Embroidery Finished!

Last year I started an embroidery project. I had just learned some of the embroidery stitches and I chose a set of tulips from Anna's blog--Pleasant View Schoolhouse. With Anna's permission I printed off her picture traced in on my material and was off and running.

Then I stopped. I don't know why or what stopped me, but I did.

I picked it up again last week and determined to finish it.

Now it will go on a tote bag--that I have to make. Hmm, hope it won't be another year before I finish it.

Five In A Row Resource

If you use Five in A Row books with your children, you will love this site from HomeschoolShare. A friend emailed me about it this morning, and I've briefly checked it out. It looks GREAT. The next book Bethany and I are going to do is Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Burton. We are hopefully going to start on Monday. I have to get busy on the planning for it!

Have a good day!

P.S. Sara, I was thinking particularly of you when I found this site...it includes "Before Five in a Row."

Third Day

You may remember that I posted an entry about how much Trenton loves music. He is so passionate about singing. Our family loves the music of Third Day and recently we borrowed the Chronology CD from the library. It came with videos. Oh, the fun our family had watching that video! Trenton, seeing the live performances, has been propelled forward in his own music and performing. He is singing the words to "Cry out to Jesus" and "Holy, Holy, Holy" with so much enthusiasm.
(It's been a good reminder about how much kids absorb and remember. We only watched the video twice.)
All this to say, I emailed Third Day (the "contact us" link) and the fan coordinator, "Mama Gomer" emailed me back! Third Day is going to be near our area in the spring and we are trying to see if we can actually meet them! "Mama Gomer" (who is as sweet as can be) said for me to email the pictures of Trenton playing and singing and that she would forward them to the band. How exciting!! It would be super fun to meet them and of course, we'd take Trenton's guitar. Maybe they'd let him play on stage with them...okay, I may be asking too much! :)

I don't know what God has in store for Trenton, however our prayer is that Trenton would give his heart to the Lord, love Him with everything he has, and serve Him all the days of his life. (We pray the same for our girls.) As much as Trenton loves music...well...we'll just have to wait and see.

Here are the lyrics to "Cry Out to Jesus" which touches a deep cord within me.

Cry Out To Jesus - Third Day (2005)

To everyone who's lost someone they love
long before it was their time.
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye.

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
keepin' you back from your life.
You believe that there's nothing
and there is no one who can make it right.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love.
and they've done all they can to make it right again
still it's not enough.

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
you try to give up but you come back again.
Just remember that you're not alone
in your shame and your suffering.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus.

When you're lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
you just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus

Cry to Jesus.

To the widow who suffers from being alone,
wipin' the tears from her eyes.
For the children around the world without a home,
say a prayer tonight.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

Lyrics found here.

Want Peace?

I did a quick study last night on peace. I looked in the concordance of my Bible and found all the references for peace. I typed out some of them to send to a friend and to print off for myself. So, as they say on Sesame Street, the word on the street is peace. Look for it in a Bible near you!

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

John 20:26-28 “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 8:6 “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

I Corinthians 14:33b “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”

Philippians 4:6-9 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Colossians 3:12-16a “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

James 3: 13- 18 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

President's Day

Well, I'm experiencing computer difficulties tonight. I've already written this post once and it was slow as ever. But the computer went down and took my President's Day links with it.

Here is try two:
Lapbook of George Washington--gr. 3-6 from Homeschool Helper
ProTeacher has a timeline of Abraham Lincoln that you assemble on a paper stovepipe hat.
Little Acorn Treehouse has a great overall post in her archives on President's Day.

Okay, that's all I have the patience for tonight.

A week of happy

My hunny's birthday was Monday the 11th. The kids and I made him cards and I made an easy meal that I knew he would like. I "shake-n-baked" some chicken, opened a can of sweet potatoes and a tube of biscuits. Not my most shining moment in baking, but he enjoyed it. For dessert, we made cheese cake--which is his favorite.

On Valentine's Day, the kids and I made a cake with sprinkles and I hung paper hearts from the ceiling. We all danced in the living room and it was lots of fun.

Amidst all the celebrating, we've been battling the cold/flu like most of the nation. It hasn't been too bad, just enough to make us feel yucky and tired.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to share some links for President's day lesson ideas.

One word...okay two

I read an interesting entry from Creative Organizing. She actually linked to someone else who had come up with a word to describe her goal for the up coming year.

I really like the idea of a word to describe my goal(s) for the new year. It's broad and a great reminder for me to focus on the positive, uplifting and good things.

So, I've been thinking and thinking and with the help of my sweet friend Carole, I think I've come up with my word for 2008. To be completely honest I couldn't settle on just ONE word, so mine is two.

OBEY

JOY

Obey came from my conversations with Trenton last week. He was so adamant about me obeying God and Jesus. It left an impression on me. I'm always telling the kids to obey--me, daddy, the Bible and God. But to hear Trenton repeatedly tell me to obey God, obey Jesus was precious and oh, so true.

Joy is a simple word to remind me that my happiness comes from the Lord and not from any other person or my circumstances. Yes, I love my family and they make me 'happy', but the deep abiding joy comes from my Heavenly Father.

I've actually thought of other words that could help to remind me and motivate me as I go throughout my days, but for this year these two words are it. I plan to get either chipboard or thin wooden letters and paint them. I will put these somewhere in the living room as a visual reminder. I will probably scrap a page about them as well. I'm also looking for other ways to incorporate these words into my daily living space.

So, if you choose a word for 2008 (there are still 10 1/2 months to go), let me know and we'll both be encouraged.

The Rag Rug

I finished the rag rug last night. It turned out good for my first one. I think I'd like to make an oval one next. It takes a lot of material, but if you have a good source then you'd be fine.
I'd posted about the rag rug in an earlier post (linked to in the first sentence). You may remember that I used the book Quick Crochet Huge Hooks by Sally Harding. Her completed rug was 36 inches in diameter. I stopped mine when I ran out of material which was at 31 inches. Oh, I also used 1 inch strips of material. All the material is 100% cotton which should make it hold up nicely and wash well.

I'm giving this one away as a wedding gift.

I found instructions for an oval rag rug in a couple different places.
Making Oval Shaped Items and Rag Rugs

DIY Make a Crocheted Rag Rug

And I'm sure there are other places too. These rugs are simple as they only call for the single crochet stitch.

Recipe Exchange

Here are some of our favorite recipes.

Blueberry, Orange and Cherry Salad

Dressing:
1/2 c. olive oil
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. beef bouillon granules
3 T. Balsamic vinegar
1/4 t. dried basil
1 T. reserved Mandarin orange juice

Salad:
3/4 c. fresh blueberries
1/2 c. dried cherries or cranberries
1/3 c. chopped green onion
1/3 c. slivered almonds, toasted
8 c. mixed salad greens
1 (11oz) can Mandarin oranges, drained, juice reserved

Combine all dressing ingredients, shake well.
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss.
Serves 12

Dressing may be prepared and refrigerated 3 days ahead.
Fruits and greens may be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in separate containers.

To toast almonds, bake at 400 degrees on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Check frequently to avoid burning.

Italian Turkey Cutlets

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 t. olive oil, divided
1 can (14-1/2 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. dried rosemary, crushed
1 1/4 pounds turkey breast cutlets
1/2 t. salt
1/8 pepper
2 T. shredded Parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in 2 t. oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, basil, oregano and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until sauce thickens. Meanwhile, sprinkle both sides of the turkey cutlets with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, cook turkey in batches in remaining oil until juices run clear. Serve with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings

The salad recipe is from my scrapbooking friend, Deb. I'm not sure where she found it. It is one of those recipes that once you make it and take to a gathering--most people want the recipe and they want you to bring it to all the gatherings. :)

The Italian Turkey Cutlet recipe came from Taste of Home.

Make sure you visit the Baking and Cooking section from archived posts.

And, run right over to Randi's and get more great recipes. Thanks Randi for hosting this recipe exchange.

Calzone recipe

I am making calzones tonight for supper. I am using Randi's recipe which can be found here. The picture looks good enough to eat.

Also, she is hosting a Recipe Exchange tomorrow. Please join in because I know I could use some new zing in my menu planning.

So, go over to Randi's at I Have to Say and get her calzone recipe and read about the recipe exchange.

Love you too, Lady.

Ok, my little boy cracks me up (most of the time--although there are times when he can break me down too!) Last night I was telling him goodnight. Here's the conversation...

Momma: Goodnight, I love you sweet boy.

Little boy: I love you too, lady.

I'm not making this stuff up people.

This morning I tackled a LARGE mound of clean laundry. I asked little boy if he would please pull out the other basket of clothes from my room. He politely said, "I can't Mom, I'm busy." I replied, "Go now please." Then Marissa chipped in..."Hey, Trenton, I think there is a monster trying to get the clothes, run, go get them." First he grabbed his guitar--I wasn't sure if he was going to hit the 'monster' or sing to it. After some loud noises, he came running out, patting me on the shoulder, he said, "I got the monster away, honey. Honey, don't worry about that monster."

That was a load off my mind, now if he'd just bring out the laundry!

Me and Gym

I realize the title of this post could start tongues to waggin'. However, read on and you'll realize that in this case, 'gym' is a place I willing went to inflict pain on myself. BECAUSE...Yesterday I declared war on my flab.

Yup, too many peanut M&M's, although I've enjoyed them immensly, have created this crisis. This battle of the bulge must be waged. So I trudged off to the gym (the university I attended allows alumni to go for free!) The drive is about 20 minutes, but for free admission, I couldn't come up with any good reasons not to go.

What a humbling experience. A gym full of young university students many of whom don't even know what 'flab' is, I was a little intimidated. However I marched myself over to the bike, got on and started peddling. Within no time, I was sweating and my heart rate was well over 150. I may have seen a drop of sweat on the girls around me...but I'm not sure. It could have been their make-up glistening under the flattering lights of the gym.

I tried to read so I would distract myself; it didn't work. There was too much going on around me, not to mention the sound someone gasping for air. (That someone was me.) 30 minutes later I tried to gracefully step off the bike only to find that my thighs had left the building without me. I staggered to the treadmill and walked, trying to awaken the muscles in my legs that had gone without telling anyone.

More sweating and more walking until I finally felt as though I'd sufficiently punished my body for the first day. Can't wait to go back this evening. I think I saw some nautilus machines that looked like they could induce some pain.

Be Careful

I went out last night for a quick errand. My baby boy who can be sweet as strawberry preserves wanted several kisses from me. Then he told me "Be careful driving, don't fall down on the road and obey God, Mommy." Before I could close the door, several more kisses were planted on my cheek. Walking down the sidewalk to the car, I saw a little guy standing at the living room window and I heard "Obey Jesus, Mommy, Obey Jesus!"

Words can't barely express what my heart felt.

I'm writing it here so when he drives me nuts, I can come back here and be reminded.
And you too, "Obey Jesus."