I had so much fun with my kids today.
My two year old, three year old and myself, all spent time in the kitchen baking up a storm!
We made brownies and rice crispy treats!
Each of my, "helpers," had their own mixing spoon, and they helped push the buttons on the mixer, dump ingredients in the bowl, spread the batter in the pan, then I made sure to leave the oven light on while the brownies were baking for the kids to see and anticipate...
We always have so much fun in the kitchen, and there's so much to be taught and learned.
Here's my low-cal recipe's...I'm on WW remember?!
Brownies
1 package brownie mix (I like Hershey's with mini chocolate kisses)
2 egg whites
1 can black beans, drained
Puree beans in food processor. Add all ingredients to bowl and mix. Spray pan with cooking spray. Put batter in pan. To cook follow directions on box.
(Sounds weird, but tastes delicious!)
Rice Crispy Treats
4 cups mini marshmallows
3 tbl margarine
6 cups rice crispy's
Combine marshmallows and margarine in microwave safe bowl. Microwave for approximately 3 min., or until smooth when mixed. Add rice crispy's and mix well. Spray pan with cooking spray. Put mixture into pan. Let cool for approximately 1 hour.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A Lifesyle Change
What have I been so busy doing lately...
Well other than the usual...
At the start of the new year, dh and I decided to make a lifestyle change in the way we eat (ie., a diet!) We joined Weight Watchers.
Dh is sort of at the point where he could continue to gain weight and become obese, or loose weight and become a normal, healthy weight. Since Pastoring here, he has gone from a job where he's always on the move, to more of a, "desk" job.
So, needles to say, he's gained some weight since we've come here.
I am mostly doing it to support him, however, it won't hurt me to learn how to cook and eat more healthy.
We have a long ways to go, which is fine..."the turtle wins the race,...Right?!" People have said that being active is the key. Unfortunatly, exercise bores me, but I do enjoy gardening, and there's enough of that here to keep me active for a long time. Hubby's an outdoorsman, and tries to walk the dog when he can.
So there's the story...
I've been overwhelmed at re-learning how to cook, every meal is a learning experience.
But the reward for all our hard work is that we've both lost 5 pds!
We did vow however, to try not to be one of those annoying "health nut couples," that only talk about diet and exercise! (If you've never met these people, consider yourself lucky!)
One time, we had some "health nuts" over, and at dinner when we asked them if they wanted milk to drink, they said in a disturbed way,
"would that be COWS milk!"
Apparently, they only drank Rice Milk, and COWS Milk was a terrible thing! (Who would have thought?)
So anyways, I think I'll post a WW recipe now and then (if it's a good one). But I'll try not to be obsessed!
And...if you have us over for dinner, we will eat your lovingly prepared food, and we wont turn our noses up if you offer us COWS milk! (he, he)
Well other than the usual...
At the start of the new year, dh and I decided to make a lifestyle change in the way we eat (ie., a diet!) We joined Weight Watchers.
Dh is sort of at the point where he could continue to gain weight and become obese, or loose weight and become a normal, healthy weight. Since Pastoring here, he has gone from a job where he's always on the move, to more of a, "desk" job.
So, needles to say, he's gained some weight since we've come here.
I am mostly doing it to support him, however, it won't hurt me to learn how to cook and eat more healthy.
We have a long ways to go, which is fine..."the turtle wins the race,...Right?!" People have said that being active is the key. Unfortunatly, exercise bores me, but I do enjoy gardening, and there's enough of that here to keep me active for a long time. Hubby's an outdoorsman, and tries to walk the dog when he can.
So there's the story...
I've been overwhelmed at re-learning how to cook, every meal is a learning experience.
But the reward for all our hard work is that we've both lost 5 pds!
We did vow however, to try not to be one of those annoying "health nut couples," that only talk about diet and exercise! (If you've never met these people, consider yourself lucky!)
One time, we had some "health nuts" over, and at dinner when we asked them if they wanted milk to drink, they said in a disturbed way,
"would that be COWS milk!"
Apparently, they only drank Rice Milk, and COWS Milk was a terrible thing! (Who would have thought?)
So anyways, I think I'll post a WW recipe now and then (if it's a good one). But I'll try not to be obsessed!
And...if you have us over for dinner, we will eat your lovingly prepared food, and we wont turn our noses up if you offer us COWS milk! (he, he)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Checking In
Yes, I'm still alive...
It's a late night for me, and I have to get up for church in the morning, but I felt motivated to write a little (which hasn't been the case lately), so I thought I should.
I just finished reading, My Father's World, by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. It was an amazing book, of which the writing style I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the diary of a young girl, who traveled by wagon train from New York to California in the 1800's. Her mother dies during the journey, and she's left to take care of four of her younger siblings (their father had died years before).
Anyways, I liked it so much, I got on line to purchase the rest of the book series...I just have to wait until payday first!
So reading such a great book, I guess inspired me to blog...even at this late hour.
I hope I can get up in the morning...
It's a late night for me, and I have to get up for church in the morning, but I felt motivated to write a little (which hasn't been the case lately), so I thought I should.
I just finished reading, My Father's World, by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. It was an amazing book, of which the writing style I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the diary of a young girl, who traveled by wagon train from New York to California in the 1800's. Her mother dies during the journey, and she's left to take care of four of her younger siblings (their father had died years before).
Anyways, I liked it so much, I got on line to purchase the rest of the book series...I just have to wait until payday first!
So reading such a great book, I guess inspired me to blog...even at this late hour.
I hope I can get up in the morning...
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Mom's Group Update
This mornings Mom's Group went very well. I was tired, and not really looking forward to it, as it seemed like just, "one more thing," lately. However, being there was a blessing to me, as others shared what was on their hearts, and I could see the Lord working.
I think I really needed to see that, and it was an answer to prayer. Sometimes I really don't know what God is doing in people's lives. I am very thankful that I was able to be there today and see little transformations in hearts and minds that reflect the Lord's working.
It's my prayer that a group like this will stay tethered to the Lord, and that He will lead us, and that it would be each mother's hearts desire to be led by Him. It seems like when women get together, so much of what we are is pure, unchecked emotion. I see some of these Mom's beginning to bring Christ into their well of emotions, and I see Him manifesting the fruit of the spirit, and Godly principles that just weren't there before.
I am learning as well that my place is to simple create Godly opportunities for people to act, like facilitating this Mom's Group. If people don't come, if they come and say the wrong things...well, then thats the battle of the Holy Spirit, not mine. (whew, what a relief!)
I think I really needed to see that, and it was an answer to prayer. Sometimes I really don't know what God is doing in people's lives. I am very thankful that I was able to be there today and see little transformations in hearts and minds that reflect the Lord's working.
It's my prayer that a group like this will stay tethered to the Lord, and that He will lead us, and that it would be each mother's hearts desire to be led by Him. It seems like when women get together, so much of what we are is pure, unchecked emotion. I see some of these Mom's beginning to bring Christ into their well of emotions, and I see Him manifesting the fruit of the spirit, and Godly principles that just weren't there before.
I am learning as well that my place is to simple create Godly opportunities for people to act, like facilitating this Mom's Group. If people don't come, if they come and say the wrong things...well, then thats the battle of the Holy Spirit, not mine. (whew, what a relief!)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Acts of Service
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Things have been going very well so-far with the Christmas Pageant. All of the planning, coordinating and communicating isn't perfect, but thankfully, I wasn't called to be perfect, just to serve the One who is.
In all the joy of working with the kids, and serving along side other fellow laborers in Christ, I feel a pang, a burden for what I see as the, "elephant in the room." During our rehearsals, there is a group of mom's who sit in the corner of the room and talk, instead of going to the service. For some of them, I understand, they are new and have never been to our church, but are bringing their kids to be a part of the Pageant. For those who are church members, however, I watch them desiring milk, and liking it that way. We are in the midst of such a, "ragamuffin," bunch of people out here. I love them, and their sense of community, but it is that sense of community that comes between them and their relationship with the Lord. Fellowship with believers over fellowship with Christ. Gaining teaching from the lips of trusted man, instead of from the Word of God.
It's not that their making bad choices. But their just not making the best choice. I have whispered several prayers already to the Lord to share with him my burden. I know that is what He would want, rather than me taking my observation and turning it into something fleshly that would produce pride, judgment and callousness.
I remember reading something Oswald Chambers said, it was, "...the job of an evangelist is to create Godly opportunities for others to act." The rest of it is up to the Holy Spirit...not me.
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Things have been going very well so-far with the Christmas Pageant. All of the planning, coordinating and communicating isn't perfect, but thankfully, I wasn't called to be perfect, just to serve the One who is.
In all the joy of working with the kids, and serving along side other fellow laborers in Christ, I feel a pang, a burden for what I see as the, "elephant in the room." During our rehearsals, there is a group of mom's who sit in the corner of the room and talk, instead of going to the service. For some of them, I understand, they are new and have never been to our church, but are bringing their kids to be a part of the Pageant. For those who are church members, however, I watch them desiring milk, and liking it that way. We are in the midst of such a, "ragamuffin," bunch of people out here. I love them, and their sense of community, but it is that sense of community that comes between them and their relationship with the Lord. Fellowship with believers over fellowship with Christ. Gaining teaching from the lips of trusted man, instead of from the Word of God.
It's not that their making bad choices. But their just not making the best choice. I have whispered several prayers already to the Lord to share with him my burden. I know that is what He would want, rather than me taking my observation and turning it into something fleshly that would produce pride, judgment and callousness.
I remember reading something Oswald Chambers said, it was, "...the job of an evangelist is to create Godly opportunities for others to act." The rest of it is up to the Holy Spirit...not me.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hardly Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is coming, and we will be beginning what we are unaffectionately calling our, "Thanksgiving Marathon."
The order of events go like this, on day one, we take the family on a long drive to another state.
On that same day we have dinner with my dad and his wife, then, we leave to take another long drive to where we will be staying for the night.
On day two, we leave where we are staying for another dinner at my mother-in-laws, then, on that same day, we leave for another drive to where we will be sleeping for the night.
On day three, we wake up and go to my moms for our third Thanksgiving dinner in a row.
Then on day four, we take our little family on a long drive back home again!
Isn't divorce wonderful!!
Divorce creates things like, "Thanksgiving Marathons."
One of the hardest things about participating in these marathons is that everyone is so unhappy about the fact that we are only able to spend one day in their home. Mother's are unhappy that we are visiting, "you're Father," as she calls him, disapprovingly, and vice versa. Mother-in-laws are also extremely sore about you spending too much time with your Father-in-law!
Yes, what a messed up bunch we come from. My husband and I both come from multiple divorced families.
All of today's divorces are creating more conflict, distress and violence than divorcees will take to see. In all I have seen, and I've seen ENOUGH, are selfish adults acting like children. Not moving beyond the 30, 20 or 10 year ago divorce, but rather staying emotionally in the past, with wounds so fresh, it's like they happened yesterday.
Parents who gasp in horror if you lovingly refer to your other parent (their ex) with admiration or love.
Grandparents made to act so ugly when their tiny grandchild mentions his affections (or merely the name) of the, "other," Grandparent.
Trust me (and many already know) divorce begets a big, giant, horrible mess! Divorce is weakening children, parents, grandparents and our Nation.
As we are now made to deal with the, "sins of our Fathers," I am tired, weak and feeling unable to deal with the upcoming holiday.
The order of events go like this, on day one, we take the family on a long drive to another state.
On that same day we have dinner with my dad and his wife, then, we leave to take another long drive to where we will be staying for the night.
On day two, we leave where we are staying for another dinner at my mother-in-laws, then, on that same day, we leave for another drive to where we will be sleeping for the night.
On day three, we wake up and go to my moms for our third Thanksgiving dinner in a row.
Then on day four, we take our little family on a long drive back home again!
Isn't divorce wonderful!!
Divorce creates things like, "Thanksgiving Marathons."
One of the hardest things about participating in these marathons is that everyone is so unhappy about the fact that we are only able to spend one day in their home. Mother's are unhappy that we are visiting, "you're Father," as she calls him, disapprovingly, and vice versa. Mother-in-laws are also extremely sore about you spending too much time with your Father-in-law!
Yes, what a messed up bunch we come from. My husband and I both come from multiple divorced families.
All of today's divorces are creating more conflict, distress and violence than divorcees will take to see. In all I have seen, and I've seen ENOUGH, are selfish adults acting like children. Not moving beyond the 30, 20 or 10 year ago divorce, but rather staying emotionally in the past, with wounds so fresh, it's like they happened yesterday.
Parents who gasp in horror if you lovingly refer to your other parent (their ex) with admiration or love.
Grandparents made to act so ugly when their tiny grandchild mentions his affections (or merely the name) of the, "other," Grandparent.
Trust me (and many already know) divorce begets a big, giant, horrible mess! Divorce is weakening children, parents, grandparents and our Nation.
As we are now made to deal with the, "sins of our Fathers," I am tired, weak and feeling unable to deal with the upcoming holiday.
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