tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67883160953923197382024-03-13T15:54:25.950-07:00Steph's Thoughts, Feelings and ReflectionsStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-87918972842857569042011-04-08T09:43:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:43:06.902-07:00Stronger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/emgv-VRtMEU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lots of stuff going on lately and lots going thru my head but this has been my motto! With God's help, I will be stronger!!!!!!!</div><div align="left"></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-84083221968533975522011-03-31T10:49:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:49:11.537-07:00Train up your child....Proverbs 22:6 <em>Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</em><br />
<br />
This scripture has brought on a whole new meaning recently to me. I have really been reflecting on how we are raising our children. If I am doing everything I know to do to teach them about Christ and the plan of salvation that they too one day might take that step for themselves and walk in all Truth... We recently started evening devotions with our children and it is wonderful! We are letting Corbyn do the reading and involving him in the discussion. What does the scripture mean to him? How can it change his life? And so on... Love it! The other night when we said our prayers before bed, he prayed that God would give him the Holy Ghost one day and help him to do good! I had to fight back tears! It is amazing the things they pick up on and pay attention to that we don't even realize! Today I had to take him to an ortho appt before lunch and on the way we got into a conversation about God and what it means to make heaven our home, what our part is to make sure we make it there. I brought up the scripture about "...to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin". And he knew that it means if he knows he is supposed to do something or not do something and does the opposite, he is sinning. There was so much more to the conversation but it was awesome! I love and cherish those moments! Like light bulbs are going off and I am telling myself, "see, what you are doing does matter and he does get it!" Just a wonderful and proud Mom moment!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-25597630004003181342011-03-31T10:26:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:26:19.626-07:00Catching up<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Whew, where has March went!!!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to just have flown right on by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am so enjoying the lovely sunny weather today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is beautiful out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">There really hasn’t been much to post about lately…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me try and recount this past month’s events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the first weekend as I mentioned previously, we got away for the night/day for our anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you are married with children, you really cherish the time you and your spouse has together, just the two of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next weekend we were at my mom’s the whole weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Thursday my husband bought an older pickup truck from someone his mom works with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had bought it brand new 18 years ago and then approx 3-4 years ago it started giving them some trouble so they parked it and hadn’t touched it since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, there is some rust and rough spots but for the most part it is a very decent truck for that old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that weekend hubby and bro in law went thru it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spark plugs, oil change, new tire, new brakes and lines,etc and got it running!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corbyn was too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks it is cool his dad has a truck now, he just isn’t fond of the rust but Andy is hoping to paint it later this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parents paint and restore classic cars so all he would need to do is buy the paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we will see!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend of the 19<sup>th</sup> we had no plans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept my 7 mos old niece Friday night and Saturday, we had breakfast at Steak and Shake and ended up running into some of my husband’s family that lives in the area that we had never met!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was neat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we were just home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was awesome that weekend as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend we had a fellowship meeting at one of our church’s in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Ohio</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great service and fellowship!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hubby preached a good message on being “Fully Persuaded” in our walk with Jesus Christ.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend, once again we are doing NOTHING!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so siked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am actually wanting to tear into the house and do some mega cleaning if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I can check some things off my list!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">So there you have it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our eventful March that went by way too quickly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next looking into April…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><ol style="margin-top: 0pt;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Shipshewana day with my dad and step-mom next weekend</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Flying to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Washington</place></state> the next weekend to visit my sister and brother that lives out there</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">No plans as of now for the 23<sup>rd</sup></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fellowship meeting at our home church on the 30<sup>th</sup> .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take care of the kitchen so that means, delegating dishes and making sure everything runs smoothly.</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">My big concern and the thing I am stressing over right now is the <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Washington</place></state> trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so excited but at the same time so nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither the children or I have ever flown!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are flying at night and our first layover is 28 min!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I am traveling with 2 children so it is a little more work than if it was just me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Jocelyn is not 2 yet so we didn’t have to purchase a ticket for her but that means she is in my lap the whole flight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how church services go and that isn’t even sitting the whole time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well,… I am sure it will all be fine and go smooth. (I pray!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just excited to see my sister and brother and their families!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any of you have advise as far as the flying for the first time thing, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am taking any and all suggestions! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Hope everyone had a wonderful March and God Bless!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-46332632833591543852011-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:002011-03-22T12:56:07.585-07:00ABC ME<div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1"><div class="blog-posts hfeed"><div class="date-outer"><div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1"><div class="blog-posts hfeed"><div class="date-outer"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ge: 28</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">B</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ed Size: King</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">hore You Hate: folding and putting away laundry</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">D</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ogs: Siberian Husky named Joey</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">E</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ssential Start of Your Day: Shower (despretly want to make reading and praying a must instead of when it works)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">F</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">avorite Color: toss up between Purple and John Deere Green (yes I am a farm girl!)</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">G</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">old or Silver: Silver (or white gold)</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">H</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">eight: 5'2"</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">nstruments I Play: None but always thought the violin looked interesting</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ob Title: HR Admin Assistant (Mother and Wife too!)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">K</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ids: 2</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">L</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ive: <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Indiana</place></state></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">M</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">om's Name: Nelda Jane</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">N</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">icknames: <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Steph</placename><br />
<placename w:st="on"><strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">O</span></strong>vernight</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Hospital</placetype></place> Stays: only to have babies</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">P</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">et Peeve: toilet seat up</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Q</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">uote From a Movie: “Baby, baby, baby….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <em><strong>or</strong></em> "You think you can do these things ______ but you just can't!" </span>(Any guesses?)</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">R</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ight or Left Handed: right handed</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">S</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">iblings: 2 sisters and 2 brothers</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">T</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">ime You Wake Up: 5 am</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">U</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">nderwear: Cotton bikinis </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">V</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">eggie You Dislike: Steamed/cooked spinach</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">W</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">hat Makes You Run Late: Pushing snooze, kids that won’t MOVE</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">X</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">-Rays You Have Had: Teeth, Ultrasounds</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Y</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ummy Food You Make: hmmmm…. Not really sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone loves my Tater Tot Casserole</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Z</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">oo Animal You Like Best: Dolphins</span></span><span style="color: #21a62f; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-85196548261713627722011-03-16T07:20:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:22:26.122-07:00Heavy Hearts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Kind of how I am feeling this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First I hear of the horrible devastations that <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Japan</place></country-region> is going thru since last Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so hard to see the pictures and videos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart aches and goes out to all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then my mind goes back to the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prophesy is being fulfilled. <br />
<br />
</div><ol type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+24:7&version=9">Matthew 24:7</a><br />
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and <b>earthquakes</b>, in divers places. </i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Mark+13:8&version=9">Mark 13:8</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be <b>earthquakes</b> in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.</i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Luke+21:11&version=9">Luke 21:11</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
And great <b>earthquakes</b> shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.</i></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Don’t get me wrong, reading this and seeing what is going on in the world today, scares the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scared I am not doing everything I know to do to make Heaven my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I have pointed out in previous posts,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=James+4:17&version=9">James 4:17</a> Therefore to him that <b>knoweth</b> to do <b>good</b>, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Ephesians+5:27&version=9">Ephesians 5:27</a> That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having <b>spot</b>, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and <b>without</b> blemish.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are in sin, we are not spotless, therefore will not make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I doing everything God is calling me to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I reading, praying, and fasting enough?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I being a light in this dark and dying world? Am I doing all I know to do to lead the lost to Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I think I have a lot of room for improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not perfect, obviously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make mistakes, we all do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ doesn’t ask us to be perfect, He just wants us to take up our cross and follow Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To die out to sin and the old flesh by repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To rebuke the devil daily and live our lives for Him according to the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul said in I Corinthians 15, I die daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must choose daily to die out to sin, to rebuke it and to follow Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">This might be overwhelming and I apologize, I am just very passionate at the moment and don’t mean to be confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need clarification of anything or our beliefs, please don’t hesitate to contact me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am no Bible scholar and have learned everything I know in the recent years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know time is short, He is coming quickly and if we are not ready to meet Him we will not make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no second chances on the Judgment day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The second thing that has me feeling gloomy is I found out today that one of my coworkers lost their battle to cancer today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very somber day here at work and has me thinking on my walk that much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know the day or hour that the Lord is coming for HIS CHURCH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor do we know when our final breath here on earth will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know the ONE who does, do you KNOW him?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">God Bless each and every one of you!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-31823295539534155092011-03-08T06:11:00.001-08:002011-03-08T06:11:51.618-08:00Menu Plan<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Tuesday – Baked Potato Bar (we didn’t get to this last week)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Wednesday – </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Breakfast: french toast bake, bacon, yogurt</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dinner: Chicken n rice in the crock-pot</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Thursday-Saturday – will be at mom’s while Andy works on his “new” truck there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am planning on helping with some of the meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking of Straw-Hats one of the days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know if you need clarification on that one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha-ha!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Sunday – </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">Lunch: Tatar Tot Casserole, bread</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">Dinner: Leftovers, whatever…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Monday – White Chicken Chili, corn bread</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Tuesday – brats, salad</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-61138785275227861932011-03-08T05:59:00.000-08:002011-03-08T05:59:10.124-08:00Weekend Recap<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">We had a really good weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right before I left work on Friday, my sister called and wanted to meet us for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we had no deadlines, we decided to take her up on it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If was really nice to just sit and chat awhile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went home grabbed our bags and the kids stuff, dropped Jocelyn off at my wonderful sister-in-law’s and chatted there for awhile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was equally nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then off to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place> we went!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we went thru the Botanical Gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was neat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot that wasn’t in bloom but there was still quite a bit that was blooming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very refreshing to see color and life! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> After that we were hungry for ice cream so we headed to Stone Cold Creamery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OMG!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That stuff is awesome and I am sure so bad for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we just sat there and talked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might I add that we did a lot of that this weekend and it was wonderful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I love my children dearly, it is so nice to be able to finish my sentence with out pausing to correct someone or getting interrupted, etc…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After ice cream we went to Family Christian Bookstore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby and I could live in that store!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got each of us a book and the children each a book plus a couple other items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we headed to Wal-Mart to grab some snacks and drinks for the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally we were on our way to the room!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up getting a whirlpool suite and it was beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had chocolates in champagne flutes and sparkling apple cider in the fridge waiting on us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so peaceful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also we didn’t grab dinner before because the room service for our hotel was Applebee’s so we just ordered room service, a first for me!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we relaxed!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something I think every married couple needs to do once in awhile, especially if you have children!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is almost like recharging a battery!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we slept in the next morning and then went down to the lobby for our “free” breakfast that was included in our package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a little restaurant and we ordered omelets and had biscuits and gravy, yogurt, pastries, oatmeal bar, etc….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really nice, especially being free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went back to the room, finished getting ready and packed up and headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there we stopped by Goodwill and I got some pants and shorts to make 4 toddler skirts out of for Jocelyn and her friends at camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will post pics to let you know how I do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we headed to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Burlington</place></city>’s where we got the kids new church clothes and hubby new shoes and shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we were off to the Home and Garden show!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember going when I was a kid but haven’t been there since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only complaint I had was they have now started walking around with beer carts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t drink or go to places that serve it so it was quite a surprise to us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess since I don’t drink, I just don’t understand why you need to have beer at a home and garden show?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially for the price they were selling it at?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know, I guess it was just a big turn off but we both still had fun looking at all the cool things that we could do, both inside and outside our home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of dreaming!!!!!!! LOL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we went to Don Hall’s Prime Rib House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yummmmm!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long time since I had Prime Rib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then it was off to get the kiddos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Whom I missed very much!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Needless to say, it was a much needed restful weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope everyone else enjoyed theirs as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week hubby is getting a “new” old truck to fix up and tinker with!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so pumped and excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corbyn is equally excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that will be our weekend but it should be enjoyable!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-9913802220490528262011-03-02T10:43:00.001-08:002011-03-02T10:43:43.198-08:00This week’s menu and rambles…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Sorry for the lack of posts lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I have had little motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually have some time in the evening at bedtime to sit down and blog some but at that point I am in my bed with my daughter, snuggling and getting her to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After being on a computer all day at work, I have had little motivation to get on and update other than an occasional glance at Facebook.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">But with the sun out and knowing spring is less than a month away, I feel that excitement building up inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things I start thinking about:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>warm sunshine, windows open, spring cleaning and getting rid of junk, bike rides and walks, being able to watch my daughter run around and enjoy the outdoors (this time last year she was barely crawling!), cleaning out flower beds, planting fresh flowers and a few veggies (scaling back this year due to busy schedule and remodeling projects on our plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping to still put up some from others leftovers but other than that we will just have a few things to eat fresh), occasional trips to the park, eating ice cream and popsicles outside, garage sales, and the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say I get excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND….. my latest news….. me and the kids are going to WA in April with my mom, sister and neice!!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so excited for several reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1. Me or the kids have never flown before 2. My sister just moved out there when she got married, so I get to see her and my niece for the 1<sup>st</sup> time in 4 mos. 3. My brother, girlfriend and son are in the process of moving so it will be nice to see them again 4. A VACATION!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so siked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly didn’t think it would happen but the tickets are booked so no backing out now!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Still very much looking forward to time away with the hubby this weekend for our 9yr anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to a hotel that has a Jacuzzi in the room and to the botanical gardens Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Saturday we are sleeping in and then meeting my mom and her boyfriend at the Home and Garden Show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been to one since I was a kid and it will be wonderful to get ideas without trying to keep track of kids!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">As for our menu this week :</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Monday : Taco Salad, Open Faced Sandwiches</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Tuesday : Shepherds Pie, Homemade Wheat Dinner rolls</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Wednesday: Breakfast: Sausage and Egg scramble, yogurt, OJ</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner: French Bread Pizza’s, side salad</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Thursday: Chicken Alfredo dish, peas</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">The rest of the weekend we will be in <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t decided on Sunday yet…. Any ideas, let me know! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-58101434351927463462011-02-25T12:30:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:30:09.789-08:00Random Updates<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Not much to say but will give some updates as to what has been happening this week</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Ugh…. The last couple of weeks have literally drug!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no motivation, hence the lack of posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no desire to do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My house always seems like it is in shambles anymore and I don’t even care!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will get this urge to clean and get it cleaned up but the min it starts getting messy, I have no desire or energy to stay on top of it!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that horrible!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping it will pass soon and I will regain some energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone out there knows some simple tricks for a working mom, let me know!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Jocelyn was diagnosed with bronchitis on Monday this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it was back to breathing treatments and the Z-pack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually amazed at how quickly she cleared up (Full nights sleep the last 2 nights!) but the doc did say she was in the early stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hadn’t fully settled in her chest yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Corbyn has had only one day of school this week!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this rate we are already going till June 9<sup>th</sup> I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is actually ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have closed a lot this winter when there was no reason but oh well, out of my hands!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had some nasty weather this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bunch of snow earlier this week then ice in the middle of the week and then got another 4-6” last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely ready for spring around here!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">On a happy note, I finally made up my mind and took the plunge with ordering my very first OWN laptop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so happy and excited to play with it this weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a really good deal on it; it is a lot of hard drive and memory for the same price as the smaller machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very happy that I held out, did my homework and shopped around!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Been looking into some different ideas on budgeting lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been doing so well lately and I am very proud of us but would like to work towards being debt free and building up a savings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this is a personal topic and don’t want to get into numbers but if anyone has any tips that are helping you or suggestions, I am all ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would rather not, I completely understand!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Trying to figure out some menus for this weekend, I really just want a day to just be at home in jammies all day tomorrow but have a feeling, unless I can talk hubby into doing it after our plans tonight, I will be getting out to get some groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things on the mind: potato soup, loaded baked potatoes, French bread pizza, ham and homemade mac and cheese, nachos, hot fudge pudding…. IDK, I will see what I come up with!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope everyone has a good weekend and maybe I will get on to load some pics with my new computer this weekend ;) <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-52281275911763880652011-02-21T06:42:00.000-08:002011-02-21T06:42:30.875-08:00Weekend Recap and Laptop Shopping<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Wow, it has been awhile since my last post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing major going on here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last few weeks seem to have DRUG so bad!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate weeks like that, I have no motivation, it seems like the weekend never gets here and then it is gone just like that, basically just a blah feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, Spring is just around the corner and I know everything will kick into overdrive at that point so might as well enjoy the down time, which I do love btw!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">This weekend was a good weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had dinner with some friends from church Friday evening and then Saturday Andy and the kids got up and I slept in for a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left the house and did some running and I took a shower and got ready and then did up the dishes, swept floors, cleaned the bathroom, etc…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so nice to do all of that in peace and quiet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then my mom and her boyfriend came and picked me up and we headed to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place> to do some belated birthday shopping!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really good day!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got some new shoes (1<sup>st</sup> pair of Pumas ever!), a few new shirts, a starbucks, lunch and then bought some material at JoAnn Fabrics to make Jocelyn and her friends some skirts out of jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all it was a good day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Yesterday we went to church and had a really good service!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then went to Golden Corral for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Came home and Jocelyn and I laid down to watch a movie and took naps then went back to church last night and had another really good service!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby preached a really good message on how important having faith and trust Jesus Christ is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards we went to the store and got a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Came home and Andy and Corbyn made some hot ham sandwiches before bed and Jocelyn and I had popcorn and orange floats!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Then the coughing starts….. ugh, I feel so bad for Jocelyn. She has had this cold/cough for a week now and it just won’t go away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up giving her a breathing treatment at 3 am cause she was really starting to wheeze and rattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby decided to take at least the morning off and take her to the Dr. to see if there is anything more we can do for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She isn’t running a temp but she is drinking a lot and doesn’t hardly eat anything of substance anymore….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully we can get it solved!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Now my big challenge I am dealing with…..buying myself a laptop!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh, there are so many brands and kinds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many options and prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so afraid of making the wrong decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, I will keep shopping I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have any suggestions or if you have a laptop and want to give advice about it, I am open to anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks and have a good week!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-71963241997544732202011-02-11T04:19:00.000-08:002011-02-11T04:22:27.303-08:00I Refuse <------ CLICK FOR VIDEOI woke up with this song on my heart this morning and thought I would share. It is by Josh Wilson and is a very powerful song with a powerful message! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes<br />
And act like everyone's alright<br />
When I know they're not<br />
This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch<br />
I could pray a prayer and just move on<br />
Like nothing's wrong<br />
<br />
<em>But I Refuse</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<strong>I don't want to live like I don't care</strong><br />
<strong>I don't want to say another empty prayer</strong><br />
<strong>Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else</strong><br />
<strong>To do what God has called me to do myself</strong><br />
<strong>I could choose not to move</strong><br />
<strong>But I refuse</strong><br />
<br />
I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately<br />
And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God<br />
So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through<br />
And do what I was made to do<br />
And show them who You are<br />
<br />
<strong>I don't want to live like I don't care</strong><br />
<strong>I don't want to say another empty prayer</strong><br />
<strong>Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else</strong><br />
<strong>To do what God has called me to do myself</strong><br />
<strong>I could choose not to move</strong><br />
<strong>But I refuse</strong><br />
<br />
<em>I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help</em><br />
<em>I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well</em><br />
<em>I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself</em><br />
<em>I refuse to make one more excuse</em><br />
<br />
<strong>I don't want to live like I don't care</strong><br />
<strong>I don't want to say another empty prayer</strong><br />
<strong>Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else</strong><br />
<strong>To do what God has called me to do myself</strong><br />
<strong>I could choose not to move</strong><br />
<strong>But I refuse</strong>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-47660816581448874762011-02-10T07:42:00.001-08:002011-02-10T07:42:32.914-08:00Valentines Weekend and Anniversary Plans<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Can’t believe it is Valentines already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems like we just celebrated Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just curious what, if any, are your plans for Valentines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you do something special every year or is it hit and miss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used to never really do anything major, especially since our Anniversary is in the beginning of March but a couple of years ago, we found that a semi-local Christian radio-station puts on a Valentines banquet every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really neat, lots of people dress up like prom dressing up, tux or suit and tie and very nice dresses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some even arrive in limos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have appitizers and punch fountains in the lobby and kinda like a social hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also get your pic professionally take for free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The backdrop is all done up for Valentines, etc….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when they open the doors, you go into the ballroom which is decked out, lights dim, tule draped everywhere, black and red décor, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you find your table number that you were assigned on your tickets (135.00 per couple but well worth it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tables are round with seating for 4-5 couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is set fancy down to the butter for the rolls which is little heart shaped molds, almost looks like mints!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You first start out with rolls and salad and tea or water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that the main course is either chicken and rice or beef and red potatoes (your choice when you purchase tickets) and then they give you some fancy veggie. And finally<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the dessert is some kind of cheesecake or a yummy choc cake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole evening takes approx<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole time you are eating all your courses, there is either a concert and/or comedian show going on on stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so nice to be able to dress up and do this , just you and your spouse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the best part for us…. There is no alcohol!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not drink nor do we go places that serve so our nice eating out places are very limited which is fine but once in awhile it is nice to have a luxeray feeling meal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">This year, we however, are not going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t really know the singer and comedian that was going to be there and some other things ended up coming up when we needed to purchase the tickets so we decided to skip this year which I am a little bummed but it is ok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going out for a Valentines breakfast Saturday in Valpo with some people from our church in the <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Portage</place></city> area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may hang around for a little afterwards and then that eveing we are coming home and my sis and her family may come up for games and munchies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday we will be getting up pretty early b/c my husband is going to be preaching at a church we have in MI which is about a 2 hour drive so we will be there on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday, back to work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corbyn is having a party at school however so that should be fun for him!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">One thing I am looking forward to is our Anniversary getaway this year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t much, we are just going to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place> on Friday for the afternoon/eve/night and then the next day we are meeting up with my mom and her bf to go to the Home and Garden show!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I am very excited about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next year will be our 10 year so we are planning something really special!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got married we couldn’t afford a big Honeymoon at the time so we just went to a small town around here that has a resort in it that is on a lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B/c we got married practically in the winter, no one was there so we ended up basically having it to ourselves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rooms are either 1 or 2 bedroom, we had the 2 bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second bedroom is in the loft with a big Jacuzzi in it and it also has a living room, fireplace, kitchen, the works!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were there for 2 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our 5 year we ended up going back and fell in love with it again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I don’t know if we are going to do that for our 10 year as well or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know for sure that we are getting new rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby hasn’t been able to wear his since our first year of marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put a nail thru his finger and they had to cut the ring and bend it in the ER so it was destroyed…. He doesn’t want just some plain cheap one so decided to wait till we could get new sets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so siked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am getting a princess cut on silver or white gold which is what I have wanted for years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His will have diamonds on it, ‘cause that is just him but other than that, he really isn’t sure of the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also talked about taking a trip to <state w:st="on">Maine</state> or <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Denver</city>, <state w:st="on">CO</state></place>, those are places we both would like to go, so we will see!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Well I think I have bent your ears long enough!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is in the air!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">What are your plans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you plan something special for Anniversaries?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God bless!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-66771506154410823842011-02-07T05:20:00.001-08:002011-02-07T05:20:49.441-08:00A good weekend and a Packers win!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Hard to believe it is Monday already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems like it was just Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a really good weekend though!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday I picked up my daughter then went to Aldies to get a few necessity items then I met my husband at home who and picked up our son and went and got my youngest brother (17) for the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed back into <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Warsaw</place></city> for their Fire and Ice show and to eat at a really good Pizzeria!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ice show was really neat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bunch of huge ice sculptures randomly placed throughout downtown on the sidewalks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them were hooked up to propane to where the tops of the sculptures were lit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really neat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pizza place was PACKED but it was so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we came home and just relaxed the rest of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we slept in, had breakfast and then I took a pair of cute jeans I had gotten at goodwill for Jocelyn and split them and made a cute long jean skirt (we don’t wear pants).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out really cute!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thinking I might make some more in the future when I can find jeans on sale or at Goodwill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even thought about cutting the legs off the pants and attaching a skirt to the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Idk, I will just play around and see what I come up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so hard to find long enough skirts anymore for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the winter that is fine, I just put leggings or tights on her but once warmer weather comes, I want her to have modest length clothes that don’t consist of all dresses (even that is hard to find long enough anymore).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Anyway, Saturday afternoon we had a birthday party to go to for my niece that turned 7 last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(hard to believe, I babysat her when she was first born till she was 1.5 and it seems like just yesterday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss the cute little baby crawling after me calling, “Mama”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No she wasn’t confused, She knew who her mom was, I was just Mama Steph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too cute!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she has grown into a beautiful, smart , admirable young lady!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so proud of her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our gift to her was the box set of the full color Laura Ingalls Wilder books!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was just as excited for her to get them as she was when she opened them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brought back a lot of memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to have them growing up and read them several times over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has grown to love the TV show that they have now and so thought it would be fitting to get her the books.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">After the party we came home and just relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby did some major rearranging with his fish aquariums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We are getting ready to do some major remodeling and moving our bathroom and so there is a lot of rearranging stuff that needs to happen over the next few weeks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the kids upstairs and went thru and cleaned out their dressers and put a bunch of laundry away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to keep my daughter preoccupied since she has grown into quite the “daddy’s girl” and it is hard for him to do big stuff like that with her around getting into everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids played very well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so cute to just sit and watch them sometimes!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Yesterday we ended up have one mid-day service due to the weather that we got Saturday and the weather that they were calling for last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we were able to lay around a little in the morning and then after church, an elderly couple that Andy helped them put up a shed last fall, took us out to eat as a Thank You gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So nice and generous of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It is not cheap for a family of four to go out to eat anymore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when we are able to, it is a special treat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the way it was growing up!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night we once again came home and were lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some dishes from the weekend (sometimes I sure do miss having a dishwasher) and Andy played with his digital pic frame I got him for Christmas, loading it up with pics so he can take it to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I think I did a first!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and watched a whole entire football game from beginning to end!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sweet too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was rooting for the Pack and they pulled it off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very exciting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even my son who I had to send to bed at the end of the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter was happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised him I would wake him if the Pack won and when I did, he was still sleeping but mumbled “Go Pack Go!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too cute!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Hope everyone has a good week and God Bless!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-82056850469018363502011-02-03T05:21:00.001-08:002011-02-03T05:21:08.931-08:00Snow Days<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">That is exactly what we have had the last couple of days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until this morning, I had not been out of the house since I got home Monday night from my mom’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually was kinda nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday they closed school, I am assuming in anticipation of the big storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was available to watch my son (babysitter had dr. appt and back up babysitter had to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tried a couple others but nothing seemed ideal.) so I decided to take the day and stay home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost like that was what I was supposed to do, you know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, it turned out to be a really good day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since me and my son were up and ready to go before we decided that is what we were going to do, I started my day then and he started his!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what I got accomplished for the day:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Washed dishes and cleaned kitchen (3X)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Started fire in wood stove</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Brought wood in (2X)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Swept all the floors</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Did several loads of laundry and folded</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Spot cleaned the bathroom</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Layed down with my daughter for naps</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Read a some chapters of the book I am reading</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Put a roast and potatoes in the oven </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Made a garden salad</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Gave Jocelyn a bath (she had ravioli for lunch and it was quite a sight!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Cleaned my spice cabinet</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Then yesterday there was no getting out of our drive for me (didn’t plow our road till about noon!) so I was home again with the kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t accomplish as much but here is a list of what I did do:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Started a fire again in the stove</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Brought wood in again</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Made Choc Chip brownies (sugar free and with whole wheat flour)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Made 2 loaves of wheat bread</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Swept kitchen, dining and fire place room</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Did a couple loads of laundry</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Gave Jocelyn another bath (scalloped potatoes this time)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Took a nap with Jocelyn</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Did dished and cleaned kitchen (3X)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Made chicken fajitas for supper</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Oh and shoveled the walk to the garage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a job!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I have actually enjoyed the last couple of days but it was nice to be able to leave the house today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like getting too used to being at home like that when I know it isn’t possible for me to do full time just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe one day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I cherish the time I am able to be at home and be the one that cares for my children, build memories and take care of my home, able to put a hot meal on the table at a decent hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very special.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">They cancelled school again today so hubby said he would stay home and then go into work for a few hours this evening after I get home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we will see what his accomplishments are for the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HaHa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No really, I am sure the kids will enjoy their time with their dad today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God Bless and Stay Warm!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-87638489561524713632011-01-31T07:15:00.000-08:002011-01-31T07:15:35.740-08:00Monday's frustrations and blues<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I was very leery to write this morning but then was thinking, I created this so I could have a place to write my thoughts and feelings, good or bad, so decided to write some things down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just very hesitant to write negative thoughts and feelings cause I don’t want anyone to get the impression I am not grateful or unappreciative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just woke up not feeling the best, nothing in particular just normal blues that I am sure everyone wakes up feeling every once in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today just happens to be my day I guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">First of all, I am so tired of the “Me, Me, Me” attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that anymore people only care for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t go the extra mile of anyone unless it benefits them somehow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constantly asking or taking but never giving or offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am one of those people that constantly get taken advantage of b/c I love to give and do for others (without expecting something in return).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I love it and can’t imagine turning my back or not doing when I know someone needs it or it would make their day, it gets tiring when you feel like nothing is appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, that is not why I do for others, I don’t need the recognition but when you feel like they expect it from you and are upset if you can’t do for some reason, it gets old and tiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Second, I am so tired of feeling like I have to defend myself when it comes to they mother/wife/housekeeper that I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not saying that people do it on purpose or with the intention of making me feel that way but anymore I feel like I am constantly justifying my actions or my children’s actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children are who they are, no they are not perfect, but who is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have their moments, they fight, they are disobedient, they cause scenes, act ungrateful, and the list goes on…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they are also sweet, loving, cute, and smart and the best kids I could ever ask for!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love them so much and feel so blessed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why do I feel like I have to justify them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a perfect person either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I feel like I am the best mom I can possibly be to my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think given the fact that I work full time and lead a busy life outside of work (family/church/etc...) I don’t do too badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No I don’t get everything done, not everything is in its place, my kids don’t have everything, I am not able to go to every school function, I can’t just sit and play when we get home, and the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be superwoman!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I am constantly trying and never measuring up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so tiring and frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the times I do mess up or don’t handle a situation the best, I feel horrible, like I just failed a huge test and have a big red X next to my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so tired of that feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never measuring up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is, I don’t know how to get rid of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I get to a place where I am happy with what I do for others regardless of their response, that I am happy with the wife/mother/housekeeper that I am and know that my kids are well cared for and know I love them without feeling like I have to justify and defend every move I or they make?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Ugh…. So sorry for my rambles and complaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully it didn’t depress anyone too bad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to get it down on paper and somewhat off my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow is a new day and I am sure will feel so much better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes life just gets the better of us but no matter what, GOD is still GOD and He is very much still on the Throne!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-3178308699506286272011-01-28T07:41:00.000-08:002011-01-28T07:41:03.557-08:00Birthday Celebrations<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Well, it’s official; I am now the big 28!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still seems crazy to me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember when my aunts and mom were 28 and thought of them as so grown up but yet I feel like I am still so young, as far as knowledge that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In body, I can definitely tell I am getting older!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I look back over the last several years, I am amazed at how much I have grown as a person and where I am today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Yesterday was a pretty normal day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jocelyn had her 18 mo check up yesterday morning so I took her to that and then went into work a little later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is 35% in weight and 80% height!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has not really gained anything since her 12 mo checkup!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably since she is so active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she eats like a bird!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a good eater, loves fruits, veggies and most main dishes I fix but she is done after about 4-5 bites and breakfast is a hit and miss…. Oh well, Dr. said she is healthy and right on track!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just tall and skinny for her age group <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Last night Andy made me supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a yummy Mexican casserole, Spanish rice, chips and salsa and then had Chocolate Cake with Choc. Frosting (had to celebrate national chocolate cake day too!) and ice cream for dessert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was yummy and so nice to not have to cook and clean up!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Tonight kids are staying with my aunt and sister and hubby and I are going to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place> for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure yet where we are going to eat but I want to got to Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, Once upon a Child and now Kohl’s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today at work my coworkers made me breakfast for our weekly meeting and gave me a 60.00 Kohl’s gift card!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So nice of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just looking forward to a relaxing evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No deadlines, whining children (although I love them very much and don’t leave Jocelyn over night very often!)or daily junk to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ready to get a coffee and bury my nose in a book for awhile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I can talk hubby into a massage later <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My muscles in my back, especially in my shoulders are so tight anymore, a nice relaxing massage sounds wonderful!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">The rest of my weekend is pretty care free which I am looking forward to very much!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God Bless and have an awesome weekend!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-40932005620198885742011-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:41:58.334-08:00God’s Goodness and Weekend Rattles<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When I think of the Goodness of Jesus</i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And all He has done for me</i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My soul cries out Hallelujah!</i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Praise God for saving me!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">This chorus was recited during testimony service yesterday and it holds so true for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God truly is a Good God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has richly blessed me in so many ways, I could never repay Him!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">We had a really good weekend this weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was busy but a good one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday I picked up both kids from child care, (hubby went to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Ft.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wayne</placename></place> with a friend from church so it was just me and the kiddos!) went home and got busy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did up all the straggler dishes from the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Never fails, I have a sink full by Friday of ones I didn’t get done thru the week)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier in the day I had ordered Dish Network and they were coming Saturday morning to get us hooked up so I did some cleaning and rearranging in Corbyn and our room’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I switched some TV’s around and I rearranged our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My what a job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a king size bed so moving that is a beast in itself but then the boards underneath are broken so we have stacks of old books that we don’t use to help support the pressure points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say it is a big job for one person in a small bedroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I got it done and it felt so good to have all the dust bunnies swept and everything dusted and fresh sheets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jocelyn had a blast while I was tackling that job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was crawling under the mattress where it was propped against the bed, I think she thought it was a tent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was also playing in her room so nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think where I am working full time now, by the weekend she is usually very cranky and clingy but that night she played so nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Saturday I had a baby shower to not only go to but to fix all the food (approx 45-50 ppl)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I had some help from some wonderful sisters in another church in our <a href="http://www.thechurchofjesuschrist-acts238.com/">Organization</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, I started cooking around 10 am and the food was ready to be served by 2pm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long day but it was fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the menu I came up with, we were going with an Italian theme:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Italian Beef Sandwiches</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Italian Meatballs</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Pasta Salad</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Grape Salad</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Crackers and Hummus</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Pickle Rolls</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Toasted Ravioli</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Dill Cucumber sandwiches on <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Rye</place></city></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">It was a lot of fun but I was not hungry by the time I was done!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Sunday we of course had church in the morning and then came home, changed ate quick and went to my Aunt’s to celebrate my cousins 15<sup>th</sup> and my 28<sup>th</sup> birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot of fun and good food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to eat quick and get changed again and left from there to go to Church again at 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got out around 8, came home, had a snack and went to bed (after a quick peek at the Steelers/Jets game).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Like I said, busy but good weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently I am chewing on some new budget and weight loss strategies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will be posting more later about those!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God Bless and have a good week!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-34705712627877810912011-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:58:59.000-08:00Troubled thoughts and broken hearts….<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I am writing this with so many thoughts and emotions going thru me right now…. It is very hard to explain how I feel therefore the lack of posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read other posts and find myself experiencing some of the same things as them but yet it is so hard for me to get out on paper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">On one hand I am saddened; it seems there is so much terminal sickness going on around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People close to me battling cancer, children battling cancer that I knew their parents years ago, cancer scares to close family members and the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even turn on the news anymore without being sickened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our country is in so much turmoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much violence and hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All you read about is murder, vandalism, rape, abuse, etc… and it seems to be the kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that those situations happening to adults is right, I don’t think that at all but it seems all I am hearing is kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard something this past weekend that in my opinion I had no business hearing but I can’t change the fact that I heard it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sickened me deeply and ever since I have been battling it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have images, thoughts, etc… pop up in my head all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this is sounding really bad and I am sorry, I don’t know how else to write about it and I don’t want to go into detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to get rid of it and figured I would release here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it is the devil beating me up and I rebuke him everyday in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I got to thinking today, maybe there is a message in all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I was listening to a Christian radio station earlier this week when I was in the car and they had the wife of a singer on the group <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Selah</i> on there talking about their familie’s experience recently with loosing their newborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had 3 other children and sometime in the middle of her pregnancy the ultrasound detected major problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While others would have terminated the pregnancy right then and there, they chose for her to carry the baby to term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not catch what the problems were but the baby died 2 hours after she was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This woman had created a blog during that time, from the time they found out thru the whole ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way friends and family could stay updated without them having to repeat everything so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this broadcast, the DJ read a blurp from the book this lady wrote titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/I-Will-Carry-You/Angie-Smith/e/9780805464283">I Will Carry You; The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>It was quoted from the blog that she had wrote and in it she was saying that basically while we go thru trials and such here on this earth, we are disappointed, hurt, scared, etc and that during this difficult time she clung to God and His Scriptures, not because they took the pain and hurt away, not because it made the trials easier but because they gave her comfort and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then she went on to say that GOD IS ENOUGH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That phrase has stuck with me all week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I just stop and think about it, it is so true!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly is enough, but we have to let Him be which is where we as humans mess up so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scripture reads in Psalm 46:10-11, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.</i><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This speaks volumes to me right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I was also reading the blog of the little 5 year old boy I know (used to go to church with his father) that is battling a horrible cancer in the last stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mother wrote the blog entry for today and here is a little blurp from it that made me think.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“One of the things that was grieving me the most was time wasted. Guilt plagued me, I wish I would've spent more time playing with him, reading to him, riding bikes, getting dirty, and I could go on and on. I know all you busy mom's know what I mean. There's always so much on the "to do" list every day, and life seems to rush by. Now I have a gift, its called "Time Redemption". God is helping me redeem the time with my son. He is connected to an IV 24/7 except for shower time, which I help him with, so I am there, hardly 2 feet away from him most of the day and all of the night. Thanking God for this precious gift.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Do I put having a neat house, dished done, TV, gardening, etc... in place of cherishing time with my children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know there are parts of our day that we need to do but speaking for myself, I am sure I could rearrange some things to spend a little more time with my precious gifts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just something to think and chew on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I know He truly is God and He is very much on the Throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know He is in complete control (if I let Him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a message for me in all of this, I pray that I heed His call and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know right now, my heart is breaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of anyone, let alone children, hurting deeply upsets me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the fact that there is so much of it in this world every day is overwhelming.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God Bless.</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-71022029870811102602011-01-14T10:43:00.000-08:002011-01-14T10:43:51.284-08:00The Weekend and DessertYay!!!!!!! Its Friday! And the best part????? I have a 3 day weekend! Can't wait even though it will be busy, Monday I have no plans though and hopefully will stay that way!<br />
<br />
I have decided on a dessert for tonights menu, I think I am going to make Hot Fudge/ Chocolate Lava Cake with Ice Cream. It just sounds really good to me and I grew up with Grandma making it. Haven't had it in a long time and it is perfect for the cold nights! I am excited about tonight. We haven't had company in a while so it was fun cleaning the house this week getting it "spotless" as Corbyn put it when asked how clean his room was.... LOL, that kid cracks me up but I must say, his room was impressive!<br />
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I also am excited b/c I went to Walmart at lunch today and got a new area rug for the living room. I was getting a few things and saw a display in the middle of the isle for $20.00! It is 5X8 feet and is purple an gray striped. It is beautiful! And will go perfect in our living room, our exact colors of that room! I can't wait to get home and get it laid down. When we get our camera back (left it at our in-laws) I will get a picture and try and post. I am having trouble uploading pics to this blog for some reason but we will see.<br />
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Anyway, that is about it! My 28th birthday is approaching later this month and have been thinking a lot about what I really want for my birthday. True, there is a lot of "material" things that would be nice to have but if I could have anything, what do I want? I haven't completly decided but a day to myself sounds heavenly! Or even a day/evening with just me and the hubby.... The last couple months have been such caos that a day of "down" time sounds perfect. So we will see, if my birthday wish comes true..... :) Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-88396360108826327102011-01-12T07:03:00.000-08:002011-01-12T07:03:35.766-08:00Random Thoughts…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I don’t have an actual topic today, just some random thoughts I thought I would share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to post at least once a week to keep me in the groove but this week nothing is coming to mind. So here is a sneak peak to what is going thru my mind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">This morning was the 2<sup>nd</sup> day that we woke up and did breakfast together as a family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As mentioned in my previous post, we are doing this every week on Wednesday to increase our “family” time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been lovely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great way to start the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I made from scratch, Butterscotch Oatmeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recipie is as follows:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">2 eggs beaten</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">3.5 cups of milk</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">1 cup brown sugar</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">1 tsp salt</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">Stir constantly until it starts to boil.</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">Add 2 cups of quick oats and stir again till it starts to boil again.</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><strong><span style="color: black;">Turn heat off, add 1/3 cup of butter, put lid on pot and let sit 5 min.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve warm with milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is such a treat on a cold snowy morning like we had today.</span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I also put some homemade beef vegetable soup in the crock pot last night while I was waiting for our yummy supper (pork chops, herbed potatoes, corn) to get done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I put it on low and we should have a hot yummy meal when we get home tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow is our designated “family game” night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping we get to play at least one game but we are also having company Friday night for supper and the evening and there will be lots of clean up and preparing that needs done by all tomorrow as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my mental list:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Corbyn clean his room (currently not too bad, just some pick up)</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Sweep stairs and all hardwood floors (our whole main level!)</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Sweep living room rug and straighten up toys</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Dust</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Clean bathroom</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Clean Kitchen (will sweep but not mop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the snow we have, it is pointless since this is the first room you walk into from outside)</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>Prepare Meal:</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><em> </em></span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-and-Broccoli-Alfredo/Detail.aspx"><em>Chicken Alfredo</em></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><em> </em></span><a href="http://restaurantrecipesbook.com/olive-garden-salad-recipe/"><em>Olive Garden Salad</em></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yankee Bread Sticks</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dessert – haven’t decided what…. Will accept suggestions!!!!!</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><em>I wanted to keep the meal simple since we both work Friday, but company is not coming till 7ish so I think this is doable!</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">This Saturday we have our Final Christmas for 2010!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking forward to it b/c we didn’t have this gathering last year but I am also ready to put the holidays behind me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Lastly, This has been a really good week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Monday was an awesome day and it has been a long time since I have been able to say that about a Monday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t go into details but I found out I was able to be a “tool” to accomplish something big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize that is what I was doing at the time and am not saying this to lift me up but for God’s Glory only!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know He is God and He is on the Throne but He still seems to amaze me the way He works things out sometimes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly is an ON TIME GOD, EVERY TIME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also another situation that happened Monday that gave me Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know things are not happening right this second the way I want them to but I can see God is doing an awesome work and it is exciting to me to see how everything will work out in the end!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday was a good day as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got both kids after work and went home, we did homework without fussing, fed Joey (our dog) without fussing, piano practice without fussing (these are normally things we complain about every evening, even though we know we do them every day!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to sweep some floors, help with homework and reading, watch my son practice piano (it amazes me that a 7 year old knows so much already!) and got the fire going before hubby came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also was able to get the kitchen cleaned up before bed which is a rare occasion anymore with everything else we have before bed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Whew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So sorry for the long post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a look at what has been going on inside my world recently!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Bless and hope you all have good week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, comments are welcome!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-82415124637807440812011-01-06T05:47:00.001-08:002011-01-06T05:52:13.710-08:00Family<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I can’t explain it but over the last month or so I have had this urgency for family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family in general but specifically my immediate family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby and I have talked and starting this week we are incorporating more family time into our schedules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the things are as follows:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Breakfast together as a family on Wednesdays</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Game/Family night 1 day a week – where we do not turn the TV on at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have supper, clean up and then play games together or do activities together as a family.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>We also want to incorporate family devotions into our schedules. We haven’t came up with anything yet but on top of our own studying, we feel it is important to instill as much of the Word in our children as possible without overwhelming them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <em><strong>Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Poverbs 22:6</strong></em> </span>Obviously Jocelyn is a little young but if we start now, she will be a custom to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She already knows we pray before we eat and holds her hands out and closes her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows at church when we pray she is supposed to bow her head and close her eyes and she does her best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cute but so important!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>And a big one….. START SAYING NO!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so busy anymore and it takes so much time away from us as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am tired of being too busy to be a family if that makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not, I think this is going to be a hard one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so easy to say yes to things but for some reason, I feel so guilty saying no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I feel it is very important in order for us to be close as a family.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Like I said earlier, I am not sure of this urgency but it has been on me a lot and it is important for me to obey that voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited to see the changes in us and to see what the outcomes will be!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Do you have any ideas that would help achieve this or are there things you currently do on a daily/weekly basis to ensure family time and coming together?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any and all thoughts or questions are welcomed!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I am currently working on a post I hope to have up shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a really good message last night at church about our spiritual houses and what our foundation is, what is the furnishings that is occupying our rooms?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we keeping it clean and clutter free?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I really enjoyed it and am studying some things out but will be posting my thoughts and findings on this matter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">God Bless!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-88340488147828098542011-01-03T06:46:00.000-08:002011-01-03T06:46:43.006-08:00Welcome 2011!!!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">It is with mixed emotion that I am writing this. On one hand it is hard to think 2010 is gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does the time go!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the same time I am excited to see what 2011 holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I reflect over 2010, there are lots of memories, happy moments, sad moments, lots of busy moments, things I would change and things I would do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through it all the biggest thing that 2010 has taught me is I MUST completely look to and rely on JESUS CHRIST for help, answers, strength, wisdom, peace, happiness, love and understanding. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psa%20121:1-2&version=KJV">Psa 121:1-2</a></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what the good intentions are, man will always let you down in one way or another but God is always there, on time, every time, whenever we need Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can honestly say I learned this lesson the hard way this year but am very thankful because I am not sure I would have realized the seriousness of this if I wouldn’t have had to go thru the things I went thru.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel very blessed starting off this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lots of dreams and aspirations but most of all want the Lord’s will and leading in my life and am excited to see where He wants to take me this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all I want 1/1/2012 to come and I can say I am deeper, stronger and wiser in the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be where I am today or take any steps back but want to move forward for there is a prize to obtain! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%209:24&version=KJV">1 Cor 9:24</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:14&version=KJV">Phl 3:14</a></i> Oh Hallelujah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the things that come to mind that I can do to make sure I reach that goal is to do more studying, reading, fasting, spend more time in my “prayer closet”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20th%205:17&version=KJV">1 Th 5:17</a>)</i>….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">Hope each of you have a wonderful and blessed day and year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free to leave comments or let me know what you are anticipating for 2011!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-15573874877285224002010-12-28T20:28:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:28:57.382-08:002010 coming to a close...Hard to believe it is that time of year again. Time seems to just zip by anymore. I will try and run thru our year... I should keep a notebook throughout the year so I can look back and remember!<br />
<br />
January - Andy's Papaw Larry passed away after some complications in the hospital. Not the greatest way to start off the year... Also, my sister started dating an old acquaintance that lives in Washington state! (my birthday was the 27th!) My sisters husband got out of the Marines.<br />
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February - Happy birthday to my sister and niece, it was were I first met my brother in law's new girlfriend. He did very well! :) We also had a late Christmas gathering this month and Jocelyn was diagnosed with RSV. My youngest sis moved to AZ with her husband.<br />
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March - Happy Anniversary to us! 8 years and going strong! We also started looking into replacing our roof which needed done badly.<br />
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April - Made the down payment for the roof to be put on in June, my little sis and her husband moved back home from AZ. I also went back to part time at the end of the month.<br />
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May - Happy birthday to my dad and brother! Also had my sister's baby shower and started planning for youth camp in June. Also attended the Old German Baptist Annual Meeting to see lots of old family and friends I haven't seen in years!<br />
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June - Happy Birthday to my sister , son and my hubby turned 30! We had youth camp as well and started preparing for our General Convocation. Our roof was finally put on and we had approx 10 large trees taken down on our property. My sister got engaged! Also ended up switching babysitters<br />
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<br />
July - Happy birthday to my niece, nephew and sister in law and brother in law! We had General Convocation and started preparing for Jocelyn's 1st birthday. Also my niece Abigail Jane was born!<br />
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August - Happy 1st birthday to my daughter! We had her party which was a big hit. Also started all the back to school stuff.<br />
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Sept - My dad and brothers and sisters and spouses all went camping for a weekend before my sister moved to Washington. <br />
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October - not much happened really. Happy birthday to my niece! I also went back to full time to help out while a co-worker goes thru chemo.<br />
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November - Happy birthday to my niece and brother in law and brother. Had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and had a couple bridal showers for my sister. Also my brother and soon to be brother in law got to come home early from WA.<br />
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December - Happy birthday to my mother! Also the big day for by sister and her now hubby. It also started our never ending Christmas's!<br />
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Whew! What a year! I am sure I left some things out but that is the gist of it. Am very thankful for everything I have, everything God has done and looking forward to another year of His wonderful blessings!<br />
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Happy New Year everyone!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-11435427879251459712010-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:35:02.189-08:00The Reason for the SeasonThis has been on my heart a lot lately as it should be and I have read it a couple of times recently so just wanted to share.<br />
<br />
Let me know your thoughts or what this speaks to you if you wish. I will highlight the scriptures that keep jumping out at me that I am chewing on.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
<h2 id="passage_heading">Luke 1:5-2:21 (King James Version)</h2><div class="result-text-style-normal"><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24899"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup>THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24900"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup>And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24901"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup>And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24902"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24903"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup>According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24904"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">10</span></strong></sup>And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24905"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">11</span></strong></sup>And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24906"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></strong></sup>And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24907"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></strong></sup>But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24908"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></strong></sup>And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24909"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">15</span></strong></sup>For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24910"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></strong></sup>And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24911"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></strong></sup>And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24912"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">18</span></strong></sup>And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24913"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">19</span></strong></sup>And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24914"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">20</span></strong></sup>And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24915"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">21</span></strong></sup>And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24916"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">22</span></strong></sup>And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24917"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">23</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24918"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">24</span></strong></sup>And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24919"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">25</span></strong></sup>Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24920"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">26</span></strong></sup>And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24921"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">27</span></strong></sup>To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24922"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">28</span></strong></sup>And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24923"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">29</span></strong></sup>And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24924"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">30</span></strong></sup>And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24925"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">31</span></strong></sup>And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24926"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">32</span></strong></sup>He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24927"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">33</span></strong></sup>And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24928"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">34</span></strong></sup>Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24929"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">35</span></strong></sup>And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24930"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">36</span></strong></sup>And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. <br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24931"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">37</span></strong></sup>For with God nothing shall be impossible</span>. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24932"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">38</span></strong></sup>And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24933"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">39</span></strong></sup>And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24934"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">40</span></strong></sup>And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24935"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">41</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24936"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">42</span></strong></sup>And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24937"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">43</span></strong></sup>And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24938"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">44</span></strong></sup>For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24939"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">45</span></strong></sup>And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24940"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">46</span></strong></sup>And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24941"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">47</span></strong></sup>And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24942"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">48</span></strong></sup>For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24943"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">49</span></strong></sup>For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24944"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">50</span></strong></sup>And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24945"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">51</span></strong></sup>He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24946"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">52</span></strong></sup>He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24947"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">53</span></strong></sup>He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24948"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">54</span></strong></sup>He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24949"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">55</span></strong></sup>As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24950"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">56</span></strong></sup>And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24951"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">57</span></strong></sup>Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24952"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">58</span></strong></sup>And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24953"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">59</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24954"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">60</span></strong></sup>And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24955"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">61</span></strong></sup>And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24956"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">62</span></strong></sup>And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24957"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">63</span></strong></sup>And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24958"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">64</span></strong></sup>And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24959"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">65</span></strong></sup>And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24960"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">66</span></strong></sup>And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24961"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">67</span></strong></sup>And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24962"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">68</span></strong></sup>Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24963"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">69</span></strong></sup>And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24964"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">70</span></strong></sup>As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24965"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">71</span></strong></sup>That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24966"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">72</span></strong></sup>To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24967"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">73</span></strong></sup>The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24968"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">74</span></strong></sup>That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24969"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">75</span></strong></sup>In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24970"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">76</span></strong></sup>And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; <br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24971"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">77</span></strong></sup>To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, </span><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24972"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">78</span></strong></sup>Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24973"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">79</span></strong></sup>To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24974"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">80</span></strong></sup>And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. <br />
<h4>Luke 2</h4> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24975"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24976"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></strong></sup>(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24977"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup>And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24978"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup>And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24979"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup>To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24980"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup>And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24981"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup>And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24982"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24983"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup>And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24984"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">10</span></strong></sup>And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24985"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">11</span></strong></sup>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24986"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></strong></sup>And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24987"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></strong></sup>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24988"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></strong></sup>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24989"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">15</span></strong></sup>And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24990"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></strong></sup>And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24991"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></strong></sup>And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. <br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24992"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">18</span></strong></sup>And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24993"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">19</span></strong></sup>But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. </span><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24994"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">20</span></strong></sup>And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-24995"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">21</span></strong></sup>And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.<br />
</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6788316095392319738.post-47376675186680365322010-12-21T06:34:00.000-08:002010-12-21T06:34:06.526-08:00My new discovery…..<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
First of all I want to start off by saying how much I love my husband!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knew what he was doing when he had Andy slam the door in my face on that cold day in February 11 years ago!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am truly blessed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">I work the first four days this week and then am off till after the first of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby has these whole two weeks off so while I work this week he and the kids are just home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into my home yesterday and the heat from the wood stove and the smell and heat of the pork roast in the oven greeted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with my happy children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The floors were swept and some were mopped, dishes done, laundry done, house picked up, children bathed (did I mention they were happy?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the atmosphere I walked into, very peaceful and happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within 20 min of me being home, supper was on the table and I didn’t lift a finger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the luxury of cuddling with my 16 mos old and listening to my 7 year old tell me about his day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a wonderful dinner together as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards I helped clear the table and then did the dishes (it was the least I could do!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby and children were in bed by 9 and then came my discovery….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">All day a nice hot bath was sounding wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is coming from someone that really does not care for baths at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the most baths I have ever taken were while I was in the end of my pregnancies and was trying to alleviate some of the aches and pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, I don’t care for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby on the other hand really enjoys them, especially in the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weather reeks havoc on his skin; especially feet so the nice, warm bubble bathes help soothe them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I decided, since the house was quiet, I would give it a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lit some candles and turned the lights off in the bathroom and drew a nice, hot bubble bath and then I sank into heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> Not really but oh my goodness, I don’t know if it age or what but I have been noticing lately that there are things that I treasure or things I value or desire that was never there before and baths is now one of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like everything just melted away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very peaceful…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will definitely be something that I make time for in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been thinking of things lately that would add more “me” time to my schedule b/c I feel I am lacking that majorly and I feel it is important to regroup and for me to be the mother and wife I need to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think late night baths might be something to invest in!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt;">So sorry for my rambling on about baths, it was an exciting day for me <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope everyone is enjoying their CHRISTMAS season!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( I think we might go tobogganing on Friday, I will keep you posted!)</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07206624814533827297noreply@blogger.com1