The Life! (an update from SCHII)

So I have been very very busy lately as I let all of you know,(sorry Sis.) I haven't been on the blog for a while. It has been very rainy over here. I am planning a vacation to Disney World (soooo excited.) Also my face is clearing very nicely but I will still not disclose my secret product until my face is completely clear!(that way I know it really really works!)Everything has been Ok over here other than the weather and still its not bad, perfect weather to walk in as it's not too hot.There is something on my mind it is prayer request. Whenever someone ask me to pray for them I just stop what Im doing and pray so that I dont forget. For those of you who can't just stop what you're doing write it down and when you have time alone to pray then pray for all that you wrote down. If anyone has a prayer request please put it in the comment box at any time my sis and I will be more than happy to pray for you.GOD knows what you're going through but He wants to know that you are humble and believe enough to ask Him so please don't ever forget the power of fasting and prayer.Especially during the Holidays people seem to get caught up in the moment and forget what the season is all about ,remember that GOD is the reason for the season & All things work for the good to those who believe in Christ Jesus.
ENJOY!

THIS WEEK

This week I won't really have a lot to say as I'm taking this week and spending more time with the Lord, in prayer and reading His Word. Sometimes it's good to take a little extra time and spend with Him. I will say that I have really been enjoying my bread machine. The bread turns out the best when I use the dough cycle and then place it in a bread pan to rise and bake in the oven. My hubby's favorite bread has been the raisin cinnamon bread. He even had a friend over watching the game yesterday and asked me to bake a loaf for them. That's why it's on the menu twice this week. I look forward to talking to you guys next week and letting you know how this week of devotion went.

HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! 

Take time to give thanks unto the Lord for all that He has done, the most important being His death on the cross for your salvation.

It's Been 12 Years

Beau and I celebrated our 12 year Wedding Anniversary yesterday and it was so awesome! Our friend made the beautiful cake above for us and not only was it so very pretty, it tasted SOOOOO GOOD! It was a yellow cake with a raspberry filling, two layers and a whipped cream type frosting. Now I know I shouldn't have eaten as big a slice as I did but it was my anniversary and that cake was just so yummy :-)  We went and hung out with some friends from a marriage ministry and fellowshipped and discussed the book, The Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman. It was great! We're not done celebrating yet though. We have this couple that we love to spend time with and that we have so much in common, so for dinner tonight we're gonna meet up with them at Country Buffet. We spent our anniversary with them last year so I think it's gonna become a little tradition of ours. I am so amazed by how God has blessed our marriage! We've had tons of odds against us, especially since we dated as teenagers and married young but God still does miracles. Also, I'm sitting here remembering how I shared our anniversary with you guys last year and am so thankful for my Blogger buddies. By-the-way, I'm the one in the blue jeans in the video below :-) It's weird how i pictured our couple friends first I know. The next video is a couple of pics. of his anniversary gifts I gave him.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bread For Christmas?

 First, let me start out by saying that a friend of mine gave me her bread machine. She received it as a gift and is not really into making homemade bread. Well, I'm REALLY into making homemade bread and now I know just what to give out for Christmas gifts this year. Beau and I have pretty big families and lots of great friends and what would be nicer than for them to receive a loaf of fresh-baked bread for Christmas? That will be a couple of LONG nights for me to bake all that bread, but I enjoy giving and receiving freshly baked bread and think that it will make a great gift. I can't wait! By-the-way, I've been having lots of fun with my new bread machine. Every night I've made a different loaf of bread to go with dinner. I'm really looking forward to making breakfast breads too. I'm gonna start out by making a cinnamon raisin bread. 

Updates!

So it has been awhile since I truly gave you all an update.The most recent one is my face is looking great! Like I said earlier I am not going to acknowledge the product until after the complete 30 days of use .I can't believe the results being as it hasn't even been 2 weeks yet. Also Hubby and I are looking for a house ,He has found some beautiful options but we want it to be just right! We are planning many trips because we need to take a trip to my parents and help them with a few repairs,We are traveling for the holidays (we will have a house sitter of course.) Also our anniversary we always plan a nice vacation so that will probably be the biggest one.So that is why I have been working extra hard ,I know that if I overwork  myself now that I will be able to enjoy it in the future! So off I go I need to exercise,clean and organized before heading off to work!

Enjoy!!

Trying New Things!!

So I don't oppose to trying new things actually I jump at the chance to try anything new.However when it comes to home maintenance or skin care ,I tend o get very excited and think it's working when really it's not.So to stay away from frustration I haven't tried anything new in awhile.Well I have been struggeling with my skin care and really just got to the point where I figured there was no cure and it was just how it was going to be until my body worked itself out.Well I am trying a new skincare but I have taken it to the next level I took before picture's(you can see at the end of the post.)Also I am tracking in writing how my face reacts and how I felt that day. I want to make sure if it doesn't work I will know it was the product and if it does work well you know. So far so good ,it's new so I know I am still very excited but if it works everyone will know!! LOL Oh also I won't be taking after pictures until the first month is over.

Enjoy!

Taking On The Bathroom!

I have been working very hard while also maintaining a clean house. Since I am not at home all day I can't spend as much time as I normally would cleaning up,but I still manage to have my house in order.Well hubby doesn't understand that I can't get down and do that detailed cleaning when, I'm soo tired that I can't even see LOL.He had mentioned the other day to bring in a maid to clean the bathroom YIKES that hurt a little. He assured me that I was doing a great job and that he just wanted to help me out,but I took it a little different.So before he calls the maid service I'm taking on the bathroom. I've got to keep my motivation up and make sure hubby can see that I don't need any maid to help me clean up my OWN house. So off I go wish me luck!

Our Halloween Alternative

We don't celebrate Halloween but usually enjoy taping (and eating some) candy to gospel tracts. My kids will race to the door anxious to give the trick-or-treater their candy and tract. This year my oldest, Beau, didn't really feel like doing that and so I had to think of an inexpensive alternative. This is what I came up with; I went out and purchased a cheap hot air popcorn maker and popcorn kernels (still can't get over that the whole bag was only $1.48). Then our church gave us a bag of apples and caramel. So we had a great time watching the popcorn shoot out and then of course eating it and we had the best time making and eating caramel apples. This year we ignored the door and had this wonderfully special time to ourselves.

The Birthday Party!!

Well I did tell you I would let you in on what we did for hubby's Birthday,so here it is...
First I do need to apologize I didn't take pictures due to the pure excitement of being away to celebrate.Hubby has a couple pics that I will need to download. So prepare your minds to travel with me on this small adventure.
1.)After a long and great drive we arrive at my parents house;A large beautiful white house with a wrap around porch, sitting in the middle of over 8 freshly cut acres.The air is crisp and dewy and the night is pulling at us to go to bed after a long drive. After my father gives us a mini tour of our castle abode for the weekend we descend upstairs for a wonderful nights rest.
2.)We awake to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon sizzeling ,yet there is still a question in our heads about waking up because the air is cool and we are nestled deep underneath a heated blanket and handmade quilt.
3.)The smells entice me and I head down stairs ,we feed our faces and prepare for a wonderful adventure my father laid out for us. It was great! We did too many things to mention all ,went to a garden and picked fresh fruits and tried many different and new ones.My daughter and I played on the playground that was placed right in the middle of the garden.After which we enjoyed slushys,a wagon ride and more...
4.) Only to arrive back at the house. I laid out all the presents on the table surrounding the homemade cake my father made. Lite the candles and hollered for hubby, who bounded down the stairs to see the sight.With tears building in his eyes, he blew out the candles. Here we all were to celebrate a day just for him. 
5.) After which we ate burritos munched on cake and opened presents.Every morning started the same with coffee and bacon. Every evening ended the same with dinner,family time and tired laughter.
6.)On our final night we were taken to the theater to watch two great films of course the man went in one and woman in another LOL (the only way to keep me sane.)We arrived at home and ate and played board games till we couldn't move. The last morning to wake up in our castle abode was with the smell of food.My parents had loaded our car with goodies to eat.We said our goodbyes and headed home.(which was a another adventure in itself.)
I hope with this description I brought a few of you guys with me.
Enjoy!

Gettin Busy!!

So After a couple months of working my tail off,I feel like I get a little break. I am very well rested without much on my plate today.I will not have to leave until early evening so I have all day to do whatever. I figured it was time to catch up on some reading. I try and make it a habit to read the bible before another book,but I really need to get deep.So as I peek at the books on my bookshelf One in particular kept catching my eye,"Waking the dead." I believe I began reading it once before but I am not sure so I'll start from the very beginning and read it like I just bought it. I believe GOD continued to lead me to that book so Off I will go book in left hand ,bible in right. I can't wait I will keep everyone updated on how the book is going. Also my Sis has listed several great books that I need to go out and grab so I will keep you updated on SCHI book list too!
Here's a nugget ,when all the things in your day are completed,there's always time for a great book.
Enjoy!

Bread on the Rise

This is my latest blessing. I was telling my friend how I'd like to get a Kitchen Aid mixer for when I make my homemade bread and she gave me hers. She said that it was just down in her basement collecting dust. God is amazing!!! Not only does He provide all my needs, He also gives me desires. I foresee LOTS of bread and muffins. YUMMY!!!

HAPPY B-DAY!!!

It's my Hubby's B-day!! I'm soooo excited partly because you all know that I have been working extra extra hard. Well I put a little bit away that   hubby knew nothing about ..SOOOO  As far as He know I have been using allll of my money for bills etc.. But I had the opportunity to buy him some really great gifts and also we get to go to my parents house and celebrate. He is excited to a certain extant but you know He's probably thinking it;s just a few days with my wifes parents how fun can that be.. (That was exaggerating.) But boy will he be surprised and my Dad (greatest chef in the world) has volunteered to make his cake YAY. I don't have to cook but I think I might still surprise him with his B-day pancakes in the morning. I am sooo excited and will take many pictures!!
Enjoy!

Cruisin to Lose!!

Ok well I noticed that as I do a lot,sometimes when I get a break ...I BREAK! I mean literally my days usually go at 100 miles a minute but when I do get time to relax I realllllllyy relax. Yep like all day than by the end of the day I feel like I haven't done anything. So hubby is always telling me I deserve my breaks but some of the pounds like to come back on when you relax too much(if you know what I mean.) So I am back to old me ,the one who used to say ,"You can sleep when you're dead.) That was  me until my other half allowed me to realize that I am allowed  a break once in awhile. For now whenever I want to go lay down watch t.v or something I ask myself well what can be done first? Usually I get so caught up in stuff I forget about the break entirely. Keeping me up and active all day.Which is how it should be.Sleep at night up in the day,before this I had forgotten sleeping is really for nights.lol So it's been going good and this weekend I will have plenty of time to relax!
Enjoy!

Did You Know??

SO for  a while now I have been having this echoey sound in my phone. Well I figured my phone was tapped but really didn't give it much thought you know(why would someone want to tap my phone and who would want to tap it.)  Never really thought much into it untillll.... One day someone HACKED into all of my online entities . Everything there is no way someone can hack into everything within the same week. So I began to think who did I make mad?Nobody Who would be able to guess my passwords? Nobody Have I been on the internet lately on sites I wasn't familiar? NO All these questions cruised through my head. Now I know that random people that have no personal relationships with you AT all can hack into your stuff ,but no random person would access all my stuff plus make a new email account in my name to try and hack more stuff. Thankfully the important stuff wasn't reached. So i did a little research to find out what I could do. Then I found out lthat someone who knows what they are doing online(I don't) Can hack into your computer or cellphone without even having to be there. OMG I didn't know that anyone could be listening in on my conversation if they were just that nosey to take the time to do it. SO I have been very careful with what I do and say Until I can get a new phone(it's hard because This phones not even a year old!)So I will I also cut any ties I had with people if I didn't trust them all the way. If I had even 1 doubt in my mind or thought that they could have done this I cut them out completely Hey I gotta watch out for the saftey of my family. Anyone that desperate to take all that time just to try and ruin someone elses life Is NOT stable. Anywho I don't want anyone to worry I got it under control ,but please take steps to protect yourself when dealing with the computer of phone.

GOD BLESS!

Pre Organizing!

I gotta get on it ..Not clean clean cleaning,But organizing! It's that time of year I feel like it just happened but I do notice slight differences {like last year I had like 8 trash bags full of junk and like 3 boxes full of giveaways}This year it looks like it may just be a couple boxes of giveaways. I've been real good this entire year with throwing out the unnecessary items. So it has been great ,even hubby mentioned something about a nice clean house everyday and He didn't know how I did it.I don't know how I did it either all it know is it got done. So It's not going to be that hard for me this time around to get rid of what we don't need and bless someone who may need it. I know one of the first things to go are my cute little cultural outfits Yep I will give those to someone who  needs them ,which is extremely hard for me(but I know if I write it down I will actually do it.)  Other than that Organize organize organize. That will be my middle name until it gets done. I wont be having any surprise visiters this year lol. Goodluck to you if you will be trying to acchomplish the same feat.
Enjoy!!

Gonna Be Missing My Baby!!

We're going out of town this weekend and next weekend.Both of our regular dog-sitters are out of commission.I will have have to board her(which she doesn't mind)but it's a little hard on the pockets (if you know what I mean.)Out of all of that my puppy will be away from home and so will I ..She already acts desperate for attention when I leave all day.Any ways she'll be ok I'm more worried about myself.LOL ..Now I'm off I get some time off at one of my jobs so I will nap ,then exercise and then work.When I do get home she will be on me like white on rice. Yep she's gonna get extra extra spoiled oh well I can't help it.I just continue to thank GOD for all the many blessings!!

Enjoy !

Home Management & Coupon Binder Updates

I REALLY have been working on my Home Management Binder, REALLY :-) Working on my HMB led me to "fix up" my Coupon Binder. I must say that I really, really, really LOVE my coupon binder! Well, my coupon binder looks great but my HMB is literally a huge pile that I'm waiting for to transform itself into the perfect HMB. I do however have a list of sections started, which are: Prayer List, Homeschool, Cleaning Schedule, Chore List, Homemade Personal and Cleaning Products and Holiday Preparation. Everything food related is in my Coupon Binder. My Coupon Binder is really neat, the cover is pictures of my family, the inside has a clear plastic sleeve that holds recipes I'll be using for the next two weeks (I grocery shop every two weeks) and my grocery list. Tape to the plastic sleeve is an envelope that I keep track of my receipts. We have a $400 monthly allowance for our family of five. Next I have pencil bag that holds a calculator, scissors, pens, highlighter, store discount cards and nutrition and price guides to some of my favorite restaurants. The sections for my Coupon Binder are: Price Lists and Menu, General Grocery (for manufacturer coupons that can be used anywhere), King Soopers, Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods, Albertsons, Cleaning, Personal, Pets, Restaurants and Miscellaneous.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Now I told you guys my HMB was a work in progress, pray for me:-)

Too Busy, I FORGOT!!

I am running all over town getting ready for the holidays and all that good stuff. It seems like just yesterday that we(my sis and I ) started this blog. Well you have all seen us go through ups and downs ,good and bads and I dont think we have a better group of people to go through these things with. But Anywho I was racing around and had this   perfect thought to celebrate Annies (my puppy) birthday then celebrate My hubbys. The 2 are days are 7days apart I figured how perfect. So as I'm working my tush off going here and there whilst planning 2 trips one to NC and then to AL . I forgot...... Yep today 2 days later as I look my beautiful doggy in the face I realize I forgot her BIRTHDAY!! I felt soo bad ,I mean how do you make that up for a dog. I mean I even forgot her doggy cake (I cant go grab all the ingredients that fast) SO as I thought about it all I treated her to goldfish crackers and cheese balls. Not the healthiest choice but She looked at me with those cute little eyes and I gave in. SO yep I gotta go out and get  the right stuff and make that cake. You guys didn't see how adorable it was watching her whack the plate out from under the cake and chow down. It was great so I will definitely get on it. So I figured I'd share hopefully this will just help me to not forget the other bday coming up LOL. Well Thanx for listening to my story!
Enjoy!!

Here's My Testimony!

By Request:

I'm am always sharing my testimonies with the ones I love. When I was asked one day to share it with others,which I do not mind considering it wasn't me It was all GOD,(who is worthy of all praise.) So I am establishing my credit I know I'm digging into my personal life but I have to for you all to understand clearly. So my credit wasn't bad but it wasn't good either considering most of what I had I was still paying OR was hospital bills. So here I go to try to fix my credit, I remember once someone telling me to dispute all the negatives but I didn't know what to do with that. So I hopped on over to check my credit and all handy dandy right there was where I could dispute. So I had a field day I disputed what I could BUT (I prayed before I did.) Then left it alone I figured if nothing happened things would remain the same and if something happened it couldn't be any worse,So I had nothing to lose. Well life has been going very good aside from the fact that I'm working my bum off (literally.) Not necessarily a bad thing but the knowledge of knowing there was something in my life that needed to be fixed still weighed on me. Well I went to check the mail which I almost didn't because I thought "It's just going to be bills or advertisements" none of the 2 I wanted cluttering my home. I went anyways I checked the mail to find a big envelope from a place I've never been. I said,'Oh great this has got to be a big bill." I opened it up before I even arrived back home just in case I was so mad I wanted to toss it . When opened it was about my credit report and stating I had disputed something and these are the outcomes that I had to look forward to. I just knew that they were going to decide to investigate further or leave the debt the same ,so I placed it down. Well I'm noisy so I figured let me read the rest of this junk ,when I opened it back up there it was clear as day DELETED that means it was totally erased from my record. Oh I was so thrilled I thought that they were going to send me another envelope with the verdict but it was right there. SO one down a couple more to go,I will be praying a lot more until I get the verdict on the rest LOL. Not a needy prayer but a prayer of thanks. That was just 1 of my many testimonies I would love to here some of yours!!
Here's a good video with other peoples testimonies. Hallelujah!!


Easter Cardboard Testimonies from Nate Graham on Vimeo.

Why is it That....?

Why is it that ....It's easier to clean somebody else mess,but when it comes to yours HUM.
Why is it that.....It's easier to watch t.v than read a good book.
Why is it that.....You cook all the time but when it comes to a potluck ,you're nervous.
Why is it that..... For yourself you don't have the money but if someone else ask for help,there's no question
I had originally begin this post to finish with a list of Why is it that Questions but When stuff doesn't flow It could be something else needs to be said. Lets dwell on a couple of what is it questions for awhile (if you don't mind..) It's always been easy for me to go clean someone else  house but than my house looks astray. Could it be the generosity that is naturally found in women ,Think about it GOD had to make us giving creatures,(we often give our lives away for the people that we love.)It's often easy for me to sit down in front of the television,Knowing there isn't anything of interest on and that directly in the next room there's a great book to read. Could it be that the sound of the t.v reminds us of the noise we face day to day. Think about it You get married ,maybe buy a dog and havelittle mini you's ..It's not a quiet life.Maybe the sound of nothing reminds us that we have good noises in our lives.I always cook every day ,I find it interesting that when ever we have a pot luck(covered dish,bring something from home..whatever you may call it.) I get so nervous. I think will they like my food and I try to please everyone (Ann's a vegetarian,Bobs a meat eater and Hannah can't have cheese) You know the pleasing spirit. Well God had to have made us with such a pleasing spirit how else could we as women show such acts of servitude to our spouses.Lastly the reason why I started a new theme to the post and for this I will give you an example. You have $40 you go to buy some things needed for your home.You have gotten everything needed and find that you still have a little over $20 left When all of a sudden a beautiful blouse catches your eye only $8 it would be perfect and you have been needing a blouse you grab it off the rack.As you head up to the line your phone rings it's a (cousin,sister,friend acquaintance...)They need $20 you immediatly put the blouse back and meet with them to offer your gift of $20. It took me awhile to see that some of these things can be looked at as negative. Just look at the type of person God made you too be and it will all make sense. I never really sat down to investigate all of this until today. I have made sense to me. I  hope I have done some good for you!
GOD BLESS!

CAN I SAVE 8 MIN...?

Getting fit is in everyone agenda but rarely gets done. I have noticed by being around a lot of  people that many pack on the pounds in the winter. Kind of like a bear....You know they get bigger and then when summer arrives they try to shed it all last minute. I guess it could be all the holidays in the winter (food,food and more food)Or it could be the fact that you are covered up more in the winter I'm not sure.I did notice that even I bulk up a little bit during the winter. I mean who wants to exercise when those extra pounds can be covered with a nice sweater,plus I am NOT a cold weather person. So I guess there would be less activities Lets add that to our list of excuses. Any who.. I figured out you really have to find something that you don't mind doing . I can't tell you what it will be for you but I found my thing. An 8 min Tae Bo video.Now I can always say I have been adicted to taebo videos every since they first came out. So this is the one!! I mean even when I don't feel like exercising . Who in their right mind can say that they can't set aside 8 mins a day. You can't so when I'm tired or just came in from work or just plain ol' don't feel like exercising I pop in the videoand start working out by the time I realize I really don't want to do it the video is over with.Done I mean it's the best thing ever, It's like I get a workout without even thinking about it. So find your niche for the winter and STICK with it.You may be stronger than me and find a 20 min video or 30 min gym time is best. Or you may be a little busier and find that 2 min jumping jacks or 5 min cool down works better for you. Just keep in mind any exercise is better than none at all. SO fit IT in to stay FIT!
Enjoy!

OH DEER!

Well my puppy always acts out (up) when we have new neighbors moving in. I can just imagine what she would be thinking .....Roof ,who are these people..Roof, why are they so close to my house..Roof, what are they doing.. Roof  ,I must tell someone Roof roof roof roof roof.. Yep she would probably be thinking that. So anyways she was barking a little much but I left it alone knowing why. Last night however I couldn't take it anymore first she barked every time the new neighbors went out or came in.Than it doesn't help they have two small children who like to bark back at the dog (LOL.)but As I was sleeping she went nuts ,I woke up and checked the cars nothing there but she was persistent she barked and barked until hubby woke up.I stayed asleep I was done with it I decided to block her barking out of my mind.So barking blocked I was cozy,comfy and sleep...When I suddenly awoke to my husband standing at the window saying "OH MY ....WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT???" I was determined to stay asleep so I ignored him like I heard nothing BUT He was determined to wake me up. He began shouting ,"BABE WAKE UP, WAKE UP, IT"S A DEER!!"I was tired and not thinking straight the only thing in my mind was sleep ,I thought ,"I don't care about a deer,a deer He wants me to wake up for a DEER ,OMG NO thank you."Well conscience got the best of me I got up and I'm glad I did. There in the middle of the road was a gigantic deer ,that had possibly just gotten out of a fight do to the fact that 1 of his antlers stood up and 1 was dangling by His face.Beautiful this deer was,with strong build staring straight at my dog.Yep almost with a look like He was tormenting her on purpose.So there it was my Big pooch who compared to this deer looked like a chihuahua. Chasing her tail,barking wildly and a Deer who polited stood staring back ,so still that without a close look you would miss it. What was I to do I couldnt get mad at my puppy. Shoot I would have done the same thing if a deer was looking at me like that.Thats pretty much how my night went ,just thought I'd share.
Enjoy!

Let's Get Fit

Okay Ladies,

I found out about this awesome site and challenge through one of my favorite blogs, The Shred Sisters, and had to share. There's this challenge called , The Christmas Crunch Challenge, and it's some lovely Christian ladies getting in shape together. To find out the details and to get more info. just hop on over to their blog and let's get fit together :-)

Home management Binder How To

Home Management Binder In Progress

 I love the idea of a Home Management Binder and I've even had one in the past that received lots of use but as time has passed and needs have changed I find myself needing a new one. To me this project is a little more exciting than making my coupon binder, which I've finished, love and gets LOTS of use. I have some pretty neat ideas for my binder and would love it if any of you ladies use one if you'd please share it. It would be great to glean some more ideas from other Christian homemakers. I'm gonna get started on it this weekend and I'll post updates as I work through it.

Busy Bees!

Sis and I are living life on the fast lane oh yeah. She started before me and was sooo busy we hardly talked. Well with the holidays coming up and hubby's job acting funny,I opted for a day job. Yep so I am working in the day ,Occasionally on nights and every Saturday. Not to mention keeping up the house because I can not let my house go to shame.LOL So Sis and I take like 2 min breaks between our busy schedules to keep up with each other. Thankfully Sis (schI) Has been keeping you all up to date on the blog because I have been no help.. Oh yes Testimony so I had a lot of bad things happening in my life all of a sudden ,Yes like crashing and burning. Well I had a voice (take it as you wish) that told me to fast for 3 days. After fasting GOD blessed me with a closer relationship with HIM a closer relationship with my husband.A new car (so hubby and I don't have to hare anymore)A day job, I was able to bless my nephew by helping him with a fundraiser ...... I have many more but I felt obligated to share with you my testimonies. Fasting works One of my favorite books is FASTING by Jentezen Franklin

Lentil Burgers

This recipe is now one of my very favorites.  It's a healthier take on the regular beef patty, it's packed with nutrients and very easy and frugal

Yield	8-10 burgers
Time	1 hour
Tools	saucepan with lid wooden spoon small frying pan large bowl blender or food processor small bowl
Ingredients	1 c dry lentils, well rinsed 2½ c water ½ t salt 1 T olive oil ½ medium onion, diced 1 medium carrot, diced ½ t pepper 1 t soy sauce, optional ¾ c rolled oats, finely ground ¾ c bread crumbs
Directions	Place the lentils, water, and salt in saucepan, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until water is nearly gone and lentils are very soft, with splitting skins. Sauté the onion and carrot in oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Mix the lentils, onions, carrots, pepper, and optional soy sauce in the large bowl, then mix in the ground oats and bread crumbs. While still warm, form the lentil mixture into patties, which can now be frozen, refrigerated (for up to 5 days), or cooked immediately. Cooking (2 possibilities): In a frying pan, heat a bit of oil, place a burger on top, and fry until brown, 1-2 minutes. Repeat on other side and serve. In a 400º oven, bake the burgers on a greased baking sheet until light brown, about 15 minutes.

Date Night Update

Hubby and I have a standing date EVERY Sunday and it is going GREAT!!! It's so nice to get to enjoy one another's company without our kids interrupting. Everyday after our dates until our next date hubby sends me love texts all day. I love it! To get such wonderful little love notes that way. It seems like he's seeing me in a different light and can't get enough. It's absolutely wonderful! I'd really suggest that if you're married and don't have a weekly date night then do it. You won't regret it. You don't have to have much money or even any money at all. Take the kids to grandma and prepare a meal at home for you and your beloved. I can't wait to share with you all as we work through the book, Married and How to Stay That Way.

WELCOME HOME BEAU!!!!

Beau has returned home...from public school. That didn't last too long. He was very adamant about going to school and had many assumptions of how public school is better and a lot more fun than homeschooling. Well reality set in and quick and we welcome him back with OPEN arms! WE LOVE YOU BEAU!!!!!

HAND SANITIZER, THE NEW HAIR SPRAY

You guys will not believe what I did! See those two bottles in the picture above? The one on the left is hand sanitizer and the one on the right is hairspray. Well, some little blessing (I'm not sure which of the three) put the hand sanitizer on the bathroom sink. That stuff is NEVER on the bathroom sink. We keep it in the diaper bag. Let me correct myself, I keep it in the diaper bag :-) Anyway, I go to straighten my hair this morning and begin to spray strands of hair with the sanitizer thinking that it's my hair spray. I begin wondering only about 3/4 of the way through getting my hair all straightened, why in the world does my hair keep sizzling like I'm frying bacon and why do I still see frizz. Let me tell you that I'm really quite ditsy in case I had any of you fooled:-) Only when I'm almost finished with my hair do I realize that I had been spraying hand sanitizer in my hair instead of hairspray. At that point I just quit until later in the day. I'm pretty sure MANY people were wondering what in the world was going on with my hair today:-) Hey, we all have our moments.

LEFTOVERS, LEFTOVERS EVERYWHERE

 I opened my fridge and there were just SO MANY containers filled with...LEFTOVERS!  I mean there were more leftovers than fresh foods.  I hate the thought of wasting food. So what was I to do but make a casserole with the leftovers. A casserole is a good comfort food any day.  Let me tell you what I did; I took and layered a large casserole dish with with cooked rice, on top of that I spread cream of chicken soup, on top of the cream of chicken soup came my leftovers. I had a little chicken noodle soup, a little chicken stir-fry and a little beef stir fry. After layering my leftovers I spread another layer of cream of chicken soup and topped with shredded cheese. I baked it in the oven on 350deg. for about 45 minutes. My family LOVED it! They ate so much and even my picky guy, Bakari, went for seconds.

Bible Study Update

What started off as a bible study on the book, Married and How to Stay That Way, between my friend and I, now also includes our husbands.  I'm so excited!  My friend and I get together every Friday and go through the chapter for that week and then over the weekend we all get together and go over the study. There's mine and hubby's automatic weekly date :-) In chapter two there's a questionnaire that goes over things that really help in maintaining a Christ-centered marriage . After going over the questionnaire you're supposed to work on the things that aren't happening. My hubby suggested that we pray together daily. I thought that was a perfect starting point.   Here's the list in case anyone else is interested in taking part:

• Do you pray with your spouse about personal issues in your life?
• Do you pray with your spouse about your marriage on a regular basis?
• Do you go to church and sit with each other on a weekly basis?
• Do you talk about things you have learned from the sermon later that day?
• Do you talk over the things you are learning in your personal reading of Scripture or from a book about the bible?
• Do you serve others together? As Sunday School teachers? Edifying others? Giving of your time to help others in practical ways?
• Do you talk over your day with each other when you gather together in the evening? 
• Do you freely share your opinions and ideas with your spouse?
• Do you regularly give encouragement, and can you also receive it from your spouse?
• Do you make future plans together and can you make decisions together?
• Do you share your hopes, fears, hurts, and goals with each other?
• Do you have any mutual recreation that you do together in which you communicate? Walking, biking, working out at a gym, etc.
• Do you go shopping together and enjoy just being together?
• Do you have a weekly date night?
• Do you daily verbalize your love to your spouse?
• Do you do chores around the house together?
• Do you write cards or love notes to each other?
• Do you share your deepest emotions with each other?
• Do you give and receive emotional support to and from each other?
• Do you have the freedom to laugh and cry with each other?
• Do you accept your emotional differences?
• Do you give gifts periodically to your spouse just to say ,"I love you"?
• Do you serve your mate when your help is requested?
• Do you, in a non-sexual way, touch and hold each other on a daily basis?
• Do you approach each other regularly for sexual relations, and are your advances received favorably?

• Do you express real affection while engaged in sexual relations, or is it just a physical act with little emotion?

After reading through the list of questions, you're supposed to find the ones your not doing as a couple and work on those a few at a time.  By-the-way, I'm thinking this study is pretty neat!

Newspaper Thief!!

O.k well not really but here's the story....I had a neighbor who lived downstairs from me and she always got newspapers ,well what she did was got 2 (one for her and one for her friend.)Well when she moved because she was on a contract she just switched the address one to go to her and one to another neighbor.I know I know it sounds confusing but stay with me... Any who She is still receiving a newspaper at her old apartment (though no one lives there anymore.) Also now my friend who was receiving her 2nd paper told me I could have them because she didn't want them. So every morning when I take the dog for a walk I go get a paper. I kind of sneak because I can only imagine what my other neighbors are thinking. Just picture little old me, walking with my giant of a dog ,crouching over ,tip toeing and running around to try and grab the paper before anyone sees me. I  just would hate the thought of my neighbors thinking I'm a newspaper thief I can picture them talking behind my back. Oh don't talk to Alonna she steals newspapers OR Don't hang around that lady she's a thief. I don't know maybe I'm over reacting but for now I'm going keep sneaking my papers!!!

The Weight Debate

So as I spoke with hubby one night ,we  or should I say I brought up the subject of my behind.You know the rear end!! Well  people would say I have an hour glass figure I just call it an apple bottom. I just think the rear end of my truck is a little too wide.Hopefully you can follow my lingo,so he actually got mad because I said I was working to drop it down a few sizes. I could have choked laughing actually I think I swallowed my gum.I couldn't believe this man was getting upset because his wife wanted to drop lbs . I would have thought he would  jump for joy.Needless to say I am getting back on a workout routine but instead of my target muscle being the rear I'll do something like arms or calves.LOL What women do to keep their men happy.Heck I enjoy eating certain things that may not help that muscle go down anyways . So Hopefully someone else has gone through something similar or else I'll probably just feel pretty strange.

Enjoy!!

These are the days...

What could be more fun than homeschooling preschool? It's all fun and games, LITERALLY! My daughter and I are having the best time playing games like color and shape bingo, memory match, color by number and many, many others. My FAVORITE subject is homemaking :-) Couldn't have guessed it could ya? Here we are hosting a preschool co-op at our house, making lunch. By-the-way, we made peanut butter and jelly tortillas.

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Also, we went to the Nature and Science Museum on a free day only to be offered 20% off of a one year family membership. Well, we love that museum so I couldn't resist and got one. Now we can go and enjoy the museum when it's not a free day and not so crowded. Here's Ariana and a couple of her friends at the museum

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Not a T.V watcher

Ok I'm not really a t.v watcher, I will watch a good reality show once in a while. Anyways I have been freshening up my Spanish because like I tell everyone I speak spanglish.Yeah every other word is like an English word but to my defense some English words are just not in existence in Spanish. So I have had down time as you have seen in my precious post so T.V. Well I decided I can watch Spanish t.v that way I can freshen up. It's actually cool because before when I would watch Telemundo  I really couldn't follow because it was all so fast. Now I'm actually following really good and I have some favorite shows LOL. But that's just my secret to keep up with my language,I just have to make sure I don't get too caught up and become a couch potato LOL(it's hard enough for me just to sit long enough to eat food.) I know I just kind of rambled today but I love keeping everyone up to date on my new endeavors.
Enjoy!

Book Study

I finally found a book to study. I didn't really find it myself, my church is doing a study with it on Monday nights and since I'm not available Mon. nights a friend and I are getting together during the week in the day to go through the book. It looks like a really neat book. I can't wait to let you all know!

Doggie & Mommy Boredom

So I have been taking it easy due to mild migraines during the day. So while I have been taking it easy Annie(puppy dog) has been taking it boring. Yep she has been so bored trying to get all kinds of attention and fighting sleep. I didn't know what I was going to do,I felt very bad because I knew she should have more activities but I just didn't feel up to it. Being the good mommy that I am I often just pushed through things like walks and playing fetch but the pain was intense.Then after we played I would be exhausted and fall asleep where ever I could lay first. It's not serious we are waiting for results from Dr. so I can go off being me,But for now me and pooch must take it easy. I have taken the initiative to bring her into a room with me when I need to lay down or just relax that way she's not alone. Annie has shown a big difference now that she knows I'm not ignoring her.Today I have big plans to get back into my exercise routine and wear Annie out lol. It's going to be great fun oh and a good tip Tennis courts. When you are tired but your pup isn't, take them to a tennis court and let them romp about. It is nice and enclosed so they will be safe and you can supervise without taken too much of your energy!

Enjoy!

Picky Eaters!

Such a picky eater! That’s what I used to call my husband until I realized I’m picky too! Since we have been married I have begun to realize that there are too types of picky. Junky picky and Healthy picky. Junky picky eaters will stray from healthy types of food and lean more towards foods they are more familiar with say pizza, more than a veggie wrap. That describes my hubby next…are Healthy picky those people stray from junky foods and stick to more healthy types more fruits and veggies than say cooked foods  that’s me. I was very surprised to realize that I, Me was a picky eater but I am. If I can’t find something healthy in the house I am NOT eating. Where as hubby will not eat anything he has not eaten before (ask me how that works, it’s hard)But we have learned to work with each other I will buy things he is used to but I will make it healthy. He has learned to be understanding when I just need to buy fresh produce .I just find it soo funny me of all people a picky eater. I usually try everything but as far as on a normal basis I’m healthy food all the way. Hubby on the other hand He will try some healthy foods but for the most part he’s Pizza and pancakes all the way.

What can I say opposites attract!

Reduce Fat???

Reduce fat ?!?!?! That’s the question that rung in my head all day. Here’s what happened My husband and I went to our annual physical. Everything done we find out that hubby has high cholesterol and needs to reduce fatty foods. HAHA those who haven’t seen pics of my hubby he’s is stick thin and all muscle. When they said he needed to reduce fat Im thinking “What Fat?” Any who … so as I dig around in my brain to figure out what he’s eating that’s not good; a light bulb shined bright in my head. Eggs yes this is coming from the egg queen I love love love eggs BUT that had to be what was spiking up his cholesterol. See now how was I to tell him I had to take another food away from him. I had just taken away his bacon, now his eggs. How is he possibly going to enjoy his favorite meal (pancakes, bacon and eggs?) It was hard enough reducing it to pancakes and eggs. Nope I had to figure something out so I called my sis and she gave me a great idea take out the yolks. So I tried it out a few days and he loved it when it was in something like a biscuit or sandwich but alone not so much. I figure I will just keep making the eggs like that and he will eventually have no choice but to eat them .At least he can still enjoy Pancakes and eggs

IN PREPARATION FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

I am so glad that Monday is Labor Day! I am in need of a little rest. That gives me one extra day before I tackle Mount Washmore and iron that weeks worth of clothes. Monday we are gonna go to some friends and just eat and relax, and they could care less if we're in wrinkled attire :-) But I DO have to prepare ahead of time for the week ahead or my household will be complete chaos. Here's what I'll need to do:

Go over to my fancy schmansy communication center (not really, just a dry erase board and huge calendar)

Check out what I may need to pick up from the store

Make sure house is straightened

Wash and iron our clothes for the week ahead

And lastly, check out what I have planned for the week ahead

This weeks menu is made of of recipes from the book, Hungry Girl.

Mon.-Eat at friends. We're bringing salad.
Tues.-Burger wraps
Wed.-Veggie stuffed peppers
Thurs.- Cheesy beefy quesadillas
Fri.-BLT salad wraps
Sat.-Pizza night
Sun.-Philly cheesesteak subs
Mon.-BLT quesadillas

BAKING DAY

I didn't plan on waking up and spending the morning baking, but once I got started I just couldn't and didn't want to stop.  Try to imagine the smell guys :-)

I started off this morning making some homemade granola. I've been craving granola!

Then I thought maybe I should make some bran muffins since I was almost out. About 3 dozen will do

Remember that apple pie I wanted to make my family yesterday? well I didn't get around to it because we had some unexpected guests, so I HAD to make it today!

I forgot to take a picture before everyone dug into the pie. It smelled so good!
Well since I still needed to make my family breakfast I ended up cooking up about 3 weeks worth of pancakes.

Great Bible Study Anyone?

O.k., I'm in search of another bible study and don't know which one to choose. There are so many choices! It's
 kind of like going to a homeschool curriculum fair. I finished up, LORD I NEED GRACE TO MAKE IT TODAY by Kay Arthur and that was a really good one. Any suggestions?

Health Benefits of Turmeric

I've been trying out a few new recipes and quite a bit used the spice Turmeric. I've never heard of or used it before so I thought I'd research it a little and I found it had quite a few health benefits. Here's a neat little article I found on the spice:


In recent years, turmeric benefits have captured the attention of Western scientists and herbalists. However, this herb held a place of honor in India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine because they have always known the magical medicinal powers of turmeric.



Before we delve into the health benefits of turmeric, including the possible side effects of turmeric, we would like to share with you a little about its healing history and traditional turmeric benefits.
Turmeric is a perennial shrub that is grown in India and other tropical areas of Asia. It was long used as a hot yellow spice to flavor Indian cuisine. In addition, it was added to a variety of mustards to give them a potent "bite."
In India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine turmeric was a symbol of prosperity - it was considered a whole body cleansing herb. Medically, it was used as an aid for digestive disturbances and as a treatment for fever, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice and other liver problems.
The traditional Chinese physicians also used turmeric medically to treat liver and gallbladder problems, stop bleeding, and relieve chest congestion and menstrual discomforts.

How Can Turmeric Benefits…Benefit You?

The Health Benefits of Turmeric……….

The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.
Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.
Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required.
Studies with animals show that turmeric benefits liver health. Several animal studies suggest that turmeric protects the liver from the damaging effects of certain toxins, including alcohol. These findings certainly lend credence to the herb's history of use in liver aliments.
Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.
If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wander it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.
Laboratory studies indicate that curcumin has anti-cancer activity. More specifically, it destroys some types of cancer cells. For example, in the laboratory, curcumin kills cultures of human leukemia cells. This action may be due to turmeric's antioxidant properties or some other anti-cancer activity. Needless to say, more research is needed to determine turmeric benefits as a potential cancer agent.

This is the way we mop our floors, we mop our floors , we mop our floors...

 That tune just keeps playing over and over in my mind when I go to mop the floors now. I've always mopped our floors by filling up one side of the sink with a mixture of bleach and water, then taking that sponge mop or towel (depending on how clean I was gonna get the floors) and getting busy. Well, I was running short on time the other day but my kitchen floor really needed to be mopped. I think it's the homemaker in me, I just couldn't do anything else until that floor was shining. I grabbed my spray bottle that I also keep a mixture of bleach and water in and started spraying the floor, following it up with my sponge mop. That took so little time that I think I'm gonna do it that way more often. There are times when I gotta get on my hands and knees and get them baseboards and corners, but from now on when my floor need a quick mopping that's what I'm gonna do.

A Gift From God

Everyone has sinned-"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Because of our sin, we deserve death in hell-"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

We cannot save ourselves-" For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christ died to take the punishment for our sin-"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Salvation is a free gift that we receive by trusting Christ as our personal Savior-" For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Will you accept God's free gift? If you have never received Christ and would like to do so please e-mail me and I'd love to pray with you. simplechristianhomemaking@gmail.com

In Him,
Amy

The small places count.

When in a rush I always always straighten up my house.I may be running from here to there but I always clean something. Well I have noticed in the midst of all this" rush cleaning" that there were small areas that I was missing. While they were small, I noticed them, those places that began to build up the stuff that I couldn’t put away that instance. Don’t get me wrong the house looked great but I saw those areas and they drove me nuts. The problem was every time I cleaned I chose to clean the house over the small spots, not realizing that was making the problem worse. Ok to get to my point as I rushed out the door yesterday I told myself just clean those little areas, so that is what I did. Man that made all the difference I thought it looked pretty good, but my thoughts were confirmed when I received a text from hubby stating,” how great the house looked!” It’s amazing how just those small spots in the house can make a huge difference. I have a show home again that I am not afraid of surprise visitors. So remember the small places count!

What's Cookin'?

Here's what my dinner menu looks like this week:

 Monday: Creole Poached Chicken

Tuesday: Lima beans, cornbread and veggies (cauliflower & broccoli)

Wednesday: Tuna salad sandwiches and salad (this is my light dinner night since we have church)

Thursday: Tamale casserole

Friday: Beef-n-Broccoli stir-fry, stir-fry veggies (you know the ones in the freezer section that say stir-fry veggies)

By having this menu I save so much time and money by not having to sit and figure out what's for dinner and not having to rush out to the store for an item. I make sure I have everything for that dinner before it goes on my list.

What do you do to prepare for the week ahead?

Sunday night is when I get busy preparing for the week ahead. On paper it seems like tons to do but it's really not.  Doing these things make my week run so much more smoothly.  Here's what I do:

• Create a weekly menu
• Get snacks together for the next day
• Lay out & iron clothes for the week
• Make breakfast and lunch for the next day 
•  Make sure all laundry and dishes have been washed & put away
• Make sure house is straightened
• Make sure boys have everything in there backpacks for the next day

 What do you do to prepare for the week ahead? I can always use more or better ideas.

Switch it Up!

So as I was walking my dog on the same strip of road and the same time in the morning,when I thought of something. Remember when you were a child and your momma  told you  never to keep the same  routine outdoors. Back then I just thought she was being over protective,and made no sense. Now I know if the importance of changing your routine now and again.Well I know you already know but in case you don't,If you have a pattern or routine that stays the same you're more prone to be a victim of an attack or worse. I know I'm getting deep but I was thinking if I could save atleast one person it would be well worth it. I was getting caught up in a routine and didn't even realize it. Everyday at the same time I would walk my dog to the same place. I really didn't realize it until I had stopped doing it for a couple days.That's when it dawned on me I needed to switch things up a bit.I have to admit I missed seeing the children off for school that I pass on my walk,but they will see me the day I switch it up.Until then I'll keep walking (in different directions)while  staying safe.

Have fun walking ,and remember:
SWITCH IT UP!

I've Missed Ya'll

I'm back and I've missed ya'll  SO VERY MUCH!!!! I uploaded three sets of pictures you guys can check out below, just a few things the kids have been doing.  I've got a new schedule, THANK YOU JESUS!!!  I've just got one more week of cleaning the pool, I'm only babysitting one extra child during the day three days a week, I'm babysitting the three that I was before but only 2.5 hours in the evenings three days a week, I'm doing my violations job during nap time from noon-2p.m. and then I pick up the boys from school and we play, have dinner and do homework. Because the boys go to charter schools, parents have to put in mandatory volunteer hours, so I help with traffic everyday at Bakari's school (he's so proud to have his mommy up there) and I take part in PTO meetings at both schools and that counts towards volunteer hours too. Two months ago I set out to lose 25 pounds and with LOTS of prayer I did it! God has really answered my prayers and gotten me through it because I could not have done it without Him. I just loved food a little too much :-) But I do have some cheap and healthy recipes to share with you guys. You'll start seeing some of those recipes in the sidebar under Frugal Recipes. I can't wait to share all the new things that are taking place in my life. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and let's spend some time :-)

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