Silver bells, Jingle bells, TACO BELL!

Making Christmas cookies, Hayden pulls from the 100 cutters: Santa, reindeer, tree... I encourage him to find a train, 'since he likes trains so much (and has a train track at the top of his Santa list);'...he finds a hand print, 'since we made an ornament by tracing a hand;' ...he finds a bell, I'm thinking - 'OK, silver bells, jingle bells...that's the season,' when he says, "because I love TACOS so much!"

Who says there isn't power in logo branding/product recognition??

***

Thanksgiving for the joy of laughter.

A Change of Season

Thanksgiving, let it be no surprise, my favorite holiday, leading in to the most wonderful time of the year, brings so much joy to my soul.

The adventure of life, blessing of friends and family, and experiencing of events surrounding this season reminds me of The True meaning of love. And this year, the joy in my soul has been multiplied ten-fold with a True changing of my spirit.

How AWE-some is the Lord! I am truly struck with awe standing in His light and feeling a full transformation unfolding, just as His Word has promised. A true seeking and receiving of His wisdom has cultivated a spirit change that is continuing to manifest delight that Only He can bring to the core of my being.

It is NOT the gift, it IS the Giving. It is NOT the item, it IS the Love.
It is NOT the meal, it IS the Nurishment of the Soul.
It is NOT the holiday, it IS the Season.

Praise the Lord, from whom All blessings flow!

***
Thanksgiving for the promise of the Word.

A New Projecter is in the House

I'm so excited to post that I took on a big project, all on my own, and I have completed the biggest part, all on my own!

I have loathed the vine wallpaper back splash in my kitchen for years and until yesterday lived with it. The main reason for living with it, my lack of confidence in myself to be able to tackle the removal and the ability to see the removal and obstacles that may occur through to the completion on my own.

David is the 'big' projecter around our house and he is a perfectionist that is gifted with the ability to research, retain, obtain and execute all aspects of a project from concept to perfect end. He, not being in to decorating, especially not when the canvas is our kitchen, had no desire or motivation to assist or encourage the project I had in mind, so, I 'JUST DID IT!' A major milestone in my adventure of 'growing up'. ;)

I got in there, scored the paper, wet it with warm water using a paintbrush, and removed the paper! Thankfully, the appliers must have done their job correctly because the process was a breeze and I've exposed a near perfect mint green painted surface, one that I can live with until I find inspiration to create a new back splash design.


You can see the wallpaper in this pic...`

And now the clean, green splash area...

...an improvement for my eyes. And oh, how the absence of vines opens the space!

***

Thanksgiving for the ability to see a project through, proving to myself that 'I CAN do it!'

Awareness

One of the most difficult, though the most encouraging part, of being a mother, for me, is the self-discovery, the being face-to-face with my own insanity and brokenness and rage. A humble acknowledgement of my need for change, forgiveness, growth that Only the Lord can bring. A movement, realization, and permanent change from the inside - out.

The short stint in this journey of motherhood that I've traveled has really been an awakening. From the immediate emergence of my change from Jessie to "Bessie" - realizing the natural wonder of the body extended to child even outside of the womb. How amazing the concept of your newborn to six month old baby still surviving on your body alone! Oh, and the hormonal surges, rage, sleep deprivation...that comes with the new found use of the body. To the first 14 months of learning to let go of the need to put a working position title in the announcement of who I am. To the continual balance to find a way to place priority more on having fun with the kids than to get my 'to-do' list of tasks around the house complete each day.

Through this journey, however, the most rewarding and all the while most difficult to face, the acknowledgment of my anger, ugly words and rage that can occur in the blink of an eye, especially in the middle of the night. Why is this rewarding? Because the sadness, ugliness and emotional outcome from such episodes reminds me that I am human. That I need to control my tongue. That I need God to change me from the inside to the out. That my behavior impacts the growth and spirituality of my little ones.

It's a hard journey, a rewarding journey, a take-it-day-by-day experience, a learning of self-sacrifice, a lesson in life that could never be taught by another and one that I'm blessed to be traveling and one that has me more excited for the adventure and enthused for the paths that lie ahead, than ever any other trip I could plan for God is my compass.

***
Thanksgiving for the guidance and love from the Father, the Perfect Parent.

Powerful Words

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for EVERY CARELESS word they have spoken." Matthew 12:34-36

~Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. you can't solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. YOU Must Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.~ NIV study notes to verses.

What an eye opener, a powerful reminder, and an awesome encouragement! May the Lord bless and grow the seed of His Word in my life and yours as well. For by hearing the Word, faith grows.

***
Thanksgiving for the AWE-some grace of the Lord and the change He is making in my life.

Life and Trees

This summer I really took notice at how hot it was at my home and realized the major difference between my home and my parents, as well as in-laws, both of which live a short 10 minutes away, at best, is the lack of mature trees around my home. I have a whole forest of trees just beyond the bank, border of my property, however, my lot and those around it, had mature trees stripped when the neighborhood became developed.

I found the following excerpt from "The Sibley Guide to Trees" by David Allen Sibley (funny, the 'tree man' in my life is a David Allen...I digress) life pondering...'If you planted an acorn today, no matter how young and healthy you are, you would not live long enough to see it as a fully mature oak tree. It is possible to see trees that were alive when Columbus landed in the New World, and even some that were already old in the time of Julius Caesar.'

Interesting.

***
Thanksgiving for the blessing of shade given by God's creation, and thanksgiving for men and women with foresight to not cut all of them down when they purchase land.

God versus Science

A professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.'

The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?

'Yes sir,' the student says.

'So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'

'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

'Yes.'

'Are you good or evil?'

'The Bible says I'm evil.'

The professor grins knowingly.

'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good.'

'I wouldn't say that.'

'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues . 'He doesn't, does He? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. 'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'

'Errr yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'

The student falters. 'From God'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'

'Yes.'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Again, the student has no answer.

'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.'

'So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

'No sir. I've never seen Him.'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' The student replies. 'I only have my faith. '

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'

'And is there such a thing as cold?'

'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.' The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that.. There is no such thing as cold, otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.' 'Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word.' 'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains.. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing... Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?' The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed..

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.' The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter. 'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so.

So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.'

'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?' Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable..

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

The professor sat down.

***
Thanksgiving for The Truth!

My Boy

Love, Love, Love my little man.

***

Thanksgiving for Hayden Michael Walden and the joy he brings to me daily, as well as the desire to change and grow in love and devotion to the Lord.

Girlfriends for Life

A gathering of my girls, the girls who have known me, and I them, for years more than not; for some have been with me in the journey of life since the age of SIX! And all of us a group, strong and together since the 8th grade - YEARS ago! The memories, blessings, thanksgiving, emotions and gratitude words can not pen.

***

Thanksgiving daily for the true blessing of friends!

Greek Festival 2009

The weather was omnious, showers were threatening, the normal group non-existent...and I ventured out in the name of tradition and culture and am SO happy that I did! An adventure for Momma and babies...the Greek Festival! Nerves were running rampant as I mulled over whether the venture would be worth it. Would the kids behave, would the lines be long, would the weather hold out????...I woke Adelyn from her nap, buckled the kids in and away we went! And...ALL was Wonderful! Hayden and Addy loved being out, they played together while in line for gyros and sat perfectly taking in the experience. I reflect with great joy to have such amazing children and the blessed ability to take part in such events that turn in to lasting traditions and memories.

Soup Is On!

Threw left overs from the fridge along with some chicken stock into a big pot on the stove and created a delicious soup for dinner!

Left-over Ingredients from the fridge:

• baked cabbage (head of cabbage, core it, place 1/2 stick of butter in cored hole, sprinkle with pepper (NO SALT), garlic powder, onion powder, wrapped in aluminum foil and baked on 350 degrees for 3 hours in oven)
• 1/2 piece of chicken breast seasoned with rosemary, shredded
• broccoli
• 1/2 can of peas
• 1/2 can of carrots

Added chicken stock and water to cover. Brought to a boil. YUMMM!

***

Thanksgiving for veggies!

Big Boy

In the blink of an eye, well a blink and a few sties along the way, Hayden has grown into a little boy and the past several weeks have had experiences to mark his arrival to the beginning of independence and turn from toddler to PRESCHOOLER!

Yes, little Hayden is now a big preschooler! He and several of his friends have begun an amazing program in the community, in which I'm so excited for him to be a part of in so many ways. Like most parents, I have so many dreams and hopes for him and one of which is that he will form bonds with friends, even at his tender age of 3, that will last his whole life time. (It was at this same school that I met many of the school mates I would spend the next 15 years with, many of which I still keep in touch with, and a few of which, I can't imagine my life without!) As other mothers have experienced, and is expected, all of this is invigorating, explainable, unexplainable, saddening, heart wrenching, boastful, hopeful... I could go on and on. But I will conclude with a note that he cried for the first 30 minutes (he has NEVER been left without his parents or grandparents - so this is huge) but came out smiling a huge, accomplished smile and saying, "I like my school, it is SUPER fun!"

Today marked another big day for Hayden, myself and even Adelyn.

Hayden had his first dental appointment! I was so proud of him, in the big chair letting the hygienist clean his 20 teeth. He was super excited to receive a bouncy ball, a new toothbrush, his own toothpaste, stickers and best of all, all things contained in his own little bag!

After the dentist, Hayden and I, just the two of us, had a first...we had a lunch date! We were down town for the dental appointment, Addy was with MomMaw Sherry, the weather was beautiful, and I took the opportunity to share in a restaurant experience with just the two of us. I snapped a quick pic from our lunch table, and yes, it's probably not "right," but, I did give him a sucker for being so good at the dentist! ;)

As mentioned, Addy was with MomMaw Sherry while Hayden and I were out. This too, a first and a wonderful time for Adelyn (and MomMaw too)!

***

Thanksgiving for the little moments that we can add to routine experiences and many thanks for the blessings of loving people and family that surround us daily.

What's on the Floor?

I'm seriously contemplating the idea of changing all of the flooring in our house to the new, friendly, soft, painted, welcoming concrete! Just put a few drains here and there and when there is a spill, a drip, a pee-pee...just bring out the sprayer and hose 'er down!

***
Thanksgiving for the flooring that I do have, I'm always grateful for having a home and the furnishings inside.

AWE-some Poem!

Once again, Beki at Prose-ac has written and inspiring poem that MUST be shared!
This gal HAS to get a publisher! I'll be her promoter!

My Love For You

My love for you drains me
pains me
chains me

My love for you molds you
scolds you
holds you

My love for you ages me
rages me
engages me

My love for you finds you
binds you
reminds you

My love for you brightens me
enlightens me
frightens me

My love for you grows you
knows you
chose you

by Beki

***
Thanksgiving for the honest sharing of love and life by perfect strangers.

Afternoon at the Lake

In effort to get out of the house and enjoy places near the house and extra effort to make moments in the every day, I am so happy that I did just that on this day.

My parents and I took off to enjoy an overcast day with the kids at a nearby lake. One thing just led to another and the outcome, a fun filled afternoon and lasting memories for all!

We picked up lunch on the way which turned in to a picnic while watching boats load and unload at the dock. We fed the fish at the marina, which is always incredible. I can't ever get over all of the mouths that appear at the surface of the water and how the fish just flop over each other coming completely out of the water. Due to the fact that Hayden now goes to the potty, an urgent need to do so created a great laughing moment for on-lookers as I ran with him to the bathroom on the other end of the parking lot. Inviting play ground equipment became fun for all of us, including Dad as he had to climb up the ladder and slide down with Mr. Hayden. A simple drain cap in the sidewalk became a great source of entertainment for Adelyn as she danced upon it totally in to the sound it made rocking back and forth. The whole trip was topped off with ice cream on the way home. All events spur of the moment and better than if they had been planned.

Philosophy spurred as we fed the fish...one albino fish surfaced among all the rest. I pondered, "does this fish know that it is any different from the rest? does it know that it stands out? does it know that there is great beauty in it's difference?" ...of course, the point, to take this from the pond to the life lesson of beauty in being the person God made you to be, embracing the qualities that make you unique.

***

Thanksgiving for taking the initiative to get out of the house, break away from the household duties that seem to consume my every day, and enjoy my children in the simple pleasures of nature and being together.

Hayden is THREE!

Hard to believe, isn't that the normal statement by parents, Hayden is now THREE!
His party and birthday date fell on different dates this year so it was party, party, party this past month for us.

As mentioned about Addy's party, I like to theme the parties based on current interests and Hayden's is definitely diggers! He points them out every where. I was so excited for the party, the construction theme is a fun one that I just scratched the surface of.

After viewing several ideas and adopting a friend's iced cookies here are the fun cakes I created:



The cake and punch table: (I LOVE punch!!)



My favorite part of the construction cake...Hayden recognized the parts and started "playing" with the pieces!



I must comment on a few break through moments that occurred during Hayden's gift opening.

First, he opened a gift in which he already had the item. This being a big issue we addressed during Adelyn's party when the normal child reaction of, "we ALREADY have THIS!" came from his mouth and I was overly upset. I was SO impressed with Hayden, he just smiled, said thank you and went on with gift opening! After the party he actually recalled the situation and knew he did correct. Pure exciting moment!

Another moment I won't forget, Hayden opened a card from his Nana that had several pieces of chewing gum in it, a special thing they always share with each other. He opened the card, the gum came out, and he shared the pieces with his friends!

I pray that he will continue to share as he did in this moment.

The party really got started when we hooked up a sprinkler, a wonderful gift received. All the kids immediately jumped in and had a blast!



I found great joy in seeing this...little Ada had to be hosed down after partying so much in the sand and water!


Not shown but also a fun party indicator, in my book, four year old Mia had to strip down and put on one of my t-shirts and Hayden's underwear to get home! ;)

All in all, a fun party, if I do say so myself.



***
Thanksgiving for the ability to create and share in birthday party fun ~ and much more, for three years of health, happiness and learning with Hayden!

Addy is ONE!

June from 2008 and on will be a busy birthday month around our house. Being a list making, event crazed person, I've been decompressing since then until now when I'm actually able to share a bit of the events that transpired.

Addy's birthday arrives first on the calendar...I like to pick themes that seem to go with my children's personality and/or interest for the year. For Addy, I chose smiley faces...she has always had a huge smile that greets every one she meets and I'm forever hearing about it. I worried that it may look a bit like Walmart, you know their smiley logo mascot, but thought about a bit further, that is fitting as well because it is during our weekly shopping trip that I hear about her smile so much, and Walmart is our weekly (and more like daily) shopping locale.

To prepare, Hayden helped me make the yellow icing for Addy's personal cake.



Using my Mama's stand mixer, icing making was an easy task.




I'm a cake decorating star tip woman. I enjoy seeing other people's work that uses fancy techniques, but for me, I'm a simple girl who really enjoys the basic tip to create my special yummies.

And here it is...


...Addy's cake!

The original plan was to serve only cupcakes to the party guests, but at the last minute, I decided to bake a quick cake to add to the menu.

Here is what I came up with...



The big day was super special with family and friends to celebrate our smiling girl.

Yes, she is walking, all on her own!!!



***
Thanksgiving beyond words for our little monkey, Adelyn Grace; I can't believe she has already been in our life for a year!

Video Post Below

In the video clip below, Hayden is explaining that an Ice-cream Truck came through our neighborhood! We were ALL excited! A first experience for Hayden and a childhood memory reborn for David and I. Oh, and Addy was thrilled too, as you can see, she couldn't get enough of Hayden's popsicle!

***

Thanksgiving for the wonderful memories made by a simple ice-cream truck!

Read, Share, Multiply

The prayer of my heart lay before me as I open the Word to study this morning. It has been a long time since I have posted and this came to me as a message in due season to share.

“My son, IF you accept MY WORDS and store up my COMMANDS within you, turning your ear to wisdom and APPLYING your heart to understanding, and IF you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, THEN you WILL understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord GIVES wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6

May the Lord bless the reading, understanding, sharing and multiplying of His perfect Word in you, my friend.

***
Thanksgiving for there IS an instruction book for the every day, for raising children, for any little thing in life and a life of abundance is available for all who choose to read it!

Laundry List

Lately I have a laundry list of things to clean, read, and put away; appointments to make, break, and attend; friends and family to call, visit and hug around the neck; a yard full of weeds to pull, bushes to divide, and flowers to deadhead; checks to write, bracelets to make, and flowers to order; birthday parties to buy for, go to, and plan; floors that need mopping, surfaces that need wiping, and corners that need de-webbing; and like the laundry, all keep mounting instead of dwindling.

Why is this? I ponder.

Oh yea, it's because I have two little ones!

Isn't it funny how I can feel so overwhelmed with this list, yes - I'm a type A personality that has multiple lists of 'to-do's' to check off, that doesn't get completed and truly not understand why I can't manage to get something accomplished. When the reality is that I AM getting something accomplished. I'm keeping the house in standard operating mode as I spend time in the Word and with my two babies and husband in this short season of life.

The laundry and other things mounting will just continue to do so and each day I'll aim to cross at least one off the list knowing that as one comes off, another will be added to the list that continues to remind me that there is life in this house!

May I stop to be thankful for my list and see it as a blessing and not a hindrance and most importantly, may I prioritize the list to accomplish those items that have 'expirations' and leave the rest to collect dust as I'm making memories that will be cherished.

***

Thanksgiving for washing machines and dishwashers - I can't imagine going to the creek, hauling water, boiling water, scrubbing, hanging, drying... .

Blog Post to Share

As I googled 'wipe inventor' I was directed to a post on the 'Raising Ryans' blog page. A cyber-mom posted an entry that near matched my exact words. Of course, I couldn't just see this one entry, I had to at least read one more post from my 'new found friend.' *grin*

I loved what she entered in the next post so much that I had to post it here. I found her words so inspiring and thought you may too.

Failing to learn
Today I bought Gavin a big boy puzzle. It has 24 pieces, no frame and it's of Mater, "Red Red Race Car" (aka Lightening Mcqueen) and "Scary Combine".

We worked on it together 4 times and now he can do it himself.

He threw huge fits when I wouldn't help him (we had a ridiculous amount of time outs over this puzzle today), but when I was cleaning up dinner and he saw I was occupied...he did it all by himself.

It was awesome.

I knew he could, but I was still really impressed when he did.

It took him awhile and it took me holding myself back from just popping a few in to help him out, but he problem solved and it worked!!!!!

It made me realize I need to step back more. Even if it means some tantrums because he thinks he needs the help. Sometimes as parents, I think we are so concerned about hurting these little egos that we step in and prevent failure. But failure is learning. Falling down is learning. Spilling is learning. Wetting your pants is learning. Not getting what you want is learning. Putting the pieces in the wrong spot over and over until you get the right one is learning.

Today Gavin did all of these. Did it make for a long day...YES! For both Gavin and I. I think we both failed a bit, but we learned. And in the end, I would say all the failure made today a truly successful day.

As I write this, Gavin is watching "Cars" with his Cars puzzle box sitting on the couch beside him. Every time I check on him, he pats it and says, "Mom, Mater,...I did it!" Yes, because I let you fail. It's awesome kid!

All credit given to Holly, the author of www.raisingryans.blogspot.com.

***
Thanksgiving for blogspot and the honest sharing of life and lessons that inspire growth for others.

Simple Inventions

We use so many gadgets, tools, electronics...inventions of large and small every single day and so easy it is to just take them for granted.

Have you ever taken a minute to really think about the fact that someone, somewhere, at some point in time had to invent the very item that you are using in your every day?

For me I easily think about the computer and on the surface think, wow, someone invented this - probably because it has been in my life time that it really came about.

The television, electricity, telephone and vehicles are all amazing creations that I can quickly ramble off as inventions.

But what about the every day items such as a glass to drink from? A towel to dry off? or even a trash bag?

Some may think that our world would be better off if many things were never invented, and I would likely second them on most.

What got me thinking was a handy item that I use in my every day that at one time I paid little attention to. Here are some times that I've reached my hand to have said item bring me assistance:

• To catch ice cream melting all over Hayden
• To de-grim a shopping cart
• To bath child in place of a bath
• To stop spilt coffee
• To clean up spit-up

What is this item? ... Baby Wipes! of course.

Who invented them? It was an obvious 'need = solution' invention but who was the genius who made them household?! ... I will end this post so that I may google the answer - Google, there is another AMAZING invention; but I will say, it makes learning almost too easy. *grin*

***

Thanksgiving for those who can see a need and are given the gift of inventing to change the daily life of countless persons.

Always on My Mind

...Food that is! *grin*

My family enjoys tortellini, however, I have had a difficult time finding the freezer tortellini that I'm used to purchasing so this past week I picked up a 'dry' bag in the pasta aisle and really wondered how it would turn out. Well, I have to share with you...YUMMMM! I picked up Barilla cheese and spinach and prepared by boiling for 10 minutes and then simply drained, added a little butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and served with skillet browned boneless skinless chicken breast. Delicious!

Another recipe you must try - "Healthified" Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins (found on the Eat Better America website - if you haven't checked it out, you must! http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/).

The recipe I've copied and pasted from the site for you:

85% less sat fat • 66% less fat • 38% fewer calories than the original recipe. Peel away fat and calories with this healthified take on a classic. More banana for natural sweetness and whole wheat flour makes it better than ever!

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:40 min
makes:12 muffins

Muffins
1 2/3 cups Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 to 3 medium)
3 egg whites (I use egg beaters)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Topping
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray bottoms only of 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray, or line with paper baking cups.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and salt.
3. In medium bowl, beat bananas, egg whites, oil, milk and vanilla with fork until smooth. Stir into flour mixture just until flour is moistened. Gently stir in chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
4. In small bowl, mix topping ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over batter in cups.
5. Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until light golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately remove muffins from pan to cooling rack.

Nutritional Information
1 Muffin: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 160mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 18g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils, 1 oz-equivalents Grains *% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The muffins are DELICIOUS!!! I can't stay out of them!

***

Thanksgiving for the joy of preparing, ingesting, and sharing simple, delicious, nutritious goodies.

Secret Storage Solution

I'm always looking for new ways to store things and make the most use of the little extra space available in my home.

So I find it interesting that in cleaning out her parents' home, my mother has realized that they kept everything! I'm talking, receipts for everything in their home including an electric blanket purchased in the 80's and detailed notes on where nails were purchased when redesigning their kitchen in the 70's as well as canceled checks back to 1983 and negatives for every picture taken!

You must be thinking that their home must have felt like that of a horder. There must have been things stacked every where or they must have a large home to store things. But no, they had a simple 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home and everything had a place and I don't recall any thing even stored under the beds.

The trick to store so much stuff?

Shoe Boxes!!!

Shoe boxes come in various sizes and they will hold lots of little things and then stack perfectly in a closet!

Who knew?!?!?!?!

Now I'm on the hunt for shoe boxes! *grin*

***
Thankgiving for life lessons as simple as shoe boxes that we can learn from those who have lived before us.

It is Time to Move On

I find great revelations in the teaching of the Word by Joyce Meyer, her personal walk, struggles, sharing, and learning are so 'to the point' and 'real' that I rarely hear/watch her without coming away with a notebook full of bullet points to digest.

Her TV sermon titled "It's Time to Move On" hand me with pen in hand and left me with pages full of notes. I share with you a few of the strong points that I'm absorbing and am determined to adapt...

• It IS time to forget the past and MOVE on! For there is NO HOPE or LIFE in the past!
• Scriptures promise that there is reward to claim when we determine to come through the past and that the reward is double that of the difficulty we came through.
• Places to find said promise in God's Word: Zechariah 9:12; Isaiah 61:7 (do not be bitter and resenting but CLAIM God's promised joy); all of Job; Genesis 12; Galatians 6:9; Jeremiah 29:11; Isiah 42:8-1- (stop being gloom and sing a NEW song of glory to God); Isaiah 43:19 (I WILL do a NEW thing).
• YOU have to make a DECISION (it is your choice) to GET OVER the Past and PRESS FORWARD for the future. (Even in parenting - don't dwell on poor decisions/actions you now recognize as not so great but instead know that God has changed you and will also change and bless what has been done with your children - do the very best that you can now and know that God will help with fill in the gaps and bring clarity along the way.)
• **Sometimes we grieve the most over what someone else has done - things that we can NOT control. STOP grieving over and loosing your LIFE by allowing a spirit of grief to come over you. Make the decision to stop grieving and choose life - pray for strength and direction from God and you CAN and WILL move forward! Not by your strength but by God's. 1 Samuel 16:1 says, "how long will you grieve over something you can do NOTHING about?!"
• Read, study, mediate and know the WORD so that you may SPEAK it and determine to NEVER give up!
• The Word is food for the soul and while meditating on the Word you will hear from God.

I pray that some or all of this is a word in due season for you. May the Lord bless the reading and sharing of His Word.

***

Thanksgiving for the promise of life in abundance for all who CHOOSE to claim it!

Laundry = Life

Does laundry top the 'laundry list' of chores around your house? It does mine and lately it seems to be taking a lot more time and frankly I can't seem to get to the bottom of the hamper before several more loads mount.

The laundry cycle in my home flows from the family hamper located in my bedroom and the main bathroom where dirty towels, wet wash cloths and my husbands dirty underwear can be found to the garage where the washer and dryer are housed. Load after load goes from the washer to the dryer to hanging around the garage to an overflowing heap in a laundry basket in my living room to folded piles to appropriate rooms to assigned homes (towel basket, sock drawer, closet... ...) and then back to the cycle.

While in the folding cycle this evening I had a brilliant thought! ... Wouldn't it make perfect sense to have a room that is truly the laundry room?!

I know many have actual laundry rooms where the washer and dryer are housed along with ironing boards and necessary products, that's wonderful, but I'm thinking about taking it one step further. How about having the storage of clothing in the same room?! You fold and instead of moving the pile several times to the appropriate home, the home be right there in the laundry room?! So the only time the laundry is out of the laundry room is when it is being worn. I'm thinking about nice dressers, hanging areas and the like in the laundry room instead of in the bedroom and then the bedroom things that typically house said items could be used to store linens, books, knickknacks... other things that I'm constantly trying to fit in the garage and here there and every where.

Hummm...just a thought to ponder. Again I ramble but not without coming back to the core and mentioning that I completely am thankful for what I have and know that even in my community there are some who would love to have clothes to wash; love to have a washer and dryer within walking distance; long for a roof over their head. May I never forget my blessings and never become numb to knowing that more is not better and material is never life.

***

Thanksgiving for indoor plumbing, washers and dryers, and materials to clothe my family.

'S' Words

A lone foam 'S' floating in Hayden's bath prompted a teaching opportunity that turned in to a long string of words and a realization that there are a LOT of 'S' words in our daily life.

In attempt to connect the lone letter to something Hayden would understand I brought to his attention the first and most obvious 'S' word in his life ~ Sister; 'S' is for Sister I announce and then follows: soap, slippery, scooter, spaghetti, stop, spank, sprinkles, shower, splash, stool, socks, shoes, show, store, spoon, sand, sandwich, soup, spices, sunglasses, sun, story, stove, string, screw, screwdriver, school bus, street, swing, sugar, silver, shovel, snow, spring... ... the list just continues on and on and this is just the top things that came to mind from our every day conversation! The letter 'S' is really Special isn't it!?! Aren't you so glad I shared this tid-bit of ramble. I know you will be when you are hooked finding 'S' things in your life! *grin*

***
Thanksgiving for teaching opportunities, no matter how silly they may be.

"Potty Mommy"

I've posted several times about the few and far between times that I've had potty situations with Hayden and tonight I have a momentous update...

Hayden is nearing 3 years old and due to get out of diapers and with spring in the air I have all intentions to get him there by wearing big boy underwear outside and letting him 'water my flowers.'

To get him prepared, and myself, I have been talking about potty time; the need to stop what I'm doing to go to the potty, reminding him that he will soon go to the potty and not wear diapers... .

We purchased big boy underware and the potty seat for our big potty months ago and most recently I purchased the traditional potty chair so all systems are a go for when I get the energy to be determined OR it all just clicks with Hayden and he prompts me!!!!!

A few days ago Hayden said to me, "potty Mommy" and sure enough, I stripped him down and potty on the potty he did! Well, with great surprise, and no prompting at all, this evening Hayden says, "potty Mommy" and ... HE POTTIED! With great amazement, as I lay him down to bed this evening, he says again, "potty Mommy" and would you know it?, he did! With a dry diaper, he sat on the potty and pee-peed!

I am SO amazed that I share with you in detail the big moments and hope the potty discussion doesn't bother you.

***
Thanksgiving for the amazing mind of a growing child and how things can just 'click' when the time is right.

Love ~ All We Need Is Love

I don't have a revelation to post about the following concept, however, I know that one is coming around the next corner and until then I am feeling the urge to share with you that we are called to LOVE, truly LOVE, others, as Jesus LOVED others and LOVES us today, even with all of our flaws.

In my latest scripture reading and in the tivoed episode of Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Every Day Life teaching I just watched, the message keeps pointing to the same...to love as God loves and understand what truly loving means.

Joyce made a comment that I will paraphrase...'someone asks you to pick them up for church next week because their car is in the shop and you respond with 'well, I don't like to commit...we'll see.' That is not true love. True love says, 'yes, I WILL! I will commit and make it happen.'

As I listened to her message and this scenario I nerve was struck in my soul but as I type it, I've lost the fire as my selfish soul begins to say, 'well - remember, you can get TOO involved with others and not be focusing on your home and first priorities...' ... OK - so the struggle I'm sharing with you in real-time as I face it. But I continue to share and ponder the important message to LOVE as Christ LOVES - not as we as humanly love with reservations.

Through study, diligent meditation, listening to the Holy Spirit, and ACTING upon the Spirit's urging, love in the natural can fade and LOVE of God can/WILL transform ~ transform me, you, any one! (I'm recalling the lyrics to the song, "Some People Change" on my playlist...take a listen.)

With much prayer and meditation on this sharing, I already have hairs standing on my arms and feel extreme joy in my soul knowing that I will have a revelation to share with you on this matter in the coming days.

Focus on Him, listen to Him, care about Him and stop thinking back to self... ... .

...
Thanksgiving for the promise that God will bless the sharing and hearing of His Word!

Won't You Be My Neighbor!

I have developed a new friendship with my neighbor and I am so thankful to have her around.

I really think I need to make her a 'helper' badge because I don't know what I would do without her extra hands!

This past fall she helped as she noticed Adelyn's stroller rolling down the road as I ran after Hayden. Countless times she has helped me pull in to the garage riding objects, toys and other what-nots that Hayden has drug out as we chat in the street. Most recently she has shared her amazing swing which gave way to a peaceful change of perspective just relaxing under her shade tree across the street from my home. And today, she helped me heave a large clump of grass out of my landscaping, searched for a lost ball, stopped Adelyn's walker from plunging in to a parked car in the drive...oh, I can't even remember all that she did to physically help me but mentally, I will never forget all that she did to lessen my load juggling my two in the great-outdoors!

***
Thanksgiving for the treasure of neighbors and the special bonds of friendship that can be formed when you are willing to 'open your yard.'

Oh Pee-Pee!

Whoops...I forgot to leave diapers with my Dad as I left Hayden with him to play while I ran to the store.

Sure enough, in the short time that I was away, Hayden dirtied and had to be changed.

Not having a replacement, Dad cleaned him up and then put his pants back on without a diaper!

Surprising enough, Hayden stayed dry and even did a first...he pee-peed on a rock (my parents live in a private woodsy area)!!! We were all so proud of him and he was also.

On the way home, Hayden fell asleep, without a diaper on.

When he woke he was still clean! And then another first...he stopped and went to the big potty to pee-pee! Yippee!!

Only one issue...he sprayed the back of the seat, the rim, the floor...you realize only a little went in to the pot!

Ugh...I now join the 'mom of a boy, pee every where' club! Any suggestions on getting the aim better, I'll take them.

***
Thanksgiving for warm weather ahead so we can work on 'the aim' outside!

Stromboli Lunch

Yummy - a simple lunch recipe to share: Stromboli.

Method:

• Roll store bought refrigerator pizza dough (I buy the generic brand on the shelf) on to parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
• Press dough out on sheet to form a large rectangle area.
• Sprinkle dough with garlic powder, onion powder, non-salt seasoning, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Pour spaghetti sauce (I use Ragu garden style but any will do) down the center of the dough leaving about an inch area on each side.
• Top with deli turkey (or whatever meat you have on hand - or no meat at all!), spinach (if you have it on hand; I use thawed frozen and drained), and shredded cheese (I have the generic pizza blend on hand).
• Cut 6 equal slices on each side of the dough.
• Take sliced pieces and wrap up to fold over the filling.
• Brush top of dough with milk and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Bake at 400 degrees until browned; approximately 12 minutes.

I served with pasta and would suggest serving with soup.

Easy and delicious!

***
Thanksgiving for the visit of a friend and the sharing of a prepared meal.

Shutting Detroit Down ~ Lyrics

My daddy taught me that in this country everyone’s the same
You work hard for your dollar and you never pass the blame
When it don’t go your way
Now I see all these big shots whinin’ on my evening news
About how they’re losin’ billions and how it’s up to me and you
To come running to the rescue
Well pardon me if I don’t shed a tear ‘cause they’re selling make believe
And we don’t buy that here

Cause in the real world there shutting Detroit down
While the boss man takes his bonus pay and jets out of town/
And DC’s bailing out the bankers as the farmers auction ground,
Yeah while they’re living it up on Wall Street in that New York City town,
Here in the real world there shuttin’ Detroit down.
They’re shuttin’ Detroit down.”

Well that old man’s been workin’ in that plant most all of his life
Now his pension plan’s been cut in half and he can’t afford to die
And it’s a crying shame, ‘cause he ain’t the one to blame
When I look down and see his caloused hands,
Let me tell you friend it gets me fightin’ mad

Cause in the real world there shutting Detroit down
While the boss man takes his bonus pay and jets out of town/
And DC’s bailing out the bankers as the farmers auction ground,
Yeah while they’re living it up on Wall Street in that New York City town,
Here in the real world there shuttin’ Detroit down.
They’re shuttin’ Detroit down.”

Instrumental solo

Yeah while there’ living it up on Wall Street in that New York City town
Here in the real world there shuttin’ Detroit down
Here in the real world there shuttin’ Detroit down

In the real world they’re shuttin Detroit down, they’re shuttin’ Detroit down.

***
Thanksgiving for John Rich for singing a song that has great meaning and hopefully will make people think about others.

Egg Wonderland

Our little cotton-tail nearly hopped all the way down the road in excitement for the annual neighborhood egg hunt.

With at least 150 eggs in the grass, trees and bushes; our neighbor's yard was transformed in to an egg wonderland for 7 little ones aged five and under.

Though too little to hunt eggs, Addy had a great time basking in the 70 degree sun watching the hunters and eating strawberries.

***

Thanksgiving for the wonder of little children and prayers that events such as this will become memories they will cherish.

What's for Dinner? ...

Arriving home late from some errands, I had no plans for preparing dinner. Hummm...what could I make and have ready to serve within an hour? ...

In the fridge I had left over thawed, frozen spinach as well as 3 cooked chicken breasts. In the crock pot I had chicken stock and seasoned chicken juices from cooking chicken breasts (one full bag of boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts placed in crock with approximately 1.5 cups of chicken broth and then sprinkled with onion powder, garlic powder, dried celery and no-salt seasonings) all day in preps to make chicken salad for a baby shower this weekend. ...

What I came up with I have to share because it was quite tasty.

In a large skillet on medium high heat, I combined the crock pot 'juices,' the chicken breasts (sliced and diced), the spinach and about 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese (I use the generic imitation shaker kind for everything and find it to be tasty and with less fat, etc). I kept the ingredients at a simmering boil until the liquid cooked down.

I served the mixture over whole grain spaghetti and a small dish of marinara (I chose to omit the marinara from my portion and really enjoyed the dish).

A Yummy 'Ta-Da' - a new dish for the dinner rotation!

***
Thanksgiving for the joy I find in creating dishes and for a husband and son who will eat most all of what they are served.

More Thumbs Up for the Foreman

As commented in recent posts, I've found a great purpose for the Foreman grill that has been in my garage for years.

Tonight I placed thawed frozen fresh salmon steaks rubbed with oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper on the grill for 6 minutes. The result, DELICIOUS! :)

Though the fish was wonderful with salt and pepper alone, I prepared a yummy dressing for the salmon that really added extra flavor. The dressing followed a recipe found for Applebee's Honey Grilled Salmon. Follow the link below to try it for yourself!
http://www.recipezaar.com/Applebees-Honey-Grilled-Salmon-46739

***
Thanksgiving for the joy of preparing meals and the adventure of trying new dishes.

Precious Times

I couldn't help myself from sharing with you a few recent pictures...

Chopping wood with Pa.

Hayden can spend HOURS 'playing in the sand' at Nana and Pa's!

Sweet Adelyn

Nana had the great idea to put Addy in the wagon. As you can see... ...it was a hit! She got quite relaxed!

***

Thanksgiving for digital cameras that make taking and sharing precious moments so easy!