tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302107902024-03-14T00:25:57.597-04:00Simple HomemakerLurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.comBlogger1095125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-89300568091556489022013-01-14T23:35:00.000-05:002013-01-14T23:35:10.439-05:00New Year New Post! Happy New Year bloggy friends. Watch this space for a new blog post soon! :) Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-41013239175466189722012-07-19T21:40:00.007-04:002012-07-19T22:02:24.845-04:00A Century Turns by William J. Bennett<div>You may think from the title of this post that it's directed at how long it's been since I've blogged. Not so. :) It's actually the title of a book I read by William J. Bennett.<br /><br />Before this book I had only briefly heard of William J. Bennett. He has written other books, one of them being "The Book of Virtues for Young People" which I owned. This book however is of a completely different genre than I normally delve into. On the outside it appears to be a political book. It is, but it is more than that. It takes a look at our country's history from 1998-2008.<br /><br />Normally, I would say "boring". I don't mind politics so much, but it always seems so hard to find the truth in all of it. I also feel that too many times large vocabularies are used to impress and the average audience reading it is left somewhat behind, wondering what they just read. This book gave me an insight into recent political history. There were things that humored me (surprisingly) and I learned a lot.<br /><br />It was not a quick read for me. I am a fairly voracious reader, but this one took me awhile to get through. It's thought provoking. There is a lot of information in it. I was glad for the pictures included that gave me a visual to the people and places that he spoke of.<br /><br />What I appreciated most about this book was that it's about the most impartial political minded material I've ever read. The author was willing to point out flaws in the administration that he worked for as well as flaws of new administration. He also pointed out the good in both. I can appreciate that neither one is perfect and Mr. Bennett did a great job of showing this.<br /><br />While it's not something I'm likely to read again, I am glad that I took the time to plow through it and finish it. I do think it's very educational and at times entertaining. It helped me to better understand the presidency and our recent political history including 9/11 and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.<br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://BookSneeze%C2%AE.com">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.<br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-3511315903923643162012-01-01T21:40:00.012-05:002012-02-13T09:01:01.948-05:00Being More Intentional in 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZUrT-OsYBE/TwEi9P0UhXI/AAAAAAAAFXY/jf06bbgllFU/s1600/819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZUrT-OsYBE/TwEi9P0UhXI/AAAAAAAAFXY/jf06bbgllFU/s400/819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692869839586362738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm kind of tired of floating through life. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't. So I've decided to become more intentional in the things I do this year. One of the areas I plan to do this is in my reading. I spend way more time reading online that I should. I look at the books on my bookshelf and think....someday. Someday never comes. So this year, I will be picking out 24 books to read- 2 a month. Most of them will be non-fiction. I want things that are going to help me grow as a person and in my relationship with God. One of the ways I can do that is by becoming intentional about the media that I am putting into my head. So, without further ado. Here is this year's reading list.<br /></div><br />January<br /><br />-<strike> Not a Fan by Kyle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Idleman</span> (I've read 5 chapters today and already feel myself being stretched)! <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></strike><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Finished Jan. 9, 2012</span><br /><br />-168 Hours- You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vanderkam</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Decided not to read this book after starting it. Substituted a book from April. </span><br /><br />February<br /><br />-Simple Steps: 10 Weeks to Getting Control of Your Life by Lisa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lelas</span> and others<br /><br />-Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick<br /><br />March<br /><br />-The Resolution for Women by Priscilla <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shirer</span><br /><br />-Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Heald</span><br /><br />April<br /><br />-<strike>Simple Hospitality by Jane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jarrell</span></strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Finished Jan. 31, 2012</span><br /><br />-Stop Dating the Church! Fall in Love with the Family of God by Joshua Harris<br /><br />May<br /><br />-Radical by David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Platt</span><br /><br />-Forgotten God by Francis Chan<br /><br />June<br /><br />-Shaping Ordinary Boys into Extraordinary Men by William <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Beausay</span> II<br /><br />-A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller<br /><br />July<br /><br />-Making Life an Adventure by Dustin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Beal</span><br /><br />-A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller<br /><br />August<br /><br />-Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman<br /><br />-I Sold My Soul on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ebay</span> by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hemant</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mehta</span><br /><br />September<br /><br />-Jesus Freaks compiled by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs<br /><br />-A Woman and Her God by Beth Moore (and others)<br /><br />October<br /><br />-The Hole in the Gospel by Richard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Stearns</span><br /><br />-Miserly Moms by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Jonni</span> McCoy<br /><br />November<br /><br />-Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald<br /><br />-One Thousand Gifts by Ann <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Voskamp</span><br /><br />December<br /><br />-American Idols: The Worship of the American Dream by Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Hostetler</span><br /><br />-Open Heart Open Home by Karen MainsLurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-67474945282428736532011-11-16T22:52:00.004-05:002011-11-16T22:59:17.389-05:00Check This Out!<div>Money Saving Mom has long been one of my favorite homemaking and money saving blogs. Now Crystal (aka Money Saving Mom) has a new book coming out! You can <a style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=30210790">check it out here</a>!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=30210790"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675807954564620882" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb2tFsnSM9w/TsSFQ1EpIlI/AAAAAAAAFXA/hokZz2CLl_Y/s400/msm.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I personally am going to try to get it from our local library. I love getting new tips on how to manage our income to the best of our ability! </div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-7646948817727842182011-11-03T23:00:00.001-04:002011-11-07T08:52:34.371-05:00PW's Apple Dumplings<div>***Warning*** The following recipe is not healthy. In fact, it is bad for you. If you are concerned about this, do NOT proceed.***<br /><br />This is a recipe that I've had in my "to try" file for a little while now. It is Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings. It calls for 2 sticks of butter (Paula Deen Would be so proud!) and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. This is all before you top it off with a can of Mt. Dew.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d6Vol_40Fw/TrNkJ9vhqsI/AAAAAAAAFVo/KXYqNw0HWRQ/s1600/1548.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670986478145088194" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d6Vol_40Fw/TrNkJ9vhqsI/AAAAAAAAFVo/KXYqNw0HWRQ/s400/1548.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The recipe I used said "You'll know you're doing it right if it looks kinda gross." Yep, I did it right! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K34t7njDaE8/TrNkJT6DoeI/AAAAAAAAFVc/C0H2k5UnnzE/s1600/1549.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670986466914968034" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K34t7njDaE8/TrNkJT6DoeI/AAAAAAAAFVc/C0H2k5UnnzE/s400/1549.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The final product. The buttery smell was intoxicating. The taste was yummy. I will make these again!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzMJg9HVISQ/TrNkJJnmcrI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/PjdFSQgpvsc/s1600/1550.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670986464153203378" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzMJg9HVISQ/TrNkJJnmcrI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/PjdFSQgpvsc/s400/1550.JPG" border="0" /></a> Find <a style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2010/09/apple-dumplings.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OrSoSheSays+%28Or+so+she+says...%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">the recipe I used here</a>. And if you've never heard of Pioneer Woman go check her out <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-7471588150822248452011-09-03T10:10:00.000-04:002011-09-27T15:16:51.871-04:0030 Days of Summer Day 3<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xlBFBltDzY/TnKuxCJTzdI/AAAAAAAAFTM/4Rh-mz2xgZ8/s1600/P1160107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652772639716134354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xlBFBltDzY/TnKuxCJTzdI/AAAAAAAAFTM/4Rh-mz2xgZ8/s400/P1160107.JPG" /></a>June 19, 2011</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">We went to our annual family Luau. It rained almost the entire time. :( We still had a pretty good time though. I mean who can be sad when there are pina coladas with little umbrellas? :) </div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-51475379020754714042011-09-02T22:53:00.002-04:002011-09-02T23:11:29.479-04:0030 Days of Summer- Day 2<div align="center">June 7, 2011</div>
<br /><div align="center"></div>
<br /><div align="center"></div>
<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtt5sHSudwI/TmGYOALVngI/AAAAAAAAFTE/S7Dg2UsLMwg/s1600/P1150786.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647962774032457218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtt5sHSudwI/TmGYOALVngI/AAAAAAAAFTE/S7Dg2UsLMwg/s400/P1150786.JPG" /></a> Watched a sweet baby sleep.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2eMT-h10zk/TmGYNjAJ_LI/AAAAAAAAFS8/vQnrhJNdsyA/s1600/P1150827.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647962766200929458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2eMT-h10zk/TmGYNjAJ_LI/AAAAAAAAFS8/vQnrhJNdsyA/s400/P1150827.JPG" /></a> Wrote threats to quit summer school.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8gRN61ya_I/TmGYNO6q6XI/AAAAAAAAFS0/Urdve2DwQAA/s1600/P1150810.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647962760809212274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8gRN61ya_I/TmGYNO6q6XI/AAAAAAAAFS0/Urdve2DwQAA/s400/P1150810.JPG" /></a> Played on the slip and slide with cousins.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3eShrWZ5Ug/TmGYMwr91TI/AAAAAAAAFSs/l7CPVGABJ_w/s1600/P1150779.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647962752694474034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3eShrWZ5Ug/TmGYMwr91TI/AAAAAAAAFSs/l7CPVGABJ_w/s400/P1150779.JPG" /></a>Cuddled up on the floor with our cousins during a thunderstorm and watched "Wonder Pets". </div></div>
<br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-62011336801827376162011-09-01T21:56:00.006-04:002011-09-02T13:36:44.615-04:0030 Days of Summer- Day 1<div align="center">I thought I'd try to do something fun this month. My plan is to show how we spent our summer. I will pick 10 days from June, 10 from July, and 10 from August and blog about 1 each day during September. Kind of a take on the old "How I spent my summer vacation". </div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"></div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">Here is June 5, 2011<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647602383741915794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOqaedqEh-E/TmBQchuWEpI/AAAAAAAAFSk/06VHAvswBt8/s400/P1150722.JPG" />Playing on the slip and slide.
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647602363623239362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7gm4riaRw/TmBQbWxrbsI/AAAAAAAAFSU/r0b_0k9q4Iw/s400/P1150660.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">Playing with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">butterfly</span> (it had a broken wing when we found it). </div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647602371718799506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayR7geTHQ5o/TmBQb07z4JI/AAAAAAAAFSc/S64KZ-eAujs/s400/P1150706.JPG" />Eating ice cream and visiting with grandpa and grandma.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-40369823460368865812011-08-31T23:26:00.001-04:002011-08-31T23:29:02.690-04:00For Mel<div align="center">Just a little something new for you to look at. :) This was taken a month or two ago when we went to the spray park. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5iNJvT5ch4/Tl77pJn4rcI/AAAAAAAAFR0/DNRomMZmBD0/s1600/tyler1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647227667145600450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5iNJvT5ch4/Tl77pJn4rcI/AAAAAAAAFR0/DNRomMZmBD0/s400/tyler1.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-63467839884796216832011-08-02T14:02:00.000-04:002011-08-02T14:22:53.466-04:00Just a swingin'<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wi6-LTELMk/TjhALDE8SLI/AAAAAAAAFQc/TxrQbmoctFc/s1600/isaiah.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636325492202948786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wi6-LTELMk/TjhALDE8SLI/AAAAAAAAFQc/TxrQbmoctFc/s400/isaiah.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-37893349771840349682011-07-31T20:19:00.008-04:002011-08-01T10:35:16.663-04:00God's Promises<div align="center">We had a great speaker at church yesterday who reminded us of God's promises to us. Life is not easy. Everyone struggles in some area, but as Christians we have hope.<br /><br />"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZDNJoE9chQ/TjX01weokAI/AAAAAAAAFQU/9BArImMqDS8/s1600/plant.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635679713107677186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZDNJoE9chQ/TjX01weokAI/AAAAAAAAFQU/9BArImMqDS8/s400/plant.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">"but those who hope in the LORD<br />will renew their strength.<br />They will soar on wings like eagles;<br />they will run and not grow weary,<br />they will walk and not be faint". Isaiah 40:31<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635679276616148658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx9n0wR_f-I/TjX0cWa8ZrI/AAAAAAAAFQM/TWX2dQ7z5AI/s400/plant%2Bcloseup.jpg" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kA6HoeQ7AUI/TjXysrQPg8I/AAAAAAAAFQE/2x1O-_BVZ0o/s1600/plant.jpg"></a><br /><br />"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Philippians</span> 1:6<br /><br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-1252598041512908242011-07-30T01:15:00.002-04:002011-07-30T01:29:34.107-04:00Anniversary CupcakesOn July 3rd my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. As they always have the whole family over for the 4th each year, we decided that would be a good time to celebrate.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1ICiAhmI_0/TjOTsVF2m6I/AAAAAAAAFP8/wi4lzAt-U_I/s1600/cupcake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635009948555844514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1ICiAhmI_0/TjOTsVF2m6I/AAAAAAAAFP8/wi4lzAt-U_I/s400/cupcake.jpg" /></a> I made these rainbow cupcakes. They are nothing special, just white cake mix tinted 6 different colors and then layered in cupcake cups. The marshmallow cream frosting was sort of a flop. (Note to self: Don't take untried recipes to get togethers!) The taste was good, but once the frosting got a little warm, it stuck to the waxed paper I had put on top of them during travel. It did make for some cheap entertainment though, as my sister in law attempted to help me loosen the waxed paper by using the blow dryer to try and release the frosting with heat. (Note to self: That didn't work real well.) Just very thankful that I didn't go with my first inclination which was to pipe "40" on the top of each of them in a contrasting color. :)<br /><br /><div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-56392832518979283242011-07-29T23:01:00.003-04:002011-07-29T23:20:48.623-04:00Photography and ThankfulnessI have loved photography for a long time. Back in the day with my 110 camera (and then on to 35mm) I was pretty hot stuff. :) I could hardly wait to pick up my film from K-mart to see what I had captured. Now, with the advent of digital photography, I get instant gratification with my picture taking.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqlxqq_Bu7U/TjN05-Qqy-I/AAAAAAAAFP0/UB4tQRqE-Sk/s1600/cat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634976098084899810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqlxqq_Bu7U/TjN05-Qqy-I/AAAAAAAAFP0/UB4tQRqE-Sk/s400/cat.jpg" /></a> I realize now more than ever that my picture taking is a way for me to praise God. When my eye is looking through the camera, I see simple things- things and people- that God put into my life. Capturing them helps me to slow down, to really focus on that which is around me. <br /><br />I've kind of gotten away from blogging. My plan now is to share some of my photography, along with some random thoughts. Almost all of my pictures will be straight out of the camera- no editing. I like it that way. It makes it more of a challenge for me to get a good shot. Life is not perfect. The only thing I might do to my pictures is add the "1960's tint" from<a href="http://www.picnik.com/"><span style="color:#006600;"> Picnik</span></a>. I like vintage and this allows me to give my pictures a little bit of a vintage flair.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy a glimpse of my life as seen by the lens of my camera!Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-69615530515767209482011-07-05T22:54:00.004-04:002011-07-05T23:16:30.148-04:007 Things He'll Never Tell You- Book Review<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1nyxwFsxDY/ThPOm3KFEhI/AAAAAAAAFPs/MhfGUvcmQ74/s1600/21JqpGGqsiL__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626067526552457746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1nyxwFsxDY/ThPOm3KFEhI/AAAAAAAAFPs/MhfGUvcmQ74/s400/21JqpGGqsiL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a> A couple of weeks ago, I read the book "7 Things He'll Never Tell You... but you need to know" by Dr. Kevin Leman. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is in a relationship, married, or who wants to be married some day. <br /><br />What really amazed me about this book was that after I started reading it, I "heard" Tim say all kinds of things (both verbally and non-verbally) that I had never realized before. I started seeing what was really important to him, and also what isn't so important. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the copy that I read was a library book. If it had been my book, I could have done some serious damage highlighting things I want to remember! Knowing what my husband wants and needs is only part of my job as his wife. The other part is giving it to him (and like the book says "it isn't what you think").Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-70123906499020992142011-06-24T22:39:00.002-04:002011-06-24T23:16:14.019-04:00It's my blogoversary!It's been 5 years since I started this blog. Although I haven't blogged much lately, I do think about starting back up.<br /><br />Things have changed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> since those first blogging days. <br /><br />Everyone is now<a href="http://simplehomemaker.blogspot.com/2006/06/potty-training-part-l.html"><span style="color:#006600;"> potty trained</span></a>!<br /><br />I go to the bathroom <a href="http://simplehomemaker.blogspot.com/2006/07/what-ever-happened-to-privacy.html">by myself</a>!<br /><br />My baby has<a href="http://simplehomemaker.blogspot.com/2007/06/wordless-wednesday.html"><span style="color:#000099;"> grown up</span></a>!<br /><br />My cousin, Katherine, is no longer a <a href="http://simplehomemaker.blogspot.com/2006/09/happy-belated-birthday.html"><span style="color:#660000;">college girl</span></a>, but rather an old married lady for 3 years now! :)<br /><br />And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">probably</span> many more things. But I'm tired and tempted to just delete this silly post. But I won't.Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-60767681901125839822011-04-18T21:39:00.001-04:002011-04-18T21:48:50.309-04:00Miss Me?<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlylwY5fk9Q/Tazpu-M6KJI/AAAAAAAAFPY/UzCzehjk2ig/s1600/P1130197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597105430095079570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlylwY5fk9Q/Tazpu-M6KJI/AAAAAAAAFPY/UzCzehjk2ig/s400/P1130197.JPG" /></a> This is the resident ground hog at our house. Picture was taken a couple of weeks ago. </div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-65819618532449351342011-03-21T06:00:00.001-04:002011-03-21T06:00:06.403-04:00St. Patrick's Day RecapThe leprechauns turned our milk green again this year (well, except for Ethan's- he chose not to believe so that he could have his milk white)!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j15fqte4m-A/TYXTcJj5DgI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/0HsOsCAbgVo/s1600/431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586103393379225090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j15fqte4m-A/TYXTcJj5DgI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/0HsOsCAbgVo/s400/431.JPG" /></a> Irish Soda Bread- This turned out OK. It tasted fine, but wasn't spectacular. I searched for a random soda bread recipe and picked one that was easy. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4fJ1oleZV0/TYXTb5dScEI/AAAAAAAAFPI/dOuaBvwxU8I/s1600/447.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586103389056561218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4fJ1oleZV0/TYXTb5dScEI/AAAAAAAAFPI/dOuaBvwxU8I/s400/447.JPG" /></a> Last year Tyler found a four leaf clover while he was with my mom. I finally got it framed and I'm really happy with how it turned out. Thought it would be appropriate to share with our St. Patrick's Day things. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9IQOiEWUNs/TYXTbWetUaI/AAAAAAAAFPA/m9Mxqlg94Po/s1600/432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586103379667276194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9IQOiEWUNs/TYXTbWetUaI/AAAAAAAAFPA/m9Mxqlg94Po/s400/432.JPG" /></a><br />We also watched the Veggie Tale version of St. Patrick's story and have been reading St. Patrick's Day books from the library. I didn't request them early enough, so we have been reading them after the fact. I still have 4 more to pick up from the library! Oh well. <br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-60821962682401622352011-03-16T06:00:00.000-04:002011-03-16T06:00:11.606-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CCrwvwii84/TX-66Kf4BLI/AAAAAAAAFOw/AF_4t4Cr68o/s1600/100.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584387571375932594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CCrwvwii84/TX-66Kf4BLI/AAAAAAAAFOw/AF_4t4Cr68o/s400/100.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSmGiAbhCJ8/TX-65tmJjuI/AAAAAAAAFOo/4CwY_PT7t2o/s1600/101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584387563617619682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSmGiAbhCJ8/TX-65tmJjuI/AAAAAAAAFOo/4CwY_PT7t2o/s400/101.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-75860267992534240562011-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:002011-03-15T06:00:07.382-04:00Love this quote!<div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">"Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself." -- Susanna Wesley (Letter, June 8, 1725) </span></div><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br />The last line is the kicker in this one. <br /><br />We all have an idea in our minds of what sin is. We're familiar with the "big 10" and most of us do a pretty good job on a daily basis of not killing anyone or stealing. <br /><br />But what about those seemingly "innocent" things? We rationalize that "it's just a book" or "just a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> show" or "just food". We say things that are "just words". <br /><br />I wonder sometimes what it would be like to have a God that you could see in day to day life (kind of reminiscent of "The Shack"). Would we really do the things we do and say the things we say if we could see Him in the room with us? I'm pretty sure that suddenly some things would seem very wrong to us. Maybe even sinful...Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-88502177406357875462011-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:002011-03-14T06:00:21.566-04:00Got Vodka?<div align="center">I have been wanting to make my own vanilla for a long time. After reading <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/making-homemade-vanilla-extract-aka-why-laura-bought-a-gallon-of-vodka"><span style="color:#660000;">this post</span> </a>at Heavenly Homemakers, I decided to order some vanilla beans and give it a try. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqJnRy3PyxE/TXniQjSJ2YI/AAAAAAAAFOg/FQDhfUzzONs/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582741987079608706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqJnRy3PyxE/TXniQjSJ2YI/AAAAAAAAFOg/FQDhfUzzONs/s400/031.JPG" /></a> Fast forward 6 months and I finally get some Vodka AND make the time to put it all together. I am such a procrastinator. Ugh! <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0-KF9W76gc/TXniQSsTMxI/AAAAAAAAFOY/CRcjfFEw5Sc/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582741982625870610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0-KF9W76gc/TXniQSsTMxI/AAAAAAAAFOY/CRcjfFEw5Sc/s400/035.JPG" /></a> Now the jars are tucked away in my canning cupboard where they will stay for several months (or longer if I forget about them)! Of course, I am excited about them so I keep checking them to see if anything is happening. Slowly but surely the vodka gets a darker color. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yPibDLYHak/TXniP5elgWI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/Rnpm8q7Nsqo/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582741975857463650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yPibDLYHak/TXniP5elgWI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/Rnpm8q7Nsqo/s400/038.JPG" /></a> I can't wait to use my own vanilla in baking! The chocolate chip cookie recipe that I've been using takes 2 Tablespoons of vanilla- yep, Tablespoons. That <a href="http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com/2008/01/butler-did-it.htmlttp://"><span style="color:#660000;">recipe is here</span></a>. It has gotten rave reviews around these parts. </div><div> </div><div>The next thing I want to try is vanilla sugar. It's another one of those complicated recipes. Cut vanilla bean in half and put into a jar with some sugar. Let sit. Maybe I'll try that recipe today or tomorrow or... </div><br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-59229420759883506562011-03-12T06:00:00.000-05:002011-03-12T06:00:02.447-05:00Frozen Fruit Cocktail<div align="center">Awhile back I had seen this idea on another blog. I have no idea who to give the credit to, but it is a clever idea. It's a pretty complicated recipe, so I'll go slow.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">1. First you take a can of fruit cocktail.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">2. Then you freeze it.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEl8iJXCHzA/TXndZEB7WGI/AAAAAAAAFOI/Y3IOgzONUfM/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582736635750733922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEl8iJXCHzA/TXndZEB7WGI/AAAAAAAAFOI/Y3IOgzONUfM/s400/027.JPG" /></a> Yes, you freeze it right in the can. No, it won't burst open.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KggeF7zVkwE/TXndYjSjlGI/AAAAAAAAFOA/x-X6-tnJV_8/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582736626962109538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KggeF7zVkwE/TXndYjSjlGI/AAAAAAAAFOA/x-X6-tnJV_8/s400/026.JPG" /></a> When you take it out of the freezer, you will have to let it sit for a little bit or run some hot water over the outside of the can to loosen it up. We removed both ends from our can and it finally slid out. Then we cut it into slices. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QT-wJlKWEk/TXndYWdYgWI/AAAAAAAAFN4/6UkqZYiTgAg/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582736623517860194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QT-wJlKWEk/TXndYWdYgWI/AAAAAAAAFN4/6UkqZYiTgAg/s400/025.JPG" /></a>Some notes about this recipe. When I first saw this recipe, I thought it would be disgusting. Who wants fruit that has frozen heavy syrup around it? Then I found a can of fruit cocktail that was prepared with pear juice (it was labeled "lite"). Also, anyone who has ever had fruit cocktail knows that the fruit is not always evenly distributed, especially the highly prized cherries. They were all at the bottom of the can. Isaiah was more than happy to take that slice as you can see above! One of the other layers was also mostly peaches. I guess if you have picky eaters in your family, this might be a good way to give everyone what they want! :) </div><div> </div><div>Overall, I thought it was just OK, but the boys really enjoyed it, so I'm sure we will be doing it again. </div><br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-26288489326595291832011-03-11T03:18:00.002-05:002011-03-11T03:25:49.570-05:00Orange you glad?<div align="center">My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in laws</span> recently returned from Florida and with them, gifts from the south! The boys got <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Legos</span>, but I think I got a better deal.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ItzYqI45Y/TXnbFwLUkAI/AAAAAAAAFNw/5RFllSsx0L0/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582734104980656130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ItzYqI45Y/TXnbFwLUkAI/AAAAAAAAFNw/5RFllSsx0L0/s400/044.JPG" /></a> Of course, I have been sharing with them!<br /><br /></div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-45293235055559351792011-02-15T03:24:00.004-05:002011-02-15T04:27:26.754-05:00Fondest Memories<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNxqCDwQcY/TVpFIfoBh5I/AAAAAAAAFNk/4I2ULQaMRos/s1600/February%2B2011%2B602.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573843501055051666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNxqCDwQcY/TVpFIfoBh5I/AAAAAAAAFNk/4I2ULQaMRos/s400/February%2B2011%2B602.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Last night I got to be a part of something that I know will go down in my mind as one of my fondest life memories. I'm sure the other three people who were there have no idea how much it meant to me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our cousins brought home their brand new-2 day old-baby boy yesterday afternoon. Around 6:30 pm, I had the privilege (and yes it was exactly that!) of taking them a meal. It was a simple meal, shredded chicken sandwiches, potato chips, homemade applesauce, and chocolate chip cookies. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I probably wasn't there more than 3 minutes before I was offered that sweet baby boy to hold. For the next 2 hours or so, I was captivated by him. Long tiny fingers. Sweet baby head of peach fuzz. Things I had forgotten about having a baby immediately came back to me. My youngest turned 5 1/2 on the 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of this month, but already it seems like a lifetime ago since we brought him home. This baby was 6 pounds 2 oz at birth and my baby was 8 lbs 14 1/2 oz. He was never this tiny in my arms.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I so enjoyed visiting with our cousins and watching them with their new little boy. I loved hearing all the details of the past couple of days. It was like watching one of those baby story <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> shows, only live, complete with tears rolling down my cheeks at different parts. I was able to give him a bottle and realized that I had totally forgotten how great it is to coax a burp from a baby. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Time slipped by and before I knew it, I realized that I had left my own kids at dinner time and now they were probably getting ready for bed. I reluctantly left my new little cousin with the promise that I would be back soon. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I told his mommy that I fell in love on Valentine's Day. Welcome to the world baby <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nason</span>! I didn't know that having your heart stolen could feel so good. </div>Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-79890624203049192982011-02-01T05:06:00.003-05:002011-02-01T05:12:36.670-05:00Ready to blog again?Happy February everyone!!<br /><br />I'm up and at that early today! So far, so good- but we'll see how I feel at 5:00 tonight! My oldest two nephews are coming to spend the day with us. Not that they will wear me out, but the combination of the 5 boys together might!!<br /><br />I hope to get back to blogging on a more regular basis. God is doing so much in my heart and my life and I really should share that. :)<br /><br />Right now <span style="color:#000000;">tho</span>ugh, I'm heading out to shovel some of that fresh snow! Have a great day everybody!Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30210790.post-5231206309164332162010-11-29T02:02:00.002-05:002010-11-29T02:09:25.976-05:00Thirty Things I'm Thankful For30. Living in the USA. As much as I dislike certain aspects, there is no other place in the world that I would rather live and raise my children. If there is, I haven't found it yet.<br /><br />29. Puppy breath. No we don't have a puppy. I'm not even sure what made me think of this. I do love puppy breath though and I'm thankful that when God designed puppies, he gave them that certain smell. <br /><br />28. Grace and mercy extended to me. Now, if I could only grasp the concept of extending it to others....<br /><br />Thank you for joining me on this journey of thankfulness. I hope it's made you think about some of the things you are thankful for in your life.Lurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072001002835014391noreply@blogger.com2