messes, and have something they have made with their own hands. And this system has been at the top of the wish/want list for quite some time. As an added bonus? You can start adding handmade furniture and home storage to your wish lists! It's a win-win situation!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GLD03W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GLD03W&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=GUOQACJJXA67YZYL">Bird Feeders</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GLD03W" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />~ Seriously. Guys really seem to like them! Anything that has to do with birding is our go-to gift for my Dad, but there is something to be said about providing for the sparrows I guess. I've known many men who LOVE having bird feeders!</li>
<li>Books~ The guys in my life are AVID readers. So try picking out favorite genres or authors like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=David%20McCullough&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=digital-text&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=UGGVRSPNQEKUHK74" target="_blank">David McCullough</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zane-Grey/e/B000APX4ZS/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1402277503&sr=8-1&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=P24WXGQCFZXGTUZF" target="_blank">Zane Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, or their favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Clancy/e/B000APF4T2/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1402277628&sr=1-2-ent&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=JM6WN6ETQYXSDE6M" target="_blank">thriller author</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</li>
<li>Sports~ No list would be complete without mentioning sports. Our guys like to move. They love to compete, get sweaty, and hang out with their pals. So whether your guy likes to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=374240011%2C375518011&pf_rd_i=3386071&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1584962902&pf_rd_r=1ZPDFY151CQ25NV8T2S6&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-1&pf_rd_t=101&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=54F6LL4MK63ISJKK" target="_blank">tailgate</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, follow his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Collectibles/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=3250697011&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=YA45SCLSA23P3LIF" target="_blank">favorite team</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Fitness-Sports-Outdoors/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=3407731&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=7WWHXLQY5XW6UGCW" target="_blank">gear up</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, this is always a good way to go!</li>
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Whatever you get the fathers in your life, remember that they love you. They are part of you, and you are a part of them. They will love what you get them. As long as it's not a light up, hula girl tie!<br />
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Oh, and just in case you are wondering? We did get something from this list for my husband! But since he is reading this and giving his stamp of approval, I can't tell you which one!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: As an affiliate, I do receive a small amount of earnings based on the referral links.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-77232099838156148162014-05-06T08:06:00.001-07:002014-05-06T08:06:11.168-07:00Broken HeartsSunday was an unreal day for us. It was one of those days that nearly every minute was planned, without any leeway for mistakes or delays. I hate Sundays like that. I am a Sabbath Sunday kind of person. You fellowship with your church, enjoy the company, take a nap, reconnect with your family again. In general, easy going, full of REST.<br />
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Well, to be honest, (sorry Bro. Mark), as soon as the sermon was being wrapped up, I was checking things off in my mental list, already moving on to the next thing. Yeah, yeah, while singing in the choir. It happens sometimes. Then, the unbelievable happened. My husband started leading my six year old daughter down the aisle. WHAT?! I was NOT expecting that. In fact, we always are prepared for this. With days and weeks of talks, family discussions, and such at home. I didn't know what either one of them were thinking.<br />
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Fast forward past lunch, scary phone calls (I'll get to those), a Bible Drill competition, and we arrive home for an hour or two to regroup before church. Heath and Paulee do some talking, Daddy to little girl. I then take my precious Paulee Rea by the hand, and we sneak off to my room for some girl talk. She begins to tell me about the things her and her sweet Daddy have talked about, and so I ask her if she is ready to talk with God about her heart. Y'all I was NOT prepared for this. "Yes Momma. But you need to leave." <em>My heart constricted</em>. How was I to know if she prayed right? What if she got it all mixed up? Could I really know she was "saved"? And then I remember thousands of times these words have come out of my mouth, "It's not about a prayer. There are no magical words that POOF, make you worthy of God." I did the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I walked out of that room and shut the door. Nearly all the way.<br />
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What I saw next was a little girl lay down prostrate on my bed and begin to talk with her Jesus. It was holy. And private. I was intruding. It sent me to my knees. Again, I was being shown<span style="font-size: large;"> I had to trust the One I claim as my Savior</span>, with these that are most precious to me. Because no matter their worth to me, it doesn't hold a candle to their worth to the Creator. <br />
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"Oh Lord, I really do have to trust her to You. She isn't mine to begin with! Set your flame in her heart, consume her, and let that fire be unquenchable. Change her, and through her, set the world on fire. And give me Lord, just a touch of her faith and trust in You. There is no compromise in her eyes. No questions. Just pure faith in You."<br />
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I have no idea how long she prayed, or I. But when she walked out, she was determined. I said, "So?", <br />
"So what?"<br />
"What happened?"<br />
"Well Mom, don't you know? The wages of sin is death. I have sin Mom. I have said things, thought things, and done things that make God sad. I have a payment. Dad showed me in the Bible. But Jesus gives a gift of eternal life. Its why he lived here. And was perfect. And died on the cross. And rose on the third day. So I asked Him to give me His gift".<br />
"<em>AND?!"</em><br />
"Mom, don't you know? The Bible says if you ask God for something, He gives it to you."<br />
"I see. So now what?"<br />
"Well, the Bible also says that 'if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, you will be saved.' So that's what I am doing. Momma, don't you know these things?! (she was looking very worried about the condition of my heart) Every Sparkie knows these things. It's basic Bible truth!"<br />
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So black and white. She told me that the next thing she needed to do would be to "get baptized". Because that is what Jesus did. And she wants to be just like Jesus. But since she has to wait for that, she needed to find a Bible to read. Because if she is going to act like Jesus, and be like Jesus, she probably should read about what he did and how he acted. I am not making this up! So this precious little girl went and found this Bible that Heath's grandparents sent to us, and began reading Psalms. Chapter 23 to be exact. Because she has it memorized and so it wouldn't be too hard to read. And this little girl, who isn't a ferocious reader, and has just an average six year old reading level, has proceeded to read chapter after chapter in Psalms. And today, she informed me that the Psalms were great, although she didn't understand them well, but they weren't telling her what her Jesus did every day. So I suggested she start reading the Gospels. We looked at John. It was too long. Luke, too wordy (her description, not mine). Matthew, well, she's tried it before, but the names just get to be too much. So we flipped to Mark. And on the title page, it bold print in the margin, it said, "MARK IS THE GOSPEL THAT SHOWS US HOW TO PUT OUR FAITH IN JESUS INTO ACTION". She squealed. "This is it Momma!! Now I will know how to act! It has to be different than I have before I surrendered my heart to God!" <br />
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I asked her that now that she is my sister, if she would stop calling me Mom. I got the eye roll, and "<strong><em>MOM!!"</em></strong> Good to know she is still my little girl. With a passion fresh, new, and bold.<br />
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And, to hear what else was going on that day, and to see a sweet video from Paulee Rea herself, visit my sister, <a href="http://www.terilynneunderwood.com/2014/05/when-broken-hearts-are-healed/" target="_blank">Teri Lynne</a>. There stories will forever be intertwined.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-77468638592061051842014-04-30T14:34:00.001-07:002014-04-30T14:34:34.486-07:00Too Young to be OldI went to the local doctor's office Monday. I never go to a doctor. Unless I am pregnant. And no, I'm not pregnant. That tells you how concerned I was. There was a very odd, strange rash on my torso, and it wasn't getting any better. In fact, it was blistering. I was in the office with the nurse for about 30 seconds, and she laughed and said, "Shingles. Definitely shingles." Seriously. I'm 37 years old. In my head, that is an old person's disease. What joy. I was told to expect lots of itching, pain, and discomfort. She just kept giving me great news! I have since found out, that once you have had the chicken pox, you have a dormant virus that can cause shingles AT ANY TIME!! Way not cool.<br />
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Well, I have done fairly well. Monday night I was pretty miserable. But it was more mental than anything. I was running a low grade fever, only had some minor nerve pain, but no one would come near me. I had the plague after all. I just wanted to be held.<br />
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So Tuesday, the itching was getting a little crazy. I had been administering CalaGel, but still, it itched. And since I had lots of time on my hands, I was doing tons of reading on the Internet. And ran across the wonderful blog <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/" target="_blank">My Blessed Life</a> by that dear sweet woman, Myra. And she talked about <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/2014/02/10-amazing-reasons-you-should-take-detox-baths.html" target="_blank">detox baths</a>. A long soak in the tub sounded wonderful. And if I could amp it up a little to aid in pain and itching relief, well that would be the proverbial icing on the cake. So to the tub I went armed with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N7DQHA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004N7DQHA&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20&linkId=ILA3W6GL5EZADPP4">Epsom Salt</a>s, essential oils, and a book. It was wonderful. I took my bath right before lunch, and had complete relief until eight o'clock that night when some of the itching returned, and just a few twinges. I was THRILLED!<br />
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I just added two cups of the salt to the bottom of my dry tub, and dropped four drops of <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/blends/valor-essential-oil" target="_blank">Valor</a>, and four drops of <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/blends/thieves-essential-oil" target="_blank">Thieves</a> to the salt. I mixed it well by hand, being sure to incorporate the oils to the salt well. Then I ran my warm bath water, and soaked. There was tingling (the good kind), and some sweating (that's the detox), and relaxation. Once I finished, I made sure to rehydrate with some ice water and lemon oil. (P.S. Don't use too much Epsom Salt. Otherwise, you will have problems. Like that whole thing about short term relief of constipation. WHAT?!)</div>
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I am definitely a new convert to detox baths!! Please let me know if I can help you with any purchase of Essential Oils, or if you have questions I could answer for you! For more information on Young Living Oils I love please click <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-love-with-lavender.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-essential-oils-are-entering-our-home.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>*I am not a doctor. I am a Mom looking for ways to naturally treat ailments in our home. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And yes, buy purchasing anything from these links, I will receive compensation. However, all opinions and statements are mine and completely unsolicited from the company. If you would like to order from me, please visit <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/">www.youngliving.com</a> and use my distributor number 163227</em></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-48870346167995345822014-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:002014-04-15T12:16:33.510-07:00Menus for April 14-27 I realize I am a day late, but I did want to be sure to get our menus shared. Part of getting food costs under control is having a menu. Once you know what is for dinner, you know what to buy. You are less likely to overbuy, have to visit the store multiple times for extra purchases, or most tempting, just eat out. Take 30 minutes and come up with 14+ meal ideas and write them down. Once you have that done, then you can plan them out with your family's schedule. Homemade lasagna isn't going to get done the night you have baseball practice, choir rehearsal, piano lessons, and a dentist appointment. That day, you need a crock pot meal! And when you know what meals you will actually be needing, then you can write out a grocery list. The grocery list takes a little longer to do, but so worth the time. And make it a family project. Send kids to retrieve cookbooks, to look in cupboards for extra canned corns, or to get a count as to how much beef is left in the freezer. Soon, you will begin to see your food costs diminish, and much more healthy dinners at your table. And the frazzled, stressed out Mom? Well, I can't get rid of her. But I can make dinner time much more smooth with having a plan!<br />
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What we will be eating the next two weeks<br />
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So, what will you be having for dinner this week?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-54779423432543726762014-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:002014-04-11T09:47:45.915-07:00In Love with LavenderBefore I gush too much about one of my favorite oils, I want to let you know about a little contest I am having. I would like to name this series on Essential Oils, but am out of all creative names! So I thought I would let you, my readers, help me! I need something, short, sweet, and of course cute that I can label all my posts about oils. And as a thank you to the one who comes up with the winning entry, I am going to give them a free <a href="https://www.youngliving.org/rs_ord_item_detail_popup.asp?ITEM_CODE=3575&IS_GUEST_SHOPPING_MODE=0&CC=" target="_blank">15ml bottle of Lavender oil</a>!<br />
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So let me tell you why I am giving away Young Living's Lavender Oil. In my opinion it is one of the most versatile oils Young Living has to offer. I think you can use it for just about ANYTHING. But let me tell you of my very first experience with it. I received my <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/opportunity/products/starter-kits/premium-starter-kit" target="_blank">Premium Starter Kit</a> in February. Our youngest daughter, Marian Glen, was 10 months old, and had only slept through the night once, maybe twice all those months. Most nights, there were at least two feedings, and multiple crying fits and screams during the night. Sleeping for more than two straight hours was considered a blessing around here. And as a girl who needs her beauty sleep? I was turning into the nasty villain of the movies, not the Pretty Princess. So when my order came in, I set up the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/tools/home-diffuser" target="_blank">diffuser</a>, filled it with water and 10 drops of Lavender Oil, turned it on, and then fed Marian Glen. When she had her fill, and was passed out in my arms, I tried for the dreaded transfer to bed. You know the one. They are dead to the world, but the second they leave your arms, the blood-curdling screams begin? She rolled right over in bed, and STAYED ASLEEP!! And six glorious hours later, she woke up again to nurse. And went right back to sleep, and slept for four more hours. That night of sleep was worth every penny I spent on that kit! <br />
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But I use it for all sorts of stuff. Just this week I have used it for:<br />
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<li>allergy relief</li>
<li>minor cuts on the children</li>
<li>diaper rash ointment</li>
<li>Epson salt bath</li>
<li>room freshener</li>
<li>bedtime relaxer</li>
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This is truly one of the top oils you can purchase. You can diffuse it, apply it straight to the skin, and, since Young Living Oils are therapeutic grade oils, you can take it internally. It is also included in the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/collections/everyday-oils-essential-oil-collection" target="_blank">Everyday Oil Collection</a>, which is included in the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/opportunity/products/starter-kits/premium-starter-kit" target="_blank">Premium Starter Kit</a>. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the oil, purchasing, or how we have been changing our lifestyle to become more natural in how we treat our family. As always, if you choose to purchase something, I would be honored if you used my member ID, 1638227 as your referring distributor!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And did you see? By purchasing the Premium Starter Kit, you are getting the Home Diffuser basically for free! It is an amazing way to step into the world of Essential Oils!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I am not a doctor. I am a Mom looking for ways to naturally treat ailments in our home. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And yes, buy purchasing anything from these links, I will receive compensation. However, all opinions and statements are mine and completely unsolicited from the company.</span></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-84089947262641552512014-04-01T11:33:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:33:16.910-07:00How Essential Oils are Entering our Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to tell you, I love my newest adventure. I took the plunge and jumped into the world of essential oils. After much research, thought, and prayer, I joined the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/quality" target="_blank">Young Living Essential Oils'</a> team. From learning what oils to use when, convincing skeptical teens I'm not poisoning them, and being brave enough to let go of "what we've always done" treatments, it has been quite the experience for our family. One that we LOVE.</div>
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So from time to time, I will be sharing with you how we are getting rid of the harsh chemicals in our household, and learning to use products that are natural, from God's creation, and good for our health and well being. So to start this series off, let me share with you where I started.<br />
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Our home is full of migraine sufferers, allergy victims, and insomniacs. And as we have been raising our children, we have become less enthused about over-the-counter meds and other conventional treatments. There just seemed to be something not right about giving our then four year old heavy duty pain meds for her migraine. But what do you do as your baby is screaming at you to <strong>"<span style="font-size: large;">make it stop</span>"</strong>? Enter in some good friends, more research, and a parent's desire to do just that. Make it all stop.<br />
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It was only two days after my <a href="https://www.youngliving.org/rs_ord_item_detail_popup.asp?ITEM_CODE=4672&IS_GUEST_SHOPPING_MODE=1&CUSTTYPEID=2&CC=US" target="_blank">starter package</a> from Young Living arrived that we had our first migraine. And it was a <em>doosey.</em> My husband was writhing in pain, and pills were not going to help. He was just throwing them up from being so nauseated. I began a regimen of peppermint, PanAway, and Deep Relief. I rubbed the oils on his feet, neck, and temples, and diffused the peppermint while he tried to relax in the bathtub. Very quickly, he was back in bed, and I kept the diffuser going, and added peppermint to his stomach to help aid with the nausea. He was not instantly healed, but we were able to avoid a trip to the hospital for IV fluids, and he was sleeping off the migraine within the hour. <br />
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And, as soon as he was asleep, I rinsed the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/tools/home-diffuser" target="_blank">diffuser</a>, put in some lavender, and took it to the room where our baby sleeps. Marian is the most non-sleeping baby in history I think! She was 9 months old, and we had yet to go more than three hours sleeping. I turned that machine on, eased myself into my bed, and crashed. And did not know anything until seven the next morning! It was a full <strong>NINE HOURS</strong> of <em>uninterrupted</em> sleep! Y'all, that right there was worth every.single.penny.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlYMvWS7pf5WW6cddfn8-h453OCfqb2iY407v1i2dhfJNhAQzMWD31AVizmfUzvr17I_VI3zcW5scgEULyWffAkui2_6dvs5G5BDzUYFy25VASZnWL5kCMHpVHTYNbVdqyIbxhFNb0_M/s1600/1002-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlYMvWS7pf5WW6cddfn8-h453OCfqb2iY407v1i2dhfJNhAQzMWD31AVizmfUzvr17I_VI3zcW5scgEULyWffAkui2_6dvs5G5BDzUYFy25VASZnWL5kCMHpVHTYNbVdqyIbxhFNb0_M/s1600/1002-2T.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></a>This is just a start of how oils are changing our lives. From cleaning products, sore muscles, stomach virus and more, I have lots to share with you. And I would love for you to join me in our adventure! Purchasing the Premium Starter Kit is the most economical way to start your journey. And with a Premium Starter Kit and <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US" target="_blank">member sign up</a>, purchase, I will send you a free reference book to help you learn how to use your new essential oils! Be sure to use my member number 1638227 when you sign up so you can get your free guide.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I am not a doctor. I am a Mom looking for ways to naturally treat ailments in our home. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And yes, buy purchasing anything from these links, I will receive compensation. However, all opinions and statements are mine and completely unsolicited from the company.</span></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-41146367305737581512014-03-11T20:42:00.003-07:002014-03-11T20:42:58.647-07:00Book Review: Asia, It's People and History by Bonnie Rose HudsonIt's not often a curriculum moves you. To tears, to prayer, to action. However, <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/product/asia-its-people-and-history/?affiliates=85" target="_blank">"Asia, It's People and History by Bonnie Rose Hudson"</a> just happens to be one of those. From the very first story, I was hooked. By the second story I was ugly crying. In fact, I read it cover to cover in my first sitting with it. And my children are mesmerized.<br />
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Although written for ages 8 to 12, it really fits well for families. Broken down to be a 16 week course studying 6 countries, this unit study is easily adapted to expand or condense to meet your families needs. I enjoyed the story sections and used them as read-alongs for the whole family. They captured us, connected us to the people of these countries, yet weren't so long that the littles got restless. <br />
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Our family especially enjoyed the links to <a href="http://www.vom.com.au/" target="_blank">Voice of the Martyrs</a>, and connecting further ways to pray for people around the world. As a homeschool parent, I found the history sections to be a great way to continue learning, as well as using the Activities for each section. But I think what was most enjoyable, and altering, were the discussion questions at the end of each part. After feeling so connected to the people in the stories, and then asking questions that make it so real to you, you cannot walk away without DOING something. Questions like, "Have you ever felt like no one cares about you? What made you feel that way? What helped you remember how much God-and many other people-care about you?". Or even "How would you feel it you had to move away because your neighbors didn't want you to love Jesus?"<br />
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I encourage you, homeschooling family or not, to prayerfully consider this book. It is a wonderful way for you as a family to set your hearts and minds on brothers and sisters around the world who are in need of our prayers and our actions.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-1667072594538688122014-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:002014-02-26T04:00:02.696-08:00Stuffed Shells, Mexican StyleI am always looking for something new to cook. If not to keep the family guessing, to mix it up for me in the kitchen. So I was hunting something new the other day, and I found this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/71353975320462778/" target="_blank">recipe</a> on Pinterest. Because I find all the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethsewanyhow/food-tested-and-loved/" target="_blank">cool stuff</a> on Pinterest. Anyway, thought I would share it with you. I made some modifications, so to find the original recipe, click <a href="http://lmld.org/2014/01/13/mexican-stuffed-shells/" target="_blank">here</a>. Read on, and you can see how we made it (basically the same way, just with homemade mixes and sauce) And can I make a suggestion? Keep the recipe doubled the way I give it to you. You will add about five minutes to your prep/cooking time, and will have a second meal to freeze for those days you just need something to throw into the oven! Of course for us, we ate both pans in one sitting. And were fighting over who got to lick out the pans! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEmOn5U5jLJJ8Vma-zWe5SxMBP7Ok6OMFD1O1mfVA9bk4pDrR-IuHPyi-SDwkpvWCqTEYYOp9WADyVB1LivzHqVHphOVppyOu3jJLYSG_lLJ-dmFuGHwTZ7DeAO1l9GqFwnctfs-zPzo/s1600/StuffedShells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEmOn5U5jLJJ8Vma-zWe5SxMBP7Ok6OMFD1O1mfVA9bk4pDrR-IuHPyi-SDwkpvWCqTEYYOp9WADyVB1LivzHqVHphOVppyOu3jJLYSG_lLJ-dmFuGHwTZ7DeAO1l9GqFwnctfs-zPzo/s1600/StuffedShells.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>RECIPE</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<em><strong>Ingredients</strong></em><br />
<ul>
<li>2 pounds ground beef</li>
<li>1 cup onion, diced</li>
<li>1 Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe *<em>following</em></li>
<li>8 oz cream cheese</li>
<li>1 box <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025U8I48/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0025U8I48&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20">Jumbo Shells</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0025U8I48" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(approximately 40 shells)</li>
<li>1 Enchilada Sauce recipe *<em>following</em></li>
<li>1-2 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059U6GUY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0059U6GUY&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20">salsa</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0059U6GUY" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li>2 cups shredded Montery Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, or a combo of the two</li>
</ul>
<strong><em>Directions</em></strong><br />
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1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt to taste, and the pasta shells. Boil the shells for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse in cool water.<br />
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2. While the pasta is working, brown up your ground beef and onions over medium high heat until cooked through. Drain excess grease from the pan and set aside. Add the Taco Seasoning and stir to mix.<br />
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3. Add in cream cheese, cooking over medium to low heat, stirring until cheese is mixed in and melted through. Take off heat and set aside.<br />
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4. Mix together the Enchilada Sauce and the salsa, adding enough salsa to make a nice gravy of sorts. Add less if you prefer thicker sauces, more if you like thinner sauces.<br />
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5. Pour about half of the gravy into the bottom of two 9X13 pans and spread around to cover. Fill each jumbo shell with a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture and place into the pan. Repeat until the shells are all filled, placing about 20 shells in each pan. If there is any left over meat, sprinkle over the stuffed shells.<br />
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6. Pour the remaining sauce over the two pans. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.<br />
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7. Remove pans from oven and the foil from the pans. Cover with the cheeses, and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.<br />
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*<strong><u>Taco Seasoning</u></strong><br />
<br />
1 heaping TBS chili powder<br />
3tsp. paprika (smoked if you want a deeper flavor)<br />
3tsp. cumin<br />
2tsp. onion powder<br />
2tsp. garlic powder<br />
1tsp. salt<br />
dash of cayenne<br />
<em>Combine all the ingredients. Use as you would packaged mixes. Makes 6 TBS</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong><u>*Enchilada Sauce</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
6TBS reserved fat from ground beef (or butter if you would rather)<br />
6TBS flour<br />
3 cups beef stock<br />
2TBS chili powder<br />
2tsp. cumin<br />
<br />
<em>Place fat in a skillet over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes. Slowly add stock, whisking as you go to remove all lumps. Once gravy is smooth, add the remaining two ingredients, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes. Use as you would any enchilada sauce.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXD10GafFW6bwizXE9lMGDVW9zp47x6zVBOU1gPP33oJqTx6KYvb-Kb25QYUbgFtl-nA552oCclpRr5dBlgp_EC3VusQo1FZgdaE6fnblbrWPcCQrH0HfSYYI5AgAjHZ_6WaYorwpECM/s1600/DSC_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXD10GafFW6bwizXE9lMGDVW9zp47x6zVBOU1gPP33oJqTx6KYvb-Kb25QYUbgFtl-nA552oCclpRr5dBlgp_EC3VusQo1FZgdaE6fnblbrWPcCQrH0HfSYYI5AgAjHZ_6WaYorwpECM/s1600/DSC_0701.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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Y'all, we completely fell in love with this. I cooked up some corn for a side, but a small salad would be great as well. I hope you try this, and enjoy!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-85323994132438564182013-11-14T06:56:00.002-08:002013-11-14T07:11:58.371-08:00Why is Today So Special?Yesterday, I asked Anderson if he knew why November 14th was so special. He had no idea. So, I set him on the couch with me and told him this story:<br />
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<em>There once was a Mommy and Daddy who waited a very long time for a special little boy. They had prayed over him, and God was going to bless this Mommy and Daddy soon. And on November 14th, this little boy was born. He was a beautiful baby boy. And everyone was so excited to finally see him! The Mommy and Daddy wrapped him in a blanket so he would stay warm, and put a little hat on his head to protect him. They held him for hours, and just stared at his little face in wonder. Their hearts grew so big with the love they had for him! The Daddy looked at the Mommy and asked her what she thought they should name him. The Mommy looked at his face and smiled, and said, "I believe his name should be Anderson Dean". And that was what he was named.</em></h4>
And at that moment, Anderson sucked all the air out of the room and looked at me with big crocodile tears in his eyes and whispered, "That's ME! Mommy, you loved me so much! I just didn't know how special I really was".<br />
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My friends, take the time to tell your babies what they mean to you. Tell them often. Tell others of your child's specialness in front of your child. Remember, <strong>they are special, not because of what they can do. </strong>But because they are a gift to you. Whether this child is your only one, you spent years trying to have a child, or like this guy, he is the seventh one, each is EXTREMELY important. <span style="font-size: large;">The most precious gift you have</span>. Our children yearn to know of our deep abounding love, and it is honey to their souls to have their parents speak those words of affirmation over them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEMiNv794WHL_5o6wYIUwdzI2TQoj9diDbFyrc2gpjn14T4mzUNBiPTH7ZL1me01Fcj_aWgBlrZrFe0FSvq3hd28rWUXd4ARPg9VpTKFGcqRQTK8TGZGnQSnvV4bvt_FEgReMiGkei80/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEMiNv794WHL_5o6wYIUwdzI2TQoj9diDbFyrc2gpjn14T4mzUNBiPTH7ZL1me01Fcj_aWgBlrZrFe0FSvq3hd28rWUXd4ARPg9VpTKFGcqRQTK8TGZGnQSnvV4bvt_FEgReMiGkei80/s320/DSC_0366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday, my precious boy. Today you are five; a whole hand old. You have a life about you that amazes me. You abound with energy, yet need the security of the adults in your life assuring you along the way. Your heart is to look after your sisters or those smaller than you. You play hard, love hard. You live your life, all the ups and downs, with a passion that knows no bounds. And yes, child, I prayed for you. I wanted you. And I have spent everyday rejoicing God saw fit to bless me with you. I love you Anderson Dean Buster!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-72766803631945014652013-10-04T12:45:00.001-07:002013-10-04T12:45:10.457-07:00Day 4- Malcolm's Favorite Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OAKxFq5YJTsg5TRVxbsKzJ5OdT58npDp7_pDX1S_qlyfrhi9lISBqBFlta_rtCwSytrHdgCqyyyG0TENMAwjPw3UxvT32tlTggRrqOBWu419g1OEFie3EUAgQ9jLQEAUkOIBpesYnwU/s1600/familygame.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OAKxFq5YJTsg5TRVxbsKzJ5OdT58npDp7_pDX1S_qlyfrhi9lISBqBFlta_rtCwSytrHdgCqyyyG0TENMAwjPw3UxvT32tlTggRrqOBWu419g1OEFie3EUAgQ9jLQEAUkOIBpesYnwU/s200/familygame.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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And now, we move into the children's favorite games section. This is my favorite part of the <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-family-games.html" target="_blank">31 Days of Family Games</a>. When I polled the kids, there was great angst among them when I said there could only be one favorite. I thought Malcolm was going to come undone. But at long last, he has chosen his top game. I will be sure to let you know along the way what games were all vying for this spot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589947061/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1589947061&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1589947061&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=anythbutordin-20" /></a>Malcolm's favorite game, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589947061/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1589947061&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20">Lord of the Rings Board Game</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1589947061" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings</a>, was received as a birthday present last year. And for those of you with older boys, this will be one to add to the Christmas wish list. It took him a couple of days of reading the rules to sort of grasp the concept of the game. This is one of those games that is going to take a while to fully learn. After a round or two, most people will have gotten the rules for the most part, and won't have to consult the rulebook as often. It will, however, still require some attention to detail to master. Also, the game (Sauron) usually seems to win. In my book, that's a plus since it makes the rare wins all the more meaningful.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">{links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through it}</span></em></div>
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It is listed for players ages 12 and up. And for up to five players. Our nine year old played with his brothers and Dad, but this age listing is pretty spot on. It is an intense game of strategy, cooperation, and even some luck. All of it taking place on FIVE different boards! I know this is a list of FAMILY games, but I will be honest, I have not played it yet. However, I have watched, and have listened to all the post game reports, and I am worn out just by that! And since a win is rare, the excitement over the "almosts", and "next times" is really just a great bonding experience. I especially love watching the excitement in Malcolm and his Dad's eyes as they are dissecting the last game played. And watch out for when you do get a win! Trust me, the entire neighborhood will hear about it!<br />
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Join us tomorrow as we get a look at one of our girl's favorite game!<br />
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<em>*Linking up with </em><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><em>Nester and so MANY other writers</em></a><em>*</em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-82542217065768386382013-10-03T11:54:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:00:50.135-07:00Day 3- Momma's Favorite Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScpH35BADuVLEABO4RdPt-th9arssQjoG3tM5g_f9aIUogrmRanZG8Zqlxz5fvhzUwV7FTvzQQfkwvUCkGCOqWIX8LTTl8Bqc7DfEiEjIP17mv3sr6GJR1Qk5pWuTG64nOplcqVp2SVg/s1600/familygame.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScpH35BADuVLEABO4RdPt-th9arssQjoG3tM5g_f9aIUogrmRanZG8Zqlxz5fvhzUwV7FTvzQQfkwvUCkGCOqWIX8LTTl8Bqc7DfEiEjIP17mv3sr6GJR1Qk5pWuTG64nOplcqVp2SVg/s200/familygame.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Welcome back to our <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-family-games.html" target="_blank">31 days of Family Games</a> journey. Today we visit my favorite game. I have been playing board games for as long as I can remember anything! It's just something my family did, with many happy memories. And most of all the family board games were stored on the top shelf of my closet, so I was always wanting to play something new. I found ways to rope my little brother into playing a game with me. Usually for a price. He wasn't much of a game player. Probably because he lost all the time. So in order to get him to play a game with me, I would have to bargain all sorts of time playing with his Justice League Heroes or something like that to get him to play a board game with me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00349MPQQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00349MPQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00349MPQQ&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=anythbutordin-20" /></a>One game that would have me spending whole weekends playing with Flash, Wonder Women, and The Penguin, was the game of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00349MPQQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00349MPQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20">Clue The Classic Edition</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00349MPQQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Clue</a>. Oh how I loved that game! And still do! I love the little pencils you use to mark your clues. The names of the characters. Who is a Miss Scarlet fan like me? I particularly love being able to play nearly the whole game without rolling the dice. And trying to learn "whodunit", while trying to guess what your opponents know, and still keeping them in the dark about what you know. Whew. It is just a jumble of intrigue and fun!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">{links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through it}</span></em></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
The recommended ages for this game is 8 and up. We have played it with our seven year old once, but it really was a little beyond him. It also says 3-6 players. My brother and I played it all the time as kids. And when we were newlyweds, just Heath and I. Since we have more players than characters for the game these days, we will pair up a little with a big so they can still be a part of game time, and learn how to play as well. <br />
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So, how many of you remember this game? Do you have a favorite character? Anytime you are in the area, hit me up. I am always ready for a game of Clue. Just come prepared to lose!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Linking up with </span></em><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nester and so MANY other writers</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></em>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-31109701902912540682013-10-02T13:34:00.002-07:002013-10-04T11:56:00.657-07:00Day 2~ Dad's Favorite Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjt2Nn4U2W4tbiuirOFVa1evR-g19scYxznMMWmj_DVtQ6UynhKso-GGDNCCuVXPl2A6VI8AJiB0iuH2qqbudeZiCkADO94SpVV73DnAlmcMBxk3I3vF3jwRC7mEH0O1dMD5k-t3xpJ8/s1600/familygame.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjt2Nn4U2W4tbiuirOFVa1evR-g19scYxznMMWmj_DVtQ6UynhKso-GGDNCCuVXPl2A6VI8AJiB0iuH2qqbudeZiCkADO94SpVV73DnAlmcMBxk3I3vF3jwRC7mEH0O1dMD5k-t3xpJ8/s200/familygame.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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When I started thinking about this series, I polled the family to get ideas as to what games were actual favorites around here. So we are going to start the first few days this month with every one's faves.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MRZGC4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004MRZGC4&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004MRZGC4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=anythbutordin-20" /></a>My husband and I for the last 17 years, have played many board games. By far one of his favorites is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MRZGC4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004MRZGC4&linkCode=as2&tag=anythbutordin-20">Risk Game</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anythbutordin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004MRZGC4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Hasbro's Risk</a>. He has played it for as long as he can remember, and has always enjoyed it. This is also a game from my childhood, but I do not have quite the same fond memories as he. There are multiple variations on the game, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LORTRILOGY-Risk-Lord-Rings-Edition/dp/B00006653W?tag=ap0a7eddd0-20" target="_blank">The Lord of The Rings</a> version (which you apparently cannot get anymore) being the favored alternative in our house. This is a long standing classic that is being played in our house by our children, despite my apathy toward it. So let's list the reasons why it is such a popular game around here. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">{links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through it}</span></em></blockquote>
This game is by far suited for boys. It just goes well with their analytical minds, their grasp of strategy, and their need for domination. Or at least <em>MY</em> boys need for power and domination. The boys have played this with their Dad, Grandfathers, and Uncles for a few years now. It is always a requested game when we travel to Heath's parents' house as the boys have been planning and dreaming of a rematch from the game the last visit. It is played in our home nearly every week. <br />
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It is listed as being a game for ages 10 to adult. Our 9 year old started playing this game earlier this year with his older brothers, and <strong>won so many times that they vowed not to play again until he stopped winning everything.</strong> Our seven year old son has began playing recently as well. While he really doesn't bring much competition to the table, he <em>did </em>win his first game out, much to the bigs' chagrin. They enjoy playing together, and it gives the brothers time to bond together. <br />
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It really is fun watching them plan how to conquer the world in the game, yet still having some of the game left to chance with the roll of the dice. It is a lengthy game lasting a couple of hours, best enjoyed on a rainy day with lots of snacks and hot chocolate. Expect lots of yelling, laughing, and even some bargaining to go on as the game is played out. As I said, it's not my cup of tea, and Jeffie Jean, my 13yo daughter, doesn't really enjoy it all that much either. But, since up to six players can play at once, <em>we will occasionally join in the fun and give them someone to target and conquer quickly.</em> <br />
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Come back tomorrow, and find out what is MY favorite game to play!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-38348295866555197342013-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:46:14.611-07:0031 Days of Family GamesWelcome to my little spot I call home! I have to admit, I'm a little nervous, but knowing you are here puts my mind at ease. I am so excited to share with you over the next 31 days all about my family's favorite games. <br />
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There is plenty of research and articles out there about the importance of a family game night, family dinners, and time spent together as a family unit. But if you are like me, I need some guidance with what would be the games that we would actually like to play, and would work well with our different age groups. <br />
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So, come back and visit this month as I go through a host of games we like to play together. I'll even break them down by:<br />
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<ul>
<li>age appropriateness</li>
<li>number of players needed</li>
<li>skill levels</li>
<li>fun-o-meter</li>
<li>product testing from birth to adult (my kids cannot wait to share their opinions!)</li>
</ul>
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So get ready for a month of fun!<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Beth</span> <br />
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Day 1: Introduction (this post!)<br />
Day 2: <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-1-dads-favorite-game.html" target="_blank">Dad's Favorite</a> <br />
Day 3: <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-2-mommas-favorite-game.html" target="_blank">Momma's Favorite</a><br />
Day 4: <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-4-malcolms-favorite-game.html" target="_blank">Malcolm's Favorite</a><br />
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*Linking up with <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank">Nester and so MANY other writers</a>*</blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-65816285300605187802013-09-25T07:43:00.001-07:002013-09-25T07:43:14.577-07:00Glory and Gratitude. With a Side of HumilityAgain, today, I just don't know where to start. Yesterday, I wrote a <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-do-you-do-when-life-doesnt-go-as.html" target="_blank">post</a> that really kind of put us out there. I almost didn't publish it. No one wants to admit to the true hardships they are going through. You just don't want to be THAT person. Especially, it seems, when the struggles are financial. But I really felt that I was supposed to let that story be told, so with great trepidation, I sent our story into the cyber world.<br />
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I was a little worried about the response. What would people think? What would our family say? Would we be pitied? The real worry was the judgment. Because people sticking their nose in my business really gets my dander up. But there I was, inviting everyone in to our mess.<br />
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And of course, when I let go, and stepped in faith, God was there. I got busy doing other things in the house, and completely didn't see what was happening here at the blog. And I rested in Him. <br />
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And what an outpouring I discovered when I looked back in on things last night! There were words of encouragement. Stories of faith. Quiet acknowledgements of those who are in similar situations as us. I was just blown away. And not one negative word. Zilch. I am still shaking my head.<br />
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So to those that we encouraging I say thank you. Your words were a balm to my heart. <br />
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For those of you who are struggling, thank you for trusting me with your story and heart. You have no idea how much that means to me. And know that you are being prayed over and loved over from here.<br />
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And to those who decided that action was needed. Well, thank you just isn't enough. I am beyond humbled that you would send us gift cards, buy us things from our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/24MVE92O7UNIP/ref=topnav_lists_2" target="_blank">wish list</a>, and offer the help that you have. Thank you for answering the call God put in your life, to minister to another. <br />
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God has been at work. I was just forgetting to look up from my despair to see it. So to Him goes the Glory. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-31618603514848002632013-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:002013-09-26T07:52:11.801-07:00What do you do when life doesn't go as planned?So, this is our story that I have put off writing for two years now. Partly because I don't know where to start. Partly because the emotions are still raw. Largely because I don't want to sound whiney. But here we are, still in the midst of the toil, and there are some things I need to get written down, and out in the open.<br />
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I began prepping for this post by reading back through some of my old writings over the last two years. There were posts about how we were <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-6-trucks-arrive.html" target="_blank">packing up</a> to leave our much loved home and church. God was calling us away. There was a post about feeling <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2011/10/heavy.html" target="_blank">weighed down</a> by much of what was going on. And I even tried to sort out my feelings on my <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-faith-is-old.html" target="_blank">faith</a> and <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-have-been-absent-lately.html" target="_blank">moving on</a>. But largely, I have been silent on the overwhelming nature of the past two years. <br />
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It's been tough. I loved the time with my parents in their home. In fact, there are many days I'd like to just move back in with them and lean against them for support. It sometimes seems easier. As Heath's old job was winding down, we rarely got to see him. He was home long enough to sleep, and then was off again. And then, when the store closed, he worked for the company by traveling to stores in Texas for three weeks, only being home for 24-36 hours between work weeks. We soon <a href="http://bethbuster.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-i-learned-this-summer.html" target="_blank">learned</a> that did NOT work for us. <br />
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Heath went quite a long while without a job. He finally picked up a decent job at the end of the summer. It's not THE job, but it is better than nothing. But it doesn't cover all our expenses. So we continue to wait. <br />
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All the while, we have been putting up a positive front. We are doing fine. God is with us, we have nothing to worry about. Can I just tell you something? Those are facts that I know in my head. I KNOW God called us to come home. I KNOW God sees us and the hardships we are under. I KNOW He has a plan for us. But as we begin to loose sleep over where our next meals are going to actually come, and how just how long this wandering is going to last, I have began to ask "When is this knowledge going to trickle down from my head, and become the FAITH of my heart?" I also question if the wandering is because of lessons I have missed in learning and acting upon.<br />
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The truth is, sometimes faith is ugly. While I try not to question God, I frantically want to know WHY we are where we are. I want to know where God is taking us, when we will move through this long trial. I want to cry out, "Can't you see the strain?". I have gotten to the point I really have nothing left to give. I am empty, and kind of breaking apart. That scares me a bit. Until I realize that in order for God to become greater in me, more of me has to be torn away. But mostly, I end up in tears, desperate to know what God wants of me, and how I can let go and TRUST even more. <br />
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God doesn't call us to do hard stuff. No, I can tell you, He calls us to do the impossible stuff. Because in our weakness, we are made strong in Him. When it becomes impossible for me, all glory then is God as He works the miracles. But how the refining fires of God burn! There have been many times I have stated, "I didn't sign up for this!". However, being faithful isn't about doing so when we enjoy our circumstances. It's time to be faithful to the task at hand, even when it becomes beyond inconvenient. <br />
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And for those that have asked how they could help. I'm not really sure. Our immediate needs are all mostly financial. There are your basic bills and such, and groceries are the biggest worry for us. We have a wish list on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/24MVE92O7UNIP/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ws_lfHqsb0FJ6X0H" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for those. But mostly, just pray for us. That we will be faithful. That we will stand firm as the days tarry on. And that we will have trusting, obedient hearts.<br />
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*Edited: I am linking up with <a href="http://www.hopeforthewearymom.com/2013/09/26/dear-weary-mom-love-never-fails-teri-lynne-underwood/" target="_blank">Hope for the Weary Mom</a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-5742128795067004752013-08-27T09:24:00.000-07:002013-08-27T09:24:04.852-07:00How do you say goodbye?How do you look at your Grandfather lying in that hospital bed and tell him goodbye? Is it possible to sum up everything into those few moments you have? <br />
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How do I look at his frail, thin body and not break? I choose to remember his larger than life presence. The way he walked into the room, and made sure he had your attention.<br />
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How do hold his veined hands, bruised and curved by time without sadness? I choose to remember the life they held. They were his livelihood. He fixed our cars, tinkered with gadgets, and made countless things easier by making a new trinket. I'll remember those hands teaching me that black olives and Bugles corn chips make perfect hats for your fingers. And always, there was a giant bear hug at the end of the day.<br />
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How do I watch his tears fall and keep mine at bay? I choose to see the twinkle in his eye as he let's a little mischief out on someone unsuspecting. I see my brother being doused with the water hose/sprinkler once again (he always fell for that one). I see him threatening to poke a hole in every basketball in the state if I didn't get up to see him soon (little league basketball ate into our Saturdays on the farm). I see nurses jumping as he yelled even when they weren't sticking him with a needle. <br />
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How do I strain to listen to his voice as he thinks of something else he wants one of us to do and not cry? I'll remember instead the sound of his cattle call that brought in the cows from across the pasture. I'll remember hearing him yell "That's my Beth-Beth" over the crowd at my high school graduation. <br />
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We'll remember the bows on his forehead at Christmas time, the Little Debbie Snack Cakes, the booming laugh, and his disdain for croutons, rice, and Mexican food. I'll eat a bowl of strawberry ice cream, trade my tomatoes for croutons with someone else with a tearful smile, and giggle when I hear my kids growl just like their Great-Grandfather. Every time I see Lava soap or Prell shampoo, I'll flash back to the farm and Grandpa's mudroom. I'll wear one of his undershirts one more time since he always shared his with me when I ruined my clothes with the dirt at the farm. I'll thank him for my Momma, and for sharing my Grandma with me.<br />
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How do I say goodbye to this man? I'll tell him one more time to scoot over. I'm sure there is room for both of us in that bed. It won't be his chair, and this time, I'll know which one of us got too big to fit, but we'll squeeze in. Just<br />
one more time.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-7736350728009340172013-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-16T05:00:01.286-07:00School BreakfastsIt's that time of year again; The Start of a New School Year! That brings joy to the hearts of many, and terrifying, gripping fear to others. <span style="font-size: large;">I believe I am over the kicking and screaming "NO!" stage of denial,</span> and am ready to face the fact school is going to get rolling again, <em>no matter what</em>. And if you are like me, the most difficult part of the new school schedule is the every morning task of feeding the students breakfast. It is slowly becoming my nemesis. And this is something that every family, no matter where school happens, must face. <br />
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So in order to bring order to this part of our day, I have been planning and brain storming ideas for what to do. I mean, <strong>when all nine eyes are staring at me like some starving children commercial</strong>, an I have no clue what to do for breakfast, our day has started in failure. And it is awfully hard to come back from that! All summer I have been coming up with menus, recipes and such, but was still amazingly overwhelmed with all the planning that was still going to be required on my part throughout the year. And then I was hit with an epiphany. I don't need lots of individual recipes for breakfast, I just need a general category for the days. And that's where this system came about.<br />
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I have 10 rotating "themes", if you will, that will give us two weeks worth of school day breakfasts before we start the rotation over. This will keep us from getting bored with the same-o same-o song and dance. Saturdays are open for trying new recipes or for the ones that take time (which we don't have on weekday mornings) to put together. And for us Sundays consist of muffins since we are doing the "get to church without fighting" shuffle. Let me break it down even better for you.<br />
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<h2>
Here are my 10 categories:</h2>
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<strong>1. Breakfast Casseroles:</strong> These are simple. You put them together the night before and in the morning let them bake off. My two favorites are a<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975319377718/" target="_blank"> Sausage, Egg, and Cheese casserole</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975316676575/" target="_blank">French Toast Casserole</a>. With the number of casseroles out there, you could go months before you repeated a recipe!<br />
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<strong>2. Pancakes:</strong> Okay, so this one takes a little bit more time for us. I am a pancake snob (so I have been told) and only make mine from scratch. But it isn't that much more time for me. And whether we are having my Daddy's simple Heaven on a Plate pancakes, or ramping them up with add-ins like <span id="goog_1551081766"></span>blueberries<span id="goog_1551081767"></span> or mini chocolate chips, these are always a hit in our home. And again, you can change them up week to week and keep your breakfasts fresh without getting bored with the same thing over and over.<br />
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<strong>3. French Toast: </strong>This is a no brainer. It is SO fast and simple to make. We change ours up by sometimes adding cinnamon to the egg mixture or by using <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975315647127/" target="_blank">fruit syrups</a>. <br />
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<strong>4. Scones:</strong> This is one that can take a bit of time. So I actually get the dough put together the night before. And, just like a biscuit, sitting in the refrigerator is good for it, so it's a win-win. We love <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975315653812/" target="_blank">pumpkin scones</a> in the winter, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975317485685/" target="_blank">strawberry scones</a> in spring, and mix it up with cranberry-orange flavors and chocolate chip varieties as well.<br />
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<strong>5. Baked Oatmeal:</strong> I have many in my home that do not like oatmeal. It seems slimy to them when I make it. But they will eat baked oatmeal. So we use regular rolled oats and steel cut oats and come up with lots of flavors. Apple, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975316895216/" target="_blank">banana</a>, and blueberry are big hits, as are<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975315686931/" target="_blank"> pumpkin</a> and cinnamon. <br />
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<strong>6. Mini German Pancakes:</strong> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975319400151/" target="_blank">This </a>is a new one for us. And it is a little more specific than many of the other ideas. But I see lots of fruit possibilities, and anything that is almost bite sized is a huge hit around here!<br />
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<strong>7. Fruit Breads:</strong> These take a bit to bake, but they go together super fast. And, you can always bake them up over the weekend and serve them during the week. Applesauce Bread is a regular at our house, and we are dying to try out this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975318217631/" target="_blank">Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread.</a><br />
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<strong>8. Nutella Berry Sandwich: </strong>Again, a little specific, but this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/240942648785451172/" target="_blank">sandwich</a> has possibilities to mix it up. Some days we may use nut butters, we can change up the fruits, and mixing up the bread is always a possibility as well.<br />
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<strong>9. Breakfast enchiladas:</strong> We love anything wrapped in a warm tortilla. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975317460618/" target="_blank">Eggs, sausages</a>, ricotta cheese, fruit. It's all good stuff. And, if you are more adventurous than I, you could even use crepes instead of tortillas. I just look at crepe recipes to get ideas on what to put inside my "enchiladas". I bet you could even mix this day with hand pies. You know, apple pie, cherry pie, chocolate pie all wrapped up in a pie crust and baked off like a stuffed pizza. <br />
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<strong>10. Toast/smoothies:</strong> Some days, you just need a SUPER fast meal. Pop the bread in the toaster, through the <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71353975316563830/" target="_blank">fruit in the blender</a>, and presto, you have a meal you can grab and eat as you run out the door. You can always add jelly, peanut butter or cinnamon to the toast, and the smoothie possibilities are infinite.<br />
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Sometimes, we might move away from the schedule. Have homemade bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits. Or biscuits and gravy. Maybe it is some one's birthday and they are dying for monkey bread first thing in the morning. We can handle that. But this is the baseline from which I will plan. It makes grocery lists easy, as I don't have to <em>think up</em> what we are eating, I just have to open the pantry and get out what is becoming our breakfast staples.<br />
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Our weekends will be reserved for cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, muffins, breakfast pizzas, and all sorts of other goodies. And of course, as you can see, <a href="http://pinterest.com/bethsewanyhow/breakfast-foods/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> will keep us dreaming of new things to try out on the weekends. <br />
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Eat well, enjoy the few moments in the mornings with your family, and here's to a great start to the new year, and every day!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922010315384335708.post-58750122933572005512013-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-15T05:00:01.069-07:00Nine children or One. Which is harder?Recently, our lovely student minister's wife brought a meal to our house. While only a few minutes late, she was profusely apologetic. It mattered not to me; I mean seriously. Free food already cooked for us? Like I care what time it comes! She was telling me about the daily shuffle we all know that includes a child(ren), work, car rides and schedule juggling. Then suddenly she looked at me funny and said, "I feel so dumb complaining to you. You have to be laughing at me as I only have one child and you have nine". And that's when my brain started turning.<br />
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We live a life of comparison. From the moment we are born, we are compared. Where does your height and weight compare on the national percentages? Who do you look like? As you get older, we compare when you start sitting, crawling, walking, talking; all the milestones are compared. Then school hits and when we start reading, how we learn, what we wear or eat, who we are friends with, and where we live are all compared.<br />
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I guess it's only natural as adults we continue to compare. Houses, jobs, vacations, they are all open for comparison. And as women, we are queen of the measuring game. How much we weigh, what we say, our domestic skills, even how crafty or uncrafty we are get compared to someone else. It kind of gets ridiculous. And can be detrimental to each of us.<br />
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So, as a mom of many, let me stand up and tell you. <strong><em>You are no less a Mom than I just because you have "only" one child. </em></strong>Did you hear that? I am NOT Superwoman because I have nine children. We are caped heroes because we grow new life inside us, and continue to nourish and raise them for the rest of our lives. The numbers do not matter. I may have more laundry to wash, more noses to wipe, but it's just what I do. Just as you are doing what you do. You are your child's sole source of entertainment, the playmate extraordinaire. <br />
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In my moments of craziness, it's not because we have so many. It's because the moment is CRAZY. And in your times of stress and chaos, it is not because you <em>just</em> have one child. It's because life is chaotic and stressful at times. And your moment is no less than mine. So please, don't feel bad any longer for flipping out in the check-out line because your child dropped a jar of jelly all over the floor while singing at the top of his lungs and pooping in his pants, just as you figured out you left your wallet at home. We have all been there, and we ALL flip out at that moment! <br />
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I pray that I said something coherent and encouraging to Jen that day. Something like, "You are doing as you should, and right where you are supposed to be. It's not easier because you only have one child. It's all you know, and your whole life. Trust God and continue on your path following to the best of your abilities. And let Him take care of the rest". <br />
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Moms, don't compare. You don't have it easier or harder because of your circumstance. Instead, encourage someone near you. As you lift others up, your life begins to lift up as well. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10933439506317838668noreply@blogger.com0