My first three girls NEVER would do story times or hand motions or that really cheesy stuff...but guess WHAT?? We GOT ONE! She loves hand motions and for those of us raised in a Baptist church, you'll know why this is pretty cool.
(as in "He came from Heaven to Earth to showwwww the wayyyy...from the Earth to the Cross...My debt to pay...you remember it don't you???)
No matter, maybe hand motions aren't exactly reformed but they sure are CUTE!
I did love teaching children's church but I can't still help feel that there is a more excellent choice...
Regardless, this reminded me of the sweetness of the children. You gotta watch it to the end!
Whoops, I just realized this a Wiggles tape...but WHO cares! You get the idea!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stream of Thought
I know this is a Chapel Chat day but I am too excited that Kate went into the class-class-sassafrass and did GREAT. She was fidgety and bothersome and from Family room to Nursing room where she didn't want to nurse she wanted to PLAY so I thought: This is nuts. You are SO going into the classroom where you can PLAY. You are TWO. Playing is what you DO at TWO. So perfectly, they were eating grapes (one of her faves) and in she went. She loved it and WONDERFUL Gaine kept checking her and peeking into the fam room with a thumbs up. She is SO going in there.
And lest you think I have changed my mind on this issue, I have not. She goes to sanctuary when she can sit quietly. I'd say by three she will be no distraction.
But for what they do in her class, she should be ok.
We have decided to keep Lauren out of class.
Do you realize that Sonya Caskey ROCKS? I think she is the "sleeper" of the group...always smiling, real, open, kind, funny and generous (as in an entire bag full of dresses for Kate that she went bonkers over) somehow I think she does not get enough credit. So here's to YOU Sonya Caskey!!!
The Mount Dora Christmas walk was fun. I was lamenting to Am that we always think we are going to have such fun at these events and we never do until we get to the park and let the kids play. I am going to stop making the kids go-to-the-event-with-lights-to-be-Christmasy and just go DIRECTLY to the park.
I miss Marissa and it seems like everyone is just moving on and I keep screaming in my head "DOES ANYONE REALIZE THAT MARISSA IS GONE?????????"
We went to the parade last night and it was GREAT but I must admit I felt pained that we were not in with our wonderful float! I kept telling myself that it was a learning experience and there is always "next year" but I was sorry we could not have participated. Of course my ridiculously competetive nature dictates that our float must be the BEST (someone else in the group admits competetiveness but I can't remember who, is it Amy? Tif? I can't remember) but anyway, expect GREATNESS next year, lol.
Being competetive serves me in very few ways except NEVER losing at Pictionary.
And now, evidently, float making.
The coveted list of "perfect foods" has been added to. Along with butter, bacon and lobster, NACHOS has been added. yes, nachos are a perfect food.
Tonight's soup is Italian Sausage Tortellini...can't wait.
Lisa's message this morning touched my heart and I was humbled by the fact that we all see her as so strong and taking it all in stride when in reality, she reacts just the way we all would. Humanly. I remember obsessing the last three times I got pregnant over this very issue because of my age...having lost all three pregnancies, I guess I'll never know.
Sloan's jewelry is rocking the jewelry house and she is selling like crazy and has orders in and wow, could this really be something for her. She loves it and her pieces are really beautiful if you can see past my sub standard picture.
We may go to Vero for Christmas. It would be our very first time not at "home" during this time.
I am looking forward to it if it works out.
No decorating. Hoo ya master Sergeant.
And lest you think I have changed my mind on this issue, I have not. She goes to sanctuary when she can sit quietly. I'd say by three she will be no distraction.
But for what they do in her class, she should be ok.
We have decided to keep Lauren out of class.
Do you realize that Sonya Caskey ROCKS? I think she is the "sleeper" of the group...always smiling, real, open, kind, funny and generous (as in an entire bag full of dresses for Kate that she went bonkers over) somehow I think she does not get enough credit. So here's to YOU Sonya Caskey!!!
The Mount Dora Christmas walk was fun. I was lamenting to Am that we always think we are going to have such fun at these events and we never do until we get to the park and let the kids play. I am going to stop making the kids go-to-the-event-with-lights-to-be-Christmasy and just go DIRECTLY to the park.
I miss Marissa and it seems like everyone is just moving on and I keep screaming in my head "DOES ANYONE REALIZE THAT MARISSA IS GONE?????????"
We went to the parade last night and it was GREAT but I must admit I felt pained that we were not in with our wonderful float! I kept telling myself that it was a learning experience and there is always "next year" but I was sorry we could not have participated. Of course my ridiculously competetive nature dictates that our float must be the BEST (someone else in the group admits competetiveness but I can't remember who, is it Amy? Tif? I can't remember) but anyway, expect GREATNESS next year, lol.
Being competetive serves me in very few ways except NEVER losing at Pictionary.
And now, evidently, float making.
The coveted list of "perfect foods" has been added to. Along with butter, bacon and lobster, NACHOS has been added. yes, nachos are a perfect food.
Tonight's soup is Italian Sausage Tortellini...can't wait.
Lisa's message this morning touched my heart and I was humbled by the fact that we all see her as so strong and taking it all in stride when in reality, she reacts just the way we all would. Humanly. I remember obsessing the last three times I got pregnant over this very issue because of my age...having lost all three pregnancies, I guess I'll never know.
Sloan's jewelry is rocking the jewelry house and she is selling like crazy and has orders in and wow, could this really be something for her. She loves it and her pieces are really beautiful if you can see past my sub standard picture.
We may go to Vero for Christmas. It would be our very first time not at "home" during this time.
I am looking forward to it if it works out.
No decorating. Hoo ya master Sergeant.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Fun with Friends!
Professor Mouse had to come over for a consult and we convinced Mom to let Broken Arm number one come over to play. Success! Lauren loved it. We don't do this much, as you know...we are the whole "brothers and sisters are best friends deal" but Em and L are two peas in a pod. I don't think they can wait until Em is on full duty again!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Getting busy..enjoy some Jon!
#175. http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/
It's great to me how willing people are to admit that we Christians do some silly things. For instance, I've received lots of emails from people saying I should do a post about "holy sounding" email addresses. And when I look at the name of the person that suggested it, it's usually from someone named "JesusLovesandSavestheWorldBecauseHeisLove."
And like most of the things on this site, I don't have a problem with holy sounding email addresses. If you send out 100 emails a day to friends and you want to use that address as a way to remind them of your faith, go for it. I do think there are a few things you should consider however:
1. Sweet Baby Jesus
If your email address in any way incorporates the phrase, "Sweet Baby Jesus" I am going to giggle. I was so happy when the movie, "Talladega Nights" addressed this because me and my friends had joked about that for years. Whenever a minister uses that phrase I lose it.
2. No one opens emails with "demon" in the address.I joked recently that the band name, Demon Hunter, makes me want to start a band named "Satan Groin Kickers." And I still might, but if your email address is "demonfighter" or "satansworstnightmare" I will launch a two prong response. Step one is to get a little sweaty, step two is to delete the email without reading it.
3. Keep it short.
If you ever realize that your email address is longer than most verses in the Bible, there's a problem. Keep it short. "JesusRocks" or "IHeartJesus" work well. JesusIsTheReasonfortheSeasonofHopeandLoveSoWeBowDowntoHim," less good.
4. People are watching.
One of my relatives removed the Jesus fish from her car because she was an intense driver. I'd tell you who but I mentioned her specifically in another post and she told me later, "I can't go to a wedding in France next month because people will know me." This site is not that big, but it is true that when you declare Christianity people start looking at you. So be careful what you do. I used to be a mailman. (I was a carny for about four hours until I got fired.) And it was always weird to deliver Playboy and the Promise Keepers propaganda to the same dude.
I don't have a Christian email address. It's just theacuffs@yahoo.com which I suppose makes it kind of a heathen address. Maybe yours could witness to mine and we could convert it? It will make a digital faith decision and change itself to "theacuffslovesweetbabyjesus." OK, that's a little ridiculous.
It's great to me how willing people are to admit that we Christians do some silly things. For instance, I've received lots of emails from people saying I should do a post about "holy sounding" email addresses. And when I look at the name of the person that suggested it, it's usually from someone named "JesusLovesandSavestheWorldBecauseHeisLove."
And like most of the things on this site, I don't have a problem with holy sounding email addresses. If you send out 100 emails a day to friends and you want to use that address as a way to remind them of your faith, go for it. I do think there are a few things you should consider however:
1. Sweet Baby Jesus
If your email address in any way incorporates the phrase, "Sweet Baby Jesus" I am going to giggle. I was so happy when the movie, "Talladega Nights" addressed this because me and my friends had joked about that for years. Whenever a minister uses that phrase I lose it.
2. No one opens emails with "demon" in the address.I joked recently that the band name, Demon Hunter, makes me want to start a band named "Satan Groin Kickers." And I still might, but if your email address is "demonfighter" or "satansworstnightmare" I will launch a two prong response. Step one is to get a little sweaty, step two is to delete the email without reading it.
3. Keep it short.
If you ever realize that your email address is longer than most verses in the Bible, there's a problem. Keep it short. "JesusRocks" or "IHeartJesus" work well. JesusIsTheReasonfortheSeasonofHopeandLoveSoWeBowDowntoHim," less good.
4. People are watching.
One of my relatives removed the Jesus fish from her car because she was an intense driver. I'd tell you who but I mentioned her specifically in another post and she told me later, "I can't go to a wedding in France next month because people will know me." This site is not that big, but it is true that when you declare Christianity people start looking at you. So be careful what you do. I used to be a mailman. (I was a carny for about four hours until I got fired.) And it was always weird to deliver Playboy and the Promise Keepers propaganda to the same dude.
I don't have a Christian email address. It's just theacuffs@yahoo.com which I suppose makes it kind of a heathen address. Maybe yours could witness to mine and we could convert it? It will make a digital faith decision and change itself to "theacuffslovesweetbabyjesus." OK, that's a little ridiculous.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here is another soup we made yesterday...(sorry I am jumping on your soup bandwagon Tif! It's just too cold not to "soup"!
Anyway, we ate the whole pot before I could take a pic! (whoops!)
I doubled this recipe with the same amount of chicken, substituted lime for the lemon and added more corn and a can of black beans. This soup is slightly spicy depending on what degree of salsa you use and has a decidedly Mexican flavor and was loved by all. Next time we decided NO chips on the bottom of the bowl which wasn't bad per se but we ended up getting extra chips out to just eat with the soup...we are going to put 1/2 cup of rice in next time instead of chips and then we will really have something!
Chicken Tortilla Soup V
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 792 members Yields: 4 servings
"Lemon juice brightens the flavors in this chicken, corn and salsa soup seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Garnish with tortilla chips, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream."
INGREDIENTS:
2 skinless, boneless chicken
breasts
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken
broth (I doubled this)
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I used more)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice ( I used lime)
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey
Jack cheese (optional)
(I also added black beans)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.
Anyway, we ate the whole pot before I could take a pic! (whoops!)
I doubled this recipe with the same amount of chicken, substituted lime for the lemon and added more corn and a can of black beans. This soup is slightly spicy depending on what degree of salsa you use and has a decidedly Mexican flavor and was loved by all. Next time we decided NO chips on the bottom of the bowl which wasn't bad per se but we ended up getting extra chips out to just eat with the soup...we are going to put 1/2 cup of rice in next time instead of chips and then we will really have something!
Chicken Tortilla Soup V
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 792 members Yields: 4 servings
"Lemon juice brightens the flavors in this chicken, corn and salsa soup seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Garnish with tortilla chips, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream."
INGREDIENTS:
2 skinless, boneless chicken
breasts
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken
broth (I doubled this)
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I used more)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice ( I used lime)
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey
Jack cheese (optional)
(I also added black beans)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Italian Sausage Soup
We are in a soup mood over here!
So we decided to try a new one I pulled off the internet...this seems like a similar version to some of the ones going around but still a LOT different too. I made this soup EXACTLY how the recipe called to (rare for me and it is definitely another signature soup...it was unbelievably delicious, beautiful (as you can see) and the kids liked it too! Packed full of veggies and flavor! Definitely try this one.
Italian Sausage Soup
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings
"This soup is easy to put together, and the flavor of the spicy sausage is balanced nicely by Great Northern beans, zucchini, fresh spinach, and carrots. Makes a delicious winter supper."
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style
stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach - packed,
rinsed and torn
1/4 teaspoon ground black
pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven,(I did it in my regular old spaghetti pot) brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
3. Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.
And of course, it's THAT time again!!
Sconelicious!!!!!!!!!
So we decided to try a new one I pulled off the internet...this seems like a similar version to some of the ones going around but still a LOT different too. I made this soup EXACTLY how the recipe called to (rare for me and it is definitely another signature soup...it was unbelievably delicious, beautiful (as you can see) and the kids liked it too! Packed full of veggies and flavor! Definitely try this one.
Italian Sausage Soup
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings
"This soup is easy to put together, and the flavor of the spicy sausage is balanced nicely by Great Northern beans, zucchini, fresh spinach, and carrots. Makes a delicious winter supper."
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style
stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach - packed,
rinsed and torn
1/4 teaspoon ground black
pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven,(I did it in my regular old spaghetti pot) brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
3. Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.
And of course, it's THAT time again!!
Sconelicious!!!!!!!!!
Psalm 32
Thank you Lord....like the house built on rock standing through the storms that will come...confessed sin results in the rising mighty waters not reaching us! I also love the "Don't be like a mule which must be controlled by bridle and bit...no, we must FREELY go to Him and confess before him. We must follow His ways and with an upright heart; praise Him!
1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me!
1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)