Living Simply Saturdays

Living Simply! I can't tell you how many times I've gone through my home trying to purge, and I do purge some things, but I hang on to way more than I actually purge. I've even wasted more time than I should have trying to find ways to organize, which is not bad in and of itself, but when I'm procrastinating on doing the actual work, then it is bad. In the last year, though, we have moved once, and it looks like we will be moving again soon. I had gone through about a year and a half ago and gotten rid of countless possessions that I just didn't need. As of right now, there are little "clutter spots" that I need to go through, and I really want to hit my boys' room, with them, and see what things we can live without. Purging isn't all I wanted to write about, though. I think that the hardest things for me to get rid of sometimes are the things that other people give me, and not necessarily because I love them either. I have such a hard time with this because I don't want to hurt their feelings. I've come to the conclusion lately, though, that I want my home to be a haven for myself and for my family. If I'm harboring things here because I'm afraid of what someone else will say, it's not my haven. Our homes should be our havens, ladies, and that's it! We should surround ourselves with things that we love! Not with things that we keep around just because they were a gift or out of guilt. Maybe that thing that you are harboring on your bookshelf can find a better use, or maybe, just maybe, there's a better home for that "clutter." "Clutter" as defined by The Merriam Webster Dictionary is defined as "to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness." Is that "clutter" taking up space that could otherwise be filled with something that brings you happiness? The "clutter" in our lives can bog us down in our every day lives. Maybe someone else would love to have that piece of "clutter." Maybe that piece of "clutter" could be someone else's treasure. Believe me, I'm preaching to myself here....I need to hear this because it's something I've been struggling with lately, since I'm trying to make my home more of a haven for our family. Living simply could be as "simple" (not to make a pun here) as ridding yourself of that item/s that you just don't love. Proverbs 31:22 says, "She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple." Maybe it's time our homes were made up of our own individual styles of "fine linen and purple." Think about it. Read more Living Simply Saturdays over at Keeper of the Home!

Show and Tell Saturdays

This is kind of a fun post. Over at Homesteaders Heart, everyone is linking up to show off our favorite coffee cups. I don't really drink coffee, but I do drink hot chocolate every once in a while. So, I thought I'd show my favorite cup for hot chocolate and then my pen holder cup from my days working at The Bon Ton in college.
"The Bon Ton- Service With A Style" :)

So, those are my faves; what are yours? Link up over at Homesteaders Heart.

Say What?! Need Some Friday Funnies?

Well, I don't know about you, but here in the Lockcuff house, it has been a very long, stressful week, and I could sincerely use some good Friday Funnies. Not to mention this bout with Shingles is really starting to get bad, and last night we found out from a realtor that unbeknownst to us, our house, that we live in and rent, is up for sale, and there's a potential interested party. I feel like laughing hysterically, because it's just one thing after another. I mean, I'm trying to minimize stress here, not take in all the stress I can get. I know, I just need to sit back and let God handle it, but this is really a toughie, and to be honest and keep it real, I'm having a hard time doing that. I say all this not to whine (ok, so maybe a little), but to ask you to please pray for me that I can just let go and let God, that I can just minimize the stress by letting God handle it. Anyway, I thought today, we could use some laughs and just some fun. So, enjoy the videos! They made me smile and laugh, and after all, laughter is the best medicine!

Response to Cookalong the geriatric way.

Remember this movie?:)


For more Friday Funnies, head on over to Homesteaders Heart.

Thrifty Thursday: Grocery Shopping In Your Own Kitchen

I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to overdo it when it comes to bargain shopping. My husband says I'm one of those people who just gets sucked right in when it comes to grocery sales. I agree; I am. If it's on sale, and it's something I use, you better believe it will be in my cart, whether or not I need it for that week. Which can be a good thing sometimes, but not all of the time, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget and actually save money. I also tend to buy groceries that I really don't need because I don't realize that my cupboard is already overflowing with that particular item. Today, I got an email from Heather over at CSAHM. She had an article by Sandra Jensen called, "Desperate Cooking for Tight Budgets." (Sandra has also written an ebook, Freezing It and Loving It). One part of the article talked about taking an inventory of everything you have in both cabinets and freezer. So, today I got my behind in my kitchen and started taking an inventory. It is truly amazing how much stuff can actually fit into 3 lonely cabinets; I never would have guessed. I haven't even made it to the freezer yet, but I'm guessing that I probably will be able to plan most of this next week's meals by just grocery shopping in my own kitchen. Sure, some things I'll still have to run out and get, but this could be an easy week on the wallet and the budget. For more great Thrifty Thursday tips, head on over to Thrifty Jinxy.

10 "G" Things That I Love

Ruth over at Life's Journeys put out a challenge to name 10 things that I love; but they all have to start with the letter "G." So, here goes:
1) God- My life would be nothing without God; He is the reason I live and breathe and work and play. I love God and just am so grateful for everything He has done for us, including sending His one and only Son to die for our sins, so that we don't have to suffer. What an amazing love!
2) God's Word- I love, love, love the new Bible that I got for Christmas; it's the Chronological Study Bible (NKJV). It is awesome and has so many tidbits of history that correlate with the Scriptures. It is not in regular order like a normal Bible, so it can be fun sometimes finding my passage, but I love it!
3) Grapes- Concord grapes are the best!
4) Great friends- I know I had to put that "great" in there to make it a "g" word, but I love my good friends that I have both in person and online.
5) Groban, Josh.:) His music just calms me and inspires me.
6) Gilmore Girls- I'm very sad that they stopped making the show; it was just an awesome show!
7) Gardening- Definitely not very good at it, but I sure love trying, especially growing flowers.
8) Guys- Now before you get the wrong idea, let me rephrase that.....I love MY GUYS!:) Dan, Jacob, and Jaden.....My Guys, my boys, my loves.
9) Grandparents- My Grandma and Grandpa Atkins I was very close to, and I just miss them so much! I never got to meet my Grandpa Delaney, but I know I would have loved him very much. My Grandma Delaney is a one of a kind lady; she worked hard, and her life was definitely not boring.
10) Google- I mean, come on, it's an awesome starting point for all things searchable.:)
Ok, so I'm done.....whew! That was fun, but it required brain power. I think I need some more Fish Oil. Thanks, Ruth, for sending me the letter "g."

Yea!!!!

I got my first page done in Jacob's baby book. Yea!!!! It is possible! (Especially when you have half a snow day). Hopefully, I can get Jaden's started too and actually finish these two projects. I'm making some of the text for the books in Microsoft Word and then using old cards and things I pick up here and there. Jacob's will be dinosaur themed, and Jaden's will be jungle animals. I'm hoping that some day I can give these to the boys as keepsakes that they can find many memories in and even interesting tidbits of history from when they were born and from their growing up years. It's just so much fun!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Yesterday, I got a craving, and so I decided to make our favorite around here: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies. Only I added peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips, and they were a hit! Enjoy! You can find the recipe at Crisco Recipes.

For more great recipes, check out Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays!

Thanks, Ruth, for letting me know about this fun meme!

Menu Plan Monday

Ok, so I'm not done....:)So, Ruth, you inspired me to post the menu for the Lockcuff house this week. Thanks!:)

Monday: Cheesy Chicken Simmer with Rice.
Tuesday: Cornbread with baked beans and hamburger casserole; green beans.
Wednesday: Aloha Chicken Kebabs, Mac & Cheese, Peas.
Thursday: Creamy Chicken, Bacon, & Tomato Pasta, Peas, Rolls.
Friday: Cheeseburgers, Fruit & Veggies.
Saturday: Turkey Chili, Fritos or Cornbread.
Sunday Lunch: Dijon Chicken Elegant, Peas.

So, there's our vittles for the week.:) For more Menu Plan Monday, check out Laura's site.

One More Thing

One more thing, and I am done posting for today.:) Last night, I was watching an old Oprah we had on the dvr, and it had Dr. Oz (who has to be one of the most amazing docs ever, and I would love to work with him some day or just watch a surgery he is performing). Anyway, he was traveling to the "Blue Zones" as they called them; they are 4 (there are 5 now), hotspots in the world where people tend to live longer and live to be over 100 years old, sometimes over 105. These people not only live longer, but they have such an amazing quality of life for their age. One place that struck me was the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. It wasn't just their longevity that struck me, though. It was that the women found such great joy and peace in how they prepared food for their families and how they cared for their families. How many times do I complain, yet I have so much? How many times do I feel like a maid or housekeeper or nanny, when really, I have the most amazing and wonderful job on the planet?! I really do! I have a family who I love and cherish! It just really convicted me today, as I was going about the dreaded chores of dusting and vacuuming, to remember why I was doing those chores, to give my family a better quality of life and to care for them, to show them I love them by giving them a clean place to live, a meal on the table. Thank you, Costa Rica, for opening my eyes, and thank you, God, for everything You have given me.

Motivation For Your Monday

This article in a recent homeschool newsletter really made me think; we can let so many things stop us from "seeing Jesus," but we don't have to let them.

From the Editor ~ Do You Need to Climb a Tree?

Have you ever sung the Zaccheus song with your little ones? You know, the short tax collector fellow? I was just singing the song with the kids yesterday and it struck a chord in me that I hadn't heard before.

The story goes that Zaccheus couldn't see Jesus because of the crowd (Luke 19). Isn't that true in our lives? Sometimes the things that crowd my life cause me to not be able to see Jesus. Zaccheus also couldn't see Jesus because of his physical limitations. That has been true for me with each extremely nauseous pregnancy. Sometimes physical limitations get in the way of my seeing Him as well.

Normally, I just stand there and moan and become depressed about not being able to see Jesus in something or someone or some area of my life. Yesterday, I was convicted and convinced to do what Zaccheus did - climb up a tree!! Zaccheus just had to see Jesus. He did what it took to get there. It might not have been that easy to get up that old tree. Just how do I do the same?

I think it has to do with a shift of focus. Instead of looking down at the ground, or looking to the crowd, we need to get a higher perspective. To do that, we need to courageously do something different and start climbing. It's not always easy climbing a tree, but we've just got to see Jesus! We need to make an effort to see Jesus when it seems impossible that we could even get a glimpse of Him. Instead of giving up, we need to start climbing up.

Jesus saw Zaccheus long before he saw Jesus. He also saw Zaccheus' determination to get a glimpse of Him. And then Jesus made the effort to get through the crowd and go straight to Zaccheus. You see, when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. It's a promise (James 4:8).

When did Zaccheus' heart begin to change? I think it started at the bottom of the tree. He decided in his heart that he just had to see Jesus no matter what. He needed a new view of life. And he was never the same for it. When the crowd seems to press in against us, or our world seems too crowded for us to see Jesus, or when physical limitations hinder us, we must draw near to Him with every effort. We must go to the Rock that is higher and see things from His higher perspective.

Jesus told Zaccheus to come on down from out of that tree and walk with Him to his home. He wanted to go to Zaccheus' home. When we draw near to Jesus and He draws near to us, Jesus wants to come to our home, too. When we invite Him to commune with us in our home, He begins to change our heart. Those seemingly impossible "wicked tax collector" hearts will begin to change. Our heart changes from thinking people "owe me" to the opposite of giving back even more than they deserve.

When we make the effort to see Jesus, our efforts will be rewarded with not only a glimpse of Him, but an offer to sit at His table and commune with Him. And like Zaccheus, Jesus will change our hearts and cause us to rejoice and we will begin to generously serve Him again. We may even give away all that we have in time, effort and resources in order to bring others to Jesus as well.

Can you see Him today? There's room in the tree for you! Start climbing! Jesus will be found by you, for those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him. There He is - waiting to call you down and come to your home and change your heart . . . can you see Him now?

Note: Here is a coloring page of Zaccheus for your children to color as you tell them the story.

Deborah Wuehler is the wife of Richard, homeschool mother of eight beautiful and challenging children, and the Senior Editor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
~Deborah

Reprinted With Permission From:

By, Deborah Wuehler, Senior Editor

Copyright, 2009, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 26, 2009...
Outside My Window...it is cold and starting to ice or do something.
I am thinking...that Jaden needs to go take a nap.
I am thankful for...a warm home and a couch to cuddle up on when sick.
From the learning rooms...we're learning about Ancient Egypt right now, and Jacob got to spell his name in Hieroglyphics today. He loved it!
From the kitchen...is the aroma of warm chocolate chip peanut butter chip cookies.
I am wearing...jeans, yellow tank, and coral colored sweater jacket.
I am creating...a more organized workspace, hopefully.
I am going...nowhere today; it's nice to just be home.
I am reading... The Well Trained Mind; Vienna Prelude; The Greatest Generation; and an assortment of great magazines.
I am hoping...that our power stays on through this whole ice storm and especially that Sylvia next door stays warm.
I am hearing...the boys supposed to be picking up their toys (we all know how that goes sometimes).
Around the house...today was home blessing, and basically, otherwise, I'm trying to take it easy, which is definitely not me.
One of my favorite things...is a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: School, housework, Tae Kwon Do for Jacob, grocery/errands, possibly go to the gym with Jenn and possible roller skating with the homeschool group.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...He made swords out of his Tinkertoys; he is my little knight in shining armor. Click for more of The Simple Woman.

Things I'd Like To Do

Ok, so every day at the end of that day, I always tell myself that tomorrow I will do something that I love that does not include cleaning or cooking or homeschooling. I will make time for one of the many hobbies that I enjoy. Since I never seem to find the time or other things just keep coming up (for instance, possibly having shingles right now)(Ouch! If it's not shingles, then something else is definitely going on; only, it took me a week to finally admit that something was wrong), I'm going to make a list and hopefully, I can pick something and "get to it" this week. So, here goes:
1) Finish my bedroom curtains, for goodness' sake.
2) Pick out pictures for my mirror that I got for Christmas, and get them to Snapfish, so I can finish my mirror.
3) Start my boys' baby books (scrapbooked baby books); I know, right?! They're 6 years old and 14 months old! Now, that's pathetic!
4) Finish reading The Well-Trained Mind (even though that has to do with homeschooling) and The Greatest Generation.
5) Get my cross stitch out, and get that project I've been working on for about 3-4 years finished. (Ok, so that's pathetic too!)
6) Get to the Y with Jenn and exercise! (Although, if this is really shingles, that may have to wait until Thursday or next week because it hurts just to raise my arm right now).
7) Start working on finding antiques here and there and making pictures for my wall to kinda give my home a fresh redo (obviously, this will have to be done over time), which also includes dreaming up a better crafting area (some day for when we have a slightly bigger house).
8) Get my book series started! Get to my Grandma's house to look at her pictures and letters for ideas and inspiration and research, research, research! (This isn't really a hobby but a goal for this year to at least get one book out of my head and written down)
9) Research online writing jobs, and apply for them instead of putting it off in fear that I don't qualify. (Ok, so this should be #1!)
10) Get busy looking into seeds and plants that I could easily start on my own.
11) Do more things to my blog to make it better, and get to know more of my fellow bloggers!
12) Just take a bubble bath, and relax!
So, that's my list so far.....oh, there's so much more I'd like to do, but that's just what I have for now....what's on your list?:) Maybe if we write it down, we can see it, visualize it, and "get to it!"

Another Tasty Recipe

The only thing I might do differently on this next time is use spaghetti sauce instead of tomato sauce, but it was a hit in our house. Oh, and I substituted cottage cheese for ricotta cheese; mmmmmmmmm..........this hamburger noodle casserole was delicious. Enjoy!:)

I Admit It! I Did It!

Ok, my name is Melissa, and I have a problem. I'm addicted to chocolate, and I just ate a whole King Sized Hershey bar, plus a couple bites of another....won't somebody please help me?

Inauguration Day

As I sit here watching the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, it makes me proud to be an American. Although we may differ in opinions and may not share all of the same values, I am still an American. I know there are many people out there right now who are not happy about Barack Obama being our next President, but God has placed him in this position, and we need to trust God. We need to pray for President Obama daily and seek God's guidance for him in these tumultuous times. He has a precious family who we also need to pray for daily as they face many changes in these coming weeks and months and years. Most of all, we should be proud to be Americans. America is a land of many freedoms, and we should fight for those freedoms and pray for our country and the troops who fight for those freedoms daily. I personally wanted a President with more of the same values that I uphold, Christian values; I am no more in support of abortion than many of you; it is an issue near and dear to my heart, as I cannot stand to think of babies dying each and every day. BUT again, he is our President, and God has placed him there for a reason. God is in charge, not us. Personally, I am proud of the fact that he is making history as our first African-American President; that truly is a great accomplishment, and it makes me proud and a little teary eyed to see his family standing there, getting ready to watch their husband/father take the oath of office as he places his own hand on the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln placed his hand on 148 years ago. So, America, stand up today! If you're not watching, turn that tv on, and watch history being made. Let your children see history in action. We may not agree, but remember, WE are NOT in charge; GOD is in charge! Let's be the patriotic Americans we are, and let's celebrate a new day, a day with many unforeseen changes that God knows about and has His hands on! God bless America.
Read more about The Inauguration on 5 Minutes For Mom.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 19, 2009...
Outside My Window...it is dark and kinda cold.
I am thinking...that I wish I felt a little better.
I am thankful for...a warm home and a place to rest.
From the learning rooms...we are having to review addition facts big time, and we get to start studying snakes this week. Jacob will love it.
From the kitchen...will be Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing for supper.
I am wearing...jammies and robe right now.
I am creating...finally getting those bedroom curtains made this week. They are brown silk that I got on sale at Walmart before they got rid of the fabric.
I am going...nowhere today, except maybe to a ladies' meeting tonight if I feel better, and Jacob has Tae Kwon Do tonight.
I am reading...still the same books: The Well Trained Mind; The Greatest Generation; Vienna Prelude; Narnia- The Magician's Nephew.
I am hoping...that our property will sell soon.
I am hearing...Jaden playing in his crib and jabbering.
Around the house...today is home blessing day, and I have to get a better binder system set up for Jacob's school papers and records.
One of my favorite things...listening to Jaden jabber and play.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: school, watch the Inauguration, grocery shopping/errands, Homeschool group on Friday and library runs; hopefully, get our bedroom rearranged/cleaned, etc.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing (Don't pay attention to the date on this; totally not right)...

Want to see more of The Simple Woman?

Before & After

This is before in the boys' room.... (keep in mind some of this stuff was down because we had been working in there)

And this is after! WooHoo! Hallelujah! The job is done! Finally, got through the boys' room this week. Man alive, they just have way too many toys; it's almost a little ridiculous; I kinda blame it on all the extended family we have who send them soooo many toys for birthdays and Christmas. And the sad thing is, that I purged some this week and not too long ago. I'm thinking we could have our own toy drive come next Christmas!:) Anyway, Dan made some awesome shelves, and we can now see the floor!!! With just a little bit of time every day, I was able to get it ready to rearrange after the shelves were done. Praise the Lord! I still need another drawer for some more of their clothes, but it's so much better now. Look at that beautiful floor, all clear of toys, waiting to be played on!

Stuck in a Rut Where Art is Concerned?

So, as a homeschooling momma, I'm always trying to find tools and things I can use to help out. In organizing a new schedule and all, I realized that Art had been sorely lacking, when it came to school in our house. So, we decided to change that, and I was on the hunt for new ideas, since Jacob and I had kind of gotten bored with the art book we had gotten at the beginning of the year. I came across this really cool website called Art Projects for Kids, and I have fallen in love with it. They have tons of really cool projects that are not only easy to teach, but they are really fun to do too. The projects are grouped by grade, type of project, and even artist. So far, we have done the Watercolor Resist Snowflakes and the How to Draw a House, and they were a hit with Jacob and myself. Even if you don't homeschool, this site has fun projects that you can do anytime with your children, and it gives you special time with them that you might not get otherwise. Jacob just lit up today, and he's looking forward to more Art next week. In fact, I'm thinking of making more time in our schedule for Art. Have a great day!

Where Is Their (My) Heart?

So, I know that American Idol is back on and all the rage right now, but I must post about it. Tonight, we were watching last night's episode (gotta love the DVR), and we honestly wondered how some of these people think they can sing. I have to say, though, that my heart was saddened by one thing tonight, when in to the judges walked a young lady (supposed to be a lady) in nothing but a bikini (bra and underwear as Jacob says)(yes, Jacob was watching with us because usually the show is ok for him to watch) and high heels. At first, I wanted to just lash out in anger because I knew why she was doing this, but then it was like an immense sadness just overcame my heart for this young girl. Apparently, she has been taught or has been led to believe that she needs to "sell" her body in order to climb the ladder of success in this life. Has noone told her that she is loved by a Heavenly Father Who would accept her as she is? A Heavenly Father Who does not look at her like Simon and Randy do (in nothing but lust; gag me) but looks at her as a person Who He created for a special purpose in this life? Where are our young girls' hearts in this world? Why do they feel that they need to try to attract all this attention, and not all of it good? Why can they not be confident in the person God has created them to be? Most of all, where is my ministry to these young women? Where do I stand in reaching out to the young girls in my own community? Where do we as Christian women stand in mentoring and leading our young girls, so that they can grow up to be confident, courageous, Christian women who will step out and be different and be used by God?! Where is my heart?

Check It Out!

Most of us moms are so busy that we sometimes let our marriages kind of flounder some days, putting our children or other things ahead of our marriage. Well, at CSAHM, Heather is helping us to reprioritize our marriages in 2009. Also, you might want to check out The Diaper Diaries, where we are put to the 1 Corinthians 7:5 Challenge. As wives and moms, it's wonderful to have other Christian women we can fellowship with, connect with, and support. So, head on over, and check it out. I know I am.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 12, 2008...
Outside My Window...it is dark nighttime.
I am thinking...it would be nice to sit down tonight and just relax for a bit after this very long day.
I am thankful for...my husband....he is just wonderful, and I don't know how I would live without him.
From the learning rooms...we have made our switch over to classical education, and we are loving it so far. We ordered an animal encyclopedia for science, and we went to the library today to get some books about snakes, since that is the first section Jacob wanted to study. (Shiver:)LOL)
From the kitchen...not much today besides a quick sandwich tonight for us and rice and bananas for Jaden.
I am wearing...pajamas.
I am creating...a better organized workspace and life; I've been working on a better school/household schedule and would like to put up a simple chore chart for the boys this week. (Ruth and Jenn, you inspired me.)
I am going...nowhere tonight or tomorrow, hopefully.
I am reading...still reading The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise; Vienna Prelude by Bodie and Brock Thoene; The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw; and I got a new Bible this week, which is really fascinating so far in the setup and everything, it's The Chronological Study Bible put out by Thomas Nelson. We're also reading The Magician's Nephew in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series as a family.
I am hoping...that Jaden feels better and sleeps well tonight and that the sickness skips over the rest of us, especially Jacob.
I am hearing...Dan watching The Big Bang Theory, comedy show.
Around the house...hope to go through the boys' room this week and purge, as well as just clean up and make better places for toys and things.
One of my favorite things...is playing outside with my boys on a warm day and hearing them laugh. There's nothing like the giggles of two little boys.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: hopefully, get through school every day, grocery shopping, catch up, etc.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...(He seems to have a thing for shoes, and he loves clumpin' around in these boots.) Check out more of The Simple Woman.

I Am David

If you have not seen the movie, I Am David, I just want to encourage you to watch this movie with your family. I just cannot say enough good things about this movie. Both Dan and I were in tears at the end of the movie, because it is such a powerful, emotional story. Yes, even Dan was in tears. I won't say anything else about the ending because it will give it away, but you must see this movie. Just to give you a little bit of the storyline....it's about a young boy named David who escapes from a forced labor, "concentration" type camp in Bulgaria after World War 2 and is making his way up through Italy, Switzerland, etc., to Denmark, for a reason that he does not know. All he knows is what he's been told, and he's been told to deliver a sealed letter to the authorities in Denmark. It stars Ben Tibber as David, Jim Caviezel, if you remember him from several movies, including The Passion of the Christ, and also Joan Plowright.

No Use Crying Over Spilled Milk

Remember how I said I was praying for patience? Well, lately, I've kind of gotten offtrack, but God does not get offtrack. He is still working on me. It's amazing that so many times I fail Him, but it's like learning to ride a bike; I fall, He picks me up, dusts me off, and gets me going again. Last night was just such an opportunity to practice patience, but of course, I failed. I blamed my husband for what happened, when truly, it was my own fault for carrying in too many bags at once. Now that I think back about it, it's kinda hilarious, but it was not at the time. I had gotten back from getting groceries and was carrying in the bags, and Dan was meeting me at the door to put them on the table for me. Well, this trip, I grabbed too many bags and ended up getting my fingers stuck as Dan was trying to take them from me. Long story short, a whole gallon of milk ended up spreading to all corners of our living room floor, including under the tv and over towards the entrance to our shoes. Poor Dan....I don't think I've ever seen him hustle so much in his life! I just froze and panicked and had to walk out the front door before I lost it. Yep, I failed in the whole game of patience. We argued over whose fault it was, when in fact, and yes, I'm admitting, that it was my fault. The task of learning patience is just not so much fun sometimes, but God never gives up on us. So, first of all, don't give up on yourself, and secondly, don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong. Being willing to admit you're wrong is something that can really help a relationship to grow. "....Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5b, NKJV) Maybe I should pray for grace too. Have a great Friday!

Easy Yum Recipe

This isn't really a full-fledged recipe; my family had given us a family cookbook for our wedding, and I had taken a recipe out of that and kind of made it my own by switching it up a little, and it's become a favorite. Beware, ingredients are really not measured and basically just thrown together. I usually will roast a chicken the day before, and then we use the leftovers from that for 1-2 meals. This is really not the healthiest meal, but it sure is good. Enjoy!:)

Chicken Enchilada Casserole- Crockpot Style

In a bowl, combine the following:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can other creamy type soup- last night, I used tomato soup

1- 8oz. cream cheese

Salsa or Picante, until it looks and tastes great

Chicken- as much or as little as you would like

You can also add green chilies; sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

Then, cut about 4-5 tortillas up into triangles.

You'll also need about 1-2 cups shredded cheese, however much your family likes.

Begin by layering a little of the soup mixture in the bottom, just a little bit.

Then layer tortillas, half soup mixture, cheese. Repeat with one more layer.

Depending on your crockpot, set on low, and let cook for 2-4 hours. Another hint is to spray your crockpot with Crisco spray or a nonstick spray, and it helps for easier cleanup too.

Yum!

Just For Today

I found this amongst some pictures that belonged to my grandma and thought it might be good to post, just something to think about….

JUST FOR TODAY I will live through the next 12 hours and not tackle my whole life problem at once.
JUST FOR TODAY I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.
JUST FOR TODAY I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.
JUST FOR TODAY I will not find fault with friend, relative, or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it, I will save myself from two enemies-hurry and indecision.
JUST FOR TODAY I will exercise my character in three ways. I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won’t count.
JUST FOR TODAY I will do two things I don’t want to do, just for exercise.
JUST FOR TODAY I will be unafraid. Especially will I be unafraid to enjoy what is beautiful and believe that as I give to the world, the world will give to me. – O. City.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 5, 2009...
Outside My Window...it is dark and cold.
I am thinking...what is the real reason that I get up so early, especially on a Monday morning? Hmmmmm.....:)
I am thankful for...my home and family, good friends, books, etc.
From the learning rooms...we are changing over to a more classical approach with Jacob's homeschooling.
From the kitchen...I'll have a chicken roasting in the oven later this afternoon.
I am wearing...jammies and a bathrobe right now.
I am creating...curtains for our bedroom.
I am going...to the libraries today with Jacob.
I am reading...The books of Genesis, Matthew, Psalms, & Proverbs; The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise; Vienna Prelude by Brock & Bodie Thoene; The Other Side of Love by Gary Chapman.
I am hoping...to get my writing assignment done this week and mailed off.
I am hearing...a very quiet house.
Around the house...today is home blessing day with dusting, vacuuming, etc. We finally caught our mouse last week too exactly on New Year's; yea!!!!
One of my favorite things...is a good Hallmark movie; last night we watched one called Our House, and it was sooooo good.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: School starting tomorrow, Jacob has Tae Kwon Do this week, and all the normal household tasks.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

The Simple Woman