Saturday, May 31, 2008
The office hardwood floors are almost done!!
I stepped out for a little today and my wonderful husband has coached our 12 year old son "Ross" on finishing the floors. They look GREAT! I can't believe it. I am so proud of him. He has learned so much even how to use the Miter saw. What a skill to have and to perfect in the next few year's. WE still have 3 additional rooms to finish so he will get a lot of practice. I am so thankful and PROUD of my son and Husband for teaching him. My other two sons RJ and Ryan helped with the prep work, clean up and organizing the wood pieces. Since, they come in varied sizes they have to organize them so that the person who is laying the wood can work faster without having to sort through the pieces, but keep a steady working pace. They all work very well together....most of the time. :)
I am a happy mom. Thanks to my family!
We got the call....
We have been informed that we will be "foster parents" for my cousin "Chrishaun". Thank You Lord for allowing us to take care of this precious child for as long as you will see fit.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Trying not to panic
I am feeling anxious today. The last time I felt this way, I didn't know why but I felt like we needed to "make" faster progress on getting the office floor completed. We didn't get it done. As a matter of fact, this room still isn't done. Since Randy's accident he is unable to complete the floors right now. He is soliciting our sons to do it tonight. Maybe that is the anxiousness that I am feeling. (ha,ha,ha) I really don't know. I also would really like to have a book shelf put together...like NOW.
Ok, ladies out there can you relate to me? I feel like a pregnant woman who is due any day and currently on bed rest! ha!!! ha!!!
I guess, I think we may get the word about my cousin coming and I am not "READY"....meaning child proofing everything. He is a little older than I thought he was going to be, which means he will be walking, crawling and what not.
Ok, ladies out there can you relate to me? I feel like a pregnant woman who is due any day and currently on bed rest! ha!!! ha!!!
I guess, I think we may get the word about my cousin coming and I am not "READY"....meaning child proofing everything. He is a little older than I thought he was going to be, which means he will be walking, crawling and what not.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Garden Goodies....
I went to the garden this afternoon, after only going down there once since the incident with Randy and I was so surprised to see these beautiful beans... I love "crunchy" vegetables so I steamed them lightly and what incredible flavor! There is NOTHING like FRESH beans directly from the garden. I am so proud because they are all from "seeds". These babies are also GREAT right from the vine...so sweet and healthy.
This is HAPPINESS.... right in a pot! Alright I am the only one in the house who prefer crunchy veggies so I have to take mine out before they over cook. :)
Friday, May 23, 2008
PRAISES TODAY.....
The question goes like this...
What are you thankful for?
Since I have a life long list, I will just stick with today.
First, I have been tired since my dear husband injured his knee. I am on his schedule...EARLY. With that said I was able to take a nap today. I am so thankful for that. My huband isn't the snuggling type of person, once it is day light he is up and out of the bed, well since this injury he is forced to snuggle..ha!!! I am thankful for that, I told him that when it is all said and done he will be a GREAT snuggler..he laughed!
Second, Randy sent me to SAM'S club to pick up a "smoker" (I left the children with him to assist him) so off I went. Because the box was okward (not heavy) I went to ask for assistance and no one came after requesting "twice". I decided that I could get the box on the cart myself "I did". After paying and checking out I requested for someone to help me with getting the box into my vehicle. They were called "twice" there is just something about the number today. NO ONE CAME. I decided to walk to my vehicle and I prayed that the Lord would just send someone down the parking lot to help me. It didn't look good....at first and I could hear a couple walking and just a talking and they stopped in their track's and the gentlemen stopped and asked me if he could help and of course I said "YES". I thanked God for sending me help.
Third, before I got home Randy called to inform me that his co-worker and family were coming over to visit. I had met the husband on a few different occasions, but it was the first time that had met his wife and two children. The visit went very well and we had a great time. Donny helped Randy put the smoker together and
Irene and I got acquainted with one another. They had heard about us desiring to be foster parent's to my cousin who is 8 month's old. They brought over a car seat/stroller combo., toy's, clothes and other trinket's. In earlier posts I declared that I was NOT concerned with "stuff" for the baby and I still am not. We are so thankful for what he has already provided. Although, we haven't gotten word yet I do believe that God may be confirming something here. I am forever grateful to him for these many blessings.
What are you thankful for?
Since I have a life long list, I will just stick with today.
First, I have been tired since my dear husband injured his knee. I am on his schedule...EARLY. With that said I was able to take a nap today. I am so thankful for that. My huband isn't the snuggling type of person, once it is day light he is up and out of the bed, well since this injury he is forced to snuggle..ha!!! I am thankful for that, I told him that when it is all said and done he will be a GREAT snuggler..he laughed!
Second, Randy sent me to SAM'S club to pick up a "smoker" (I left the children with him to assist him) so off I went. Because the box was okward (not heavy) I went to ask for assistance and no one came after requesting "twice". I decided that I could get the box on the cart myself "I did". After paying and checking out I requested for someone to help me with getting the box into my vehicle. They were called "twice" there is just something about the number today. NO ONE CAME. I decided to walk to my vehicle and I prayed that the Lord would just send someone down the parking lot to help me. It didn't look good....at first and I could hear a couple walking and just a talking and they stopped in their track's and the gentlemen stopped and asked me if he could help and of course I said "YES". I thanked God for sending me help.
Third, before I got home Randy called to inform me that his co-worker and family were coming over to visit. I had met the husband on a few different occasions, but it was the first time that had met his wife and two children. The visit went very well and we had a great time. Donny helped Randy put the smoker together and
Irene and I got acquainted with one another. They had heard about us desiring to be foster parent's to my cousin who is 8 month's old. They brought over a car seat/stroller combo., toy's, clothes and other trinket's. In earlier posts I declared that I was NOT concerned with "stuff" for the baby and I still am not. We are so thankful for what he has already provided. Although, we haven't gotten word yet I do believe that God may be confirming something here. I am forever grateful to him for these many blessings.
Is there a baby in the house???
It's 6:56 a.m. on Friday, and I have been up since 5:00 a.m., with my husband. He is an early bird, I AM NOT!!!! I am so tired and will probably need a nap today. Ha!!!
I keep praying for God's strength, because this incident is taking a toll on me and it has only been 3 day's. Maybe I will start going to bed at 9 p.m. He is a good sport, but this is equally if not more challenging for him as well. He has been forced to "SIT" or "Lie" down all day, everyday so I pray for him as well, may God use this time to teach us and may we listen.
With that said, I am so GRATEFUL for our Church family. We have been receiving wonderful meals from them from the beginning. I am so thankful. Yes, I am tired, but this has taken a huge load off of me. It is wonderful to be apart of a fellowship of such loving people. I feel the love..Thanks CWW.
I keep praying for God's strength, because this incident is taking a toll on me and it has only been 3 day's. Maybe I will start going to bed at 9 p.m. He is a good sport, but this is equally if not more challenging for him as well. He has been forced to "SIT" or "Lie" down all day, everyday so I pray for him as well, may God use this time to teach us and may we listen.
With that said, I am so GRATEFUL for our Church family. We have been receiving wonderful meals from them from the beginning. I am so thankful. Yes, I am tired, but this has taken a huge load off of me. It is wonderful to be apart of a fellowship of such loving people. I feel the love..Thanks CWW.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Whole Wheat and Spelt Bread
My dear friend Darlene gave me this recipe, however I have put my twist on it some.
Makes: 2 loaves
2 cups of warm water (not hot, but not really "warm" either)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1T. yeast
Pour into mixing bowl, stir, let stand for 15 minutes (set timer). I pour this into my bread machine and then add gradually the...
4 cups of flour (2 whole wheat and 2 of spelt) I use organic flour that I grind in my mill.
2 teaspoons of salt (sea salt)
1/3 cup of olive oil or I sometimes use Grapesead oil (by grapeola)
1/3 cup of honey ( I bump this up for my family to 1/2 cup
Knead dough 4-5 minutes ( I allow my bread maker to knead the dough for me). Place on oiled counter or table to shape. Place into greased loaf pans or cookie sheets or stone. Let tise for 1 hour (sometimes it takes longer for me) Bake for 20-25 minutes on 350F. I have to bake mine for 30 to 35 minutes.
I started out doing this recipe exactly like it says but I had to adjust it based on the atmosphere of my house. Test it out like this and adjust accordingly.
I also add ground flax seeds 1/3 cup I grind the seeds in a coffee grinder.
When this bread is done take it of the oven let it sit for approximately 15 minutes before taking it out of the bread pan. I place it on a cutting board, because my family is ready for a hot slice with melted butter mixed with olive oil and a little honey. They eat it like a desert. :) There is NOTHING like home made bread.
Enjoy!
Makes: 2 loaves
2 cups of warm water (not hot, but not really "warm" either)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1T. yeast
Pour into mixing bowl, stir, let stand for 15 minutes (set timer). I pour this into my bread machine and then add gradually the...
4 cups of flour (2 whole wheat and 2 of spelt) I use organic flour that I grind in my mill.
2 teaspoons of salt (sea salt)
1/3 cup of olive oil or I sometimes use Grapesead oil (by grapeola)
1/3 cup of honey ( I bump this up for my family to 1/2 cup
Knead dough 4-5 minutes ( I allow my bread maker to knead the dough for me). Place on oiled counter or table to shape. Place into greased loaf pans or cookie sheets or stone. Let tise for 1 hour (sometimes it takes longer for me) Bake for 20-25 minutes on 350F. I have to bake mine for 30 to 35 minutes.
I started out doing this recipe exactly like it says but I had to adjust it based on the atmosphere of my house. Test it out like this and adjust accordingly.
I also add ground flax seeds 1/3 cup I grind the seeds in a coffee grinder.
When this bread is done take it of the oven let it sit for approximately 15 minutes before taking it out of the bread pan. I place it on a cutting board, because my family is ready for a hot slice with melted butter mixed with olive oil and a little honey. They eat it like a desert. :) There is NOTHING like home made bread.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
God's grace is enough
This past weekend we went camping with our Church family. We had a great time, great speaker's and classes.
Our children "love" to camp and yes, we slept in a tent. I can endure it for the time that we plan to camp. The thing that I love about camping is that there aren't any television's, cell phones (that work). There is just the family and fun.
Speaking of fun. On Saturday, there was time for games and competition's. The men decided to race each other. This was a fun sight to see, until...my husband's foot got caught and he fell. This wasn't just a fall. He actually had "knee surgery" on Tuesday. His patella detached from the ligament that attaches to his tibia bone.
Thank the Lord that we are home now and he seems to be resting and doing fine. I can take care of him now and hopefully he will bounce back sooner than expected. He is able to walk with crutches so moving his body isn't a problem for him as he will be very eager to be completely independent again. I know that this is a inconvenience, but it could have been worse. May God get the glory in this time.
Our children "love" to camp and yes, we slept in a tent. I can endure it for the time that we plan to camp. The thing that I love about camping is that there aren't any television's, cell phones (that work). There is just the family and fun.
Speaking of fun. On Saturday, there was time for games and competition's. The men decided to race each other. This was a fun sight to see, until...my husband's foot got caught and he fell. This wasn't just a fall. He actually had "knee surgery" on Tuesday. His patella detached from the ligament that attaches to his tibia bone.
Thank the Lord that we are home now and he seems to be resting and doing fine. I can take care of him now and hopefully he will bounce back sooner than expected. He is able to walk with crutches so moving his body isn't a problem for him as he will be very eager to be completely independent again. I know that this is a inconvenience, but it could have been worse. May God get the glory in this time.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Home made pancakes....
I love this recipe that a friend of mine gave me last year.
1 cup of spelt flour
1 cup of wheat flour
1 cup of oat flour (oats can be ground in a coffee grinder)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder (aluminum free)
1/2 cup olive oil (grape seed oil I use sometimes)
1 mashed banana
1/4 cup of honey (I add)
1/4 cup of ground flax seed (I add)
1 cup of rice milk
2 egg's
I use a griddle turned on 350F (preheat)
Butter does taste good but isn't needed as these pancakes are so healthy and REAL good.
Unlike white tasteless flour. I prefer to cook these for my family as they are so much healthier.
1 cup of spelt flour
1 cup of wheat flour
1 cup of oat flour (oats can be ground in a coffee grinder)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder (aluminum free)
1/2 cup olive oil (grape seed oil I use sometimes)
1 mashed banana
1/4 cup of honey (I add)
1/4 cup of ground flax seed (I add)
1 cup of rice milk
2 egg's
I use a griddle turned on 350F (preheat)
Butter does taste good but isn't needed as these pancakes are so healthy and REAL good.
Unlike white tasteless flour. I prefer to cook these for my family as they are so much healthier.
Premature babies....
I think that many parents expect to have a full term pregnancy and a healthy baby.
This just isn't always the case. I, myself, delivered a 1 lb., 12 oz. baby boy, fifteen year's ago. It wasn't a walk in the park as my dear sweet bundle of joy had to be taken away immediately after birth to be intubated. I didn't get a chance to hold him until more than 2 month's later. Those time's were very challenging and most of the time I don't even know where I was during most of it. I know that God carried me through this period in my life because as strong as I "think" I am that was VERY DIFFICULT.
It brings me to my friend "Miranda" who has encountered the same situation. Her son seems to have a few additional complication's along side the prematurity.
I pray for her baby "Jay" as I call him. He isn't well enough to stay home at this time. The news devastated my friend and I understand how she feels....
Even though, I've walked in similar shoes..my baby came home, even after almost 6 month's later he still came home and we did not go back!
My heart hurts for this sweet mother and father (Anthony) who are enduring tough times. I am so happy that the Lord put them into my life to "try" to encourage. Offer support from a stand point that I've been there! Nevertheless, our situation with our child seemed easier in a way when at the time it WASN'T easy at ALL!!!
Please join me in praying to the full recovery of baby Jay, in whatever the Lord's will be and Gods strength for Miranda & Anthony.
I am so amazed at how much I truly "love" this special family and I have never laid eyes on them. God is so incredible and I give him all the glory!
This just isn't always the case. I, myself, delivered a 1 lb., 12 oz. baby boy, fifteen year's ago. It wasn't a walk in the park as my dear sweet bundle of joy had to be taken away immediately after birth to be intubated. I didn't get a chance to hold him until more than 2 month's later. Those time's were very challenging and most of the time I don't even know where I was during most of it. I know that God carried me through this period in my life because as strong as I "think" I am that was VERY DIFFICULT.
It brings me to my friend "Miranda" who has encountered the same situation. Her son seems to have a few additional complication's along side the prematurity.
I pray for her baby "Jay" as I call him. He isn't well enough to stay home at this time. The news devastated my friend and I understand how she feels....
Even though, I've walked in similar shoes..my baby came home, even after almost 6 month's later he still came home and we did not go back!
My heart hurts for this sweet mother and father (Anthony) who are enduring tough times. I am so happy that the Lord put them into my life to "try" to encourage. Offer support from a stand point that I've been there! Nevertheless, our situation with our child seemed easier in a way when at the time it WASN'T easy at ALL!!!
Please join me in praying to the full recovery of baby Jay, in whatever the Lord's will be and Gods strength for Miranda & Anthony.
I am so amazed at how much I truly "love" this special family and I have never laid eyes on them. God is so incredible and I give him all the glory!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
BEST HOME MADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT...
A FRIEND OF MINE HAD THIS HOME MADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT RECIPE POSTED ON HER BLOG.
Baking soda, Ivory soap (bar) and borax
1 cup of baking soda
1 cup of Ivory soap (grated)
1 cup of borax (is also a laundry booster)
Mix and it only require's 1 tablespoon per load. The boy's use 2 for their clothes.. I love using this recipe and having this on hand for more than one reason.
First off, I am really into saving money. When I am saving money and the product works well that is a bonus! Thanks for sharing this Melissa!
Baking soda, Ivory soap (bar) and borax
1 cup of baking soda
1 cup of Ivory soap (grated)
1 cup of borax (is also a laundry booster)
Mix and it only require's 1 tablespoon per load. The boy's use 2 for their clothes.. I love using this recipe and having this on hand for more than one reason.
First off, I am really into saving money. When I am saving money and the product works well that is a bonus! Thanks for sharing this Melissa!
Birds flew the coop we are praying for another little bird to fly in to our coop... :)
...When we tried to get yet, one last picture of the bird's ...they flew away! It was so sad to see them leave, but I guess it was time.
I am so grateful that I am not a mother bird! In just a month or so all of the "children" leave! WOW, I mean have you ever stopped to think about that? To never see them again? Thank God, he made me a human being. I am reminded of the scripture that says "Children are a blessing". Although, I don't have "grown" children now, I also know that the day for them to leave is approaching sooner than I'd like it to be. God is gracious in how he is giving us this time to prepare our hearts and minds for that fastly approaching day. It is my prayer that we've prepared them to be Godly men, responsible and hard working men who "LOVE THE LORD".
With all of that said....
We are also very excited about a new blessing that God has put into our hearts and lives. God put it on my heart a while ago and just after I had contacted a local private adoption agency to foster, I found out that we have a need right in my own family. So we have applied to be FOSTER PARENTS with DFACS, because that is where my cousin is currently. I am thrilled to be able to provide a child with a Christian, loving home to grow up in for as long as needed. So if the Lord is willing we will be caring for my "third" cousin who is about 6 months old. Yes, I still want to adopt "3" daughter's so I pray for a sibling group! :) However, I will "do what the Lord" says to do.
Please pray for this situation. Thanks!
During our prayer time with the boy's, I prayed the Lords will in this situation as I always pray and one of the boy's said to me.."Mom, you know that you don't have to always say Lord's will be done, everytime you pray because we all know that, if it is the Lord's will it will be done." :) I'm glad he has that conviction!
The funny thing is that, I am not worried about anything what-so-ever! This is VERY out of character for me. Typically, by this time I would have a list of "items" needed for this child. God has given me a peace and I know that he will provide. Our youngest is 9 and I don't have ANYTHING left from him, but God has given me such a peace about all of those thing's that would typically JUST BUG ME TO NO END. Thank God....God is good all of the time!
I am so grateful that I am not a mother bird! In just a month or so all of the "children" leave! WOW, I mean have you ever stopped to think about that? To never see them again? Thank God, he made me a human being. I am reminded of the scripture that says "Children are a blessing". Although, I don't have "grown" children now, I also know that the day for them to leave is approaching sooner than I'd like it to be. God is gracious in how he is giving us this time to prepare our hearts and minds for that fastly approaching day. It is my prayer that we've prepared them to be Godly men, responsible and hard working men who "LOVE THE LORD".
With all of that said....
We are also very excited about a new blessing that God has put into our hearts and lives. God put it on my heart a while ago and just after I had contacted a local private adoption agency to foster, I found out that we have a need right in my own family. So we have applied to be FOSTER PARENTS with DFACS, because that is where my cousin is currently. I am thrilled to be able to provide a child with a Christian, loving home to grow up in for as long as needed. So if the Lord is willing we will be caring for my "third" cousin who is about 6 months old. Yes, I still want to adopt "3" daughter's so I pray for a sibling group! :) However, I will "do what the Lord" says to do.
Please pray for this situation. Thanks!
During our prayer time with the boy's, I prayed the Lords will in this situation as I always pray and one of the boy's said to me.."Mom, you know that you don't have to always say Lord's will be done, everytime you pray because we all know that, if it is the Lord's will it will be done." :) I'm glad he has that conviction!
The funny thing is that, I am not worried about anything what-so-ever! This is VERY out of character for me. Typically, by this time I would have a list of "items" needed for this child. God has given me a peace and I know that he will provide. Our youngest is 9 and I don't have ANYTHING left from him, but God has given me such a peace about all of those thing's that would typically JUST BUG ME TO NO END. Thank God....God is good all of the time!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Happiness.....
As I ponder what "true" happiness is I am reminded that some of us must have some of the same definition's for this word.
For me...
Happiness is when my husband gets up every morning and goes to work for us. He allows me to stay home and homeschool our children. What a priviledge. He works hard around the house as we are up grading/remodeling our almost 20 year old home. I am so proud and so grateful for him.
When my 9 year old wakes up at 6:30 am, gets dressed, does his personal hygiene and begins his lessons for the day. WOW!!! There is just "something" about the last born children.
When I look at flowers in my garden, how such joy suddenly enters my heart and a smile appears on my face. While all of these things are great, when I am reminded by all that this is only possible because of my HEAVENLY FATHER who loves me unconditionally, this thought alone makes me INCREDIBLY BLESSED simply by the best!
For me...
Happiness is when my husband gets up every morning and goes to work for us. He allows me to stay home and homeschool our children. What a priviledge. He works hard around the house as we are up grading/remodeling our almost 20 year old home. I am so proud and so grateful for him.
When my 9 year old wakes up at 6:30 am, gets dressed, does his personal hygiene and begins his lessons for the day. WOW!!! There is just "something" about the last born children.
When I look at flowers in my garden, how such joy suddenly enters my heart and a smile appears on my face. While all of these things are great, when I am reminded by all that this is only possible because of my HEAVENLY FATHER who loves me unconditionally, this thought alone makes me INCREDIBLY BLESSED simply by the best!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Missy..
We got "MISSY" from friend's of ours at church. We love her she is a really sweet puppy. She was so cute when she was little and even now. She is smaller than her other sibling's. She is very strong and can pull the children on their scooters. It is so funny to watch she loves the boy's.
Bassett Hound...who found us...
We call him "BUDDY" because he is so cute. He found us one day and he was sick so we nursed him back to health and he has a great appetite.
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About Me
- Vicki
- Southeast, United States
- I am a wife to my childhood sweet heart and very loving husband. Mother to 3 incredibly handsome young men ages 15,12 and 9. I am saved by my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I am a homeschooling mother who calls it a priviledge and a blessing to do so.
